People across Pakistan are looking for new currency notes on the eve of Eid, and this fad of having new currency notes in the pocket for dishing them out as the Eidi to relatives, and to the beggars is a common scene on the day.
This has become an uncalled for necessity for the people, and gaining importance with the passage of time, and hence the business is increasing for those, who are selling the new notes. People are buying new currency notes on roads, especially near the State Bank buildings, where even women with big shoppers are seen dealing with male customers.
However, pocketing new notes is not as easy, and this has become a business, usually termed as a ‘black market’, while people are seen ‘trading’ in various areas of the city without any interference by the law enforcement agencies. This trend takes off every year, and gains hype ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr as people feel good in giving new notes as Eidi, while they like receiving the same as well. Especially, the happiness of children is visible when they receive new currency notes as Eidi. Also, people feel good to have new currency notes in their pockets on the Eid, and on marriages as well.
The question is: Why do people like to have new notes? It has more to do with the psyche; second is the fad, and the third is the usual ‘tradition’ attached to the occasions. People find that new currency notes also find it fascinating that the new copies are in series as the last digit of new notes number start from one and end with 100. They consider that it makes easier for them keeping track of how much has been given away.
These notes reach the black market through two ways and sold to the interested buyers, who do so without any compulsion. One way is that the State Bank of Pakistan gives directly to widows and second, some black marketers and brokers allegedly get these from the SBP officials. Also the SBP every year as per its policy prints new notes and gives them to banks and widows. Moreover, widows are given the currency notes on monthly fixed quota in an effort to help them earn some livelihood.
However, people usually complain that banks refuse to give new notes to them, if one is not a big client or a friend of the bank employees.
Copies – one contains 100 notes – of Rs 5 and Rs 10 are being sold in the black market for additional charges of Rs 150 and above, while minimum of Rs 250 are being charged for new copies of Rs 50 and Rs 100.
This time around, like on previous occasions, the demand for Rs 5 notes is the highest.
Tuesday, August 30
Monday, August 29
Law ministry delayed Punjab power projects for bribe: Shahbaz Sharif
Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has demanded strict action should be taken against those involved in increasing the crises of power, and pushing Punjab into darkness due to negligence and corruption in 900MW power projects in the province.
“Criminal negligence has been demonstrated in the power projects of 450MW each in Nandipur and Chicho Ki Malian, which is a deep conspiracy against Punjab and Pakistan. Due to delay in these projects, most areas of Punjab remained in darkness and industries were closed and now the nation has to bear additional expenses of Rs 20 billion on these projects,” he said, while requesting the prime minister to take those persons to task causing delay in these projects and deterrent punishment should be awarded to the criminals of the nation and should be hanged.
He was talking to mediamen here on Saturday on his return to Lahore from the Council of Common Interests meeting held in Islamabad the same day. Senior Advisor to him Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa was also present on the occasion.
Shahbaz Sharif warned that if action was not taken against these criminals of the nation, then he would be forced to raise voice at any forum against them.
While giving details about the projects, he said the power project of 450MW in Nandipur had to be completed a year ago and the machinery of this project worth billions of rupees was lying in the godowns of Karachi on which heavy demurrage was being paid. He mentioned that this project was being executed by Chinese company and it should have become operational in the beginning of this year but unfortunately it could not be made operational. “The file of this project remained pending in the law ministry for the last about two years and the desired letter could not be issued by the finance ministry due to bribe. The same situation is of the 450MW project of Chicho Ki Malian. This project had to be completed next year but this project has also been delayed for further two years due to criminal negligence. These projects remained pending due to the hurdles created by law ministry, and had these projects been completed within stipulated time, the Punjab would have got substantial relief from load-shedding,” he observed, adding that Punjab was made a target through delaying these projects due to which factories were closed and irreparable loss was caused to exports. “Not only huge loss was caused to the industrial and agriculture sectors due to the delay in these projects but lakhs of people were also deprived of their livelihood. Whom people of Punjab should hold accountable for this economic murder?” he questioned.
Shahbaz Sharif was of the considered opinion that investors and industrialists were transferring their capital and the country was being pushed into darkness under a conspiracy, which was a heinous crime. “The nation is in need of every watt of electricity whereas plundering and corruption is rampant in the country. A conspiracy has been hatched against agriculture, industry, 180million people of Pakistan, and 100m people of Punjab by delaying power projects of Nandipur and Chicho Ki Malian,” he said, while mentioning that he had always talked to the prime minister about these projects, and on Saturday succeeded in getting the approval of these projects in the CCI meeting. “Now the country will have to bear the additional expenses of billions of rupees due to delay in these projects and it is impossible to pay the cost of negative impacts caused to the economy of the country. Who should be held responsible for these losses of billions of rupees, and the criminal negligence?” he quizzed.
He demanded strict action against those who caused this loss to the nation and the country as such persons were criminals of the nation and those should be hanged trying to ruin the country. “If action was not taken against these criminals of the nation, we will raise voice at every forum and expose them and recover the looted money of the nation from them,” he reiterated.
During the press conference, Shahbaz Sharif did not reply a question about Shahbaz Taseer’s abduction, and said, he would talk about the subject at some other time. However, as per sources, he held a meeting with senior cops at the lounge of the Old Airport who were waiting for him prior to his arrival.
“Criminal negligence has been demonstrated in the power projects of 450MW each in Nandipur and Chicho Ki Malian, which is a deep conspiracy against Punjab and Pakistan. Due to delay in these projects, most areas of Punjab remained in darkness and industries were closed and now the nation has to bear additional expenses of Rs 20 billion on these projects,” he said, while requesting the prime minister to take those persons to task causing delay in these projects and deterrent punishment should be awarded to the criminals of the nation and should be hanged.
He was talking to mediamen here on Saturday on his return to Lahore from the Council of Common Interests meeting held in Islamabad the same day. Senior Advisor to him Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa was also present on the occasion.
Shahbaz Sharif warned that if action was not taken against these criminals of the nation, then he would be forced to raise voice at any forum against them.
While giving details about the projects, he said the power project of 450MW in Nandipur had to be completed a year ago and the machinery of this project worth billions of rupees was lying in the godowns of Karachi on which heavy demurrage was being paid. He mentioned that this project was being executed by Chinese company and it should have become operational in the beginning of this year but unfortunately it could not be made operational. “The file of this project remained pending in the law ministry for the last about two years and the desired letter could not be issued by the finance ministry due to bribe. The same situation is of the 450MW project of Chicho Ki Malian. This project had to be completed next year but this project has also been delayed for further two years due to criminal negligence. These projects remained pending due to the hurdles created by law ministry, and had these projects been completed within stipulated time, the Punjab would have got substantial relief from load-shedding,” he observed, adding that Punjab was made a target through delaying these projects due to which factories were closed and irreparable loss was caused to exports. “Not only huge loss was caused to the industrial and agriculture sectors due to the delay in these projects but lakhs of people were also deprived of their livelihood. Whom people of Punjab should hold accountable for this economic murder?” he questioned.
Shahbaz Sharif was of the considered opinion that investors and industrialists were transferring their capital and the country was being pushed into darkness under a conspiracy, which was a heinous crime. “The nation is in need of every watt of electricity whereas plundering and corruption is rampant in the country. A conspiracy has been hatched against agriculture, industry, 180million people of Pakistan, and 100m people of Punjab by delaying power projects of Nandipur and Chicho Ki Malian,” he said, while mentioning that he had always talked to the prime minister about these projects, and on Saturday succeeded in getting the approval of these projects in the CCI meeting. “Now the country will have to bear the additional expenses of billions of rupees due to delay in these projects and it is impossible to pay the cost of negative impacts caused to the economy of the country. Who should be held responsible for these losses of billions of rupees, and the criminal negligence?” he quizzed.
He demanded strict action against those who caused this loss to the nation and the country as such persons were criminals of the nation and those should be hanged trying to ruin the country. “If action was not taken against these criminals of the nation, we will raise voice at every forum and expose them and recover the looted money of the nation from them,” he reiterated.
During the press conference, Shahbaz Sharif did not reply a question about Shahbaz Taseer’s abduction, and said, he would talk about the subject at some other time. However, as per sources, he held a meeting with senior cops at the lounge of the Old Airport who were waiting for him prior to his arrival.
PPP to launch drive, requisite PA session against Taseer’s abduction
Punjab chapter of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party has warned the provincial government of launching a protest movement from the coming Monday if the dispensation failed in recovering Shahbaz Taseer, son of assassinated ex-Governor Punjab Salman Taseer.
This was told to the mediamen on Saturday at a press conference by President PPP Punjab President Imtiaz Safdar Warraich, who also mentioned that Opposition Leader at the Punjab Assembly Raja Riaz Ahmed would submit a requisition for convening Punjab Assembly session to discuss the issue after Monday. “All constitutional options will be adopted,” he asserted.
Warraich further added that a protest movement would be launched against the Punjab government from Monday if Shahbaz Taseer was not recovered. “Protest rallies will be organised at district level to press for the recovery of the abducted,” he stated, while condemning the incident, and asserting that the incident had disturbed all citizens of the province. “This has amply substantiated the poor situation of ever-increasing crime, and law and order in Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif must improve the law and order situation in his “own province” and then talk about other provinces,” he suggested, in an implicit reference to the CM’s Punjab recent visit to chaotic Karachi. “Lahore is Punjab’s capital and has headquarters of the Punjab Police, but no progress has been made in young Taseer’s case so far,” he mentioned.
To depict what he believed poor law and order situation, Warraich quoted crime figures in the Punjab, and mentioned that last year, 75,419 crime cases were registered, and 627 of these were murder cases. “As many as 170 rape and 160 cases of torture against government servants have been registered last year. So far almost 13,497 cases of kidnap were registered, while 2,176 were in Lahore alone. 8,974 cases of kidnap for ransom have been registered so far during the current year,” he noted, while asserting that the crime ratio in Punjab had increased by 30 per cent. “The PML-N leadership cannot make tall claims of good governance in the province when these figures are taken into consideration,” he maintained.
While responding to a question about the suo motu on Taseer’s abduction, Warraich did not offer any comment, except “Courts are independent to take notice.”
While bitterly criticising the provincial dispensation in failing to control law and order situation, especially abduction of his predecessor’s son Shahbaz Taseer, Governor Punjab Sardar Latif Khan Khosa has condemned the Friday’s incident, and termed it unbearable.
“This amply proves failure of the Punjab government in controlling law and order situation in the province,” he remarked, while talking to the mediamen outside the house of former Governor Punjab Salman Taseer, where the incumbent had gone to meet the family members of Shahbaz Taseer. He assured the family that both federal and provincial governments would leave no stone unturned for recovering young Taseer.
Khosa said that all federal law enforcement agencies and the Punjab police were jointly making efforts to recover abducted Taseer. He also told the mediamen that the Inspector General Police and Home Secretary Punjab had briefed him since they were called by the Governor to tell him about the investigation. While mentioning that he had been a criminal lawyer with a vast experience of the subject, Khosa said he had given guideline to the IGP and the Secretary, and the officers had been directed to expand the purview of the probe.
He also mentioned that Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan had also telephoned him, and as per Article 131 of the constitution, the Minister briefed the Governor about the administrative matters.
To a question about the investigation, Khosa replied that the law enforcement agencies had gathered some evidence, and hoped that soon the agencies would recover Taseer safe and sound.
Khosa remarked that unfortunately the incidents of kidnapping were increasing every day, and the Punjab government would have to seriously think about making the law and order situation better since it was the duty of the provincial dispensation to do so. “The Centre will provide all assistance for this,” he said, adding that the most important issue at the moment was to secure release of alive Taseer. “The rest are provincial matters, and reservations, which will be transmitted to the federal government later on,” he said.
This was told to the mediamen on Saturday at a press conference by President PPP Punjab President Imtiaz Safdar Warraich, who also mentioned that Opposition Leader at the Punjab Assembly Raja Riaz Ahmed would submit a requisition for convening Punjab Assembly session to discuss the issue after Monday. “All constitutional options will be adopted,” he asserted.
Warraich further added that a protest movement would be launched against the Punjab government from Monday if Shahbaz Taseer was not recovered. “Protest rallies will be organised at district level to press for the recovery of the abducted,” he stated, while condemning the incident, and asserting that the incident had disturbed all citizens of the province. “This has amply substantiated the poor situation of ever-increasing crime, and law and order in Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif must improve the law and order situation in his “own province” and then talk about other provinces,” he suggested, in an implicit reference to the CM’s Punjab recent visit to chaotic Karachi. “Lahore is Punjab’s capital and has headquarters of the Punjab Police, but no progress has been made in young Taseer’s case so far,” he mentioned.
To depict what he believed poor law and order situation, Warraich quoted crime figures in the Punjab, and mentioned that last year, 75,419 crime cases were registered, and 627 of these were murder cases. “As many as 170 rape and 160 cases of torture against government servants have been registered last year. So far almost 13,497 cases of kidnap were registered, while 2,176 were in Lahore alone. 8,974 cases of kidnap for ransom have been registered so far during the current year,” he noted, while asserting that the crime ratio in Punjab had increased by 30 per cent. “The PML-N leadership cannot make tall claims of good governance in the province when these figures are taken into consideration,” he maintained.
While responding to a question about the suo motu on Taseer’s abduction, Warraich did not offer any comment, except “Courts are independent to take notice.”
While bitterly criticising the provincial dispensation in failing to control law and order situation, especially abduction of his predecessor’s son Shahbaz Taseer, Governor Punjab Sardar Latif Khan Khosa has condemned the Friday’s incident, and termed it unbearable.
“This amply proves failure of the Punjab government in controlling law and order situation in the province,” he remarked, while talking to the mediamen outside the house of former Governor Punjab Salman Taseer, where the incumbent had gone to meet the family members of Shahbaz Taseer. He assured the family that both federal and provincial governments would leave no stone unturned for recovering young Taseer.
Khosa said that all federal law enforcement agencies and the Punjab police were jointly making efforts to recover abducted Taseer. He also told the mediamen that the Inspector General Police and Home Secretary Punjab had briefed him since they were called by the Governor to tell him about the investigation. While mentioning that he had been a criminal lawyer with a vast experience of the subject, Khosa said he had given guideline to the IGP and the Secretary, and the officers had been directed to expand the purview of the probe.
He also mentioned that Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan had also telephoned him, and as per Article 131 of the constitution, the Minister briefed the Governor about the administrative matters.
To a question about the investigation, Khosa replied that the law enforcement agencies had gathered some evidence, and hoped that soon the agencies would recover Taseer safe and sound.
Khosa remarked that unfortunately the incidents of kidnapping were increasing every day, and the Punjab government would have to seriously think about making the law and order situation better since it was the duty of the provincial dispensation to do so. “The Centre will provide all assistance for this,” he said, adding that the most important issue at the moment was to secure release of alive Taseer. “The rest are provincial matters, and reservations, which will be transmitted to the federal government later on,” he said.
Saturday, August 27
CM Punjab nods veggie-fruit market at Kacha
Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has given approval in principle to the setting up a modern fruit and vegetable market at Kacha on Ferozepur Road and constituted a committee to take all possible measures for the completion of the project within a year.
He also issued instructions for provision of necessary facilities as soon as possible in the vegetable market shifted from Kot Lakhpat.
He was presiding over a meeting regarding the project of setting up fruit and vegetable market here on Wednesday.
Addressing the meeting, the CM said a large peace of land had been selected at Kacha where a well-designed fruit and vegetable market would be set up which would be equipped with the latest facilities. He added that the project would introduce a new culture and promote economic and trade activities, and the site for the market was nearest to Motorway, Ring Road and railway crossing which would be of great benefit. He also issued instructions for contacting railway authorities for linking fruit and vegetable market with the railway system.
He also gave instructions to the committee set up under the chairmanship of Afzal Khokhar to visit Turkey, Thailand and China to review the model of such markets in these countries for setting up the modern fruit and vegetable market in Lahore. He further directed that all out facilities should be extended to the middlemen of the vegetable market shifted from Kot Lakhpat so that they could pursue their business activities without any problem.
Earlier, Secretary Agriculture Department Captain (retd) Arif Nadeem gave a briefing regarding the project of fruit and vegetable market at Kacha. The participants of the meeting also gave their proposals in this regard.
He also issued instructions for provision of necessary facilities as soon as possible in the vegetable market shifted from Kot Lakhpat.
He was presiding over a meeting regarding the project of setting up fruit and vegetable market here on Wednesday.
Addressing the meeting, the CM said a large peace of land had been selected at Kacha where a well-designed fruit and vegetable market would be set up which would be equipped with the latest facilities. He added that the project would introduce a new culture and promote economic and trade activities, and the site for the market was nearest to Motorway, Ring Road and railway crossing which would be of great benefit. He also issued instructions for contacting railway authorities for linking fruit and vegetable market with the railway system.
He also gave instructions to the committee set up under the chairmanship of Afzal Khokhar to visit Turkey, Thailand and China to review the model of such markets in these countries for setting up the modern fruit and vegetable market in Lahore. He further directed that all out facilities should be extended to the middlemen of the vegetable market shifted from Kot Lakhpat so that they could pursue their business activities without any problem.
Earlier, Secretary Agriculture Department Captain (retd) Arif Nadeem gave a briefing regarding the project of fruit and vegetable market at Kacha. The participants of the meeting also gave their proposals in this regard.
CM directs police for Taseer’s recovery
Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has directed that no effort should be spared for immediate recovery of Shahbaz Taseer, son of former Governor Punjab Salman Taseer.
He ordered immediate arrest of culprits involved in the incident. He was presiding over a meeting at the Lahore Airport on his return from Karachi on Friday. Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Inspector General Police, Home Secretary and senior officers were present. The meeting considered all aspects of the case in detail. The CM directed the departments concerned to ensure early recovery of Shahbaz Taseer and all resources should be utilised for this purpose.
Later, he went to the residence of the former Governor and met his family members. Ex-Governo’s wife Aamina Taseer and son Shehryar Taseer were also present on this occasion. The CM assured them that all resources would be utilised for early recovery of Shahbaz Taseer and no effort would be spared in this regard.
He mentioned that special instructions had been issued to the senior Police officers for this purpose. The CM said he would personally supervise the investigation of this incident and Capital City Police Officer would regularly inform the members of the family about the progress of the investigation.
The family members expressed complete confidence in the steps taken by the Punjab government for recovery of Shahbaz Taseer.
He ordered immediate arrest of culprits involved in the incident. He was presiding over a meeting at the Lahore Airport on his return from Karachi on Friday. Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Inspector General Police, Home Secretary and senior officers were present. The meeting considered all aspects of the case in detail. The CM directed the departments concerned to ensure early recovery of Shahbaz Taseer and all resources should be utilised for this purpose.
Later, he went to the residence of the former Governor and met his family members. Ex-Governo’s wife Aamina Taseer and son Shehryar Taseer were also present on this occasion. The CM assured them that all resources would be utilised for early recovery of Shahbaz Taseer and no effort would be spared in this regard.
He mentioned that special instructions had been issued to the senior Police officers for this purpose. The CM said he would personally supervise the investigation of this incident and Capital City Police Officer would regularly inform the members of the family about the progress of the investigation.
The family members expressed complete confidence in the steps taken by the Punjab government for recovery of Shahbaz Taseer.
Friday, August 26
Youth to get Rs 1bn under Self-Employment Scheme
Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said the Punjab government has evolved a revolutionary project of self-employment under which loans worth Rs one billion will be given to the youth to help them stand on their own feet.
“The skilled youth will be given preference under the scheme and the upper limit of loans will be Rs 50,000. The Self-Employment Scheme will result in generation of job opportunities as well as promotion of economic activities,” he added, while issuing instructions for setting up a committee, which would devise a strategy within a few days in the light of which the scheme would be started in 36 districts of the province.
He was presiding over a meeting for the provision of loans to the youth under self-employment scheme here on Wednesday. MNA Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development Board, Secretaries of Finance, Law and Social Welfare, Chairmen TEVTA & Punjab Vocational Training Council, Executive Director Akhuwat and experts were present.
The CM said the Punjab government was implementing a comprehensive policy for the generation of job opportunities in the province, which include projects like yellow cab scheme, distribution of one lakh laptops among talented students and self-employment scheme for the youth. He added majority of population comprised youth and provision of loans to them under self-employment scheme would help them stand on their own feet as well as eliminate unemployment. “Loans of Rs 1bn will be offered during the first year while this amount will gradually be increased each year. The Self-Employment Scheme will prove to be a milestone in the elimination of unemployment and provision of job opportunities to the youth. The Scheme for the welfare of the youth will be continued forever and setting up of a permanent institution for the project should also be considered,” he mentioned, while issuing instructions for selecting an audit-company of international repute for the Self-Employment Scheme, and said the Punjab Small Industries Corporation would distribute these loans through Akhuwat. “The Akhuwat has a wide experience of public service and provision of loans and will execute this welfare project in a transparent manner. Loans will be given to the youth under the Self-Employment Scheme in all districts of the province and special committees comprising experts and persons enjoying good repute will also be formed at the district level for monitoring the loans,” he added.
Shahbaz Sharif said such youth should be given preference in the provision of loans as were experienced in various skills and trades so that they could set up such businesses as could not only leave a positive impact on economy, but also generate further employment opportunities. He directed that the guiding policy for the provision of loans and other matters should soon be given a final shape so that the scheme could be started at the earliest. “The Akhuwat should further enhance its capacity and submit a plan within seven days for the distribution of loans under self-employment scheme,” he said.
Earlier, Managing Director PSIC gave a detailed briefing regarding self-employment scheme. He said the steering committee for Self-Employment Scheme, the PSIC and Akhuwat had finalised the strategy for self-employment scheme.
Executive Director Akhuwat Dr Amjad Saqib said 55 branches of Akhuwat were operational and it was fully capable to implement the scheme. He assured that this revolutionary project of the Punjab government would be implemented in a transparent manner.
“The skilled youth will be given preference under the scheme and the upper limit of loans will be Rs 50,000. The Self-Employment Scheme will result in generation of job opportunities as well as promotion of economic activities,” he added, while issuing instructions for setting up a committee, which would devise a strategy within a few days in the light of which the scheme would be started in 36 districts of the province.
He was presiding over a meeting for the provision of loans to the youth under self-employment scheme here on Wednesday. MNA Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development Board, Secretaries of Finance, Law and Social Welfare, Chairmen TEVTA & Punjab Vocational Training Council, Executive Director Akhuwat and experts were present.
The CM said the Punjab government was implementing a comprehensive policy for the generation of job opportunities in the province, which include projects like yellow cab scheme, distribution of one lakh laptops among talented students and self-employment scheme for the youth. He added majority of population comprised youth and provision of loans to them under self-employment scheme would help them stand on their own feet as well as eliminate unemployment. “Loans of Rs 1bn will be offered during the first year while this amount will gradually be increased each year. The Self-Employment Scheme will prove to be a milestone in the elimination of unemployment and provision of job opportunities to the youth. The Scheme for the welfare of the youth will be continued forever and setting up of a permanent institution for the project should also be considered,” he mentioned, while issuing instructions for selecting an audit-company of international repute for the Self-Employment Scheme, and said the Punjab Small Industries Corporation would distribute these loans through Akhuwat. “The Akhuwat has a wide experience of public service and provision of loans and will execute this welfare project in a transparent manner. Loans will be given to the youth under the Self-Employment Scheme in all districts of the province and special committees comprising experts and persons enjoying good repute will also be formed at the district level for monitoring the loans,” he added.
Shahbaz Sharif said such youth should be given preference in the provision of loans as were experienced in various skills and trades so that they could set up such businesses as could not only leave a positive impact on economy, but also generate further employment opportunities. He directed that the guiding policy for the provision of loans and other matters should soon be given a final shape so that the scheme could be started at the earliest. “The Akhuwat should further enhance its capacity and submit a plan within seven days for the distribution of loans under self-employment scheme,” he said.
Earlier, Managing Director PSIC gave a detailed briefing regarding self-employment scheme. He said the steering committee for Self-Employment Scheme, the PSIC and Akhuwat had finalised the strategy for self-employment scheme.
Executive Director Akhuwat Dr Amjad Saqib said 55 branches of Akhuwat were operational and it was fully capable to implement the scheme. He assured that this revolutionary project of the Punjab government would be implemented in a transparent manner.
No expansion in Punjab cabinet on cards
Expansion in the Punjab Cabinet is not in the offing since the leading political party is not facing any such urgency to do so, sources confided with TheNation on Wednesday.
“However, the wish-list of MPs is long and they are waiting for such a move, and there has been huge rumour mongering in this regard,” said the source, adding that the PML-N was not in a mood to do so as these days the party was involved more deeply in the Karachi situation, and its leadership was not interested in initiating another subject. “The idea is to keep the status quo till it becomes politically imperative,” he mentioned.
Spokesperson of the Punjab government Senator Pervaiz Rasheed did not offer any comment in this regard, and said he was in Karachi for the last two days, and was not aware of any such situation.
“However, the wish-list of MPs is long and they are waiting for such a move, and there has been huge rumour mongering in this regard,” said the source, adding that the PML-N was not in a mood to do so as these days the party was involved more deeply in the Karachi situation, and its leadership was not interested in initiating another subject. “The idea is to keep the status quo till it becomes politically imperative,” he mentioned.
Spokesperson of the Punjab government Senator Pervaiz Rasheed did not offer any comment in this regard, and said he was in Karachi for the last two days, and was not aware of any such situation.
Whither Sindh Rangers DG?
The post of Director General Rangers Sindh is lying vacant since June 14 when its last incumbent Major General Aijaz Chaudhry was displaced from the slot after the Supreme Court ordered his removal when Rangers’ jawans killed a young man.
Now the Rangers in Sindh is being commanded by Brigadier Zafar Iqbal who is the acting DG, and sources have confided that as such there are no clues in the power corridors that the quarters concerned have made a move for appointing a regular DG Rangers for the province.
Defence analysts and senior ex-military officers deem that there was something ‘deliberate’ in it. They are confused about the continuation of the interim arrangement. “Why is an officer of the rank of a Brigadier heading an institution like Rangers? And who is a hurdle in the appointment of a Major General as DG Rangers, which is a constitutional requirement?” they questioned, while asserting that the situation was being allowed to deteriorate, and one of the implications of keeping a key-post vacant was that the concerned quarters were going soft on it.
They have also observed that though the top officers of the force are from the Army, but the paramilitary force falls under the purview of the federal government, and the present dispensation’s no effort in this regard raises certain questions, especially when the force has launched an operation against the miscreants and criminals in the blood-drenched city, which is bleeding for quite some time now, and there is no end in sight to this as well.
Experts believe that under normal circumstances an Acting DG can manage matters, but in an extraordinary situation when the operation has been initiated, this ‘sanctioned post’ should have been filled immediately when it fell vacant. They mentioned that as a matter of routine the Military-Secretary Branch of the Army’s General Headquarters sends a panel of three officers to the Interior Ministry for the appointment of a regular incumbent to the post. They also assert that since the matter was extremely pressing, the Ministry should have made a move, and if it has not, then it gives rise to serious questions. To them, this very fact amply proves why the Rangers have been ineffective so far. “In case, he – Brigadier instead of a Major General – has to get in contact with the GHQ for certain decisions, his communication will be certainly marred, and his decision-making power will be adversely affected as the present incumbent is also vulnerable to civil orders,” they observed, adding that the Rangers was familiar with the Karachi’ites primarily because of its long-time deployment. “If the Rangers has to do it, then give it all powers, and place the police under it. For this, neither new legislation is required nor nod from the federal government, but willingness to act earnestly after doing the spadework, including appointing DG Rangers,” they opined.
General (retd) Hameed Gull, while averring that one man rule suited the US, said it was wrong. “It is beyond the understanding why the slot has been kept vacant,” he added.
Brig (retd) Farooq Hameed maintained that the DG had to appointed, and the force should not have a Brigadier as an Acting DG. “It is a serious flaw since from the command and control point of view, it is an imperative and a full-time job, which leaves little room for adhocism,” he averred, adding that the operation was being carried out under the Interior Ministry, not Army. “Why is the federal government having an acting arrangement?” he questioned.
Brig (retd) Pervez Asghar Mian, who has served in Karachi, observed that in Karachi, the whole operation was a musical chair, and no body was serious to carry out it honestly.
When contacted DG Inter-Services Public Relations Major-General Ather Abbas said the DG Rangers was removed after the SC decision, and since then this post was vacant. “I cannot offer comment on it because I will have to check it from the MS Branch,” he concluded.
PPP’s Sindh leader Sharmila Farooqui sees no problem in this since “they are no administrative issues, and the acting DG is performing well. And you never know he could be elevated to the higher post,” she asserted, while admitting that appointment of a regular incumbent would have been an ideal situation.
Now the Rangers in Sindh is being commanded by Brigadier Zafar Iqbal who is the acting DG, and sources have confided that as such there are no clues in the power corridors that the quarters concerned have made a move for appointing a regular DG Rangers for the province.
Defence analysts and senior ex-military officers deem that there was something ‘deliberate’ in it. They are confused about the continuation of the interim arrangement. “Why is an officer of the rank of a Brigadier heading an institution like Rangers? And who is a hurdle in the appointment of a Major General as DG Rangers, which is a constitutional requirement?” they questioned, while asserting that the situation was being allowed to deteriorate, and one of the implications of keeping a key-post vacant was that the concerned quarters were going soft on it.
They have also observed that though the top officers of the force are from the Army, but the paramilitary force falls under the purview of the federal government, and the present dispensation’s no effort in this regard raises certain questions, especially when the force has launched an operation against the miscreants and criminals in the blood-drenched city, which is bleeding for quite some time now, and there is no end in sight to this as well.
Experts believe that under normal circumstances an Acting DG can manage matters, but in an extraordinary situation when the operation has been initiated, this ‘sanctioned post’ should have been filled immediately when it fell vacant. They mentioned that as a matter of routine the Military-Secretary Branch of the Army’s General Headquarters sends a panel of three officers to the Interior Ministry for the appointment of a regular incumbent to the post. They also assert that since the matter was extremely pressing, the Ministry should have made a move, and if it has not, then it gives rise to serious questions. To them, this very fact amply proves why the Rangers have been ineffective so far. “In case, he – Brigadier instead of a Major General – has to get in contact with the GHQ for certain decisions, his communication will be certainly marred, and his decision-making power will be adversely affected as the present incumbent is also vulnerable to civil orders,” they observed, adding that the Rangers was familiar with the Karachi’ites primarily because of its long-time deployment. “If the Rangers has to do it, then give it all powers, and place the police under it. For this, neither new legislation is required nor nod from the federal government, but willingness to act earnestly after doing the spadework, including appointing DG Rangers,” they opined.
General (retd) Hameed Gull, while averring that one man rule suited the US, said it was wrong. “It is beyond the understanding why the slot has been kept vacant,” he added.
Brig (retd) Farooq Hameed maintained that the DG had to appointed, and the force should not have a Brigadier as an Acting DG. “It is a serious flaw since from the command and control point of view, it is an imperative and a full-time job, which leaves little room for adhocism,” he averred, adding that the operation was being carried out under the Interior Ministry, not Army. “Why is the federal government having an acting arrangement?” he questioned.
Brig (retd) Pervez Asghar Mian, who has served in Karachi, observed that in Karachi, the whole operation was a musical chair, and no body was serious to carry out it honestly.
When contacted DG Inter-Services Public Relations Major-General Ather Abbas said the DG Rangers was removed after the SC decision, and since then this post was vacant. “I cannot offer comment on it because I will have to check it from the MS Branch,” he concluded.
PPP’s Sindh leader Sharmila Farooqui sees no problem in this since “they are no administrative issues, and the acting DG is performing well. And you never know he could be elevated to the higher post,” she asserted, while admitting that appointment of a regular incumbent would have been an ideal situation.
Wednesday, August 24
PPP’s turn for Carmella Conroy’s Iftar
Khalid Kharal, Munir Ahmed Khan, Tahir Khaleeq, Aurangzeb Burki, Mateen Ali Anjum and Tanvir Hussain were prominent among the gathering.
On Monday, she had hosted the PML-N leadership.
PML-N to elect provincial office-bearers after Eid
The Pakistan Muslim League-N will elect provincial party office-bearers after the Eidul Fitr, party sources confided with TheNation.
They mentioned that the preparations were underway though no names as such had come to the fore, and the aspirants had not shown their intentions either openly. “The working is certainly underway, and the process will completed after the Eid when PML-N president Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will comeback from Saudi Arabia,” mentioned the source asking not to be attributed. He also added that the elections of the office-bearers would be made either through consensus or majority of vote, which would vary from province to province.
Also, after the Eid, elections in districts, where the exercise is inconclusive yet, would be completed as well.
About various names being floated in the media regarding leading the Punjab, the party insiders were of the firm opinion that Senior Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab, Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa would be repeating the party position owing to multiple reasons, which makes him a strong candidate for the President PML-N Punjab. To him, Khosa from the Southern Punjab would be more suitable, and the Party needed such a man who could influence the belt. Secondly, the gentleman is a towering personality among the party ranks, and widely respected as well. “Plus he has been unflinching opponent to the military ruler during the absence of the Sharifs,” he said, while negating the media impression that Hamza, son of Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif, had been given a nod by Nawaz Sharif.
Party’s information secretary Senator Mushahid Ullah Khan is already on record that several names and options were under consideration, but nothing was finalised as such.
They mentioned that the preparations were underway though no names as such had come to the fore, and the aspirants had not shown their intentions either openly. “The working is certainly underway, and the process will completed after the Eid when PML-N president Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will comeback from Saudi Arabia,” mentioned the source asking not to be attributed. He also added that the elections of the office-bearers would be made either through consensus or majority of vote, which would vary from province to province.
Also, after the Eid, elections in districts, where the exercise is inconclusive yet, would be completed as well.
About various names being floated in the media regarding leading the Punjab, the party insiders were of the firm opinion that Senior Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab, Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa would be repeating the party position owing to multiple reasons, which makes him a strong candidate for the President PML-N Punjab. To him, Khosa from the Southern Punjab would be more suitable, and the Party needed such a man who could influence the belt. Secondly, the gentleman is a towering personality among the party ranks, and widely respected as well. “Plus he has been unflinching opponent to the military ruler during the absence of the Sharifs,” he said, while negating the media impression that Hamza, son of Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif, had been given a nod by Nawaz Sharif.
Party’s information secretary Senator Mushahid Ullah Khan is already on record that several names and options were under consideration, but nothing was finalised as such.
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