Latest news with #Azhar
India Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
After Indian strikes, Pak terror groups ramp up outreach, propaganda and hiring
Terrorist groups based in Pakistan have ramped up anti-India rhetoric and activities to mobilise wider public support & funding, and attract fresh blood after the four-day India-Pakistan conflict, publicly available footage and propaganda material Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) – both United Nations (UN)-designated terrorist outfits – have stepped up their public outreach campaigns on the back of Pakistan's falsely claimed success in the conflict. While JeM's activities are confined to digital space, LeT, through its political front, has held headquarters of both outfits were hit in Indian airstrikes on May 7, almost 15 days after the Pahalgam terror attack. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)JeM has deployed a web of social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp groups and channels and Blogspot to propagate its jihadi ideology, seek donation, call for jihad against India, and lure young Pakistanis into its ranks. Markaz Sayyedna Tamim Dari (MSTD), a prominent Facebook page in the JeM digital propaganda network, features fiery speeches of JeM chief Masood Azhar and is filled with calls for jihad against in the JeM's social network often glorify slain terrorists as 'martyrs'. An audio clip in the group features a JeM member criticising the Pakistan government for closing madrasas and mosques in the aftermath of Indian military action. advertisement To reach a wider audience, operators of the JeM online network drop links to WhatsApp groups and channels in comment sections of Facebook and Instagram Today's Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) team has identified more than 30 Facebook pages, channels, and groups on WhatsApp and Telegram that are engaged in spreading JeM ideology, anti-India rhetoric, and calls for Ghazwa-e-Hind or a pledge to implement Islamic rule in platforms are not merely spreading hate but strategically mobilising digital audiences, calling on Pakistani and Kashmiri youth to "rise for jihad". A WhatsApp channel being promoted on Facebook calls for Pakistani youth to pledge allegiance to JeM chief Masood Azhar and join his cause of jihad against India. A WhatsApp number and a Telegram channel, along with instructions, have been provided in this group for prospective JeM also calls on people of Pakistan to send their message of support to Azhar. Instructions detail how, where and when to send the messages to JeM has also put up hoardings in public places urging people to attend a major upcoming congregation in Bahawalpur in August. The hoardings feature the damaged photos of Markaz Subhan Allah, which was hit in Indian strikes on May 7. It asks people to donate to the construction of the mosque and invite them to listen to jihadi poetry on August 25, 2025. A JeM hoarding in Bahawalpur calling on people to attend an upcoming remembrance programme for terrorists killed in India's May 7 airstrikes. JeM's black and white flag can also be seen in this photo. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)Founded by Hafiz Saeed, LeT has a competitive edge over JeM because it has a political front named Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), which enables it to organise mass public events openly. On May 28, UN-designated terrorist Saifulla Kasuri-headed PMML organised public rallies at more than two dozen locations across Pakistan to celebrate Youm-e-Takbir, a day which commemorates Pakistan testing nuclear weapons in 1998. In these rallies, posters of Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Hafiz Saeed were displayed alongside and inflammatory slogans were raised against is believed to be behind the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that triggered Indian strikes at nine terror camps in Pakistan on May the 'Takbir Conference' on May 28, Saifullah appeared to acknowledge his role in the Pahalgam attack. 'I was roaming in Kasur when I got to know that India had blamed me for the Pahalgam incident on me People of Kasur! I congratulate you. Before this incident, Kasur was just a district in Pakistan. Now Kasur is famous across the world,' he told a huge gathering at Ellahabad Chowk in Punjab's Kasur the same rally, US-designated global terrorist and LeT co-founder Amir Hamza raised slogans like 'Kashmir banega Pakistan' (Kashmir will be merged with Pakistan), Jammu banega Pakistan (Jammu will be merged with Pakistan), and Punjab banega Pakistan (Punjab will be merged with Pakistan).Also present on the stage were Hafiz Saeed's son Talha, who is also designated as a terrorist by the US and India, and Pakistan's Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Mohammad Ahmed PMML, the Milli Muslim League served as the LeT's political party. But its leaders were designated as specially designated global terrorists in 2018, which led to the formation of the PMML later. PMML fought last year's general elections in Pakistan but drew a blank.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Perak start anew by competing in A1 Semi-Pro League next season
PETALING JAYA: Perak will compete in the A1 Semi-Pro League next season, joining their northern neighbours Kedah, who have also pledged to do so. After the previous owners said they would not compete in any competition due to finances, the Perak Football Association (Pafa) said they would chart a fresh course with renewed energy and a clear vision to reclaim their proud legacy in Malaysian football. On May 23, Kedah and Perak failed to obtain the National Licence required for participation in the 2025-2026 Super League season. Pafa's immediate focus now lies in assembling a competitive team, with the Malaysia Games (Sukma) Perak squad forming the backbone of this rebuilding phase. This team will serve as the foundation for Perak's return to prominence in the domestic scene. Plans are under way to compete in AFL-sanctioned leagues as a starting point, alongside long-term preparations for Sukma 2026, the President's Cup 2026, and Youth Cup 2026 campaigns. Now standing as the central pillar of football in the state, Pafa acknowledge the disappointment felt by fans in recent years, but calls for unity and belief. 'This is the time to come together, rebuild, and plant the seeds of renewed hope,' said Azhar. 'We don't promise miracles, but we promise extraordinary commitment, perseverance, and an unwavering fighting spirit. For the crest, for the pride, and Perak Darul Ridzuan, so stay with us.'
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
IMF disagrees with Pakistan over key targets, subsidies ahead of budget
ISLAMABAD: The Finance Ministry said on Monday that the presentation of the Federal Budget 2025-26 has been delayed from June 2 to June 10 due to disagreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over key budgetary figures, including subsidy allocations. During a session of the Sub-Committee of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce, chaired by Khurshid Ahmed Junejo, Joint Secretary (Corporate Finance) Sajjad Azhar outlined the government's challenges in revising the budget figures. The Sub-Committee is currently working to resolve the issue of outstanding receivables owed to the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), which total approximately Rs 317.5 billion. Of this, Rs 93.693 billion is principal, while Rs 223.797 billion is accrued markup. Aurangzeb says IMF case approved 'on merit' despite disruption attempts 'As you know, Pakistan is under the IMF's Extended Fund Facility, which restricts any changes to the allocated funds in the budget,' Azhar told the sub-committee. 'The budget announcement has been delayed by a week because the Finance Ministry's figures are still under reconciliation. The IMF has placed a cap on subsidies,' he added. Azhar further noted that the IMF has declined to make any changes to the revised budget figures recently presented to the Fund's team. The Sub-Committee held a detailed discussion on the TCP receivables. Tensions flared during the meeting between Sajjad Azhar and TCP Chairman Syed Rafeo Bashir Shah over the calculation of markup and loans obtained from commercial banks. Chairman Shah maintained that TCP distributed imported wheat and urea in line with Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) directives, yet payments remain outstanding since 2010. In response, Azhar stated that the ECC never approved covering the markup costs through the federal government. He added that the Finance Ministry has held five meetings with relevant stakeholders to reconcile the dues. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) was also approached to persuade commercial banks to reduce markup rates. However, the SBP clarified that since the agreements are commercial, no relief could be extended. The National Assembly panel urged the Finance Division to increase subsidy allocations to enable partial payment to TCP. Azhar informed the committee that the Finance Ministry recently secured commercial loans for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) without any discounts. Similar arrangements are being considered to manage circular debt, with borrowing pegged at the Karachi Interbank Offered Rate (KIBOR) minus 0.2 percent. A summary on this matter is being submitted to the federal cabinet. He also mentioned that the Punjab government has committed to paying Rs 26 billion, while the federal government will release an equivalent amount next fiscal year. Additionally, Rs 15 billion will be disbursed to TCP on behalf of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) and National Fertilizer Marketing Limited (NFML) during the current fiscal year, pending release authorizations from the respective ministries. Another Rs 30 billion will be earmarked in the upcoming budget. A representative from NFML stated that all dues, including markup, were cleared during 2023-24, and no further payments are pending. After an in-depth discussion, the panel decided to release the undisputed amount of Rs 90 billion to TCP in the first phase. A mechanism will be developed to address the markup issue in the second phase. It was also decided that TCP will conduct a special audit of its commercial loans to identify any discrepancies. panel members Shaista Pervaiz Malik and Rana Atif raised various concerns regarding the markup and called for swift resolution of outstanding payments. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
IMF in disagreement over key targets, subsidies
ISLAMABAD: The Finance Ministry said on Monday that the presentation of the Federal Budget 2025-26 has been delayed from June 2 to June 10 due to disagreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over key budgetary figures, including subsidy allocations. During a session of the Sub-Committee of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce, chaired by Khurshid Ahmed Junejo, Joint Secretary (Corporate Finance) Sajjad Azhar outlined the government's challenges in revising the budget figures. The Sub-Committee is currently working to resolve the issue of outstanding receivables owed to the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), which total approximately Rs 317.5 billion. Of this, Rs 93.693 billion is principal, while Rs 223.797 billion is accrued markup. Aurangzeb says IMF case approved 'on merit' despite disruption attempts 'As you know, Pakistan is under the IMF's Extended Fund Facility, which restricts any changes to the allocated funds in the budget,' Azhar told the sub-committee. 'The budget announcement has been delayed by a week because the Finance Ministry's figures are still under reconciliation. The IMF has placed a cap on subsidies,' he added. Azhar further noted that the IMF has declined to make any changes to the revised budget figures recently presented to the Fund's team. The Sub-Committee held a detailed discussion on the TCP receivables. Tensions flared during the meeting between Sajjad Azhar and TCP Chairman Syed Rafeo Bashir Shah over the calculation of markup and loans obtained from commercial banks. Chairman Shah maintained that TCP distributed imported wheat and urea in line with Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) directives, yet payments remain outstanding since 2010. In response, Azhar stated that the ECC never approved covering the markup costs through the federal government. He added that the Finance Ministry has held five meetings with relevant stakeholders to reconcile the dues. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) was also approached to persuade commercial banks to reduce markup rates. However, the SBP clarified that since the agreements are commercial, no relief could be extended. The National Assembly panel urged the Finance Division to increase subsidy allocations to enable partial payment to TCP. Azhar informed the committee that the Finance Ministry recently secured commercial loans for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) without any discounts. Similar arrangements are being considered to manage circular debt, with borrowing pegged at the Karachi Interbank Offered Rate (KIBOR) minus 0.2 percent. A summary on this matter is being submitted to the federal cabinet. He also mentioned that the Punjab government has committed to paying Rs 26 billion, while the federal government will release an equivalent amount next fiscal year. Additionally, Rs 15 billion will be disbursed to TCP on behalf of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) and National Fertilizer Marketing Limited (NFML) during the current fiscal year, pending release authorizations from the respective ministries. Another Rs 30 billion will be earmarked in the upcoming budget. A representative from NFML stated that all dues, including markup, were cleared during 2023-24, and no further payments are pending. After an in-depth discussion, the panel decided to release the undisputed amount of Rs 90 billion to TCP in the first phase. A mechanism will be developed to address the markup issue in the second phase. It was also decided that TCP will conduct a special audit of its commercial loans to identify any discrepancies. panel members Shaista Pervaiz Malik and Rana Atif raised various concerns regarding the markup and called for swift resolution of outstanding payments. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
PAK vs BAN: Azhar Mahmood not part of Pakistan's support staff for Bangladesh T20 series
Azhar Mahmood has been dropped from Pakistan's support staff for the home series against Bangladesh. Azhar, who has been part of the support staff for the last five years in different capacities, has not been retained for the three-match T20 series. Australian player Ashley Noffke has been named as the bowling coach to assist new white-ball head coach Mike Hesson while a former First-Class local player, Hanif Malik, has been named as batting coach. Hesson was appointed the white-ball head coach earlier this month on a two-year contract. The PCB has also invited applications for the batting, bowling and fielding coaches positions besides strength and conditioning coach. June 5 is the deadline for candidates to apply and a reliable source said that the support staff management announced for the Bangladesh series was on an interim basis. He said that Mahmood was under consideration for the position of red-ball head coach. The PCB, since 2023, has changed its head coach and coaches frequently with foreigners Grant Bradburn, Mickey Arthur, Simon Helmet, Gary Kirsten, Jason Gillespie and locals Muhammad Hafeez and Aaqib Javed all remaining head coaches or high performance coaches for a few months before being sacked or stepping down.
