ISLAMABAD, MAY 07 (DNA) – The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to challenge Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz’s appointment as vice-president.

According to sources, the PTI leadership has reservations against Maryam’s appointment and will challenge the decision in a court.

Sources further said Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has questioned how a person, who has been sentenced by a court, can be appointed as vice-president.

Qureshi is said to have further said that, Maryam has been granted temporary relief and that her sentence has not been commuted, sources added.

The foreign minister is said to have started consultations with lawyers and other party leaders. Qureshi is also said to have been thinking of approaching the Election Commission of Pakistan regarding Maryam’s appointment, sources further said.

In a major party reshuffle last week, Maryam was made one of the 16 vice-presidents of the party along with Hamza Shehbaz. Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was appointed as senior vice president of PML-N, while Ahsan Iqbal was made general secretary.

Marriyum Aurangzeb was retained as secretary information and the party’s spokesperson, while former finance minister Ishaq Dar has been made president of the party’s International Affairs Committee. = DNA

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PM, President felicitate nation on advent of Ramzan

ISLAMABAD, MAY 07 (DNA) – Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Dr Arif Alvi congratulated the nation and the Muslim community on the advent of the holy month of Ramzan.

Prime Minister Imran, in his message on the occasion, said Allah Almighty has provided us an opportunity to fully benefit from His blessings in this holy month.

The prime minister said self transformation, purification and obedience to commandments of Allah Almighty were objectives of fasting.

He said Allah Almighty has categorised this month for the training of the believers to develop qualities of clout and determination in them to face any challenges and adversities with bravery.

The premier said punctuality and regularity in Sahr-o-Iftar, prayers and refinement of character brought discipline in his life.

“Fasting not only teaches us the courage to counter hardship, but also plays a key role in strengthening brotherhood, truthfulness and positivity in the society,” he said.

He stressed that fasting also taught us to help the destitute who were deprived of basic necessities due to their poor economic conditions. “This individual and collective caring sense strengthens social bonds and high moral values,” he said.

Prime Minister Imran said his government had already announced Ramzan Package for uninterrupted supply of food items at appropriate prices for the people. He highlighted that special arrangements had also been made to put an eye on profiteers and stockpiling during the holy month.

He said it was the government’s utmost endeavour to ensure continuous supply of electricity, gas and water during Sehri and Iftar.

President Dr Arif Alvi, in his message, said Allah Almighty has ordained fasting for Muslims to achieve self-transformation. He urged the nation to pledge to exterminate all obstacles facing the national progress, peace and prosperity.

He said the nation must keep remembering the valiant martyrs who laid down their lives for the country’s peace. “Alive nations never forget their martyrs’ sacrifices,” the president said.

He said the incumbent government had started its journey in the right direction for peace and progress of the nation and would achieve the set targets of development soon. The president further urged the nation to make joint efforts in that regard. = DNA

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