We had reports of spot fixing, but gave players 'benefit of the doubt' Say Sethi

Pakistan Super League (PSL) Chairman Najam Sethi on Wednesday said there were reports regarding possible spot-fixing in the league even before the tournament began, but said players were allowed to continue playing as authorities gave them the "benefit of the doubt".

He also said the PSL will offer franchisees the option to draft new players for the March 5 final in Lahore in case international stars opt out of playing in Pakistan.

Answering a question during Geo TV's show 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath' about the arrest of two persons in the UK in connection with the spot-fixing probe, Sethi said, "We have been exchanging the information that we have with the ICC and the action has been taken on the same basis."

He said several members of PCB's Anti-Corruption Unit are former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officers who acted "very responsibly" during the investigation. He said some players also cooperated by revealing what kind of offer was made.

Sethi said Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif, the two Islamabad United players suspended during the fixing probe, "accept what they have done" and are seeking forgiveness. He said a charge-sheet would be issued in two days which would contain all the details.

When asked about PCB's reaction upon finding out that players were in touch with bookies, Sethi said it was extremely shocking when a player informed them that this kind of thing was taking place.

"We were still deciding on what action to take when we got another report that this [spot fixing] was going to be carried out in the first match [of PSL]."

We then deliberated whether to stop the activity or let it take place for it to be proven a crime, he said.

"Because it was a matter of spot-fixing and not match fixing, it wasn't right to catch someone without hearing someone out or someone actually committing the crime. Hence it was jointly decided to give [the players] benefit of the doubt."

When the players did what had been suspected, "we decided to call them and inform them that this law applies to you and you are being suspended".

The PSL chairman said they had multiple pieces of evidence to implicate the players.

“We have these players' phones in which there is more information who they were in touch with, what they talked about.”

He said if the PCB hadn't acted promptly, the crime would have taken a very "dangerous direction" in the league.

"PCB has not crushed anything with force before this. But this is changing now... we will not tolerate any type of corruption".

Fresh player draft on Feb 22

PSL will give franchisees the option to draft new players in case contracted international stars opt out of the March 5 final at Lahore due to security reasons, Sethi also said.

“On Feb 22, we will do a new draft... we will put a formula in front of all the franchises and foreign players to let us know who will play the final in Lahore and who will not come.”

International stars, including West Indies batsman Chris Gayle, Shane Watson of Australia and England's Twenty20 captain Eoin Morgan, are among 30 foreign players contracted to five teams in the PSL Twenty20 tournament, which is being staged mostly in the United Arab Emirates.

The PCB had promised to provide top-level security to the PSL finalists at Gaddafi Stadium. But a bomber targeting police negotiating with protesting pharmacists on Monday killed 13 people in Lahore, casting fresh doubt over whether foreign cricketers will risk a return to playing in Pakistan.

Sethi said he had been in contact with several foreign players who indicated they would be willing to play the final in Lahore.

“We are in touch with other foreign players so that we could replace those (contracted international) players who are not willing to play in Lahore.”

A report last month by the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA) warned foreign players from traveling to Pakistan for matches.

Pakistan has not hosted any major test playing countries since 2009 when terrorists attacked a bus and police convoy taking the Sri Lanka national team to a test match at Lahore.

Om Puri Tribute by Moonis Elahi, Meesha Shafi, Fahad Mustafa and Others

Om Puri, a veteran Bollywood actor passed away on 6th January 2017 after a massive heart attack which proved to be fatal for the 66 years old. His close friend and film maker Ashoke Pandit was the first to announce the sad news on Twitter.
The new year 2017 proved to be a woeful start for the family and actors from both sides of the border mourned the great loss. The social media site Twitter was flooded with his admirers both Indians and Pakistani expressing grief over the news of the demise of the legendary actor. He was a versatile actor who had played many roles during his career and became liked by everyone who watched his movies.
According to Times of India, Om Puri has returned yesterday from a film shooting and in the morning, when he didn't answer the door bell, the driver became curious and raised the alarm. Puri's body was taken to Cooper Hospital where he was announced dead and a postmortem revealed the cause of his untimely death. According to his friends, his funeral will be held at 6 PM.
His versatility knew no boundaries and he had worked with many Pakistani actors and actresses. The Actor In Law co-star Fahad Mustafa said — remembered him for his work and "humble and loving nature", it was a Pakistani film and OM Puri was a catalyst for its success. Others within the industry also poured in their love for the veteran saying he was a role model for spreading love and peace between the two countries.
 Aside from his Bollywood activities, he is also known to have raised his voice against the ongoing brutalities in Kashmir at the hands of Indian Army. His statement in the favor of innocent Kashmiris and contradicting state policies left him in hot waters. It wasn't taken lightly and people from all walks of life started condemning him saying he had spoken ill against the Indian army. His brave move to speak up the truth landed him in a miserable condition.
Moonis Elahi had appreciated his remarks and had said he had spoken for the unheard voices. He said the actor gave their media a frenzy and the Hindu extremists had a hay day over it. Nevertheless, a single person cannot fight against his nation and he had to apologize for it. The demise of the actor has caused grief on both sides of the border and people are paying tribute to the legend who not only did well in the movies, but also tried to be helpful to the helpless Kashmiris.

Moonis Elahi Says India demonetize Rs 1000 and Rs. 500 note Drive is Another Modi Blunder

After the much hyped and fake surgical strike saga by India, Modi couldn't sleep well and kept on thinking about a new plan to be the center of everyone's attention. His second attempt was thrown back by the World Bank as he tried to interfere in the Indus Water Treaty. Now his third attempt wasn't a cuddly one either as he accepted the plea of a parliamentarian to demonetize Rs. 1000 & Rs. 500 notes. Moonis Elahi shared on his twitter account the blunder found in Modi's move to make it to the headlines and add one more failure to his CV.

This isn't the first time a country has demonetized it larger notes but the way India is doing it, is causing misery to its locals and many people are seen quarreling at the banks. The main reason behind the drive was to overcome corruption but as of the data gathered from banks, all of the money that came in for exchange of smaller notes was hard earned money by individuals and not black money earners. Moonis Elahi said that whenever you try to follow the PMLN poster publicity strategy you end up making blunders. Modi should have made a proper strategy to bring out the black money instead of causing chaos in his country.

Pakistan NAVY Displays Its Vigil Thwarts Indian Submarine Attempt To Cross Boundary

Pakistan's army is recognized for its bravery and quick response at the time of distress and presently the Pakistan NAVY also displayed its exceptional skills by thwarting Indian NAVY submarine's attempt to cross the boundary. 

Moonis Elahi praised the NAVY for its exceptional display of quick response when the enemy though it was cunning enough to carry out its mission without anyone knowing it. The befitting response has clearly shown what Pakistan's protectors are capable of be it a matter of protecting the country's land, air space or seas. The nation has once again felt proud of its army and we know that whenever the enemy comes marching again it will be sent back in coffins.

It was a moment of joy and seemingly the victories of previous wars had become fresh. The nation rejoiced over the news and the Moonis Elahi official social media accounts were also the center of attention as people expressed their views and solidarity with the Pakistan NAVY. Such incidents prove that the Two Nation Theory was never wrong and people from both sides of the border still want to prove their nation is better than the other's. 

While Pakistan has always extended a hand of friendship towards India, but the latter has always come forth with bared teeth. It is evident that the neighbor has been sent a clear message that if it tries to mess with our security it will be pushed and it will be pushed hard.

Donald Trump Will Deport Upto 3 Million Immigrants

As the world now eagerly awaits what will be America's new working strategy, Donald Trump the new elected president has his teeth bare against illegal immigrants living in the US. While his intentions are certainly for the benefit of his country, Moonis Elahi fears many Pakistani citizens living without documents in the US would soon be sent back home.

Moonis Elahi is of view the current government should start making arrangements before hand to receive Pakistanis deported from America. Pakistan has always wanted to have better relations with USA and our consulate in USA should work to assist all those people who would be sent back to their homeland.

Moonis Elahi Booked For Supporting Opposition

Alleging Moonis Elahi of sending truck load of sticks and party flags, Islamabad police have registered an FIR against him. As oppositions parties form alliance to pressurize incumbent Govt in corruption case and to force premier to appear before the court for accountability, situation worsens in the capital. 

PMLN is all set to use brute force against protesters. Scores of police personnel have been shifted to the capital to restrict protesters from entering the capital. Instead of taking sensible measures to cope with the worsening situation, the Govt has resort to dictatorship tactics. Moonis Elahi being a parliamentarian sitting on opposition benches in Punjab has been targeted with prejudice.

Moonis Elahi Calls For Efforts To Build Kalabagh Dam

As India speeds up its drive to create problems for Pakistan, it has declared to revoke the Indus water treaty. This act would cause shortage of water within Pakistan hence forcing it to the brink of drought. Pakistan has taken up the case to World Bank to stop India from constructing illegal dams on the Neelum and Chenab rivers.

Kalabagh Dam is a proposed hydroelectric dam to be built on the river Indus at Kalabagh in the Mianwali district of Punjab province. it is debated that if the dam would be constructed it can produce 3600 megawatts of electricity approximately. as time passes on the water shortfall threat from India increases and Moonis Elahi urges Pakistani Politicians to get serious on the matter of KBD and start its construction for the larger interest of Pakistan.

Moonis Elahi Condemns Shameful Act by Indian Parliamentarians

Modi's government had never expected their lies would become a tightening rope against their necks. India had boastfully circulated the fake news through their media and social media about conducting 'Surgical Strikes' across the LOC into Pakistan's territory. Pak Army brought their lies to a halt by exposing the actual situation to the international and local media by giving them an actual tour of the areas claimed to have been attacked by India.

This act actually burst their bubble of pride and instead Indian media was being criticized not only internationally but their CM Delhi Arvind Kejriwal asked for real proof of the claims by Indian Army. Upon this he was badly shamed and labeled as traitor and ink was thrown at him during the parliament's proceedings. Be it your enemy but Moonis Elahi condemns any act of barbarianism  against a human being who seeks truth.

Moonis Elahi Condemns Unprovoked Indian Firing along Working Boundary

Unprovoked Indian firing in Harpal and Chuprar sectors along the Working Boundary (WB) late on Tuesday night has injured 5 Pakistani civilians. Moonis Elahi denounced the cowardly act by India saying This is not the first time Indian security forces have violated ceasefire. In less than a week unprovoked Indian firing as many as four civilians have been killed while 21 have been injured.

Moonis Elahi hailed the befitting response by Pakistani Rangers. It is our right to respond to atrocities by the enemy. While Pakistan strives to be a responsible neighbor, India 's enmity keeps tensions growing between the two countries. Without complete ceasefire at the LOC there is no way we can be assured that both countries have learnt to respect each other's existence. For a stable and prosperous future of the subcontinent it is important that India respects Pakistan and learns to co-exist.

Moonis Elahi Condemns PMLN's False Claims on Economy Growth

Despite the poor economic conditions of Pakistan PMLN claimed to have made the country's monetary state better than the past governments. However these false claims were exposed in the IMF report which stated debt has climbed to $73bn. Moonis Elahi and all other leaders of the country have condemned the false propaganda of PMLN. 

They are trying to mislead the nation by false claims while stashing money in their offshore accounts. Raising debts would destabilize the economy further which is already in shambles. The government should be working hard to make country stronger instead of weakening it and misleading the nation to hide incompetency.

Moonis Elahi Opposes Adil Gillani's Appointment in Serbia

A senior official, on condition of anonymity has revealed the federal government is planning to appoint Adil Gillani famous for his 'favorable' survey reports since the formation of PMLN government, would be representing Pakistan as Ambassador to Serbia. 

Moonis Elahi has raised concerns over this 'favorable' appointment as non-career diplomats are in fact 'unfavorable' for the state. Nawaz Sharif is widely known to appoint corrupt people on key posts in organizations that may have the rights to keep a check on his performance. Upon pleasing their master Nawaz Sharif, these corrupt people are then rewarded by further appointments where they can travel abroad. This malpractice of PMLN results in creating further problems for the country.

Moonis Elahi Concerned by Pakistan's Poor GHI Ranking 2016

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a diverse statistical tool to define the hunger situation of countries. It is a scale to determine the progress and failures of countries to fight against hunger. Based on different calculation criteria and scale, the GHI proves to be of value as people become aware through its rankings how their governments have performed to help reduce hunger from their country. On a list of 118 countries facing extreme hunger, unfortunately Pakistan ranks 107.

Being an agriculture country and one of the biggest donors in charity, Moonis Elahi says Pakistan shouldn't be on the list. When we have so much food going to waste on a daily basis and given the lifestyle of our cities, it truly portrays that Pakistan shouldn't be on the hunger list. The failed policies of PMLN have caused Pakistan a bad name all over the globe. Millions of Rupees are being spent on Raiwind palaces which have led Pakistan to fall in the pits of corruption.

Moonis Elahi Slams OGRA Bill To Raise 36% Gas Tariff

In 2015 OGRA had increased gas prices by 67%. It was a serious blow to the Pakistani nation as it meant more people would be deprived of heating their homes during winter. This year OGRA has managed to up its prices again by 36% causing outrage among the public.  

Moonis Elahi has clearly condemned this decision taken by OGRA which has obviously been done at PMLN behest. Sui gas, a natural resource available in abundance in Pakistan should be provided at a rate the public can afford. Raising prices indiscriminately would not solve the issue of artificial shortage created by the present government of PMLN. Controlling corruption and making reforms in the sector would be a better approach to handle the usage and keep prices under control.

Moonis Elahi Shares His Views On US Presidential Speech

As USA gears up for its elections on 8th November 2016, it's all about winning the most votes to secure the seat at the White House. This year's candidates are Donald Trump, a well known thriving businessman who has managed to build himself an enviable business empire. He is running from the well known Republican party. The second candidate for the US presidential seat is Hillary Clinton. She is a well known Democrat and needs no introduction as she is a senator and also widely known as former Us first lady. She is the wife of former Us President Bill Clinton.

As the election's date approaches the debates have started and they are intensifying. Moonis Elahi, just like all others is viewing it with interest because the outcome either way will have its positive and negative effects all across the globe. No matter how much you may criticize your opponent, do not forget ethics.

Moonis Elahi Values Courage of Indian Actor Om Puri

When we talk about Bollywood stars and veterans, Om Puri needs no introduction. The Actor is famous for his versatile acting in the Indian media. He has been awarded many times in his country and even abroad for his services in the entertainment industry. As India and Pakistan's relations tightened over the atrocities carried out by Indian government on unarmed Kashmiri civilians, India banned Pakistani actors to work in their industry. While there were mixed views about the decision, Om Puri stood up against the decision saying that it was not the right thing to do but was punished for releasing the statement.  

Moonis Elahi has praised the actor for his bold stance and for speaking sense when all others have been blinded by the hate spread through Indian news channels. Pakistan has many great actors who have proved their worth both at home and abroad. Restricting good actors simply for the sake of jealousy and hatred will do more harm to their industry than good.

Kashmir Has Always Been a Part of Pakistan

Over the past few months India has increased oppressing Kashmiris in an attempt to instill fear and forget about Pakistan. India's tyranny has resulted in increased hatred by Kashmiris and their will to join Pakistan has become immutable.

By now Moonis Elahi and leaders of all other political parties have come out openly supporting Kashmir's freedom. Kashmiris have also resort to fight back their oppressors and have started using tactics that further enrage the Indian army. Draping their martyrs in the Pakistani flag is not only a tactic to show resistance but also the will to join Pakistan and become free.

Nawaz Befriends Pakistan's Enemies

Pakistan's arch nemesis India has always been involved in promoting anti Pakistan schemes. To simply engage Pakistan in a kind of war it is oppressing Kashmiris. As the world today recognizes India's persecution of Kashmiri civilians, India finds an excuse to undermine Pakistan.

It comes our spewing vitriol to divert the world's attention from Kashmir. Moonis Elahi, Imran Khan, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and many other leaders of the nation support the Kashmir in-dependency cause. Nawaz Shareef should keep his friendships to a personal level and welcoming Narendra Modi clearly sends out waves of shock among the nation.

Moonis Elahi Says Kalabagh Dam Made Controversial by India

India stoops to all time low by threatening to abrogate water treaty. An agreement signed in 1960 between the two countries by then elected leaders was an agreement that both the countries would not engage in water wars. Revoking it would cause a sever water shortage in Pakistan which could lead to its destruction.

Moonis Elahi has pressed upon the building of Kalabagh Damtime and again. It has been made controversial by Indian funded agents in Pakistan to stop Pakistan from having a dam that does not rely on Indian waters. The main points to keep in mind are:

• Indian funded agents have made Kalabagh Dam controversial so that Pakistan does not store water enough and one day will become completely barren.
• While Indian agents have managed to make Kalabagh Dam controversial, it the mean time it has constructed Kishan Ganga Dam, Bagliar Dam, Salal Dam, Uri Dam and many more on the very rivers that flow into Pakistan.
• To date India keeps terrorizing through its water treaty and it is one of the factors for its terror in Kashmir. 

Moonis Elahi - 7th September's History Can Never Be Forgotten in Pakistan

During the first ever indo-Pak war in 1965, Pakistan Air Force proved the impossible by defeating Indian air force. Pakistan was still in its infancy when India waged war. Already struggling to survive on least resources, India attacked with full force but the spirits of Pakistani army and air force were beyond words.

   

India faced resistance which it had not expected and ended up fleeing back and call for a cease fire. Today after so many decades, it is important for us to remember the glory brought to Pakistan by its air force which has proven itself to be reliable and one of the best in the world.

Moonis Elahi Pays Tribute to Army Jawans

On the 51st Defence Day Moonis Elahi paid tribute to the martyrs of our army jawans. He said the nation is in debt of the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives to protect the homeland and indirectly the citizens who live in the country. While there are people who speak ill of our army, the patriots must distance themselves from such miscreants who are paid by the enemies to destabilize the country from within.

Moonis Elahi is undoubtedly a true patriot and the next generation leader of the nation. He has always stood for the poor and has raised his voice on issues that are really important for our beloved country Pakistan. His stance on Kalabagh Dam is clear that it is a must have for the survival of our nation. While he is widely known to be a leader in Punjab but has always stood for the rights of people living in other provinces as well.

Moonis Elahi has never spoken ill about our brave army that has thwarted India's efforts to raid our country a number of times. He has always supported the army in times of trouble and has pledged to devote his life for the cause of Pakistan. He actively participates in lifting Pakistan's image through his politics and has never aligned himself with those that work for the destruction of the country or our army.