CM Murad awards 60 days remission to 3,613 prisoners languishing in jails of Sindh

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr has awarded 60 days remission to all the prisoners undergoing life sentence and in other cases. He also ordered release of the prisoners qualifying for remission before Eid so that they could celebrate it with their families. The 60 days remission awarded by Sindh Chief minister will benefit 3,613 prisoners and of them over 100 would be released from different jails. The chief minister during his visit to Central Prison Karachi on May 28, 2019 had directed the Home department to send him a reference regarding award of special remission to the convicted prisoners languishing in Sindh prisons. Therefore, the Home department sent a summary to the chief minister for remission which he approved today.The special remission approved by the chief minister under Rule 216 of Pakistan Prisons Rules, 1978 in the sentences of imprisonment for different categories. They are as follows: Special remission of 60 days for all convicts, except the condemned prisoners and except those convicted of murder, espionage, subversion, anti-state activities, terrorist activities, Zina, robbery, dacoity and those undergoing sentences under foreign Act, 1946, if they have undergone two third of their substantive sentence of imprisonment.Special remission of 60 days for all the convicts of life imprisonment, except those convicted for murder, espionage, anti-terrorism, anti-state activities, sectarianism, zina, robbery, dacoity, kidnapping/abduction and terrorism acts, if they have undergone two third of their substantive sentences of imprisonment. Special remission of 60 days per year from the date of sentence for male prisoners who are 65 years of age or above and have undergone at least one third of their substantive sentence, except those involved in culpable homicide and those involved in terrorist acts, as defined in the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. Special remission of 60 days per year from the date of sentence for male prisoners who are 60 years of age or above and have undergone at least one third of their sentence except those involved in culpable homicide and those involved in terrorist acts. Special remission of 60 days per year from the date of sentence for female prisoners who are 60 years of age or above and have undergone at least one third of their sentence except those involved in culpable homicide and terrorist act.Special remission of 60 days per year from the date of sentence for female prisoners who are accompanying children and are serving sentence of imprisonment for crimes, except those who are convicted on charges of culpable homicide and terrorist acts.Special remission of 60 days per year from the date of sentence for juvenile convicts (under 18 years of age) who have served one third of their substantive sentence, except those in culpable homicide, terrorist acts, zina, robbery, dacoity, kidnapping/abduction and anti-state activities

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Saudi Arabia gifts 150 tons of dates to Pakistan in Ramazan

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has provided 150 tons of dates to government of Pakistan as a gift in the Holy month of Ramazan.On behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammad Al Qahatani, representative of the government of Saudi Arabia formally handed over the consignment to cabinet division, Islamabad.On behalf of the Government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Cabinet Division expressed sincere thanks and gratitude for this kind gesture on the part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also conveyed warm sentiments of the people of Pakistan for their Saudi brethren for their love and affection and also expressed the hope that the warm and cordial relations between the two brotherly States will continue to flourish in all times to come.

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Serena hosts a soulful ?Qawwali? night in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Serena hotels hosted a soulful Qawwali night featuring world renowned Qawal Asif Ali Santoo on Friday 31st May 2019 in Islamabad.The event was hosted under the cultural diplomacy initiative of Serena hotels that aims to promote cultural plurality amongst Pakistani community. A large number of people gathered from the diplomatic community, officials from the Armed Forces, media personnel and residents of the twin cities. Asif Ali Santoo performed Sufi Kalam amidst cheer and applause all night. A lavish Sehri was served later for all the attendees.Asif Ali was born into a family of a legendary Qawwal Santoo Khan whom the maestro of Qawwali, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan himself honoured as the ‘Ganda Band Shagird’ (official Student) of Ustaad Nusrat Sahib.Sufis have played a significant role in dissemination of the divine message of Islam, and Qawwali is one such medium of Sufi devotional music which Pakistan has truly kept alive.

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Soldier martyred as terrorists target Pak Army vehicle in North Waziristan

Peshawar:  A Pakistan army soldier was martyred in an ambush on security forces' vehicle  in North Waziristan on Saturday, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).According to Geo News, the ISPR said  26-year old Amal Shah lost his life  when an army vehicle  was targeted with  a hand-grenade and gun attack in Boya area of North Waziristan.It said  incidents of terrorism have witnessed a surge in North Waziristan where five soldiers were martyred and 31 injured during the last one month.The ISPR said Khar Qamar check-post incident also took place following  arrest of terrorists' facilitators.     

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Imran Khan ? The dreamer

This is essentially a follow-up to the previously written article ‘Is Imran Khan a Dreamer?’ in which key areas had been identified that should have been in Imran Khan’s immediate ‘to-do list’ after assuming his position as head of the government – the instant actionable items that needed to be addressed from the very start of his tenure that were also unquestionably to the benefit of the common man.Almost a year has gone by and it is time to evaluate Imran Khan’s stint as a Prime Minister thus far. How has he fared till now? Does the determination to make ‘Naya Pakistan’ still persist? Is he at least ‘trying’ to keep his promise to turn the tables for the country and its people? Will he, for once, bring relief to the man on the street? Is he going to do anything at all? Regardless of his intentions, honest or otherwise, tirade from all circles has started to kick in. Strong criticism has begun to surface from left, right and centre on his performance and doubts have been casting over his will to propel Pakistan to a ‘never-before-seen’ direction and state of affairs that would make the people of the country see the light of day.Notwithstanding his following and vote bank strength, it appears he is now increasingly being flanked by blatant disapproval and disappointment from all circles owing to his inadequate performance (so far), his dangling leadership, failure to stick to his promises (read: IMF loans) and most importantly, not being able to control country’s economic conditions.So, the question is; are the bad times seemingly over for the common man or will the life of interminable strife and struggle continue to incapacitate the nation for the years to come as well? Like an ostrich with its head in the sand, the current government needs to stop pretending and start acting on the prevailing state of affairs – before things actually get out of hands. UnemploymentRecent times have witnessed scores of people getting laid off from organizations across various industries including IT, media, banking, textile, service, consumer goods and more. Despite the promise of creating jobs, the current government has forced organizations to sack hundreds of thousands of people - making them out of work in a flick of time!Inflation The year 2019 saw a record rise in the inflation rate which stood at a staggering 9.41 in March 2019 – highest in the last five to six years. The dollar rate has been incessantly escalating, the prices of consumer goods have been skyrocketing, oil prices are on a constant increase, prices of basic items such as milk, bread and eggs are getting out of reach of a man on the street and rates of utilities have been aimlessly on the rise. Welcome home hyperinflation! Whatever happened to the government’s pledge to recover stolen money from the past corrupt ruling lot to make up for the country’s reserves?EducationIt seems that the clause of ‘transforming education’ in Pakistan remains a far cry. Will there really be any change in the education system or will it remain in the confines of the party manifesto booklet? The words “There will be parity in the curriculum for both private and public education systems” still echo in our ears. The private school authorities continue to fleece parents with exorbitant fee amounts prompting many parents to withdraw their children and start looking for other schools that offer lower fee structures. Where’s the ‘INSAAF’ here? “Every child has the right to good quality education” – or has it? WaterThe manifesto also promises ‘Provision of Clean Drinking Water for All’ – really? Has a committee been setup to check water quality? And what about the water mafia operating in different cities of the country overcharging consumers with rates to please their pockets and bellies! Who is to control the mafia’s hegemony and its flippant attitude to override government policies? – If there are any.There is so much to deliberate over innumerable anomalies and mis-happenings going around in the country. It appears to be the same old vicious circle that the whole nation has been witnessing at the hands of the beloved politicos – one after the other. So, until something tangible happens, the people of Pakistan should treat ‘Naya Pakistan’ as merely a catchphrase. But, there may be greener pastures up ahead… Imran Khan may turn out to be the catalyst of change for the nation… the corrupt may be brought to justice… Pakistan may well become a promised land one day.Don’t stop hoping, don’t stop dreaming. it’s always good to dream a dream.The Prime Minister has many then why can’t the nation?Just turn out the lights and sleep tight… Sweet dreams!Note: The views expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The News.

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PTI always at forefront of struggle for independence of judiciary: Firdous Ashiq Awan

Islamabad:  Firdous Ashiq Awan on Saturday  said PTI has always been at the forefront of  struggle for ensuring independence of judiciary and rule of law.In an Urdu language  tweet on Saturday, she said PML-N respects institutions and law on the basis of requirement.The Special Assistant said the PML-N's attack on the Supreme Court  is the blackest and most disgraceful incident of the history.She said the PML-N leadership's campaign  "Mujhe Kion Nikala" aimed at maligning the judiciary is still fresh in the minds of people. 

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Imran Khan ?The dreamer

This is essentially a follow-up to the previously written article ‘Is Imran Khan a Dreamer?’ in which key areas had been identified that should have been in Imran Khan’s immediate ‘to-do list’ after assuming his position as head of the government – the instant actionable items that needed to be addressed from the very start of his tenure that were also unquestionably to the benefit of the common man.Almost a year has gone by and it is time to evaluate Imran Khan’s stint as a Prime Minister thus far. How has he fared till now? Does the determination to make ‘Naya Pakistan’ still persist? Is he at least ‘trying’ to keep his promise to turn the tables for the country and its people? Will he, for once, bring relief to the man on the street? Is he going to do anything at all? Regardless of his intentions, honest or otherwise, tirade from all circles has started to kick in. Strong criticism has begun to surface from left, right and centre on his performance and doubts have been casting over his will to propel Pakistan to a ‘never-before-seen’ direction and state of affairs that would make the people of the country see the light of day.Notwithstanding his following and vote bank strength, it appears he is now increasingly being flanked by blatant disapproval and disappointment from all circles owing to his inadequate performance (so far), his dangling leadership, failure to stick to his promises (read: IMF loans) and most importantly, not being able to control country’s economic conditions.So, the question is; are the bad times seemingly over for the common man or will the life of interminable strife and struggle continue to incapacitate the nation for the years to come as well? Like an ostrich with its head in the sand, the current government needs to stop pretending and start acting on the prevailing state of affairs – before things actually get out of hands. UnemploymentRecent times have witnessed scores of people getting laid off from organizations across various industries including IT, media, banking, textile, service, consumer goods and more. Despite the promise of creating jobs, the current government has forced organizations to sack hundreds of thousands of people - making them out of work in a flick of time!Inflation The year 2019 saw a record rise in the inflation rate which stood at a staggering 9.41 in March 2019 – highest in the last five to six years. The dollar rate has been incessantly escalating, the prices of consumer goods have been skyrocketing, oil prices are on a constant increase, prices of basic items such as milk, bread and eggs are getting out of reach of a man on the street and rates of utilities have been aimlessly on the rise. Welcome home hyperinflation! Whatever happened to the government’s pledge to recover stolen money from the past corrupt ruling lot to make up for the country’s reserves?EducationIt seems that the clause of ‘transforming education’ in Pakistan remains a far cry. Will there really be any change in the education system or will it remain in the confines of the party manifesto booklet? The words “There will be parity in the curriculum for both private and public education systems” still echo in our ears. The private school authorities continue to fleece parents with exorbitant fee amounts prompting many parents to withdraw their children and start looking for other schools that offer lower fee structures. Where’s the ‘INSAAF’ here? “Every child has the right to good quality education” – or has it? WaterThe manifesto also promises ‘Provision of Clean Drinking Water for All’ – really? Has a committee been setup to check water quality? And what about the water mafia operating in different cities of the country overcharging consumers with rates to please their pockets and bellies! Who is to control the mafia’s hegemony and its flippant attitude to override government policies? – If there are any.There is so much to deliberate over innumerable anomalies and mis-happenings going around in the country. It appears to be the same old vicious circle that the whole nation has been witnessing at the hands of the beloved politicos – one after the other. So, until something tangible happens, the people of Pakistan should treat ‘Naya Pakistan’ as merely a catchphrase. But, there may be greener pastures up ahead… Imran Khan may turn out to be the catalyst of change for the nation… the corrupt may be brought to justice… Pakistan may well become a promised land one day.Don’t stop hoping, don’t stop dreaming. it’s always good to dream a dream.The Prime Minister has many then why can’t the nation?Just turn out the lights and sleep tight… Sweet dreams!Note: The views expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The News.

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