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Commerce Minister invites French entrepreneurs to invest in Pakistan

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Minister of Commerce and Textile, Mohammad Pervaiz Malik has invited French entrepreneurs and investors to benefit from Pakistan’s business friendly policies and invest in Pakistan in the fields of energy, infrastructure development, food processing, automobiles, tourism and information technology.

According to Pakistan Embassy in France, the federal minister is visiting Paris as part of his European tour to discuss bilateral economic and commercial relations as well as to seek support for GSP Plus Review.
During his stay in Paris, he held separate meetings with Secretary of State, Ministry for Europe, Jean Baptiste Lemoyne and Foreign Affairs of France, Phillipe Gautier, President MEDEF International, Thiery Pflmlin, President Pakistan France-Business Council and President Paris Chamber of Commerce, Didier Kling. He also visited French National Assembly and met members of Pakistan-French Friendship group.
The minister noted that the existing volume of bilateral trade of US$1.4 billion was not commensurate with the true potential of the two economies and called for more exchanges and business linkages to increase the trade volume.
During the meetings, upgradation of the Administrative, Economic and Trade Committee from Secretary to Ministerial level was also discussed to make it an effective and productive forum. The Minister also proposed revival of Air France flights to Pakistan to enhance connectivity and facilitate business travel.
The Minister also appreciated the French support in the EU for trade related concessions, especially for GSP Plus and hoped that France would continue to support Pakistan during the GSP Plus review process.

Embassy of Pakistan organizes first ever friendly football match in Brussels.

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels organized a friendly football match between Pakistan Greens and Pakistan Whites at the Schaerbeek football stadium Brussels in connection with the 70th independence anniversary of Pakistan.

According to message received here, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg Mrs.Naghmana A. Hashmi who was chief guest of the match said that the aim of organizing this match was to bring Pakistani and Belgian communities closer.

She said Pakistan produces the world’s best football which was evident from the fact that ‘made in Pakistan’ footballs are used as the official football in the FIFA world cup tournaments for example Brazuca was used in FIFA World Cup 2014.

Ambassador Hashmi said that besides providing chance for healthy activities such events have huge potential of introducing and promoting Pakistani footballs and sportswear in Belgium.

She thanked Renaissance Club Schaerbeek for providing stadium for hosting this event. Besides Pakistani diaspora, Belgian and diplomatic community was also invited for the match including officials from Belgian Foreign Office, European External Action Service and Journalists.

Pakistan Whites won the match by 4-0. Two Belgian teams from Brussels participated in the friendly match. The Renaissance Schaerbeek teams led by Captain Channouf Safouane with Sajjad Memon as coach played as Pakistan Whites whereas Genappe team captained by Antony Guiot and Frederic Vanderkerken as its coach played as Pakistan Greens. It was for the first time that Belgian teams played a friendly football match for Pakistan.

Earlier junior teams of Pakistan Whites and Pakistan Greens also played a match. National popular songs like `DilDil Pakistan’ and `Hay jazaba Janoon’ songs were also sung on the occasion by young Pakistani origin students, Shehbaz Ghani and Adil Sardar Ghani.

The match was sponsored by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Well Trust, manufacturers of sports clothing in Sialkot Pakistan and Wembley Sports, manufacturers of footballs in Pakistan.

The match was dedicated to Belgian charity Clinclowns who make sick children in hospital happy. There was a draw at the end of match for five prizes comprising of Pakistani handicrafts from the Embassy of Pakistan Brussels.

Pakistani as well as Belgian audience enjoyed the match and Pakistani snacks. An exhibition of posters depicting landscape, culture and people of Pakistan was also arranged at the event.

Pakistan condemns terrorist attack in Somalia

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Pakistan strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Mogadishu on October 14 in which 276 people have lost their lives and hundreds have been injured, Foreign office said here Monday.
The people and Government of Pakistan express their heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Somalia and especially to the bereaved families, the foreign office said.
Pakistan, which has fought terrorism resolutely, can empathize and feel the pain of Somali people at this difficult time, it concluded.

Pakistan elected to UN Human Rights Council, polling 151 votes

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UNITED NATIONS, Oct 16 (APP): Pakistan on Monday won a key election by securing a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council when the General Assembly elected 15 countries to serve on the 47-member body.

“This victory is a ringing endorsement of Pakistan’s strong commitment to human rights,” an elated Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said in a post-election interview with APP.
“Pakistan’s entire leadership, parliament and judiciary have all proactively pushed the human rights agenda,”
Ambassador Lodhi said.
The election in the 193-member Assembly was by secret ballot, with a simple majority required.
Pakistan polled 151 votes, when 97 were needed.
There were five candidates contesting for four Asia-Pacific seats on the Council. Apart from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal and Qatar also won seats on the Council. Malaysia, with 129 vote, could not get elected.
The contest was only in the Asian-Pacific group. Other groups put up agreed candidates: (African States): Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Senegal; (Latin America/Caribbean States): Chile, Mexico and Peru; (Western European States): Australia and Spain, and (Eastern European States): Slovakia and Ukraine.
Members of the Council serve for a period of three years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.
The Council is an inter-governmental body within the UN system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.
The Geneva-based Council is mandated to promote and protect human rights and prevent human rights violations.
This is the fourth time Pakistan has been elected to the 47-member Council — the first success came in 2006 when the Council was created by the UN General Assembly.
“Our victory is a manifestation of the international community’s trust in Pakistan,” Ambassador Lodhi said.
“Pakistan”, she said, “is humbled by and grateful for the overwhelming support received from the world community”
And, she added, “Pakistan’s election gives the lie to those who claim that Pakistan is isolated.”
Asked what will be Pakistan’s objectives in the Council, Ambassador Lodhi said, “We will use our membership to
protect our core national interests, uphold universal values , be a bridge builder between polarised positions and
expose human rights abuses by India in occupied Kashmir”.
All of the Human Rights Council’s members are elected by the world body’s General Assembly, and it has the ability
to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN
Office at Geneva.
The Council’s membership is based on equitable geographical distribution and seats are distributed as follows: 13 seats for African States, 13 seats for Asia Pacific States, 8 seats for Latin American and Caribbean States, 7 seats for Western European and other States, and 6 seats for Eastern European States.

PM appreciates CDA’s efforts for uplift of federal capital

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday appreciated the efforts of Capital Development Authority (CDA) for the development of the federal capital as well as provision of civic amenities to the residents of the federal capital and adjoining areas.
The prime minister was chairing a briefing on Capital Development Authority at Prime Minister’s Office.
Minister of State Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, Mayor Islamabad Sheikh Ansar Aziz and senior
officers of CADD division were present during the meeting.
Matters pertaining to the role and functions of CDA and the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad
and various developmental activities in the federal capital were discussed during the meeting.
The meeting was informed that construction of signal free & controlled access corridor of Islamabad Highway from Zero Point to G.T. Road, Karal Interchange, construction of bridge at Sohan, Khanna Interchange, Gulberg Underpass and Naval Bridge were some of the major projects undertaken by CDA.
It was informed that recently completed projects include dualization of Service Road (East) E-11, infrastructure development of Park Enclave (Phase-I), multi-purpose car parking, Facilitation Centre G-7, Sports Club F-6, Masjid Aman at Rawal Town, Faqir Aipee Road I-11 and dualization of SR (East) G-10 to F-10.
The on-going projects include dualization of Attaturk Road West, improvement of Serena Chowk, re-surfacing of Islamabad roads, construction of Secretariat Masjid and rehabilitation of service road (West) G-11.
The meeting was further informed that future projects for the federal capital include rehabilitation of Simly Dam Road, Bhara-kahu By-Pass, construction of Interchange at the Intersection of Kashmir Highway and 7th Avenue, construction of additional block at capital Hospital at G-6 (300 beds), slaughter house I-9/4, state of the art Inter-city bus terminal, construction of medical centres, Islamabad Bus Service Project for improvement of transportation etc. in addition to the proposed solutions of the solid waste management.
Various issues relating to strengthening of Metropolitan Corporation, service delivery especially in the rural areas of the capital and the issue of encroachments on state land were also discussed during the meeting.
Earlier, the Prime Minister also chaired a meeting on health related issues in the federal capital.
The meeting was also attended by Federal Minister for National Health Services Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar.
The Prime Minister directed ICT administration, CADD and CDA to work out a plan with mutual consultation in order to ensure provision of quality health services in the urban as well as rural areas of the capital and to resolve various health sector related issues.

Govt determined to a\chieve 6% growth target, no plans to go to IMF: Ishaq Dar

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Monday said that government was making all

out efforts to achieve 6 per cent growth rate target, and assured that the government had no plan to go to the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) for any bailout package, as now the country could stand on its own feet.
“Our focus is on higher growth that would help reduce poverty, generate resources
and strengthen economic and security situation of the country,” he said while addressing a press conference.
He urged all the citizens that it was their duty too to work for country’s dignity and respect by helping strengthen
its economy and security.
He said that economy was progressing and we must make efforts to help this trend continue “and play our role to take the country ahead.”
The minister was flanked by Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Revenues,
Haroon Akhtar, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Tariq Pasha and other high
officials of the Ministry of Finance.
Dar informed the journalists that the World Bank (WB) acknowledged that they had made some
misinterpretation of economic data of Pakistan. The bank had not applied international formula in calculation
while preparing its report, he said adding that it would be corrected.
Dar indicated towards positive indicators of economy during the first quarter of the current
fiscal year saying that the revenue collection during July-September had increased by 20 per cent to Rs765 billion.
He said that the money transfers to provinces had also increased from Rs416 billion during the first quarter of last year to Rs765 billion during the current fiscal year.
The finance minister said that expenditure side was also being monitored, managed and
controlled and the expenditures were reduced from Rs914 billion last year to Rs894 billion.
He said that maintaining fiscal discipline was priority of the government, however
he was of the view that government was expecting payment of surplus amounts
from the provinces which could not be made, hence enhancing the deficit by one per cent.
He said that overall budget deficit was recorded at Rs324 billion during the first
quarter against the deficit of Rs438 billion last year. He said that the interest rate was also maintained at
decades low at 5.57 percent.
He said that the Export Package had also started giving dividends as exports from the
country grew by 10.8% during the first quarter, from Rs4.66 billion to Rs5.17 billion.
However, he added that the imports into the country had also increased from $11.67
billion last year to $14.26 billion, saying that there was need for taking measures to reduce imports and
enhance exports for which the export package would be up-scaled.
The remittances during the period also increased to $4.79 billion against $4.74 billion last year.
Dar said that the Foreign Direct Investment into the country during July-August also went up to $457 million
compared to $179 million during same period of last year.
He said that the GDP growth rate had increased from as low as 3.7 percent in year
2012-13 to 5.3 per cent in 2016-17, Large Scale Manufacturing from 4.5 per cent
to 5.9 per cent, remittances from $9 billion to $19 billion while inflation was also maintained within limits.
He said that agriculture credit during this period also increased from Rs330
billion in 2013 to Rs705 billion, companies incorporation went up from less than 4000 in 2013 to over 8000 in 2017,
while foreign exchange reserves with the State Bank of Pakistan touched $18 billion figure.
He said that total public debt was 61.6 percent of the GDP, 21 per cent of which was foreign debt. He said that the
debt figures should not be looked in isolation rather these should be evaluated keeping in view the total GDP of the
country which had now risen to $300 billion.
He dispelled the impression that Pakistan was having highest debt rate compared to regional
countries and pointed out example of many countries including India where the debt to GDP was much more than that of Pakistan.
Dar said that load-shedding would be overcome by December this year as more electricity was being added to the national transmission system.
He said that many international agencies and organizations had given positive prospectus of Pakistan economy, some predicting it to be 16th biggest economy by 2050, others terming it next big country flag-bearer of positive change, some terming it emerging market, while the rating agencies had up-scaled it rating from negative to stable and then to positive.
To a question, he said that it was prerogative of the leadership and party to decide whether he should continue his job as the finance minister or not.

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UK PM’ s special representative calls on Sartaj Aziz

ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):British Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Owen Jenkins Pakistan called on the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Sartaj Aziz here Monday and discussed issues of the bilateral interest, mutual cooperation and situation of peace, security and economic condition in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
They also discussed matters of trade and transit, which are very significant for both Pakistan and Afghanistan
British High Commissioner Thomas Drew and other senior officials of the High Commission also accompanied Mr Jenkins. Secretary for Planning, Development & Reforms Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Chief Economist Dr. Nadeem Javaid and Spokesman of the Ministry Mr. Asim Khan also attended the meeting.
The Deputy Chairman Planning Commission informed the delegation about government’s concerted efforts to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan.
He maintained that the government of Pakistan has always attached great importance to its relations with Afghanistan since peace and stability in Afghanistan is not only in the best interest of Afghanistan but it also directly affecting the domestic security in Pakistan. Therefore, Pakistan has always endeavored to remain engaged and constructively participate in all initiatives and forums for promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan, said Sartaj Aziz.

Sartaj Aziz said that Pakistan had recently improved its infrastructure in Chaman and Balochistan, which would further ease the trading opportunities between the two countries. Afghanistan is an important importer of medicine, food construction material and manufacturing equipment from Pakistan via transit trade facility. People to people contact strengthen economic relations.
Sartaj Aziz also said that the improved security and peace conditions, significant economic progress and stability in Pakistan had paved the way for local and foreign investors which was a welcome sign to help government pay more focus on human development, fight poverty and work for the well-being of the common man.
Referring to the year 2013, when the incumbent government had taken the charge, he said, “We were facing serious security challenges and GDP growth rate was at 3% at that time. The government during the last four years, focused on financial discipline and improvement of economy through improved security situation, as a result, Pakistan was able to achieve the growth rate at 5.3, which is the highest one during the last 10 years”.

Sartaj Aziz further said that investment of $46 billion under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework in energy and infrastructure sectors was another milestone which had changed the country’s perception from security state to the investment destination. The CPEC would enable Pakistan to overcome energy crisis. The construction of the new roads and new rail links will improve communication not only within Pakistan but for the whole region paving way for inter and intra-regional trade.
Pakistan, which was facing acute energy shortage, is now coming out of the energy crisis and thereby inviting international community to bring more investment in different sectors. In the next phase of CPEC, Pakistan will establish industrial and trade zones that would further revive industry and help the country to cope with the challenge of unemployment and turn Pakistan into manufacturing hub. Furthermore, boost up in the industrial sector would result into significant increase in export and ultimately overcome the trade deficit.

Mr. Aziz stressed that political stability and continuity of policies had major role in ensuring the economic stability. He said that Pakistan’s vision of 2025 and the SDGs agendas offer strategy of inclusiveness. Mr. Aziz also said that agriculture sector contributes a significant amount to GDP and employment. Pakistan is competitive in citrus fruit, mangoes, apricots, peaches, olives, fish and fish products. Moreover, these products have the potential to attract significant demand. The government of Pakistan is concentrating to improve its agricultural policies.
Owen Jenkins, reaffirmed his country’s continued support to Pakistan. He stressed on expansion in bilateral relation and assured Islamabad of the British future cooperation in different areas. Owen Jenkins also maintained that UK appreciates Pakistan’s efforts for maintaining peace with Afghanistan and in the region.

JUI-F parliamentarians call on PM

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):A delegation of parliamentarians from Jammiat-e-Ulema Islam (JUI-F) Monday called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at PM Office.
Developmental projects and matters pertaining to the respective constituencies of the parliamentarians were discussed during the meeting, PM office media wing said in a press release.
The prime minister assured the parliamentarians of all possible support from the federal government in execution of development and public welfare projects.
The delegation included senator Maulana Atta Ur Rehman, Minister for Housing Akram Khan Durrani , Minister for Postal Services Maulana Amir Zaman, Mir Usman Khan Badini, Maulana Agha Muhammad, Jamal ud Din, Qari Muhammad Yousaf, Maulana Gohar Shah, Asia Nasir, Naeema Kishwar, Shahida Akhtar Ali, Alia Kamran, members of the National Assembly, senator Salih Shah and senator Talha Mehmoo

PM for early operationalisation of TAPI

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Monday reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to the early operationalization of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project as it holds a huge potential for meeting Pakistan’s energy needs.

He was talking to Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan Atadjan Nurlyevich Movlamov who paid a courtesy call on him here at the PM Office.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan and Turkmenistan traditionally enjoy close, cordial relations marked by trust and understanding and pointed that bilateral collaboration in different sectors was growing steadily.

The Prime Minister said there was room for attaining optimum level of economic cooperation between Pakistan and Turkmenistan. He said both the countries should set the goal for increased engagement in trade, investment and other areas.

It was also noted that the two countries were focused on measures for enhanced connectivity including air and land linkages to promote trade, travel, tourism and people-to-people contacts.

Dar condoles death of former Chief Justice of SC

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Monday expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the sad demise of former Chief Justice, Supreme Court, Ajmal Mian.
In his message of condolence, the Minister said that losing a dear one in the family was indeed the most poignant time in one’s life, which cannot be described in words.
He prayed that May Allah rest the departed soul in peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this immense loss with fortitude.

Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary to visit Sri Lanka

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua will be visiting Sri Lanka this week to take part in the 5th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
According to a message received here, Foreign Secretary will also call on Sri Lankan President H.E. Maithripala Sirisena, Hon. Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe and Hon. Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana during her stay from October 17 to 18.
She will hold in-depth discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations and matters of mutual interests pertaining to the regional and international arena. The 4th round of talks was held in August 2014 in Islamabad.
She will also launch the “Pakistan Alumni Society of Sri Lanka”. Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy cordial and friendly relations in all walks of life that are firmly based on mutual trust, sovereign equality and mutual interests.
The visit of the Foreign Secretary would further contribute in bolstering the existing ties of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka

Pakistan wants relations with US on mutual respect: Khawaja Asif

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Monday said that Pakistan wanted to have good relations

with United States on mutual respect.
Pakistan played vital role in war against terrorism and achieved many success in this regard, he said
while talking to a private news channel.
Pakistan Armed Forces will take action against the terrorist elements on providing
credible “intelligence” sharing, he said.
There was need to implement national action plan in true spirit, he said.
“We are making efforts to bring further improvement in health, education and peace, ” he said.
To a question he said that Foreign and Defence Minister of US will visit Pakistan.
To another question Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that Pakistan’s economic condition was improving as compared to
the previous years. The present government had taken steps for resolving the issues of terrorism and energy, he said.
Replying to a question about democracy, he said, “The vote of the people would help strengthen the
democratic system in the country.”
To a question he said, “We don’t need any reference to hold our position in the region.”

Korea traditional music performances enthrall audience at PNCA

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Korean traditional music performance enthralled audience here at jam-packed auditorium Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).
The performance was arranged by the Republic of Korea in collaboration with PNCA to mark National Foundation and Armed Forces Day of Korea.
The performance was comprised on nine segments having two parts. The troupe also sung Pakistan National songs and got a big applause from the audience.
The group is a professional Korean traditional music group founded in 2000. It has specialized in Gagok, Julpungryu and Pansori genres and has tried to find a way to modernization of Korean traditional music.
The Korean musicians have also been trying to find a modern format and sound to appeal the people and positioning of Korean traditional music of `Now’ and ‘Here’ and the music that mingle with contemporary.
Senior officials of Korean Embassy informed the audience that it was young talented musicians, which had composed stunning music using traditional instruments.
The music, they said that had deep roots in the Korean concept of `Johwa’ meaning harmony.
They further said that the musician group was internationally recognized and had used their talents to reinterpret traditional Korean Music in a modern way to create stunning new compositions.
Senior official of PNCA thanked the Embassy of Korea for providing such a wonderful opportunity and termed the Pak-Korea relations wonderful.
Cultural relations between the two countries would be further strengthened, he added.

PM pays tribute to country’s first prime minister

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday paid tribute to Shaheed-e-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan for his invaluable services to the Muslims of the Sub-continent during the Pakistan Movement and later to the young Pakistani nation as the country’s first prime minister.
In a message on the death anniversary of Liaquat Ali Khan, the Prime Minister said as self-effacing and resolute, the great leader was a trusted friend and companion of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The Prime Minister said after Quad-e-Azam’s demise, Liaquat Ali Khan’s leadership played a critical role in strengthening the nascent state, which was beset by numerous predicaments, including bitter hostility from India.
It was during his tenure as Prime Minister that the foundation of Pakistan’s time-tested and time-honored friendship with China was laid, he added.
“Let us on this day reaffirm our pledge to follow the footsteps of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Shaheed-e-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan and to work tirelessly and selflessly to make Pakistan a progressive, tolerant, prosperous and secure nation as envisioned by our founding fathers,” the Prime Minister said.

PM for expediting efforts for construction of Diamer-Bhasha, Mohmand dams

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday directed the Ministry of Water Resources to expedite efforts for construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams.
He also directed that financing strategy for Diamer-Bhasha dam should be brought before the Council of Common Interests (CCI) for approval.
The Prime Minister gave these directions during a briefing about water resources of the country held here at the PM’s office.
Minister for Water Resources Syed Javed Ali Shah, Chairman WAPDA Lt. Gen (R) Muzammil Hussain, Commissioner Indus Water Mirza Asif Baig, Chairman Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Syed Mazhar Ali Shah, Chairman Flood Commission Ahmad Kamal and senior officials were present during the meeting.
An overview of the annual surface water availability and distribution of western and eastern rivers was presented before the meeting along with water storage capacity available in the country.
Matters pertaining to trans-boundary water issues and the efforts being made for early resolution of the pending disputes also came under discussion.
The meeting was informed that out of 137 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of available water flow at present approximately 93 MAF was being diverted to the canals for irrigation purposes while 22 MAF of water was flowing into the Arabian sea which was much greater than the required water-flow.
Taking note of significant increase in the unaccounted for water which has increased from 10 MAF to 22 MAF at present, the Prime Minister directed to put in place an effective mechanism for monitoring of discharge at all structures of Indus Basin Irrigation System.
The Prime Minister observed that in order to meet the challenges of water scarcity and to cater to irrigation needs of the country, there was an urgent need for undertaking water conservation measures including construction of much-needed water reservoirs.
He emphasized that water was a critical issue and it required an urgent response. Failure to add storage capacity during last four decades has created a situation of water scarcity, he said and observed, hence, there was no option other than pursuing all water storage projects.
The Prime Minister also directed that proposals for strengthening and capacity building of various organs of the Ministry of Water Resources be submitted for consideration.

Claimants of new Pakistan disappointed people even of KPK: Shehbaz

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LAHORE, Oct 16 (APP):Federal Minister of Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, here on Monday.

During the meeting, general conditions in the country, as well as the political matters, came under discussion.
The Chief Minister said days of elements leveling unsubstantiated allegations and stating lies were numbered as the 210 million people of Pakistan were tired of negative politics of mendacity. “The people of Pakistan only want the solution of their problems as they cannot be served through hollow slogans because one has to work really hard for it,” he added.
He said the claimants of new Pakistan had even disappointed the people of KPK, adding the elements making world records of names-callings and falsehood had been fully exposed and they would be defeated in the next elections as well.

Trump’s action on nuclear accord damages US credibility: Iranian FM

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NEW YORK, Oct 16 (APP)::Iranian Foreign Minister Muhammad Javad Zarif has warned that President Donald Trump’s efforts to weaken the 2015 nuclear agreement will broadly harm U.S. international credibility.
Zarif, who negotiated the deal on behalf of Iran, made the remarks in an interview on CBS “Face the Nation” news programme after President Trump announced Friday he will not certify Iran’s compliance with the agreement to Congress, but won’t back out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) reached with Iran and other nations.
Trump left open the possibility that he might back out of the deal in the future, if Congress and other nations in the JCPOA don’t strengthen oversight provisions on Iran.
Zarif suggested that Washington might end up suffering more adverse consequences than Iran as a result of Trump’s steps last week against the accord between Tehran and six world powers, including the United States.
“Nobody else will trust any U.S. administration to engage in any long-term negotiation because the length of any commitment, the duration of any commitment from now on with any U.S. administration would be the reminder of the term of that president,” Zarif said. The interview was conducted Saturday in Tehran and aired Sunday.
Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, sought to dispel any notion that Trump’s decision would lead to any immediate break with the accord.
U.S. law requires the president’s certification every 90 days. Trump had twice declared Iran in compliance, but balked ahead of Sunday’s deadline.
“Right now, you’re going to see us stay in the deal,” Haley said in an interview Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Calling the president’s move an important preventive measure, she said: “What we’re saying now with Iran is: Don’t let it become the next North Korea.”
Trump has urged lawmakers to weigh the re-imposition of sanctions if Iran engages in activities like firing ballistic missiles. Via executive action, he also set in motion new sanctions against Iran’s most elite elite military unit, the Revolutionary Guard, which has sweeping powers as a regional enforcer for the Tehran government.
Amid reports of tensions between Trump and his secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, Zarif was asked in the CBS interview whether Tillerson had tipped him that the president’s announcement was coming, the foreign minister said no, but that the absence of advance notice did not surprise him.
“There’s not much courtesy left in the way the United States treats the rest of the world,” he said.
“This is not a bilateral treaty between Iran and the U.S.,” the Iranian foreign minister said. “So whatever domestic politicking he wants to do, that’s his business. You know, the United States is a permanent member of the Security Council. And if it’s not going to uphold a resolution, that not only it voted for but it sponsored, then the credibility of the institution that the United States considers to be very important would be at stake.”
Asked Zarif if he was thinking of any country in particular, perhaps North Korea, as the U.S. looks to any remaining diplomatic options to address that nation’s nuclear weapons program.
“Including North Korea,” Zarif said. “But I believe the entire international community.”
Zarif said lack of trust extends beyond the Iran deal.

“This administration is withdrawing from everything,” Zarif said. “Somebody called it withdrawal doctrine for this administration. It’s withdrawing from NAFTA. It’s withdrawing from Trans Pacific Partnership. It’s withdrawing from UNESCO. It’s withdrawing from everything. So people cannot trust anymore the word of the United States.” “You see, in order to bring United States on board on many of these international agreements, a lot of people make a lot of concessions,” he said. “Now nobody is going to make any concessions to the United States because they know that the next U.S. president will come back and say, ‘It wasn’t enough, we’re not satisfied.'”

Lok Virsa to inaugurate digitized Library Catalogue on Tuesday

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage Lok Virsa would inaugurated Digitized Library Catalogue at Faiz Heritage Library on Tuesday.
Executive Director Lok Virsa Dr. Fouzia Saeed told APP that the work on the digitized catalogue of Lok Virsa Library was completed.
She said that it will be now possible, for students and scholars from over the country to view online, the catalogue books, journals and research papers on culture, history and heritage, which are available in the Lok Virsa Library.
Dr. Fouzia said that as the world has moved to open source education system, a digitized catalogue at National Institute of Folk and Heritage- Lok Virsa, is a breakthrough in opening up avenues of education for students, teachers of culture, as well as general public.
She said that the digitized catalogue will be available on Lok Virsa Website, adding that in addition to this, we have also renovated the library, creating more space for visitors to browse and read books,”.
Ms Saleema Hashmi will be chief guest in the opening ceremony, while Kishwar Naheed and Haris Khaleque also speak on the occasion.

Finance Division directed to work with WB to ensure correct economic reporting

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Finance Minister, Senator Muhamamd Ishaq Dar has directed the Finance Division to proactively work with the World Bank (WB) to ensure correct reporting of economic data.
Chairing a meeting at the Ministry of Finance, the Finance Ministry also directed to ensure timely and effective implementation of the various ongoing initiatives of the Ministry.
The Minister expressed his satisfaction on the progress made by FBR and stated that the last date for filing of returns was extended to October 31, based on the genuine demands from tax professionals and trade organizations.
He said that given this facilitation which has been extended to trade bodies and taxpayers, FBR should now work closely with representative bodies to ensure that returns due for the current year are filed by October 31 2017.
Earlier, the finance minister was briefed by Acting Finance Secretary on the World Bank report and the progress of the various ongoing initiatives of the Ministry of Finance.
He said that a recently published World Bank Report had erroneously indicated Pakistan’s gross external financing needs at US$ 31 billion for the current fiscal year.
He said that the Report is based on misinterpretation of standard definition of the gross financing needs of the country.
Based on the international reporting standards, Pakistan’s actual gross financing need for FY 2017-18 is estimated atUS$18 billion (5.3% of GDP) rather than $31 billion (9% of GDP), he added.
He informed the Minister that the matter had been taken up with the World Bank to rectify the error.
The external inflows are expected to be sufficient to meet repayment obligations, the spokesman said adding that during the first two months of current financial year, exports and remittances have improved and imports have slowed down.
He said that efforts were in hand to make sure that the strong fiscal performance of first quarter is maintained during the second quarter and beyond. The minister was also briefed on the estimates of gross external financing needs during the current fiscal year.
On the occasion, Chairman FBR briefed the Finance Minister regarding the progress in Taxpayer’s outreach programme launched by FBR on the instructions of FM for broadening of tax base.
He informed that senior officers of FBR were holding workshops on e-filing of returns for members of tax bars, professional bodies and chambers of commerce and industry.
Large corporate employers have been approached for ensuring filing of returns by all the employees receiving taxable salary.
Help desks had been established in tax offices throughout the country and FBR’s helpline and website had been revamped to facilitate return filing, he said adding that the efforts in this direction were yielding results and up to 13th October more than 352,000 returns had been received as against 162,000 returns received up to the same date last year.
The Minister was further informed that specialized Broadening of Tax Base (BTB) zones will become fully operational from November

Efforts to continue till elimination of last terrorist: minister

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NANKANA SAHIB, Oct 16 (APP:Federal Minister for Interior
Ahsan Iqbal Monday visited the residence of Capt Husnain Nawaz,
who was martyred when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted
by terrorists, exploded near Kharlachi in Kurram Agency, to offer condolences to the bereaved family.
The minister also offered Fateha for the departed soul.
Later, talking to the media, Ahsan Iqbal said that Capt
Husnain Nawaz was a brave officer who embraced martyrdom
in the line of duty for a great cause and his blood would not
go waste.
He said that Capt Hussain proved that no terrorist
act could lower the morale of the nation in the war against
terrorism, adding that the officers and Jawans of Pakistan Army
were always ready to protect the country.
Ahsan Iqbal said that whole nation is proud of Capt
Husnain Nawaz and other three sepoys, who sacrificed their
lives in the war against terrorism.
He said: “Our efforts against terrorism would continue
till elimination of the last terrorist”, adding that we
have to give a safer Pakistan to our coming generations.
The federal minister said that Pakistan Army, police, other
law-enforcement agencies and the nation were united against
terrorism. “We are proud of our martyrs,” he maintained.
He said that no other nation can match the sacrifices,
rendered by our Pakistan Army, law-enforcement agencies and people,
adding that Pakistan has achieved remarkable success in the war
against terrorism. He hoped that the international community would
appreciate the achievements and sacrifices of Pakistan.
Ahsan Iqbal said that an intelligence-based operation
conducted by Pakistani troops and intelligence agencies to
recover foreign hostages was appreciated at international
level.
Replying to a question, the minister said that the ISPR has
clarified its position about its statement, and the issue has
been settled. He said that Pakistan Army is a prestigious institution of the country. He said
that some controversies are created by the media in the country.
It was needed to improve economy of the country to further
strengthen national security, he said and added “we have to
move forward with a positive attitude to mark progress.”

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