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Certain actors in region trying to establish their hegemony: PM Shehbaz

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  • Premier Shehabaz Sharif stresses strengthening Pakistan Navy.
  • PM launches 4th MILGEM Class Corvette Ship PNS Tariq into sea.
  • He reiterates invitation to Turkey for joining flagship CPEC project.

In a veiled attack on India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Wednesday certain elements were in the race to establish their hegemony in the region.

“Certain actors in the region trying to establish their hegemony and create a sphere of influence. It is all the more important that we strengthen our navy and our maritime activities,” the premier said, a day after offering New Dehli to hold talks with Islamabad.

The prime minister’s comments came as he launched the fourth MILGEM Class Corvette Ship PNS Tariq into the sea during a ceremony held at the Karachi Shipyard.

Signed in 2018, the MILGEM project envisages the construction of four Corvettes for the Pakistan Navy – two in Pakistan and two in Turkiye.

Pakistan and India’s ties have mostly remained strained since their independence in 1947 and have fought three wars — in 1948, 1965, and 1971.

But the bilateral relations have come to a virtual halt after India revoked the special status of occupied Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019.

The prime minister, however, had a day earlier said he was ready to talk to India if the nuclear-armed neighbour was “serious to talk serious matters on the table because war is no more an option”.

To ensure that the enemy does not think about attacking Pakistan, the premier told the naval officials present on the occasion that the government is fully ready to provide “all resources at your disposal so that […] security is augmented and becomes ironclad for all times to come”.

Vice President of Turkiye Cevdet Yilmaz was also present in the ceremony as guest of honour.

Federal ministers Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Ahsan Iqbal, Syed Naveed Qamar, and Israr Tareen, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also attended the ceremony.

Reiteration of invitaiton to CPEC

PM Shehbaz lauded the leadership role of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying that it was high time for Pakistan and Turkiye to enhance their bilateral strategic cooperation for the prosperity of the two nations.

The prime minister said Erdogan was a great leader which was reflected by his “wonderful” victory in the recent poll.

Therefore, the prime minister said it was high time for both countries to enhance their strategic cooperation ad add more joint ventures in other fields.

The MILGEM project represents an enduring symbol of Pakistan-Turkiye collaboration in the maritime domain. It is a tangible step towards self-reliance and indigenisation and would fulfil the critical security needs of the Pakistan Navy.

The prime minister said that Pakistan and Turkiye were tied by the commonality of faith, heritage, and civilisation with both sharing perspectives on regional and global issues.

Referring to the tremendous support by the people of the subcontinent during the Khilafat Movement, the prime minister said the bilateral ties predated the establishment of Pakistan.

“We celebrate each others’ success stories and also stand together in the face of challenges […] This is the level of our relations as we share each others’ bounties and sorrows,” he remarked.

The prime minister recalled Turkish President Erdogan and the Turkish first lady’s visit to Pakistan after the floods as well as the generous contribution by the Turkish people to the flood victims of 2010 as well as last year.

Calling the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor a “roaring success” the prime minister said Pakistan and China had agreed to launch the second phase that would comprise a green corridor, business corridor, special economic zones, and IT corridors.

He said the second phase was bound to increase the quantum of business transactions and Turkiye was a “natural partner” and reiterated his invitation for the country to join the wonderful opportunity of prosperity.

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Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.

He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.

He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”

The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.

According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.

Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.

As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.

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PTI representatives conjecture in the media over Imran’s approval of bail: FIA investigator

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The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.

The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.

Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.

In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.

Defense arguments
The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.

Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.

Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.

Position of the prosecution
The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.

Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.

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Naqvi visits Fazl to express gratitude for contributions to the 26th amendment.

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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.

In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.

Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.

Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”

The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”

Senator Kamran Murtaza attended the meeting.

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