ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP):Supreme Court Monday directed Ministry of Defence to complete investigation against its officials involved in the light of its 2012 verdict in Asghar Khan case, within four weeks.
A three-judge bench headed by Justice Gulzar Ahmed heard the case moved by late air chief marshal Asghar Khan in 1996 alleging that two senior army officers and then-president Ghulam Ishaq Khan had doled out Rs140 million among several politicians to rig the 1990 polls against late Benazir Bhutto.On Dec 29, 2018, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) while submitting its response, suggested apex court to close the case regarding implementation of Asghar Khan verdict as there were not enough evidence to proceed it any further.
However, former chief justice Mian Saqib Nisar sought reply from the legal heirs of Asghar Khan, who demanded the logical conclusion of case. Subsequently, Justice Nisar ordered to fix the case to the court for hearing.
During course of proceeding, Justice Gulzar Ahmed asked attorney general that why Ministry of Defence did not initiate any action against the responsible.
To which attorney general said after completing inquiry and legal procedure, it would be forwarded for further course of action if there was any case of fraud or loss to the national exchequer then a strict action would be taken against the culprits.
He also informed on bench’s query that Muttahida Qaumi Movement London head Altaf Hussain’s name was also mentioned in the FIA report, however, he is abroad and talks are underway with the British government in this regard and major development is expected soon.
The bench maintained that the FIA report would be reviewed along with defence ministry’s reply and then, court would pass any order.
SC directs defence ministry to complete inquiry in Asghar Khan case within 4 weeks
China’s scholarships for Pakistani students raised up to 20,000 per annum: Yao Jing
ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP):Stressing for enhanced people-to-people contacts to take Pak-China strategic partnership to new heights, China’s Ambassador in Islamabad Yao Jing Monday said his country had increased
the number of its scholarships for study of Pakistani students in China up to 20,000 per annum – highest for any country in the world.
Speaking at a “China-Photo Exhibition” held at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), the China Ambassador said with enhanced people-to-people contacts and communication Pak-China relations would continue to gain strength from generations to generations. “It is the people who matter in relationship,” he remarked.The event was organized by the Chinese Study Center of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad as part of Chinese
Lunar Year celebrations.
Ambassador Yao said the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a long-term project, adding with five years of work on CPEC, it was just the start of achieving the goals of socio-economic development in the region.
He said that China, in consultation with the Government of Pakistan, had decided to enter the next phase of CPEC which would focus on Investment, Joint Ventures, establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), engagement in the power sector as well as export-oriented cooperation.
The Chinese Ambassador said the second area of focus for cooperation in the next phase of CPEC was social sector and the areas identified were education, health, agriculture, poverty reduction and human resources.
“We have to have a holistic and futuristic approach,” he said and added that in future the cooperation between Pakistan and China would encompass all areas including military, economic, development etc.
Ambassador Yao lauded the efforts of NUST in various disciplines of education including the science and technology and said the Chinese government and Embassy would continue to support the institution, considered as one of Pakistan’s leading educational institutions.
Earlier in his welcome remarks Rector NUST Lt. Gen. ® Naweed Zaman, HI (M), observed that commitment of the leadership of two countries to preparing the future generation for “knowledge economy” through closer educational collaboration.He also highlighted various initiatives of NUST to have enhanced cooperation and collaboration with China and its educational institutions and thanked the Chinese side for their support.
Later, the Chinese Ambassador opened the exhibition by cutting a ribbon. On this occasion he was also presented a souvenir by the Rector of NUST.
The event was participated by the NUST leadership, Faculty and China educated Graduates Alumni of NUST and other Universities in Islamabad.
The photos placed at the exhibition depicted China’s great progress over the past four decades of Reforms and Open Door Policy to the outside world.
Mohmand Dam to be completed in five years: Chairman WAPDA
ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP):Chairman Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Lt Gen (R) Muzammil Hussain Monday informed the Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources that the Mohmand Dam would be completed within five years time with the latest technologies applied on the project.
Briefing the Senate body the Chairman WAPDA said that the proposed time was 5 years and eight months which would be reduced. “Unfortunately, the project has been halted for the last 50 years and 9 cases got registered against the government of Pakistan for constructing Mohmand Dam. All of the cases have been finally decided with verdicts in favour of the government,” he said.
The dam has gross capacity of 1.9 million acre feet (MAF), live capacity 0.67 MAF with power generation potential of 800 megawatts (MW) and annual energy production of 2862 GWh. However, the dam had command area of 16,737 acres, the chairman WAPDA added.
Referring to propaganda against the dam over the media, he said that it was falsely reported that WAPDA issued tender of the project through single bidding process. WAPDA clearly went for open competitive bidding, he affirmed.
During the presentation by WAPDA it was revealed that the bidding process was held from November 23, 2017 to June 26, 2018. Almost 23 firms purchased bidding documents, 15 attended pre-bid meeting, 10 firms visited the dam site and only 2 firms on Joint Venture submitted bids for the project.
“The tribal people of Mohmand Agency deserve great applause and appreciation for their cooperation and enthusiasm for the dam. They asked the officials to start work at the project as soon as possible and even proposed that they do not want compensation for their lands,” Chairman WAPDA told the senate body.
He said that 40 percent local engineers would be hired to work on the project where 60 percent expert engineers would be incorporated from around the globe. “These will help in capacity building of our skilled youth namely fresh engineers and graduates of local universities and will also assist in fortifying indigenous technical manpower,” he remarked.
WAPDA officials further briefed the Senate Standing Committee that Chiniot Dam was proposed at an ideal location for flood mitigation in the area at Chenab River. “The main objective of the dam is to cope with inundation occurring at the upstream areas,” the officials said.
It was also being built due to having 0.9 MAF water storage capacity, 80 MW power generation potential, domestic water supply, ground water charge, recreation tourism and socio-economic development of the area objectives, the WAPDA officials mentioned in their presentation.
The WAPDA officials informed that three alternative sites were under consideration as its concept paper PC1 has been approved and PC2 was under way. They added that the process would be expedited to get the project initiated without any further delay.
On the PSDP releases for Noulong Dam, Ichar Dam and Machura Dam the allocated and released funds were not compatible for in time development of the projects which should be assisted by the Planning Commission, the WAPDA officials suggested to the Senate Body.
Peerless blind cricketers demand due recognition
By Vincent David
ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP):Despite having numerous magnificent records to their credit and ruling the world in Blind Cricket, Pakistani jobless blind cricketers are being paid just chicken feed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), making their living impossible.
Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), body conducting cricketing activities of the visually-impaired players, pays only Rs 12,000 per month to its A category central contracted players which is just nothing as compared to the amount offered to national men and women cricket teams.
Talking to APP, Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) Chairman Syed Sultan Shah said, “Rs 35 million budget was requested to PCB and we were paid only Rs 16.5 million through which salaries to officials, central contracts to players and chunk of heavy amount on holding national tournaments is also incurred.”
He said an annual increase in PBCC’s budget should also be made like national cricket team and added they did not get any increase for many years which was injustice to a team that brought many laurels to the country.
After timeless struggle, the PBCC managed to acquire the first-ever cricket stadium for the visually impaired players in Lahore which has been under construction for more than three years now.
“The work on the stadium is at last stages of completion which requires grant from Punjab Government. We had contacted Punjab Sports Minister Rai Taimoor Bhatti and he assured us that the funds for the stadium will be released soon but it has been 5 months now and we have not received even a single penny,” Sultan said.
PBCC has also formed it’s first-ever women blind cricket team led by Rabia Shahzadi and Aneela Shahzadi to be her deputy. “It is an historic moment for world blind women cricket and will go a long way,” Sultan said and the team is playing against Nepal women’s team in the first series.
Pakistan is also the main supplier of blind cricket balls to the playing nations including Australia, England, Nepal, India and also supplying balls for One Day and Twenty20 World Cups.
Pakistan Blind men’s and women’s cricket team coach, Nafees Ahmed, said at least the blind cricketers should be provided central contracts equivalent to the national women cricketers.
“As a cricket team we have more achievements than other teams which should be noted. At least Rs 40,000 should be paid to A category blind cricket player,” he said.
He said our players give their best in and off the field but when they think about how to run their homes from the money they get through the game, they feel depressed and disappointed.
“The money, central contracts or match fees etc should be given accordingly on performance basis,” he said adding if not to all then at least handsome money based central contracts should be provided to those 30 players who perform best in the game.
PBCC Director Media, Asif Azeem, said the blind cricketers’ need jobs and money to run their homes. “We have been showing a blasting performance in the game but there is no recognition of us,” he said.
“If PCB does not make a cut in the budget we send to them then we can easily manage our affairs. In fiscal year 2017-18 we had sent a budget request of Rs 34 million but we got Rs 16 million and for fiscal year 2018-19 we got Rs 16.5 million from the board while we had sent a request of Rs 30 million,” he said.
The green-shirts which still lack a facility of their own at home have various records in their kitty including the highest score by an individual blind player Masood Jaan 262 against South Africa at Delhi in 1998 which was also the national blind team’s highest score of 376; Ashraf Bhatti’s fastest century on 37 balls against New Zealand at Delhi in 1998; Abdul Razzaq’s fastest fifty on 17 balls against Australia at Delhi in 1998.
Moreover, in the very first Test match the Pakistan team scored 721 runs for the loss of eight wickets against South Africa in 2000. Pakistan Blind cricket team holds the record to reach in the final of all the three editions of Blind Cricket World Cups (One-Day Cricket).
Pakistan blind cricket team definitely needs attention of the higher authorities in case of a stadium or financially otherwise it would fade like other our games did in which we had ruled the world.
Imad Wasim moves to fourth position in ICC Rankings
ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP):Pakistani spinner Imad Wasim has moved up five places to fourth position in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings that includes two other series, which saw South Africa beat Pakistan and Nepal beat the United Arab Emirates by identical 2-1 margins.India spinner Kuldeep Yadav has also moved up one place to take a career-best second position in the rankings after grabbing two for 26 in the final match against New Zealand, which his side lost by four runs to go 2-1 down in the series, said a press release issued here.
Mitchell Santner of New Zealand (up four places to 10th) have also moved up in the latest rankings while left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya was another spinner to move up as he advanced 39 places to a career-best 58th. India openers Rohit Sharma (up three places to seventh) and Shikhar Dhawan (up one place to 11th) have also made progress with some useful knocks.
For New Zealand, Kane Williamson (up one place to 12th), Ross Taylor (up seven places to 51st) and Tim Seifert (up 87 places to a career-best 83rd) among batsmen and Tim Southee (up seven places to 30th) among bowlers are some notable gainers.
For South Africa, left-arm fast bowler Beuran Hendricks’s eight wickets against Pakistan have helped him re-enter the rankings at a career-best 81st position while his compatriot Chris Morris has gained seven slots to reach a career-best 21st position after finishing with six wickets. Andile Phehlukwayo has also advanced 15 places to a career-best 23rd position with five wickets.
Among their batsmen, Faf du Plessis (up from 20th to 17th) and Reeza Hendricks (up from 73rd to 42nd) have been the main gainers.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam continues at the top of the batsmen’s list after scoring 151 runs in the series while Hussain Talat has gained 19 places to reach 56th position after aggregating 98 runs. Shaheen Afridi has moved up 28 places to a career-best 48th position among bowlers.
The UAE’s Shaiman Anwar has risen to 15th among batsmen with a gain of two slots while Mohammad Naveed has gained three places to reach 12th position among bowlers. Nepal’s Paras Khadka has gained five places to reach 90th position while Basant Regmi (up four places) and Sompal Kami (up 22 places) are in joint 70th position among bowlers.
In the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings, South Africa have overtaken Australia and England to third place while Nepal have overtaken the UAE marginally to be in 14th position even as they come onto the table within a week of similarly crossing the threshold of eight matches and gaining entry in the ODI table.
Govt committed to make Pakistan economically empowered: Faisal Javed
ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP):Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Senator Faisal Javed Monday said the government was committed to making Pakistan a self- sufficient and economically empowered state.Talking to PTV, he said it was important to understand that the country was already passing through difficult time when PTI government came into power. It would take time to settle things in a proper way.
“Our exports have registered a significant increase while foreign remittances are also going upward. Foreign investors are now confidently investing in Pakistan due to projecting positive image of the county across the globe”, he said.
Tarar assumes Pak HC’s responsibilities in Canada
ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP):Raza Bashir Tarar, an experienced diplomat, has assumed his responsibilities as the new High Commissioner of Pakistan to Canada.
He joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1987 and afterward, held various diplomatic assignments in Pakistan missions abroad including Manila (1991-1994), Brussels (1999-2002), Tokyo (2003-2004) and New York (UN) (2008-2013), says a press release issued here Monday.
Tarar had also served as High Commissioner of Pakistan to Kenya during 2015 to February 2019.
In New York, he served as Pakistan Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Deputy Representative to the UN Security Council.
He held different assignments in Islamabad which included Director General (Disarmament) from 2013 to 2015, besides he led Pakistan’s delegations to various international conferences as well as bilateral disarmament dialogues.
Foreign investors taking interest to invest in Pakistan
SILANWALI, Feb 11 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Coordination Nadeem Afzal Chan here on Monday said that due to the friendly policies and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan foreign investors were taking keen interest to invest in the different sectors of Pakistan.Addressing to the party delegation led by Muhammad Hafiz Arain, he said that government is committed to make Pakistan economically strong country of the world.
Nadeem underlined that after the visits of Prime Ministers to different countries so many foreign investors are taking interest to invest in Pakistan because they have trust over the leadership.
Saudi Arabia was huge investing of South Asia in Gwadar area which will bring prosperity and development of the state.
The government would fulfill all promises which were made with public during the election campaign and would bring all looted money to Pakistan.
HEC awards 376 foreign scholarships to Baloch students in 7 years
ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP):Higher Education Commission (HEC) has awarded as many as 376 foreign scholarships to the students of Balochistan studying different courses in various foreign educational institutions during the last seven years.
The financial assistance was extended to 204 students pursuing MS, MPhil, MPhil leading to PhD while 172 scholarships were given to PhD students under Aghaz e Haqooq-e- Balochistan, the official source informed APP.Under the programme, the scholarships were offered to the youth of underprivileged areas of Balochistan which could not had access to higher education earlier owing to exorbitant tuition fees and accommodation charges abroad.
He said that the project was initiated in 2012 and maximum scholarships for above mentioned disciplines were secured in fiscal year 2017-18 which were 154 in numbers comparatively higher than previous years.
The project was continue to award scholarships for PhD studies at top ranked universities of USA, UK, Canada, Austria, China, France, Germany and the leading universities of many other countries.
The project was approved with a total cost of Rs 14522.35 million for duration of nine years, the source said. HEC was extending its efforts to facilitate the students and youth of Balochistan to contribute their role in building a knowledge economy, he added.
“The Project Management Unit (PMU) conducted various awareness sessions in public universities of Balochistan to motivate different batches in order to facilitate the students to secure admissions in foreign universities,” he maintained.
The source said that the scholarship would be awarded to all districts of Balochistan on quota basis according to district population. In the classification of the scholarships 25 percent in-service government employees, faculty of the public level University/ College and 75 percent of seats were awarded on open merit.
SC warns private schools to be nationalised
ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP):Supreme Court on Monday while hearing a contempt of court proceedings against two private schools indicated that private schools could be nationalised.Justice Gulzar Ahmed who was chairing a three-member bench passed the remarks while hearing a contempt of court proceedings against two private schools for passing derogatory remarks against the verdict regarding hike in fee of schools.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan addressing the school administration asked them that how they dare to call the apex court’s verdict a “draconian judgment”.
Justice Gulzar said that, “What kind of language did you write in letters to the parents, adding that “we should close your schools and can even nationalise them.
He said that court can ask the government to handle the administrative affairs of private schools adding that we will direct to conduct an audit to check whether you have black or white money as well.
Now a days people instead of providing education just doing business, schools are not money making industries, he added.
To which, the counsel of the private schools tendered unconditional apologise on behalf of his clients to the court and assured the bench that in future no such thing would be happened.
Justice Gulzar said, you may submit a written apology and after examining the language of the apology then court would decide the case.
However, the counsel of the private schools reiterated that his clients did not intend to insult the court orders.
Justice Gulzar replied and said that court is fully aware of all correspondents between the parents and school administrators and which kind of comments were passed after the court order.
Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing of the case for two weeks.
Govt all set to establish science and technology park in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP):Ministry of Science and Technology (S&T) is all set to establish Science and Technology Park in the federal capital aiming at to provide modern facilities to the students for scientific research.The Park would be established in the federal capital in collaboration with COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), said an official while talking to APP here on Monday.
The government, in this regard has allocated Rs50 million, the official said. He said that the feasibility report of the project has been prepared by a renowned company.
When contacted Rector COMSATS University, Dr Raheel Qamar, said that the purpose of Science and Technology Park was to promote scientific education among the students.
He said the establishment of Science and Technology Park would help to promote science and technology related education. It would also help to increase entrepreneurship across the country, he added.
He said that it would also provide up to date facilities of scientific learning to the students under one roof.
Rector COMSATS further said that the project would be started soon as its feasibility report has been prepared.
Qazi Wajid’s first death anniversary observed
ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP):First death anniversary of classical drama legend and versatile actor Qazi Wajid was observed on Monday.
Famous for his works at classical dramas including Tanhaiyaan, Dhoop Kinare, Khuda Ki Basti and Ankahi, Qazi Wajid died on February 11,2018.
Lahore-Sialkot Motorway expects to be completed by August this year
ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP):Work on under construction 91 kilometre Lahore-Sialkot Motorway is going on and it is expected that the project would be accomplished this year and may become operational by August this year.
A National Highway Authority (NHA) official informed APP on Monday that Lahore-Sialkot Motorway(SLM) was being constructed at the cost of Rs 43.84 billion. The four-lane Lahore-Sialkot Motorway has been
divided in four sections on Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis and so far about 50 per cent physical progress has been achieved.The official said the motorway has seven interchanges, eight flyovers,40 bridges and 70 underpasses. It would be linked with Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-2) and Grand Trunk Road (N-5) through Lahore link road near Kala Shah Kaku.
He said that the motorway, would help reduce travel distance between Sialkot and Lahore and would open new vistas of socio-economic and human development in Sialkot region.
The motorways east bound exits include Lahore, Sialkot Bypass, Kala Khatai, Narowal,Wahndo, Mundeke, Pasrur and Sialkot while its west bound exits include Kala ShahKaku (M-2 interchange),Muridke,Eimanabad, Gujranwala City, Daska, and Wazirabad.
NBP Exchange Rates
KARACHI, Feb 11 (APP):Treasury Management Division of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on Monday issued the following
exchange rates.
Selling
Buying
Buying
TT & OD
TT Clean OD/T.CHQ
U.S.A
138.60
138.10
137.82
U.K
179.18
178.53
178.16
EURO
156.88
156.32
155.99
CANADA
104.30
103.92
103.65
SWITZERLAND
138.57
138.07
137.71
AUSTRALIA
98.34
97.99
97.73
SWEDEN
14.95
14.89
14.85
JAPAN
1.2605
1.2559
1.2526
NORWAY
16.03
15.97
15.93
SINGAPORE
102.14
101.77
101.50
DENMARK
21.02
20.95
20.89
SAUDI ARABIA
36.96
36.82
36.73
HONG KONG
17.66
17.60
17.55
CHINA
20.59
20.51
20.46
KUWAIT
456.27
454.63
453.43
MALAYSIA
34.03
33.91
33.82
NEWZEALAND
93.70
93.36
93.12
QATAR
38.07
37.93
37.83
U.A.E
37.68
37.54
37.44
KR WON
0.1232
0.1227
0.1224
THAILAND
4.401
4.386
4.374
CONVERSION FOR FC DEPOSITS, DBC/FCBC, SPECIAL USD BOND
US DOLLAR
POUND STERLING
EUR
JAPANESE YEN
138.3836
178.9023
156.7194
1.26
Pakistan, UAE leadership resolve to further expand, diversify bilateral ties
ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP):The leadership of Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates Sunday while reviewing progress on transforming special bilateral ties into a long term strategic economic partnership, reiterated their commitment to further expand and diversify the relations.
The bilateral ties were discussed during the meetings between Prime Minister Imran Khan and the UAE leadership on the sidelines of the 7th edition of the World Government Summit held in Dubai.
The prime minister also attended the international event as keynote speaker at the invitation of Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.
He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry, Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi, Advisor on Commerce, Abdul Razzak Dawood, Advisor on Institutional Reform and Austerity Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Advisor on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam Khan and Advisor on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari, said a Foreign Office statement.
The prime minister held bilateral meetings separately with Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces and Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
On the sidelines of the Summit, the prime minister met with Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Hariri and held discussions with Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In his address at the Summit, Prime Minister Imran Khan lauded the UAE leadership for its vision in hosting a Summit on innovation and ideas, and for the progress the country had achieved over the years.
He underscored that the key ingredients of a nation’s success included focus on promoting merit, justice and welfare of the poor.
He further underscored his vision for Pakistan, based on the principles pursued in the state of Medina by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The prime minister also spoke about investment opportunities in Pakistan particularly the tourism sector, the government’s reform agenda and policies aimed at stabilizing the economy, mitigating climate change, encouraging private sector and promoting ease of business.
The meetings with the UAE leadership focused on a wide range of areas of mutual interest, including review of progress in transforming special historic ties between Pakistan and the UAE into a long term strategic economic partnership.
Recalling Crown Prince Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s last visit to Pakistan in January this year, the Prime Minister thanked for UAE’s continued and generous socioeconomic support.
The two leaders also discussed regional issues of common concern. The prime minister apprised the crown prince of progress on peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. It was decided to hold the next session of Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission at the earliest opportunity.
During his meeting with Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the prime minister thanked him for the invitation to attend the Summit as keynote speaker.
He lauded the UAE for its focus on innovation, and appreciated his vision in leveraging technology and knowledge economy for the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He viewed that World Government Summit had become an important platform for world leaders and experts for exchanging ideas to improve governance.
The prime minister briefed Sheikh Muhammad about Pakistan’s reform agenda, particularly with regard to facilitating both foreign and domestic investment in Pakistan.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s immense tourism potential and urged the UAE investors to consider investing in Pakistan’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
During the meeting with Prime Minister Saad Hariri of Lebanon the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the cordial relations existing between Pakistan and Lebanon and agreed to enhance high level exchanges.
Prime Minister Imran Khan apprised his Lebanese counterpart about his vision, including inter alia introducing accountability, transparency and meritocracy at all levels of government.
Center, Sindh govts agree to further improve working relation
KARACHI, Feb 10 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah Sunday called on President Dr Arfi Alvi here wherein both the federal and Sindh governments agreed to further improve working relation and mutual cooperation.
In a detailed meeting with the chief minister, the president assured that the federal government’s ongoing projects in Sindh would be completed at the earliest, said a President House statement.The meeting also reviewed the progress on the federal government’s ongoing projects in Karachi.
Both the sides agreed to ensure provision of water supply to the Sindh province. They reiterated the resolve to complete the ongoing project of mass transit projects in Karachi.
Both the leaders would meet again soon to review the progress on the development projects.
Prime Minister meets UAE counterpart
ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP):Prime Minister Imran Khan Sunday met Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum on the sidelines of the 7th edition of World Government Summit in Dubai.During the meeting, both the leaders underscored the importance of greater collaboration in all areas of common interest, especially in enhancing investment and trade, a PM Office statement here said.
The prime minister was in Dubai, along with a high level delegation on a day-long visit at the invitation of the UAE prime minister.
Don’t miss the boat; it’s time to invest in Pakistan: PM tells world investors
DUBAI, Feb 10 (APP):Prime Minister Imran Khan Sunday while apprising the international gathering at 7th edition of World Government Summit here about his government’s reforms agenda, told the world investors that it was high time they should invest in Pakistan amid relaxed visa regime and openness for ease of doing business.“This is the time – my last word to the investors– this is the time to come to Pakistan when it is just going on the upswing. This is the time to invest in the country and don’t miss the boat,” the prime minister remarked in his keynote address at the Summit.
Themed “shaping the future of governments”, the Summit attracted the global policy makers from government and private sectors. In total, more than 4,000 decision-makers from 140 countries, including heads of state, ministers and business leaders, gathered at the international event to help shape the future of the planet.
The prime minister arrived here earlier in the day along with a high level delegation, including Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Ali Haider Zaidi, Advisor to PM on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood and Advisor to PM on Institutional Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain.
The prime minister’s day-along visit comes at the invitation of Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said during his international cricketing career, he had seen lot of players with immense talent but they never made it big for being scared of loss and did not take risks. Eventually, the ones, who took both chances and risks, were the ones who made it big, he added.
Highlighting his government’s measures to tackle fiscal deficit by increasing the exports and attracting the investment, the prime minister said it was the time Pakistan would take off.
He said the government had opened up the market to investors and allowed them to make money that would ultimately bring the people out of poverty.
He said the government was bringing serious reforms to bring ease of doing business, besides introducing tax reforms.
Citing the immense tourism potential in Pakistan, the prime minister said his country was home to one of the best mountains, half of the world’s highest peaks, 1000 kilometers long coast line, the oldest civilizations and the oldest living cities. Besides, Pakistan also had huge potential of religious tourism as it was home to the worship places of Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhism. “For Sufism, we have the highest number of Sufi shrines,” he added.
The prime minister said Pakistan had opened up it visa regime and announced visa on arrival facility for 70 countries.
Pakistan, Lebanon agree to enhance bilateral trade volume
ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP):Pakistan and Lebanon Sunday agreed to enhance the volume of trade between them with Prime Minister Imran Khan inviting the Lebanese companies to invest in the country.
The bilateral ties were discussed during a meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan with his Lebanese counterpart Saad El-Din Rafik Al-Hariri, on the sidelines of World Government Summit in Dubai, said a PM Office statement here.
Prime Minister Imran Khan congratulated the Lebanese prime minister on formation of a new government in Lebanon and wished him all success in taking forward the national consensus government.
Prime Minister Saad Hariri congratulated Prime Minister Khan on his election and assumption of office of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He stressed for close, friendly and fraternal relations between the two countries.
The two leaders underscored the importance of cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said he stood in solidarity with the Lebanese people in the challenging times and admired the efforts of Lebanese government in ensuring the stability and security of the country.
PM shares his vision of nation-building with IMF MD
ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP):Prime Minister Imran Khan Sunday had a meeting with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai.
The prime minister appreciated the IMF’s support to Pakistan and shared his vision for nation-building, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Finance here.
He reiterated the government’s commitment for undertaking structural and governance reforms and strengthening social protection in the country.
The prime minister, in a tweet about his meeting with the IMF MD, said, “There was a convergence of our views on the need to carry out deep structural reforms to put the country on the path of sustainable development in which the most vulnerable segments of society are protected.”
The IMF Managing Director acknowledged the steps taken so far by the Pakistan government for stabilizing the economy.
She said the IMF would remain engaged in supporting Pakistan in sustaining its economic recovery, the ministry statement added.
The two sides agreed to work together on policy priorities and reforms aimed at reducing imbalances and laying the foundations of a job creating growth path in Pakistan.
In this regard, deliberations between Pakistani authorities and IMF staff would continue to finalize an agreement on the contours of a programme, it added.
In a statement issued by IMF on the meeting, the IMF chief said, “I had a good and constructive meeting with Prime Minister Khan, during which we discussed recent economic developments and prospects for Pakistan in the context of ongoing discussions toward an IMF-supported programme.
“I reiterated that the IMF stands ready to support Pakistan. I also highlighted that decisive policies and a strong package of economic reforms would enable Pakistan to restore the resilience of its economy and lay the foundations for stronger and more inclusive growth. As emphasized in the new government’s policy agenda, protecting the poor and strengthening governance are key priorities to improve people’s living standards in a sustainable manner,” she added.
The prime minister, along with a high level delegation, arrived in Dubai earlier in the day to attend the international event, at the invitation of Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum.
During the visit, the prime minister was accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Maritime Affairs Minister Syed Ali Haider Zaidi, Adviser to PM on Commerce Abdur Razak Dawood and Special Assistant to PM on Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain.