The two candidates battling to be Britain's next prime minister will vie to present themselves as defenders of Scotland's place in the United Kingdom by promising more scrutiny of Scotland's government to undermine a new push for independence.
Liz Truss, the foreign minister, and Rishi Sunak, the former finance minister, who are competing to replace Prime Minister Boris Johnson, set out their policies for Scotland before the only election hustings in the country on Tuesday.
Both candidates want more focus on the Scottish government's record on health and education.
Scotland has the highest drug deaths in Europe and two-thirds of the population is either obese or overweight, while a report last year said its education system is the weakest performing in the United Kingdom.
The Scottish National Party, which heads Scotland's semi-autonomous government, wants to hold a second independence referendum next year, which could rip apart the world's fifth-biggest economy.
The bonds holding together the four countries that make up the United Kingdom — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — have been severely strained over the last six years by Brexit and the government's handling of the pandemic.
READ MORE: UK rejects Scotland's request for second independence vote
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2qN6eaY_OA[/embed]
Second independence vote
Liz Truss promised to give parliamentary privilege to members of the Scottish parliament to allow more scrutiny of the government, and said she would push to sign a trade deal with India to end longstanding 150 percent tariffs on Scotch Whisky, the country's biggest single product export.
"I'll make sure that my government does everything to ensure elected representatives hold the devolved administration to account," she said.
"As a nation we are stronger together and the UK needs Scotland as much as Scotland needs the UK."
Voters in Scotland, which has a population of around 5.5 million, rejected independence in 2014. But Scotland's government says Britain's departure from the European Union, which was opposed by a majority of Scots, means the question must be put to a second vote.
Sunak said that if he becomes prime minister, he will order senior Scottish government officials to attend annual British parliament committee hearings.
"For too long the SNP has been able to obscure its failures by picking and choosing the data it publishes - I would change that, ensuring the Scottish government’s record could be held to account," he said.
READ MORE: Scotland leader launches campaign for second independence vote
Source: Reuters
ISLAMABAD: In a video doing rounds on social media, three foreigners — including two women and a man — can be seen being harassed by a mob in Shakarparian, a tourist spot in the federal capital on Independence Day.
According to the information shared by Islamabad’s police, the incident occurred at the Pakistan Monument. No complaints to investigate the incident were received by the police.
"No one complained to the administration present at the site of the incident", the police said.
A Twitter page — Islamabad Updates — which posts about the city’s various issues, shared videos of the disturbing incident where the two women and a man accompanying them could be seen being mobbed and harassed by over a dozen men around them.
The tourists appear visibly distressed and uncomfortable following the mob’s undue attention.
"Boys misbehaving with foreign tourists on the occasion of #Pakistan's #IndependenceDay in Shakarparian, #Islamabad. Authorities must identify and punish the culprits," the video caption said.
Netizens have strongly reacted to the videos, questioning concerned authorities to initiate an investigation and take action against the men involved in the tourists’ harassment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the nation on Independence Day from Red Fort. (Photo from @BJP4India on Twitter)
In his speech addressing the nation on Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is currently facing two big challenges - corruption and 'parivaarvaad' (nepotism). He also appealed to the citizens for their support in the fight against corruption.
PM Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort in a speech that lasted for about 83 minutes. Speaking on the topic of corruption in the country, he said, "Corruption is hollowing the country like a termite and we will have to fight it." He added that those who looted India in the past are "paying for their sins now". "We are confiscating their ill-gotten gain," added the prime minister.
ALSO READ | Need for innovation, gender parity: Top quotes from PM Modi's Independence Day speech
He asked for the people's support in fighting corruption and said he is taking on "both corruption and the corrupted".
The prime minister also trained his guns on 'parivaarvaad' (nepotism) and said several institutions in India have been shackled by nepotism. He said, "It is not limited to just politics and it also promotes corruption. We need to free the country from nepotism as it is impeding the growth of the nation."
He said there is a need to raise awareness against nepotism to realise the strength of India's institutions and to take the country forward on the basis of merit.
--- ENDS ---
As Pakistan celebrates its 75th Independence Day on Sunday wishes from world leaders and foreign dignitaries poured in to commemorate the country’s diamond jubilee.
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated his counterpart Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on the occasion. In his message, President Putin wished for “Pakistan’s success in economic and social development, well-earned respect possessed by it on international arena.”
United States’ Secretary of State Antony Blinken in his message offered best wishes to the people of Pakistan.
“For more than seven decades, the US and Pakistan have worked together in partnership […] I look forward to strengthening our relationship in years to come as we look for opportunities to advance our shared goals of security, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.”
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent their wishes for the Pakistani nation and congratulated PM Shahbaz and President Alvi.
UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also extended their congratulatory messages to the PM and President of Pakistan.
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, in a statement, also wished Pakistan and Canadian-Pakistanis on the auspicious occasion citing that his nation celebrates the strong bonds that unite Canadian and Pakistani people.
“Canada and Pakistan enjoy a longstanding relationship, and this year also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. We remain committed to fighting climate change, advancing women's empowerment, and promoting regional peace and stability,” Trudeau stated.
Chinese ambassador in Pakistan Nong Rong tweeted a video sharing the bilateral ties and friendship shared by both nations through the years.
Taking to Twitter German Ambassador-Designate Alfred Grannas and Acting British High Commissioner Andrew Dalgleish also shared video messages for Pakistanis on the special occasion.
“Right now the UK and Pakistan are collaborating to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges from driving forward action on climate change to improving gender equality,” Dalgleish said.
British High Commissioner Christian Turner, shared a letter for Pakistanis on Twitter.
“Our history unites us but does not define our future. The UK and Pakistan are EK Saath,” Turner wrote in his letter.
Special message by the Charge d'Affaires of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Sardar Ahmed Shakeeb was also shared by the Government of Pakistan’s official twitter account.
“Since the establishment of the new Islamic government in Kabul, we have been supporting the vital interests of each other and facilitating close cooperation and affairs of trade, education, culture, health and people-to-people relations,” Shakeeb said, adding that the friendship between people of both the nations are “strengthening with each passing day”.
Australian envoy Neil Hawkins dressed up in green and white celebrated the people-to-people links between the two nations, also emphasising on the passion shared by both country’s for the game of cricket.
ANKARA
The Pakistani Embassy in Türkiye's capital Ankara on Sunday marked the country's 75th Independence Day.
Pakistan's Ambassador to Ankara Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi hoisted the national flag to the tune of the national anthem in the presence of the Turkish dignitaries, Pakistani community and media.
Messages of the president and prime minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.
In their messages, the Pakistani leadership paid tribute to the sacrifices of ancestors and vowed to transform Pakistan in accordance with the vision of the nation’s founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
The Pakistani leadership also expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir who are facing military siege for the past three years and reassured Pakistan’s political, moral and diplomatic support for their legitimate right to self-determination.
Speaking on the event, Qazi felicitated the nation, particularly the Pakistani community in Türkiye, on the 75th anniversary of the independence.
Qazi stated: “Aug. 14 reminds us of the epic democratic struggle of our ancestors to secure a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent where they could live according to their own will.
“It is a day to reiterate the firm resolve to uphold our national values of unity, faith and discipline as envisioned by our Quaid and renew our commitment to the objectives of the creation of Pakistan.”
The ambassador also thanked the Turkish leadership and people for congratulatory messages and for participating in the Pakistan Independence Day celebrations.
Ankara’s landmark, ‘Atakule’, the tallest tower and best-lit building, will be showcasing messages of Pakistan-Türkiye brotherhood and solidarity.
Moreover, bridges in Istanbul on the Bosporus linking Asia with Europe will be illuminated in Pakistan’s flag colors this evening.
On Aug. 14, 1947, the independent state of Pakistan appeared on the world stage for the first time when the Indian subcontinent was formally divided into two new dominions of India and Pakistan under the terms of the Indian Independence Act, adopted by the British Parliament.
The Muslims' proposal to establish a separate state was accepted on March 23, 1940.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and American Foreign Minister Antony Blinkin have congratulated Pakistan on the 75th independence day.
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the diamond jubilee of the country’s independence. The Russian President said that Pakistan’s economic and societal progress has been commendable.
Anthony Blinkin added that America and Paksitan have a long history of friendly relations which will only get better with time. He added August 14 marks 75 years of mutual Pak-US relations.
ISLAMABAD: In his address to the nation ahead of Independence Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a nation cannot be independent without economic self-reliance.
"There is no concept of a nation's independence without economic independence," the prime minister told the nation in a televised on Saturday.
"Most importantly, we will need to revive the passion that led to the creation of Pakistan," he said, noting that this passion will lead to the establishment of a great nation.
The prime minister's call for economic stability comes as the cash-strapped nation desperately seeks financial assistance from friendly countries and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The country's foreign reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan were recorded at $7,830.3 million, down $555 million compared with $8,385.4 on July 29, data released by the SBP on Thursday showed, which can cover fewer than 1.12 months of imports.
Shehbaz Sharif-led government came into power in April after the ouster of PTI Chairman Imran Khan — and since then, the incumbent rulers have been trying to stabilise the economy.
In his televised address, PM Shehbaz said that the nation has fought with terrorism and dealt with several challenges but today, it is facing hatred and anarchy.
“Attempts are being made to divide the nation and unity is being disturbed,” he said, adding the country’s economic crisis worsened following the previous government’s wrongdoings.
The PM added that the nation must look toward finding ways to take the country’s forward.
“Our government has been working day and night to save Pakistan from the economic crisis and default,” he said, criticising the previous government which led country to seek loans.
“The previous government left 48 billion in deficit — the worst in the history of Pakistan,” the PM said.
The PM added that his government has decided to start solar projects to deal with power shortage in the country.
“We have decided to take Pakistan toward economic progress, as there is no concept of Pakistan’s freedom without economic freedom,” the PM said.
While slamming the previous government, PM Shahbaz said that in 2017 and 2018 Pakistan was self-sufficient in wheat production, but the country is now forced to import wheat. He also criticised the PTI-led administration for not purchasing cheap LNG.
“Difficulties can be dealt with through economic stability and consistent policies,” PM Shahbaz remarked, adding that the nation can only progress if it overcomes challenges with passion.
He said that economic dependence has become the country’s identity, which our elders would've never thought about.
"As a prime minister, this has been my harshest experience," the PM added, questioning the PTI’s government whether on whose behest they halted the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), damaging the country's economy.
"Our [PML-N] government left the country self-sufficient in wheat, but the previous government's negligence led to the import of wheat," the premier highlighted.
At the outset of his address, the PM congratulated the nation on completing 75 years as an independent nation.
He said that the people celebrate Independence Day, Pakistan Day, Quaid-e-Azam Day, and Iqbal Day but the "truth" is, in the last 75 years, the nation has only only celebrated these days but not acknowledged the founding father's purpose.
The PM noted that the country failed to provide the young generation what they deserved.
"Why this nation is still lost even when God has blessed it?" he questioned.
Fast News
US authorities indicted the 21-year-old man accused of carrying out a deadly mass shooting at a July 4 parade near Chicago on 117 counts of murder and other charges, according to an official statement.
Robert Crimo, a young man with a history of mental illness, opened fire on an Independence Day parade in an affluent Chicago suburb, killing seven people and injuring dozens more.
The attack was the latest in the wave of gun violence plaguing the United States.
Crimo, who was disguised in women's clothing during the shooting, was arrested several hours afterwards. He later confessed to the crime and said he was planning another attack.
Crimo was charged on Wednesday with 21 counts of first-degree murder, as well as multiple counts of attempted murder and aggravated battery, according to a statement from prosecutors.
"Our investigation continues, and our victim specialists are working around the clock to support all those affected by this crime," Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement.
Crimo is set to appear in court next week for his arraignment and have the charges officially read to him.
The July 4 shooting was the latest large-scale gun massacre in the United States, where about 40,000 deaths a year are caused by firearms, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
The shooting further ignited a tense national debate on gun control and raised questions about how a person with a history of mental health problems and threatening behavior was allowed to legally purchase firearms.
READ MORE: US gunman legally bought five guns despite 'suicide, violence' threats
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfjhtPEtf4A[/embed]
Source: AFP
