Story Highlights
PTI vs MQM
A tussle between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain remained the top story of Pakistani press this week. The issue started when MQM chief Altaf Hussain used abusive and vulgar remarks about female supporters of PTI including its member Shireen Mizari during a telephonic speech to MQM members in Karachi earlier this week. PTI chief Imran Khan then lashed out at Altaf Hussain in a press conference on Monday for making indecent remarks against the PTI women workers. He called Altaf Hussain an “insane” man and advised MQM workers to disassociate themselves with him. Imran Khan also clarified that PTI will not share any forum with MQM anymore and asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to take action on the Joint Investigation Team report which claimed Baldia factory was set on fire by MQM workers in which over 250 people were killed. Meanwhile MQM reacted in a similar way after Imran Khan’s press conference as MQM leader Haider Abbas RIzvi claimed that PTI is the political wing of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, a banned militant organization, and that Imran Khan is trying to create political anarchy in the country through such remarks.
The war of words between two parties finally ended when MQM chief tendered an apology to women workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Imran Khan accepted his apology. However PTI chief reiterated that action must be taken against those involved in Baldia factory fire and named in Joint Investigation Team report.
Reservoirs in Chiniot
The second most covered story of the week was the discovery of huge reservoirs of copper and Iron in Rajua, Chiniot in Punjab.
According to media reports Chairman Punjab Mineral Company Dr Samar Mubarakmand briefed the officials that studies were being conducted in 28 sq kms of area, and initial findings showed that there was high probability of presence of good quality deposits of copper and iron in around 2000 sq kms of Chiniot city. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was also present at the occasion and was suggested that there should be more focus on excavating copper as it has a much higher value in the international market. Representatives of Chinese Metallurgical Corporation and German consultants also attended the event.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while addressing a gathering at the occasion expressed hope it would help bringing prosperity and open new avenues for investment and employment.
Obama calls Sharif
Telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and US President Barack Obama was the third most covered news of the week. According to media reports the call between two leaders lasted for half an hour in which bilateral issues were discussed. President Obama briefed prime minister about his recent visit to India while Nawaz Sharif updated the latter about operation Zarb-e-Azb against militants in tribal areas. US president hailed Pakistan’s efforts to counter terrorism and congratulated on successful military operation against militants. President Obama also backed efforts by India and Pakistan to improve their relations. According to media reports both the leaders agreed to continue to work together to strengthen US- Pakistan relations. Prime minister Nawaz Sharif also expressed concerns over America’s support to India for permanent seat in United Nation Security Council saying India has been violating UN resolutions on Kashmir. The prime minister also expressed country’s desire to become a member of civil Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and sought support of the US in this regard.
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