Pak-Uzbek trade volume reaches over $250m: Envoy

Sun, 9 Apr 2023, 5:32 PM

ISLAMABAD, Apr 9 (APP): Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Oybek Arif Usmanov has said that bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Uzbekistan had reached over $250 million by the end of 2022 and both countries were focusing on exploring more avenues of trade and investments in multiple sectors to enhance trade.

He said that the implementation of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and the recently signed nine Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs), would further increase trade volume to $1 billion between both countries.

The Ambassador made these remarks while talking to APP during an Iftar dinner hosted by the Embassy of Uzbekistan for journalists and experts.

Managing Director of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Muhammad Asim Khichi was the chief guest of the event.
The Ambassador welcomed all the guests and said that the Pak-Uzbekistan friendship had reached new heights.

Both the countries have very cordial relations and their leadership is playing role in deepening bilateral ties and cooperation.

Explaining the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, the Ambassador said that the trade volume in 2014 was amounted to $36 million, in 2018 it became $ 98 million, in 2020 amounted around $120 million and in 2021 it reached $180 million and now in 2022, it reached to $250 million, he added. He said that these figures show that Uzbek-Pak trade volume is increasing rapidly.

Now, Uzbekistan is a largest trade partner of Pakistan in Central Asia and Pakistan has been listed among the top 10 main foreign trade partners for Uzbekistan, he added.

The envoy further stated that the Pakistani importers were interested in Uzbek textile, petrochemical products, foodstuff, pure Uzbek silk products and agricultural machinery. “The Uzbek importers are receiving Pakistani textile and leather garments, pharmaceutical products, chemicals, food items and agricultural products”.

The Government of Uzbekistan, he told has created a favorable and attractive investment environment for the Pakistani business community and around 207 joint venture companies are successfully operating in Uzbekistan.

Moreover, the two sides have started to work out the joint manufacturing for agricultural machinery and home appliances products with Uzbek investments in Pakistan.

The implementation of these projects in Pakistan can help the mechanization and modernization of the agricultural sector and decrease the prices for electronic products within the country, he concluded.

Christian community celebrates Easter Sunday

NNPS Desk

Sun, 9 Apr 2023, 5:25 PM

ISLAMABAD, Apr 09 (APP): Like everywhere in the world, the Christian community in Pakistan is also set to celebrate their annual religious festival of Easter Sunday on 9th April (today) marking special services and other festivities.

Easter Sunday is one of the most festive events among Christians worldwide which commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death, according to the Bible.

The followers of Christ believe that Jesus was resurrected in Jerusalem 2,008 years ago.

Just like any other festival, Easter Sunday also precedes special preparations by the people from different age groups including men, women and children.

The people living in different parts of the country make special arrangements to celebrate the Day.

The Christians celebrating the festival in Pakistan receive heartfelt greetings from their countrymen which manifests a great atmosphere of good religious and cultural harmony in the country.

All provincial police departments make special security arrangements to provide security cover to the minority communities on their festivals or special prayers.

The minorities in Pakistan are free to practice their religion.

Special services are hosted at different places across the country where the believers attend prayers for salvation, and for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

The state of Pakistan has constantly been taking administrative and legislative measures to protect the minorities’ rights to provide them a safe and free environment, without any discrimination.

Managing Director Associated Press of Pakistan Mr. Muhammad Asim Khichi in a group photograph during iftar dinner hosted by H.E. Oybek Arif Usmanov, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan.

Wajid

Sun, 9 Apr 2023, 5:15 PM

Managing Director Associated Press of Pakistan Mr. Muhammad Asim Khichi in a group photograph during iftar dinner hosted by H.E. Oybek Arif Usmanov, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan. — APP27-090423 ISLAMABAD

Christian community celebrates Easter in KP amid tight security

NNPS Desk

Sun, 9 Apr 2023, 4:32 PM

PESHAWAR, Apr 09 (APP): Like other parts of the country, the Christian community on Sunday celebrated their religious event Easter as a joyous holiday and organized different congregations to mark the day with happiness.

The main procession started from St. John Church in Kohati Gate that was led by Head of the Church of Pakistan Bishop Humphery Sarfaraz Peter. The procession went through different bazaars while the participants were holding decorated crosses, a symbol of Christian religion by singing their religious songs.

The Christians extended greetings to each other and offered prayers for the sovereignty of the county.

KP Caretaker Chief Minister Mohammad Azam Khan extended his greetings to all Christian community and said that all minorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have equal rights as citizens. He said that religion Islam teaches equal rights to minority communities by guaranteeing them to celebrate their religious worships, rituals and festivals with complete freedom.

Similarly, on the directives of Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Mohammad Ejaz Khan, SP Cantt. Waqas Khan inspected security arrangements in different churches. He met with security staff deployed to protect the lives and properties of Christians and directed them to keep vigilant during performing their duties.

Meanwhile, the members of Christians community residing in other parts of the province including Dir Lower, Kohat, Swabi, DIKhan, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Tank also observed Easter with religious zeal and zest. Different ceremonies and processions were taken out to mark the day with joy.

Golden jubilee celebrations of 1973 Constitution to start tomorrow

NNPS Desk

Sun, 9 Apr 2023, 4:15 PM

ISLAMABAD, Apr 09 (APP): A comprehensive one month long celebrations in connection with the Golden Jubilee of the 1973 Constitution will formally start on April 10, 2023 (Monday).

A committee comprising Senators and Members of National Assembly (MNAs) under the chairmanship of Senator Mian Raza Rabbani has prepared an elaborate program following which one-month celebrations are being organized throughout the country in this connection.

Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf will lay the foundation stone of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 Memorial on the commencement of the Golden Jubilee celebrations at D-Chowk in front of the Parliament House and Parliament Lodges.

Speaker National Assembly along with the Members of Parliament will visit the memorial of Martyrs of Democracy in the garden of the Parliament House.

Later, Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf and Members of Parliament will visit at an exhibition to see photos taken at the time of approval of the 1973 Constitution in the National Assembly. They will review the draft Constitution of Pakistan in detail in front of the National Assembly Hall.

A national constitutional convention has been also organized in the National Assembly. Different segments of the society including constitutional heads of the provinces, vice chancellors of universities, women, social and political workers and students have been invited to attend the convention.

Members of the National Assembly, especially the Ministers and Opposition members have also been invited to ensure their presence in the event.

Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said we have to give a message to the youth on this day that while rising above our differences, we have the capabilities to celebrate our successes and national festivals in a befitting manner.

British-Pakistani, Enaam sets 3rd fastest time at Indianapolis

NNPS Desk

Sun, 9 Apr 2023, 4:11 PM

ISLAMABAD, Apr 9 (APP): Enaam Ahmed, a British-Pakistani Formula racer, set the third-fastest time during the morning session on the 2.4-mile road course at the prestigious Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The road course comprises 14 corners and is renowned for hosting some of the world’s most talented racing drivers.

Only the elite racers are hired by brands and groups to drive cars on these unusual tracks, says a message received here on Sunday. The test took place in preparation for Round 2 of the Firestone Indy NXT Championship.

The day started on a chilling morning which led to an hour delay and cancellation of lunch break. As soon as action started 20 drivers got down to business.

Enaam was racing against several experienced drivers in the series which made his third fastest time of 1:14.86 even more impressive. The fastest time of 1:14.62 was set by Hunter McElrea of New Zealand.

Enaam Ahmed told this reporter that he is racing with support from US-based Pakistani professionals who are keen to see him compete in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, Indianapolis 500 in 2024.

Enaam Ahmed His next race is on April 30th at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Enaam Ahmed is the first ever and the only Pakistani to be a World Champion in Karting, beating the records of Formula One drivers Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

Not only that, Enaam Ahmed is also the British Formula 3 Champion, the first ever high-level Formula Championship winner in the history of Pakistan and beating the record of Ayrton Senna by winning 13 races in one season.

The 23-year-old is going places around the world with his winning streaks on the dangerous tracks, driving cars at an average 200 miles per hour – making sure that his car carries both British and Pakistani flags.

Enaam is one of the brightest and most exciting young racing talents in motorsport. He has been winning Championships and breaking records from the age of 14. Enaam Ahmed is also the most successful Pakistani heritage racing driver ever in the history of motorsport because he is also known as the most successful British Formula 3 driver in history.
Enaam Ahmed was born to Pakistani parents in London 23 years ago.

It was at the age of eight that he started taking interest in racing. His parents started funding their son’s passion by sending him to local Go-karting tracks for children but they had no idea that their son would become a European and world champion at the age of 14, winning it one year younger than Lewis Hamilton who was 15 when he became the world champion.