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Nuclear war’s consequences are inconceivable: PM

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has warned the global powers and the international community of grave consequences if a nuclear war breaks out between arch-rivals Pakistan and India.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, he said, “It is a nation that will fight till the last breath,” he said while referring to a possibility of using nuclear arms in the war.

“The aftermath of a nuclear conflict is unimaginable and anything is possible if two nuclear-armed states enter into war against each other,” he said.

Pakistan doesn’t want to initiate a war as wars create more problems. I am against war as I believe that wars don’t solve problems

“No sane person can talk of a nuclear war. Pakistan will go to every extent for [rights] of Kashmiris.”

He affirmed that this was the reason Pakistan has been approaching every international forum for resolution of the longstanding dispute as the possible devastation would affect the entire subcontinent.

“Pakistan doesn’t want to initiate a war as wars create more problems. I am against war as I believe that wars don’t solve problems,” he added.

As an example, the premier referred to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and mentioned those wars later unfolded more intense issues.

PM Khan outlined that Pakistan has ensured religious freedom for followers of all religions and termed ill-treatment towards minorities “violation of the Constitution.”

Read more: US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib condemns revocation of IOK autonomy by India

He further compared religious freedom in Pakistan with under Modi regime in India, and stated: “India has been following the ideology of RSS.”

On Thursday, the premier, in a tweet, welcomed the European Union‘s call for a peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute, in line with the UNSC resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.

He had also thanked the rest of the world for its support for Kashmir.”I commend 58 countries that joined Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council on September 10, reinforcing demands of international community for India to stop the use of force, lift the siege, remove other restrictions, respect and protect Kashmir’s rights, and resolve Kashmir dispute through the UNSC resolutions.” (INP)

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Pakistan needs to mobilise tax revenue to fund development: IMF

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ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday said Pakistan needs to increase its tax revenue in order to fund development.

In a press briefing, IMF Director Communications Gerry Rice said, “One of the key elements of the program that the IMF is supporting in Pakistan, Pakistan’s program, is the need to mobilise domestic tax revenue to fund much needed social and development spending while placing debt on a firm downward trend.”

Rice further said this was something that was emphasised by acting Managing Director David Lipton during his recent meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan.

“Let me add that we expect an IMF team to be in Pakistan in the next few days, including our Director for that area, Jihad Azur will be there,” he added.

On July 10, Pakistan received the first tranche of loan of $991.4 million from the IMF under the under Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), following the loan from the IMF, the country’s foreign exchange reserves now stand at above $15.0431 billion.

The IMF’s Executive Board on July 3 had approved a three-year bailout package worth $6 billion to Pakistan.

Rice, had confirmed saying, “IMF Executive Board approved today a three-year US$6 billion loan to support Pakistan’s economic plan, which aims to return sustainable growth to the country’s economy and improve the standards of living.”

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“The country’s economic plan seeks to return sustainable growth to the economy by adopting reforms to foster stronger and more sustainable growth,” Rice had added.

The IMF and Pakistan’s government had earlier already signed a staff agreement on May 12 in this regard. (INP)

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Ex-PM Abbasi, Miftah Ismail ’s physical remand extended for another 14 days

Abbasi, Miftah Ismail ’s physical remand extended for another 14 days
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ISLAMABAD: The accountability court of Islamabad on Thursday extended the physical remand of former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, ex-finance minister Miftah Ismail and former PSO managing director Imranul Haq for another 14 days.

Mr Abbasi, Mr Miftah and Mr Imran were produced in the crowded courtroom of Judge Muhammad Bashir.

I feared that I will also get penalised of false case.

During the hearing, the NAB’s investigation officer informed the court that new evidences had been emerged during the Karachi raids and requested the court for an extension in suspects’ remand for further interrogation.

Judge Bashir recalled the remarks of CJP Khosa that these are the political cases, “I feared that I will also get penalised of false case.”

Read More: Ahad Cheema judicial remand extended till September 26

Abbasi, who has been defending himself in the case, said that court should grant the remand of 90 days of all the suspects in the case.

The PML-N leaders are accused of being involved in awarding a 15-year contract for an LNG terminal against the rules when Abbasi was petroleum minister in the cabinet of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

The case was closed by NAB in 2016, but reopened in 2018.

Accountability Judge Muhammad Bashir, who heard NAB’s pleas for extension in physical remand of Abbasi, Ismail and former Pakistan State Oil (PSO) managing director Sheikh Imranul Haq, said that Abbasi had been in NAB custody for 56 days and “this is the final extension the court is giving in his remand”.

Meanwhile, the court granted 14-day physical remand and ordered them to appear in court on September 26.

INP

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