PESHAWAR, Oct 14 (APP):Hamam Ahmad, Hamza, Noor Zaman, Uzair Shoukat of PAF Academy and Abbas Zeb of Pakistan Wapda claimed their respective titles in the Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 categories part of the KP World Day Junior Age Group played here at PAF Hashim Khan Squash Complex on Saturday.
In the Under-11 category top seed Humam Ahmad of PAF Academy defeated Saki Ullah Tareen in a one-sided affair by 3-0, the score was 11-5, 11-7 and 11-4. Humam Ahmad did not give much time to Saki Ullah Tareen to strike back.
It was Humam Ahmad eighth consecutive victory in the Under-11 category. In the Under-13 category Hamza recorded victory against Muhammad Ammad in straight sets, the score was 11-9, 12-10 and 11-9. Hamza did not give much room to Muhammad Ammad to strike back and thus marched into victory.
In the Under-15 category second seed Noor Zaman defeated Asad Ullah by 3-1, the score was 10-12, 12-10, 11-9 and 13-11. Both Noor Zaman and Asad Ullah played well and exhibited some classic display of forceful length and drop shorts with some beautiful nicks were also witnessed.
In the Under-17 category international Uzair Shoukat defeated Saqib Iqbal in straight sets, the score was 11-9, 11-7 and 11-5. Uzair Shoukat, who also won Under-17 in Qatar Junior Open, played well. Uzair Shoukat also smashed some good drops, putting Saqib Iqbal under tremendous pressure.
In the Under-19 category Abbas Zeb defeated Zeeshan Gul in straight sets, the score was 11-9, 11-8 and 11-8.
Speaking on this occasion, former World Champion Qamar Zaman said that the event was organized in connection with the World Squash Day. He said more than 110 players took part in all five categories comprising Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 categories.
He also thanked Major Saki Tareen for extending support in holding the event in connection with the World Squash Day celebrated here like other part of the world. At the end of the finals Major Saki Tareen gave away trophies to the position holders.
Humam, Hamza, Noor, Uzair & Abbas Zeb win KP World Squash Day Junior titles
Pakistani diplomat proposes greater interaction between Pak-US alumni
CHICAGO, Oct 14 (APP)::A senior Pakistani diplomat has called for more frequent exchanges between alumni of Pakistani and American educational institutions to open up new avenues of cooperation between the two countries.
Consul General Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, who was speaking at the dinner organized by Pakistan Consulate on Friday for the Rector of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Lt. Gen. (Retd) Naweed Zaman, said there was great potential for enhanced cooperation in the field of education.
A number of prominent Pakistani-Americans showed up at the Consul General’s residence to welcome NUST’s visiting alumni. The visitors will hold meetings with alumni of University of Chicago during stay here.
Gen Zaman thanked the Consul General and members of Pakistani-American community for the hospitality and said the purpose of his visit to the United States was to explore opportunities for the talented Pakistani students.
The NUST delegation’s programme includes visits to Washington, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angles and New York.
Zaman also held productive discussions at the dinner with Chancellor of East West University to establish linkages between universities of both the countries.
The members of NUST delegation also gave presentations about their university and its efforts to provide top quality education to students in the field of science and technology.
No foreign country has right to dictate Pakistan: Saad Rafique
LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP):Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique on Saturday said no foreign country had the right to
dictate Pakistan on any matter, including China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Addressing the ceremony of prize distribution among high achievers of Pakistan Railways
Schools organised by the PR Directorate of Education at Al-Hamra Hall here, he said the CPEC
was a long-term project which would pay dividends for the next four to five decades.
He said Pakistan was not ready to listen “Do More” any more.
He said Pakistan had done a great job and the armed forces, police and civilians had
sacrificed thousands of lives.
He said “China does not interfere in the matters of its friends and it only focuses on
economic matters.”
“When Pakistan gets closer to China, its enemies feel pain and they try to destabilise the
country through their operatives,” he said. “However,it is our duty to make progress by tackling
all obstacles,” he added.
He said it was fortunate that there were a few evils and negative things while great blessings
and positive things were present in the country so there was no need to be disappointed.
“Pakistan is an nuclear power, it has one of the best forces in the world, there is a strong
judiciary, a vibrant media, people have right to vote and political parties are working for the welfare
of people,” Saad said.
He said that Pakistan came into being to remain stable for long and whosoever tried to damage it,
would have to face consequences. “No one will come from outside the country for its progress and
prosperity, only we can change our country and we can do it very well,” he added.
The minister stressed the students to work hard with dedication as there was no other way to
success.
He said the PR was still facing deficit but it had been reduced with the efforts of the PR administration,
adding the PR administration did the best for its improvement while prosperous as well as functional railways
would be transferred to successors.
The minister congratulated the students, parents, teachers and administration for remarkable results
in the secondary school examinations.
Earlier, the minister distributed prizes and shields among the students and teachers while PR
Chairperson Parveen Agha and CEO Javaid Anwar were also present.
Re-structuring, reforms in sports leads to ensure transparency in hunting new talent in KP: By Ijaz Ahmad Khan
PESHAWAR, Oct 14 (APP):Like introducing reforms in all sectors with aim to ensure transparency and easy access to the people to improve their life
standard, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has initiated eighteen reforms in the most important sector “SPORTS”
which is directly enter-linked with the future generation.
That key sector related to the youth, has early been neglected by previous regimes, but this time the present government
of legendary cricketer-turn-politician came forward and decided to re-structure Directorate General of Sports and Youth
Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through reforms only to widen up its scope to benefit maximum number of youth.
Sports Directorate KP came into being since inception of the motherland but did not have the services of qualified
coaches to train upcoming new talent in different games resulted down falls of all games in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Although the Sports department was established in the light of Charter of Pakistan Sports Board, yet it negates that
mandate. The basic work according to that Charter was to develop nurseries of various games at grassroots level in KP by involving maximum number of youth below 16-year. However, it failed miserably because it has not been equipped or looked after the
way it deserved by government in the past.
It was a clear fact that before the government of Awami National Party, the Directorate had a meager amount of fund
for the promotion of sports and some small amount specifically meant for utilizing in the shape of annual grant-in-aid through
various sports associations but that insufficient amount including associations grant-in-aid increased to a billion rupees by the
then sports minister Syed Aqil Shah, who is considered as a mentor of the Pakistan Olympic Association in the country.
Surprisingly, now that billion rupees grant has passed on by the government of PTI and the overall sports grant has been enhanced to over a Rs. 2 billion wherein the associations, who were earlier getting Rs. 15000 for minor games and Rs.
25000 fixed for major games, are now receiving Rs. 0.6 million for major games and Rs. 0.3 to 0.4 million for minor games.
It is clearly evident that no attention was paid to sports sector in the past. Sports is considered as a vital tool to nourish
children in their playing age because of bringing about social change through the use of sports and commonly referred to
as Sports-Based Youth Development across the world.
In the 67-year history there were many employment opportunities and even in the last government of ANP a bulk of more than 900 people were given employment in five different sectors comprising Sports, Culture, Tourism, Achieve and Youth Affairs Departments working under one Sports Ministry but ironically not a single coach was appointed in sports department meant for the promotion of sports in the province.
Sport refers to the physical activity and development in any individual for health, social, and economic benefits. Sport is used as a tool to achieve lofty goals of peace and development. The programs use sport to help children learn lifelong skills as an incentive for the children. Sport is used as a tool to reach personal and community goals. Most organizations utilizing this method are geared towards underprivileged children and teenagers in urban areas.
Sports or playing activities is itself become a science which can be used for youth development and enhancing their physical
and mental capabilities that is why around the world sports is considered a medium to develop a healthy society.
Since the advent of modern Olympics in 1896, athletes have shown that sports enable people to come together in an effort to bring about global peace and to share a desire for self-improvement. Non-profit sports programs aiming to educate through similar means are part of an up-and-coming movement.
Through sport, children learn sportsmanship and other life skills. Youth sport can help them grow towards positive development and good relationships with others. Sport is a tool utilized to get young people involved in their communities.
Positive peer relationships are also encouraged through coaching as well as the physical activities which leads to youth feeling integrated with other young people. Through being involved in sports youth can gain self-esteem when they are enjoying the experience of taking part in a sport.
Sports help them gain lifelong skills and want to do better in the classroom as well. Involvement in sports have been related to one having better cognitive functioning as well as higher grades and rest scores, satisfaction in school, engagement in school, aspirations for college, and lower dropout rates.
As in playing a sport, “can alleviate the negative effects of poverty.” Non-profit organizations are founded in urban areas affected by poverty to help marginalized children by creating an environment to unite people across gender, race, religion, or socioeconomic background. Team-Up believes in the power of sports to help children learn and grow socially, emotionally, and physically.
Looking after the importance of sports the present govt led by legendary cricketer-turn-politician Imran Khan launched institutional reforms initiatives like in other sectors with the believe to give a change to people as far as improvement of life standard of the youth are concerned.
After initiating reforms, a directive was passed on to the concerned department to speed work for its implementation in no time. Among 18 reforms nine are notified in quick succession and other nine will be notified in two-month time, says Deputy Secretary Sports Adil Saeed Safi.
He said, the reform comprising setting up criteria for disbursement of grand-in-aid to sports associations, SOPs for distribution of sports gears, SOPs for talent hunt and player selection, banning of sports facilities for activities other than sports, constitution of provincial steering committee for playing grounds, district monitoring committee at Terhsil, District and Provincial levels, holding of capacity building workshops for M&MC, filling of all vacant position through PSC, early hiring of staff, Deputy District Sports Officer, coaches, introduction of membership system to sports venues, profiling and mapping all sports venues, establish code of conduct for officials, players, coaches, club, staff of sports facilities, establishment of provincial level advisory board for sports/event management, standardization of sports facilities according to international need, restructuring Directorate General Sports and above all the most important will be announcing first ever sports policy of the country in KP.
Owing to fact that the associations’ annual grant-in-aid was not utilized for which it meant for looking after the past experience and in order to get maximum benefit, and advantage of the funds of the annual grant-in-aid, amendments in procedure of disbursement are approved by the Chief Minister, KP in December last year.
Earlier, instead of lump sum provision to each sports association, the DG will release the respective share on case to case basis but not exceeding the approved allocated limit. One should intimate DG regarding completions its schedule, players list and venues detail prior to the competition being organized under the auspices of concerned association.
Provision of event photographs and press coverage, vouchers of expenditure and the associations whose performance is not up to the mark, it will not be entertained for grant-in-aid. To negate choose and pick old policy and ignoring talented lot, standard operating procedure (SOP) has been adopted only to encourage maximum number of players at Tehsil, District, Provincial and National levels and proper trials, venue and date would be announced through print and electronic media.
It is an established fact that for the first time in the 67 year history the present govt looking after the importance of qualified coaches that not only train and coach budding youngsters at grassroots level at one hand and on the other hand it help and proved a source of employment generation opportunities.
Certainly through this way due talent would be explored in all districts across KP where these coaches, assistance coaches and deputy coaches would be appointed in all 26 districts so that to provide ample opportunities to the upcoming talent to come and show their skills before reaching to the main stream of talent.
The reform agenda of PTI led government relating to sports was meant to ensure transparency and eliminate and discourage the chances of nepotism and favoritism in sports. Such steps of the present government would not only help exploring hidden talent even at Tehsil, District, Provincial and National levels but would also help these players to utilize their capabilities and energies for the glory of nation and the country among world community.
People alone can make best decisions under democratic system: PM
KARACHI, Oct 14 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Saturday reposed his confidence that the people of Pakistan would decide the future government, juxtaposing the unprecedented performance of Pakistan Muslim League-N with its rival political parties and previous regimes.
He noted that democracy was sine qua non for the progress and prosperity of the country and its people.
The dictators had always failed to deliver and their rule did not augur well for the country’s future, he said.
The prime minister was addressing the inauguration ceremony of Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited
(PIBT), the country’s first coal, clinker and cement terminal at the Port Qasim. The terminal has been completed at
a cost of $285 million and so far provided berths to 12 coal ships.
The prime minister credited the people of Pakistan for their decision in favour of democratic system and noted
that the continuity of the system would also provide panacea to certain issues.
Under the democratic system, people make their best choices and sent those people packing to homes who had
failed to perform according to their expectations, he said, adding the challenges always emerged but those would be
tackled and resolved.
The prime minister further said when the PML-N government came to power in 2013, the country was beset with
numerous crises including the crippling power outages.
The government not only initiated work on 10,000 mw power projects but completed them whereas certain projects
would be nearing completion and now the power supply was in abundance, he added.
The prime minister referred to visible functioning of different projects, being marshaled by the private investors
and parties.
He said the gas scarcity also hit hard the fertilizers industry and CNG stations whereas the domestic consumers
and other industrial units faced paucity of gas, but the government also took vital steps overcoming the issue.
The prime minister said a huge network of highways and motorways was being built under the PML-N
government. PML-N was the only government in the history that solely invested in the country’s future. Under
the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) huge investment unparallel in country’s history was made which
guaranteed prosperity, he added.
PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on the occasion appreciated Haleem Siddiqui and Shariq Siddiqui of Pakistan International Berth Terminal Limited, a public limited company sponsored by the Marine Group of Companies, for making the much needed investment in a sector crucial for national development.
“It is also all the more heartening to know that PIBTL is also
environment friendly,” assuring that problem with regard to expansion in railway tracks for transportation of coal from berth to sites of power plants will be addressed without any delay.
He announced that PML (N) will continue to facilitate all local
and foreign investors.
Earlier, CEO, PIBTL, Sharique Siddiqui in his detailed
presentation said the project completed against a cost of around US $ 285 million this year has already successfully berthed 12 coal ships at the terminal.
He mentioned that the project was partly financed by the
International Finance Corporation (IFC), a private sector arm of the World Bank Group.
Siddiqui sharing details of the project said the terminal is
capable of handling twelve million tons of coal in bulk per annum and with an average discharge rate of over 30,000 tons per day, he said mentioning that international standards have been adopted in cargo handling.
PIBTL, under 30-year built, operate and transfer (BOT) agreement with Port Qasim Authority, has built its own jetty and was equipped with two coal ship unloading cranes and one cement/clinker loading crane, he said.
The state-of-the-art infrastructure at terminal will not only
reduced cargo handling time but also decrease wastage of coal and cement during handling and their amalgamation with external particles during storage.
The dedicated terminal was dredged to 13.0 meters deep and was capable of handling ships of up to 65,000 tons, said Siddiqui.
He claimed the terminal could operate more speedily, efficiently and reliably than the coal operation was being done by stevedores at Karachi Port.
“A coal cargo ship with similar tonnage of cargo currently
took around five days at KPT while at PIBT it could be handled within two days due to modern and mechanized handling system,” claimed PIBTL’ CEO.
The terminal jetty, he said has been built to handle deeper draft vessels of 15.5 metres and that PIBT will also be able to handle larger vessels once Port Qasim dredges the channel deeper beyond 13 metres draft.
Siddiqui said PIBTL’s vision was to transform the port
infrastructure through investment in the latest technologies and
according to the best global standards for cargo handling.
BISP taking lead in war against stunting: Marvi
RAHIM YAR KHAN Oct 14 (APP):Minister of State and
Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme Marvi Memon said on Saturday that the BISP is taking lead in war
against stunting.
During her visit to Rahim Yar Khan, she was briefed on
research on the effectiveness of a nutrition programme here.
Talking on the occasion, she said that this research
would provide a sustainable model for integrating nutrition
specific and sensitive approaches to BISP, the premier
national social safety net of the country, thus furthering
the gains in curbing malnutrition.
Marvi while speaking to the officials of WFP, Punjab Health
Department, Agha Khan University and BISP beneficiaries, stated
that food insecurity is a matter of high concern as 44% of children
in Pakistan, 39% in Punjab and 42% in Rahim Yar Khan, less than
five years of age, are stunted. This alarming situation needs to
be tackled at the earliest.
Shahzada Rashid, WFP Head Punjab and Salma Yaqub, Programme
Officer WFP, briefed the participants that the project is being
implemented through IRMNCH programme Punjab, in coordination with Department of Health at district level and in close coordination
with Agha Khan University. “Wawamum” and “Maamta” are being
provided to children between 6-24 months and pregnant and
lactating mothers, respectively.
The chairperson held meetings with all four groups of BISP beneficiaries enrolled in this research, where she was briefed
by the field team on process of identification of beneficiaries
for research. The beneficiaries have been divided into four
groups.
The first group receives cash grant only, the second is
provided with cash grant along with SNF, the third one is
getting cash assistance along with enhanced BCC and the fourth
group is being provided cash assistance, SNF and Enhanced BCC.
She also visited the homes of enrolled BISP beneficiaries where
she inspected the follow-up and data recording mechanism.
The chairperson reiterated that the results of this research
would highlight the best nutrition sensitive approach that can
then be replicated all across Pakistan and eventually the world
to address malnutrition, stunting and low IQ levels. Better
nutrition would improve the IQ levels and thus guarantee a better
future for Pakistan.
PML-N govt. determined to end energy issues: PM
KARACHI, Oct 14 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Saturday said the PML-N government had promised to mitigate energy crisis in the country when it came to power.
“Today, our endeavors are not only leading the country towards energy self-sufficiency but also towards efficient energy self- sufficiency,” he observed with satisfaction during a briefing at Fauji Oil Terminal & Distribution Company Limited (FOTCO) about the progress on the second LNG terminal at Port Qasim Authority.
It was informed that the second LNG terminal will be operative in the third week of November this year.
The Prime Minister appreciated the role of Port Qasim Authority for extending support in completion of the LNG terminals, PM office media wing said in a press release.
Governor Sindh Mohammad Zubair, Minister of State Chaudhry Jafar Iqbal were also present during the meeting.
GSP for lump sum release of Rs415.8 mln drilling rigs acquisition budget
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): The Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) needs lump sum release of Rs 415.8 million budget allocated for acquisition of drilling rigs in the Public Sector Development Programme 2017-18.
“Last year the GSP had surrendered the budget as it was not able to acquire the rigs due to quarterly releases. The budget has been re-allocated for the current year, but we need it in lump sum to meet requirements for tender floating and making payments for the rigs,” official sources told APP.
They said the latest drilling rigs would help increase minerals identification and exploration activities in potential areas of the country and achieve self-reliance in the energy sector.
The rigs would be in use of the GSP to map existing hydrocarbon resources in different potential areas of the country, they added.
Answering a question, the sources informed that the state-owned Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) had around nine own rigs with the capacity to drill up to 5,500 meters deep.
“The company-owned rigs’ drilling capacity is from 2,500 to 5,500 meters, which are almost 35 to 40 years old,” they added.
They said Pakistan was facing a huge gap between demand and supply of energy.
Currently, the sources said, its total gas production was four billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) against the demand of eight bcfd of gas, and the oil production stood at around 10,000 barrels per day, while its requirement was seven to eight times higher than the production.
They expressed confidence that oil and gas exploration production would increase with arrival of new drilling rigs and geological survey equipment.
PM arrives Karachi on day long visit
KARACHI, Oct 14 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Saturday arrived here on a day-long visit.
Upon his arrival, the prime minister was received by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. PML-N leaders and high authorities were also present on the occasion.
The prime minister will inaugurate Pakistan International Bulk Terminal at the Port Qasim.
Energy shortage, end load shedding to fully overcome in near future: Ahsan
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP):Minister for Interior, Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday said that energy projects will add 10,000 MW to the national energy supply that will help overcome the energy shortages and end load-shedding in the country in a few months.
He said while addressing a gathering at the Embassy Forum, organized by the Pakistan Embassy, at Washington DC on October 14, said a press release.
The Minister highlighted the economic gains and the security successes of Pakistan achieved in the last four years.
He also shared the various measures taken by the government including energy projects that will add 10,000 MW to the national energy supply. He was hopeful that power shortages could be fully overcome in the near future. By redressing the energy shortfall, the Government was keen to boost economic productivity.
In his remarks, the Minister shared the remarkable progress made by Pakistan in the macroeconomic sector through prudent fiscal policies which have resulted in economic growth rate of over 5.3 percent per annum. Major economic projects were under way, such as the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), that would generate business opportunities for foreign investors in coming years.
The Minister said that security situation has improved considerably after successful military operations in the tribal areas as well as other parts of the country through the valiant efforts of Pakistan’s security forces and the determination of the entire nation, the country had reversed the tide of terrorism which had gripped it five years ago.
The Minister also shared initiatives taken by the government to enhance education, empower women, improve healthcare and reduce poverty in Pakistan. He also sought support for the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor.
On Pak-US relations, the Minister expressed the hope that both countries would continue to work together in future as they had been strategic partners over the last seven decades.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry to U.S thanked the Minister for sharing his views on the occasion and helping to promote Pakistan’s positive image in the US.
The Forum was well attended with participants from US State Department, academia and members of the Pakistani American diaspora.
UN chief hopes Iran nuclear deal will survive
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 14 (APP): A United Nations Spokesman on Friday said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly hoped the Iran nuclear deal would remain in place, after US President Donald Trump’s decision to “decertify” the 2015 accord.
“The Secretary-General has repeatedly said that the adoption of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a very important breakthrough to consolidate nuclear non-proliferation and advance global peace and security,” Spokesman StÃphane Dujarric said in a statement, adding that the UN chief strongly hoped that it would remain in place.
The international deal, reached between Iran and the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the European Union (EU), saw Tehran curtailing its nuclear programme in exchange for the easing of crippling economic sanctions.
In a White House address on Friday, Trump struck a blow to the accord in defiance of other world powers, and despite the UN nuclear watchdog’s repeated confirmations that Iran was complying with its obligations it.
Trump’s move does not amount to a withdrawal from the deal, but put its future squarely in the hands of the US Congress, which will now have to decide whether to attach new conditions to the agreement or reimpose sanctions on Iran with regard to the country’s nuclear programme.
He threatened, however, that if a deal could not be reached with Congress or US allies, he would walk away from the accord.
Trump’s speech put him at odds with US allies in Europe, as well as Iran and Russia, with leaders saying they would stick by the landmark pact.
In related news Yukiya Amano, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a statement saying that the IAEA, a specialized agency of the UN, has been, since 2016, verifying and monitoring Iran’s implementation of its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA, as requested by the UN Security Council and authorized by the IAEA’s Board of Governors.
“As I have reported to the Board of Governors, the nuclear-related commitments undertaken by Iran under the JCPOA are being implemented,” he said, explaining that Iran is now provisionally implementing the Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA, a powerful verification tool which gives our inspectors broader access to information and locations in Iran.
“So far, the IAEA has had access to all locations it needed to visit’ Amano said, adding “At present, Iran is subject to the world’s most robust nuclear verification regime.”
Government efforts to boost power supply will end load-shedding in few months: Ahsan Iqbal
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (APP): Energy projects will add 10,000 MW to the national grid that will help overcome the energy shortages and end load-shedding in the country in a few months, Minister for Interior, Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal said here on Friday.
Talking to APP before leaving for New York at the end of his visit here, the Minister said that the government made conscious efforts during the past four years to end the energy crisis that hurt every sector of the economy and affected the country’s exports.
“When we came into power after winning the general elections, the country was facing the worst energy crisis of its history with power outages of as long as 20 hours a day,” the Minister said but added that today, the load-shedding had been drastically reduced to just few hours a day.
He said that various measures taken by the government, including energy projects that would add 10,000 MG to the national energy supply, would end the energy crisis in the country.
By redressing the energy shortfall, the government was keen to boost economic productivity, he added.
The Minister said that under the China Pakistan Economic Power Corridor (CEPC), private sector had invested $36 billion into the energy sector and it was not loan. He said as a result of this massive investment, Pakistan would soon be free of load-shedding.
He particularly mentioned about the Chinese investment in the coal sector and said that Pakistan had coal reserves that were sufficient for 400 years.
Responding to a question about the trade imbalance, the Minister said that import bill rose mainly on account of importing machinery that was needed for various projects. After completion of these projects, Pakistan would be able to increase its productivity which would boost exports.
He also added that as a result of energy deficiency, many factories were forced to close and negatively impacted the country’s exports. However, he hoped, after the addition of mower supply to the national grid, these factories would work full hours and help boost exports.
The Minister said that the PML-N government had taken several initiatives in the education sector.
He said that Pakistan had the fewer number of Ph.Ds compared to its peer.
He said that in the United States, there were more than 250,000 Chinese studying for Ph.D degrees and a country like Iran, which was facing American sanctions, had more than 15,000 Ph.D students. As compared to that, he added, there were only between 5000-6000 Pakistani Ph.D students here.
Earlier, while addressing a gathering at the Embassy Forum, organized by the Pakistan Embassy, Washington DC, the Minister said highlighted the economic gains and the security successes of Pakistan achieved in the last four years.
He shared the remarkable progress made by Pakistan in the macroeconomic sector through prudent fiscal policies which have resulted in economic growth rate of over 5.3 percent per annum. Major economic projects were under way, such as CPEC that would generate business opportunities for foreign investors in coming years.
The Minister said that the security situation had improved considerably after successful military operations in the tribal areas as well as other parts of the country. Through the valiant efforts of Pakistan’s security forces and the determination of the entire nation, the country had reversed the tide of terrorism which had gripped it five years ago, he added.
Ahsan Iqbal also shared initiatives taken by the government to enhance education, empower women, improve healthcare and reduce poverty in Pakistan. He also sought support for the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor.
On Pak-US relations, the Minister expressed the hope that both countries would continue to work together in future as they had been strategic partners over the last seven decades.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry thanked the Minister for sharing his views on the occasion and helping to promote Pakistan’s positive image in the US.
The Forum was well attended with participants from US State Department, academia and members of the Pakistani American diaspora.
BISP taking lead in war against stunting: Marvi
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP):Minister of State and Chairperson BISP Marvi Memon has said BISP is taking lead in war against stunting as this research would provide a scalable sustainable model for integrating nutrition specific and sensitive approaches to BISP.
The minister said while speaking to the officials of World Food Programme (WFP), Punjab Health Department, BISP beneficiaries and Agha Khan University at Rahim Yar Khan, said a press release issued here on Saturday.
During her visit she was briefed on research on the effectiveness of a nutrition programme involving Specialized Nutritious Foods (SNF), Cash Based Transfers and Behavior Change Communication (BCC) to prevent stunting among children in district Rahim Yar Khan being carried out by World Food Programme( WFP) in collaboration with BISP, Integrated Reproductive Mother Neonatal Child Health (IRMNCH) Programme Punjab and Agha Khan University.
The research which will be concluded in 2019 would be showcased to the world for best practices and is thus the focus of much international attention.
This research is being done under the Letter of Understanding (LOU) signed between WFP, BISP and Punjab Health Department to build evidence base of different nutrition sensitive mechanisms that can contribute to the reduction of chronic malnutrition amongst under 2 years of age children in Pakistan.
The study is being conducted within BISP beneficiaries having pregnant and lactating women and 6-23 months old children in BISP households.
The Chairperson BISP stated that food insecurity is matter of high concern as 44% of children in Pakistan, 39% in Punjab and 42% in Rahim Yar Khan less than 5 years of age are stunted. This alarming situation needs to be tackled at the earliest.
She added that BISP is taking lead in war against stunting as this research would provide a scalable sustainable model for integrating nutrition specific and sensitive approaches to BISP, the premier national social safety net of the country, thus furthering the gains in curbing malnutrition.
The Chairperson added that as these children belong to the poorest segment of society being facilitated by BISP through its Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT), BISP’s role is pivotal in this fight against malnutrition.
She said that financial assistance through BISP is effectively helping the downtrodden in meeting their basic needs particularly food and health.
BISP Impact Evaluation Studies highlight the positive impact of BISP in reducing malnutrition rates as BISP stipend has increased the monthly food consumption driven by high protein intake in BISP families.
Shahzada Rashid WFP Head Punjab and Salma Yaqub Programme Officer WFP briefed that that the project is being implemented through IRMNCH programme Punjab in coordination with Department of Health at district level and in close coordination with Agha Khan University. “Wawamum” and “Maamta” are being provided to children between 6-24 months and pregnant and lactating mothers respectively.
The identified BISP beneficiaries would also be provided with behavior change communication. The research would follow three pathways that include cash transfer within a national social protection programme, women empowerment design and implementation of well structured behavioral change communication interventions to come up with an innovative model to prevent malnutrition.
The Chairperson BISP also held meetings with all the four groups of BISP beneficiaries enrolled in this research, where she was briefed by the field team on process of identification of beneficiaries for research.
The beneficiaries have been divided into four groups. The first group receives cash grant only, the second is provided with cash grant along with SNF, the third one is getting cash assistance along with enhanced BCC and the fourth group is being provided cash assistance, SNF and Enhanced BCC .
She also visited the homes of enrolled BISP beneficiaries where she inspected the follow up and data recording mechanism.
The Chairperson BISP reiterated that the results of this research would highlight the best nutrition sensitive approach that can then be replicated all across Pakistan and eventually the world to address malnutrition, stunting and low IQs. Better nutrition would improve IQ levels and thus guarantee a better future for Pakistan.
At U.N., Pakistan says exceptions to non-proliferation rules endangers regional strategic stability
UNITED NATIONS Oct 14 (APP):Pakistan has called for promoting global nuclear disarmament by building a rules-based, equitable and non-discriminatory order
that, among other elements, barred exceptions driven by strategic, political or commercial considerations.
Speaking in the General Assembly’s main committee, Ambassador Farukh Amil, who is Pakistan’s permanent
representative to the United Nations in Geneva, said that double standards in the application of non-proliferation norms for
the sake of political expedience and economic benefits endangered strategic stability in the South Asia region and beyond.
Ambassador Amil, who was speaking in a thematic debate on nuclear weapons, said that amid a worsening international
and regional security environment, the goal of nuclear disarmament seemed ever more elusive. That lack of progress was
primarily due to nuclear ‘weapon States in fulfilling their disarmament obligations, while constantly shifting the goal posts
towards additional non-proliferation measures that were cost-free for their own strategic gains.
Turning to the Conference on Disarmament (CD), he expressed regret that it had fallen short of expectations in fulfilling
its raison detre of nuclear disarmament. The frustration, brewing over the slow progress, had boiled over, giving rise to an
initiative launched outside the Conference on Disarmament to ban nuclear weapons, which had subsequently faltered by
ignoring the fundamental security considerations that underpinned nuclear disarmament.
While his Government empathized with the sense of disappointment that propelled the proponents of such a ban, the
Pakistani envoy said such initiatives would not lead to any real change on the ground.
For its part, any treaty that failed to improve security for all States was a non-starter, as evidenced by the failure of
the fissile material cut-off treaty negotiations to begin. Similarly, a treaty that only resulted in a cut-off in the future
production of fissile material would jeopardize Pakistan’s security and bring no added value to the cause of
disarmament.
Pakistan, he said, stands ready to consider a treaty that covers the past production of fissile material, and has put
forward a detailed Working Paper in this regard in the CD.
popular leader disqualified without any reason: Talal
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Friday said without any reason a popular leader had been disqualified and now he was facing a speedy trials in the accountability court.
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Talking to a private news channel, he said that the Accountability Court was an open court and lawyers could witness the proceedings of the case.
The state minister said it was the responsibility of the government to provide the security to the court.
He said Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan was declared as absconder yet he was criticising the national institutions.
Pakistan offers help for peace in Afghanistan: FM
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Friday said Pakistan had offered help for peace in
Afghanistan.
“Pakistani Armed Forces to take action against the terrorists if credible ‘intelligence’ is given
to us,” he said talking to a private news channel.
Taliban was controlling over 40 percent territory in Afghanistan, he said.
Pakistan did not have sanctuaries or hideouts, he said, adding “Just blaming or
leveling allegations would not help resolve the problems, ” he said.
Pakistan had apprised the United States about playing role for peace in Afghanistan, he said.
PML-N govt believes in public service: State Minister
FAISALABAD, Oct 13 (APP): State Minister for Water and Power Chaudhry Abid Sher Ali on Friday said the PML-N government believed in service and welfare of the masses.
All basic amenities were being provided at doorsteps of the people by completing development projects speedily including CPEC and power plants, he added.
Inaugurating branch of Hilal-e-Ahmar Hospital at Allama Iqbal Colony, he said that first phase of the hospital was completed with an estimated cost of Rs 220 million whereas this hospital would be expanded up to 250 beds in its second phase with Rs 300 million.
He said the government had specially focused on provision of health facilities, adding that new branch of Hilal-e-Ahmar Hospital would help provide latest healthcare to the people of Allama Iqbal Colony and its peripheral areas.
He also announced construction of an under-pass and an overhead bridge near Allama Iqbal Colony to facilitate people of this area.
The State Minister said that Nawaz Sharif family believed in rule of law, adding that despite reservations, they not only accepted court decision but also implemented it.
He said the people of Pakistan were well aware of the services of the PML-N, therefore, they would once again vote for this party in General Elections 2018.
Parliamentarians Rana Afzal, Mian Tahir Jameel, Deputy Commissioner Salman Ghani and others also spoke on the occasion.
Saudi Ambassador calls on COAS
RAWALPINDI, Oct 13 (APP):Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at General Headquarters (GHQ) on Friday.
Issues of bilateral relations including defence and training cooperation remained focus of the discussion, said a statement issued here by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
FBR ropes in more banks, organizations in drive to boost filing of returns
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):An FBR team led by Member Facilitation and Taxpayer Education (FATE) Wing Friday continued meeting heads of leading banks and organizations on second consecutive day in Karachi as part of the taxpayer outreach and awareness programme.
The programme, started by Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), is aimed at creating understanding and awareness about tax obligations and offer facilitation to taxpayers to boost filing of Income Tax returns before the deadline of October 31, 2017, said a press release issued here.
The team led by Member FATE FBR Nausheen Javaid Amjad, Chief FATE FBR Tehmina Aamer and other senior officials of FBR held separate meetings with UBL President Seema Kamil, President and CEO of Faysal Bank Yousuf Hussain and Vice-president HR at Agha Khan Medical College Carol Ariano to explain main features of the taxpayer outreach programme of FBR with a focus on creating awareness and offering facilitation to taxpayers regarding their tax obligations.
During the meetings, Member FATE Nausheen Javaid Amjad stressed proper filing of Income Tax returns by employees of large organizations and offered to organize training workshops for educating the employees of the benefits of being on the Active Taxpayer List (ATL).
She informed the participants of the ease of e-filing and how the employees needed to be educated in respect of discharging their tax obligations.
The Member also called for educating the employees regarding the consequences of being a non-filer after the implementation of the differential tax scheme, whereby non filers are charged a higher rate of tax on various transactions such as bank withdrawals, purchase of cars and property.
During the meetings, it was felt that there was a lack of awareness regarding actions consequent to return filing and initiative taken by the FBR to create the requisite awareness was appreciated.
It was also felt that mostly middle management employees were non compliant in filing tax returns, and the situation could be rectified through an awareness campaign and hands-on training in coordination with the management of these organizations and the local tax offices.
The FBR team was assured that directives to all employees of the organizations visited regarding their return filing obligation would be circulated and training sessions conducted on the premises with the help of local tax authorities.
Pakistan suffered economic damages worth $2941 billion due to disasters, Mushahidullah
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah Khan Friday said that Pakistan had suffered 133 climate change-induced disasters from year 1996 to 2015, which caused economic damages to the tune of US$ 2,941.
Talking to media persons here in connection with the International Day for Disaster Reduction being marked today across the world, he said that protecting lives and livelihoods of the people, particularly in the country’s disaster-prone areas such as mountainous and coastal, through public awareness programmes and integrating disaster-resilience in public infrastructure development policies must for achieving sustainable economic development and poverty elimination.
He said, that the day offered a great opportunity to sensitise public about viable techniques today and everyday to reduce their vulnerabilities to climate change-induced disasters, particularly, land and river erosions, forest fires,, riverine and glacial lake outburst floods in the country.
“Role of the government, nongovernmental organizations and media is key to highlight importance of disaster risk reeducation in the disaster-prone Paksitan, which is ranked among the top ten most vulnerable countries to climate change-caused disasters, which have shown increase in frequency and intensity since 2010,” Mushahidullah Khan underlined.
The International Day for Disaster Reduction is marked every year on 13th October across the world under the ageis of the United Nations and countries including Pakistan celebrate the day. This year the Day is being marked under the theme ‘Home Safe Home: Reducing Exposure, Reducing Displacement and key focus is to highlight unprecedented importance of reducing the number of affected people by disasters by 2030.
Mushahidullah Khan said that the country had been ranked the 7th most affected country in the world because of climate change-related disasters, which had become more frequent intense and warned that the country’s ranking about vulnerability to disasters could worsen if all relevant federal and provincial government organizations failed to implement disaster risk reduction programmes , particularly in agriculture, energy, water, health, education, transport, infrastructure and energy sectors.
Quoting figures from the German Watch Index-2017 report, the minister said that as many as 133 climate change-induced disasters have occurred in the country between 1996 to 2015, which have caused economic damages of several billion dollars over these years.
“The climate change-related disasters, particularly riverine and flash floods, cause around four billion dollars of losses annually in economic damages, most of them related to agriculture, water, irrigation, health, education, energy and public infrastructure sectors,” he said.
Mushahidullah Khan pointed out, “Addressing these climate change-induced challenges and boosting countries resilience through local and national adaptation plans require an annual investment of around 40 billion dollars in renewable energy, transport, waste management and forestry sectors for mitigating 20 percent of its national carbon emissions by 2030 and seven 14 billion dollars annually for adapting to shifting climatic patterns.”
He stressed that ranked extremely vulnerable country to extreme climate events, Pakistan is in a state of forced adaptation to strengthen its resilience through these hefty investments projects that help protect the country from exacerbating fall outs of climate change on people, their lives and livelihoods, country’s economic sectors, mainly agriculture, water, energy and transport.
There is a huge potential for adaptation in Pakistan, particularly in strengthening and fortifying the flood infrastructure including water reservoirs and irrigation network. This would involve enhancing resilience of local communities to the adverse impacts of climate change.