Azerbaijan embassy to organize seminar on independence

Azerbaijan embassy to organize seminar on independence

ISLAMABAD, JAN 14 - The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan and IQRA University are organizing a Seminar titled “From Martyrdom to Independence” in Islamabad on January 17.

The Seminar will be held at IQRA University, Islamabad Campus from 15:00 to 16:30 hours.

The Vice President IQRA University Dr. Mohammad Islam will deliver the opening remarks followed by a short video on the topic.

The former Special Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ex-Ambassador of Pakistan to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Nepal Syed Abrar Hussain, the Chancellors, Iqra National University Obaid Khan, and the Chairman Senate Standing committee and Convener of Pakistan-Azerbaijan Friendship Group in Senate Senator Talha Mahmood will also address the participants.

The Azerbaijan in embassy holds, on regular basis, such seminars and interactions in order to highlight various issues.The Azerbaijan in embassy holds, on regular basis, such seminars and interactions in order to highlight various issues.Besides, the embassy under the aegis of the Hyder Aliey Foundation, also carries out charity and humanitarian work in various parts of Pakistan.

Besides, the embassy under the aegis of the Hyder Aliey Foundation, also carries out charity and humanitarian work in various parts of Pakistan.

While Ambassador of Azerbaijan Ali Alizada will also deliver a speech on the occasion and highlight various aspects of the topic.

Likewise, the embassy every year dedicates full day with persons with disabilities besides distributing sacrificial meat among the needy on every Eid ul Adha.

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Sarfraz and co get whitewashed by South Africa

Sarfraz and co get whitewashed by South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, JAN 14 - Pakistan on Monday lost the third and final Test to South Africa at Johannesburg by 107 runs to suffer the ignominy of being whitewashed by the home side.

In pursuit of their 381-run target, the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side mustered 273 runs in the final innings of the match.

Chasing a target of 381 runs, Pakistan were dismissed for 273 runs with middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq top-scoring with 65 runs.

Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier claimed three wickets each for the home side.

Attention will now shift to a five-match ODI series, which gets underway at St Georges Park in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

The Proteas won the Test series 3-0.

Scores in brief:

South Africa 262 (Markram 90, De Bruyn 49, Faheem 3/57) and 303 (De Kock 129, Amla 71, Shadab 3/41)

Pakistan 185 (Sarfraz 50, Babar 49, Olivier 5/51) and 273(Shafiq 65, Olivier 3/74, Rabada 3/75).

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SC dismisses NAB plea, upholds IHC verdict against Sharifs

SC dismisses NAB plea, upholds IHC verdict against Sharifs

ISLAMABAD, JAN 14 - The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday dismissed National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) plea and upheld the Islamabad High Court (IHC) verdict against deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (retd) Safdar in the Avenfield Reference.

A five member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar comprising Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, Justice Mushir Alam, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Mazhar Alam heard the plea challenging the IHC verdict in the Avenfield case which suspended the sentences of the trio.

During the hearing, Justice Ahmed remarked that, “It is not necessary that an appeal in the top court can undermine a high court verdict,” adding that the bench will look into the merits of the case.

He further asked the NAB prosecutor that on what basis does he expect the court to suspend the IHC verdict.

“Part of the verdict that granted bail was not challenged,” added Justice Ahmed. “Mere high court remarks cant be used as a basis to suspend the awarded sentence.”

Upon hearing this, the NAB prosecutor responded saying, “A bail can only be granted in certain circumstances and the high court did not shed light upon any such circumstance.”

Further on in the hearing, Justice Khosa said, “What is the problem? Has Sharif been acquitted?” To which the NAB lawyer said, “The decision is almost equal to an acquittal.

”

The chief justice added that observations of an interim order does not have an effect on the submitted appeal.

Justice Khosa further asked the NAB prosecutor that how did the high court abuse its power by granting a bail? “One member of the family is behind bars already. 

According to your point of view, the high court verdict is wrong and you want us to commit the same mistake.”

Towards the end of the hearing, CJP Nisar asked the NAB counsel, on what grounds should the apex court suspend the bail. “Rules of granting a bail differ from rules of suspending a bail.”

The Avenfield case

An accountability court on July 6, 2018 sentenced the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo to 10 years in prison and imposed a fine of £8 million after finding him guilty on different charges in the Avenfield properties case. 

Judge Muhammad Bashir also handed out a seven-year imprisonment to Maryam and fined her £2 million whereas her husband Safdar was awarded a one year jail term.

However on Sept 19, the IHC suspended the sentences awarded to Sharif, Maryam and Safdar in the case. A division bench comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb suspended their sentence in a short verdict.

The verdict was announced in light of the petition filed by the trio, seeking suspension of the Avenfield verdict until a final decision is made on their appeals against the sentence.

Later, NAB approached the apex court challenging the IHC verdict releasing Sharif and his family members.

According to the Avenfield Properties reference, Sharif, his brood and his son-in-law had purchased four flats in Park Lane, UK, illegally. 

However, the deposed premier and his family members consistently claimed that the apartments were purchased through legal means.

They were jailed in a case stemming from 2016 Panama Papers revelations which showed that the apartments were purchased through off-shore companies.

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APS attack survivor Ahmad Nawaz awarded points of light award

APS attack survivor Ahmad Nawaz awarded points of light award

ISLAMABAD, JAN 14 - Ahmad Nawaz, who survived the attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar in 2014, has become the third Pakistani to be awarded a Point of Light. He was recognised for his work as an anti-radicalisation youth activist.

Mr Nawaz has addressed thousands of students at various schools in the UK and events organised by the United Nations, encouraging communities to unite and fight extremism together.

British PM Theresa May commented his work in a letter:

“The work that you do to educate young people about extremism and radicalisation is invaluable – and the fact that it comes from your own experience is testament to your incredible personal strength and resolve.

Your recent appointment to the National Counter Extremism Advisory board demonstrates the positive impact of your work. You should feel tremendously proud and I wish you the very best with your continued endeavours.”

Mr Ahmad Nawaz said:

“I am deeply honoured to be recognised as a ‘Point of Light’ by the Prime Minister. It has propelled me to do more of the positive work that I do for the society.

I would like to encourage other young people to do the same in order to have a society free of extremism and violence.”

Ahmad Nawaz is working with the Home Office and has recently been appointed a member of National Counter Extremism Advisory board. 

He is also a winner of the No2H8 Crime Young Upstander Award for his courage and conviction.

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Jeremy Corbyn sets sights on downing street ahead of Brexit vote

Jeremy Corbyn sets sights on downing street ahead of Brexit vote

LONDON, JAN 13 - Jeremy Corbyn has set his sights on taking over Brexit negotiations, confirming he will call a no confidence vote to trigger a general election "soon" if Theresa May's current deal is rejected in parliament.

The Labour leader made the admission as Transport Secretary Chris Grayling denied there was a "void" in government over Brexit.

MPs are due to return to Westminster on Monday - a day before they will vote on whether to pass or reject the prime minister's divorce deal with Brussels.

Mr Corbyn was pressed to name a date for when he would table a no confidence vote but refused to.

He said: "We will table a motion of no confidence in the government at a time of our choosing, but it's going to be soon, don't worry about it."

Senior shadow cabinet ministers have also said it will come soon, with shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon told on Thursday it will be "a matter of days at the most".

Mr Corbyn also suggested he would extend Article 50 if a general election was called and he won the keys to Downing Street.

"Clearly there's only a few weeks between that and the leave date, there would have to be time for those negotiations," he said.

And he hinted at his opposition to another referendum, saying: "My own view is that I'd rather get a negotiated deal now, if we can, to stop the danger of a no-deal exit."

Mr Grayling tried to woo Conservative MPs to back Mrs May's deal, calling it a "sensible compromise".

He told "It's not giving everybody everything what they want, but it was never going to - this was a 52-48 result."

Asked if he had got everything he wanted, the Brexiteer admitted: "Of course not.

"The prime minister herself has said this is not the perfect deal.

"But if you offered me this deal back in 2016 at the time of the referendum and you'd have said instead of staying in the EU you can have this, I'd have said thank you very much."

Mr Grayling also talked down reports of calling in military chiefs to help plan for a no-deal divorce, but admitted some Ministry of Defence staff were being seconded.

He was given a chink of hope by Labour MP John Mann, who also told he was likely to side with the government on Tuesday.

"A day is long time in politics so things can change but as it stands it is likely I will vote for the deal, yes," he said.

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AIOU expedites mailing of books to its students

AIOU expedites mailing of books to its students

ISLAMABAD, JAN 13 - Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has so far dispatched text books to its about six lakh students of Matric, FA, BA, B.Ed (1.5 years) and Postgraduate programs who had registered themselves for Autumn 2018 semester.

Total number of students registered during the semester was seven lakh fifty thousand, which were highest-ever. One semester covers study period of six months.

According to the Director Admissions, the rest of enrolled students will receive the books by end of this month.

The books' mailing process has been expedited as per the instructions of the Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum.

It was being ensured that the students could get the same at the earliest so that they submit their academic assignments within stipulated time-schedule.

The students have been advised to contact their relevant post offices in case of delay in the books’ delivery.

For any relevant information, the students have been advised to contact University’s helpline: 051-111-112-468.

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Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock put South Africa on top

Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock put South Africa on top

JAHANNESBURG: JAN 13 - Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock put South Africa in a commanding position on the third day of the third and final Test against Pakistan at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.

South Africa were 232 for seven at lunch, a lead of 309 on a pitch of occasional unpredictable bounce.

Amla (71) and De Kock (77 not out) shared a sixth wicket partnership of 102 before Amla was caught behind off a ball from Hasan Ali which lifted sharply off a good length. 

He faced 144 balls and hit 14 fours. The pair had come together at 93 for five, when South Africa’s lead was only 170.

While Amla was largely watchful and patient, De Kock batted fluently in reaching his fifty off 49 balls. By lunch he had faced 91 deliveries and hit ten fours.

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