Pakistan
Nawaz Sharif’s return and incumbent government
London, the capital of the United Kingdom, has always remained the centre of attraction for Pakistani politicians.
Whether it was Nawaz Sharif, Benazir Bhutto (late) or General Pervez Musharraf remained power, Pakistani politicians especially opposition leaders used to stay in London for one reason or the other. Benazir Bhutto spent most of her time in exile in London. Likewise Nawaz Sharif and family departed for Saudi Arabia and then Britain after 1999 military quo.
Nawaz Sharif was sent to jail in the light of a court’s decision soon after the PTI government was formed in 2018. Upon being ill in the jail Nawaz was shifted to the Lahore’s Services Hospital. The statements both from the government and PML-N leaders sent an alert that the former prime minister’s life was in danger if he was not airlifted to outside Pakistan. A dedicated team of doctors and Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rasihd kept briefing media about the health condition of Nawaz on regular basis.
In November 2019, Nawaz was finally airlifted to London by younger brother Mian Shehbaz Sharif and Dr Adnan (Nawaz’s doctor) with the approval of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Shehbaz signed the guarantee papers that Nawaz would return to Pakistan after his treatment.
A new pandora box of allegations engulfed Pakistani politics soon after the departure of Nawaz. The government though failed to stop Nawaz from going abroad for treatment, but the sitting ministers began their political commentaries to “target illness” of Nawaz. PM Imran Khan was also seen declaring Nawaz a “liar and absconder” in his public meetings and media talks. Nawaz was alleged to have flown abroad with fictitious medical reports.
If Nawaz Sharif flew abroad while befooling the government of Sardar Usman Buzdar, the health minister and the entire government and health machinery, the prime minister should be held responsible for it. The government then vowed to bring the former prime minister and court absconder Nawaz Sharif back to the country. The letters written to the British government by the prime minister’s office for the purpose also proved a futile exercise.
Then another news came from London recently that the application of extension in visa of Nawaz had been rejected. Though his (Nawaz) visa was still declared legal, Nawaz moved an appeal against the decision of the British Home Office. According to British legal experts, the decision about the appeal could take up to two-year time. Nawaz Sharif will have an option to move to the London High Court if his appeal is rejected even by the Immigration Tribunal.
According to law and immigration experts, Nawaz is not bound to travel back home even after the refusal of his visa extension. The legal matters take even years to decide. The news of visa extension refusal has created a stir in the political circles of the country and it appears the government ministers and advisers have got another opportunity to grill Nawaz Sharif.
Federal Minister Fawad Ch commented that Nawaz had obtained visa while lying as he is not ill. He advised the PML-N stalwart to get temporary visa from the Pakistani embassy and face legal cases on his return. Nawaz’s free movement in London reflects “he is perfectly alright”. “Nawaz could face punishment even in the UK if he makes lies to get extension in his visa.”
According to state minister Farrukh Habib, Nawaz Sharif is now an absconder with the expired passport. He should come forward and face cases against him. “It’s shame on a former prime minister who is absconder. He should come back and face imprisonment.”
On the other hand, PML-N President Mian Shehbaz Sharif has said the ongoing politics on three-time premier of Pakistan is a senseless and inhuman attitude. An appeal has been filed keeping in view the legal requirements and that Nawaz could stay in London till the decision. It was the government’s decision to shift Nawaz to London as his treatment was not possible in Pakistan. He will return to Pakistan on his doctors’ advice.
If everyone recall, the same hue and cry was raised when Nawaz’s passport was cancelled by the federal government, but the matter died down as there is no agreement between Pakistan and the UK regarding exchange of prisoners. A joint draft was prepared for mutual exchange of prisoners later, but no consensus reached on its implementation.
Then premier Imran Khan had announced that he would demand the return of Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan during his visit to the UK and meeting with his counterpart. But no official invitation has been received so far by the PM’s office.
The politics of a politician is always in danger when he or she starts following the moves of opponents instead of own strategy. But Nawaz Sharif knows the situation very well. He understands well that his return is like a trump card that he would play on his own conditions rather his opponents’. The most suitable time for his (Nawaz) return is when atmosphere for elections will be ripe in Pakistan. Nawaz could achieve maximum political gains in the same time period and could settle matters with the establishment in a better way!
Pakistan
Security forces kill seven terrorists in North Waziristan
The Inter-Services Public Relations says the movement of a group of seven terrorists, trying to infiltrate Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was detected by security forces in North Waziristan.
Rawalpindi: The security forces on Wednesday killed all seven terrorists, who were trying to infiltrate Pakistan-Afghanistan border today.
According to ISPR, movement of a group of seven terrorists, trying to infiltrate Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was detected by security forces in North Waziristan.
The infiltrators were surrounded, effectively engaged and after an intense fire exchange, all seven territories were sent to hell.
A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the killed terrorists.
Pakistan has consistently been asking Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border.
Interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.
Security forces of Pakistan are determined and remain committed to securing its borders and eliminating the menace of terrorism from the country.
Entertainment
Mehwish Hayat teams up with Yo Yo Honey Singh for new song
The video was yet to be filmed, and it would take a few more months for it to be completed.
Karachi: Famous Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat revealed details about her song with Indian singer and rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh.
During an interview discussing her new project, Mehwish Hayat mentioned that discussions about releasing a joint song with her and Honey Singh had been ongoing for quite some time, but sometimes she would get busy, and other times Honey Singh would.
She mentioned that she has sung alongside Honey Singh and they have recorded the song, but only the audio has been recorded so far. The video was yet to be filmed, and it would take a few more months for it to be completed.
Mehwish stated that the song would be released only after the video is completed, and fans will have to wait a few more months. However, Mehwish Hayat did not clarify whether she would be flaunting her talents in the video or not.
Sports
Pakistan and West Indies ODI series commences tomorrow
To facilitate fans, the entrance to the stadium is free and spectators can enjoy the game from the Javed Miandad Enclosure.
Karachi: Pakistan women’s team will aim to earn maximum points in the upcoming ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 fixture against the West Indies when the three-ODI series will commence here at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday. The second and third ODI will be played on 21 and 23 April, respectively.
Nida Dar will captain fifth-ranked Pakistan (16 points), while Hayley Matthews will skipper the ninth-ranked West Indies (eight points). The matches on Thursday and Sunday will start at 0930 local time, while Tuesday’s game will start at 3.30pm.
The series will be broadcast live on A Sports HD and Geo Super, and will also be live-streamed on ARY ZAP, Tamasha and Tapmad across the country. To facilitate fans, the entrance to the stadium is free and spectators can enjoy the game from the Javed Miandad Enclosure.
Nida Dar, captain Pakistan women’s team:
“We have worked really hard for the upcoming series, knowing the significance it holds for our journey for direct qualification to the ICC Women's World Cup. The training camp before the series was intense, and our coaches left no stone unturned in refining our skills and strengthening our fitness levels.
“West Indies may have a good track record against us in ODIs, but we have been playing some excellent cricket lately, and we are eager to continue that trend in the upcoming series. Our goal is to build on our recent successes and deliver strong performances against a tough opponent.”
Hayley Matthews, captain West Indies women’s team:
“Pakistan are a dangerous opponent, especially on their home turf. They have a talented squad capable of turning the game around at any moment. We are up for the challenge, and we are determined to execute our game plan to come out on top.
“The one-week training camp in Dubai provided us with the perfect platform to refine our skills ahead of the all-important ICC Women’s Championship matches against Pakistan. As we have arrived in Karachi and had a good couple of sessions, our focus now shifts to adapting to the local conditions to do well in the series.”
Australia’s Claire Polosak will be the on-field umpire in all the three ODIs and five T20Is. For the ODIs, she will be joined by Abdul Moqeet, Imran Jawed and Nasir Hussain for the on-field umpiring duties, while Saleema Imtiaz and Humairah Farah will be the reserve umpires for the ODI series.
The three ODIs will be followed by five T20Is from 26 April to 3 May.
Squads:
Pakistan (ODIs only): Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar
West Indies - Hayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Chedean Nation, Cherry Ann Fraser, Chinelle Henry, Jannillea Glasgow, Karishma Ramharack, Kate Wilmott, Qiana Joseph, Rashada Williams, Shamilia Connell, Stafanie Taylor and Zaida James
Series schedule (ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25, all matches at National Bank Stadium):
18 April – First ODI (0930am local time)
21 April – Second ODI (0930am local time)
23 April – Third ODI (1530 local time)
-
Regional 2 days ago
SC discards plea to cancel allotment in Bahawalpur
-
Pakistan 2 days ago
Punjab CM Maryam seeks comprehensive development plan for Murree
-
Pakistan 1 day ago
Deliberations underway to change Governor Sindh
-
Pakistan 1 day ago
LHC disposes of appeal of Imran Khan's security in jail
-
Pakistan 2 days ago
Imran Khan's interim bail extended in three cases
-
Pakistan 12 hours ago
Court postpones hearing on May 7 on Toshakhana reference
-
Pakistan 1 day ago
PM Shehbaz Sharif meets Saudi Foreign Minister
-
Pakistan 1 day ago
Cypher Case: Hearing on appeals against Imran, Shah sentence today