Worst situation of Gas Supply in Punjab

LAHORE: Gas crisis worsened in Punjab on Sunday after the shortfall surged to 400MMCFD, forcing the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL) to divert to the domestic sector a supply of about 275MMCFD, out of over 400MMCFD liquefied natural gas (LNG) meant for the industrial, power and CNG sectors.

Although the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not as dire as in Punjab, consumers have started complaining about low gas pressure there as well.

The SNGPL clai­med to have launched a campaign against those using compressors to extract gas in parts of Punjab and KP, causing low gas pressure.

At present, the company supplies around 1,400 to 1,500MMCFD to the domestic sector, which needs supplies ranging between 1,800 and 1,900MMCFD to meet the demand of about five million consumers in Punjab and KP.
LNG supply to industrial, power and CNG sectors cut to meet domestic demand

“Following severe cold, the situation appears to be tough these days. The shortfall has surged to 400MMCFD amid a demand of 1,800-1,900MMCFD, even though we have curtailed LNG supply to two major fertiliser plants, as many power plants and the CNG sector, and diverted it to the domestic sector,” SNGPL managing director Amjad Latif told Dawn.

The fertiliser plants — Fatima Fertiliser (Pvt) in Sheikhupura and Pak Arab Fertilisers (Pvt) in Multan — consume 90 to 100MMCFD of gas.

Likewise, gas supply to the Rousch Power Plant, the Abdul Hakim Power Plant (in Kabirwala and Khanewal respectively) and the Libe­rty Power Plant, in Mirpur Mathelo, has been suspen­ded for an indefinite period.

“The Rousch Power Plant was being supplied 90 to 95MMCFD while Liberty consumes 40 to 45MMCFD... However, the supply to Liberty Power Plant has been curtailed on account of non-payment of bills... and not for overcoming the gas crisis,” the MD said.

He said the supply to other industries, including textiles, continued. The textile sector and other industries that have switched over to LNG are being supplied 100 to 150MMCFD.

But the supply to different industrial units in Punjab, which have not shifted to LNG despite repeated reque­sts, was curtailed last month.

“The situation is really problematic these days and we are trying hard to ensure gas supply to at least domestic consumers during winter,” Mr Latif said.

To a question, he said the use of compressor by some consumers to extract gas was a headache for the company as it made it difficult to keep pressure. During the last 30 days or so, over 3,000 consumers in Punjab and KP have been caught red-han­ded for using compressors.

The SNGPL has cut connection of such consumers for three months.

“Keeping in view the situation, we have asked the federal government to amend the laws and provide judicial powers to the SNGPL to enable it to take stern legal action agai­nst those using compressors to extract gas,” the MD said.

After curtailment of gas supply, power generation of over 600MW by the plants (400 by Rousch and 235 by Liberty) has been stopped, leading to an increase in the electricity shortfall and enhancing loadshedding hours in parts of the country.

Source: The Dawn News

Moonis Elahi and Pervaiz Elahi blames Shahbaz for gas, power crisis in Punjab

Asif Ali Zardari in Dubai

KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamen­tarians chief Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday evening left for Dubai, where he would stay for a few days before proceeding to the United States.

The former president, who returned to the country late last month after spending about 18 months in a self-imposed exile, is likely to reach Washington before Jan 20 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of US president-elect Donald Trump, according to sources.

He is also expected to undergo a medical check-up during his stay in the US.

Surendar Valasai, the spokesman for the media cell at Bilawal House, confirmed that Mr Zardari had left for the UAE, but expressed ignorance about his plans for visiting the US.

The last time Mr Zardari left the country was in June 2015, after he had delivered a hard-hitting speech in which he accused the military establishment of overstepping its domain.

In his speech, he had said that army chiefs “come and go every three years” but the political leadership was here to stay.

“We know the country better and we know how to run its affairs,” he had said. He abruptly left the country soon afterwards.

Meanwhile, the sources said that PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari would be leaving for the US in the last week of this month. He would stay in the US for about two weeks.

He is expected to meet officials of the American administration as well as Congress members to exchange views on affairs of mutual interest, according to the sources.

Source:The Dawn News

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Pervaiz Elahi   Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain  Moonis Elahi  PMLQ

Mian Manzoor Wattoo condoles with Ch Shujaat Hussain

Lahore : Pakistan Peoples’ Party leader and former Punjab Chief Minister Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo called on Pakistan Muslim League (PML) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and senior central leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Ch Parvez Elahi at his residence on Sunday.

He expressed condolence over demise of his niece and former MPA Jayeda Khalid Khan and offered Fateha Khawani for he departed soul. He said that he shared his grief and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant solace and patience to the bereaved family to bear this loss. Moonis Elahi and other senior members were also present in the meeting.

Source: Lahore World

Pakistan Cricket Team Vicktory in Australia

Pakistan beat Australia by 6 wickets in the second One Day International at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

This is Pakistan's first ODI win on Australian soil in 12 years. Both teams have won one match each in this series.

Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik were the big scorers for Pakistan today, with 72 and 42 runs apiece as the team chased down Australia's 220 all out in 48.2 overs. Hafeez was awarded Man of the Match.

Speaking to the media at the event, Hafeez said, "We wanted to get that total on the board... We kept the pressure on. First with the ball, then at that stage [batting], we wanted to hit the ball for 3-4 overs."

"This is the way to move forward. We take one game at a time, we were more focused with this. Hopefully... We will do the job for Pakistan [in the next game]."

Hafeez said the team had enjoyed the support from the crowd and thanked them.

The men in green tied Australia down with spin ─ changes in pace, cutters, pace off, change ups, all restricted Australia, according to ESPN Cricinfo.

Mohammad Amir shined with three wickets to his name while Junaid Khan and Imad Wasim bagged two wickets each. Shoaib Malik and Hassan Ali have one each to their names.

Amir sent Mitchell Marsh (0), James Faulkner (19) and Pat Cummins (0) back to the pavilion in his 9.2 over spell.

Junaid Khan dismissed David Warner (16) and Usman Khawaja (17). He also performed a run-out sending Mitchell Starc home for three runs.

Steven Smith (60) and Glenn Maxwell (23) were both bowled out by Imad.

Malik showed Matthew Wade the way to the pavilion at 35 runs.

Travis Head was caught by Rizwan on Hassan's ball, he went back to the pavilion with 29 runs to his name.

Australian captain Steve Smith won the toss and chose to bat in the second of five one-day internationals against Pakistan in Melbourne on Sunday.

Pakistan are missing captain Azhar Ali, who suffered a hamstring injury in the first ODI in Brisbane on Friday.

He has been replaced by Asad Shafiq. Mohammad Hafeez is captaining the team in Azhar's absence.

In other changes, Shoaib Malik and Junaid Khan have joined the squad to substitute Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Nawaz.

Australia have made two changes to the side that beat Pakistan on Friday.

Chris Lynn is out with a neck injury and has been replaced by Usman Khawaja and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood comes in for Billy Stanlake.

Source: The Dawn News

Raees Song Udi Udi Jaye

As Raees’ release date inches closer, we are being treated to more and more of Mahira Khan and SRK much to our eternal gratitude.

Mahira, SRK’s cracking chemistry in latest Raees song will blow you away

After getting hearts racing in Zaalima, SRK and Mahira do garba with their eyes in the film’s latest song Udi Udi Jaye. As song starts, we see an unsuspecting Aasiya (played by Mahira) dancing around a room only to be joined later by Raees (Shah Rukh). The two then get festive and their garba moves are to die for!

Mahira looks flawless in a pink and yellow lehnga choli while Shah Rukh looks his fierce self in a white shalwar kameez and red dupatta.

Udi Udi Jaye: Mahira, SRK stun in latest Raees stills

The two are also showed getting married in the concluding seconds of Udi Udi Jaye with Mahira donning a sea-green bridal and Shah Rukh in a gold sherwani.

Mahira, SRK’s Zaalima breaks the internet with over 20 million views

Source: The Express Tribune

Keen to develop good ties with India:COAS

ISLAMABAD: Calling the Pakistan Army a great institution, General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday vowed to uphold its ‘dignity and credibility’ through ‘selfless performance of our role and duties.’

General Qamar made these remarks during a visit to Jhelum and the Kharian Garrison, where he was given a detailed briefing on operational preparedness at the Headquarters Central Command, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The military’s media wing would not provide the context of Gen Qamar’s remarks but sources said he was responding to questions raised by army officers during the interactive session.

According to the sources, some of the officers drew Gen Qamar’s attention towards the recent statement by Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah questioning the effectiveness of military courts to curb terrorism. The army chief reportedly was also asked about the status of investigation into the controversial ‘fabricated’ news story published by Dawn in October last year.

Responding to those questions, sources said Gen Qamar made it clear that the army would not compromise on its dignity and credibility.

Since Gen Qamar took over command of the army, there was a hope that the civil-military relationship would improve. But the government’s handling of some of the issues, including rumours about the appointment of former army chief Gen (retd) Raheel Sharif, may not auger well for a smooth working relationship with the military. These developments could be the possible reason behind Gen Qamar’s statement vowing not to compromise on the ‘dignity and credibility’ of the army.

Speaking to Kharian Garrison officers, the army chief appreciated them for their contributions in counter-terrorism operations as part of Operation Zarb-e-Azb. He paid rich tributes to the “shuhada (martyrs) and injured who have rendered sacrifices for our beloved country.”

Gen Qamar also visited the Para Ranges at Jhelum and witnessed concluding session of the Army Firing Competition. A total of 667 military and civilian shooters from across the country participated in the four-week long event. A special feature of the event was the participation of 86 war-wounded officers and soldiers in the competition, said the military’s media wing.

Appreciating their performance, the army chief said that with more focused preparation, our teams should excel to represent Pakistan in international events.

Source: The Express Tribune

Civil Judge Suspended

ISLAMABAD: An additional district and sessions judge, who has been booked on charges of alleged torture on a child housemaid, has been barred from adjudication as the initial police inquiry report submitted before the Supreme Court points out ‘violence and abuse’ meted out to the victim by the judge’s wife.


The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday made the Additional District and Sessions Judge, Raja Khurram Ali Khan, an officer on special duty (OSD) in line with an inquiry earlier conducted by registrar of the court on directions of the IHC Chief Justice Justice Muhammad Anwar Khan Kasi.


According to the notification, the IHC “chief justice and judges of this court have been pleased to withdraw the services of Raja Khurram Ali Khan” from the Civil District and Sessions Division-East, Islamabad and placed him in IHC as OSD.


The judge, Raja Khurram Ali Khan was facing inquiry after the 10-year-old victim accused him and his wife, Maheen Zafar, of keeping her in wrongful confinement, burning her hand over a missing broom, beating her with a ladle, detaining her in storeroom and threatening her of even worse. The registrar had conducted an inquiry and a confidential report was submitted to the top judge of the IHC.


Police inquiry


The police report, exclusively available with The Express Tribune, states that “there is evidence that the victim child was abused and tortured by the accused lady.”


The report added that “the victim was employed by Raja Khurram Ali Khan as housemaid at his residence.”


The report states that the ICT police carried out its sincere efforts and investigated the case minutely and recorded statements of all relevant persons. “During the course of investigation Section 328-A PPC has also been added and there is evidence that the victim child was abused and tortured by the accused lady.”


The investigation team has conducted a thorough, fair and transparent investigation covering all-important points from all aspects, the report read, adding that the ocular, circumstantial and relevant medical and forensic evidence has been collected and placed on record against the lady suspect allegedly involved in the crime.


On December 28, as per the police investigation, a lady Humera Haroon took photographs of the victim child in an injured condition in the house of the suspects on her mobile phone and accordingly forwarded the same, which later appeared on social media. Humera and the judge reside in the same area.


The investigators have taken possession of Humera’s mobile phone in which pictures of the victims were saved and it has been sent to experts for analysis on January 9.


The capital’s police are specifically looking answers of three questions –date and time when pictures were taken, whether the pictures are original or otherwise and whether any editing has been done with the pictures or otherwise.


In addition, the report states that it was also investigated that the victim’s wounds were self-inflicted or otherwise, “any evidence of sexual abuse” and determining the right age of the victim.


As per the doctors at the Pakistan Medical Institute of Sciences “no evidence was found indicating if the child was sexually abused” and the child’s age was between nine-and-a-half years to 10-and-a-half years.


The report further reveals that the child sustained burn and trauma injuries and infection on face and neck, both knees, right thigh, left toe, back, right and left arms, and right buttock.


“The child has marks of small and large multiple wounds of contact burn that are caused when any hot item comes into contact with the body,” a health expert revealed while requesting anonymity.


“Multiple new and old burn marks on various parts of body cannot be sustained at once and seem to be inflicted on her at different times. This does not seem to be a normal phenomenon,” the expert added.


During the formal interrogation, the police said, Zafar and Judge Khan have denied the allegations.


District bar


Islamabad district bar has said that police misled the Supreme Court in the juvenile housemaid torture case, while denying the police claims against a lawyer who had represented the victim’s family.


The court was informed on Wednesday that Raja Zahoorul Hassan, who had represented Tayyaba’s family when they pardoned the judge and his wife suspected to have subjected the child to torture, was a relative of Additional District and Sessions Judge Raja Khurram Ali Khan. The court was also informed that Hassan had kept the child and her family in a house in Burma Town in Islamabad as police looked for them. The court was also informed that during the family’s stay at that house, Hassan did not allow them to contact anybody.


Islamabad Bar Association (IBA) had also announced a full-day strike on Tuesday against ‘illegal’ detention of Hassan by the police.


IBA Secretary Zafar Khokhar said neither the two were relatives, nor the Burma Town house belonged to Hassan. “He [Hassan] was pressurised by the police to give a certain statement. We will disown him if the allegations against him are proven,” said Khokhar.


Hassan also denied the police claims. “They cannot prove the Burma Town house to me in a hundred years,” he said and added that he was an easy target for the police and the media among all those involved in the case.

Source:The Express Tribune