Three terrorists killed in South Waziristanhttp://news

PESHAWAR: Three terrorists were killed in an intelligence based operation as security forces foiled a major terrorist activity at Gulkuch area of South Waziristan district.According to an ISPR press release issued here on Tuesday,the security forces launched an intelligence based operation (IBO) as part of “Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad” against terrorists hideout at Gulkuch, on the boundary of South Waziristan and Balochistan.On seeing forces, terrorists opened fire and fled to nearby mountainous area.Security forces chased fleeing terrorists and after a fierce exchange of fire, all three terrorists were killed.Sub-machine guns (SMGs), hand grenades, communication equipment and local currency was recovered from their possession.While the Identity and linkages of terrorists were being ascertained.

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President addresses AJK Assembly demands India to release political prisoners in IoKhttp://news

MUZAFFARABAD: Reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic and moral support for the people of Kashmir in their just struggle for the right of self-determination, President Dr Arif Alvi Tuesday demanded India to immediately release all political prisoners in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and allow the freedom of speech.Addressing a special session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly  on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, he urged India to also halt the use of firearms including the pallet guns against the innocent Kashmiri people in the occupied valley.The President also called for withdrawal of aggressive black laws and urged India to allow the leadership from Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir to travel abroad so that they could be able to freely present their case and point of view before the international community.He demanded the Indian government to give access to the international human rights organizations to the occupied valley and open up the communication links for international and social media networks.The special session of AJK Legislative Assembly was also addressed by AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider, Speaker Shah Ghulam Qadir and leaders of various political parties in the Azad Kashmir Assembly.For the first time, Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman and members of GB Cabinet also attended the special session of AJK Assembly on special invitation.The President said the people and all political parties in Pakistan were united on the issue of Kashmir and firmly stood behind their Kashmiri brethren in their just struggle for their right of self-determination, which was also recognized by the international community through UN Resolutions.He lauded the courage and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people including men, women, and youth in the ongoing freedom struggle and said their sacrifices would not go in vein and they would achieve their goal of freedom.

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Pakistan to continue exposing Indian atrocities in IoK at all forums: Fawadhttp://news

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Tuesday said that the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan has been playing active role for protection of fundamental rights of the people of Kashmir.In a message on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed today, he said that Pakistan would continue to expose Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir and highlight Kashmir issue at all levels.The minister said that resolution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with aspirations of Kashmiri masses was imperative for durable peace in South Asia.Paying glowing tributes to unprecedented sacrifices offered by Kashmiris for achievement of right to self- determination, he said that Kashmiri martyrs were shining stars of Hurriyat movement and truth.He said that despite thousands of killings, rapes and repression, Kashmiris refused to surrender.He said that all Indian atrocities could not weaken Kashmiris resolve and struggle for right to self determination.Strongly condemning the gross human rights violations by Indian forces in Occupied Kashmir, he urged United Nations and the world community to take notice of ongoing bloodshed in Kashmir.

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Pakistan Embassy Beijing expresses solidarity with people of Occupied Kashmirhttp://news

An event was organized by the Embassy of Pakistan Beijing at the Pakistan Embassy College Beijing (PECB) to mark the Kashmir Solidarity Day, . The event marked 72 years of the epic and historic struggle of the valiant people of Kashmir against the unjust and illegal occupation by India. The event began with the recitation of Holy Quran and national anthem. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of Pakistan Masood Khalid highlighted the significance of the event and apprised the participants of the continuously deteriorating situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir. Ambassador observed that instead of stopping state violence in Kashmir and recognizing the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people, India is playing a blame game in order to side-step the real issue and divert the attention of the international community. He said that despite all measures to subjugate them, the spirit of the people of Kashmir remains free and alive.Paying tributes to the just and fair struggle of the people of Kashmir, Ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s unflinching diplomatic, moral and political support to them in their quest for the right to self-determination as promised in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Ambassador specially lauded the efforts of the PECB students in forcefully depicting the Kashmir issue through their speeches and recitals.The Principal of PECB also gave a brief introduction and commended the students for their efforts. A moving documentary depicting serious human rights violations by India in Jammu & Kashmir was shown to the audience.

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Humanity bleeding to death in occupied Kashmir, says Qureshihttp://news

LONDON: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Monday that humanity is bleeding in the Indian-held Kashmir as not a single action was taken against the people involved in the state-sponsored murders, torture and rape.
Speaking in International Kashmir Conference here at the Committee Room of British Parliament, the foreign minister said that it's encouraging to note such large support for Kashmir cause in the United Kingdom by All Parties' Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, comprised of parliamentarians from Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. Shah Mahmood Qureshi is leading a delegation of around a dozen senators from all parties of Pakistani parliament to present the case of Kashmir before the British parliamentarians. "Worst human rights abuses being perpetrated by India just because Kashmiris want right of self-determination, we are here to express support to Kashmiris and all those who love freedom against Indian oppression," he said.Qureshi said that humanity is bleeding in Kashmir, people are distressed, life is extremely difficult with each passing day. Rape, murder, killings, and grievous injuries are daily occurrences."The reality of Indian occupation is a frightening reality. Kashmiris are alien to the Indian state. Kashmiris want to be the masters of their own destiny," he said, "India is showing callousness to human rights but claims to be the world’s largest democracy."More than three dozen MPs were in attendance including AJK President and opposition leaders. Dozens of Kashmiris representative groups also attended one of the conference.He assured that Kashmiris  are not alone in their just struggle. He stressed: “We will continue to lend every kind of diplomatic and moral support and will stand by them every step of the way.”Qureshi said that India was puzzled and it  tried to sabotage this conference in the British parliament. He said: “India used every tactic and tried to get the conference cancelled. I was told to cancel the visit for sometime and then come at another time. This conference is important because representatives of of all parties are in attendance. PMLN, MQM, PTI were all present and I am thankful to them for their support offered by all parties. All parties have shown that we stand together and there is no politics over Kashmir.”PMLN Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed told the conference that all Pakistan has one voice on the issue of Kashmir and there is no division. “Kashmir is the only conflict on the UN agenda whose resolution was agreed by both parties. There’s highest soldiers’ occupation ratio, one Indian soldier for 4-5 Kashmiris. India is using rape as an instrument of war, kids are being killed. I pay tribute to Burhan Wani and other youth who have resisted the tyranny of terror. There are winds of change all across in Asia, from Korea to Kartarpur to Kabul and Kashmir is swayed by a strong desire for change. The UN resolutions make it clear that its UN responsibility because this issue is linked with the issue of peace. Kashmir was shut down as Modi visited valley. Not a single person welcomed him when he reached valley.” PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said the conference is a strong show of support for Kashmiris in the occupied valley.“Over the time we have seen three generations of Kahsmiris under a reign of unchecked terror. Sadly the world conscience has not spoken up enough to end this impunity. Our FM spoke of mass graves and terror and that shows terrible despair and true reality in Kashmir. The issue of Kashmir crosses party line.”She went on to say Benazir Bhutto Shaheed made 5th February as Kashmir Martyrs Day. “We are here to show our diplomatic support to Kashmiris and there is no military solution to the Kashmir conflict, adding that peace is future. India and Pakistan must begin talks and resolve all issues through dialogue,” said Sherry Rehman. Baroness Sayeeda Warsi said that successive UK governments have sidestepped the issue of Kashmir. “Sexual violence in Kashmir as a tool of war is most horrific. India is failing to fulfill its responsibility.Debbie Abrahams
Labour MP and shadow foreign minister Debbie Abrahams said we need to wake up international community to take interest in the issue of Kashmir and their right of self determination.India is a member of the commonwealth and by its rule should respect human rights, he said and added that India, UK and Pakistan can come together as commonwealth countries and hold India to standards of commonwealth, he said.Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake said “there is unanimity of view that human rights should be protected and that there is no military conflict.”He added “There is a special role for the UK government in terms of the historic role that it has to play.”Labour MP Sharron Debbie
Labour MP Sharron Debbie from Birmingham said united in our sheer horror on what’s happening in Kashmir. Peace can never be achieved by violent means. Kashmir has become a horror story.EX prime minister of Norway
EX prime minister of Norway Mr Kjell Magne Bondevick said Kashmir is the longest lasting conflict. People are suffering, adding that huge abuses have created refugee problem.He added it’s difficult to get attention as Yemen and Syria conflicts going on. “I visited Kashmir and was horrified to see the humanitarian situation. The only sustainable solution is political.”India is a member of the commonwealth and by its rule should respect human rights, he said and added that India, UK and Pakistan can come together as commonwealth countries and hold India to standards of commonwealth, he said.

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Pakistan weather forecast: Tuesday 05-02-2019http://news

Widespread rain thunderstorm is expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat divisions), northeast Punjab (Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore divisions), Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, while at scattered places in Quetta, Kalat, Zhob, Makran, Bannu, D.I. Khan, Sargodha and Multan divisions, according to the Met Office. Snowfall over hills is also expected in Malakand division (Swat, Chitral, Kalam, Malamjabba & upper Dir), Hazara, Quetta divisions, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during the period.Weather Forecast for Monday (night) Cloudy weather conditions are expected in most parts of the country. However, rain (with snowfall over the hills) is expected at scattered places in Balochistan (Quetta, Kalat, Zhob divisions), while at isolated places in Malakand, Kohat, Makran divisions, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

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Kashmir conference held in British Parliamenthttp://news

London: All parties parliamentary group on Pakistan held international conference on Kashmir in the British parliament on the eve of Kashmir Solidarity DayThe Kashmir conference was attended by all parties from Pakistan and UK. More than three dozen were MPs in attendance including AJK President and opposition leaders. Dozens of Kashmiris representative groups also attended one of the biggest conference on Kashmir ever in UK parliament.Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan’s foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said its encouraging to see such a large support for Kashmir cause in UK by all parties Parliamentary group on Pakistan. He said “Worst human rights abuses being perpetrated by India just because Kashmiris want right of self determination.”The minister said we are here to express support to Kashmiris and all those who love freedom despite oppression by India. “Humanity is bleeding in Kashmir, people are distressed, life is extremely difficult with each passing day. Rape, murder and killings and grievous injuries are daily occurrences.”He assured Kashmiris they are not alone in their just struggle, “we will continue to lend every kind of diplomatic and moral support and will stand by them every step of the way.”

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PM Imran Khan chairs Economic Advisory Council meetinghttp://news

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday chaired a meeting of Economic Advisory Council to deliberate upon the country’s economic situation, the future strategy and the steps taken so far by the government for the stability and revival of economy.Minister for Finance Asad Umar apprised the meeting about the positive economic indicators observed during the month of January and other steps like digitalization of the economy and strengthening of the debt management office etc.Economic digitalization would be helpful in the promotion and development of the financial inclusion, E-commerce market and small and medium industry, the meeting was further briefed.The prominent economic experts also presented different proposals for strengthening of the country’s economy.The meeting was attended by Minister for Finance Asad Umar, Minister for Planning and Development Khusro Bakhtiar, Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, provincial finance ministers Hashim Jawan Bakht and Taimur Khan, advisor to PM Dr Ishrat Hussain, Governor State Bank Tariq Bajwa, Dr Ishfaq Hassan, Dr Ijaz Nabi (on telephone) Dr Abid Sulehri, Dr Naveed Hamid, Syed Salim Raza and others.

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Bilawal Bhutto says PPP and struggle of Kashmiris two sides of a coinhttp://news

KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the Kashmir Valley is a symbol of Heaven on Earth planet, which the Indian forces have bathed in blood of Kashmiri youth, men, women and even children.The freedom movement of Indian occupied Kashmir is nearing a success and the Indian occupation would soon die once and for all.He said that his grandfather Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s speech at the UNGA is the landmark spoken document on Kashmir. He had rejected India’s claim on Kashmir as integrated part of India and that is the best position he took and is based on reality. PPP has this position even today and would adhere to that position until the occupied Kashmir is freed from Indian yoke.Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the people of Pakistan commemorate the Kashmir Day on February 5 each year and it is a candid clear message to the Indian government and its tyrant forces that Pakistan and Kashmir are not two but one as they are chained in one religion, culture and traditions.The PPP Chairman said that the UN should now act on its own resolution on Kashmir as political workers and intellectuals in India are also accepting today that Kashmir is a disputed territory and India could not sustain its occupation on Kashmir for longer time.Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that PPP and Kashmiris struggle are two sides of a coin and the party would keep supporting the Kashmir cause at every national and international foras.“No power on earth could hold India longer with its tyrant occupation of Kashmir Valley and soon the occupied valley of Kashmir would enjoy freedom as per the aspirations of its people”, vowed the PPP Chairman.

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ECC directs for devising a roadmap for provision of electricity/gas to all industrial estateshttp://news

Islamabad: Finance Minister Asad Umar chaired meeting of Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) here on Monday.Chairman Board of Investment (BoI) gave a detailed presentation to the ECC on development of SEZs in the country and related issues. ECC decided that BOI will reduce the time frame for approval of SEZ applications from 90 days to 45 days. Further, it will propose certain changes in SEZ Act to make it more investor friendly. It was also decided that SEZs of Islamabad and Bostan will be included in the list of priority SEZs under CPEC. ECC also asked BoI to revisit the requirements for setting up of tourism, IT and health related entities within SEZs. ECC directed Petroleum and Power Divisions to devise a road map, within 30 days, for provision of electricity/gas to all industrial estates. ECC, in consideration of a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Industries and Production, (MOIP) accorded approval for provision of funds to the tune of Rs. 833 million to Pakistan Machine Tool Factory (PMTF) for payment of employees’ salaries and retirement benefits.

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Sindh faces a shortfall of Rs104 bn in fed transfers, says Muradhttp://news

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the provincial government has witnessed a shortfall of Rs104 billion in the federal transfers this year.This declining trend is bound to affect our cash flow and development endeavor, this he said on Monday while talking to media just after attending National Community Convention organized by HANDS at Gadap.To a question, the chief minister said that this year the federal government has transferred Rs104 billion less than the share of the provincial government. “last year the federal government had transferred Rs266 billion during the first seven month and this year they have transferred only Rs256,” he surprised saying that in the history of Pakistan it was for the first time that the federal transfers have been come down than the previous year.Shah said that last year in January 2018 the federal government had transferred Rs56 billion and this year [in January] they have transferred only Rs38 billion, he said and added this declining trend was dangerous and would affect our commitments, cash flow and development portfolio badly. “I was moving fast on the development of the province but looking at the federal transfers trend I have stopped development endeavor,” he deplored. The chief minister said he had heard that the federal government that has badly failed to achieve its revenue collection targets was now planning to take away provincial government’s authority of collecting agriculture, GST on goods and other taxes. Mr Shah said that the provincial government during the track record of last five years has shown a 22 percent increase in its revenue collections annually while the federal government could only show eight percent increase. “Instead of appreciating and giving rewards to the provincial government the federal government was planning to take away the power of the provincial government of collecting taxes falling under its domain,” he said. “If the powers of collection of all the taxes go under the command of the federal government what will happen with national and provincial exchequers can only be imagined,” he said.The chief minister said that the provincial government can collect taxes in a better way than the federal government because the provincial governments were close to the consumers. “I am of the opinion that power of collection of sales tax should be given to the provinces completely,” he said.Replying to another question, the chief minister said that his government would shortly release arrears of media houses with the condition to give outstanding salaries to their employees. He added that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during his visit to Karachi Press Club last week had assured the newsmen that he work hard to resolve their issues of unemployment, retrenchment and the issues of freedom of expression and speech which he had termed his problems. Earlier addressing the National Community Convention, the chief minister said that his government would support HANDS chief Dr Ghaffar Billo to establish a Nursing Institute. “We would support you in giving you charter for establishing the institute and would strengthen you financially,” he said. Mr Shah appreciated the HANDS for its health services. “We [Sindh govt] are partner with you in providing health services in the province and I am sure our partnership will flourish with further expansion,” he said. The chief minister said that the Sindh government was the pioneer of Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode and his government had started PPP in road sector and then expanded it to education, health and now in energy sector. The chief minister appreciated HNADS for mobilizing communities and generating community leaders to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 2030.He distributed awards among the best mobilsiers and also visited different stall set up by different district units of HNADS at the convention. NFC AWARD MEETING: This morning the chief minister chaired a meeting to firm up provincial government recommendations for the 8th NFC Award. He reiterated his stance that the federal government should hand over the powers of GST collection to the provinces.

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?Guiding principles of PMLN and PPP?: Naeem-ul-Haq mocks opposition partieshttp://news

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister, Naeem-ul-Haq has said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan People Party have complete subservience to party leaders, their children and grandchildren.Naeem-ul-Haq took to Twitter mocking the two parties with ‘Guiding principles of PMLN and PPP,’ caption.“Complete subservience to party leaders their children and grandchildren, belief that party leadership will always be with the Sharif and Bhutto/Zardari families and Belief that these families have the right to loot national wealth forever,” he tweeted.

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Watch: Polio worker trudges through heavy snow to vaccinate childrenhttp://news

PM’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication Babar Atta shared another video of a brave health worker who can be seen trudging through waist-deep snow in Swat to vaccinate children.Taking to Twitter, Atta said that this was in continuation of Irfanullah’s video which went viral on social media last week, winning hearts of millions of people. Irfanullah and his team were invited to Prime Minister House two days later.Taking to Twitter, Babar Atta wrote: “Irfanullah (Polio Worker from Swat) shared this video with me, this is a continuation of the popular video in which IrfanUllah's friend Mumtaz Ali can be seen reaching a snow bound house in Bahrain to vaccinate children.”

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Pakistan Banao Certificates: Government to hold roadshows in targeted countrieshttp://news

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan, in a bid to bring direct investment home to strengthen country’s foreign reserves, will kick off roadshows in various countries within a couple of weeks.“The campaign, to be initiated from Great Britain will also cover Europe and Gulf countries, is aimed at convincing overseas Pakistanis buy ‘Pakistan Banao Certificates’, (PBC) which is a US dollar denominated retail instrument for expats offering attractive incentives,” said Special Assistant to PM on Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfikar Bukhari in an exclusive chat with APP.The overseas Pakistanis having foreign bank accounts can encash these certificates in dollars/rupees anytime but redemption in dollar before first year will levy its one per cent, he said.Moreover, it will be exempted from withholding tax and deduction of Zakat.This was a great investment opportunity for Overseas Pakistanis which would be available at 6.25 to 6.75 per cent interest rate per annum on 5,000 US dollars denomination without upper limit having three and five years maturity time respectively.The opportunity was being offered by Pakistan only across the globe, he claimed.“I will be travelling to United Kingdom by February, 6 to formally launch promotional campaign and then move to United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other countries to sensitize Pakistani Diaspora about its benefits to them and their country" Zulfikar informed.Another campaign ''Return in Rupee'' was also on the cards to create awareness session to request expats for redeeming the bond in Pakistani rupee as Prime Minister Imran Khan had himself appealed them to strengthen Pakistani rupee.He said other federal ministers would also be educating the potential OPs during their foreign visits about advantages of the certificate to directly engage them to make Pakistan a progressive state.The economic friendly initiative is first of its kind which allows an individual to make investments unlike the two other bonds namely Sakuk and Euro-bond issued by the previous regime in the last five years.Highlighting its difference from previous two bonds, he said, for those bonds, the customer had to produce KYC documents- particulars to prove identity/addresses- which made their processes complicated but in this case, the applicant could buy it online by fulfilling the condition of NICOP and valid documentation.He also stressed the need for opening up this instrument further for hedge and pension funds to attract more foreign investment.To a query, Bukhari said though the foreign offices did not fall under his jurisdiction but he would mobilize relevant departments to issue necessary directions to their missions abroad.Special Assistant to PM on Media Affairs Iftikhar Durrani terming the Overseas Pakistan backbone of the country’s economy said this the initiative was a first step of the incumbent government which was successfully achieved, adding that there were more plans in the making to offer them incentives.He said they were also working out different initiatives and said remittances through legal means was the government’s main focus as over 15 billion US dollar were being landed in Pakistan through Hawala-Hundi.The official sources said that Pakistan Banao Certificate rule, 2018 promulgated to float the certificate a couple of months back by the economic team before competent authorities and it was decided to promote it through different channels including advertisement, road shows, awareness sessions and others.They said it may also be make compulsory for interested private bank to promote this initiative through different ways.

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Maryam Nawaz shares health update on Nawaz Sharifhttp://news

LAHORE: Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been taken for further tests and evaluation, his daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif said on Monday.Maryam shared the updates about her father’s health in a message on Twitter. Maryam Nawaz said that doctors looked worried as Nawaz Sharif was taken for tests. “May Allah bless him long life and good health. Ameen,” she said, thanking her followers for the prayers. “MNS has been taken for further tests & evaluations. Just saw him off. Drs looked worried. May Allah bless him with long life & good health. Ameen. Thank you all for your prayers.”The former three-time premier was taken to Services Hospital from Kot Lakhpat jail on the recommendations of a medical board. Nawaz Sharif has been serving seven-year jail term at Kot Lakhpat jail over his conviction in Al-Azizia Steel Mills case.

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Dividend of improved security must reach out to people of Pakistan: COAS Gen. Bajwahttp://news

Rawalpindi: Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that while safeguarding borders and carrying out operation Radd ul Fassad, concurrent focus is now to be on strategising and implementing comprehensive national response against machinations by hostile intelligence agencies/ inimical forces to undo the National gains for peace and stability.The dividends of improved internal security situation must reach out to people of Pakistan through socioeconomic development, said the Army Chief while chairing 218th Corps Commanders’ Conference.Inter Services Public Relations said the Army top brass reviewed geo-strategic environment and internal security situation.The forum expressed satisfaction on improved security situation and progress on the regional peace initiative especially Afghan reconciliation process.They also discussed situation along the Line of Control and Working Boundary with reference to continued ceasefire violations and Indian atrocities against innocent Kashmiris.The Commanders’ Conference also reviewed state of preparedness along LoC, Working Boundary and Eastern Borders to thwart any misadventure from across.The forum also expressed solidarity with resilient Kahmiri brethren on the eve of Kashmir Day. 

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PPP has no intention to oust PTI govt: Khursheed Shahhttp://news

Senior PPP leader Khursheed Shah said on Monday dispelled the impression that his party wanted to oust Imran Khan government from power. Speaking to media persons, Shah that PPP had no intention to overthrow the government.“Pakistan’s well-being lies in continuation of  democracy. The country has suffered a lot due to democracy being derailed,” h esaid. To a question, he said that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif would be granted bail on medial ground. Nawaz Sharif was acquitted in a case in which he should have been convicted and sentenced in the case he should have been acquitted, he opined.When asked about Sheikh Rasheed, the PPP leader said no one takes the railways minister seriously.

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Air chief urges foreign skiers to portray true picture of Pakistanhttp://news

ISLAMABAD: Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan urged the foreign players to act as the ambassadors of Pakistan and portray the true picture of this land of wonders in their respective countries.He was addressing the prize distribution ceremony of 3rd Serena Hotels-CAS Karakoram International Alpine Ski Cup, 3rd Malam Jabba International Alpine Ski Cup and 26th National Ski Championship in Islamabad.ACM Mujahid Anwar Khan, who is also the Patron-in-Chief of Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan, was the chief guest of the ceremony which was also attended Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan, Muhammad Atif Khan, Minister for Tourism KPK, Aziz Bolani, CEO Serena Hotels, ambassadors, high ranking defence and civil officials along with 40 foreign athletes and officials from 12 countries.Speaking at the occasion, the air chief thanked the international players for their participation in these events and hoped that they would take along cherished memories of Pakistan’s magnificent beauty and traditional hospitality.Acknowledging the sincere contributions of Serena Hotels in the promotion of Winter Sports in the country, he invited the corporate sector to sponsor young and talented players in this exciting sport.He further said that Pakistan Air Force has chalked out a comprehensive plan to promote Winter Sports in the snowy mountains of Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.The air chief also lauded the efforts of Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan in the promotion of winter sports in the country and added that it would not only help in finding new talent but also promote tourism industry in the country. The chief guest awarded medals and cash prizes to the winning players. Ukrainians carried the day as Levko TSIBELENKO won 01 gold and 03 silver medals, while his countryman Andriy MARIICHYN won 01 gold and 03 bronze medals in the Slalom and Giant Slalom categories of both International events.The Giant Slalom category was dominated by Usta Berkin from Turkey, who clinched both gold medals in the races.Pakistani Olympian, Muhammad Karim won 01 silver and 01 bronze medal in the Slalom category. In the women events, Ukrainian duo, Tetyana Tikun with 03 golds & 01 silver whereas Anastasia Gorbunova with 01 gold and 03 silver medals remained unassailable in both categories. Pakistani skier Umama Wali also performed well in the women events and ended on the podium with 03 bronze medals while her compatriot Gia Ali could win 01 bronze medal in the Slalom event. Meanwhile, at the national level the coveted trophy for 26th National Ski Championship was awarded to PAF.

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PM Imran Khan launches Sehat Card Scheme in Islamabadhttp://news

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan launched on Monday the first phase of Sehat Card Scheme in an inauguration ceremony at the federal capital.During the launch he stated that whenever there is an illness in a household, the budget gets immensely disturbed and through the service poor households will get a protection.Moreover, the premier revealed that the health card service had initially been launched in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.PM Khan also revealed that the card will get distributed to families in the tribal areas as well.  "We will soon introduce a unified poverty alleviation programme which will be the first of its kind and include a number of organisation under its umbrella," he stated. The Health Ministry and State Life on January 30, signed a contract for facilitating health cards to over 15 million families for execution of Sehat Sahulat Program (SSP) all over the country with services worth over Rs720,000.

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Nawaz?s medical reports normalhttp://news

LAHORE: All the medical test of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif conducted at Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore were declared normal on Monday.Earlier, his Trop I test done at Jinnah Hospital was reported positive.However, the same test conducted here at the SIMS was negative meaning he did not suffer heart attack as earlier claimed by media.Reports from the hospital quoting health experts suggest that other tests including ECG and Uric Acid were also normal.Principal Services Hospital Professor Mehmood Ayaz said that today cardiologists would examine the PML-N supremo.He rebuffed news reports claiming that the former PM might be taken abroad for treatment. No such proposal was ever discussed, he said.The former prime minister was on Saturday shifted to the hospital amid high security after the Punjab Home Department approved a medical board's recommendation to shift him from the Kot Lakhpat Jail to the hospital for medical examination.

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