ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui here on Monday said that there is no plan to dissolve Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
PTA is a fully committed to provide better services to the consumers for the promotion of digital technology and telecommunication sector, he told while talking to APP.
Replying to a question, he said Prime Minister Imran Khan has given the directions to enhance the capacity of institution to provide facilities to public. He further said that the government wants to regulate the telecommunication industry and is committed to ensure efficiency in the system.
The Minister hoped that the government would introduce best international practices according to the modern standards to enhance the capacity of the industry.
No plans to dissolve PTA: IT Minister
Wang Yi to lead Chinese delegation at UN General Assembly’s general debate
BEIJING, Sep 17 (APP):Chinese Foreign Minister Want Yi will lead Chinese delegation to attend the general debate of the 73rd session of the United National Assembly on September 25, a spokesperson of Chinese foreign ministry announced on Monday.
“The 73rd session of the UN General Assembly will open at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on September 18 and will hold a general debate on the 25th,” Geng Shuang said during his regular press briefing held here.
He said that State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will lead a delegation to attend the general debate of the UN General Assembly and make a comprehensive speech on China’s position and proposition on the current international situation and major international and regional issues.
China, he said, is willing to work with UN member states to adhere to multilateralism and safeguard the authority and role of the United Nations to jointly promote world peace and development.
SC rejects NAB plea against Sharif family
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a petition moved by National Accountability Bureau
challenging Islamabad High Court orders that accepted the Sharifs’ Avenfield verdict suspension pleas for hearing.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar also imposed Rs. 20,000 fine on the watchdog for filing a frivolous petition.
During the course of proceedings, Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar remarked that justice should be served to Sharif family.
Addressing the NAB prosecutor Akram Qureshi, the CJ said, “This is a regular mechanism of the courts, asking what was illegal in the high court’s order.”
It may added that Nawaz, his daughter Maryam, and son-in-law Captain (retired) Mohammad Safdar Awan had moved the IHC to suspend the verdict in the Avenfields properties reference after they were convicted by Accountability Court Judge Mohammad Bashir on July 6, 2018.
SBP committed to promoting sports in province: DG
LAHORE, Sep 17 (APP):Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad
Aamir Jan has reiterated his stance to promote sports in all parts
of the province.
He expressed these views during his meeting with a three-member delegation of tehsil Fort Abbas at his office at National Hockey Stadium on Monday.
The delegation consisted of former Divisional Sports Officer
and PMU Consultant Mateen Shah, Secretary Punjab Table Tennis
Association and former captain of national table tennis team
Irfanullah Bajwa and Prof Muzammal Khan Waziri.
Aamir Jan said Sports Board Punjab (SBP) will provide every
possible assistance for the growth of sports in the province.
He admired the services of Prof Muzammal Khan Waziri for
promotion of rugby and other games in tehsil Fort Abbas.
Australian ambassador appreciates govt efforts to ensure human rights
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Australian Ambassador for Women and Girls, Dr Sharman Stone on Monday appreciated the steps and efforts of the Pakistani government for successful legislation to ensure the human rights including the rights of women, children and minorities.
She said that the incumbent government, especially Ministry of Human Rights, was very vigilant and active in solving the issues and protecting the rights of women and minorities.
Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen M Mazari talking to the ambassador said that the government was committed to not only protect the rights of women and minorities, but also make them economically sound.
The visiting Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls, Dr Sharman Stone along with the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Margaret Adamson called on Dr Mazari here.
High officials of the ministry were also among the attendants.They exchanged views on gender equality and protection of human rights especially the rights of women and girls.
Dr Mazari apprised Dr Stone about the steps for ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly the rights of women, children and minorities.
She said we are working on three further bills including Anti Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention & Punishment) Bill 2018, Pakistan Rights of Persons with Disability Bill, 2018 and Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Bill, 2018. The draft of the bills had been forwarded to the law ministry for vetting and further process to present before the cabinet, she added.
Dr Mazari also informed about prevailing human rights situation in the country including implementation of laws, policy and measures. She said besides the implementation of Hindu Marriage Act, the ministry had drawn up a new Christian divorce bill for the National Assembly, a press release said.
The Australia’s Ambassador for Women and the High Commissioner to Pakistan appreciated the endeavours of the government, especially the Ministry of Human Rights for the protection and promotion of human rights and sucessful awareness drive about women’s right to inheritance.
President’s address a clear guideline to eradicate corruption: Governor Sindh
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Governor Sindh Imran Ismail said the address of President Dr. Arif Alvi to the joint session of the Parliament was a clear guideline to root out the menace of corruption.
Talking to media outside the Parliament, he said the speech of the president was balanced and PML-N should not have make a traditional walkout on this important occasion.
He said a clear policy had been given to overcome challenges being faced by the country and hoped for progress of the country in future.
Clear stance adopted on Kashmir issue in Presidential address: Masood
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):President Azad Jammu & Kashmir Sardar Masood Ahmed Khan on Monday said he had been sure after speech of the newly elected President Dr. Arif Alvi to the joint session of the Parliament that the PTI government would adopt clear and comprehensive policy on Kashmir issue.
Talking to APP after joint session of Parliament, he said India would have to resolve the Kashmir dispute through negotiations with Pakistan. He condemned the Indian atrocities in Occupied Kashmir and said the voice of the people of Kashmir could not be curbed with power.
He said India would have to sit with Pakistan and also urged the United Nations to play its role for stopping violation of human rights in Indian held Kashmir.
He said the president’s remarks about Kashmir were very much encouraging and we had great hopes with the PTI government to adopt comprehensive and courageous strategy on Kashmir issue.
Artist Iftikhar Qaisar’s first death anniversary observed
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):The Presidential Pride of Performance Award winner, talented actor of stage, TV and radio, a writer and poet Iftikhar Qaiser’s first death anniversary was observed on Monday.
According to a report aired by a private news channel, Iftikhar Qaisar died on 17 September 2017 in Peshawar after protracted illness. He was suffering from diabetes and related health complications.
He had been under treatment for a week in Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital.
He acted in Urdu, Pashto and Hindko dramas of Pakistan Television for more than 40 years and was the recipient of several accolades.
He died at the age of 61 leaving five of his children and a widow to mourn and wonder who is going to support them now.
Iftikhar Qaiser had resigned from his job long time ago as a building inspector at town municipal administration to make his passion his profession.
And he did get a lot of recognition as he was known for his dialogue, “Ab Mai Boloon Keh Na Boloon” from Mukhtar Ali Nayyar’s comedy Hindhko show on state-run television in late 80s and 90s.
He also received the President’s Pride of Performance Award for his outstanding performance.
PHF greets Ehsan Mani
PESHAWAR, Sep 17 (APP):President Pakistan Hockey Federation, Brig. (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar and Secretary General, Shahbaz Ahmad Senior Monday congratulated Ehsan Mani on being elected unopposed as the Chairman President Pakistan Cricket Board.
In a joint message issued here both President PHF Brig. (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar and former hockey artisan Shahbaz Ahmad Senior have expressed their hope that the Pakistan cricket would further flourish under his able leadership.
Govt to introduce strong Local Govt system: Aleem Khan
LAHORE, Sept 17 (APP)::Senior Minister Punjab Abdul Aleem
Khan Monday said the proposed new local government system
would strengthen people and enable them to solve their genuine
problems at local level.
Under the set up, he said, local government
representatives would have administrative as well as financial
powers.
Speaking to a delegation at his office, the minister
said, PTI leadership believed in transfer of powers to lower
level and it could only possible by strengthening the local
government system. He said people were attaching great
expectations from the new government for which in two months
visible changes would be there.
He said, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) as per
aspirations of the people would not tolerate any
impediment in implementing its agenda.
Aleem Khan who was holding the ministry of local
government and community development said, on the instructions
of Prime Minister Imran Khan, new laws were being drafted so
that they could be enforced in Punjab province.
He said, previous PML-N government did nothing but to
strengthen its rule adding elected representatives were
ignored and did not transfer powers to them. “We are working
to empower the elected representatives at local level,” Aleem
Khan said.
Govt devising plan to plant 10 b trees across the country: Amin
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Adviser to Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam on Monday said that the government is devising a plan to plant ten billion trees across the country.
Talking to a private news channel, he said youth are being mobilized to make the tree plantation campaign successful.
The Adviser said 2.5 million saplings were planted during one day ‘Plant for Pakistan’ campaign against the set target of 1.5 million plantations. He said the government is making all out efforts along with provinces to resolve environment and water issues.
Overseas Pakistani donates £ 12, 000 to dams fund
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Overseas Pakistanis from (London, UK) Mr. & Mrs. M S Ahmad, have donated £12,000 for the construction of Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dam Fund.
They sent a cheque to the Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar as donation, said a press release issued by the apex court here on Monday.
Today last day for overseas Pakistanis’ voter registration
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Today is the last day for overseas Pakistanis’ voter registration.
According to a report aired by a private news channel on Monday, Election Commission of Pakistan had extended the date till Sep 17.
The Commission has asked overseas Pakistanis to take advantage of the extended time and ensure their registration so that they can cast their vote in upcoming by-election on 14th of next month.
DPO Pakpattan transfer case: SC seeks fresh inquiry report
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the report submitted by the then Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Kaleem Imam in the case pertaining to the transfer of District Police Officer (DPO) Pakpattan, and sought a fresh report.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar directed National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) Chief Maher Khaliq Dad Lak to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit a report within 15 days.
The Punjab chief minister, Ahsan Iqbal Jamil and former IG Punjab Kaleem Imam appeared before the court.
The CM Punjab told the court that the matter came into his knowledge three days after assuming the office.
He said he had asked the parties to resolve the issue amicably, adding the former Punjab IG Syed Kaleem Imam was in Islamabad so he decided to meet the police official personally.
“I wanted the matter to be resolved amicably,” he added, saying that he did not exert any political pressure.
Later, Jamil and former IGP Punjab tendered an unconditional apology to the apex court.
Rejecting the apology, the chief justice directed senior police officer Khalid Lak to inquire into the transfer of the former DPO Pakpattan within 15 days and submit a report in that regard.
Pakistan’s ambassador-designate presents credentials to President of Lebanon
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Ambassador-designate of Pakistan, Najeeb Durrani presented his credentials to President Michel Aoun of Lebanon in an elegant ceremony held in Beirut on September 13.
According to a message received here from Beirut on Monday, the ambassador conveyed the greetings from President of Pakistan to the Lebanese President.
Congratulating the Lebanese government on successfully holding parliamentary elections in the country after a gap of nine years, the ambassador conveyed good wishes of the Pakistani leadership for the progress and prosperity of the Lebanese people.
Welcoming the ambassador to Lebanon, President Aoun reciprocated the sentiments of the Pakistani leadership.
The ambassador stated that Pakistan and Lebanon both were not only heirs to great ancient civilizations but were connected by the bonds of common faith and culture.
Spanning over several decades, Pak-Lebanon bilateral relations were characterized by similarity of views on important regional and global issues like Palestine, counter-terrorism, return of refugees, and inter-faith harmony.
The ambassador stressed that there existed great scope for building upon such commonalities and learning and benefitting from each other’s experiences.
He expressed his resolve to work, with the support of the Lebanese government, towards further strengthening the existing friendly relations between Pakistan and Lebanon especially in the field of trade and investment.
The Lebanese President affirmed his government’s readiness to facilitate the ambassador’s mission towards achievement of the common goal of deepening bilateral ties.
India-Pakistan’s membership widens SCO potential to fight against terrorism: Rashid Alimov
BEIJING, Sep 17 (APP):Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretary General, Rashid Alimov has said that the membership of India and Pakistan in the SCO widened the opportunities of the organization and its potential to fight against terrorism and extremism as well as added new dimensions to the economic and humanitarian cooperation.
“Today both states are an integral part of the SCO. If some experts and scholars in their analysis try to separate these two countries from the SCO, they will be mistaken,” he told Global Times in an interview published on Monday.
Responding to a question about both Indian and Pakistani soldiers’ participation in the counter-terrorism drill under SCO held in Russia, he said that there is nothing incredible about both India and Pakistan participating in the SCO’s counter-terrorism military drill.
“Both India and Pakistan are member states of the organization and as member states, they take part in all kinds of cooperation within 29 SCO cooperative mechanisms,” he added.
He reminded that over the past 12 years, India and Pakistan had been observer states of the SCO and after such a long period they became full members in 2017.
While commenting on the SCO’s work after the induction of India and Pakistan, he said that there is one important aspect that cannot be ignored. India and Pakistan had been working with the SCO for 12 years before and regarded as “SCO family” states.
“We’ve been together all this time. The only difference from now was that they had not participated in the decision-making process. But they had attended all summits and high-level meetings of the organization,” he added.
To his mind, the SCO is like a river and India and Pakistan now are among its two main tributaries.
Alimov said that the two countries had contributed to the SCO before and now their contributions are multiplying. India and Pakistan have great potential to collaborate in every cooperative field within the framework of the SCO.
After the Astana summit of the SCO in 2017, the predictions of some experts, such as the SCO will face new challenges and its power will be weakened due to tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, have gone with the wind.
He said it became clear after the adoption of the 23 cooperation documents during the 18th SCO Summit in Qingdao this year which set a record in the history of SCO Summits.
“Probably, you know that the signing of any document of the organization requires consensus among the eight member states. Of course, it means common efforts, but much depends on the presiding state. So China did its utmost during its presidency in the SCO to provide the smooth work in finding the best solutions for common interests and for the organization on the whole,” he added.
He observed that frankly, nobody expected such fruitful results. All the documents specify cooperative guidelines of the eight states for the coming years.
“Actually they touch upon all aspects of collaboration within the organization, including the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking, ensuring food safety, tourism development and more importantly, the approval of a five-year action plan for implementing the Treaty on Long-term Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation.
As it was not so easy for all eight countries to reach consensus in so many aspects, the results show the power of the SCO – the power of the international organization of a new type,” he added.
The Secretary General said that in the SCO, the voice of every member state can’t be ignored, it is heard and taken into consideration, adding, “I would say the SCO is like a concert, in which every instrument has its say and own characteristics. This is what distinguishes the SCO from other international organizations. Now India and Pakistan are an inseparable part of the orchestra.”
When asked to respond that some observers tend to treat the SCO with a geopolitical perspective and compare the SCO to NATO or the EU, he said that as he already mentioned the SCO is a new type of international organization and can hardly be compared with other organizations.
“It is not a NATO in Asia, because it is not a military bloc. Our military exercises mainly focus on counter-terrorism. It is the responsibility of the SCO to provide peace and stability of the region in between the Arctic Ocean, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, which is home territory for nearly half of world’s population. To reach the goal helps build mutual trust among leaders of all member states,” he added.
Alimov said that in terms of SCO’s expansion, the organization just went through its first rounds of enlargement.
“Currently, our primary target is to help new member states to be better integrated into the group and all forms of cooperation,” he added.
He said for the movement, the SCO has received applications from 10 nations to become the organization’s full members, observer states or dialogue partners.
“Turkey is currently a dialogue partner of the SCO. What will happen in the future? It depends on the joint decision of all SCO member states,” he added.
To a question about disputes and controversies among almost all major powers worldwide, he said the world is going through a very complex phase. Major changes in international relations have been taking place since the millennium.
“The unipolar world is now behind us and a multipolar globe is taking shape. For the moment, it is crucial to protect the trend from suffering major losses or going to the extremes,” he added.
Alimov said that thanks to the policies of good-neighborly cooperation, the SCO contributes to the commonwealth and prosperity.
Regarding the impact of China and Russia relationship on the region and the globe, he said that the Russia-China partnership is playing a positive role in the entire world.
“Russia and China have become role models of cooperation between world’s major powers and are thus playing the role of bringing stability to the world,” he concluded.
PTI to field Shehzad Waseem for Senate seat vacated by Governor Punjab
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has finalized to field Dr Shehzad Waseem for Senate seat from Punjab vacated by Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar.
A private news channel, quoting the sources, aired a report saying that PTI has also approved awarding ticket to Shehzad Qureshi to contest by-election in Sindh Assembly constituency PS-111.
Governor Sindh Imran Ismail had vacated this seat. Chairman PTI Imran Khan has given formal approval to this effect.
Wang Yi’s visit to Pakistan sets tone for taking bilateral collaboration to new heights: Global Times
BEIJING, Sep 17 (APP):The last week’s official visit of Chinese foreign minister to Pakistan and his meetings with the political and military leadership ranging from cooperation on international affairs to defence and security was highly successful, as it has set the tone for taking collaboration between the two countries to new heights.
In a rapidly changing world order, Pakistan and China are becoming increasingly important for each other. The geopolitical factors causing alliance shifts in Eurasia are the same reinforcing the partnership between Pakistan and China, according to an article published by Global Times on Monday.
The Chinese government decided to reach out to the new government that has taken charge in Islamabad. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a delegation-level visit to Pakistan last week.
Wang’s meetings with Pakistani officials, including the president, prime minister and the military chief, indicate the extent of discussions that ranged from cooperation on international affairs to defence and security.
A highlight of Wang’s visit was the discussion on the situation in Afghanistan and how it can be improved to bring peace to the region. Since stability in Afghanistan is related to security of Chinese projects abroad and a peaceful environment in Xinjiang, China has already been working extensively with Pakistan to leverage Islamabad’s influence.
Pakistan is facing disparaging bids from the United States despite its decisive action in the war on terror. China has, on the other hand, time and again supported efforts made by Pakistan in uprooting the menace of terrorism. During this visit, Wang Yi appreciated Pakistan’s positive role and active participation in issues pertaining to Afghanistan and regional cooperation.
The Chinese minister expressed solidarity with Pakistan several times during his visit. China as a good friend, a good partner and a good neighbour, he stated, will resolutely stand with and hold Pakistan as a priority in its foreign policy.
Cooperation in international affairs and pushing for an all-weather strategic partnership were two of the points elaborated in the 10-point consensus achieved during the visit. The consensus mainly revolved around areas of defense cooperation, strategic partnership and communication.
The newly formed Pakistani government is finalizing a strategy to meet its ambitious development goals.
Wang stated his government’s intent of providing all-out help in this regard and discussed poverty alleviation which Imran Khan, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, has already pointed out as one of his foremost domestic agenda.
Achieving more balance in bilateral trade was also part of the discussions.
The upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) is offering Pakistan a chance to increase its exports to China, grab the lucrative Chinese market and adjust its trade balance.
Pakistan can even reap added benefits as it has been invited as a guest of honor at the Expo. At the invitation of the Chinese government, Khan is likely to be paying an official visit to China in November which is expected to coincide with the CIIE.
Another high point of the visit was a resolve by both countries to strengthen the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi assured his counterpart that CPEC was his government’s top priority.
Apart from providing socio-economic development, the mega project promises to bridge Pakistan’s infrastructure gap, increase its industrial capacity and align it with global supply chains.
Detractors of Pakistan-China collaboration meanwhile did not miss out on the chance of attempting to drive a wedge between the two countries. A western media report misquoted a Pakistani advisor over his government’s plans on CPEC and the Belt and Road initiative (BRI).
Pakistani officials were quick to issue a written rebuttal to the report especially its title. A strong rebuke from China, calling the report ill-intentioned, also doused a plethora of media stories which made the report a base for their wishful thinking.
Relations between Pakistan and China have flourished in the thickest of times and amid the severest of criticism. Successive governments in both countries have built upon the efforts of their predecessors to solidify a strategic partnership that continues to grow despite the world’s changed priorities.
‘Liver cancer quite common in Pakistan: hepatitis B & C main culprits’
MULTAN, Sept 17 (APP):Though diabetes and hypertension (blood pressure) are more dangerous and silent killers but cancer will be the biggest killer by 2028 across the globe.
Pro VC Nishtar Medical University (NMU), Dr Ahmed Ijaz Masood,
who is also NMU head of Oncology department,stated that Liver cancer is very common in Pakistan,and highlighted that Hepatitis B and C are main causes of this type of cancer.
“Back 1992,I used to examine upto two patients of liver cancer daily whereas these days the number has risen to 4 patients everyday”, he informed while talking to APP here.
He suggested that ban on tobacco would reduce the number of cases of cancer in Pakistan,adding that govt had banned sale of cigarettes within 500 meters of school radius through a legislation in 2002, but unfortunately the law could not be implemented in true letter and spirit.
To another question, he said that excessive use of broiler chicken was one of the main causes of growing cancer,adding that usage of steroids in controlled sheds for chicken diet made it much more dangerous.
He said breast cancer which women normally had past their 30s has now included young girls as well between 16 to 20 years ages,adding that for the last 4 years this cancer has risen in this age group.
He informed that according to International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) 18.1 million new cases of cancer have been predicted worldwide in 2018 despite better preventive measures while 9.6 million patients may die of it this year.
“The most dangerous type is lungs cancer”,Dr Masood said,
and added that doctors and other departments concerned should focus on this issue in concerted manner.
To yet another question, Dr Ahmaed Ijaz Masood said that mouth and throat cancer is more common in Karachi due to use of paan, gutka etc, while cases of blood cancer were common in South Punjab owing to excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides and chemicals etc.
Stomach and esophageal cancers were found in areas and countries where meat is consumed in excess,the Pro VC said,adding that skin cancer was more common in Azad Kashmir due to multiple factors.
Steps being taken to depoliticize Punjab police: Buzdar
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar Monday said steps were being taken to depoliticize the provincial police department and a commission for the purpose had been formed for the purpose.
Corrupt practices in the department would be eliminated and public access to police officials would be made easy, he said while talking to media persons here outside the Supreme Court.
To a question, Buzdar said he would not comment on the transfer of former District Police Officer of Pakpattan Rizwan Gondal as his case was sub judice.
Reponding to another question, the chief minister said the government was committed to implement its 100 days agenda. The let the government implement the agenda as it would clear the doubts of those who were raising questions over its performance, he added.
He said committees had been set up on different issues. After threadbare discussions, planning would be made to resolve all the matters, he added.
The chief minister, who earlier appeared before the Supreme Court in Pakpattan DPO’s transfer case, said he believed in the rule of law and respected the courts, which was evident from the fact that he was standing there. Whenever summoned, he would again appear before the court, he added.