IHC seeks FIRs details against PTI leader
ISLAMABAD, Apr 12 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday sought details from Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and capital police regarding FIRs registered by various police stations against PTI leader Shandana Gulzar.
Justice Mohsin Akhter Kayani of IHC heard the case, filed by PTI’s leader seeking provision of specific details.
Petitioner’s lawyer Sher Afzal Murawat adopted the stance that several FIRs had been registered against his client and she should be provided specific details about in this regard.
The court served notices to the respondents, and sought FIRs and details of pending enquires till April 19.
EU Ambassador calls on minister for Human Rights Riaz Pirzada
ISLAMABAD, Apr 12 (APP):Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan Dr Riina Kionka called on Federal Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada here on Wednesday.
Matters of mutual interests and cooperation particularly the upcoming report on GSP+ status progress made in various aspects and challenges were discussed in this meeting.
The federal minister welcomed the Ambassador and said that Pakistan had been enjoying good relations with European countries and that these relations are based on mutual respect and shared international obligations.
He appreciated the continuing support of the European Union through the GSP+ status for Pakistan.
He said that the government’s commitments under the UN Charter and its obligations towards international conventions and agreements remained a high priority.
Dr Riina Kionka appreciated the efforts of the Government of Pakistan in the implementation of its human rights agenda and indicated that European Union would continue to help Pakistan in the implementation of this agenda.
She said that continuous efforts were required to overcome challenges and European Union would continue its support in this regard.
The Minister thanked the Ambassador and expressed the hope that the cooperation between Pakistan and European Union will continue to flourish.
Alliance of China-Pakistan Joint Research Centers launched
ISLAMABAD, Apr 12 (APP):The Centre for BRI and China Studies-Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies and Pakistan Research Center, Inner Mongolia Honder College of Arts and Sciences, China have established the Alliance of China-Pakistan Research Centers to enhance collaboration and understanding between Pakistani and Chinese academic institutions.
This alliance aimed to strengthen the longstanding bond between the two countries. The Alliance’s launch marks a significant step towards promoting academic collaboration between Pakistan and China, said a news release issued here on Wednesday.
The coalition will facilitate joint research projects, exchange programs and other academic activities to promote mutual learning and understanding.
During the launch event, the directors of participating institutions discussed various ideas to advance the Alliance practically, including creating a combined research journal, establishing a website to share information, implementing joint research programs, enhancing the capacity of research centers, fostering student and research exchange, publishing joint research papers, hosting research events, and inviting institutions to join the alliance.
The speakers emphasized the importance of research center alliances in fostering academic exchanges, promoting joint research projects, and enhancing the quality of higher education in both countries.
They also highlighted the role of such collaborations in exploring new avenues of cooperation, particularly in building regional connectivity, economic, cultural, infrastructure, and trade development, including technology exchanges. The participants expressed their commitment to promoting research center alliances between Pakistan and China and exploring new areas of cooperation to achieve common goals.
They called for more joint academic programs, research projects and student exchanges between the two countries.
Dr Farhat Asif, President of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, highlighted the significance of the alliance and its core aims and objectives. Prof. Tang Jun, Director of Pakistan Research Center, Inner Mongolia Honder College of Arts and Sciences, described the Alliance as a timely initiative catering to the need for research and development.
Other participants, including Prof. Sun Hongqi, Pakistan Study Center, Jiangsu Normal University, Prof. Dr Zahid Anwar, Director, China Study Centre, University of Peshawar, Prof. Huang Qiuwen, Director, Pakistan Research Center, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Dr Samina Sabbir, Director CPEC Center, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan, Director China Study Center, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Prof. Ma Fujian, Director Pakistan Study Center, North Minzu University, Dr Abdul Sattar,Director China Study Center, BUITEMS, Quetta, Dr Zhao Yankan, Pakistan Study Center Southwest University of Political Science and Law, Dr. Faqeer Muhammad, Director China Study Center, Karakorum International University, Gilgit, Prof. Guo Yaling, Pakistan Research Center of He Bei Normal University, Prof. Jin Qiang, Intercultural Communication Research Center at He Bei University and Ms. Xiang Yang Scarlet, Director China Study Center, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad shared their insights on the importance of the alliance and ways to strengthen it.
Muhammad Asif Noor, Director of the Centre for BRI and China Studies- Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, emphasized the importance of striving forward and building a stronger Pakistan-China relationship through the alliance.
Launching the Alliance of China-Pakistan Research Centers is a significant step towards promoting academic collaboration and achieving common goals between Pakistan and China.
UN resident, humanitarian coordinator calls on FM Bilawal
ISLAMABAD, Apr 12 (APP): The Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations in Pakistan Julien Harneis on Wednesday called on Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari here.
During the meeting, they discussed Pakistan-UN cooperation including in development and humanitarian domains.
The foreign minister appreciated the United Nations for its partnership with Pakistan to advance its socioeconomic development.
He particularly appreciated the world body’s assistance to Pakistan following the devastating floods in the country.
The foreign minister said that Pakistan was an active member of the United Nations and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to continue to play an active role at international forums.
The foreign minister appreciated the United Nations for its partnership with Pakistan to advance its socioeconomic development, according to a Foreign Office press release.
PM visits free flour distribution center
DERA Ghazi Khan, Apr 12 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday visited the free flour distribution centre here and reviewed the overall arrangements.
The prime minister inquired about the problems faced by the beneficiaries of the scheme gathered there to receive free flour bags under the PM’s Special Ramazan Package and directed the concerned authorities to immediately resolve all their issues.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb also accompanied him.
He was informed that so far, some 4.9 million flour bags had been distributed among the deserving families in the Dera Ghazi Khan Division.
On the occasion, the prime minister said the distribution process of free flour was going on smoothly under the supervision of the caretaker Punjab Chief Minister.
He also directed giving priority to women, the elderly and the handicapped during the distribution process. He also personally distributed free flour bags among the elderly as well as differently-abled people.
PM Shehbaz said the country was facing challenges but with the blessings of the Almighty, the coalition government was on track to steer it out of the crisis.
He said for the first time in history, the government was providing free flour to the needy. After Ramazan, he said the government would continue subsidies on wheat flour for the deserving.
He also expressed his resolve to build Pakistan as per the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Girls Guide Association also met with the prime minister at the distribution point.
The prime minister was informed that the Association – a representative forum of girls’ colleges of the district – was actively supporting the distribution process by guiding the people.
Shahbaz Sharif announced to provide a bus to the girls’ guide training centre and promised the development of the training centre.
The PM was informed that 5,000 girls were registered under the girls’ guide campaign in the DG Khan division.
Commissioner DG Khan Dr Nasir Mahmood Bashir gave a detailed briefing to the PM stating that over 4.8 million free wheat flour bags have so far been distributed among the poor people through 44 centres set up in all the four districts including DG Khan, Layyah, Rajanpur and Muzaffargarh.
Andrew Dagleish commends measures of economic stability
ISLAMABAD, Apr 12 (APP):Acting British High Commissioner to Pakistan Andrew Dagleish Wednesday commended the measures being undertaken by the incumbent government for economic stability and offered all possible help from the ‘British Government’ for the people of Pakistan in mitigating the socio-economic crisis.
The Acting British High Commissioner called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and discussed the current macroeconomic situation of the world as well as Pakistan.
The Finance Minister also briefed the envoy on the progress in talks with the International Monetary Fund and apprised the overall economic outlook of the country.
The Finance Minister briefed the envoy on pragmatic policies and programs of the government being taken in terms of revenue generation and bringing economic stability and growth.
The High Commissioner commended the practical measures being undertaken by the present government and offered all possible help from the British Government for the people of Pakistan in mitigating the socio-economic crisis. The Finance Minister appreciated the British Acting High Commissioner for his cooperation and support.
The Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Finance Tariq Bajwa, Special Secretary Finance, and other senior officers from Finance Division also attended in the meeting.
Governor of Punjab Balighur Rehman is giving a speech during passing out ceremony of 50th Common Training Program at CSA (Civil Services Academy).
