ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):Minister for Science and Technology Chaudhry Fawad Hussain Monday apprised Prime Minister Imran Khan over various proposals and steps to increase production of technological items and their export.

Giving the briefing, the minister apprised the prime minister that they had identified 252 products in chemicals, bio-technology, machinery, textile, base metals, plastic and others in which foreign reserves could be earned at the international level through enhanced production and by decreasing their import.

In this regard, he said, the ministry had been formulating three, seven and ten years programmes.

Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Minister for Narcotics Control Sheheryar Afridi Chairman Board of Investment Syed Zubair Gilani and other secretaries concerned and senior officials attended the meeting, PM Office Media Wing in a press release said.

Briefing over the high-tech industrial development, national capacity and future strategy was also given and the minister highlighted certain proposals over different important projects in this connection.

In the first phase, Fawad said, herbal, food and medicines sectors would be given attention so that export volume of such items could be widened and it could be brought to 3 per cent of overall export of technological items till 2030.

The prime minister was also apprised about the progress on the establishment of Jhelum Industrial bio-technology park and other related issues.

The prime minister appreciated the proposals highlighted by the minister for the increase of technological products at the national level and assured that the government would fully extend its cooperation.

The minister also briefed the prime minister that the ministry had also retrieved 25 acres of land worth billion of rupees belonging to Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) in Lahore from a relative of a political figure.

The political personality had illegally encroached upon the land by using his relations and power, he added.

The prime minister lauded the efforts of minister and other officials concerned for retrieving the precious government property.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):The participants of an international conference on Monday agreed that the Constitution of Pakistan is guarantor of the rights of minorities.

They also opined that latest tools such as social media must be used to aware masses about rights of minorities and dissemination of peace.

The speakers were addressing the conference “Saiban e Pakistan”, a project of Paigham e Pakistan narrative focused on the role of minorities launched here on Monday at Islamic Research Institute (IRI) of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) in an international conference on inter-faith dialogue and national cohesion.

A declaration of 22 points has been jointly drafted by Paigham e Pakistan Centre for Peace, Reconciliation and Reconstruction studies of IRI and Council of Islamic Ideology.

The conference was jointly organized by IRI and Nazarbayev Centre for development of interfaith and inter-civilization dialogue, Kazakhasitan.

Speaking on the occasion, they said educational institutions must play a role for creating awareness for minorities’ rights. It was noted that the society needs an atmosphere of unity, mutual respect and patience.

The conference was addressed by National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, who said the government had been a staunch supporter of protection of minority rights.

He continued that since the PTI government was pursuing the model of Madina, therefore, maintaining peace, discouraging violence and promoting interfaith harmony were the leading objectives of the ruling party.

He vowed that lower house would soon witness a debate on promotion of peace and rights of minorities.

The NA speaker added that culture of dialogue was a salient feature of a sound society and universities could be of vital role in this regard.

Altay Abibullayev, Chairman Board of Nazarbayev Centre for development of interfaith and inter civilizational dialogue addressed the conference.

He said dialogue was the key to maintain global peace. He pointed out youth as most meaningful source for promoting dialogue and peace.

He also highlighted importance of the ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan adding that February 24, was the day when Pakistan and Kazakhstan had commenced bilateral ties officially.

IIUI Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai stressed the need for imparting modern education based on critical thinking and characterization integrated with the blend of Islamic character.

He added that there was no place for terrorism in Islam and added that IIUI took the responsibility to provide a narrative to the nation to remain clear about Islam, its teachings and dissemination of message of peace.

He urged for the promotion of the attitude of peaceful co-existence.
IIUI President Dr Yousif Al Draiweesh said Islam was the only religion which gave complete rights to minorities.

He called upon the Muslim societies to practice and provide the rights to minorities granted by Islam.

He maintained that university was keen to promote culture peace and dialogue.
IRI Director General Dr Zia ul Haq elaborated the journey of Paigham e Pakistan and told that it commenced with a muster of religious scholars at IRI in programme on reconstruction of Pakistani society where a decree was announced against terrorism.

He added that the decree was endorsed by all the religions’ scholars in a programme at IIUI and also same was endorsed by the vice chancellors of more than 80 universities.

He told that after the launch of Paigham e Pakistan, this programme was the continuity of that effort.

The conference was also addressed by Senator Anwar ullah Kakakar, Vice Chancellor Karakoram International University Dr Attaullah Shah, Jenifer Jag Jevan, Peter Jacob, Zafarullah Khan.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan Monday asked Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shehbaz Sharif to tell the nation about his time frame for returning from London to Pakistan.

Dr Firdous, in a tweet, said,“Shehbaz Sharif is one of the unique leaders in the country’s history for his specialty to run his party and the opposition through a remote control.”

She said Shehbaz Sharif was the main reason behind ruining the country’s economy as he and the Samdhi (Ishaq Dar) had done nothing in that regard during the PML-N government. “He just remained busy in making tall claims of addressing all outstanding issues like load-shedding etc. but actually he failed to do so,” Dr Firdous said.

She advised PML-N’s Rana Sanaullah to better focus on his drug case instead of thinking about forming his party’s government as he was still on bail and not acquitted by the courts.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):Minister for Power Division Omar Ayub Khan on Monday said that that power sector of the country has the potential of over $ 100 billion investment.

Speaking at inaugural ceremony of NEPRA Energy Week here, the minister said electricity generation side had $ 40 billion and $ 20 billion each distribution and transmission investment potential. New and latest technology was being introduced in energy sector of the country, he added.

He said energy sector was very important as it was affecting all citizen of the country. The country economy also depended upon availability of affordable and sustainable energy, he added.

The minister said the incumbent government was paying special focus on availability of affordable and sustainable energy to the consumers. Power purchase agreements signed during past governments’ tenures were looked as the consumers had to bear the burden of capacity payment, he added.

He said currently 70 per cent of total energy was being generated through imported fuel, resulting spending precious foreign exchange reserves. “We are dealing with these issues confronted to us,” he said.

However, the minister said that the government had decided to generate 70 to 80 per cent energy through indigenous resources including Renewable, hydel, coal and nuclear by 2030 in order to ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

Under the strategy, the share of clean and green Renewable Energy (RE) and hydel energy would be enhance to 30 per cent each by 2030 while 10 per cent each would be added through coal and nuclear resources, he added.

Similarly, the minister said efforts were also being made to manufacture equipments like wind turbines and solar panels in the country.

Speaking on the occasion,Chinese ambassador Yao Jing said the power sector in Pakistan had witnessed visible changes during the tenure of incumbent government.Investment under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CEPC) would have positive impact on Pakistan’s economy, he added.

He said overall structural reforms were taking place in Pakistan adding that energy sector reforms would be fundamental for promoting exports. He said the Chinese government would continue cooperation with Pakistan in agriculture, science and technology. Situation due to Coronavirus was improving in China and projects under CPEC would not affect due to the virus, he added.

He said the CPEC would open new era of development and prosperity in Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman CPEC Authority Lt Gen (R) Asim Saleem Bajwa said that CPEC was a reality which would be carried forward.

He said most projects particularly in energy sector under CPEC phase-1 had already been completed adding that all projects of its Phase-2 would also be completed during the stipulated time frame.

He said Coronavirus would not effect pace of work on CPEC projects. After the completion of Phase-1 of CPEC, phase-2 was being launched, he said.

Under Phase-2 of CPEC, cooperation would be enhance in industrial, agri and science and technology sectors, Asim Saleem said.

He said expeditious work had already being carried out of Western route of CPEC besides taking pragmatic steps to take benefit from Thar coal. He said the people would soon reap fruits of CPEC projects.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman WAPDA Lt Gen ( R) Muzammil Hussain said around 4600 MW cheap hydel electricity would be added to the system by 2025. ” As many as 16000 MW hydel electricity will be added to the national grid system by 2030 followed by additional 18,400 MW by 2050,” he said.

He said work has already been launched on Mohamand dam and Dasu Hydropower power project Phase-1. He expressed the hope that the projects would be completed by 2024.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Chairman National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) Tauseef H Farooqi said that energy week was being organized aimed at devising concrete suggestions of all stakeholders for addressing issues confronted to the power sector.

He said we had to pay attention to bring improvement in power sector. NEPRA was taking steps for investment in power sector besides protecting consumers interests, he added.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):Secretary Information and Broadcasting Akbar Hussain Durrani Monday said the revival of film industry was the top priority of the government as the movies were an important tool to highlight the culture, values and tourism of any country.

The revival of the film industry would help promote the national heritage and culture, he added while talking to a delegation of Film Producers Association led by its chairman Amjad Rashid, which called on him here.

The delegation included Momina Dareed, Sangeeta, Amara Hikmat, Shahzad Rafiq and Javed Warraich, a press release said.

Matters pertaining to the National Film Policy and censor board came under discussion at the meeting. The delegation briefed the secretary about the issues being faced by the film industry, besides a number of proposals for joint film production with Iran and Turkey.

The secretary assured the delegation to address the issues being faced by the film industry. All the stakeholders of film industry would be invited at one platform for the purpose, he added.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani Monday said the entire Pakistani nation was standing by their Chinese brethren at this hour of trial and tribulation.

“Pakistani nation stands by their Chinese friends, brethren in this difficult time,” he said this during his visit to Chinese embassy.

The chairman called for collective efforts to overcome the challenge posed by coronavirus.
He appreciated the steps taken by the Chinese government to check the coronavirus and for the well-being of Pakistani students in China.

On the occasion, the Chinese envoy welcomed the Senate chairman in the embassy and assured to extend every possible facility to the Pakistani students in China.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):Secretary Information and Broadcasting Akbar Hussain Durrani
on Monday said that young officers in government institutions could learn from experience of senior officers.

Speaking at the farewell ceremony of outgoing Director General of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) Samina Waqar, he said that she has rendered great services to the ministry and its attached departments, adding her services would be remembered.

He said during her service, Samina Waqar served in various capacities at various sections of the ministry besides working in other public sector organizations and foreign missions abroad.

He prayed for good health of retiring DG Radio Pakistan.

The farewell event, chaired by the Secretary Information, was attended among others, by Additional Secretary I&B Zahoor Barlas, Principal Information Officer (PIO) Muhammad Tahir Hassan, Managing Director APP Tariq Mehmood and Managing Director PTV Amer Manzoor.

Earlier, Additional Secretary Zahoor Barlas, MD APP Tariq Mehmood, MD PTV Amer Manzoor and others shared their experience of working with Samina Waqar.

At the end, DG Radio Pakistan Samina Waqar thanked the SecretaryInformation and officers of the Information Group for organizing farewell function in her honour.

She shared her experiences of working in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at various capacities.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):Pakistan and the United Kingdom Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the field of aviation, especially in the wake of latter’s exit from the European Union (EU).

On behalf of Pakistan, Aviation Secretary Hassan Nasir Jamy signed the MoU, while the UK side was represented by British High Commissioner Richard Crowder. Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan witnessed the signing ceremony.

“The purpose of the MoU was to help the aviation authority of the UK during transition phase of coming out of the European Union,” an Aviation Division press release said.

The UK authorities explained that while the UK remained a member state of the EU, and “for the duration of the proposed transition or implementation period, it would continue to remain bound by the EU law.”

The two sides noted that the agreement between the UK and Pakistan concerning Air Services Agreement (ASA), signed in Manchester on February 25, 2008, contained various provisions relating to the UK’s membership of the EU.

The both sides decided to review and potentially amend the draft ASA after the UK’s departure from the EU.

Following the amendment “the UK would authorize any airline, and Pakistani side would not revoke, suspend or limit any existing authorisation given to such an airline.”

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):Renowned US scholar, author and former Dean at School of Advanced International Studies, John Hopkins University, Vali Reza Nasr was hosted for a talk on “US policy in the Middle East and South Asia” at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

The talk was followed by an interactive Q&A session.

Professor Nasr shared his perspective and analysis on the evolving situation in the Middle East, Afghan peace and reconciliation process and the US policy towards China and India, as well as the trajectory of Pakistan-US bilateral relations, a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here said.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also shared his views on the occasion.

Professor Nasr appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan that had led to a change in perception for Pakistan in Washington.

In his opinion, Pakistan was now being positively viewed by the various stakeholders in the US Government.

Following the talk, the foreign minister received Vali Nasr in his office and discussed in greater depth bilateral and regional issues.

Hosting international scholars and foreign policy experts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is part of the initiative of the foreign minister to reach out to scholars and academia and expose officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to independent perspectives on issues of our interest.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):The National Assembly (NA) standing committee on law and justice Monday recommended various bills for approval by the assembly after detailed deliberations.

The committee meeting was held here under the chairmanship of MNA Riaz Fatyana at parliament house. MNAs including Atta Ullah, Lal Chand, Kishwar Zahra, Malik Ihsan Ullah Tiwana, Agha Hassan Baloch and others attended the meeting.

The committee passed the public sector development program (PSDP) bill for approval for the financial year 2020-21 after scrutinizing the budgetary proposals of the ministry of law and justice related to PSDP as required under rule 20(16) of the rules of procedure and conduct of business.

The committee also passed ‘The Enforcement of Women’s property Rights (amendment bill) 2019 for approval by the assembly.

The committee deferred the bills ‘The Muslim Family Laws (amendment) bills 2019 regarding sections 4 and 7 at the ministry’s request till next meeting.

The committee unanimously deferred ‘The National Accountability (second amendment) bill 2019 due to shortage of time and will be reconsidered in the next meeting scheduled to be held on February 25.

The meetings was also attended by Secretary Ministry of Law and justice besides other senior officials.

MULTAN, Feb 24 (APP):Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi Monday expressed his heartfelt condolence on the death of renowned Islamic scholar Raju Shah Gardezi, the chief of Gardezi tribe and custodian of Hazrat Shah Yousuf Gardez.

He visited the shrine of Hazrat Shah Yousuf Gardez and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family, said a press release issued by Bab ul Quraish, a local media cell of Qureshi family.

He paid rich tribute to Raju Shah Gardezi and observed that he was a noble man. He was true lover of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Qureshi recalled that he had good relationship with the deceased. Raju Shah Gardezi always served humanity, and his death was a huge loss to the family, he added.
Raju Shah Gardezi, equally focused on “Haqooq Ullah” as well as “Haqooq ul Ebad”, Qureshi said.

The foreign minister also prayed the Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in the eternal peace and grant courage to members of the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude. He also prayed for progress and prosperity of the country.

On this occasion, Makhdoom Roshan Ali Gardezi, Syed Jameel Abbas Gardezi, Provincial Parliamentary Secretary Nadeem Qureshi, Syed Mazhar Abbas Gardezi, Syed Imran Haider Gardezi and others were also present.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani Monday appreciated US President Donald Trump statement about Pakistan and termed it a response to the Indian propaganda.

In a statement issued here, he said the US President has lauded Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and acknowledged that Pakistan had made huge sacrifices in the war against terror and they were a counter effort of India’s state sponsored terrorism.

Chairman Senate said Pakistan’s government and people call for role of international community including the US President to stop the human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).

He remarked that US President must be well aware of the new wave of human rights violations and Indian atrocities in the occupied Kashmir and Indian state has committed serious crimes against humanity in IOK.

He said India wanted to control the region but the world was now well aware of its cheap and aggressive designs.

ABBOTTABAD, Feb 24 (APP):Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani Monday said that Prime Minister Imran Khan pledged for bringing change in the system of the country, KP local body system was one of the examples where without party affiliation, provincial government allocated equal funds for all.

He said this while addressing 40 years celebrations of Abbottabad Press Club.

Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani said that with billions of rupees funds, we have completed several developmental schemes in district Abbottabad alone including, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST), Havelian to Dhamtoor bypass, Rescue-1122 headquarter, Abbottabad Museum, 9 new boys and girls colleges, dualization of Murree Road, reconstruction of roads in Abbottabad and many others.

While talking about the Abbottabad press club (APC), he said that three decades ago I was also a member of APC but at that time it was just a small room with only six members, now it was a huge complex with dozens of active members those were performing their journalistic activities under the umbrella of APC.

The speaker stated that besides the professional activities the role of APC was always positive in the development and resolving issues of Abbottabad city and keeping peace and harmony between different political and religious groups.

While addressing as a guest of honor, PTI Senator Shibli Faraz said that I would appreciate the spirit of the journalists of Abbottabad who have completed 40 years under the ambarella of APC and showed their strength.

He further said that besides the genuine demands of the journalist community I would suggest increasing the capacity building of the workers to tackle the new challenges of the media industry.

In the opening ceremony of APC 40 years celebrations, Speaker KP Assembly Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani, Senator Shibli Faraz, Minister for Information KP Shaukat Yousufzai, KP minister for Food Qalandar Khan Lodhi, PTI MNA Ali Khan Jadoon, Focal Person PM Ehsas program Shahzad Gul Awan, Former President PFUJ Afzal But, Secretary-General APC Raja Muhammad Haroon, President APC Amir Shahzad Jadoon participated in the cake cutting ceremony.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):President of United States Donald Trump should hold talks with Indian leader Narinder Modi, for normalizing the situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.
These views were expressed by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi while talking to a private tv channel programe.

The lockdown in Occupied valley of Jammu and Kashmir besides massive human rights violations committed by Indian troops, could not be ignored by world leaders,
he stated. Some 60 members of the Congress party in India had presented resolution on Kashmir, he said adding that a big group in the neighboring country had expressed reservations over the deteriorating situation in Kashmir.

In reply to a question about American trade deal with India amounting to billions, the Foreign Minister said that Indian leader having a vast scale of population would try to achieve such deals with the visiting US leader.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi was of the view that South Asia was going to open a Gawadar corridor and Economic Zones besides other mega projects, which he added could be a major source of exploring business opportunities in this part of the region.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Monday unveiled the wreckage of Indian Air Force (IAF)’s MiG-21 Bison, hit by a PAF fighter jet on February 27 last year, contradicting the Indian claim of shooting down a Pakistani F-16 aircraft.

The PAF’s Director Media Affairs flanked by Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Planning) Air Commodore Syed Omar Shah gave a detailed briefing to the media on the victory of “Operation Swift Retort” here at the Air Headquarters.

He also demonstrated the missiles of MiG-21 Bison recovered from the wreckage of IAF fighter being piloted by Wing Commander Abhinandan and shot down by the PAF fighter jets during the dogfight on February 27 last.

Air Commodore Syed Omar Shah said the MiG-21 Bison was equipped with two R-73 Archer missiles and two R-77 Adder missiles on its left and right wings, which were never fired. Since the aircraft after being hit fell on the left side that completely damaged the two missiles attached on the left wing.

The two R-73 Archer and R-77 Adder missiles, which attached on the right wing of MiG-21, were recovered almost intact from the aircraft’s wreckage whereas the left wing missiles were damaged, particularly the R-77 Adder whose rocket motor got burnt under the rubble, he added.

Air Commodore Shah noted that after analysis of the recovered missiles it was found that none of them was fired, rejecting the claim of IAF that Wing Commander Abhinandan had fired a R-73 Archer missile at the PAF jet before his aircraft was shot down.

“The rocket motor has been found attached with the missile launcher that clearly proves that the MiG-21 piloted by Wing Commander Abhinandan did not fire any of its missiles and inflicted no damage on the PAF aircraft,” he maintained.

The Operation Swift Retort, he said, would be remembered as a “chronicle of valour and heroism”, which gave a message to the international community that their quest for peace should not be misconstrued by the enemy as their weakness.

He said though the independent sources had also denied the IAF’s claims of shooting down PAF’s F-16 fighter plane yet Wing Commander Abhinandan was awarded the highest military award by the Indian government. Moreover, the IAF chief’s claim of hitting an F-16 with a R-73 Archer missile was a question mark on the professionalism of his force, he added.

Air Commodore Shah said when the IAF tried to violate Pakistan’s airspace it was “unilaterally perceived to be challenging the sovereignty of Pakistan”. In response to the the IAF’s violation of Pakistan’s airspace, four key targets had been locked, including Headquarters 80 Brigade Punch Sector, Headquarters 120 Brigade and two others. The PAF’s swift operation had surprised the IAF as they were unable to respond, he added.
He said the intruding two fighter pilots of IAF were fallen by the PAF whereas the former also shot down its own helicopter out of frustration.

Responding to the media queries, the PAF Director Media said the Pakistan Air Force leadership was fully cognizant of the developments taking place in the neighbourhood, and had a plan of its modernization in place as per the changing levels of threat in the region.

He said the main reason behind a year long delay in making public the wreckage of MiG-21 Bison was a war-like situation which prevailed at the time of dog-fight.

The PAF pilots avoided to hit the locked targets due to the rules of engagement decided by the country’s leadership, he added.

He said the MiG-21 Bison was an upgraded version equipped with a beyond visual range missile system and advanced radars, and it was a great achievement of PAF pilots to hunt down it with precision.

A video was also played showing independent aviation analyst Alan Warnes verifying the wreckage of destroyed MiG-21 Bison and the IAF Chief proclaiming that Wing Commander Abhinandan had hit the F-16 jet with a R-73 Archer missile.

Meanwhile, PAF also released a new song “Allah-o-Akbar” sung by Shujah Haider to pay tribute to its brave fighter pilots, who shot down two intruding IAF fighter jets on February 27 last year.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza Monday said a rapid response health team had been deployed at the Pak-Iran border to have check on suspected coronavirus patients.

Chairing a high level meeting to discuss the coronavirus preventive measures, he said the government had increased the number of health staff at the Pak-Iran border keeping in view the report of coronavirus cases in Iran.

He said besides regular collection of data of passengers from Iran and China, those from Iran also had to fill health declaration forms distributed among them by aeroplane staff or border authorities.

He said the government had provided coronavirus diagnostic facilities at Quetta, while an effective screening mechanism had been adopted at all points of entry (POE) of the country.

The special assistant said so far 100 suspected cases were received, who were declared negative after medical tests. No coronavirus case had been reported from Pakistan.

Dr Zafar Mirza said that the coronavirus diagnostic facilities were also available at Agha Khan Hospital and Shaukat Khanam Hospital.

He said the government was strictly following its action plan, which was prepared for prevention of coronovirus. The emergency core committee was regularly holding its meetings.

The Federal Health Ministry, he said, was in touch with the provinces while an emergency operation cell had been established at the ministry.

He said the health staff deputed at the Taftan and other border crossings will be responsible to screen all the passengers and no one would be allowed to enter Pakistan without proper screening.

He expressed concern on outbreak and deaths from coronavirus in Iran. “We’re very concerned with the outbreak of coronavirus in Qom, Iran causing five deaths,” Dr Zafar Mirza said.

He said, “We are alert and monitoring the situation closely and taking rapid actions to keep Pakistan safe. We fully support efforts of Iran in managing the outbreak and we stand in solidarity with them.”

LAHORE, Feb 24 (APP):Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar has expressed the hope that US President Donald Trump will take up the Kashmir issue with Indian Premier Narendra Modi during his visit and play his role to bring an end to the atrocities being committed against Muslim in occupied Kashmir as well as India.

Talking to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) General Secretary Amir Kiyani during a meeting at the Governor’s House here on Monday, he said regional peace hinges on the just resolution of the Kashmir issue as per the resolutions of the United Nations on Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had highlighted the Kashmir issue globally as a true ambassador of Kashmiri people.

Ch Sarwar said Prime Minister Imran Khan had brought Kashmir issue out of the closets to the UN Security Council, European Parliament and rest of the global forums. He said that international media was highlighting the Indian terrorism in occupied Kashmir, adding that all peace-loving people were talking about Kashmir issue due to successful diplomatic efforts of the PTI government.

Later, talking to a lawyers delegation, he said the government believed in rule of law and transparency in all matters, adding that the PTI government is strengthening all institutions including judiciary and there will be no hurdle in dispensation of justice.

The governor said lawyers’ community has an eminent role in maintaining supremacy of law and the government is fulfilling its responsibilities regarding provision of speedy and inexpensive justice, adding that violence and injustice could be eliminated through timely and inexpensive justice. He said the federal and Punjab governments were taking measures to solve problems being faced by lawyers.

“We believe in strong institutions and transparency. The government is ensuring protection of lives and properties of minorities including Sikhs, and they all enjoy unprecedented freedom in Pakistan.”

The Punjab governor said that the country was facing multiple challenges since taking over the reigns; however effective measures were being taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan to handle the challenges.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):Ambassador of Somalia Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi Monday called on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi during her visit to Naval Headquarters here.

Both the dignitaries discussed matters of bilateral naval collaboration and mutual interest, said a Pakistan Navy press release.

The Naval Chief highlighted the Pakistan Navy’s efforts for ensuring regional maritime security particularly steps taken to curb piracy or pirate attacks in the Arabian Sea.

The Somali ambassador lauded the Pakistan Navy’s role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

MIRPUR (AJK): Feb 24 (APP):Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Sardar Masood Khan said on Monday that India was poised to ruin the world order which had come into being on the basis of the principle of rule of law following the World War-II, and the United Nations was also its part thereof.

“The United Nation is striving for combating climate change and sustainable development, but is not fulfilling its basic responsibilities of preventing the disasters of war, genocide, ethnic cleansing and the human rights violations,” he said while addressing the opening session of a conference on “Resolution of the Kashmir Issue: Pakistan’s Options in the Realm of International Law and Global Politics” in Lahore, AJK Presidential secretariat said in a statement released to media here.

Organized by Departments of Political Science and International Relations of the University of Management and Technology (UMT) Lahore, the conference was also addressed by former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasur, former Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan; President UMT, Ibrahim Hassan Murad, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Javed Hassan, leader of All Parties Hurriyet Conference Syed Abdullah Gilani and an expert on international law Ahmar Bilal Soofi and others.

The AJK president said that liberation of occupied Kashmir was the responsibility of not only Kashmiri people but also Pakistan because Kashmir was a matter of the survival of Pakistan also, and it was incomplete without Kashmir.

“The ongoing liberation movement in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is the struggle for completion of Pakistan, and under the international law, Pakistan can move International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court and International Law Commission against India’s unlawful, unconstitutional and immoral actions, and can demand setting up of a tribunal, but it will be a political decision,” he said.

The AJK president was of the view that although the global politics was not in favor of Pakistan and the Kashmiri people, but there was good news that the international civil society had decided to support Pakistan and the Kashmiri people.

“After August 5 last year, a big development has taken place in the world that earlier we went to the European Parliament and call on the MPs during informal meetings but they referred to their trade relations with India and were not ready to hear anything about Kashmir, but this situation has changed altogether after August 5 Indian actions, and they have adopted the narrative of Pakistan and the Kashmiri people on the Kashmir issue,” he underlined.

Sardar Masood Khan said that not only European and UK parliaments, but the French Parliament, for the first time in the history, held its sessions on Kashmir while the US Congress also held three sessions on Kashmir.

These development, he said had opened up new doors for us to narrate the story of Kashmir.

“In the changed global scenario, we should build our narrative afresh, and use all available options,” he said.

The AJK president said that after changing the special status of Kashmir, India was looking for a political group which supports its narrative inside Kashmir, but it would never succeed in its attempt.

“Chapter Six of the United Nations is in fact a passage way to Chapter Seven. Article 33, 34 and 35 of the Chapter Seven of UN Charter empower the Security Council to initiate process of negotiation, reconciliation, arbitration and use of good offices. If all these efforts do not succeed, you have to move to the next step,” the AJK president emphasized.

He stressed that the environment of unity and cohesion should be maintained in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, and a unanimous stand on the Kashmir issue should be adopted to take the 72 years old liberation struggle of the Kashmiri people to its ultimate end.