Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, Abdul Razaq returned the application of No confident motion against the Speaker Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Nazir Advocate to Opposition Leader Amjad Hussain Advocate at GB Assembly
Green Pakistan Initiative to usher in agri revolution, create four mln jobs: PM
ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Monday said Green Pakistan Initiative would bring about second agriculture revolution in the country and would create four million jobs.
Addressing a seminar on agriculture and food security here, he said agriculture was backbone of the country and the farmers worked hard to provide food to millions of Pakistani people.
Farmers would be remembered in history as builders of Pakistan, he remarked.
He said incentives for the agriculture sector was the right of farmers and it was responsibility of the government to provide all possible assistance to them. “Farmers work hard but it is common knowledge that they are facing lack of resources.”
The prime minister said growth in the agriculture sector would bring Pakistan at part with the developed countries.
He said progress of Pakistan was inherent in hard work, adding green revolution in the 1960s was due to introduction of new varieties of seed, building of dams and canals and modern agriculture practices.
He said farmers should get more profits than the cost of production of their crops including wheat. The government increased the support price of wheat which led to record production of the commodity, he mentioned.
He was hopeful that due to the incentives given by the government, production of cotton would also rise.
He said it was responsibility of the government to provide better seeds, fertilizers and pesticides to the farmers and equip them with latest technology.
Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the new agriculture initiative for giving real time information about attacks of pests. He showed concern over the adulterated drugs given to the farmers and warned of action against the culprits.
He praised the vision of army chief Syed Asim Munir for development of agriculture sector. “We have to implement the vision for agriculture through collaboration among federal and provincial governments, agriculture departments and research institutes.”
He said the government was ready to fund the agriculture research centers, adding unfortunately research centers were not doing any worthwhile work and fell victim to the culture of favouritism.
Shehbaz said state owned enterprises were losing Rs 600 billion every year and bleeding the economy. Pakistan imported $ 4.5 billion of palm oil which was a burden on the national economy, he noted.
There was a time when Pakistan was producing more cotton than its neighbouring country but then it lost track and was now producing less of staple crops, he said adding Pakistan could not afford more foreign loans but was forced to save its economy from default by getting loans from friendly countries, he added.
The PM said gulf countries were ready to invest in the agriculture sector and bring modern machinery to boost crops production.
Pakistan needed political stability to attract investment as in an unstable environment investors shy away, he asserted.
Pakistan could attract investment of $ 40 to 50 billion in the coming years and it could make food exports to the gulf countries which were presently importing food products worth $ 40 billion. He was of the view that Pakistan had to compete with the world and increase its exports and the economy of Pakistan would get revived in the coming two years. “It is demand of our national security that the country’s food security and economic security should be strengthened,” he added.
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir attended the seminar as guest of honour.
He also addressed the participants and assured the people of Pakistan and the government, army’s full support for all the initiatives being initiated under the ambit of Special Facilitation Investment Council (SFIC) including Green Pakistan Initiative.
The seminar was attended by federal ministers, chief ministers of Punjab and Sindh province, chief secretaries of provincial governments, agricultural experts and farmers from all the provinces.
Foreign dignitaries and potential investors and experts from United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, China, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and various other countries also attended the seminar.
Sequel to the inauguration of Land Information Management System – Centre of Excellence (LIMS – COE), Green Pakistan initiative is being undertaken to enhance the food security of Pakistan, increase exports and reduce the agriculture related imports, thereby, contributing towards national economy.
Agriculture experts and farmers highly appreciated the government’s landmark initiative and Pakistan army’s special focus on revolutionizing the agriculture sector by promoting modern contemporary technology, collaboration of public and private sectors and trickling down dividends to the local farmers to alleviate poverty.
The participants hailed the conduct of seminar and its attendance by experts, government representatives and potential investors as a success and first step towards bringing positive change in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
The attendees especially lauded the Pakistan army’s efforts in boosting the national economy by focusing on this critical sector. Later the prime minister visited the agriculture and livestock exhibition as well.
JUI-F Amir Maulana Fazl calls on PM to discuss political situation
ISLAMABAD, July 10 (APP): Amir of Jammiat-e-Ulema Islam (JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to hold consultations over the current political situation of the country.
During the meeting, Minister for Communications Maulana Asad Mahmood was also present, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
Both leaders of JUI-F appreciated the firm reaction and steps of the government and prime minister with regard to the highly condemnable act of desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman termed the incident in Sweden as highly regretful and lauded the prime minister and the government of Pakistan for a narrative in this regard.
He also lauded the efforts of the coalition government under the leadership of the prime minister to steer the country out of the economic difficulties and put it on the path of prosperity.
The prime minister also appreciated the role of the coalition partners in the government and said that without their cooperation, taking the country out of its economic woes and reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), were not possible.
He praised JUI-F amir for standing with the government in taking the difficult decisions.
Tourism promotion to help in making country’s development roadmap: Dr Ramesh
ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): Minister of State, Chairman Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani Monday said the promotion of religious tourism would play a key role in making a roadmap of prosperity and development of the country.
Addressing a press conference, flanked by a delegation of Buddhist monks from Vietnam here, the minister said the incumbent government was serious about promoting and projecting the country’s tourism to highlight the soft image of the country.
He said that Pakistan was fully safe for tourists, and offered the rich cultural heritage of the ancient Gandhara Civilization. He said the promotion of religious tourism would lead to enhance commercial activities and attract foreign exchange.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar said the symposium would also help to promote the soft image of the country and provide connectivity with the world.
A three-day international Gandhara symposium will commence in Islamabad on July 11 to showcase the treasure trove Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, the Buddhist Monks from Vietnam lauded Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and
his government for facilitating Buddhist people and followers of other faiths to explore Gandhara Civilization and sites of Buddhism in Pakistan.
They said there will be more travelers in the future to visit the cultural heritage of Pakistan. They urged the media to play
its due role in promoting Gandhara civilization and Pakistan’s potential for religious tourism.
The delegation also took a round of the Islamabad Museum and showed keen interest in Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage.
It is pertinent to mention that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
will address the inaugural session of the symposium.
The sole objective of the symposium was to raise global awareness about the historical and cultural significance of
the Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist heritage in the country.
A number of Buddhist Monks from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, South Korea and Sri Lanka would attend
the symposium. The title of the event is “Cultural Diplomacy: Reviving Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage
in Pakistan”.
Eco Hike 2023 organized to promote Eco-friendly tourism
ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): With an aim to explore the untouched beauty of Kashmir and promote Eco-friendly tourism, the Bagh Alpine Club, in collaboration with MTBC successfully organized the Eco Hike 2023, with an aim to explore the untouched beauty of Kashmir and promoting Eco-friendly tourism.
The event which was held under the supervision of Alpine Club of Pakistan witnessed the participation of approximately 70 individuals from all four provinces of Pakistan and various districts of Azad Kashmir, said a press release.
The breathtaking Eco Hike took place along a challenging 40-kilometre trail in the Pir Panjal Range of Bagh District. Participants embarked on an exhilarating journey from Ganga Choti to Noor Gala, traversing through picturesque villages and rugged terrain.
Overnight camping amidst the enchanting surroundings of Mastan Dhok added a unique cultural experience to the adventure.
The primary objective of Eco Hike 2023 was to discover the verdant meadows and majestic mountains of Kashmir, which remain largely unexplored, while simultaneously promoting clean tourism and combating environmental pollution.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources and fostering a sustainable tourism industry.
To further strengthen the cause of Eco-friendly tourism, Bagh Alpine Club continues to organize such engaging activities that connect individuals with nature and raise environmental consciousness. The event was made possible through the sponsorship of MTBC, Pakistan’s leading IT company.
Eco Hike 2023 witnessed the participation of both international and local athletes who enthusiastically embraced the challenge of the hike.
Abu Zafar Sadique, President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, joined the event, along with prominent social influencers, further amplifying the message of sustainable tourism.
Bagh Alpine Club and MTBC remain committed to promoting healthy and environmentally conscious activities, ensuring the preservation of natural landscapes while fostering sustainable tourism practices. Together, they strive to create a positive impact on both local communities and the environment.
China congratulates Uzbek President Mirziyoyev on reelection
BEIJING, July 10 (APP): Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday congratulated Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his reelection and said that China was ready to work with Uzbekistan for high quality and all round mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly build a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future.
“China congratulates Uzbekistan on a successful presidential election and President Mirziyoyev‚ on his‚ reelection,” Mao Ning said during her regular briefing.
Uzbekistan had a successful early presidential election on July 9 and preliminary results show that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been reelected.
The spokesperson said that Chinese President Xi Jinping had sent a congratulatory message to President Mirziyoyev upon learning the news.
He said, “We believe that under the leadership of President Mirziyoyev, the country will achieve even greater success towards building a New Uzbekistan.”
Mao Ning said that China and Uzbekistan were friendly neighbours with a shared future and added, the bilateral relations have remained strong and enjoyed robust growth over the past 31 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties.
“China deeply values this bilateral relationship and stands ready to work with Uzbekistan for high-quality and all-round mutually-beneficial cooperation and jointly build a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future,” she added.
Privatization Commission allowed to proceed SIH transaction
ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): Cabinet Committee on Privatization (CCoP) Monday allowed Privatization Commission to proceed towards a successful conclusion of Services International Hotel (SIH) transaction with the completion of transfer/mutation process in the name of the purchaser.
The CCoP met here with Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in chair. Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan, Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Privatization and Chairman Privatization Commission Abid Hussain Bhayo, SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Mehmood Pasha, Chairman RRMC Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, federal secretaries and senior officials attended the meeting.
The Privatization Commission submitted a summary regarding the privatization of SIH and updated the committee on its privatization process.
The CCoP after a detailed discussion allowed Privatization Commission to proceed towards a successful conclusion of SIH transaction with the completion of transfer/mutation process in the name of the purchaser.
The Privatization Commission also presented a summary on the privatization of House Building Finance Company Ltd (HBFCL) with one single (pre-qualified) bidder.
After detailed deliberations, CCoP decided to allow Privatization Commission to proceed with single source/negotiated transaction for Privatization of HBFCL with sole pre-qualified investor namely Pakistan Mortgage Refinance Company Ltd (PMRCL).
The Privatisation Commission tabled a summary related to Budget Estimates of the Privatization Commission for Fiscal Year 2023-24 to the tune of Rs. 1248.8 million.
The CCoP after detailed deliberation approved the summary. The Privatisation Commission also presented summaries on privatisation of Pakistan Engineering Company (PECO) and privatization of Sindh engineering Limited (SEL) and briefed the meeting on their status.
The CCoP after discussion deferred both the summaries with directions that Secretary Privatization Commission, Secretary Law and Justice and Secretary Industries & Production may hold mutual consultations and come up with future course of action in both cases.
The Privatization Commission also updated the CCoP on the status of privatization process of Roosevelt Hotel.
The CCoP after discussion deferred the summary with direction to submit an update on the privation of Roosevelt Hotel after consultation with Aviation Ministry.
PM reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to meet UN SDGs with enhanced cooperation
ISLAMABAD, July 10 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that Pakistan was keen to expand its cooperation with partner countries to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-2030.
The prime minister virtually participated in the First High-Level Forum on Global Development Initiative (GDI). Held under the theme of Global Development Initiative: “Echo the Development Agenda and Call for Global Action”, the forum was organized by China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
In his remarks, the prime minister stressed the salience of international development cooperation to present a unified global response for socio-economic development, mitigation of climate change threats and for galvanizing new drivers of growth for humanity’s enduring progress and prosperity.
He also appreciated China for launching the Global Development Initiative for achieving shared goals of inclusive and sustainable global development.
Extending Pakistan’s firm support to GDI, the prime minister said that Pakistan would continue its multifaceted cooperation with China for swift implementation of the GDI projects in Pakistan.
The event was attended by Wang Yi, member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China and Director of the General Office of CPC Foreign Affairs Commission, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Chairman CIDCA, Luo Zhaohui.
Leading experts and executives from several countries and international organizations also participated in the forum.
Justice Khawaja Naseem sworn in as acting AJK Chief Justice
ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): Justice Khawaja Muhammad Naseem, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday, was sworn in as the Acting AJK Chief Justice.
The AJK President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry administered the oath of office to Justice Khawaja Muhammad Naseem at a special ceremony held at Jammu Kashmir House in the federal metropolis.
The ceremony was attended among others by AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq, Government Ministers, Judges of the Supreme Court and High Court and Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd) Abdul Rasheed Salharia, and several others.
Tanveer Ahmed to represent Pakistan at World Archery Para Championships
ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): Pakistan’s visually impaired archer Tanveer Ahmed will feature in the World Archery Para Championships 2023, scheduled to be held in Pilsen, Czech Republic from July 17-23.
“I will be flying to Pilsen on early July 17 for the event,” Tanveer told APP on Monday.
The 39-year-old Tanveer claimed the first-ever silver medal for the country in the last edition of the Championships that was held in Dubai, last year.
“That was my first appearance in the event and I returned home with a silver medal. Now I’m targeting another medal; hopefully, gold this time,” added Tanveer, who has low vision and shoots blindfolded.
Tanveer has won several medals in national and international competitions since taking on archery in 2017. Prior to that, he was a blind cricketer and he showcased his talent for 16 years. “I’ve been a cricketer. But it is archery that gave me real recognition.”
The 2022 has been a year of success for him as he earned five international medals, including the first-ever mix team gold medal in Andorra International Open for VI Archery, a silver medal in the 30-metre individual event of VI Archery and a bronze medal in 18-metre individual event of VI Archery in Andorra International Open for VI Archery, a bronze medal in World Ranking Event & European Cup and a silver medal in World Archery Para Championships. “I’m the only archer from Pakistan, who has won five medals in a calendar year,” he added.
Tanveer said he had been training hard for the World Archery Para Championships and believed he was fully fit to take on the challenge and emerge victorious.
“My coach Muhammad Ijaz is a seasoned trainer. I wanted him to accompany me to the event but unfortunately, we were not able to find a sponsor for him. Now I will be competing in the event without my coach,” said Tanveer, who himself is being sponsored by the BARD Foundation for the event.
“The BARD Foundation is also sponsoring me for World Blind Games where I will be again the only archer to represent my country.”
The 2023 World Games is the largest high-level international event for athletes with visual impairment, with more than 1250 competitors from 70 nations. The games staged every four years are the pinnacle of the international sporting calendar outside the Paralympic Games. The sports taking place during the 2023 World Games include archery, chess, cricket, blind football, partially sighted football, women’s football, goalball, judo, powerlifting, showdown, tenpin bowling and tennis.
Pakistan men’s blind cricket team is also scheduled to feature in the Games.