ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (APP): Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry Sunday strongly condemned the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack on FC personnel in Kurram Agency.
In a condemnation message, he sympathized with members of the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace of the martyred souls, who sacrificed their lives while defending the motherland against evil force.
The minister further said the nation was united to curb the menace of terrorism from the country.
He said those asking Pakistan to do more should know that it had played an effective role in war against terrorism than others. “Our security forces are rendering great sacrifices and playing an active role in fight against terrorism” the minster added.
Talal condemns attack on FC personnel
Information Ministry holds Photo Walk titled ‘Purazam Pakistan’
LAHORE, Oct 15 (APP)::A ‘Photo Walk’ titled ‘PurAzm Pakistan’ was organized under the auspices of Federal Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage near Bhati Gate here on Sunday.
The theme of the Photo Walk was to highlight resilience of the people against the menace of violent extremism. More than 200 photographers, students including both males and females from various universities of Lahore participated in the walk, , said a press release.
A number of incidents took place in and around Lahore in past 10 years, including in Garhi Shahu, Old Anarkali, Data Darbar Complex, Youhanabad Town, Bedian Road, Karbala Gamay Shah, Bhati chowk and Anarkali Bazaar. These attacks directly affected the lives of common and innocent citizen.
Under the campaign of Purazm Pakistan, this photo walk aims at highlighting the countless number of lives affected by violent extremism including the victims and survivors. The walk will foster public resilience through the personal stories of courage to be produced by the participants of photo walk. As a result of this activity, the Ministry of Information expects from the participants to share their stories for the nationwide media awards’ competition called ‘PurAzm Awards’.
PurAzm Pakistan presents brave individuals and institutions that have shown valour and courage against the menace of terrorism and extremism.
The Ministry of Information will air the contents produced by the participants of the photo walk on a specially televised series.
The top contenders will be awarded financial incentives, free of cost training for one week, and the opportunity to produce professionally supervised content that will be featured on national television and online media.
Photographic Society of Pakistan (PSP) President Masood Ahmed Khan and Vice President M. Asif Sherazi, and senior social and documentary photographer Arshad Ghori Asad were also present at the event.
Pakistan condemns unprovoked Indian ceasefire violation, martyrdom of two children
ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (APP): Pakistan on Sunday condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces in Kotli/Nikial Sector along the Line of Control (LoC) on Saturady (October 14) resulting in the martyrdom of two children (8-year old Saad, resident of Kainat Dherri village, and 14-year old Hummayun, resident of village Balakot), and injuries to four others, including three children and urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 Ceasefire arrangement.
According to Foreign Office, the Acting Director General (SA & SAARC) summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner and told him that despite calls for restraint, India continued to indulge in ceasefire violations. In 2017 to date, Indian forces had carried out more than 1100 ceasefire violations along the LoC and the Working Boundary, resulting in the martyrdom of 47 innocent civilians and injuries to 159, as compared to 382 ceasefire violations in 2016.
The deliberate targeting of civilians, he said, was indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity and international human rights and humanitarian laws. The ceasefire violations by India were a threat to regional peace and security, and might lead to a strategic miscalculation.
The Acting Director General (SA & SAARC) urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement; investigate the current and other incidents of ceasefire violations, instruct the their forces to respect the ceasefire in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC.
He also urged that India should permit United Nations Military Observer Group in India & Pakistan to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions.
Stunning performance of Korean musicians enthralls audience at RAC
RAWALPINDI, Oct 15 (APP):The Seoul-based group ‘Jeong Ga Ak Hoe’ presented unique Korean traditional music with newly composed works for traditional instrument at the jam-packed auditorium of Rawalpindi Art Council (RAC).
The cultural performance was arranged by the Republic of Korea in collaboration with RAC to mark National Foundation and Armed Forces Day of Korea. Korean Charge d’ Affairs Jin-Wook Kim and First Secretary and Consul In Kook Kim, Senator Najma Hameed, members of the Punjab Assembly Raja Muhammad Hanif Advocate and Lubna Rehan Pirzada, former RAC Director Naheed Manzoor and Resident Director Waqar Ahmed graced the occasion, said a press release on Sunday.
The performance was comprised on nine segments having two parts. The troupe also sung Pakistani songs “Ye Watan Tumhara Hai” and “Dil Dil Pakistan” attaining thunder appreciation with big hands.
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 more than westernization. They have
received high praise in terms of deep understanding in traditional music and interpretation of aesthetics. They 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.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Jin Wook Kim informed the audience that it was a Seoul-based group of very young and extremely talented musicians, which had composed stunning music using traditional instruments. The music, he said, had deep roots in the Korean concept of “Johwa” meaing “Harmony” and “balance.”
Jin Wook Kim further said the group was internationally recognized and had used their talents to reinterpret traditional Korean music in a modern way to create stunning new compositions.
Raja Muhammad Hanif as chief guest 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.
There were 12 performers in ‘Jeong Ga Ak Hoe’ group.
Dar review matters related to FBR, Finance Division
ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (APP)::Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Sunday chaired a meeting here at the Ministry of Finance to review matters related to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Finance Division.
The FBR Chairman and senior officials of the Finance Ministry attended the meeting, a press release said.
The acting Finance Secretary briefed the minister on the progress of the various ongoing initiatives of the Ministry of Finance.
He said that efforts were in hand to make sure that the strong fiscal performance of first quarter was maintained during the second quarter and beyond.
He also briefed the minister on the estimates of gross external financing needs during the current fiscal year. He said a recently published World Bank Report had erroneously indicated Pakistan’s gross external financing needs at US$ 31 billion for the current fiscal year. The report was 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 was estimated at $18 billion (5.3% of GDP) rather than $31 billion (9% of GDP). The matter had been taken up with the World Bank to rectify the error.
The minister was informed that external inflows were expected to be sufficient to meet repayment obligations. The acting Finance Secretary said in the first two months of current financial year, exports and remittances had improved while had slowed down.
The minister directed the Finance Division to proactively work with the World Bank to ensure correct reporting of economic data. He also directed to ensure timely and effective implementation of the various ongoing initiatives of the ministry.
The FBR Chairman briefed Ishaq Dar on the progress in taxpayer’s outreach programme launched by the Bureau on the the minister’s instructions for broadening the tax base.
He said senior officers of the 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 had been approached for ensuring filing of returns by all employees receiving taxable salary, he added.
Help desks, he said, had been established in tax offices throughout the country, besides FBR’s helpline and website had also been revamped to facilitate return filing.
FBR’s efforts were yielding results as up to October 13, more than 352,000 returns had been received as against 162,000 up to the same date last year, he added.
The minister was further informed that specialized Broadening of Tax Base (BTB) zones would become fully operational w.e.f. November1 this year.
Ishaq Dar expressed his satisfaction on the progress made by the FBR and stated that the last date for filing of returns was extended to October 31 on the genuine demand of tax professionals and trade organizations.
Given the facilitation which had been extended to trade bodies and taxpayers, the FBR should now work closely with representative bodies to ensure that returns due for the current year were filed by the announced date, he added.
ADR seems only solution to deal with cases backlog: CJP
LAHORE, Oct 15 (APP):Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar Sunday said that the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) seemed to be
the only solution to cases backlog in the country.
He was speaking at the concluding session of 2nd three-day
Punjab Women Judges Conference, organised by the Punjab Judicial
Academy here.
The chief justice said “model courts, if they are not at
the cost of delaying ordinary litigation and providing privilege
to those who need it and not those who don’t, then we should
embrace them as a need of the day.”
Chief Justice Saqib Nisar said: “We’re lucky that we are
governed by a written constitution. This written constitution
enshrines fundamental rights and if we go through the relevant
chapter, those fundamental rights make no discrimination in male
or female.”
He said that unfortunately in rustic societies, there might be
situations where women were not treated well. “But in the cities,
I feel that women are in quite better condition.”
He said that there was no difference between a civil judge
first class and a Supreme Court judge. Both are meant to dispense
justice according to the law and no one can do it according to
his own will.
The CJ said that being the father of the institution, he would
advise every judge to know the law and apply it in letter and
spirit.
He congratulated Lahore High Court chief justice for highlighting the issues related to gender-based violence cases
(GBVCs) and gender sensitivity. He appreciated the efforts made in conducting courses and trainings.
LHC Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and other judges, Registrar Syed Khurshid Anwar Rizvi, Director General District
Judiciary Muhammad Akmal Khan, Director General Punjab Judicial Academy Mah Rukh Aziz and other judicial officers were also
present.
Addressing the audience, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah said that
violence faced by women took physical, verbal, psychological
and economic forms. He encouraged women judges to fight against
elements which perpetuated violence against women.
He acknowledged the need for better access to justice for
women through impartiality in adjudication, and reaffirmed his
commitment to equality and non-discrimination for all judges,
irrespective of gender.
The LHC CJ also appreciated Justice Ayesha A Malik for
organizing the second successful conference and thanked the
donors including EU, UNODC, ADB, WB and Asia Foundation.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah shared with the participants the
figures of the cases decided by the ADR centres and model
courts.
Justice Ayesha Malik of the Lahore High Court discussed
recommendations, put forward by speakers, and inspired women
judges to encourage a women-friendly non-discriminatory environment
within their courtrooms.
Chairperson of Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW)
Ms Fauzia Viciar, Justice Susana Medina, President of IAWJ, Justice Eusebia Munuo, Justice of the Court of Appeal in Tanzania,
Justice Saida Chebili, President of the Court of Sousse in Tunisia,
Justice Ann Walsh Bradley of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin,
Ms Mehreen Siddiqi from PCSW, ADSJ Shazib Saeed, Ms Anne Goldstein,
Justice Eusebia Munuo of Ghana and Dr Robyn Layton, former Supreme
Court Judge in South Australia, also spoke at difference sessions
of the conference.
LPG-air mix plants installation project enters implementation phase
ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (APP): The two state companies, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) are working to set up 59 LPG-air mix plants at designated sites in their respected operational areas.
“The project is aimed at providing gas facility to the population in the areas where facility of natural gas is not available and to discourage deforestation. At the plants, LPG will be mixed with air to produce synthetic gas for onward supply to the consumers through distribution networks like natural gas,” official sources told APP.
The SNGPL will install Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)-air mix plants in Beor, Ban, Kurbagla-Dewal, Company Bagh, Tret, Phagwari, Rawat, Ghora Gali, Ariari, Karor, Kotli Sattian, Santhan Wali, Kahuti, Lehtrar and Pangar in Punjab and Darosh, Balakot and Ayun localities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the facility would be provided in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Palandri, Bagh, Dhirkot and Bhimber, whereas a plant would be installed in Gilgit, the sources said.
The SSGCL, they said, would set up LPG plants at Umerkot and Mithi areas of Thar in Sindh, and Zhob, Qilla Saifullah, Loralai, Kharan, Musakhail, Qilla Abdullah, Keecha at Turbat, Khuzadar, Uthal, Winder, Muslim Bagh, Killi Khanzai, Chaman, Sherani, Sanjawi, Chaghi, Panjgor, Hamal, Washuk, Wadh in Khuzdar, Barkhan, Mitri (Bolan Katchi), Injeera (Khuzdar), Gandva (Jhal Magsi, Kohlu, Awaran and Bela in Balochistan.
Answering a question, the sources said the LPG air mix project on SNGPL system was at different stages of implementation like planning, survey, import of plants and acquisition of land, while the SSGCL had started the process of site selection and land acquisition under the project. The company had worked out Rs 14 billion cost for the mentioned plants and the tenders would be floated once the feasibility study was completed.
“The SSGCL is exploring the possibility to arrange financing for the same from is own resources which is primarily the savings from other projects,” the sources added.
They said the SSGCL would set up 10 LPG-air mix plants during the current fiscal year.
Four soldiers, including an officer embrace shahadat
RAWALPINDI, Oct 15 (APP):Four of Pakistan Army, including an officer embraced ‘shahadat’ while three others suffered
injuries on Sunday due to improvised explosive device (IED) blast, planted by terrorists
near Kharlachi, Kurram Agency.
According to a statement issued here by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the soldiers
were part of the search party to rescue foreigners the other day,
Those, who embraced Shahadat, include Captain Husnain, Sepoys Saeed Baz, Qadir And
Jumma Gul while the injured are Naik Anwar, Sepoy Zahir and Lance Naik Sher Afzal.
Astro-turf to be laid at Shahnaz Sheikh Hockey Stadium in ten days
ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (APP):An astro-turf would be laid in ten days time at the Shahnaz Sheikh Hockey Stadium in Rawalpindi.
Talking to APP, former Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh said officials from Holland and Australia have come here and have started the process to lay the astro-turf in the stadium.
It may be mentioned here that the whole stadium project is worth Rs 149 million and has a sitting capacity of 50,000. “The astro-turf will be laid in at least ten days,” he said.
“A match between ex Olympians will be played in the stadium once the astro-turf is laid,” he said and added this stadium is a gift to the people of Rawalpindi.
He said an academy for male and female players is also in the plan to be established at the stadium. Shahnaz thanked Punjab government, Punjab Sports Board and PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi for their utmost efforts to encourage and promote the game of hockey in Rawalpindi.
Ahsan Iqbal calls for national unity as Pakistan works to consolidate gains in economy, security
NEW YORK, Oct 15 (APP):Pakistan has accomplished significant economic gains and security successes over the past four years, Interior
Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said, while asserting that civilian and military leaders were working hand-in-hand for the
country’s advancement in all spheres.
Addressing office-bearers and workers of Pakistan Muslim League-N, he underscored the need for national
unity as Pakistan still faced some challenges, and told the gathering, which also included some New York-based
Pakistani journalists, that there was no rift between the national institutions.
Ahsan Iqbal, who also holds the portfolio for Planning, Development and Reform, deplored the activities of
those trying to create a discord between the civilian and military leaderships, saying they would not succeed in
their designs.
“There was no threat to democracy,” said the minister, who made a brief stopover in New York on Saturday
on his way back home from Washington.
Referring to recent statements on economy, the minister said the matter had been sorted out and he had no
intention to offend anyone. He spoke out as a statement on the state of economy had been reported that was
at variance with what he was telling World Bank and I.M.F. officials during his Washington meetings, he added.
Ahsan Iqbal said he had great respect for security agencies who were making enormous sacrifices while
defending the homeland.
The minister told the audience that relations between Pakistan and the United States were warming up,
especially after Pakistani troops rescued an American woman, Caitlan Cole, and her Canadian husband,
Joshua Boyle, from the captivity of the militants. He described President Donald Trump’s statement on Friday in
which he expressed his desire to build a much better relationship with Pakistan as a “breath of fresh air”.
The United States and Pakistan, he said, will have a detailed discussion on all relevant issues when US
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visits Islamabad later this month.
Replying to a reporter’s question, the minister said US Defence Secretary James Mattis’ concerns about
over $50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were unfounded.
He said Mattis’ view that CPEC passes through “disputed territory” came as a surprise because there was
no US reaction when the Karakoram Highway was built in 1980. In this regard, he urged the United States to
use its influence and resolve the decades-old India-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir where the people were suffering worst possible
atrocities at the hands of Indian occupation forces.
He also urged Mattis not to look at the CPEC from an Indian perspective but as an economic plan to bring peace
and stability in South Asia. The CPEC does not pose any threat to any one and all countries could derive benefits from
the mega project.
In his remarks, the minister said Pakistan’s economy is on the upswing as it pursues the most investor-friendly
policies in the region. Through PML-N Government’ efforts, Pakistan is now rated as the 5th fastest growing economy
in the world.
The minister said that remarkable progress had been made by Pakistan in the macroeconomic sector through prudent
fiscal policies which have resulted in high economic growth rate. Major economic projects were under way, such as CPEC,
that would generate business opportunities for foreign investors in upcoming years, he added.
He said the 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, he added.
Earlier Ruhail Dar, President of PML-N USA President, welcomed the minister and laud the achievements of the
government.
Khawaja Asif holds open-court
SIALKOT, Oct 15 (APP)::Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif Sunday held an open-court at the
PML-N’s House here.
He listened the public complaints and issued orders.
Provincial Minister for Local Bodies Manshaullah Butt, MPAs Ch Muhammad Ikram, Ch Arshad Javed Warriach, Mayor
of Sialkot Municipal Corporation Ch Tauheed Akhtar and PML-N local leaders were also present.
PM expresses grief over martyrdom of FC personnel
ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Sunday expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of FC personnel in
improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Kurram Agency.
Sympathizing deeply with the bereaved families, the Prime Minister prayed for eternal peace of the martyred souls,
who sacrificed their lives while defending the motherland against evil forces, and grant of courage to the families to bear
this irreparable loss with fortitude, PM office media wing said in a press release.
The prime minister also prayed for swift recovery of the injured FC personnel.
BISP chairperson spot checks ongoing survey
THATTA, Oct 15 (APP):Minister of State and Chairperson BISP Marvi Memon Sunday visited Thatta and Sujawal where she spot checked the ongoing survey for National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) update at Makli and Kalakot.
In Thatta and Sujawal, the BISP door-to-door survey was about to close. It started early this year and covered all the five tehsils, 34 union councils of Thatta and four tehsils, 29 union councils of Sujawal.
Survey in Thatta was conducted by BISP partner firm AASA CONSULTING, that has surveyed 345,436 households against the estimated caseload of 2,704,196, said a press release.
While interacting with enumerators and public for their feedback, Chairperson said the data collected through this survey was vital for the development planning, so no compromise would be made on quality of data.
She said by completing this high-tech survey on an apolitical basis, the incumbent government would not only render valuable service for the poorest of the country but would provide a model to the world to follow.
She urged them to provide the correct information about their households.
Chairperson BISP visited homes in UC Kalakot, UC Gujjo, Village MuradMemon and Village Kenjhar Lake where she inspected the survey receipts and counter checked the information of the household with BISP database.
Speaking on the occasion, she said that BISP survey for NSER update was top-notch and exemplary as the data was being collected through technology enabled tablets .
The performance and coverage quality was ensured through a Visual Monitoring Coverage Assurance (VMCA) system developed by BISP MIS (Management Information System) system that monitors universal coverage and performance of the survey teams.
She also held meeting with 300 women leaders from Thatta, each representing a BISP Beneficiary Committee (BBC).
Speaking to them, she said the BISP has embarked upon a silent women empowerment revolution through the goldmine platform of BISP Beneficiary Committees (BBCs). 60000 BBCs that bring 1.25 million women from all across Pakistan was empowering women through education and awareness.
This social mobilization on vital issues of importance like education of children, basic counting, nutrition, mother child health, gender violence and E- commerce would define the future of Pakistan by making women financially and socially empowered.
Ms. Memon said the partnership of BISP with WFP would go a long way in war against stunting and malnutrition in Pakistan.
She listened to the concerns of women leaders and directed BISP officials to resolve their problems on priority basis.
Later, the Chairperson along with Minister of State Ayaz Ali Shah Shirazi attended a function. Minister Ayaz said that federal government was making sincere efforts to eradicate poverty from Pakistan.
Samad’s hat-trick rallies Khyber Eagle to record 6-1 victory in FATA Football Super League-2017
PESHAWAR, Oct 14 (APP):Center striker Samad recorded first hat-trick and guided his team Khyber Eagle to secure a tennis goal margin 6-1 victory against Young Jamrud United in the ongoing FATA Football Super League-2017 being played here at Qayyum Sports Complex on Saturday.
Former National team skipper Basit Kamal was the chief guest on this occasion and before the start of the match the players of both Khyber Eagle and Young Jamrud United were introduced to him. Organizing Secretary Shahid Khan Shinwari, former National team skipper and coach PAF Arshad Khan, Secretary FATA Volleyball Association Khurshid Iqbal and large number of spectators witnessed the thrilling matches.
Khyber Eagle have the services of two foreign players Ahmad Nazrin Bin Ahmad Nazim of Malaysia and Mochamad Koza Hanipi of Indonesia along with international player Masoon (Pakistan) played well and despite conceding a goal in the 4th minute when Young Jamrud United’s Munib, the right winger, slammed in a beautiful goal on the field attempt.
Taking early lead, Young Jamrud United kept in more pressure to double the lead but they were failed as in the 7th minute right winger Mochamad Koza Hanipi of Indonesia netted a beautiful goal from the long distance and received thundering applauses from the sitting spectators. Mochamad Koza Hanipi of Indonesia also played well along with his team match Ahmad Bin Nazrin Bi Ahmad Nazim of Malaysia. Both played in the front line putting the rival defenders at bay all the time.
The two foreign players moved very quickly along with Mansoor and man of the match Samad by shattering the rival defence time and again by making some beautiful moves. This was inner striker Mansoor who scored two quick goals to make the tally 3-1.
Mansoor scored two quick goals in the 17th and 28th minute through field attempt. Surprisingly both the passes he received from right winger Mochamad Koza Hanipi of Indonesia in front of the goal-mouth. At half-time Khyber Eagle was leading by 3-1.
It was the second session in which Khyber Eagle fully dominated the proceedings and Malaysia, Indonesian players along with Mansoor and Samad played well by making some good attacking moves as a result in the 53rd minute Samad slammed in a beautiful goal to make the tally 4-1.
Young Jamrud United tried their hard to reduce the margin but the pack defence of Khyber Eagle did not let them maneuver with free hands. It was in the 66th and 78th minute when Samad Khan scored two more goals to make his hat-trick, first of the League-2017 Thus Khyber Eagle won the match by 6-1. In the second match Shinwari FC defeated Young Jamrud by solitary goal scored by international footballer Siraj in the second session before the two teams played a goal-less draw.
The matches were supervised by Amin Khan, Syed Imtiaz Ali Shah and Allowuddin while Qazi Asif acted as match commissioner. Talking to APP Mochamad Koza Hanipi of Indonesia and Ahmad Nazrin Bin Ahmad Nazim of Malaysia said that they enjoyed while playing in the first match.
They also appreciated the ground condition and support and cheering of the sitting spectators. The crowds in Peshawar are very supportive, Ahmad Nazrin of Malaysia, said. In a question, both Ahmad Nazrin and Mochamad Koza Hanipi said that they are here for playing football besides extending love and peace to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan. They said that more players from Indonesia and Malaysia want to come to Pakistan and play football. “We feel like a home we are playing and if invited we would certainly be part of various football activities in Pakistan,” Koza and Ahmad added.
Nusrat Ara was artist of exceptional talent and would be remain alive in hearts of her fans: Marriyum
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP):Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that late Nusrat Ara was an artist of exceptional talent having a unique style of acting which won her the public acclaim.
The minister, in a statement issued here Saturday, expressed deep sense of grief over her demise and said that Nusrat Ara would remain alive in the hearts of people and her fans for a long time for her ingenuity in performing arts, particularly the role that she played in the famous TV drama serial Aenek Wala Jin, which was equally popular among the children and the grown-ups.
The MOS expressed her heart-felt condolences with the bereaved family and also prayed for forgiveness of the departed soul by the Almighty.
Passing out parade of 136th PMA Long, other courses held
KAKUL, Oct 14 (APP):Passing out parade of 136th PMA Long Course, Graduate Course 36th, Technical Graduate Course 29th and Integrated Course 55 was held at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) here on Saturday.
The cadets from Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Turkmenistan and Libya were also among the passed out courses, said a press release of Inter-Services Public Relations.
Chief of General Staff (CGS) UK Army General Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter, who was the chief guest on the occasion, reviewed the parade and gave awards to distinguished cadets and addressed the parade.
The coveted Sword of Honour was awarded to Company Senior under Officer Abdul Hanan Mustafa of 136th Long Course.
The President’s Gold Medal went to Company Senior under Officer Muhammad Iqbal of 136th Long Course, the Overseas Gold Medal to Gentleman Cadet Hudayberenov Eresh from Turkmenistan of 136th Long Course, the Chief of Army Staff Cane to Gentleman Cadet Muhammad Arslan Yousaf of Graduate Course 36th and Company Junior under Officer Saad Hamid of Technical Graduate Course 29th and the Commandant’s Cane for the best cadet to Gentleman Cadet Taimoor Azam Khan of Integrated Course 55.
PMA Commandant Major General Abdullah Dogar, was also present on the saluting dais. A large number of senior serving and retired armed forces personnel and parents and relatives of passing out cadets witnessed the parade
Govt successfully controlled terrorism, load shedding: Abid Sher
FAISALABAD, Oct 14 (APP):The government has successfully controlled inherited and most critical issues of terrorism and load shedding to some extent and from next year, Pakistan will become self-sufficient in energy sector.
This was disclosed by State Minister for Power Chaudhry Abid Sher
Ali while addressing a meeting of Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) North Zone here on Saturday.
He said that terrorism and load shedding were the legacies of
Musharraf and Zardari era when the country was experiencing daily
load shedding upto 18 hours while subversive activities were also
rampant.
Acknowledging the contribution of security forces, he said the
incumbent government launched Radd-ul-Fasaad and Zarb-e-Azb operations
to nail down the terrorists. “Our forces have rendered unprecedented sacrifices and now peace has been restored in almost every part of
the country”, he added.
Regarding load shedding of electricity, he said that during last
65 years, all the previous governments could generate only 13000 megawatt of electricity but during the last five years, we are able to add
10000 megawatt of electricity. He said that after completion of ongoing projects, the power generation would jump to 20,000 megawatt while
plan on the card to add upto 25,000 megawatt of electricity, thus
making Pakistan a surplus electricity generating country.
Giving details of various power projects, he said that work on
Diamar, Dasu and Basha Dams had already started while Neelum Jehlum Hydro-electric Project would become functional very soon. Similarly, Tarbela-4 project is also nearing completion and it will generate
1400 megawatt of electricity, he added.
“We have also improved the transmission system across the country
for the efficient distribution of surplus electricity from the power
houses to the main load centers of the country”, he said and added
that the business-friendly government of PML-N has already exempted industry from load shedding of electricity while domestic and commercial load shedding had also reduced to minimum.
Responding to a question about electricity tariff, he said the government was making best efforts to pass on maximum relief to the electricity consumers.
Commenting on the problems of business community, he said the government was fully determined to resolve their genuine problems.
He said that they had arranged a meeting of the business community
with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi when he was holding the
portfolio of petroleum minister. “We could also arrange their meeting
with Prime Minister so that they could explain their problems direct
to the prime minister”, he said.
He said that FESCO had already been directed to resolve the
problems of industrialists and business community on top priority
basis.
Responding to yet another question, he said that PML-N fully
believed in supremacy of rule of law and in this respect party
leadership were regularly appearing before different courts.
Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for
Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Privatization
also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman PHMA North Zone Mian
Naeem Ahmad underlined the importance of value-added textile sector
in entire textile chain and said that it was the only sector which
was export-oriented and labour intensive and the government must
give it due importance.
He demanded a separate policy for the value-added sector to
give a quantum jump to the textile exports which should be finalized
in consultation with all stakeholders.
CM Punjab says NAB needs reforms, not expansion in jurisdiction
LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP):Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shehbaz
Sharif on Saturday said that instead of expanding jurisdiction
of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), reforms should be
introduced to improve its performance in order to eliminate
corruption from the country.
According to a handout issued here by DGPR, the chief
minister said the country had suffered irreparable loss due
to the evil of corruption, and strict and credible system
of accountability was needed to uproot the menace of corruption
for the stability of Pakistan.
CM Shehbaz Sharif said the current condition and the past
history of the NAB was witness to the fact that this institution
had failed to carry out accountability of the corrupt elements
and those who mercilessly looted the national exchequer. He said
such examples exist that no action was taken against such elements
despite clear instruction of courts.
He said instead of enhancing jurisdiction of the NAB to
the superior judiciary and the army, the NAB should operate
with honesty and above likes and dislikes. He said institutions
like judiciary and army had their own systems and methods of
accountability that could be improved to meet the needs of
the time.
He said, he could not refrain from expressing his displeasure
over the hypocrisy of some of political parties over the proposal
of enhancing the jurisdiction the NAB.
Dar performing duties activly: Musadiq
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP)::Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Media Affairs Dr Musadiq Malik on Saturday said Senator Ishaq Dar was performing his duties and responsibilities as minister for finance actively.
Talking to a private news channel, he said the finance minister had given an attractive package for exporters and businessmen, which was now yielding positive results as the exports were continuously increasing for the last three months.
He said the present government had reduced budget deficit and inflation and managed to increase tax collection by 20 per cent due to the concrete steps taken in that regard. Massive investment was being made in the industrial sector, which was ignored in the past, as evident from the import of heavy machinery, he added.
He said that Pakistan had currently around $14 billion foreign exchange reserves.Capital raising from abroad was a routine exercise which was done by many countries to attract investment, he added.
Dr Musadiq questioned as to which international institution was declaring Pakistan as bankrupt. The opposition was criticizing the government’s economic policies for the sake of opposition only, he added.
Replying to a question, he said there was no need for the prime minister to address the nation on the state of economy. Political instability was the main reason for stopping the process of economic growth, which was caused by the disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) government, he said, had brought betterment in all sectors, including power, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, health and transport. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project proved the fact, he added.
Indian army resorts to unprovoked firing in Satwal, Nikial sectors
RAWALPINDI, Oct 14 (APP):Indian Army Saturday resorted to unprovoked intense fire in Satwal and Nikial sectors, besides targeting civilian population in different villages.
The Indian army targeted civilian population in Tetrinote, Manwa, Satwal and Balakot villages injuring a six year old girl, Aiqa Ramzan, and 45-year old Sikandar Hussain resident of village Lanjot, said an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release.
The Indian army also targeted Rawlakot Poonch Crossing Point (PRCP) and the visitors’ stand there.
Pakistan Army aggressively and effectively responded to the hostile fire, silenced their guns and caused considerable damage to the posts carrying out fire.
“Targeting civilians will not deter Kashmiri people for their just struggle against Indian oppression,” the ISPR said.