WASHINGTON, April 10 (APP):Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg will appear before a Congress panel on Tuesday to testify about a data firm hired by the Trump campaign, which is accused of improperly obtaining data of up to 87 million Facebook users and supported political campaigns.
This will be the first time the Facebook CEO would be appearing before the Congress and was likely to be grilled and answer questions as to how British-based Cambridge Analytica was able to secure date of Facebook users.
Zuckerberg this week met US lawmakers to express his regret over how the data firm misused the Facebook users and shared it with the political consultancy. In case he fails to satisfy the lawmakers, Facebook faced possible regulations under the law.
Among the questions he faced include how Russian operatives who are believed to have attempted to influence the US 2016 elections were able to post advertisement and posts on the Facebook. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton faced an unexpected defeat at the hands of then candidate Mr. Trump in the elections.
Congress may decide to bring the social media giant under regulations. Facebook has already shown its willingness to support new laws that would make all social media networks disclose that who is posting political advertisement on Facebook, much like what the tv and radios do in the States.
If imposed, Facebook may see its advertisement revenue hurt, which is the main earning source for the social media platform used worldwide and which has billions of users. Since the controversy began in January, Facebook shares are almost 17 percent down.
The hearing will be heard by a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees, and some of the members have already expressed their discontent with Facebook and said that Zuckerberg had not been able to provide satisfying answers about the scandal.
Facebook was launched 14 years ago and is now the main medium of communication by billions of users in nearly all countries of the world.
Facebook has already admitted that it first came to know about the improper obtaining of data by Cambridge Analytica in 2015, which had promised to destroy the data but never did. The firm reportedly used that data to support the political campaigns, including that of President Trump.
Lawmakers are particularly critical of Facebook over the fact that despite knowing the unfair practice, the social media giant did not take any action against the firm until now.
“Why did you not suspend the company from your platform in 2015?” a lawmaker was quoted as saying in a letter he sent to Facebook.
Facebook CEO to testify before Congress about a firm hired by Trump campaign
ADB to give loan for IT park in Karachi
ISLAMABAD, Apr 10 (APP):Country Director Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Pakistan Xiaohong Yang on Tuesday informed Minister of State for Information Technology (IT) Anusha Rehman that the ADB was ready to grant a loan to Pakistan for building a modern IT park in Karachi.
She stated this during a meeting with the minister of state for IT here during which matters pertaining to establishment of an IT Park in Karachi were discussed.
Xiaohong Yang appreciated the progress that the country had made in the arena of IT and Telecom during the last four years.
Yang apprised the minister that ADB was ready to grant a loan to Pakistan for building a modern IT park in Karachi and a sum of Rs 200 million had already been allocated for technical appraisal of that project by ADB.
She informed the minister that an ADB’s consultants team would come to Pakistan to conduct extensive technical and feasibility studies, if government communicates its consent and selects ADB for that project. The team of consultants would submit their final report after detailed studies within next three to four months and on the basis of that report ADB would formally submit its proposal to the Ministry of IT.
Anusha Rehman appreciated the ADB’s offer and agreed to revert after it was analyzed by the ministry in detail.
Anusha Rehman suggested that ADB may assist Pakistan in doing projects to bridge digital and gender divide in ICT sector.
The minister said that transparency and due diligence were two main components of the policy initiatives that had been rigorously pursued in the projects. We wish to build many IT parks in the country and need a strategic framework that is usable for both public and private sectors, she added.
Yang agreed and said that ADB was very keen to work on IT Parks project with the IT ministry and in line with the vision of the IT ministry was willing to prepare a Strategic Framework for IT Parks, so that many IT parks could be built in the country on those lines.
Federal Secretary IT Aamir Ashraf Khawaja, Member IT Syed Raza Shah were also present in the meeting.
Govt friendly policies; exports increases by 24 percent
ISLAMABAD, Apr 10 (APP):The 24 percent increase in exports that is highest in four years is the result of duty drawback scheme under PM Package as well as the exchange rate adjustment, export friendly policies of the government and renewed efforts towards seeking better market access by the Ministry of Commerce.
It was stated by the Federal Minister for Commerce & Textile, Muhammad Pervaiz Malik in a briefing given to him by the ministry officials on current Trade Statistics, a press release said on Tuesday.
The minister expressed satisfaction over the soaring trend in exports and said that the government will take all necessary measures for the facilitation of the exporters and will resolve all the problems faced in consultation with them.
Muhammad Pervaiz Malik said that the initiatives by the government to provide Duty drawback as well as the exchange rate adjustments have contributed positively to the growth.
“Improved market access especially in the European market owing to the successful review of GSP Plus facility also played an important role”, he added.
The highest year-on-year growth in a month was reached in March 2018, when the exports for the month reached USD 2,230 million, higher by 24% when compared with March 2017 and 17% when compared with February 2018.
On the other hand, imports growth remained subdued at only 5% as compared to March 2017, which has also been one of the lowest growth in imports in the past many months.
Muhammad Pervaiz Malik hoped that the increase in exports will continue in future as we are ready to give more and more incentives to the exporters on one hand and also working on exploring new markets for diversification in foreign trade.
“We are looking forward to start PTA dialogue leading to FTA with countries including Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya and Philippines”, the minister for commerce added.
ACT demands monitoring of foreign content on TV channels
ISLAMABAD, Apr 10 (APP):The Actors Collective Trust (ACT) Tuesday urged the authorities concerned to monitor foreign content being aired on domestic television channels and banned it during prime time.
Addressing a press conference here at National Press Club (NPC), ACT Chairman Naeem Tahir said a lot of Indian content was being telecast by domestic TV channels, depriving the local talent of opportunities to perform, besides harming the national language, heritage and culture.
He said the demand for local programmes had gone down as foreign content was available at one-fourth of their price. Moreover, airing of the foreign programmes by the channels without any check and adhering to the permitted limit which had created a severe economic crisis for the local talent.
“As per rules of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), channels are allowed to broadcast up to 10% foreign content, including 6% of Indian content,” he said.
He said many satellite and cable TV channels had been airing foreign content in excess of the stipulated time allocated by PEMRA.
Naeem tahir also called for devising a monitoring system for advertisements being aired by TV channels.
ACT members Leyla Zubairi, Ali Tahir and Rehan Sheikh were also present at the conference.
Radio, TV artists stage demo
LAHORE, Apr 10 (APP):Scores of TV and Radio drama artists on Tuesday staged a demonstration in front of local press club
and demanded the Punjab government to ensure the payment of their monthly financial assistance under the Khidmat card.
They told the media that artists were not paid monthly financial assistance since March 10.
They hoped that the Punjab government would ensure the payment of monthly financial assistance.
PM welcomes Alibaba Group’s interest in establishing business in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Apr 10 (APP):Executive Chairman of Alibaba Group Jack Ma called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday on the sidelines of Boao Forum for Asia being held in China’s Hainan province.
Jack Ma briefed the prime minister on performance, achievements and future targets of the Alibaba Group.
The prime minister was apprised of the online trade, micro-financing and public welfare activities of Ali Baba Group. Jack Ma appreciated Pakistan’s potential in benefiting from the technologies offered by his company, a press release issued by the PM’s Media Wing here said.
Prime Minister Abbasi congratulated Alibaba Group for joining the ranks of companies valued at more than US $ 500 billion. He said that Alibaba’s impressive performance was an indication of the opportunities available in the digital age.
The prime minister informed Jack Ma that Pakistan’s e-commerce market was expected to grow in near future. He added that the highly skilled Pakistani human resource was a power resource for development of the digital economy.
He welcomed Alibaba’s interest in establishing its business in Pakistan and invited Jack Ma to visit Pakistan.
PM Abbasi, Chinese President hold bilateral meeting; agree to deepen cooperation in diverse areas
ISLAMABAD, Apr 10 (APP):Pakistan and China on Tuesday agreed to continue to deepen cooperation in all areas of bilateral relations while exploring new avenues for practical collaboration in line with the vision of the leadership of two countries.
This was agreed during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Senior members of China’s Politburo as well as State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi participated in the meeting held in China’s Hainan province.
Prime Minister Abbasi, who was in China to attend the Boao forum, was assisted by the foreign minister, interior minister and senior officials, a press release issued by the PM’s Media Wing here said.
The prime minister congratulated President Xi on his re-election as President of the People’s Republic of China.
Both sides exchanged comprehensive in-depth views on enhancing the bilateral cooperation.
The prime minister stated that China and Pakistan were iron brothers. This unique relationship had withstood the test of time and had strengthened with each passing year, he added.
Prime Minister Abbasi lauded the commitment and determination of President Xi in making Asia more open for growth and development. He appreciated President Xi’s transformative vision of “Belt and Road Initiative”.
The two leaders discussed a variety of issues pertaining to bilateral interest as well as developments in the region.
The prime minister briefed President Xi on Pakistan’s efforts for the successful implementation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also discussed the smooth progress of CPEC projects along with the establishment of Special Economic Zones.
President Xi said that industrial parks will be a new growth path for Pakistan’s industrialization and help upgrade Pakistan’s industrial mix. He reaffirmed China’s continued support to CPEC.
President Xi termed Pakistan as a pillar for regional peace and stability, adding, a strong and prosperous Pakistan will continue to play a key role in that regard.
President Xi expressed China’s full support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. China wishes to further deepen its friendship and strategic cooperation with Pakistan, he added.
President Xi appreciated Pakistan’s contribution in addressing the challenge of terrorism and also commended Pakistan’s relentless efforts for working towards a peaceful neighbourhood.
Prime Minister Abbasi also apprised President Xi of the situation in Indian occupied Kashmir.
PM invites Chinese investors to participate in uplift of Pakistan’s power sector
ISLAMABAD, Apr 10 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday invited Chinese investors and companies to participate in the
development of Pakistan’s power Sector with promising returns and incentives.
The prime minister stated this while talking to Administrator of National Energy Administration (NEA) of China, Nuer Baikeli, who called on him on the sidelines of BOAO Forum for Asia, a statement issued by the PM House here said.
The prime minister expressed the hope to further strengthening cooperation with the National Energy Administration of China and the Government of Pakistan.
Appreciating the contribution rendered by CPEC energy projects in alleviating the energy shortage in Pakistan, the prime minister thanked the Chinese Government and NEA for their strong support and collaboration. He said that these projects were providing efficient and affordable electricity into the system and both sides were continuing to work on other projects based on hydropower in North of Pakistan and local coal in Thar district of South.
He also indicated the need of early completion and synchronization of transmission line of South-North with the upcoming generation projects in Karachi and Thar.
The prime minister stated that the Oil and gas sector was a priority area which was featured prominently in the Long Term Plan for CPEC. He emphasized that the Government was committed to supply clean, affordable and sustainable energy to consumers. The prime minister said that focus was on provision of affordable and diversified energy mix as Pakistan holds tremendous potential in the coal, hydro, solar and wind sectors.
The prime minister expressed satisfaction over regular exchange of views between experts on energy from the two sides. He said that private sector was now playing a crucial role in developing Pakistan’s economy by supplementing generation capacities and related infrastructure.
The present Government has introduced robust policy frameworks that carry competitive incentives and simplified procedures for both local and foreign investors, the prime minister said.
Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Minister for Interior, Planning, Development & Reforms Ahsan Iqbal, Ambassador Masood Khalid and senior officials were also present during the meeting.
Guterres renews call for UNSC unity over Syria crisis
UNITED NATIONS, Apr 10 (APP):Reports of new alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria’s Eastern Ghouta over the weekend have been condemned by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who on Tuesday repeated his call for the Security Council to “find unity” on the issue and ensure accountability.
In a statement, the UN chief expressed his outrage at reports that civilians in the last opposition-held area of Rural Damascus have continued to be targeted by toxic agents.
The Secretary-General’s call comes after UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, told the Security Council late Monday that at least 49 people had been killed, and hundreds were injured in an alleged chemical attack in Douma on Saturday evening.
Guterres condemned the incident as “abhorrent”, ” echoing a statement issued in March ” amid what he called “persistent allegations” of the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
In both statements, the UN chief underlined his support for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) ” the body which investigates allegations of such attacks.
His latest statement also underlined his call for the Council to “redouble its efforts” to uphold norms against chemical weapons and agree on a mechanism that would ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, in Geneva on Tuesday, UN humanitarian agencies expressed alarm at ongoing violence in several areas of Syria which has caused the mass displacement of civilians to spiral.
Asked by journalists about the alleged chemical attacks, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said they were not in a position to confirm anything.
OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke confirmed that aid workers were in place in eight shelters for the displaced, but not in Douma, site of the alleged attack:
“I’m not sure everyone understands that, we are not in Douma, Eastern Ghouta is still under siege. Occasionally we are able to go in with a convoy and we leave again immediately. We are in place outside of Eastern Ghouta in those eight centres where we can provide some aid. We are not in Eastern Ghouta. And for these, as you say, extremely serious allegations with very severe ramifications; political, military and otherwise, we need to be absolutely sure that what we say is correct.”
According to UN refugee agency, tens of thousands of people remain trapped in Douma and nearly a quarter of a million people need aid urgently in the wider Eastern Ghouta area.
More than 133,000 people have fled Eastern Ghouta in the past month and one-third of that number have been given shelter in eight centres in Rural Damascus.
But these are “overcrowded and pose a serious health risk,” Andrej Mahecic from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said, adding that there and elsewhere in the war-torn country the situation is “desperate.”
UNHCR’s response involves providing essential aid, shelter support and protection services, including to 137,000 Syrians displaced from the Afrin region in the north.
Federal Tax Ombudsman presents annual report to President
ISLAMABAD, Apr 10 (APP):President Mamnoon Hussain on Tuesday called for speeding-up the pace and process of tax refunds to restore the confidence of people in state institutions.
The President was talking to Federal Tax Ombudsman Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera, who met him here and presented his institution’s annual report.
The President expressed his confidence over the report and said the office of Federal Tax Ombudsman was very important with respect to addressing the complaints of taxpayers.
He referred to the increase in the country’s revenue collection as compared to the past and lauded the efforts of the office of Federal Tax Ombudsman in this regard.
The President said that steps should be taken to further improve the performance of Federal Tax Ombudsman’s office and benefit from other countries’ experience in this respect.
Federal Tax Ombudsman Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera assured the President of making all out efforts for the betterment of masses.
China is pillar of multilateralism of world: Guterres
BEIJING, April 10 (APP): United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that the claim of building a community with a shared future for mankind, pioneered by Chinese President Xi Jinping, is an important contribution to the world.
The UN is undergoing reforms to improve work efficiency to better serve the people around the world, he told People’s Daily in an interview published on Tuesday.
Peace and development were the two major goals for the UN and achieving development and spreading peace were the fundamental roots for overcoming global challenges, he added.
During the 70th Anniversary Summit of the UN in 2015, Xi announced the establishment of China-UN Peace and Development fund to support the development of multilateralism. The fund sponsored and helped multiple departments of the UN on dozens of projects.
Guterres praised China’s partnership with the UN, saying that China was the backbone of multilateralism since the country actively participated in global development and cooperation, while also working to explore and solve global challenges with the international community for the global governance mechanism.
He also said he was happy to participate in the 2017 Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing. He said the summit was an effective way for China to discuss the challenges of globalization.
He said the Belt and Road policies were bringing peace to the region and that he looked forward to the expansion of cooperation between the UN and China in the future.
With 2,400 active peacekeepers in dangerous areas around the world and an additional 8,000 standby peacekeepers in its ranks, China is the largest troop contributor to the UN and its second largest provider of funds.
When it comes to China participating in UN peacekeeping operations, Guterres said he remembered every detail clearly. He said the UN’s peacekeeper troops in their stylized blue helmets created a recognizable image for the organization.
Guterres said he appreciated the fact that China was committed to supporting the UN’s peacekeeping efforts and its actions on strengthening global peacekeeping operations.
At the 70th UN General Assembly on September 28, 2015, Xi made the solemn pledge that China will join the new UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System and form an 8,000-member standby peacekeeping force. China has since honoured its commitments.
During Guterres’s first official visit to China as UN Secretary-General, he was able to visit China’s peacekeeping force training center, which is the largest of its kind in Asia.
It was regarded by Guterres as a showcase of China’s contribution to world peace. He also believes that China will play a leading role in the UN’s peacekeeping system in the future.
As several international issues – such as the Korean Peninsula, Syrian crisis, the war in Afghanistan – are hot topics in the news, people are also starting to see the positive influence that China has on international and local issues.
China recently played a key role in starting talks for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula when the country hosted North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in March.
Guterres said China was important for peaceful talks between North and South Korea and would play a major role going forward. China was “irreplaceable” in these peace talks, and that war would have happened if a similar issue happened elsewhere in areas like the Southern Pacific or Africa, he added.
Guterres made his first visit to China in 1984 and made several more visits through the years under different positions.
He witnessed the dramatic changes that China went through after practicing Reform and Opening-up policies for 40 years.
As the former head of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Guterres said the Chinese government has helped millions of people by eradicating poverty. He said the sheer size of poverty alleviation was impressive and unique.
Today, China is about to start a historic undertaking as it aims to promote a fully open economy with a broader view, a higher requirement, and more powerful actions.
Guterres said he expected to hear China’s new reform and innovation measures to the world and how the country’s development and improvement would benefit its people during Xi’s keynote speech at the Boao Forum.
He said as China played a role of growing importance in the world, its people were also becoming concerned for issues including climate change, wildlife protection, and humanitarian actions. He said he was glad to see China’s youth becoming involved in those issues.
To show his support for Chinese culture, Guterres attended a Beijing Opera during his visit. He said one of China’s most unique aspects was its ability to absorb positive characteristics from other nations and cultures to make itself better through this integration.
He said the positivity of Chinese culture was worth learning for the entire world, since they could learn the importance of peace, communication and mutual understanding from them. Those traits were especially important in modern times, as global communities are facing more and more challenges, he noted.
PML-N to leave two times more foreign reserves than 2013: Afzal
ISLAMABAD, Apr 10 (APP):Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Rana Muhammad Afzal Tuesday said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government would leave over two times more foreign reserves than those which it had inherited from the previous government in 2013.
Responding to a calling attention notice of Leader of the Opposition Sherry Rehman in the Senate, he said imports had increased due to the ongoing development process in the country. Allocations for each province in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) had increased three times. He said efforts were underway to control the current account deficit.
He said regulatory duty had been imposed on essential items and increase in dollar price resulted in decreasing imports. “We are a responsible government and our exports have increased. We’ll leave two times more foreign reserves than 2 013,” he added.
Sherry Rehman through her calling attention notice had drawn attention of the House towards decline in foreign reserves.
Overseas Pakistanis remit $14.6bn in 9 months
KARACHI, Apr 10 (APP):Overseas Pakistani workers remitted dollars 14.6064 billion in first nine months (July to March) of the current fiscal year; showing growth of 3.56 per cent against that of same period of previous financial year.
During March 2018, the inflow of workers’ remittances amounted to
$1772.77million, which is 22.24 percent higher than that of February 2018 and 4.62 percent higher than in March 2017, said statement issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) here on Tuesday.
The country-wise details for the month of March 2018 show that inflows from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom, GCC countries (including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman) and European Union member countries amounted to $ 427.62 million, $420.24 million, $236.17 million,
$244.2 million, $183.79 million and $58.89 million respectively compared with the inflow of US $ 504.61 million, $362.94 million, $213.42 million, $209.14 million, $197.21 million and $38.85 million respectively in March 2017.
The remittances received from Malaysia, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan and other countries during March 2018 amounted to $201.86 million together as against $ 168.32 million received in March 2017.
Players qualify for Punjab National Squash Championship
LAHORE, Apr 10 (APP):Players breezed into the main rounds of the Punjab National squash championship after winning their respective matches in different age groups here on Tuesday at PSA complex.
All the players moved into the main round after winning their respective matches with ease and comfort.
Following are the results of the matches:
Under-15 Category, 2nd Qualifying Round Results; Abubakar (KP) beat Hamza Maqbool (PB) 11/5,11/2,11/1 (13 minutes, Huzaifa Zahid (KP) beat Reyan M Hashmi (PB) 11/7,11/4,11/6 (17 minutes) Mohammad Ahmad (PB) beat Shehreyar Hayat (PB) 11/0,11/3,11/5 (14 minutes), Noman (KP) beat Adil (KP) 11/6,11/6,11/6 (15 minutes), Ahad Shaukat (PB) beat Owais Mustoor (Kp) 11/9,11/7,11/4 (19 minutes), Mir Fayyaz (PB) beat Abdullah (KP) score 11/6,9/11,11/4,13/13,11/9 (55 minutes), Huzaifa Shahid (PB) beat Afnan Mudassar (PB) score 16/14,11/6,11/6 (22 minutes), Hussnain Ali (PB) beat Azlan Khawar (PB) score 12/10,11/3,11/4 (20 minutes).
Under-11 Category, 2nd Qualifying Round Results: Huraira (KP) beat Mobeen Ali (Kp) score 11/8,11/8,12/10 (26 minutes).Haris Arshad (PB) beat Sameer khan (PB) 11/2,11/1,16/14 (13 minutes),Zallan Khan (PB) beat Mohammad Usman Tahir (PB) 11/5,9/11,11/6,12/10 (25 minutes),Luqman Ali (KP) beat Wasif Khan (PB) 10/12,11/5,11/8,11/9 (29 minutes), Azan Ali (PB) beat Faseeh ur Rehman (PB) 11/4,12/10,11/9 (18 minutes), Ubaid Ullah (KP) beat Saif Zaman (PB) 11/1,11/1,11/3 (13 minutes).Shahyan Khan (KP) beat Hassan Sohail Qaiser (PB) 11/7,11/8,11/8 (19 minutes),Abdul Ahad (PB) won by a Walkover.
Under-15 Category: Last Qualifying Round Results; Mir Fayyaz (PB) beat Ahad Shaukat (PB) 11/7,9/11,13/11,11/6 (27 minutes), Huzaifa Shahid (PB) beat Hussnain Ali (PB) 11/9,11/6,11/6 (17 minutes), Huzaifa Zahid (KP) beat M.Ahmad (PB) 11/5,12/10,12/10 (23 minutes),Noman (KP) beat Abubakar (KP) 11/9,11/3,11/9 (19 minutes).
Under-13 Category, Last Qualifying Round Results: Mohammad Asher Butt (PB) beat Zuraiz Naeem (PB) 12/10,12/10,11/8 (28 minutes), Mohammad Shoaib Afzal (KP) beat Haseeb Khan (PB) score 11/2,11/1,11/3 (11 minutes),Saboor (KP) beat Hassan Zahid (KP) 10/12,14/12,11/5,11/6 (34 minutes),Zohaib Shahid (PB) beat Mohammad Salahuddin (PB) 6/11,11/13,11/7,11/8,11/8 (33 minutes).
Under-11 Category, Last Qualifying Round Results, Haris (PB) beat Huraira (KP) 13/11,11/7,11/7 (14 minutes), Zallan Khan (BAL) beat Luqman Ali (KP) 11/4,12/10,11/8 (22 minutes).
Ubaid Ullah (KP) beat Azan Ali (PB) 11/4, 11/4, 11/3 (14 minutes). Shayan Khan (KP) beat Abdul Ahad (PB) 11/6, 11/5, 11/7 (20 minutes).
Leaders back free trade, fair globalization at Boao Forum for Asia
BEIJING, April 10 (APP):After Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference on Tuesday, leaders of other Asian countries and heads of international organizations voiced their support for inter-connectivity, free trade and fair globalization.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi expressed the concern that “the trading regime underpinned by the WTO (World Trade Organization) is eroding”.
“As nations look inward, and turn their backs on globalization, we in Asia confront a strategic choice: Whether to follow suit, or to script an alternative, more hopeful vision for our future,” he told the forum.
“Our coordinated and tailored approaches must incorporate the enterprising spirit of our people and their common aspirations for a better life. They must include embracing structural reform, strengthening regional institutions, increasing connectivity, leveraging technology and investing in human capital,” the Chinese media quoted him as saying.
Prime Minister Abbasi said today China was a global leader in addressing climate change and in promoting global trade, equitable development and a sustainable world.
President of the Philippines Rodrigo Roa Duterte noted the global shifting of economic weight and might to Asia while it continued its comparatively robust growth in the following decade. “Every Asian country, big or small, has a role to play” for prosperity and peace, he told the forum.
He said yet the economies would encounter challenges ahead. “But we will not be deterred. We seek to partner with responsible businesses – homegrown and foreign based – to drive the progress we envision,” Duterte said while making his speech at the opening of the forum.
Duterte said the Philippines remained committed to inter-connectivity, innovation and investment.
“We will continue our efforts to broaden and deepen our economic engagement and cooperation with our friends and neighbours. We must harness the potential for shared growth in our region and beyond,” he said.
“As sovereign equals, the Philippines and China are partners in the building of much-needed infrastructure,” he stressed. “We are bridging bridges of greater understanding between our people. We are working together on strengthening economic complementarities.”
“Let me say it again today: the Philippines’ destiny is in Asia. The Philippines is ready to work with all nations in the region who seek friendship and cooperation,” he said.
Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore, emphasized concerns over the impact of high tariffs for countries big and small.
He said “Singapore does not believe that imposing unilateral tariffs is the correct solution” as they were not compliant with the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) rules.
There would always be competition between major powers, but it made all the difference whether competition occurred within a framework of interdependence and generally accepted rules of the game, Lee said at the forum.
“More fundamentally, as economists point out, the focus on the bilateral trade imbalance between the US and China is misplaced,” he said. “What matters to a country is not its bilateral trade balance with a specific trading partner, but its overall trade balance with the rest of the world. Furthermore, the cause of a trade deficit is an imbalance in the domestic economy, in particular when a country consumes more than it produces.”
Lee also said that China had responded to the United States’ trade salvos accordingly and was “careful and calibrated”.
“Nevertheless, there is now a serious dispute. Everyone still hopes that before these tariffs are implemented, the two countries will be able to work out an accommodation and head off further escalation,” he added.
Prime Minister of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh said that openness and connectivity were conducive to healthy economic development.
Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres said at the forum that globalization had brought benefits, but the goal should be “fair globalization that leaves no one behind”.
“One thing must be very clear: We won’t make globalization fair by isolationism, protectionism or exclusion,” he told the forum. “Global problems need global multiple solutions. Multilateral connectivity and cooperation should be emphasized so as to achieve peace, dignity and prosperity for all mankind.”
Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde also identified the importance of Asia to global economic growth. She articulated the emphasis on economic openness to the Boao audience.
Ceasefire violations by India can lead to dangerous escalation : PM
ISLAMABAD, Apr 10 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Tuesday said the “deliberate and unprovoked” ceasefire violations by India along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary could escalate dangerously if not put to an end.
He was talking to the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres who called on the sidelines of BOAO Forum for Asia.
The Prime Minister said the violations by India were moving towards a dangerous escalation resulting in martyrdom of innocent civilians, a press release issued here from the PM Office said.
He also expressed deep concern at deteriorating situation in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) and the mindless killing spree of innocent Kashmiris by Indian occupation forces.
Abbasi conveyed grave concern over the use of pellet guns by Indian forces in IoK and said “Pakistan seeks a just and peaceful resolution of the dispute, reflecting the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions.”
The Prime Minister said that the UN must play its part in highlighting Indian atrocities being inflicted upon Kashmiris in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan followed Zero tolerance policy towards terrorism and extremism and has achieved significant success in this regard.
The Prime Minister also expressed grave concern at the plight of Rohingya Muslims.
The UN Secretary General acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts towards counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance to the Afghan refugees and the UN peacekeeping operations.
He maintained that he had been advocating the need for a serious dialogue on the Kashmir issue.
Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Minister for Interior, Planning, Development & Reform Ahsan Iqbal, Ambassador Masood Khalid and senior officials were also present during the meeting.
Punjab Sports minister greets Nooh for winning CWG bronze medal
LAHORE, Apr 10 (APP):Punjab Minister for Sports Jahangir Khanzada on Tuesday congratulated the young weightlifting star Nooh Dastagir Butt for winning Pakistan’s second bronze medal in the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2018 at Gold Coast, Australia.
Nooh Butt lifted a total of 395kg in the +105kg event. He also smashed a record at the Commonwealth Games 2018 by registering the highest-ever weight by a junior in the +105kg event.
In his congratulatory message here the Punjab Sports Minister praised the performance of young weightlifting star and said: “Nooh Dastagir Butt won the hearts of entire nation with his sterling performance.”
He expressed the hope that Pakistan contingent will clinch more medals in the remaining competitions of the mega event.
It may be noted here that the 20-year-old weightlifter lifted 173kg
in snatch and 222kg in clean and jerk to finish third in the competition behind New Zealand’s David Liti and Samoa’s Lauititi Lui. Nooh finished ahead of India’s Gurdeep Singh, who lifted a total of 382kg and finished fourth.
Players named for Pakistan Test Team Initial Camp
LAHORE, Apr 10 (APP):The National Selection Committee, headed by former Pakistan captain, Inzamam ul Haq, has called 25 players for the initial Pakistan Test team training Camp being held here from Wednesday
at Gaddafi Stadium.
The five-day initial phase of the camp is being organized for the tour of Ireland and England, said a spokesman of the Pakistan Cricket Board on Tuesday.
The players invited for the camp include ten batsmen,four spinners ,five fast bowlers, two wickets keepers, two all rounders and two players of the development squad.
Following are the names of the players: (Batsmen) Azhar Ali, Sami Aslam, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Salahuddin, Fawad Alam, Saad Ali, Imam ul Haq.
(Spinners) Bilal Asif, Muhammad Asghar, Shadab Khan, Kashif Bhatti.
(Fast bowlers) Muhammad Amir, Muhammad Abbas (exempted as allowed to play county in England),Hasan Ali, Rahat Ali, Mir Hamza.
(Wicketkeepers) Sarfaraz Ahmed, Muhammad Rizwan.
(All rounders) Fahim Ashraf, Hussain Tallat.
(Player Development), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Musa Khan.
The following players have not been considered due to injuries,Yasir Shah (Fracture Hip. Rest and rehab 6-12 weeks), Shan Masood (knee injury)
The names of players attending the final phase of the camp will be announced later. The camp will start from April 18 to 22. The team will depart for Ireland on April 23.
Over 2 million people can be brought to tax net by using modern technology: Miftah
ISLAMABAD, Apr 10 (APP):Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs Miftah Ismail has said that over two million people could be brought to tax net by using modern technology in the country.
There were 700,000 tax payers in the country and that the figure would be increased through using modern technology, he said while talking to a private news channel.
The credit goes to the present government for announcing tax amnesty scheme, he said.
The target has been set to collect 4000 billion rupees tax this year, Miftah Ismail said. Due to the prudent policies of present government, the exports had been increased to 23.9 per cent, he added.
“We have also set targets to achieve 5.6 per cent growth rate this year,” he said.
Commenting on China Pakistan Economic Corridor, he said many roads and infrastructure development projects, have been initiated under CPEC.
Miftah said India was spreading negative propaganda against Pakistan to halt economic progress including CPEC.
For purchasing property, he said the citizens would have to make tax registration. All efforts
were being made to expand tax network and check tax evaders in the country, he added.
Indiscriminate action should be basis for elimination of corruption: President
ISLAMABAD, Apr 10 (APP):President Mamnoon Hussain Tuesdays said that indiscriminate action was the basis for eradication of corruption, so that confidence of the masses in the national institutions could be restored.
He stressed that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officers should be very honest and unbiased because corruption free administration and decisions were the hallmarks of NAB.
The president was talking to chairman NAB justice (retd) Javed Iqbal who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, said a press release.
The chairman NAB also presented Annual Report – 2017 of his organization to the president.
While appreciating the annual report, the president emphasized that corruption could be only eliminated from the society if all the requirements of justice were fulfilled.
He directed that reservations of the courts and public against NAB should be removed.
The president also underlined that the ongoing development process should not be affected by the steps taken by the accountability institutions and officers.
He underscored that extermination of corruption and firm accountability were considered as national agenda therefore, all efforts should be made to enhance the confidence of public in such institutions.
He observed that Pakistan made significant improvement in the international ranking with reference to the indicators of corruption in which NAB had played an important role.
On the occasion, chairman NAB Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal assured the president that NAB would continue to take indiscriminate action against corruption.