PRESIDENT ALVI DIRECTS CDNS TO REIMBURSE RS 1.2 MILLION TO FEMALE FRAUD VICTIM

President Dr Arif Alvi has directed the Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) to reimburse an amount of Rs 1.2 million with profit to a female citizen whose money was fraudulently withdrawn from her account by issuing a fictitious cheque book and affixing her fake signatures on the withdrawal slip. He also asked CDNS to refer the matter to FIA for proper investigation so that the delinquent officials of CDNS involved in the scam may be brought to book and punished. 

The President issued these directions while deciding on a representation filed by CDNS (the Agency) against the decision of the Wafaqi Mohtasib directing CDNS to refer the matter to FIA for thorough investigation. As per details, Mst Abida Riffat (the complainant) had alleged that she was maintaining a Pensioners Benefit Account with CDNS in Rawalpindi. She found out in 2021 that an amount of Rs 1.2 million had been fraudulently withdrawn from her account in 2019 through another cheque book which was never issued to her. 

She lodged a complaint with CDNS for investigation and recovery of her defrauded amount, but the matter was investigated in a superfluous manner and she was informed that she could not produce any evidence in support of her claim. Feeling aggrieved, she approached the Wafaqi Mohtasib which asked CDNS to investigate the matter through FIA. CDNS then filed a representation with the President against the Mohtasib’s decision. The President in his decision observed that CDNS in its letter dated 28.12.2021 had admitted that Rs 1.2 million were withdrawn from her account through fake transaction on 23.05.2019 by affixing fake signature on withdrawal slip. 

He further noted that during an internal inquiry conducted by CDNS, an officer had given a statement in which he alleged that the disputed amount was fraudulently misappropriated by gunman and the cashier and the Agency had not associated the said officials in the inquiry proceedings. This, he added, depicted that the process of inquiry was not transparent and CDNS was opposing the entrustment of the matter to FIA without any justification. The President concluded that the Wafaqi Mohtasib had rightly observed that the matter of fraudulent withdrawal of amount had not been properly investigated and directed it to refer the matter to FIA. He upheld the Mohtasib’s decision with the direction to CDNS to submit compliance report to Mohtasib within 30 days.

BISP Temporarily Suspends Disbursements Amidst Heatwave

The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has decided to temporarily suspend cash disbursements to beneficiaries on 24th and 25th June 2023, Saturday and Sunday, in response to the ongoing heatwave affecting the country. This decision has been taken in the best interest of protecting precious lives, particularly women and children, from potential harm and inconvenience. The move to close the cash disbursement from the designated campsites comes after careful consideration of recommendations from relevant authorities. Despite the adequate arrangements made by BISP, in coordination with provincial/regional governments and partner banks, it has been determined that the existing measures may not be sufficient to ensure the convenient and safe delivery of funds to the beneficiaries during the heatwave. Cash disbursement on the same campsites will be resumed on Monday 26th June, 2023, and will continue until Wednesday, 28th June, 2023, across the country. The arrangements for disbursements will remain the same as those implemented on Friday, the 23rd June 2023. As of 6 pm today, June 23, over 2.9 million beneficiaries have already been served, with an impressive amount of Rs. 26.12 Billion disbursed from the campsites established nationwide. BISP acknowledges the inconvenience caused by the temporary suspension but remains committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its beneficiaries. The program appreciates the cooperation extended and understanding of all stakeholders during these challenging hours.

Karachi NA-240 by-election: Political clash, one person killed

clash took place between political parties during the by-election polling in NA-240 constituency of Shar-e-Quaid, as a result of which several workers were injured and one was killed. 

The staff of Landhi Polling Station No. 21 fled. Unidentified persons broke the ballot papers. 

After the clash, Rangers started patrolling the area while workers of political parties gathered at different points. 

SP Landhi said that efforts are being made to control the situation and some persons have been arrested on the spot. 

NA-240 seat was vacated due to the death of Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Member National Assembly of MQM Pakistan.

Dua Zahra, Zaheer recovered from Bahawalnagar

Dua Zehra and her husband Zaheer are now in police coustody the 14 years old missing girl has been recovered from Bahawalnagar, punjab along with her husband .

While hiding, they did not use cell phones and kept changing their location. Making their capture all the more difficult, they changed two houses in Lahore and moved around in Mansehra as well.

Dua's father has not been allowed to meet her as yet as she will be presented in court first on 10th June .

As per CIA, 45 raids were conducted and 16 people were arrested.

Police making arrangements to bring the teenage couple to karachi .

Chairman BMG Siraj Teli passes away, Entire business & industrial community saddened over demise of Chairman BMG: KCCI

The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) would like to inform with deep grief and sorrow that Chairman Businessmen Group and Former President KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli passed away on Tuesday in Dubai due to cardiac arrest.

Vice Chairmen BMG Tahir Khaliq, Zubair Motiwala, Haroon Farooki & Anjum Nisar, General Secretary BMG AQ Khalil, President KCCI M. Shariq Vohra, Senior Vice President KCCI Saqib Goodluck, Vice President Shamsul Islam Khan, KCCI Managing Committee Members, all BMGIANs and the prominent members of the business & industrial community have expressed deep grief and sorrow on sad demised of Siraj Teli who will always be remembered for his exceptional and dedicated services to the business and industrial community.

They prayed that may Almighty Allah place the departed soul in Jannat ul Firdous and grant courage to the members of the bereaved family, friends, well-wishers and all BMGIANs to bear this irreparable loss. Details about Namaz-e-Janaza and funeral will be announced in due course.

To mourn the sad demise of Late Siraj Kassam Teli, the Karachi Chamber will remain closed for three days except the Attestation and Media Departments which would remain partially open.

Late Siraj Kassam Teli was a distinguished industrialist possessing eminent qualities of leadership. He belonged to a renowned family that has been active in business since the inception of Pakistan. Siraj Teli’s valuable family background has been a great source of strength in enabling him to conduct his life ethically and successfully.

As Chairman of the Businessmen Group, Siraj Teli was recognized for his extraordinary leadership of the Business and Industrial community over the past 25 years. He brought about revolutionary and progressive changes in trade politics and in the functioning of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the SITE Association of Industry and other platforms of public service and social work.

Siraj Kassam Teli also served as Director of Pakistan Beverage Ltd., (Pepsi-Cola) Karachi, Hyderabad and Quetta. Apart from the beverage sector, he had considerable experience in textiles, dairy products and energy and he was also a Director of Gul Ahmed Energy Limited, Metro Power Company, Yassir Fruit Juice, Haji Kassam Haji Mohammad & Co. and Pakola Products (Pvt) Limited.

To recognize Siraj Teli’s outstanding contribution to the national economy and public service, the then President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari was pleased to confer the award “Sitara-e-Imtiaz”.

Siraj Teli’s services to the private sector, his efforts for the industrial development and his endeavor for the unity of the nation in general and business and industrial community in particular, his aggressive and creative plans to boost export and his contribution to the economic development of the country were indeed creditable and commendable that is why he was conferred with Honorary Degree of Doctorate of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) by the Faculty of Management & Social Sciences of the Institute of Business & Technology (BIZTEK).

Siraj served on the boards of many government and semi-government organizations as a representative of the business community. These include SITE Limited, Land Utilization, Port Qasim Authority, Civil Aviation Authority Sindh Workers Welfare Board, Workers Welfare Fund, KESC and many educational institutions. He was also serving as Board of Trustee in Karachi Port Trust. He and his family made discreet contributions to many philanthropic causes.

Siraj Teli also served as President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Chairman, Pakistan Beverage Manufacturers Association and Patron-in-Chief and Chairman of the SITE Association of Industry.

Siraj Kassam Teli’s unrelenting, sincere and honest efforts have changed the outlook of Trade Politics. As a result, now genuine stakeholders are seen taking part in the affairs of KCCI. His leadership had been instrumental in changing the mindset of the Business Community in such a manner that the Chamber now looks after the general interest of Karachi as a whole and, without any discrimination of cast, color or creed.

Late Siraj Kassam Teli’s services to the private sector, his efforts for industrial development, his endeavors for the unity of the nation in general and business and industrial community in particular and his contribution to the economic development of the country, were indeed commendable and will always be remembered.

ICC Women’s World Cup: Hotels refuse to accommodate Pakistan team

CUTTACK - In the wake of protests and threats by radical outfits, the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) was forced to arrange separate accommodation for the Pakistan women’s team inside the Barbati Stadium in Cuttack, after five-star hotels showed reluctance to provide hospitality.

“The Pakistani players would have faced trouble while travelling from Bhubaneswar to Cuttack for the matches,” said OCA secretary Asirbad Behera. “So we have arranged for their accommodation on the Barabati Stadium premises.”

The women cricketers reached Cuttack from New Delhi on Sunday to participate in the ICC Women’s World Cup. The women cricketers, led by Sana Mir, were escorted by a heavy deployment which took them to the stadium.

According to the report, as most hotels in Bhubaneswar refused to host the Pakistani players under immense pressure and threats, the team will remain confined to the stadium throughout the tournament. However, the remaining group B teams playing their matches in Cuttack – Australia, New Zealand and South Africa – will stay in hotels in Bhubaneswar.

Right-wing outfits had warned hoteliers in Bhubaneswar against offering “hospitality to the Pakistani players”, following which posh hotels in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack withdrew, forcing the decision to house the players on the stadium premises.

However, the OCA promised the best lodging for the team at the stadium. “Accommodation for the Pakistan team became a headache,” an OCA official told The Times of India before adding that the decision was taken to ensure safety for the visitors.

“We will provide five-star facilities to the players at the Club House in the stadium. The Club House is equipped with a world class gymnasium and swimming pool", the official said. Nearly 600 security personnel, including officials, Special Security Battalion and Odisha police were deployed during the team’s arrival to ensure their safety on the way to the stadium.

Director General of Police (DGP) Prakash Mishra visited the stadium to review the security set-up and held discussions with OCA officials about the arrangements. Meanwhile, Pakistan team manager Ayesha Ashar said her side was well-prepared to put up an exciting performance in the World Cup. 

“I am grateful for receiving a warm welcome from all the fans,” said Ayesha after her arrival in Cuttack. “I will ask Indian fans to come in numbers to watch our matches.”

"The arrangements are more like we get in Pakistan," Ashar was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency. "We are happy with the facilities provided to us by the organisers." Pakistan open their campaign against Australia at the Barabati Stadium on Friday.

The Barabati Stadium Club House was chosen by the International Cricket Council for the Pakistani women cricketers.  "The ICC considered all options and the best security for the teams," the ICC said in a statement.  Cuttack was added as a venue only this month to accommodate Pakistan, and remove it from Mumbai, where the entire tournament was to have been staged. The Women's World Cup starts on Thursday. Pakistan's move also forced organisers to shift fellow Group B teams Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to Cuttack, as well as some Super Six and playoff games. However, the final will be in Mumbai on Feb 17. (Nation)

Maa Kay Chor - Thieves of Mother

محمد حنیف

بی بی سی اردو ڈاٹ کام، کراچی

آخری وقت اشاعت:  جمعـء 9 مارچ 2012 ,‭ 14:58 GMT 19:58 PST

 ایک تھے بزرگ ٹھیکیدار، سرکار کے ٹھیکوں سے جو چرا سکتے تھے چراتے تھے۔ سیمنٹ، سریا، پیٹرول، چوکیداروں کی تنخواہیں چراتے تھے، ہوا میں سڑکیں اور سکول بنا کر خوب مال بناتے تھے اور ایسے تمام ٹھیکیداروں کی طرح جب اپنی کوٹھی بنائی تو اس پر بڑے خوش خط الفاظ میں ہذا من فضل ربیّ لکھوایا۔

راقم کو اس وقت کرپشن اور بدعنوانی جیسے بھاری بھرکم الفاظ نہیں آتے تھے۔ میں نے جب ایک دفعہ انہیں پائپوں کے ٹرک فیکٹری سے نکلوا کر شہر میں بچھانے کی بجائے بازار میں بیچتے پایا تو ڈرتے ڈرتے پوچھا کہ یہ تو چوری لگتی ہے۔

بزرگ ٹھیکیدار نے مجھے بڑی شفقت سے پوچھا کہ بیٹا کیا کوئی اپنی ماں سے چرا سکتا ہے؟ راقم کی سٹپٹاہٹ دیکھنے کے بعد انہوں نے مزید شفقت فرمائی اور سمجھایا کہ بیٹا حکومت ہماری ماں کی طرح ہے جو اس کا ہے وہ ہمارا ہے، تو اگر میں نے ماں کی جیب میں ہاتھ ڈال کر چار آنے نکال لیے تو اسے چوری سمجھنا زیادتی ہے۔

یونس حبیب نے اپنی وہیل چیئر سے سیاست دانوں، جرنیلوں اور صحافیوں کی فہرست پڑہ کر سنائی تو مجھے لگا یہ سب لوگ بھی یہی سمجھ رہے ہوں گے کہ اپنی والدہ ماجدہ کا پلوّ کھول کر اس میں سے چار چار آنے نکال رہے ہیں اس میں چوری ، بدعنوانی، جرم و سزا جیسے الفاظ کہاں سے آگئے۔ آخر اعلیٰ عدلیہ اس معمولی سے گھریلو تماشے پر اپنا وقت کیوں برباد کر رہی ہے؟

کیا نواز شریف کو واقعی پینتیس لاکھ روپے کی ضرورت تھی؟ اتنے میں تو ایک شوگر مل کی چار دیواری بھی کھڑی نہیں ہوتی اور عابدہ حسین کو دس لاکھ رپے میں کوئی خرید کر سکتا ہے؟ اس سے زیادہ پیسے تو انکے گھوڑوں کی خوراک پر خرچ آتے ہیں۔

اور جیسا کہ معروف سیاسی تجزیہ نگار مکرمی عمیر جاوید نے فرمایا کہ عابدہ حسین کے عمدہ آداب کی تعلیم سوئٹرز لینڈ میں ہوئی ہے، جہاں غالبا اخلاقیات کی کلاس نہیں پڑہائی جاتی، ویسے بھی ان پر تنقید کرنامناسب نہیں کیونکہ وہ انگریزی بہت اچھی بولتی ہیں اور پاکستان آکر کرپشن پر کڑھنے والے گورے صحافیوں کی میزبانی میں بھی ان کا کوئی ثانی نہیں ہے۔

اور جماعت اسلامی جو ساٹھ سال سے پاکستان میں چوروں کے ہاتھ کٹوانے کے لیے سرگرم ہے، کیا اس کے ایمان کو پچاس لاکھ رپے میں خرید کیا جاسکتا ہے؟

آپ نے اکثر ٹی وی پر جنرل اسلم بیگ کو اپنے گھر سے شستہ اردو میں انٹرویو دیتے ہوئے دیکھا ہوگا ان کے پیچھے سنگ مرمر کے قیمتی گلدان دیکھ کر یہ مت سمجھ لیجیے گا کہ وہ چوری کے پیسے سے آئے ہیں۔ کیا اس ملک کو ضرب مومن کا تحفہ دینے والا سپہ سالار چوری یا چوروں کا یار ہوسکتا ہے؟

یونس حبیب نے اپنی وہیل چیئر سے سیاست دانوں، جرنیلوں اور صحافیوں کی فہرست پڑہ کر سنائی تو مجھے لگا یہ سب لوگ بھی یہی سمجھ رہے ہوں گے کہ اپنی والدہ ماجدہ کا پلوّ کھول کر اس میں سے چار چار آنے نکال رہے ہیں اس میں چوری ، بدعنوانی، جرم و سزا جیسے الفاظ کہاں سے آگئے۔

اور پاک فوج کے عالمی شہرت یافتہ جاسوس اسد درانی جو آج کل دفاعی مذاکروں میں شگفتگی بھکیرتے ہیں، کیا ان کے بارے میں یہ کہنا صحیح ہوگا کہ وہ اصل چوروں کے ایک ٹولے کے سرخیل تھے؟

نہیں یہ سب اپنی ماں کے پرس سے اپنا اپنا حصہّ وصول کر رہے تھے۔

جس بات کی تحقیق ہونی چاہیے وہ یہ ہے کہ مادر وطن نے اپنے کچھ بیٹوں کے ساتھ سوتیلوں جیسا سلوک کیوں کیا؟

اردو ڈائجسٹ والے الطاف حسین قریشی جو نصف صدی سے نظریہ پاکستان کی تبلیغ کر رہے ہیں اور ہماری تاریخ کو شرفّ اسلام کر رہے ہیں ان کے لیے صرف پانچ لاکھ؟

اور کیا یہ تین لاکھ پانے والے وہی مولانا صلاح الدین ہیں جو ساری عمر قلمی جہاد کرنے کے بعد شہید ہوئے؟

کیا کوئی ماں اتنی بے انصافی کرسکتی ہے کہ جام صادق جیسا شریر بچہ تو پچاس لاکھ لے اڑے اور محمد خان جونیجو جیسے معصوم بیٹے کو صرف ڈھائی لاکھ کی ریزگاری ملے۔

کاش ان سب چوروں کی ماں غلام اسحاق اگر زندہ ہوتے تو اس بات پر روشنی ڈالتے کہ آخر مادر وطن نے اپنے کچھ بچوں کے معاملے میں اتنی بخیلی سے کام کیوں لیا؟

جب غلام اسحاق خان حیات تھے اور ملک کے صدر تھے تو راقم کو ان کے گاؤں جانے کا اتفاق ہوا تھا۔ ان کے گاؤں والوں نے ان کے بارے میں جس طرح کی زبان استعمال کی اسے سنسر کراکے جلد آپ کی خدمت میں پیش کرں گا۔

Pakistani Microsoft Professional Girl Arfa Karim Randhawa Passes away in Lahore

World Youngest Microsoft Professional Arfa Karim Randhawa Passed away in Lahore. She got Microsoft Certificate at the age of 9 years.

Arfa Karim Randhawa (born 1995), in Jatt Randhawa family is a student from Faisalabad in Pakistan, who in 2004 at the age of 9 years, became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) in the world, a title she kept until 2008. She was invited by Bill Gates to visit the Microsoft Headquarters in USA. The vice president of the Software Development Division Mr. S. Somasegar wrote about it in his blog.

On returning to Pakistan, Arfa had numerous interviews on almost all of the country’s known television channels and newspapers. In August 2005, Arfa Karim received the Fatimah Jinnah Gold Medal in the field of Science and Technology, presented by the Prime Minister of Pakistan at that time. She also received the Salaam Pakistan Youth Award again in August 2005 by the President of Pakistan. Arfa Karim is also the recipient of the President’s Award for Pride of Performance. This is a very high level civil award granted to people who have shown excellence in their respective fields over a long period of time. Arfa is till now the youngest recipient of that award ever.

Arfa Karim has also represented Pakistan on various international forums, she was invited by the IT Professionals of Dubai for a stay of two weeks in Dubai. A dinner reception was hosted for her there, which was attended by the diagnostics of Dubai including the Ambassador of Pakistan. During that trip, Arfa was presented with various medals and awards. She also flew a plane in a flying club in Dubai at the age of 10, and received the first flight certificate.

In November 2006, Arfa was invited by Microsoft to be a part of the keynote session in the Tech-Ed Developers conference held in Barcelona. The theme of the conference was “Get ahead of the game” and Arfa was presented as a true specimen of being ahead of the game. She was the only Pakistani among over 5000 developers in that conference.

As of 2011, at the age of 16, Arfa Karim is studying at Lahore Grammar School Paragon Campus in her second year of A Levels. She suffered from a heart attack after an epileptic seizure on December 22, 2011 and was admitted to a hospital in critical condition. Rumours were being spread of her death on December 31, 2011.

Ay Quaid-e-Azam tera Ahsaan

Yun di hamain azadi k duniya hui hairan
Eh Quaid e Azam tera ahsan hai ahsan
Tera ahsan hai, tera ahsan
Har tin pe Musalmano pe chaye thi tabahi
Mulk apna tha aur ghairon k hathon main thi shahi
Aise main utha deen e Muhammad ka sipahi
Aur Naara e Taqbeer say di tune gawahi
Islam ka jhanda liye aaya sar e maidan
Eh Quaid e Azam tera ahsan hai ahsan
Dekha tou jo Iqbal ne ik khawab suhana
Us khawab ko ik roz haqeqat hai banana
Ye socha jo tune tou hansa tujh pe zamana
Har chaal say chaha tujhe dushman ne harana
Mara woh tune dao k dushman bhi gaye maan
Eh Quaid e Azam tera ahsan hai ahsan
Larne ka dushmano say ajab dhang nikala
Na top na bandooq ka talwar na bhala
Sachai k anmol asoolon ko sambhala
Jinnah tere paigham main jadoo tha nirala
Iman wale chal pare sun ker tera farman
Eh Quaid e Azam tera ahsan hai ahsan
Naqsha badal k rakh diya is mulq ka tune
Saaya tha Muhammad ka Ali ka tere sir pe
Duniya say kaha tune koi humse na uljhe
Likha hai is zameen pe shaheedon ne lahoo say
Azad hain azad rahain ge ye Musalmaan
Eh Quaid e Azam tera ahsan hai ahsan
Yun di hamain azadi k duniya hui hairan
Eh Quaid e Azam tera ahsan hai ahsan
Tera ahsan hai tera ahsan

Beating up protesters is not the answer: HRCP

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has censured the merciless beating and ill-treatment of nurses protesting for their rights by police in Lahore on Thursday and called upon the government to be more imaginative and less heavy-handed in dealing with the people’s peaceful demands for their rights.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission said: “HRCP notes with concern and much distress the manner in which nurses protesting for their rights outside the Punjab Assembly in Lahore were beaten up on Thursday. It is a matter of grave concern that police used batons without restraint to disperse the protesters and it matters little whether the attackers were policemen or policewomen. The police action was manifestly ruthless and disproportionate to any ‘hazard’ the nurses were deemed to be causing. But this is not an isolated incident confined to any particular city or province of the country. Protesting teachers in Balochistan, and employees of the country’s biggest telecommunication company as well as gas department employees, among countless others have been dealt with in a similarly harsh manner even when they were not posing any threat to public security. The government must find a better method of dealing with these things and try listening to the people’s demands rather than focusing on the use of force to disperse those who come out on the streets to demand their rights.

USE OF PRESSURE TACTICS AGAINST AAISHA AHAD AND HER FAMILY IS A STATE TERRORISM: ALTAF HUSSAIN

Chief of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Mr Altaf Hussain has made an SOS appeal to Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Governor of the Punjab Sardar Latif Khosa to take serious notice of the unlawful confinement of Aaisha Ahad Malik, her parents, brothers and sister by the Punjab government. Mr Hussain said that justice should be done to the unfortunate family.

Mr Hussain said that Aaisha Ahad Malik and her family had been kept in unlawful confinement in their home, and serious threats were being given by the son of a big political personality to take back the case.  

Mr Hussain strongly demanded of the Federal Interior Minister and governor of the Punjab to give protection to Aaisha Ahad Malik and her family, and it should be ensured that the Punjab government does not keep the oppressed family in the illegal confinement. It should also be ensured that the Punjab government does not exert illegal and unconstitutional pressure on the family to change their principled stance directly or indirectly.  

Mr Hussain said that the illegal pressure being brought to bear on the family of Aaisha Ahad Malik was equal to unmitigated terrorism and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Notice should be taken of the illegal tactics of the Punjab government, and it should be proceeded against according to the law.

KARACHI CITY GOVT. WILL HONOR OUTSTANDING STUDENTS. DCO MOHAMMAD HUSSAIN SYED

DCO Karachi Mohammad Hussain Syed has said that in order to encourage the talented and outstanding youth, city government will hold a ceremony in honor of position holders in matric and intermediate examination. He expressed these views while speaking at the prize distribution ceremony for programs held as part of the Independence Day festival held in Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. 

He said we have lot of expectations from our younger generation as they were not only highly talented but also engaged with the information technology. Our youth must pay full attention on acquiring quality education in whatever field they are. Later he distributed certificates and cash award among the students who took part in various events of Independence Day Celebrations. Arts Council President Ahmed Shah and Secretary Aijaz Farooqui also spoke on this occasion.

SECP deplores incorrect reports, comments

ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has deplored recent reports and comments in a section of the press giving an impression that recent internal restructuring had abolished the legal function of the SECP and that all legal checks and balances had been removed.

The legal function continues to exist under a new name: Legislation and General Counsel Department (L&GCD). This move is completely in line with the best international practices followed by securities’ regulators in other jurisdictions such as such as the Securities Commission Malaysia, Australian Securities and Investment Commission, US SEC, etc.

The restructuring is the result of a well-thought-out decision made after thorough internal discussions and feedback from the SECP operating departments. It is aimed at improving the performance and efficiency of the organization. The SECP would like to emphasize that there is no change in policy with regard to any of the functions mandated to it under the laws administered by it.

The L&GCD will perform two important functions of legislation and giving legal advice to the SECP on the interpretation of laws administered by the SECP. The new structure will facilitate a focused approach on these two critical legal activities. The operating departments can solicit expert legal advice from the L&GCD on any legal issue.

Under the new structure operating departments have been provided with legal resources, enabling them to pursue litigation much more efficiently and rigorously. This will also improve quality and efficiency of these departments in other areas. This practice is not new to the SECP and existed before.

The SECP is striving for the development of a vibrant corporate sector and a capital market which is fair, transparent and efficient and in line with global best practices. Further measures are being taken to improve internal working and human resources of the SECP along with steps to develop sectors and markets.

First Women Bank and Pink Ribbon Pakistan join hands against cancer

The First Women Bank Limited (FWBL) and Pink Ribbon Pakistan (PRP) have entered into an agreement to promote the objective of PRP for providing cancer awareness among women through its branches across the country.

Shafqat Sultana, President First Women Bank and Omer Aftab, National Coordinator Pink Ribbon Pakistan signing the MoU.

The campaign stresses on women to undergo free clinical examination and free mammographic screening so as to be aware of the fatal disease ìcancer.î

The signing ceremony was also attended by Head of Legal Section Ms. Charmaine Hidayatullah, Company Secretary Ms. Shawana Yamin, Head of Marketing and PR FWBL Ms. Shaheen Zamir and Associate Pink Ribbon Pakistan Ms. Sameera Raja.

Sindh High Court stops CPNE former office-bearers from using bank account

Ilyas Shakir
Editor Qaumi Akhbar

A two-member Sindh High Court (SHC) bench headed by Chief Justice Musheer Alam with Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi as the other member has restrained the former office-bearers of CPNE (Khushnood Group) from using the CPNE accounts. The learned court passed the interim order on a constitutional petition filed by Ilyas Shakir, editor Qaumi Akhbar and secretary general CPNE.

In his petition Ilyas Shakir has submitted that he is one of the elected office-bearers of CPNE but the former office-bearers still occupy the premises of the registered office of CPNE. The petitioner prayed to the court to appoint a Nazir who should take possession of the office. He further prayed that order be passed for fresh elections to be held under the supervision of Nazir so that genuine and elected office-bearers could run the CPNE affairs.

The SHC has called for reply from the respondents on 26 May, 2011. The learned court has also summoned Advocate General Sindh and Deputy Attorney General on the date.(The News)

Abbottabad incident: Corps Commanders’ Conference held at GHQ

138th Corps Commanders’ Conference was held today at General Headquarters Rawalpindi. General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) chaired the meeting.

One point agenda was the Abbottabad incident in which Osama Bin Laden was killed by US forces. The Forum discussed the incident and its implications and on military to military relations with the United States.

Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani presiding over the 138^th Corps Commanders’ Conference  held  at General Headquarters Rawalpindi on Thursday. (5-5-2011) - Photo ISPR

While admitting own shortcomings in developing intelligence on the presence of Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan, it was highlighted that the achievements of Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), against Al Qaeda and its terrorist affiliates in Pakistan, have no parallel. The Forum was informed that around 100 top level Al Qaeda leaders / operators were killed / arrested by ISI, with or without support of CIA. However, in the case of Osama Bin Laden, while the CIA developed intelligence based on initial information provided by ISI, it did not share further development of intelligence on the case with ISI, contrary to the existing practice between the two services. Nonetheless, an investigation has been ordered into the circumstances that led to this situation.

COAS made it very clear that any similar action, violating the sovereignty of Pakistan, will warrant a review on the level of military / intelligence cooperation with the United States.

The Corps Commanders were informed about the decision to reduce the strength of US military personnel in Pakistan to the minimum essential.

As regards the possibility of similar hostile action against our strategic assets, the Forum reaffirmed that, unlike an undefended civilian compound, our strategic assets are well protected and an elaborate defensive mechanism is in place.

The Forum, taking serious note of the assertions made by Indian military leadership about conducting similar operations, made it very clear that any misadventure of this kind will be responded to very strongly. There should be no doubt about it.

The Forum reiterated the resolve to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan and to fight the menace of terrorism, with the support and help of the people of Pakistan.

DELEGATION OF LAKHI MARWAT DISTRICT BAR CALLS ON HCJP IFTIKHAR MUHAMMAD CHAUDHARY

A 10 Member delegation of Cabinet Members of Lakhi Marwat District Bar headed by President, Mr. Najeebullah and consisting other office bearers called on the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice. Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary today i.e. 15.03.2011 in Supreme Court Building, Islamabad.

The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan congratulated the Bar Members and said, “a lawyer being a professional, always remains in the pursuit of the legal knowledge and he always remains a student of law in his whole life”.

The delegation thanked the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan and praised the National Judicial Policy which proved fruitful for lawyers as well as litigants and enhanced the public confidence in courts by providing a speedy and expeditious disposal to them. Further, they informed his lordship that due to the Policy, almost all the old cases have been disposed of in their District and they have achieved the target of speedy justice. Moreover, due to the Judicial Policy the strength of lawyers has increased and they have been encouraged to join the profession of law. The delegation informed his lordship that the movement of rule of law, supremacy of Constitution and independence of judiciary instilled a new spirit and provided a common platform to lawyers to cooperate with one another.

The delegation invited Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan to visit Lakhi Marwat Bar, his lordship conveyed his gratitude, extended his thanks and assured to visit them in suitable time

Banking Court acquits Hanif Kalia, Munaf Kalia, Javed Khanani and others in Money laundering case

Hanif Kalia

Judge Mir Muhammad Sheikh of Banking Court Karachi Friday acquitted for lack of evidence three directors of M/s Khanani & Kalia International in money laundering scam of 2008.

Hanif Kalia, his brother Munaf Kalia, partner Javed Khanani with other accused Atif Aziz Polani and some bank managers were facing trial under Pakistan Penal Code, Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947 & Pakistan Electronic Crimes Ordinance 2007.

Munaf  Kalia

According to prosecution, FIA arrested Hanif Kalia, Munaf Kalia & Javed Khanani on allegation of illegally transferring money through Hawala in 2007. FIA arrested them from Karachi and Lahore, sealing offices of K&KI across country. FIA Crime Circle Karachi registered case against them (FIR 76/2008) US 406, 409, 420, 468, 471, 477A, 109 PPC RW Sections 5/8, 22/23 Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947 & Sections 7, 8, 20 Prevention of Electronic Crimes Ordinance 2007.

Javed Khanani

FIA widening scope of investigation also arrested co-accused Masood Abbas, Syed Wajahat Ali of Allied Bank Limited’s Bahadurabad branch, Tehsin Ahmed of Habib Bank Limited Hasan Square & Arifur Rehman of MyBank Cloth Market Branch Karachi.

On Friday, Justice Mir Muhammad Sheikh pronounced verdict, acquitting all accused due to lack of evidence. They were already acquitted in case registered under PECO 2007 by Judicial Magistrate concerned, who was heading special tribunal to deal such cases.

Three days final notice: DCO Karachi Muhammad Hussain Syed ordeded to cancel defaulter's plots

DCO Karachi
Muhammad Hussain Syed

City District Government Karachi has decided to cancel allotments of plots in case of non payment of dues within 3 days. The amount deposited for such plots will also be confiscated.

DCO Karachi Muhammad Hussain Syed has directed Recovery Officers of Revenue Department to cancel the allotment of plots by CDGK and defunct KDA, if the allotees did not pay the dues within three days.

Following the directive, District Officer Recovery Syed Nasir Abbas has issued notices to all such defaulters to pay their dues within three days.

SECP granted licensed 12 non-profit associations during last quarter

ISLAMABAD, January 18: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) granted licenses to 12 non-profit associations under Section 42 of the Companies Ordinance, 1984, during the last quarter of 2010.

These associations include, Passenger Welfare Foundation, Brands Foundation, Pine Rural Area Development Organization, Radio Livestock Pakistan, Paving Paths Foundation, Progressive Friends Foundation, Kohsar Progressive Foundation, First Step Foundation, Hadeedian Association, Center for Cultural Dialogue & Research, Conservation and Hunting Association of Pakistan and Snow Leopard Foundation.

The sector-wise breakdown reveals that 5 associations were granted licenses in the social services sector, 2 each in healthcare, education and environment conservation, and one in charity.

Radio Livestock Pakistan has been established in the public sector to provide a platform for the promotion of livestock and dairy sector in Pakistan by establishing a network of FM radio stations to create awareness on these sectors and their related activities.

Snow Leopards Foundation seeks to work for conservation of snow leopards and other wild carnivorous animals across Pakistan, while improving the lives of people who live in the neighbourhood of their habitats. This association has foreign funding from potential donors, i.e., UNDP, Snow Leopard Trust (USA), Panthera, and International Bear Association etc.

Brands Foundation has been founded with a unique concept of promoting brands culture by organizing healthy competition among brands, conduct quality surveys, analysis, rating, and establish international best brand practices.

Passenger Welfare Foundation intends to work for the welfare of passengers by provision of facilities. Pine Rural Area Development Organization has been formed to develop rural areas and Center for Cultural Dialogue & Research to resolve cultural and religious conflicts in the society.

Paving Paths Foundation and First Step Foundation seek to set up and administer hospitals, clinics etc., and to run rehabilitation centres for treatment of drug addicts respectively.

Others include Kohsar Progressive Foundation and Hadeedian Foundation with the objective of establishing and promoting educational institutions, Progressive Friends Foundation aims at helping the poor and the needy, and Conservation and Hunting Association of Pakistan at promoting ethical and legal values of hunting and shooting of animals and birds.

It is expected that new associations will play a significant role in serving the society and the masses in their respective fields.