RAWALPINDI, Dec 13 (APP):The 216th Corps Commanders’ Conference, held here at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Thursday reviewed geo-strategic environment with special focus on regional security and situation on eastern and western borders including Line of Control.The forum was presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa, said a press release issued here by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).Progress of ongoing stability operations for internal security was also discussed. The forum highlighted the importance of regional approach to eliminate roots of terrorism and attached hopes for success of ongoing Afghan reconciliation process while supporting all stakeholders to bring Afghan war to a peaceful logical conclusion.

The forum also pledged to safeguard against all external threats while consolidating gains of counter terrorism military operations which have put security situation of the country on positive trajectory for socio-economic progress and development. “We shall continue to support all state institutions for peace, stability and progress of the country in best interest of the people of Pakistan”, the COAS concluded.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP):President Dr Arif Alvi and the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman-bin-Abdul Aziz Al-Saud on Thursday expressed satisfaction and appreciation at the renewed impetus in relations between the two countries. The two leaders met in Riyadh and discussed bilateral relations, regional situation and issues of mutual
interest, a foreign office statement issued here said.King Salman warmly welcomed the President and congratulated him on his election. He underscored the importance of time-tested Pak-Saudi relationship, and said that ties between the two brotherly countries were excellent at all levels. The King also commended the positive role played by Pakistani expatriates in the progress and development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.The President reiterated the close bonds of friendship and brotherhood enjoyed by the two countries, based on shared faith, culture and values. He acknowledged the common positions that the two countries had on many regional and international issues.Recalling the recent visit of the Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia, the President hoped that the bilateral relationship would be further strengthened in the days to come.The President commended the progress made by the Kingdom under Vision 2030. He stressed that Pakistani expatriates would continue to play their positive role towards the development of both countries.
President Alvi also expressed his condolences on the sad demise of Princess Al-Jawhara bint Faisal Al Saud

ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP):Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday approved to increase Shuhada (martyrs) Assistance Package for ICT Police personnel bringing it at par with other parts of the country and assured government’s full support to make it a model force.
Chairing a briefing on the performance of Islamabad Capital Territory Police (ICT) and the way forward in transforming ICT Police into a model police force, he also approved provision of Sehat Insaaf Cards to the police personnel for catering to their health needs.
The briefing was attended by Finance Minister Asad Umar, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Ali Nawaz Awan, Member National Assembly Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, Interior Secretary Maj (R) Azam Suleman Khan, establishment secretary, chief commissioner, inspector general of police (IGP) Islamabad and senior officials.
IGP Islamabad M Amir Zulfiqar Khan briefed the prime minister about the performance of the ICT Police and also highlighted various steps taken on his directions to improve service delivery and instilling a sense of security among the inhabitants of the federal capital.
He also identified various administrative, legal, financial and human resource constraints faced by the ICT Police while improving the performance of the force and making it a model force of the country.
Amir Zulfiqar Khan also briefed the prime minister about the progress into crackdown against drugs, land mafia and campaign against anti-encroachment.
The prime minister appreciated the efforts of ICT Police for maintenance of law and order and security of the capital and directed to submit a comprehensive plan for meeting the requirements of ICT Police.
He assured that the government would provide all possible support to ICT Police in its mission to serve the people and emerge as a model police force.
The prime minister also appreciated employment of IT solutions by the ICT Police for improving service delivery and reaching out to the public for their feedback on its performance.
Discussing the ongoing campaign against drug mafia, especially around the educational institutions, the prime minister directed that heads of academic institutes and parents should be taken on-board for the success of campaign against drugs.
Regarding action against land mafia and anti-encroachment drive, the prime minister directed for greater coordination among ICT administration, CDA and ICT Police and continued efforts against land mafia who had encroached government lands in the federal capital.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP):Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi Thursday while appreciating the longstanding Pakistan-Italy relations, underlined the need for opening channels of legal migration between the two countries.
In a meeting with Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Elisabetta Balloniat, who called on him here at the Foreign Office, he also lauded the strong bilateral institutional mechanisms of cooperation in diverse fields, including the political dialogue process.
The two sides discussed a wide range of regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest and expressed satisfaction at the current state of relations.
He emphasized upon the need to enhance high level exchanges and augment cooperation in the spheres of trade, investment, economic development, culture and tourism.
The two sides agreed to pursue joint ventures in trade and economic spheres through transfer of technology.
They also reaffirmed the excellent cooperation existing between the two countries at the multilateral fora, including the United Nations, and agreed to further deepen it.
The Italian secretary general stated her government’s resolve to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas and assured full cooperation on working together with the new government.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP):Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday directed Board of Investment (BoI) chairman to present a comprehensive plan, listing all the issues in various sectors and their sub-sectors and how the processes could be streamlined to simplify procedures related to government approvals, addressing taxation issues, dispute resolution and facilitating investors/businesses.
He said this while chairing a high-level meeting to review progress on improving ease of doing business and creating an enabling environment to facilitate conversion of interest of the local as well foreign investors into actual investments in the country.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Asad Umar, Law Minister Dr Farogh Naseem, Commerce Advisor Abdul Razak Dawood, BoI Chairman Haroon Sharif, federal secretaries and senior officials.
BoI Chairman Haroon Sharif while briefing the prime minister about the steps taken so far said the Board would be serving as agent of change for facilitating business transactions, removing impediments in the way to materialization of investors’ interest into actual investments and smooth functioning of the businesses in the country.
He also briefed about various issues being faced by the business community including taxation, access to finance, regulation and policy issues and red-tapism.
He said the BoI was also actively working with the provinces and relevant ministries for removing barriers in the way of establishing Special Economic Zones.
He said special efforts were being made to bridge the gap between private and public sector and to reach out to the private sector to revive their confidence in government policies and put in place a framework that facilitates business community in its business pursuits.
The BoI chairman also briefed about Naya Pakistan Diaspora Fund which was being set-up to promote SMEs and rural development in key areas of education, health and infrastructure development.
He also apprised the prime minister of the investment framework which had been structured for attracting and materializing investment from UAE, KSA, China, Japan and Malaysia.
It was decided during the meeting that the prime minister would chair a review meeting every month on ease of doing business in the country.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP):Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain Thursday said Pakistan enjoyed historical and cultural bonds with Central Asian States.
He said this while chairing a round table on “Pakistan and Central Asia: Cementing the bonds through culture”
here at Institute of Regional Studies.
The minister said, political stability and durable peace in Afghanistan was vital for further promoting these relations. He said war against terrorism directly affected Pakistan.
He said soft image of the country could be promoted through films and television plays. He said the government was taking practical steps for revival of national film industry, which used to be world third largest film industry in 1960s.
Fawad said presently, 187 film screens were functional in the country and the government was desirous to increase them to 1,000 to make the industry financially viable.
He said Pakistan Army and the nation showed great resilience in war against terrorism and defeated the scourge with great courage.
Earlier, the minister was given a briefing on shared civilization and cultural values based on mutual relations between Pakistan and Central Asian countries.
He emphasized the need for preservation of historical cultural heritage site located at Sarai Khabarbooza and historical mosque on Margalla Hills.
He said preservation of historical and cultural places would promote tourism.
President of Institute of Regional Studies, Dr Rukhsana Kumber, former ambassador Sarwar Naqvi, Dr Nadeem Akbar, director of the American Institute of Pakistan Studies, Dr Mahtab Akram and Vice President Council of Social Sciences Nadeem Umer Tarar attended the meeting.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP):Minister for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah
Mahmood Hussain Qureshi has said that government would not obstruct the leader of the Opposition in assuming the Chairmanship of Public Accounts Committee.
He stated this on Thursday while speaking in National
Assembly about issue in delay of establishing Standing Committees in wake of Oppositions’
viewpoint to appoint Leader of the Opposition as Chairman Public Accounts
Committee.
The Foreign Minister said “we leave it to you to decide
what is the way forward. We suggest you to appoint someone else but if you
(Leader of the Opposition) want to be Chairman PAC, we will not obstruct in the
interest of democracy.”
He said that PAC would have to give opinion about audit
paras of government expenses during the last tenure, adding it would be improper that
leader of the Opposition was heading the Committee reviewing
the audit-paras of PML-N tenure.
The minister suggested to constitute special committee to
look into the audit-paras related to the expenses or projects of PML-N tenure which
would not be headed by the leader of the Opposition.
It is mutual responsibility of treasury and Opposition
benches to run the proceedings of the House and to ensure legislation in the interest
of the people, he maintained.
Shah Mahmood said that all of us would have to sit together
to find a way out and ensure smooth proceedings of the National Assembly.
The minister said it was the beauty of democracy that parliamentary
rules and traditions should be considered in running the affairs
of the House.
“It has become the parliamentary tradition that Leader of the House is nominated
as Chairman PAC but it will be better to have accountability through a person facing no controversy,” he remarked.
The minister said that issue of formation of Standing Committees
had been continuously discussed with Minister for Defence Pervez Khattak and
State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs.
”Issue has been taken up with the Prime Minister today and entire situation is told to him,” he said adding that
it was now on the disposal of Opposition leader to decide about the Chairmanship of PAC.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP):Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser on Thursday informed the House that legal opinion has been
sought to issue production orders Member National Assembly Khawaja Saad Rafique and feedback from Ministry of Law is awaited.
Responding to a point of order raised by the Leader of the Opposition Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif,
the Speaker said “the file is with me and I am taking opinion from the legal consultants. The discussion is underway on the issue with Ministry of Law and Justice.”
He said that decision will be made after considering the legal position. According to the
sub-rule (1) of Rule 108 of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in National Assembly 2007, the Speaker or Chairman of a Committee may summon a member in custody on the charge of a non-bailable offence to attend a sitting or sittings of the Assembly or meeting of a Committee of which he is a
member, if he considers his presence necessary.
Sub-Rule 2 of Rule 108 says, “On a Production Order, signed by the Secretary or by any other officer authorised in this behalf, addressed to the Government of the Province where the member is held in custody, or to the authority concerned, the Provincial Government or such authority shall
cause the member in custody to be produced before the Sergeant-at-Arms, who shall, after the conclusion of the sitting or the meeting, deliver the member into the custody of the Provincial Government or other authority concerned”.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP):Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications (MoIT), Dr.
Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Thursday said Pakistan was making utmost endeavours
for bridging digital divide and providing communication access to under-served regions
and remote areas.
He was addressing the inaugural session of a three-day
(December 13-15) 19th-Meeting of South Asian Telecom Regulators
Council (SATRC-19), organized here by Pakistan Telecommunication
Authority (PTA) in collaboration with Asia-Pacific Telecommunity
(APT).
The agenda for SATRC this year includes topics of concern
for developing countries on critical issues like digital infrastructure
and new technologies, increasing broadband penetration, spectrum
management, technology & policy considerations and innovation
towards 5G era.
The Minister said first ever digital policy of Pakistan
envisions the country to become a strategic enabler for an
accelerated digitization eco-system to expand knowledge based
economy and spur socio-economic growth.
The policy aims to establish and build a framework for
setting-up incubation centers in provincial capitals and major
secondary cities. This will facilitate and nurture new Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) entrepreneurs and start-up
by tapping a vast network of business partners and mentors
including specialized innovation centers in thematic areas such
as FinTech, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and
Robotics.
He said MoIT is continuously working on new projects for
maximum economic impact through collaboration, digitization,
research and innovation in new emerging technologies within
the ICT and other socioeconomic sectors.
He said Telecom Policy and recently announced Digital Pakistan
Policy envisions us to become a strategic enabler for an
accelerated digitization ecosystem which propagates knowledge
based economy and spurs socio-economic growth.
The Minister said the government was also planning
for development of IT zones, software technology parks at
major cities, and to finance research & development activities,
entrepreneurship and innovation.
He appreciated efforts of PTA and APT to promote
regional harmony and knowledge exchange through platform of
SATRC and vowed to provide continuous patronage from government
for such efforts.
Dr. Khalid Maqbool said the government was also planning
development of IT zones, software technology parks in major cities.
Regarding on-going initiatives, he said, these include
Digi-Skills which is Pakistan’s largest online free training
programme to equip a million of people across the country with
digital skills over a period of two years. The ICT women is
another initiative under which thousands of girls are being
trained at state of the art computer labs under coaching and
training programme of Microsoft. It is expected to train over
1,10,000 girls per year and, as a part of this programme, 150
digital labs are being established throughout Pakistan at Women
Empowerment Centres.
He said, “The changes we have witnessed in recent years
and those we are currently witnessing, will surely not be the
last. We cannot be entirely sure what competition and
technology lies beyond horizon but with right approach, regional
cooperation and active participation, we can work together – sturdy
and resolute in face of challenges and make an impact.”
He said over next two days, there will be an opportunity to
share experiences and ideas to explore and address some of
key policy and regulatory issues in lCT today and to foster
spirit of collaboration, cooperation and harmonization.
On the occasion, Ms. Areewan Haorangsi, Secretary
General, Asia-Pacific Telecommunity said this event would
assist regulatory bodies of member countries in acquiring
knowledge and skills to address common challenges facing the
region.
In addition, it will also promote cooperation and
dialogue between regulators and industry to introduce best regional
and international practices in member countries.
Current Chairman of the SATRC and Chairman of Nepal
Telecommunication Authority, Digambar Jha said the discussions
and outcome of this meeting shall have significant impact on
telecommunication/ICT industry in South-Asian countries which
covers a large percentage of population of Asia-Pacific region.
The South Asian region has seen very rapid development
of telecommunication network and services. In this era of
telecommunication innovations, SATRC provides regular
capacity building opportunities for officers of member
countries.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, Chairman PTA,
Muhammad Naveed said PTA has been an active member of the
SATRC and will continue to share its regulatory wisdom and
regulatory skills with regional regulators.
He said that the government of Pakistan has entrusted
us with task of providing state-of-the-art ICT services to
people.
While creating smarter communities, PTA ensures affordable
and broad-based communications access to the consumers.
Initiation of implementation of 5G policy directive
for taking broadband to maximum speed and issuance of third
party service provider’s license for increasing financial
inclusion are the major initiatives.
He said Device Identification Registration & Blocking
System (DIRBS) has been introduced for proper registration
of mobile handsets while online No Objection Certificate
(NoC) portal for import of handsets and online interactive
remote education initiative are some of other recent success stories
of PTA which will be shared with other regulators through
this meeting.
Similarly, PTA favours learning from experiences of APT
countries and to find solutions to common issues and areas of
common interest and collaborations.
This may be noted that SATRC conducts training programmes
and research activities with help of experts from
member countries of the Council. The Council meeting is an
annual meeting of Heads of member countries where SATRC Action
Plans are discussed and approved. The meeting is being
attended by delegates from different countries like
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives,
Nepal, Sri Lanka, and representatives from regional and
national telecom multi-national companies.

RAWALPINDI, Dec 13 (APP):Federal Minister for Railways, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad Thursday said the present government of Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would make all out efforts to make special persons useful citizens of the country and they would be provided opportunities to earn their livelihood in a respectable manner.
Addressing an event of special persons, organized here by District Office Special Education in
collaboration with Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) the Minister said the incumbent government is committed to empower the special persons.
Sh. Rashid on the occasion announced a special package for the disabled persons. He said that Pakistan Railways had offered free travel facility for the blinds while one person travelling with a blind person is charged 50 percent train fare.
He informed that PR had appointed a focal person to facilitate the special persons. Facilitation of
special persons is moral and religious obligation of all the citizens, he added.
He announced, a divisional level college for the disabled persons would be built on Pakistan Railways land.
The disabled persons should not be considered a burden, he said adding, they can play a role in the
progress and development of the country if provided opportunities.
Later, Sheikh Rashid informed the media persons that mega development projects would be launched in Rawalpindi and construction work of Leh Expressway would also be started soon.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP):The Asian Development Bank (ADB) would provide $ 284 million to Pakistan for improving its power transmission network , besides developing a stronger, smarter, greener and more climate resilient power transmission system.
In this regard the Government of Pakistan and Asian Development Bank here on Thursday signed a loan and grant agreements worth $284 million to improve power transmission network in the country.
The ADB Country Director for Pakistan Ms. Xiaohong Yang and Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division Noor Ahmed inked the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations, said a press release issued by ADB.
Addressing the agreement signing ceremony ADB Country Director said that the project will help provide a more stable and secure electricity supply, so people and businesses can continue their productivity and contribution to the economy.
Ms. Yang said that ADB was working with the government and the private sector to further develop Pakistan’s power supply chain, including expanding the power transmission network.
she said that the agreement was the third tranche of a multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) under the ADB-supported Second Power Transmission Investment Program.
The MFF aims to develop a stronger, smarter, greener, and more climate resilient power transmission system in Pakistan, she added.
The tranche, she said was comprised of a $280 million loan from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and a $4 million grant from the High-Level Technology Fund (HLTF) to help the National Transmission and Dispatch Company Limited (NTDC) meet the country’s electricity demand of 1,150 megawatts efficiently and reliably.
She said that to achieve this, it will deploy high-level technologies and climate-resilient transmission systems through load centers in Punjab Province, adding that the investment in the power transmission network was the first investment of its kind by ADB in Pakistan.
It will pilot large-scale, grid-connected battery energy storage system, which will help NTDC comply with national standards and best practices in power distribution, she added.
It will also enhance the NTDC’s capacity to dispatch intermittent renewable energy and this investment will also facilitate the development of ancillary services market which is an important component of the future competitive power markets.
Ms. Yang said that the capacity building component of Tranche 3 will support the government in preparing an energy storage system roadmap to leverage the country’s rich indigenous renewable energy potential for longer term energy security.