Pakistanis seek big opportunity for overseas jobs in the friendly country

ISLAMABAD – Pakistanis seek big opportunity for overseas jobs in the friendly country.

The registration of Pakistanis has begun for the Malaysian Social Security System as both countries have signed first contract, Dunya News reported on Monday.

Under the agreement signed by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Pakistani immigrants will immediately receive protection by the Malaysian government.

As per details, the Malaysian employers will provide details of Pakistani workers to their government.

The employees will receive free medical care in case of any accident and the Malaysian government will also grant financial help.

Financial Action Task Force decided Pakistan’s fate on greylist

*ISLAMABAD - A plenary meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) begins in Paris today (Monday), the meeting will decide whether Pakistan will stay in the grey list or not.*

The Pakistani delegation is led by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar, who has arrived in Paris, the Pakistani delegation also includes officials of the Ministry of Finance, the State Bank, and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

The Pakistani delegation will inform the implementation of the targets in the meeting. As per reports, Pakistan is expected to receive support from 12 countries to exit the grey list, meanwhile China, Turkey and Malaysia have already announced their supported for Pakistan.

Experts are of the view that Pakistan is expected to exit the grey list soon after winning a “largely-compliant" rating from the FATF , or might get more time from the watchdog for attaining full compliance.

Pakistan will be judged by an FATF plenary meeting on the basis of the Joint Group's report, concluded last month, for a possible exit from the ‘grey list' or at least avoiding an entry into the black list.

On January 28, the State Bank stated that Pakistan had made significant progress to get off the grey list of the FATF while the central bank had been making all-out efforts to curb money laundering and terror financing.

Last month, several FATF 's Working Group members including the European Union and the United States had expressed satisfaction with Pakistan's performance.

The FATF put Pakistan on the gray list in June 2018 under 27 action plans till September 2019, but the period was later extended to three more months.

According to officials, Pakistan has made concrete progress in implementation of FATF action plan, risks of money laundering and terrain financing have been overcome.

More than 800 representatives from 205 countries and jurisdictions around the world, the IMF, UN, World Bank and other organizations are participating in these meetings.

Six days of meetings will focus on global action to follow the money that fuels crime and terrorism and reduce the harm caused to people and society.

Islamabad High Court announces verdict in petition seeking suspension of Islamabad Mayor Sheikh Ansar Aziz

*ISLAMABAD – **Islamabad High Court announces verdict in petition seeking suspension of Islamabad Mayor Sheikh Ansar Aziz.*

*The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday stopped the federal government from implementation on a reference, seeking suspension of Islamabad Mayor Sheikh Ansar Aziz till February 21.*

It is pertinent to mention here that the reference was filed against Ansar Aziz by the Local Government Commission for allegedly a number of charges.

During the hearing, the court has issued notices to interior secretary, Ali Nawaz, and the secretary of the Local Government Commission. Aziz’s counsel argued that the reference of suspension of his client as the mayor of the capital was unconstitutional.

The court was also pleaded to restrain Special Assistant on Capital Development Authority (CDA) Affairs MNA Ali Nawaz Awan from working as the Islamabad mayor.

Karachi Port Trust responds over media reports of gas or chemical leakage inside KPT Port area

KARACHI: Karachi Port Trust responds over media reports of gas or chemical leakage inside KPT Port area.

The Karachi Port Trust has denied any leakage of chemicals or gases inside the KPT port area and from any berthed vessel or ship.

The Trust claimed that all safety precautions remain applied while handling POL or chemicals from ships at the Karachi Port. Speaking to the media, an official of the KPT said that the patients being admitted to hospitals are from the northern side of Keamari Town and not from the port or immediate area.

The KPT is offering complete support to the Keamari residents falling victim to chemical gas, the official said. KPT Hospital located in Keamari area has been made accessible to Keamari residents for treatment.

Moreover, KPT Chairman Jamil Akhtar and Commander Karachi Rear Admiral Zahid Ilyas said the Pakistan Navy is dispatching biological and chemical damage control team to the affected area and its vicinity for ascertaining facts behind the incident.

In a first, Top Pakistani official breaks silence over the mysterious escape of TTP spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan

ISLAMABAD - In a first, Top Pakistani official breaks silence over the mysterious escape of TTP spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan.

The news that former Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan has escaped from the custody of Pakistan security agencies is true, Interior Minister Ijaz Shah confirmed on Monday.

Responding to a question during an informal conversation with reporters at the parliament in Islamabad, the minister said he had read reports of the former TTP leader having fled.

When asked whether the reports were true, he replied: "The news is true, it's true."

The minister added that the "state is aware" of his escape. He did not provide any details.

Asked by a reporter whether the state was doing anything about the matter, Shah said: "A lot is being done. You will hear good news."

The confirmation comes following around 10 days of official silence over reports of the former TTP spokesman's escape, which had been announced by him in an audio message released on social media.

PM Imran Khan chairs high level meeting in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD - Government has decided to further accelerate administrative measures against the hoarding of essential commodities.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Monday which reviewed the prices of essential commodities.

It was decided to take all necessary steps to curb smuggling of wheat, onion, tomato and other items from the eastern and western borders.

The meeting discussed at length various proposals to stabilize and bring down the prices of items such as wheat flour, sugar, potato, tomato, onion, ghee and pulses.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab governments were asked to review the proposals to bring down the prices of wheat flour.

It was decided in the meeting to double the wheat procurement target this year in order to bring stability in the commodity's price

As regards sugar, it was decided that the sugar advisory board through third party evaluation will determine its price so that a reasonable rate for the commodity could fixed at the official level.

The meeting directed the Commerce Ministry to frame a mechanism in consultations with the stakeholders in order to pass on the relief of reduction in the international prices of ghee to the masses.

Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister said bringing stability in prices of essential commodities and reducing them to the possible level is among top priorities of the government.

He said the government has focused its entire attention on provision of relief to the poor people so that they could get essential commodities at reasonable prices and the burden of inflation on these segments could be reduced.

The Prime Minister said special attention should be given to check smuggling and hoarding.

He directed the provincial governments to immediately review proposals regarding reducing prices so that it could be formally announced.

Big breakthrough Reported between US and Afghan Taliban over historic peace deal

Kabul: In a major development, Taliban and the United States have finalized an agreement for ending years long violence in the war-torn Afghanistan .

Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah at the Council of Ministers on Monday said, “The agreement between the Taliban and US has been finalized”.

He further said the signing of the agreement depends on the reduction in violence during the proposed period of time, which is seven-days, Tolo news reported.

The deal is likely to be signed by the end of February.

The Afghan chief executive termed it a prime opportunity for both sides to show how much eager they are for restoring peace in the country.

The development was also confirmed by Taliban’s official Suhail Shaheen while talking to an Afghan news channel.

The US Special Representative for Afghanistan’s Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, also shared the details about reduction in violence agreement on his Twitter handle, but stressed: “We all know success is not guaranteed but we all believe we must do our best”.

In a surprise, Top Pakistani Bank voluntarily closes it's branch in New York

KARACHI: The Habib Bank Limited (HBL) will no longer operate any branch in the United States and will complete the voluntary closure of its New York Branch by March 31, 2020, in coordination with New York banking regulators.

In a notification sent to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, HBL further said, “We wish to thank State Bank of Pakistan, New York State Department of Financial Regulations and Federal Reserve Bank of New York for their consistent support and cooperation throughout the process of winding up and close New York Branch.”

In a separate statement, HBL emphasized that the bank had voluntarily agreed, in coordination with the regulators in New York, to conduct a systematic wind-down of the bank’s affairs in New York. Video Player

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The bank also clarified that even though the ebank would no longer operate any branch in New York, the bank will continue to service its clients’ US Dollar banking requirements, in Pakistan and other countries where it operates, through its network of correspondent banks.

According to the HBL statement, the bank proactively initiated a business transformation programme in early 2018, focused on its control and compliance processes and systems to further strengthen its adherence to international standards.

Ignoring diplomatic norms, India disgraced at Airport the British MP leading Parliamentary Group on Kashmir

NEW DELHI - Ignoring diplomatic norms, India disgraced at Airport the British MP leading Parliamentary Group on Kashmir.

Indian officials denied a British lawmaker entry on Monday after she landed at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, according to an accompanying aide.

A Labour Party Member of Parliament Debbie Abrahams, who chairs a parliamentary group focused on the disputed Kashmir region, was unable to clear customs after the Indian visa she presented was rejected, the aide, Harpreet Upal, told *The Associated Press*.

According to an official statement issued by Abrahams, she was told that her e-visa, that had been issued last October and was valid until October 2020, had been rejected.

“Along with everyone else, I presented myself at the immigration desk with my documents including my e-visa, had my photograph taken and then the official looked at his screen and started shaking his head.

"Then he told me my visa was rejected, took my passport, and disappeared for about 10 minutes," she said.

“When he came back he was very rude and aggressive, shouting at me to ‘come with me'. I told him not to speak to me like that and was then taken to a cordoned off area marked as a deportee cell.

He then ordered me to sit down and I refused. I didn’t know what they might do or where else they may take me, so I wanted people to see me."

Top US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is all praise for Pakistan over Afghanistan peace process

ISLAMABAD - Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi says Pakistan will continue its efforts for political settlement of Afghan conflict.

Talking to US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad in Islamabad on Monday, he said Islamabad will continue to support an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process for regional stability.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan will prepare a comprehensive timeline framework for honorable repatriation of all Afghan refugees.

Speaking on the occasion, Zalmay Khalilzad appreciated the Pakistan's efforts for regional peace and stability, and said Islamabad hosted Afghan refugees for four decades with open mind.

US dollar rises against Pakistani Rupee in the Interbank Market

KARACHI:US dollar rises against Pakistani Rupee in the Interbank Market.

The US dollar picked up eleven paisa against the Pakistani rupee in the inter-bank market on Monday.

According to forex dealers, the greenback rose eleven paisa to settle at Rs154.27 for the day against the local unit.

Earlier, on Feb 14, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission had acknowledged that economic activity have stabilised in Pakistan and the country made considerable progress in advancing reforms and effective economic policies besides meeting all end-December performance criteria.

The IMF mission released a declaration after concluding dialogues with Pakistan today which stated that the government made steadfast progress on program implementation which will pave the way for its executive board’s consideration of the review.

Ramirez Rigo, who led the IMF delegation during talks with the Pakistani officials in Islamabad on the second review of the authorities’ economic reform program, made the statement, “The IMF staff team had constructive and productive discussions with the Pakistani authorities and commended them on the considerable progress made during the last few months in advancing reforms and continuing with sound economic policies.”

Legendry Skipper Shahid Afridi reveals the name of her New Born Baby Girl

ISLAMABAD - Legendry Skipper Shahid Afridi reveals the name of her New Born Baby Girl.

Shahid Afridi revealed the name of his newborn baby girl link on social media. “The suspense is over and ‘Arwa’ is the name we have gone for,” Shahid Afridi tweeted, thanking fans for suggestions.

He wrote, “I’ve enjoyed taking time reading all of your name suggestions for our baby: ThankYou so much! The suspense is over and ‘Arwa’ is the name we have gone for.”

Earlier, Former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi reached out to his fans, asking them to suggest potential names for his newborn baby girl.

Boom Boom Afridi also promised to give the follower with the best suggestion “a prize”.

However, taking to Twitter, the all-rounder stated: “This one’s for my fans:”

He added, “As you can see there’s a trend of my daughter’s names beginning with the letter ‘A’. Send me your recommendations for our new arrival with ‘A’….the winning name I select gets a prize! Keep the names rolling!”.

India summoned Turkish Ambassador and lodged strong protest against President Tayyip Erdogan

*NEW DELHI - I**ndia summoned Turkish Ambassador and lodged strong protest against President Tayyip Erdogan.*

India summoned the Turkish ambassador on Monday to lodge a diplomatic protest over President Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks on Occupied Kashmir and warned it would have a bearing on bilateral ties.

During a visit to Pakistan last week, Erdogan said the situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) was worsening because of sweeping changes New Delhi introduced in the Muslim-majority territory and that Turkey stood in solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

India told Turkish envoy Sakir Ozkan Torunlar that Erdogan’s comments lacked any understanding of the history of the Kashmir dispute, the Indian foreign ministry said.

“This recent episode is but one more example of a pattern of Turkey interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. India finds that completely unacceptable,” foreign ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. He added that India had served a strong demarche, or formal diplomatic note.

India withdrew Kashmir’s autonomy in August and brought it under federal rule as a way to integrate the territory fully into India.

Pakistan slammed the illegal move, and other Muslim-majority countries such as Turkey and Malaysia joined in calls for India to reconsider its actions.

Death Toll Rises significantly in Quetta Bomb blast

QUETTA – Death Toll Rises significantly in Quetta Bomb blast.

At least eight people including policemen were killed and 23 others sustained wounds in a bomb explosion at the city s Shahra-e-Iqbal Road near press club on Monday.

As per the initial reports, the blast took place at the city s Shahra-e-Iqbal Road.

Soon after the explosion, police and rescue staff reached the spot and started shifting bodies and injured people to local hospital for medico-legal formalities.

The nature of the blast was not immediately clear. Security officials have also cordoned off the site of the blast.

In January, at least 15 people including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ammanullah and the Imam of the mosque had been killed and 19 others sustained injuries in a powerful explosion at a mosque in the provincial capital’s Satellite Town.

The bomb explosion took place when the people were offering Maghrib prayers.

Over 200,000 Pakistani troops have participated in 46 UN Missions across the World

ISLAMABAD - UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres says Pakistan is playing key role in promoting regional peace and resolving disputes under UN peace keeping obligations.

Addressing a seminar at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad on Monday, he said international community values sacrifices rendered by Pakistani troops and soldiers for building safer and peaceful world.

The UN chief said Pakistani troops have excellent contribution in UN peace keeping missions, which cannot be forgotten.

Antonio Guterres also urged the international community to come forward and recognize Pakistan's efforts for regional peace and stability.

In his address, Director General, Military Operations, Major General Nauman Zakaria said Pakistan has sent over 200,000 troops for 46 missions in 28 different countries during the last 60 years.

He said UN peacekeeping missions have added value to Pakistani troops and built their strong image abroad.

The Director General said Pakistani soldiers are the most battle-hardened army in the world and it is due to highest standard of physical fitness, professionalism and motivation of Pakistan Army troops.

He said over 400 Pakistani women are playing their role in global peace keeping missions in the world.

Later on, the UN Secretary General also inaugurated a photo exhibition at the Center for International Peace and Stability in NUST.

UN Chief Antonio Guterres is all praise for Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa

ISLAMABAD - United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for implementing UN resolutions for amicable solution to Kashmir issue.

Talking to Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Rawalpindi today, he acknowledged Pakistan's contribution in UN peacekeeping Missions and extraordinary achievements in fight against terrorism.

The UN chief thanked Pakistan for full access given to United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in Kashmir, and commended improved security situation in Pakistan and its positive efforts towards regional peace and stability.

Speaking on the occasion, the army chief said Pakistan remains committed and determined to achieve stable, peaceful and normalized country.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interests, overall regional security situation including Afghan refugees issue, Afghan reconciliation process and Kashmir dispute came under discussion.

Three security officials martyred in Balochistan

QUETTA - A suicide bomber, apparently targeting a religious party’s protest in Quetta , left at least seven dead and 19 injured on Monday.

The injured, three of them in a critical condition, have been shifted to hospital.

According to details, the suicide bomber was coming from Sharea Iqbal when he reached near a security protection provided to the demonstrators near the Quetta Press Club the police personnel tried to stop him but he exploded himself hitting the police vehicle.

A number of vehicles were badly damaged and scores of buildings’ window panes also shattered in the blast.

Two policemen identified as Abdul Rasool s/o Abdul Majeed; Mohammad Zaman s/o Muhammad Hasan, and one Levies personnel M.Hameed s/o Abdul Ghafoor were among the dead.

The civilians who lost their lives during the explosion were including Muhammad Naseem s/o Abdul Haleem, Manzoor Ahmad s/o Abdul Sanoor, Ahmad Ullah s/o Abdullah khan and Hazrat Ali s/o Nasrullah.

Don't let India make the UN Security Council hostage by its obduracy over Occupied Kashmir conflict, Pakistan tells UN Chief

ISLAMABAD - Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Sardar Masood Khan Monday briefed the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres about the plight of 640,000 people living along the Line of Control (LoC) and invited him to visit Muzaffarabad.

During a meeting with the Secretary General, the president informed him about the condition of 40,000 refugees/Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in the refugee camps in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), said a press release.

The President thanked the Secretary General for calling to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and for offering his role as a mediator by using his good offices.

President Masood Khan, thanked Antonio Gutteres’ call for de-escalating the situation between India and Pakistan, both militarily and verbally, especially along the Line of Control.

The AJK President particularly conveyed his gratitude to the UN Secretary General for demanding full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) as being enjoyed by the people in Azad Kashmir .

“Don’t take India’s ‘NO’ for an answer for the use of good offices or diplomacy and dialogue in accordance with the United Nations Charter. This is a collective obligation for all nations. One UN member cannot hold the entire organization hostage by its obduracy”, he said.

Sardar Masood Khan briefed Antonio Guterres about the highly concerning and precarious situation of the civilians living along the LOC in AJK because of India’s frequent and unrelenting hostile fire.

The President proposed to the UN Secretary-General to make the submission of the UNMOGIP reports to the UN Secretary General’s office and their circulation to all members of the UN Security Council mandatory.

“Conversations on Kashmir in the Security Council must go on for the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Silence at that highest forum is wrong and unfair to the people of Jammu and Kashmir , who are under siege and are being killed and brutalized every day.

The extremist ruling party in India wants the international community to be silent on Kashmir in order to hide its crimes. The UN has spoken up and must continue to speak up for Kashmiris”, he told UN Secretary General.

The AJK President said that the United Nations was the flag bearer of the international order based on the rule of law. The UN Secretary General is seen as an international icon, who should demonstrate leadership to save humanity from the scourge of war and liberate people living under alien dominations and foreign occupation.

In this context, the president thanked the secretary general for holding detailed conversations in the past with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian leaders.

“War would be a devastating aberration for humanity; peace and reconciliation are a historic imperative in the region. This is only possible by ensuring the realization of the right to self-determination of the people of Kashmir”, said the President.