Islamabad, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman has reassured Pakistan of Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support during a congratulatory phone call to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, highlighting the close and fraternal ties between the two nations.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Crown Prince congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on his re-election and conveyed his best wishes for the well-being of the people of Pakistan and their leadership. In response, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his gratitude for the Crown Prince’s warm greetings and extended his sincere wishes for the health of King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, emphasizing the deep affection and respect held by the Pakistani people for the Saudi leadership.
Prime Minister Sharif also conveyed Ramadan greetings to the Saudi leadership and its people, hoping the holy month would usher in peace and prosperity for Muslims worldwide. He reflected on the enduring, historic, and brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, praising the Kingdom’s consistent support and commitment to Pakistan.
Reiterating his invitation, Prime Minister Sharif expressed eagerness for the Crown Prince’s official visit to Pakistan, promising a warm welcome from the Pakistani people. The Crown Prince appreciated the Prime Minister’s sentiments, further solidifying the bond between the two countries.
Karachi, Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, emphasized that the provinces’ share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award can only be increased as per the constitution. This statement was made during his visit to the Election Commission of Pakistan to submit the Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) nomination papers for the upcoming Senate Election on April 2, 2024.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, when questioned about the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) condition to reduce the provinces’ share in the forthcoming NFC Award, Shah reported hearing such news. However, he clarified that the federal government had informed the IMF that constitutionally settled matters between the federal and provincial governments are beyond negotiation or discussion. He further explained that the 10th NFC award predates the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which assigned more responsibilities to the provinces. Hence, the upcoming NFC Award should reflect these changes. Shah acknowledged the federal government’s perspective but insisted these matters would be addressed at the NFC forum.
Mr. Shah revealed that the PPP had filed nomination papers for nine general seats, three each for women and technocrats, and two for minority seats in the Senate Election. He expressed confidence in his party’s chances to win nearly all these seats, with the final list of candidates to be announced following the scrutiny of the nomination papers.
Addressing the party’s performance and strategies in Senate Elections, Shah pointed out the unique dynamic where assembly members might not always vote in line with their party, reflecting the complexity of political loyalty and strategy. He also noted that, thus far, no other party besides the PPP had filed nomination papers for the women’s, technocrats’, and minorities’ seats, though there was still time for submissions.
On law and order, the Chief Minister highlighted recent police reshuffles aimed at improving the situation in Sindh, underscoring his administration’s commitment to governance and security.
Furthermore, Shah criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for lacking loyalty within its ranks and prioritizing the interests of its leader over national sovereignty. This critique came in the context of PTI’s actions, including correspondence with the IMF that Shah deemed against the country’s sovereignty.
Islamabad, In a violent early morning assault on a security forces’ post in North Waziristan, seven security personnel, including a lieutenant colonel and a captain, were martyred. The attack, which also involved a clearance operation, underscored the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan in combating terrorism within its borders.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the incident occurred in the Mir Ali area when a group of six terrorists launched an attack on a security post. The initial intrusion was thwarted by the troops, but the terrorists escalated the attack by ramming an explosive-laden vehicle into the post and executing multiple suicide bombings. This led to the collapse of part of the building and the martyrdom of five soldiers: Havildar Sabir, Naik Khurshid, Sepoy Nasir, Sepoy Raja, and Sepoy Sajjad. A subsequent clearance operation resulted in the death of all six terrorists, but not before Lieutenant Colonel Syed Kashif Ali and Captain Muhammad Ahmed Badar heroically sacrificed their lives in an intense exchange of fire.
A sanitization operation is currently underway to ensure the area is cleared of any remaining terrorist threats. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has issued a statement reinforcing the armed forces’ determination to eradicate terrorism from Pakistan, highlighting how the sacrifices of these soldiers strengthen their resolve.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have both issued strong condemnations of the terrorist attack. President Zardari expressed his condolences to the families of the martyred soldiers and officers, praying for their peace and patience. He also reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering commitment to fight terrorism. Prime Minister Sharif echoed these sentiments, mourning the loss of the security personnel and emphasizing the nation’s pride in their sacrifice against terrorism.
Further expressions of solidarity and condemnation came from Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar. They paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and officers, denouncing the attack as a cowardly act and reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating the threat of terrorism. The nation, they said, salutes these brave individuals who laid down their lives in defense of their country.