Veena Malik, Harbhajan Singh spar on Twitter over PM Imran Khan’s UN speech

Pakistani TV host Veena Malik has bashed former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh’s tweet criticising PM Imran Khan’s speech at UNGA that highlighted the Kashmir issue.

Singh pointed out the use of words like ‘bloodbath’ and ‘fight to the end’ in PM Khan’s speech and said it will only increase hatred between the two nations. “As a fellow sportsperson I expect him to promote peace,” he wrote.

Here is the post by former Indian cricket player:

Responding to Harbhajan’s taunting tweet, Veena Malik wrote that “He talked about the reality and the horror that will surely occur when the curfew is lifted and sadly there’s gonna be a bloodbath. He clearly states that it’s not a threat but a fear,” the actress continued and asked, “Don’t you understand English?”.

Here is Veena Malik’s response:

Responding to the actress, the Indian off-spinner criticized Veena’s English. “What do u mean by surly? Oh is it surely ?? chill pill next time try and read before u put something in English,” Harbhajan tweeted.

The prime minister’s historic speech at the 74th UN General Assembly 2019 on September 27 bringing the world’s attention to the atrocities carried out by India in occupied Kashmir has been lauded by many people.

A curfew has been imposed in the valley for more than two months.

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Trump strips India of special trade status

As part of its ongoing protectionist moves, the administration of US President Donald Trump has announced that it would no longer allow India to have special trade status.

The White House will cut off special treatment of India, which is currently exempt from billions in tariffs, on June 5, The New York Times reported Saturday.

The notice of the change asserted that India did not allow the U.S. “equitable and reasonable access to its markets.”
The administration will also tax Indian solar panels and washers, according to The Times, halting an exemption that India and other countries obtained.

A statement from India’s Ministry of Commerce called the development “unfortunate,” saying that the country tried to offer the U.S. ways to move forward.

“India as part of our bilateral trade discussions, had offered resolution on significant US requests in an effort to find a mutually acceptable way forward,” it said. “It is unfortunate that this did not find acceptance by the US.”

The U.S. and India have been in disagreement over trade for months, particularly over Indian protectionism and U.S. attempts to prevent the country from buying Iranian oil, according to The Times.

Outside of trade, President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared to have a positive relationship, with Trump congratulating Modi last week on his election victory.

The move comes as the Trump administration escalated its efforts on trade this week by threatening to impose tariffs on all goods from Mexico, another U.S. ally, unless the country works to curb illegal immigration into the U.S.

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'‘kidnapped'’ in Islamabad Retired brigadier of Pakistan Army

Police registered FIR on the complaint of Brigadier (retd) Rizwan Ali's son

 A senior retired official of Pakistan Army was allegedly kidnapped from Sector G-10, an area in the capital city.

A son of Brigadier (retd) Raja Rizwan Ali filed a complaint with Ramna police station about the alleged abduction of his father. Police have registered a case under section 365 of the PPC and started investigation into the matter, Express news reported.

According to the complainant, his father went to Street 17 of sector G-10 to take tea along with his driver on October 10 but he did not came back. “I received news about missing of his father from driver on mobile phone,” he added.

The son of the former army official said that they earlier tried to find the father but all in vein, adding that the cell phone of Brigadier Rizwan is also switched off.

He feared that his father has been kidnapped by unknown person, on which, the police registered an First Investigation Report.

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Pakistan shares assessment/feedback from the IoK with Chinese leadership

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan shared its assessment and feedback from the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK) with the Chinese leadership.

While talking to the media at Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said both the sides also discussed the Afghan peace process.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said China, Russia and other regional countries want peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and the development in the region for which Pakistan is playing its role.

The foreign minister said the Chinese leadership had been taken into confidence on all the issues.

Regarding facilities to the Chinese investors and entrepreneurs, he said the CPEC Authority had been established to provide all facilities to them as early as possible.

The Foreign Minister said an MoU signed between the two countries is related to the development of Gwadar Port and to make it a hub of regional trade and connectivity.

He said under another MoU, to redress water shortage in Gwadar, a desalination plant of 5000 tons of water per day would be set up by China to provide clean water to Gwadar port and the new Gwadar city.

The two countries would enhance cooperation in education sector and in this regard an MoU has been signed with Higher Education Commission for smart classrooms.

Another MoU was inked to improve the lives of disabled people as they will be provided with equipment and chair.

Similarly, both the countries agreed to help each other for narcotics control and China would give equipment to Pakistan for the purpose, the Radio Pakistan reported.

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PM Imran meets China’s President Xi in Beijing

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and discussed issues of bilateral importance.

According to details, in a meeting held at Great Hall of the People, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues.

PM Imran also held bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The meeting revolved primarily around the strengthening of bilateral economic partnership. During the meeting, Pakistan and China, both agreed to strengthen socio-economic ties, along with signing a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

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Solid gold toilet stolen from Britain’s

The 18th-century stately house is home to the 12th duke of Marlborough and his family, and was also the birthplace of British wartime leader Winston Churchill

A gang of thieves on Saturday stole an 18-carat gold toilet from an art exhibition at Britain’s Blenheim Palace, police said – causing flooding to the World Heritage Site.

The fully-functioning piece by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, dubbed “America”, was once displayed at New York’s Guggenheim museum and offered on loan to US President Donald Trump.

A 66-year-old man has been arrested over the theft at the 18th-century stately home in Oxfordshire, where an exhibition of Cattelan works opened on Thursday.

“The offenders broke into the palace overnight and left the scene at about 4.50am (0350 GMT). No-one was injured during the burglary,” local police said.

Detective Inspector Jess Milne said: “The piece of art that has been stolen is a high-value toilet made out of gold that was on display at the palace.

“Due to the toilet being plumbed into the building, this has caused significant damage and flooding.

“We believe a group of offenders used at least two vehicles during the offence.

“The artwork has not been recovered at this time but we are conducting a thorough investigation to find it and bring those responsible to justice.”

Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was closed to the public on Saturday morning due to “an incident”, but it did not give further details.

The palace is home to the 12th duke of Marlborough and his family, and was also the birthplace of British wartime leader Winston Churchill.

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Wireless Earphones Everyone In UAE Is Buying

"Finally an affordable and high quality pair of wireless headphones"

With even the most discerning music lovers rushing to get these new wireless earphones, it's no wonder they're selling out fast. Even with a big increase in production, the manufacturer is struggling to keep up with the demand!

Stunning Sound Clarity
Wireless earphones first became popular in 2016. It changed the way we listen to music. They're simple to use, easy to wear, and serve many functions...

However, wireless earphone technology was in still early stages. User complainted about: poor sound quality, earphones easily falling off, and constantly losing bluetooth connection.

Then suddenly everything changed the past few months, with the introduction of iHeadphones...

Frank, the creator of iHeadphones, tell us all, "I'm a big music fan, but I was tired of wasting money on wireless earphones with terrible sound quality. So after graduating from engineering school, I decided to create my own. I put together a team of sound engineering pros. We spend countless months in development, making some major breakthrough in wireless sound technology and design. Multiple prototypes were tested and rejected, until we created something we knew would change the sound world forever!"

"iHeadphones is going to transform how you listen to music." said iHeadphones team member.

Thanks to their revolutionary integrated wireless technology, iHeadphones users enjoy the best voice and sound quality available on the market.

The unique ergonomic design of these Bluetooth earphones make them super comfortable. They will never fall off, even while climbing, running, or horseback riding!

The twin mode allows iHeadphones users to listen to their own music, their friends' music, or even share theirs with others.

Your iHeadphones earphones come with a staggering 8 hour battary life, and are compatible with both Andriod and iOS mobile phones.

iHeadphones Are High Quality And Cost Effective

Top iHeadphones Features:
✓ Light & Compact

✓ Built-In Noise Canceling Technology

✓ Hi-Res Sound Quality

✓ Charge On The Go

✓ Latest Bluetooth 4.2 Technology

✓ Compatible with All Devices

✓ 8 Hour Battery Life

Do iHeadphones Live Up to its Promises?
Here's some impressive feedback we got on the iHeadphones from our internal staff testing...

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KPK: PTI wins clear majority in KP to form govt, official results show

Imran Khan-led party wins 66 general seats out of 99

KPK: PTI wins clear majority in KP to form govt, official results show

ISLAMABAD > Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will continue to rule the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the first consecutive time as it has bagged clear majority in the General Elections.

According to official results shared by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the Imran Khan-led party has won 66 seats out of total 99 seats. He will also get reserved seats accordingly.

Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal Pakistan (MMAP) has secured 10 seats in the provincial assembly, Awami National Party (ANP) 6, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) 5, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) 4, while six seats has been won by independent candidates.

The results of a seat PK-80 is yet to be announced by the electoral commission, while elections in two constituencies – PK-78 and PK-80 – has been postponed and will be held later.

PTI’s Pervez Khattak ruled the province through coalition government for five years till 2018 after general elections in 2013. In the previous elections, the Imran Khan’s party had won 38 general seats and 10 reserved.

The official results for National Assembly show the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on the top with 110 seats, making it enable to form the new government in the country for the first time.

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PUNJAB: PTI, PMLN in cut throat tiff to form government as ECP reveals official results

PUNJAB: PTI, PMLN in cut throat tiff to form government as ECP reveals official results

LAHORE > The party position for the Punjab Assembly has become clear, two days after  Pakistan concluded its 11th General Elections, with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf clearly in a position to form a government but with a little effort.

According to the statistics released by the Election Commission of Pakistan, the results for as many as 294 seats of the provincial assembly are out with Pakistan Muslim league Nawaz leading the race by securing  127 seats.

The second party in line is Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf which has secured 122 seats of the provincial assembly.

The independent candidates fall third in the race who have gained 29 seats becoming the swing factor in the elections.

Pakistan Muslim League has defeated the opponents on 7 seats of the contest for the provincial assembly with Pakistan Peoples Party garnering 6 seats.

Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Pakistan Muslim League-Functional, Pakistan Awami Raj secured single seat of the assembly that represents over 110 million.

Who can Form the Government?

Although PML-N is leading the race in Punjab, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf can easily form the government in the province primarily due to the fact that the party is all set to form a government in the centre.

As PTI is sure to take over the reins of government at the federal level, the independent candidates must be in an easy position to side with it at the provincial level so as not to have any clash with the centre in five years down the road.

However, the possibility of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz luring in independents cannot be ruled out as the party is well experienced in attracting the all-powerful legislators.

In any case, the independents would be deciding whether to award the government to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf or to go with Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz for another five years, stirring a nail-biting contest in the province.

Any Forward Block?

Another factor, which can altogether change the political landscape is the formation of any forward block. If sizeable legislator (generally over 48) side with any political party, the said party will be able to form a government in Punjab.

Though no sure shot prediction can be made in this regard, a political stroke can be played by the former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan who can become the leader of the forward block and can attract lawmakers from PMLN to pledge allegiance to PTI.

The next week is crucial as PTI and PMLN would be having a cut throat competition in Punjab.

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BALOCHISTAN: BAP-led coalition government expected in Balochistan as ECP uncovers poll results

BALOCHISTAN: BAP-led coalition government expected in Balochistan as ECP uncovers poll results

BAP wins 13 general seats out of 51 while PTI bags 4 seats

Islamabad >  A new political party, comprising disgruntled leaders of PML-N and PML-Q, named Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) is likely to form a coalition government in Balochistan as it has bagged more seats in the 11th General Elections.

According to official results released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the BAP, which was launched in March by former chief minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, won 13 general seats out of 51.

The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal Pakistan bagged 9 seats, Balochistan National Party (BNP) 5, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) 4, BNP-Awami 3, Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) 2, Awami National Party 2, Jamote Qaumi Movement (JQM) 1, Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party 1, Pakistan Muslime League-Nawaz (PML-N) 1 while five independent candidates have bagged victory in the province.

The results for four provincial seats are awaited and election in one constituency has been postponed.

It is expected that the PTI, which is on the top in National Assembly seats, would join hands with the BAP for forming the coalition government.

Fawad Chaudhry, a spokesperson of the PTI, talking to a private news channel on Thursday hinted at sitting on the treasury benches in the Balochistan.

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SINDH: PPP outshines Sindh as ECP unveils official results for provincial assembly

SINDH: PPP outshines Sindh as ECP unveils official results for provincial assembly

Karachi > Pakistan Peoples Party is now in a comfortable position to reform the government in the Sindh province as it has secured majority in the 11th General Elections.

According to the official results revealed by the Election Commission of Pakistan for 128 seats of Sindh Assembly, PPP has secured 74 seats, paving way for the party to rule the province for the third time in a row.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has garnered the second spot in the electoral race with some 22 seats to their name.

The embattled Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan has won 16 seats of the provincial assembly, in some relief to the party which has been under the clouds ever since the party chief made an Anti-Pakistan speech in August 2016.

The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) has secured 11 seats in the elections with Tehreek-e-Labbaik and independent candidates gaining two seats each.

Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), a coalition of religious factions, has failed to impress the public in Sindh as it gained only a single seat.

Looking at the numbers game, it becomes visible that PPP will make a coalition government in the province, paving way for them to rule the province for 15 years in a row.

The most surprising part of the results is the defeat of Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) led by Mustafa Kamal, who made tall claims before the elections and also attracted politicians from MQM and PPP but failed to gain a single seat in the electoral battle.

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China vows to continue work with new govt

BEIJING > Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said after the election process in Pakistan, China would continue to work with the new government to enhance cooperation in different fields.

China vows to continue work with new govt

Replying to question at the regular press conference here on Tuesday, he said, “We are willing to work with the new Pakistani government to continue to consolidate political mutual trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and promote new progress in the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries.”

The question was asked that Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) criticized some projects of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) saying suspected of corruption, what is China’s comment? After the election, how China can promote the relationship with the new government and how to promote the construction of the CPEC?

Geng Shuang replied that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a strategic cooperation framework set by the leaders of the two countries with a view to the long-term development of both countries.

He said that the CPEC played an important role in the economic and social development of Pakistan and the improvement of people’s living standards and received the full support of the Pakistani government and people.

“We believe that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will be steadily advanced in accordance with the consensus reached by China and Pakistan and will not be interfered by other factors,” he added.

Geng mentioned that at present, China-Pakistan’s all-weather strategic partnership has developed very well.

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Around 53,000 observers to monitor July 25 elections

ISLAMABAD > As many as 53,000 international, national, local and media observers will monitor the upcoming general election scheduled to be held on July 25.

Around 53,000 observers to monitor July 25 elections

A European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) comprising around 100 observers is scheduled to monitor the election process.

The mandate of the EUEOM is to observe all aspects of the electoral process and assess the extent to which the elections are in compliance with the laws of Pakistan, as well as with international and regional commitments for democratic elections to which Pakistan is a signatory.

The mission had received accreditation for its long-term observers, allowing for their deployment in the coming days. Soon after the election day, the mission will issue a preliminary statement.

The mission will stay in Pakistan until September to compile a comprehensive final report including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be published approximately two months later.

The main objectives of EU Election Observation are to support the democratic process in partner countries, enhance public confidence in the electoral process and strengthen respect for human rights and rule of law.

Besides this around 400 international observers from various countries will also monitor the election process.

Around 50,000 national, local observers have also been issued accreditation cards to monitor the election process, while 30,000 media personnel across the country will also visit the polling stations to observe the process.

Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) will monitor the election process in 85 per cent of total polling stations to be set up by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for elections.

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Sarfraz Ahmad appealed whloe Nation for Vote 2018 Election

Sarfraz Ahmad appealed whloe Nation for Vote 2018 Election

KARACHI > Sarfraz Ahmed, captain of the national cricket team, has appealed to the whole nation to take part in the election and cast their votes.

According to details, the Pakistan team returned home after Zimbabwe, captain Sarfraz Ahmed reached Karachi and other players will return home today through different flights.

Talking to the media on the airport, Sarfraz Ahmed said that in the semifinal series Pakistan played a big success, we defeated the strong team like Australia, Prakhha Zaman's performance proved to be very good.

People should vote tomorrow and vote in the historic elections, Imran Khan
He commented on national politics and appealed to the nation to take part in the election and use their own opinion.

It is clear that tomorrow 25 July the general elections are being held throughout the country, which is ready and the delivery of military operations in polling stations has been delivered to Belt Paris.

The country's political parties and independent candidates have come to the field to win the national and provincial assemblies, while hundreds of Pakistanis will use their own opinion.

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FIA directed to take action against ‘exploiters’ on social media

ISLAMABAD > Senate Standing Committee on Interior has directed Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take action against those who exploit social media for wrong propaganda, mislead nation and use abusive language against the opponents.

FIA directed to take action against ‘exploiters’ on social media

Chairing a meeting here, Senator Rehman Malik said social media has become a necessity of time and gained importance worldwide.

The meeting was also attended by Senators including Attique Sheikh, Talha Mahmood and Kulsoom Parveen, and officials of Ministry of Interior and FIA, reported the state-run wire service.

The meeting was briefed on measures against spreading objectionable content on social media.

Malik said, “We are not in favour of restricting any media including social media and will not let anyone to do so. Our reservations are on wrongly usage of social media.”

“No one should be allowed to insult someone, he said and added constitution and law of land allow freedom of expression.”

Rehman Malik asked the nation, particularly the youth to positively use social media.

The Committee observed that a character assassination of Senator Talha Mahmood on social media has badly affected his reputation. The campaign against the Senator Talha was totally
wrong and those responsible for this negative activity should be taken to task.

The Committee acknowledged Senator Talha Mahmood and his social welfare activities. The Committee emphasized that negative campaign against any personality or the country should be reported to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The Committee also directed that social media needs to be regulated under the law.

Moreover, the Committee was informed that political personalities like Shehla Raza and Aisha Gulalai were defamed through fake social media accounts.

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Pakistani engineering student designs world’s first voice controlled wheelchair

GOBEE can connect to any smartphone via Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi allowing its user to control it even if they are 100 feet away from the wheelchair

Pakistani engineering student designs world’s first voice controlled wheelchair

LAHORE > A Pakistani engineering student has designed an automated wheelchair – the first of its kind in the world – which is controlled by smartphone and voice command.

Faaiz Arbab, a student of MS electrical engineering at LUMS, has designed ‘GOBEE’ to assist the physically challenged people through smart technologies integrated into the wheelchair.

GOBEE can connect to any smartphone via Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi allowing its user to control it even if they are 100 feet away from the wheelchair.

Additional features of the wheelchair include an anti-rusting and water repellent body with alloy rim wheels combined with a sofa seat that has an anti-sweat technology.

The initial price of the wheelchair is Rs100,000 but the designers hope its price will be reduced when produced on a mass level.

Being the founder of Ayub Yaqoob Engineering Company (AYECo), Faaiz has already started distributing GOBEE in Pakistani market. In future, the product may also be exported after its compliance with International Health Regulations (IHR) of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Arbab has urged the government and state departments to help his team produce this innovative machine on commercially.

GOBEE wheelchair has been awarded best Consumer Product Design Award (2018) by the National Design Awards (NDA).

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‘All is well’ – Pims doctors on Nawaz Sharif’s condition

‘All is well’ – Pims doctors on Nawaz Sharif’s condition

RAWALPINDI> A medical board of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) examined former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s health for the second straight day on Tuesday and declared his medical reports satisfactory. 

The medical board, comprising doctors from the Pims, conducted his echocardiography, ultrasound, and echo tests. His blood pressure and sugar level were also tested.

It said his medical reports turned out to be satisfactory, It would suggest a future plan of action with regard to the health of Nawaz in light of the outcome of his medical tests.

Meanwhile, the former premier has been advised to continue taking medicines related to heart ailment and drink as much water as possible.

The medical board also visited the prison a day earlier to give him a check-up after he was said to be suffering from dehydration and high blood urea.

In the preliminary report compiled after the first checkup, the board decided that Nawaz should be given medical treatment within the confines of Adiala Jail.

President Mamnoon Hussain on Monday expressed concern over reports about the condition of the three-time prime minister and issued directives for provision of all treatment facilities to him.

The president telephoned caretaker Prime Minister retired Justice Nasirul Mulk and directed him to ensure that the three-time premier is provided complete treatment inside the prison.

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Chaudhry Nisar confident ‘none can stop jeep’

TAXILA> Disgruntled PML-N leader and former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday said that he is confident none can stop the “jeep on its path to victory”, ARY News reported.

Chaudhry Nisar confident ‘none can stop jeep’

Addressing an election rally in Taxila, the former interior minister urged people to persuade more and more people to vote for jeep (his electoral symbol) to assure his victory as an independent candidate.

“We will beat all our opponents, not on one seat, but all four seats,” said Nisar.

Nisar criticised all his opponents by saying that even top political parties have not announced any plan to steer the country out of financial crisis.

“Pakistan is at the critical juncture of its history but none of these party heads have any plan to resolve the myriad of problems this country is facing,” said Nisar.

The rally was Nisar’s last as the two-month-long campaign by candidates and political parties for general election will come to an end at midnight tonight.

He repeated his grievances with PML-N by saying that he was asked to apply for party ticket but he refused for he hasn’t done it in past 34 years of his association with the party.

It is pertinent to note here that the former PML-N stalwart Chaudhry Nisar is contesting as an independent candidate on four seats – two National Assembly and two Punjab Assembly seats.

NA-59 (Rawalpindi), NA 63 (Taxila) and Punjab Assembly’s PP-10 and PP-12 will see Nisar contesting polls on ‘jeep’ symbol.

The new constituency of NA-59 comprises areas such as Chakri, Chontra, Saddar Baironi, Adiyala, Rawat and other adjoining areas.

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Nawaz Sharif meets Punjab, KP governors in Adiala prison: sources

RAWALPINDI > Governor Punjab Rafique Rajwana and Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Zafar Iqbal Jhagra have met Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Mian Nawaz Sharif in Adiala jail, sources told ARY News on Monday.

Nawaz Sharif meets Punjab, KP governors in Adiala prison: sources

According to ARY News correspondent, the two governors have used their influence to met the former premier in prison and the meetings have been kept secret.

The governors had reportedly also not taken the jail officials’ permission to meet the former premier who is serving jail time in compliance with a July 6 court verdict in Avenfield case.

Nawaz Sharif was arrested on July 13 along with his daughter, Maryam Nawaz Sharif when the duo returned to the country. The arrest was in compliance with July 6 court order against Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and her husband Captain (retired) Safdar.

The PML-N supreme leader was awarded 10 years in prison, while his daughter Maryam and her spouse Capt. Safdar were handed seven years’ and one year’s prison term, respectively.

Judge Muhammad Bashir ordered forfeiture of their properties in the Avenfield Apartments and Park Lane of London. He imposed a fine of £8 million (approximately Rs1,292m) on the former premier and £2 million (approximately Rs323m) on his daughter.

Besides, three convicts were awarded an additional one-year imprisonment, which will run concurrently for not cooperating with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The PML-N leaders had filed an appeal against conviction in Islamabad High Court (IHC) which issued separate notices to the NAB Tuesday on Nawaz Sharif’s plea to transfer the remaining corruption cases against him to another judge as well as on the Sharif family’s appeals against the Avenfield verdict.

The court dismissed their requests to stay the corruption trial of the remaining references, as well as the Avenfield verdict, till their appeals are decided by the IHC.

Nawaz and family are thus likely to remain in jail until the election as the hearing was adjourned for the last week of July.

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Qatar wins ICJ case against UAE as UN rules blockade violated citizens’ rights

New York > A provisional ruling by the United Nations’ top court has found that measures put in place by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of its boycott against Qatar amount to racial discrimination.

In June 2017, the UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, imposed a land, air and sea blockade against Qatar and severed ties with it, in one of the worst diplomatic disputes in the Gulf in decades.

Last month, Qatar filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the UAE of violating international laws by expelling thousands of Qataris – many of whom have family or own property in the UAE – and closing UAE airspace and seaports to Qatar.

It alleged the boycott violates the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) – including discrimination on the basis of nationality – a treaty signed by both the UAE and Qatar.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt are not signatories of the CERD convention.

ICJ ruling

On Monday, judges at the ICJ ruled that Qatari families affected by the UAE’s measures must be reunited, imposing a measure before The Hague-based court hears in full the discrimination case.

They also said that students should be given the opportunity to complete their studies in the UAE or to retain records of their studies to be able to continue their education elsewhere.

Finally, they ruled Qataris should be allowed access to judicial services in the UAE.

“Many Qataris residing in the UAE appeared to have been forced to leave their place of residence without the possibility of return,” the judges’ ruling said.

“There is an imminent risk that the measures adopted by the UAE could lead to irreparable prejudice to the rights invoked by Qatar.”

Lulwa al-Khater, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, welcomed the ruling.

“This is only the first step on a long road to defend our rights, but at the same time this sends an early strong signal that there will be no tolerance shown to countries that take arbitrary measures against Qataris,” state news agency QNA quoted her as saying.

On June 5, 2017, the four Arab countries cut all diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting “extremism and terrorism” and cosying up to Iran – a regional rival.

Qatar has vehemently denied all allegations.

According to Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee, the blockade has affected about 13,000 people.

The committee recorded 4,105 cases of human rights violations in the last year, including 646 family reunification violations.

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