BEIJING, Oct. 19 (APP):Mr. Yao Jing has been appointed as new Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, an official of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.
Mr. Yao Jing, who has served as Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan, will soon assume his new assignment, he said in a statement issued here.
He said that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners and have always been maintaining good friendly relations, adding, China accords importance to its diplomatic relations with Pakistan.
He expressed the confidence that two countries will further strengthen bilateral cooperation under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
Both China and Pakistan keeping in view their mutual interest will work together to bring about further development and prosperity for the people of two countries, he added.
Yao Jing appointed as new Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan
President House contradicts news item on foreign debts
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):A spokesman of the President House Thursday contradicted a news item appeared in daily Express saying that President Mamnoon Hussain, in his Wednesday’s address in Bannu, said nothing about the foreign debts taken by the current government as mentioned in the news story.
He said during his speech, the president did not also mention any volume of the foreign debt by the current government during 2013 to 2017. However, the president did mention the foreign debts taken by the then government during 2008 to 2013 saying that the people had the right to question as on which development projects that money had been spent.
The spokesman viewed that the news item was self-contradictory as its initial part criticizes the government for carrying out no development project out of foreign debt while in its later part, it talked about increase in power generation and ending the load-shedding besides Diamer Bhasha and Dassu dams and power projects.
In his address, the president had categorically said that the current government has inherited the debt worth Rs 14,800 billion in 2013 and the people should ask as on which development projects that money had been spent.
Moreover, the spokesman said the president had also mentioned of the development projects carried out by the incumbent government during 2013 to 2017 including Diamer Bhasha and Dassu dams besides other power projects which would help end the load shedding by 2018 or reduce it to the minimum level.
Diwali being celebrated with traditional fervor in Karachi
(APP – Feature by Rafia Haider)
KARACHI, Oct 19 (APP):KARACHI, Oct. 19 (APP): Festivity linked to Diwali, marked its
beginning in the wee hours Thursday as members of local Hindu
community arranged special worship sessions to welcome Lakshmi, the
Goddess of Wealth as per Hindu mythology.
Diwali or festival of lights also coincides with the return of
Lord Rama, another major mythological character who as per belief
returned homed after an exile of 14 years.
“It basically represents the triumph of good over evil,” said Dr.
Suresh Kumar mentioning that Diwali is one of the important festivals
celebrated by the community, festivity of which spreads over a period
of three to five days.
Karachi that during past few years had registered a certain re-
surge in the numbers of the middle class hindus, since their massive
exodus in 1947, is gradually regaining a certain recognition in terms
of different events commemorated under the Hindu calendar,
predominantly being Holi and Diwali.
Although not very elaborate yet local commercial centers,
including the bullion market, is reported to witness an unusual hustle
and bustle in its markets at this point of time.
“All of us without any distinction on basis of our caste or
status, as per tradition, do get indulged in purchase of gold and
luxury goods,” said Dr. Suresh Kumar, originally from Mirpurkhas and
living in the metropolis for past 10 years.
Mentioning that on eve of Dhaneteras, essential part of Diwali
celebrations, people prefer to procure “Lakshmi” (wealth) in
accordance to their capacities, he said in present day scenario many
of the people prefer to purchase prize bonds of varied denominations
as well as shares of different commercial entities.
Rajendar from Badin, who now considers Karachi his permanent
abode with sizable number of friends belonging to other communities
mainly Muslims, feels no inhibition in celebrating the festival.
‘Like any other people we too visit our friends and extended
families to greet each other,” said the young accountant.
“Many of my non Hindu friends await for specially prepared
sweets, considered to be a specialty of ours,” said Rajendar.
In reply to a question, he did not mince his words acknowledging
that not every one can be very open minded, however, an advantage in
Karachi is that people are willing to accept diversity.
Malti, a senior citizen of Karachi serving at KMC for past more
than 40 years said she and her colleagues mainly settled in old areas
prefer to celebrate the day within the community.
“We are in little position to throw lavish parties, however, do
come together to celebrate at Shri Swaminarayan Mandir,” she said
mentioning that youngsters often arrange music shows on self help
basis.
About the celebrations peculiar to the festival of light, she
said is from evening till late night that members of the community
from all parts of the metropolis prefer to join special celebrations
at the centrally located Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
There are several small as well as mid sized temples in Karachi,
however, 200 years old, Swaminarayan is the largest one with sizable
number of Hindus living around and therefore many prefer to join the
religious ritual performed here.
The rituals including recitation of holy verses and hyms also
encompasses specially arranged fireworks, leaving a colorful trail in
the night sky.
Colorful patterns created on the floor with sand, rice or flower
petals, called Rangolis are also very peculiar to the occasion as
members of the community decorating their homes and temples with fairy
lights and clay lamps make extra efforts to make Rangoli at their
homes and temples.
Lighting up firecrackers, another integral component of
celebration these firecrackers as per tradition among the community
may go on continuously during night and much to the amusement of kids,
often found playing with sparklers.
Attired in colorful and traditional costumes members of the
community are little reluctant to allow others to join the festivity.
It was therefore no surprise to see non Hindu vendors selling
balloons, garlands and even souvenirs related to the occasion.
Presence of Pakistan Rangers – Sindh personnel along with police
force definitely provided an additional sense of security to the
people in general.
Pakistan, South Korea play 1-1 draw in Asia Hockey
LAHORE, Oct 19 (APP):Pakistan and South Korea played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in their second match of the Super 4s stage in the Hero Asia Cup on Thursday at the Maulana Bhashani National Stadium in Dhaka.
Pakistan were given an early lead by Ajaz Ahmad (15′) but Korea’s Namyong Lee (48′) ensured they equalised. The draw for both the teams means that South Korea have 2 points from their 2 matches in Super 4s, while Pakistan have only one point, said the information made available here.
The first quarter was a good one for Pakistan as they attacked the Koreans from the start while the latter focused on counter attacking their opponents. Pakistan’s tactics to turn defence quickly into attack worked well for them in the 15th minute as they scored the opening goal of the match through Ajaz Ahmad. The Pakistanis had the chance to extend their lead in the same minute but youngster Muhammad Atiq failed to hit the target.
However, the second quarter was all about both team’s defensive skills as Korea made a total of 10 circle entries inside Pakistan’s circle in order to get the equaliser. Pakistan, on the other hand, focused on defending well in their circle and keeping their shape so as to deny the Koreans. Pakistan had the best chance of the quarter in the 28th minute when goal-scorer Ajaz Ahmad was clear in front of the Korean goal, but could only shoot at goalkeeper Doopyo Hong.
In the third quarter, Korea tried to push the Pakistani defence into tight spaces as they had a total of 20 circle entries at the end of the third quarter which saw them win two penalty corners in the 35th minute, but they could not be efficient in their conversion of the PCs. Pakistan, on the other hand, had the opportunity to ensure the victory when they were awarded a penalty corner in the 44th minute but captain Mohammad Irfan dragged his shot wide of the target as the third quarter ended with Pakistan maintaining their 1-0 lead.
South Korea had to produce an improved performance in the fourth quarter if they had to make a comeback into the match. It was in the 48th minute when Korea were awarded a free hit on the edge of the Pakistani box, which turned out to be an advantage for the Koreans as they scored the equaliser through Namyong Lee. Korea had several chances after their first goal as the Pakistani defence looked vulnerable towards the end of the match. Pakistan also had a golden opportunity in the 54th minute but Muhammad Rizwan Sr. failed to beat the goalkeeper from close range. Both the teams kept trying until the full-time whistle, but neither succeeded as the game ended 1-1.
On holding Pakistan to a 1-1 draw after conceding an early goal, Korean National Coach Shin Seok Kyo said, “I am happy to see my players overcome their physical exhaustion and remain on the track to the final. It would have been better if we won the match but we will continue to remain focused for our next match against Malaysia and reach the final.”
Pakistan Coach Farhat Khan expressed disappointment about his team’s missed chances. “I am extremely surprised to see how my players are wasting the scoring opportunities. I don’t know what is going wrong. We will go back and see the video and sit with the boys to ensure such mistakes don’t happen in our next match against India,” he said.
Goal of the Game was presented by former Pakistan captain Hasan Sardar to Ahmad Ajaz of Pakistan. Man of the Match Award was Presented by Mohammed Nurul Islam, former Bangladesh National player, to Muhammad Rizwan of Pakistan.
DG SBP greets Pak cricket team on winning series against Lanka
LAHORE, Oct 19 (APP):Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Aamir Jan has congratulated Pakistan cricket team on taking unassailable 3-0 lead and winning a morale-boosting ODI series against Sri Lanka at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In his felicitation message here on Thursday, Aamir Jan said the ODI series triumph matters a lot especially after losing Test series against the same opponents. He showered praise on young batsman Imamul Haq, who scored glorious century in his debut ODI match. “The performance of Babar Azam, pacer Hasan Ali, all-rounder Shadab Khan and veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik were also remarkable in the first three matches of the ongoing series,” he added.
The DG SBP expressed his hope that Pakistan cricket team will maintain its winning sequence in the remaining matches of cricket series.
Cricket organisers ask PCB to take notice of irregularities in East Zone
LAHORE, Oct 19 (APP):Known cricket organizers of the city , Aamir Ilyas Butt and Wasif Zaman, have asked the Pakistan Cricket Board to take notice of the irregularities being committed by the office-bearers of the East Zone Cricket Association Lahore.
“There is no cricket activity in the East Zone for the last three years due to which cricket at grass-roots level has been damaged and the present set-up of the Zone is also responsible for their anti-cricket activities, which have put a question mark on the future of Zone cricket,” they said in a joint statement, here on Thursday.
They said back-door selections of teams, getting money from players on different pretexts and a number of other negative activities have ruined the game in the said Zone. “In the selection of the zonal teams for the PCB inter-district tournament, non-deserving players were included,” they added.
Aamir, who is also the president of Shah Faisal Club, and Wasif, who is the president of the Golden Star Club, said a number of complaints regarding the corrupt practices and anti-cricket activities had been sent to the PCB, but no action had so far been taken in this regard.
They announced their unconditional support to Khawaja Nadeem Group in the coming elections of the Lahore City Cricket Association and said there is dire need to bring change in the present set up of the East Zone Cricket Association to put the cricket at the right track.
“Majority of the clubs of the affiliated zones of the LCCA have joined hands for a common cause of electing genuine cricket organizers in the coming elections of the LCCA and they have decided to go against the present setup of East Zone,” they added.
They said Khawaja Nadeem Ahmad served the Lahore cricket with distinction during his two tenures and his cricket-friendly policies helped the LCCA achieve the honor of role model regional cricket association. “Kh Nadeem has given new identity to Lahore cricket by generating a lot of cricket activities and we will support his entire group in the larger interest of grass root cricket.”
They appealed to the PCB authorities to form an inquiry committee to look into the irregularities of the East Zone cricket association to bring them to task.
Colombian festival to entertain residents of Islamabad on Oct 25
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and the Embassy of Colombia would organize “Colombian Festival” on October 25 at PNCA F-5/1 Islamabad.
During festival, a number of exciting activities would be arranged including an exhibition of Amazing Amazon at gallery No.10/11. Films screening also be arranged in the festival. First film Screening of the Cinema festival “Gabo: the magic of Reality” would also be organized at Auditorium of PNCA. The 2nd Film screening of the cinema festival “Colombia: Wild magic” would also be organized. Colombian Salsa Dance Workshop would also be the part of the festival
ECP to observe Dec 7 as National Voters Day
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to
observe December 7 as National Voters Day.
According to an official of ECP, like previous year, the commission
will also observe the day with full enthusiasm.
He said that it was decided that different activities will be planned to mark
the day including seminars and rallies at district level in order to
create awareness in public about the importance of vote and voters.
People from different walks of life including civil society, NGOs,
media persons, disabled persons, representatives of minorities and
women will be invited in these activities.
He said during different activities people will be informed about the
importance of vote and registration as voters. Country’s people particularly
women will be asked to come forward and register them as voter.
PM arrives in Turkey to attend 9th D-8 Summit
ISTANBUL , Oct 19 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was accorded a very warm welcome as he arrived here Thursday to lead Pakistan’s delegation at the 9th D-8 Summit being held in this historic Turkish city from October 19 to 21.
He was received at the Ataturk International airport by Deputy Governor of Istanbul Mehmet Ali Ulutas. Ambassador of Pakistan in Turkey Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi and senior embassy officials were also present.
With Pakistan as the current chair of D8, an organization of eight developing nations including Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigerian, Pakistan and Turkey, was established in 1997.
Pakistan assumed chair at the 8th Summit of D-8, held in Islamabad in November 2012. Pakistan continued to hold the Chair beyond the normal period of two years. During Islamabad Summit in November 2012 two landmark documents were signed: (i) the D-8 Charter and (ii) Global Vision.
Prime Minister Abbasi will hand over the chairmanship of the D-8 Summit to Turkey. The Istanbul Summit is expected to adopt a Declaration and a Plan of Action.
Major areas of cooperation in D-8 Charter are; (i) Industry (ii) Agriculture and Food Security (iii) Energy (iv) Trade (v) Transportation (vi) Tourism.
The Istanbul Summit will, inter-alia, be an occasion to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Organization.
The Prime Minister, besides addressing the 9th D-8 Summit on Friday, was expected to interact with the leaders of D-8 Member States on the sidelines of the Summit.
Foreign Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who was already in Istanbul, attended the 17th Council of Ministers meeting that preceded the Summit.
Besides Prime Minister Abbasi, the 9th D-8 summit hosted by Turkey, with the theme Expanding Opportunities through Cooperation, was being attended by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev, Iran’s first vice president Eshaq Jahangiri and the vice president of Indonesia Jusuf Kalla.
The organization has a combined GDP of $3.7 trillion and includes more than one billion people — around 15 percent of the world’s population.
Ahsan takes notice of suspension of educational activities in QAU
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Minister for Interior, Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday took notice of suspension of educational activities in the Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
He has taken the notice on the request of Minister of State for Education Baligh-ur-Rehman.
In a statement issued here, Ahsan Iqbal directed Islamabad Capital Territory Administration to take immediate legal action against harsh elements and restore educational activities in the university.
Recent Pak-US engagements productive for mutual relations: FO
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):The foreign office spokesperson here Thursday termed the recent engagements between the officials of Pakistan and USA as productive for bilateral relationship.
During the weekly media briefing, the spokesperson said the recent developments from both sides have produced positive results especially owing to the visit of US delegation to Pakistan and the meeting between PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and US Vice President Mike Pence.
He said the recovery of abducted American couple is an example of cooperation and trust between the two countries. He also appreciated the statement of US President Donald Trump in which he indicated that relations with Pakistan have started getting better.
Replying to a question, he said that Pakistan Army has been carrying out indiscriminate actions against all terrorists’ organizations and banned outfits.
He said that Pakistan’s victory in election to the Human Rights Council was a manifestation of International Community’s confidence in our role as a responsible member of the UN, leadership and international profile. “The 3-year term starting on 1st January 2018 until 31st December 2020”, he added.
He said the Indian forces have killed four more Kashmiri youth, including Wasim Ahmad Shah (24), a cricketer, a Phd scholar Nasir Ahmad Mir, Gulzar Ahmad Mir, 25 and a religious scholar Showket Ahmad Falahi during violent crackdowns and fake encounters in Pulwama and Shopian areas in Indian occupied Kashmir. “Over 60 defenseless Kashmiris were injured after Indian forces used brute force, bullets and pellets on peaceful protesters in IoK, he added.
Replying to a question, he said that discovery of mass graves and numerous fake encounters in IoK have exposed Indian lies to international community. “India is a blatant violator of international laws”, he added.
Replying to another question, he said that CPEC is a project that holds immense economical importance for Pakistan and regional countries. “It is a great initiative by the President Xi like one Belt One-Road project”
He expressed grief over the loss of precious lives of innocent people, including personnel of security forces in recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and also condemned terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, which has taken toll on the lives of innocent people there.
Death anniversary of versatile television actor Salim Nasir observed
Islamabad, October 19, (APP):Death anniversary of versatile television actor Salim Nasir’s was observed on Thursday.
Salim Nasir was born November 15, 1944 in Nagpur, India.
Born to an educated family, Salim Nasir had all the ingredients necessary to fulfill his ambition. He had a successful career in television and film.
Salim Nasir made his professional cinematic debut in film called ‘Zaib-un-Nisa` in 1976. He earned accolades for his acting skills in many plays, especially Aakhri Chatan, Nishan-e-Haider, Ankahi, Dastak and Aangan Terha.
Salim Nasir was honored with Pakistan’s highest achievement award in the field of acting,’The President’s Pride of Performance Award’ presented to his family after his death. At the age of 45 years,Salim Nasir suffered a heart attack on September 24, 1989.
On October 19,1989 he experienced signs of extreme heart congestion around noon.
He was rushed to hospital but expired before any medical treatment could be provided.
Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua launches “Pakistan Alumni Society of Sri Lanka” in Colombo
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):With the vision of “Re-Connecting the Alumni for Greater Collective Good”, the “Pakistan Alumni Society of Sri Lanka (PASS)” has been launched at a local hotel in Colombo.
According to a message received here, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan,Tehmina Janjua was the chief guest on the occasion and launched the alumni society in the presence of a large gathering including Sri Lankan ministers, dignitaries, representatives of armed forces, educational institutions, academia and people from different walks of life.
The Society aims to connect the universities of both countries under various scholarship programmes. Through this Alumni Society, the public and private sectors as well as civil society will be able to build networks and create professional opportunities that will contribute to the advanced knowledge development of two countries.
Addressing the gathering, the Foreign Secretary underscored that Pakistan has excelled in many fields of higher education, particularly medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and engineering, management & social sciences and provides a wonderful and cost effective option for talented Sri Lankan students. Over the last many decades, thousands of Sri Lankan students and professionals have benefited from education and training in Pakistan, she added.
Tehmina Janjua referred the visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan to Sri Lanka in 2016, during which Pakistan offered to develop a “Knowledge Corridor” for Sri Lankan students and civil and military personnel, through scholarships and trainings in our universities and training institutions.
This initiative, termed as Prime Minister’s Pak-Lanka Knowledge Corridor, will open up immense opportunities for Sri Lankan nationals to study at higher education institutions of Pakistan on scholarships and highly concessional terms, she emphasized.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner-designate to Sri Lanka, Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat said that the Alumni Society will engage the members and provide them means to learn, integrate, and share their experience and memories during their education and training for the benefits of a larger community.
He applauded the office bearers of the newly formed society and wished them all success in their endeavors to make it a great success and future oriented body.
Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan, Dr. Sarfraz Sipra briefed the audience about the prospects, vision and mission statement of the alumni society. He also announced the interim board which will work until the holding of first general meeting of the society in six months’ time.
All Sri Lankan citizens those who received any professional qualification or attended short or long term training programmes in Pakistan are eligible to join the Society.
KP Govt awards 1mln, 5 marlas’ plot for gold medalist wrestler Inayat Ullah
PESHAWAR, Oct 19 (APP):Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Thursday awarded Rs. 1 million and a 5 marla’s plot to Inayat Ullah after winning gold medal in World Beach Wrestling Championship recently held in Dalyan, Turkey after securing victory against his strong rival from Iran in the final bout with a score of 3-0 in freestyle 70kg Cadet event.
The announcement in this connection was made by KP Sports Minister Mehmood Khan in a reception hosted in the honor of Inayat Ullah here at Qayyum Sports Complex. Former Sports Minister Syed Aqil Shah, Vice President Pakistan Olympic Association, President KP Wrestling Association Arshad Durrani, DG Sports Junaid Khan, DG Youth Asfandiyar Khan Khattak, office-bearers from various association, father and Inayat Ullah coach of Inayat Ullah, Zahid Khan and large number of spectators, his relatives were also there and warmly received and garlanded soon after arrival from Islamabad.
Inayat Ullah, who also won a silver medal in Asian Cadet Championship earlier this year in Bangkok, played well and got three points against his strong rival from Iran in the final bout of the freestyle 70kg. It was also Pakistan’s first ever gold medal at World Beach Championship held in Dalyan, Turkey.
The Pakistani champion, Inayatullah, earlier defeated Ahmet Faruk Uguz of Turkey in the semi-final. In the quarter final, he defeated Ibrahim Samil Ozak of the home country. Pakistan sent two wrestlers in World Beach Championship as Pakistan’s Inam also grabbed gold medal in 90kg senior category.
Muhammad Inam has brought home glory by winning gold medal in World Beach Wrestling Championship.
Inam downed his Iranian opponent Pejman Fazlollah Tabar Naghrachi 2-1 in the senior category final to clinch the gold medal in the freestyle senior category in -90kg competition in Dalyan, Turkey.
The Pakistani wrestler had earlier defeated Pavlidis Theodosios in the semi-final and Petridis Christos in the quarter-final – both his knock-out game opponents were from Greece. In the pre-quarterfinal bout, Inam had downed Quintana Orozco of Mexico.
This is the fourth major gold medal for Mohammad Inam. He first came into the limelight when he won a gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Last year, he won a gold medal at the Asian Beach Games held in Vietnam and in the South Asian Games in Guwahati.
The Chairman of Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF), Syed Aqil Shah, congratulated the national heroes for making Pakistan proud. In his address Syed Aqil Shah disclosed that Inam bore his own expenses and won medal for Pakistan.
He said that the management of Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) has made utmost efforts to promote wrestling and these gold medals are an outcome of years of dedication and visionary planning of the PWF.
“PWF is grateful for the support extended by the Pakistan Olympic Association and Pakistan Sports Board for the national wrestlers,” he added.
In his brief speech, KP Sports Minister Mehmood Khan lauded the PWF for their dedicated efforts. He also appreciated father of Inayat Ullah who worked hard despite meager resources his son won gold medal for Pakistan in the World Beach Wrestling Championship. He said the govt is very keen to extend all out support to the talented sportsmen and sportswomen and that is why they have given Rs 1 million and 5 Marla plot to Inayat Ullah.
“We have also given Rs 1 million each to Aamir Atlast Khan and Mansoor Zaman for winning Gold Medal in Asian Games and certainly such incentives for all those who excelled at international level,” Mehmood Khan added.
Earlier, Inayat Ullah was given Rs. 1 million cheque and was assured that the documents of the plot would soon be handed over to him as desired by the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak.
PAL national songs’ competition to rejuvenate patriotism in students
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Pakistan Academy Letters (PAL) has started receiving applications from contestants for national songs writing competition aimed at rejuvenating patriotism in students across the country.
This was revealed by PAL’s Coordinator Hassan Abbas while talking to APP on Thursday.
He said PAL was planning 70-year freedom celebrations and students from matric to PhD are eligible to participate in the competition and may submit their consents by November 15.
He said national cohesion, peace, brotherhood and mutual affection would be the basic themes of the songs to explore talent and involve younger generations in healthy activities.
“Our department had held the workshops in the July under the supervision of Dr. Arshad Nishat a seasoned poet and professor of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in which participants were being trained regarding basics of poetry” Abbas said.
The senior and prominent poets, he said, would be judges and their names would not be disclosed to ensure transparency . The first, second and third position holder would receive the cash prizes of Rs. 20,000 , 15,000 and 10,000 respectively, he added.
The Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage had already doubled the amount of funds for literary society to acknowledge writers and poets contribution, he added.
Textile Ministry to organize seminar on crop nutrition
Islamabad, October 19, (APP):Ministry of Textile Industry would organize one-day seminar on ‘cotton crop nutrition’ in order to promote use of organic fertilizers against the use of synthetic fertilizers for enhancing and maintaining the soil health to achieve maximum per-acre output of different crops in the country.
He said that the event would be held at Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI),Multan on October 20 (Friday), where as the Minister of State for Textile Industry would inaugurate the seminar.
The other aim of the event is to highlight the importance of the application of organic fertilizers and encourage the farmers to use it for a healthy an environment friendly agriculture production in the country, said Cotton Commissioner in the Ministry of Textile Industry Dr Khalid Abdullah.
During the event the farmers would be introduced and trained about the use of organic fertilizers and maintaining the soil health as against the use of synthetic fertilizer and its after effects on soil and its health.
They would be apprised about the slow-release nature of organic fertilizers, which offers environmental advantages and nutrient filled food crop production for domestic production as well as exporting to fetch a reasonable foreign exchange reserves for the country.
He informed that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers are water-soluble, which allows any excess unused fertilizer to be washed away by rain or heavy watering and eventually enter groundwater and pollute streams and lakes.
He said natural fertilizers improve moisture retention in the soil, making leaching less likely. In addition, ingredients in organic fertilizers are naturally biodegradable.
As many as 200 people including farmers, cotton growers, ginners, scientists, field extension workers of the agriculture department of the provincial governments are likely to attend the day-long event to learn the use of organic fertilizers for the production of nutritious staple food crops like cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane and maize.
China strongly condemns militant attacks in Afghanistan
BEIJING, Oct 19 (APP)::China on Thursday strongly condemned Taliban militant attacks in many provinces of Afghanistan killing at least 71 people and wounding nearly 170 others on October 17.
“The Chinese side is appalled by the heavy casualties caused by the relevant attacks and strongly condemns these attacks,” Foreign Minister Spokesperson Lu Kang said during his regular briefing here.
“We mourn for the innocent victims and convey our sincere condolences to the injured and the bereaved families,” he added.
He said the Chinese side is concerned about the escalation of violence in Afghanistan and calls upon all relevant parties in Afghanistan to actively support and take part in the “Afghan-led and Afghan-owned” reconciliation process and jointly uphold national peace and development.
Responding to a question about US Secretary of State visit to India and also Pakistan, he said,“We welcome the development of normal and friendly state-to-state relations between the United States and India and between countries all over the world as long as it is conducive to regional peace and stability and enhancing mutual trust between regional countries.”
Pak-French researchers to develop scientific, technological cooperation
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Higher Education Commission (HEC) has invited research proposals for mobility grant from Pakistani faculty members of public and HEC-approved private universities for research funding under Pak-France PERIDOT Research programme.
PERIDOT is the Franco-Pakistani Hubert Curien Partnership (PHC) which is providing opportunities to Pakistani and French researchers to interact for joint research activities.
Assistant Director (Research and Development Division), HEC, Rehan Jamil informed that the programme is being implemented by the HEC in Pakistan and Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MESRI) in France.
The objective of this programme titled “Exploring possibilities of linkage between Pak-French researchers” is to develop new scientific and technological cooperation between Pakistani and French higher education institutions and researchers laboratories by supporting the mobility of researchers from both sides.
The joint research proposals were invited in the areas of Energy, Climate Change, health, IT for Peace and Conflict Resolution while the deadline for submission of online application on Campus France website http://www.campusfrance.org/en/phc is November 15.
The further details for submission of application are available on www.hec.gov.pk/site/peridot .
NAB takes swift action against corruption, 30 new cases registered since March 2016: DG
GILGIT, Oct 19 (APP):The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Director, Nasir Jamil said here Thursday the Bureau was taking swift actions against corruption on the basis of solid evidences and bring corrupt elements under clutches of law without caring of their financial position, relations and socio-economic status in the society.
Talking to media persons here, the DG NAB said investigation on different cases in the Departments of PWD, Education, Forests and Agriculture were underway and 30 new cases were registered since March 2016 till to date.
He said NAB was taking swift action against corruption cases and was fully active in Gilgit Baltistan.
In GB, he said work on seven verification, 14 inquiries and 11 investigations cases were in progress and five accused were sentenced in Big Board Advisory Service corruption case while a property worth Rs20 million of an accused was also detected that was big achievement.
He said “NAB is a state institution which takes swift action against big corruption cases while remaining within its resources”.
Nasir said GB was a small area and its budget was limited, however, approval from NAB regional office was necessary in small corruption cases.
“The GB Govt was fully supporting NAB and we have no complaint from it,” he said.
To another question, he said the newly appointed Chairman NAB Justice Retd Javed Iqbal was highly educated with vast judicial and management experience besides served in various key positions in the country. He expressed the hope that the newly appointed Chairman NAB would utilize all his energies for making NAB further strengthened.
Senate body approves “The Marine Insurance Bill, 2017 “to regulate country’s maritime trade
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Textile Industry on Thursday approved “The Marine Insurance Bill, 2017 “in order to regulate the maritime trade in the country.
The Committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of Senator Syed Shibli Faraz for considering the bill and to provide for the regulation of the business of marine insurance “The Marine Insurance Bill 2017″ here in Parliament house.
Earlier Senate Committee for Commerce formed a special committee of experts for reviewing “The Marine Insurance Bill, 2017 “ and to further shortly report to the committee for amending and removing any confusion in bill.
In the light of proposals from the special committee members the senate committee further reviewed these suggestions of the experts from different relevant institutions for simplifying the bills to applicable.
Special committee was consisted on experts from relevant institutions, including National Insurance Company Limited (NICL), Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) for report the Senate committee for approval.
Beside the committee meeting in talking to APP, Chairman Senate standing committee on Commerce Syed Shibli Faraz hailed the approval of “The Marine Insurance Bill 2017″ for maintaining transparency in maritime trade of the country.
He said that after the approval of “The Marine Insurance Bill 2017” this law would be implemented from today to regulate the maritime trade.
Replying to a question, he said the committee has studied marine bill 2017 line by line and took the inputs form all the relevant departments and stakeholders in order to remove the lacuna in the law before its approval.
While talking to APP, Secretary Commerce and textiles industry, Muhammad Younas Dhaga said that before approval of the bill from senate standing committee of the commerce Pakistan did not have a law to deal with marine insurance, adding that in post approval trade was carried out on the basis of old British Marine Act, 1906.
Replying to a question he said that before in maritime trade insurance act 2017, rules was followed from the Insurance ordinance 2002.
He said that approved “The Marine Insurance Bill 2017″ to legislate the Marine Insurance Act had been drafted, which would cover the subjects including marine insurance, insurable interest, insurable value, disclosure and representation.
Secretary Commerce said that committee reviewed the proposal from all relevant institutions to simplify and amends the bill for removing complexities.
Senator Mufti Abdul Sattar,Saud Majeed, ,Mrs. Rubina Khalid and official of Ministry of commerce and government institutions participated in meeting.