World
politics
Donald Trump’s ‘bloodbath’ remarks backfire amid Joe Biden’s criticism
Donald Trump claims that President Joe Biden and the media had purposefully used “my words out of context” as a part of a “bloodbath hoax”.
According to Trump, his words have been misinterpreted by Biden and his allies. He made “bloodbath” remarks in contest with the rival Biden, however, his comments were shortly backfired at him.
The former president, in a four-minute video posted on Truth Social on Friday, March 22, called the remarks he made at a campaign event the previous weekend a “bloodbath hoax,” accusing his political rivals in the “Biden campaign” and the “fake news media”.
Trump said while speaking in Dayton Ohio: “If I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a bloodbath. It’s going to be a bloodbath for the country.” Those comments came ahead of the Biden administration this week finalising new vehicle-emission standards designed to boost the sales of new electric and hybrid vehicles.
In the Truth Social video, Trump replied: “I said that, if we don’t win, there will be a bloodbath for the US auto manufacturing industry, which is right now turning very bad, and that’s 100% true, that’s going to happen, that’s a fact.” He said “crooked Joe Biden” is attempting to “destroy the US auto industry” with his “extreme” electric-vehicle mandate, according to Newsweek.
Trump said that the mandate means Biden is “doing the bidding of the Chinese Communist Party” and that the new electric-vehicle rules will “let China steal hundreds of thousands of American jobs.”
President Putin blames Ukraine for Moscow concert hall attack
Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the Moscow concert hall shooting as “barbaric” and said that four suspects were arrested while they were attempting to flee.
In a five-minute televised address to the nation on Saturday, the president alleged that the Crocus City Hall attack received assistance from Ukraine.
Putin stated, “They were trying to hide and were moving toward Ukraine. Based on preliminary information, a window for crossing the border was prepared for them by the Ukrainian side.”
Russian authorities have taken into custody at least 11 suspects, including four alleged gunmen, in connection with the Moscow concert hall shooting that has so far claimed at least 143 lives.
The Crocus City Hall attack has left over 120 people wounded.
The venue, Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, was left devastated by the violent assault.
In a horrific attack, Russia suffered its deadliest act of terrorism in a decade. Just hours later, Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack coincides with the ongoing war in Ukraine, that is now stretching into its third year.
Putin did not explicitly mention Daesh in his remarks, however the group’s affiliate, ISIS-Khorasan, declared online that it had targeted a gathering of “Christians” in Krasnogorsk.
Ukrainian officials strongly rejected Putin’s accusation of their involvement in the attack. Ukraine said that their primary goal is to protect their country’s sovereignty and stand firm against Russian aggression.
The attack took place days after a warning issued by US authorities on March 7 this year regarding a potential attack in Russia by ISIS. The US Embassy in Moscow had alerted about extremist plans to target large gatherings, including concerts, in the region.
In a statement, the US State Department condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Russian people in mourning the loss of life.
Arvind Kejriwal becomes first sitting Indian CM to be arrested
New Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was on Thursday arrested in the alleged liquor policy scam, becoming the first sitting chief minister to be arrested in the history of the country, reported NDTV.
A 12-member team of the country’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Delhi CM Kejriwal at his residence in North Delhi’s Civil Lines this evening.
The ED team reached his residence and began questioning after Delhi High Court refused to grant the CM protection from coercive action in the excise policy case earlier today, according to Indian Express.
“We have received news that the Enforcement Directorate has arrested Arvind Kejriwal,” Delhi education minister Atishi Marlena Singh told reporters, referring to India’s main financial crimes investigation agency.
The arrest was made in connection with allegations that a liquor policy implemented by the Delhi government in 2022, which ended its control over sale of liquor in the capital, gave undue advantages to private retailers. The policy was subsequently withdrawn.
The ED in a press note had called Mr Kejriwal a “conspirator” in the case.
According to the allegations, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha allegedly conspired with Kejriwal, and AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh while framing the now-scrapped liquor policy case.
The alleged conspiracy involved making a policy that would benefit a liquor lobby from southern India, which the ED had called the “South Lobby”.
UN Security Council vote on new Gaza ceasefire text postponed to Monday: diplomats
UNITED NATIONS, UNITED STATES – A vote at the UN Security Council on a new text calling for an “immediate” ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war was postponed to Monday, diplomatic sources told AFP, after a separate, US-lead draft resolution was vetoed. The United States, Israel’s main ally and military backer, had put forward a resolution mentioning “the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire” and condemning the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Russia and China on Friday vetoed that resolution, which had stopped short of explicitly demanding that Israel immediately end its campaign in Gaza. The new ceasefire text was meant to go to a vote on Saturday, but was pushed back to allow further discussions of the draft, the diplomatic sources said.
More than 1,160 people, mostly civilians, died on October 7 when militants infiltrated Israel in the country’s deadliest attack, according to Israeli official figures. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. More than 32,000 people, mostly civilians, have died in the retaliatory campaign, according to the Gaza health ministry, and the United Nations has warned of imminent famine in the territory.
Biden unveils $8.5bn deal with Intel under CHIPS Act
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced up to a $8.5 billion preliminary agreement with chipmaker Intel under the CHIPS and Science Act.
The agreement also includes funding of $11 billion in loans under the act, which was signed into law by Biden in August 2022 to set aside $52.7 billion to increase the production of US-made semiconductors, address supply chain vulnerabilities by producing more goods in the US and bolster domestic scientific research.
“Semiconductors were invented in America and power everything from cell phones to electric vehicles, refrigerators, satellites, defense systems and more. But today, the United States produces less than 10 percent of the world’s chips and none of the most advanced ones,” the White House said in a statement.
“Thanks to President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act, that is changing. Companies have announced over $240 billion in investments to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States since the President took office. Semiconductor jobs are making a comeback. And thanks to CHIPS investments like the one today, America will produce roughly 20% of the world’s leading-edge chips by the end of the decade,” it added.
US urges Taliban to stop terrorist attacks on Pakistan from Afghanistan soil
WASHINGTON – The United States called on the Taliban to ensure that terrorist attacks against Pakistan are not launched from Afghan soil.
Asked to comment on Pakistan’s “intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations” inside the border regions of Afghanistan, State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said that the US “deeply” regrets the loss of life and “injustices” sustained during an attack in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Seven Pakistani troops were killed in the terrorist attack at a security post in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali area on Saturday.
“We urge the Taliban to ensure that terrorist attacks are not launched from Afghan soil and we urge Pakistan to exercise restraint and ensure civilians are not harmed in their counter-terrorism efforts,” Patel told his daily news briefing on Monday.
“And we urge both sides to address any differences. We remain committed to ensuring that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists who wish to harm the United States and our partners and allies,” he added. He said we are in regular communication with Pakistani leaders to discuss Afghanistan in detail, including through our counterterrorism dialogue and other bilateral consultations.
Last month, the U.N. Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team said in a report that al-Qaida operatives were increasingly assisting TTP militants to launch cross-border attacks. And some ruling Taliban members joined TTP, the report noted.
“Besides supplying weapons and equipment, Taliban rank and file, al-Qaida core…. assisted TTP forces in cross-border attacks… Some Taliban members also joined TTP, perceiving a religious obligation to provide support,” the U.N. report said. Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s special representative to Afghanistan told a seminar in Islamabad last week that up to 6,000 TTP fighters are sheltering in the neighboring country. Earlier Monday, interim Afghan administration spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Pakistani military aircraft had struck homes, killing eight people in the southeastern Paktika and Khost provinces. Islamabad confirmed that its forces carried out the attacks on militant targets and gave assurances of its respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty. This came after at least seven Pakistani troops were killed by militants in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali area on Saturday. Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of failing to prevent militants from the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a conglomerate of various militant groups, from carrying out attacks in Pakistan before returning to Afghanistan for refuge.
Pakistan Embassy Beijing holds National Day reception
BEIJING – Pakistan Embassy, Beijing hosted a reception today to commemorate the 84th National Day of Pakistan, in which several senior Chinese officials, resident Ambassadors, diplomats, Pakistan community members, representatives of Chinese state owned and private enterprises, intelligentsia and leading media persons participated.
Sun Weidong, Vice Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China graced the reception as the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, Khalil Hashmi, Ambassador of Pakistan to China, paid rich tribute to the Nation’s Founding Fathers, especially Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah for his vision and for pursing democratic struggle for the creation of Pakistan. Underscoring the significant strides the country has made over the decades across multiple fields, the Ambassador highlighted the resilience and ability of Pakistan to bounce back stronger in the face of challenges.
He also recalled the groundbreaking diplomatic initiatives undertaken by Pakistan at the international stage for the promotion of peace, harmony and development. The Ambassador lauded the contribution of Pakistan community in the promotion of China Pakistan ties, while calling for further expansion of business and people to people exchanges between the two countries. On Pakistan-China relations, the Ambassador noted the iron-clad partnership that has been nurtured by successive generations. Both countries were connected not only by land, mountains and rivers but also by a heart corridor founded on the sentiments of trust, mutual respect, solidarity and support.
Sun Weidong, Vice Foreign Minister of China lauded the unremitting efforts by successive Pakistani governments and its people in furthering the country’s prosperity, upholding sovereignty, and defending national dignity. He stressed the salience of continued China-Pakistan cooperation for addressing shared risks and challenges, to defend the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and to promote international fairness and justice. The Vice Foreign Minister also conveyed China’s good wishes for the new government in Pakistan and reaffirmed China’s commitment to work with Pakistan to accelerate the building of even closer China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future in the New Era.
Economy (world)
PAKISTAN
Politics
Pakistan mulling over resuming trade with India, says Ishaq Dar
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar hinted at Pakistan mulling over trade relations with India.
He was talking to media in London after his participation in the Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels.
Ishaq Dar, a former finance minister of Pakistan, remarked that the trade with India via Dubai and Singapore has been much expensive.
Trade relations with India were suspended since India’s controversial move to revoke the special autonomous status of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019.
He said Pakistan’s business class was eager for restoration of direct trade with India. “We will take a decision after consultations with all stakeholders,” he added.
He said the government would implement a five-year road map to put Pakistan on the road of economic progress and bring down inflation to lessen economic difficulties of the common man.
He said the 16-month government of Shehbaz Sharif saved Pakistan from economic collapse after the bad policies of the previous government which devastated economy of the country.
He said Pakistan had vision for nuclear energy since 1960s and despite the scrutiny of the world it continued to harness the benefits of nuclear energy.
“Now the world is saying that nuclear and hydro energy are the safest and best for taking on the challenge of climate change.”
He said the previous governments of PML-N completed various nuclear projects and 3800 megawatts of electricity were added to the national grid.
While representing Pakistan at the recent nuclear energy summit in Brussels, the foreign minister said he called for aggressive financing from the international financial institutions and multilateral institutions.
To a question about Congressional hearings in the United States about matters related to Pakistan, he urged that Pakistanis should leave behind politics when they were outside the country and get united.
To a question about elections, Ishaq Dar said, “We have comprehensive constitutional and legal cover for elections”, adding different parties got the mandate of the people and it should be accepted.”
Punjab CM directs to start campaign to stop kite flying across province
Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed displeasure over the successive incidents of kite flying despite the ban and directed to start a campaign to stop kite flying across the province.
In a statement in Lahore, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed to take strict action against those who violate the ban on kite flying.
The Chief Minister also sought a report from the IG Punjab on the incident of the death of a young man due to kite flying in Faisalabad.
Pakistan showcases military might in big parade
Islamabad – The magnificent and colourful Pakistan Day Military parade was held at Shakarparian parade avenue in Islamabad today with the three wings of the armed forces demonstrating their exemplary professionalism and military prowess.
The Saudi Defense Minister was the guest of honour on the occasion. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the services chiefs and other prominent figures attended the parade.
The impressive ceremony kicked off with the fly past of fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy. Newly inducted J-10 C, indigenously built JF-17 thunder, F-16 and Mirage fighter jets as well as AWACs, P-3C Orion and ATR participated in the fly past. Contingents of Pakistan Army, Navy, Pakistan Air Force, Special Services Group, Frontier Corps, Rangers, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police and Gilgit Baltistan Scouts marched past the dais presenting salute to the chief guest and the guest of honor.
Mechanized columns including tanks, armored personnel carriers, rocket launchers, air defense system, guns, UAVs, short and long range missiles Ra’ad, Nasr, Babur, Shaheen , Ghauri and Ababeel were showcased on the occasion. Engineering corps also presented its state of the art equipment. The parade featured the march past of the helicopters of Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force. The troops from Azerbaijan and China participated in the parade.
Amidst applause by the audience, formations of Sherdils and JF-17 Thunder and F-16 fighter jets presented breathtaking aerobatic maneuvers spreading a range of colours in the skies.
Floats depicting culture of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and the four provinces were part of the parade. This was followed by the fly past of helicopters of Pakistan Army, PAF and Navy.
The sky divers of Special Services Group exhibited free fall from a height of ten thousand feet, carrying national flags and those of services. Afterwards, the national flag was presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The parade culminated with presentation of a special song themed ‘Pochay Jo Naam Koi Tum Pakistan Batana’. The nation celebrated Pakistan Day on Saturday with National zeal and fervour, reaffirming the commitment to work hard for the development, stability, and unity of Pakistan. The day was dawn with 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salute in provincial capitals while special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for the prosperity and solidarity of the country. The national flag was hoisted on major government buildings.
The main feature of the day was the grand military parade in Islamabad where contingents of three armed forces and other security forces conducted march past while fighter planes presented aerobatic maneuvers.
Besides President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, federal cabinet members, services chiefs, diplomats, notables from different walks of life and a huge number of citizens attended the ceremony. Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud was the guest of honour in the military parade while the contingents of China and Azerbaijan were also being featured in the parade.
President Asif Ali Zardari in his speech said that Pakistan was a peace-loving and responsible nuclear state but it would neither make any compromise on its sovereignty nor would tolerate any efforts of terrorists or any group aimed at destabilizing it. “Pakistan wants relations with all its neighbors. We are a peace-loving country and a responsible nuclear state. However, let me make it clear that we will not compromise on our sovereignty… We will not tolerate any efforts by terrorists or any group to destabilize our country,” the president said addressing the Pakistan Day Parade ceremony held here.
An investiture ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadar in the afternoon where President Asif Ali Zardari conferred awards and medals to personalities for their outstanding contribution in different fields.
The President conferred Nishan-i-Pakistan award on Minister for Defence Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, military top brass and members of the diplomatic corps.
The award was conferred in recognition of Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud’s meritorious services for Pakistan and its people, enhancing defence cooperation, strengthening of bilateral ties and contributions towards peace efforts in the region. Sindh Governor Mohammed Kamran Khan Tessori visited the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammed Ali Jinnah and paid rich tributes to him on the occasion of Pakistan Day. Sindh Ministers including Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon were also present on the occasion. Acting Governor Balochistan Capt (retd) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai conferred civil awards to 15 individuals on behalf of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan province for their outstanding contributions in various spheres of life.
President says will not tolerate any efforts to destabilise Pakistan
ISLAMABAD – President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday said that Pakistan is a peace-loving and responsible nuclear state but it would neither make any compromise on its sovereignty nor would tolerate any efforts of terrorists or any group aimed at destabilising it.
“Pakistan wants relations with all its neighbours. We are a peace-loving country and a responsible nuclear state. However, let me make it clear that we will not compromise on our sovereignty… We will not tolerate any efforts by terrorists or any group to destabilise our country,” the president said addressing the Pakistan Day Parade ceremony held here. Pakistan Day is observed in remembrance of the adoption of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940. This resolution, put forth by the All-India Muslim League, called for the creation of a distinct homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent. The day started with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals. Besides President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, federal cabinet members, services chiefs, diplomats, notables from different walks of life and a huge number of citizens attended the ceremony. Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, who previously served as an F-15 pilot in Royal Saudi Air Force, was the guest of honour of the ceremony. In his address, President Zardari said that the Pakistani nation and armed forces were always ready to respond to any aggression at all times. “Today’s parade is a reminder of our unity, strength, and pride,” said the president who earlier reviewed the parade after arriving at the venue escorted in his chariot by the presidential guards mounted on horses.
Shaharyar Khan passes away at 89
ISLAMABAD – Former Foreign Secretary and Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Shaharyar Khan passed away on Saturday in Lahore after protracted illness. He was 89. Born in 1934, late Shaharyar Khan had joined the Foreign Service in 1957 and served till his his retirement as foreign secretary in 1994.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a statement condoled over Khan’s death who “served Pakistan with great distinction both as a diplomat and Chairman PCB.” “He will be greatly missed,” Dar said and prayed to Allah to grant him a higher place in Jannah and solace to his family and friends. Foreign Office paid tribute to the ex-ambassador and high commissioner and honoured his “monumental services in protecting Pakistan’s diplomatic interests”. In a post on X, Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Qazi said he was deeply saddened by Khan’s passing and lauded him as “one of Pakistan’s finest diplomats.”
Qazi said Khan left behind a “rich legacy of accomplishment and protecting and promoting Pakistan’s interests”. He had earlier served as Ambassador to Jordan and France as well as High Commissioner to London. From 1994 to 1996, he served in Rwanda as special representative to the UN Secretary General overseeing peacekeeping operations. A passionate cricketer, Shaharyar Khan had two stints as chairman, between 2003 and 2006 and then 2014 to 2017.
‘Punjab govt to formulate complete price control mechanism’
LAHORE – Punjab Minister for Information Azma Bokhari has said the price control programme is being implemented across the province successfully. “May it be a social media or common markets, people are themselves informing that for the first time in the history of Punjab, items at subsidised rates are being sold in the month of Ramazan,” she said.
In a statement issued here on Friday, she said that the government had launched the price control programme before the start of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak, and its credit goes to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz and her team. Few complaints were still being received in the open market, which were being resolved immediately, she added.
The Punjab government is formulating a complete price control mechanism soon, adding that the price control sector was non-functional earlier and due to personal interest of CM Maryam Nawaz, the price control sector had been made fully functional.
PIA shares record 600pc raise
Following reforms in the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the shares of the national flag carrier recorded 600 per cent surge during trading at the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
In the last 10 days, the PIA shares jumped to Rs27 from Rs4.50. According to market experts, the share price is going up due to the confidence of investors after the reform process in the PIA.
With a share value of Rs27, the PIA share has become the 17th biggest trading share in the PSX.
Yesterday, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that the government wants to complete the privatisation process of cash-strapped Pakistan International Airline (PIA) in June.
Federal Minister for Privatisation and Board of Investment Abdul Aleem Khan is working on the privatisation of the national flag carrier, he said during his appearance on ARY News show KHABAR with Meher Bukhari.
The finance minister expressed hope that the government will soon begin to receive bids for the PIA.
On reducing operational expenditure, Aurangzeb informed that the federal government will soon announce a decision regarding ministries devolved into provinces.
ECONOMY (PAKISTAN)
