ISLAMABAD, Oct 20 (APP):Acting Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Nisar Ahmed Khan has said on Friday that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) brings trillion rupees investment in country and it will be very helpful for the prosperity of Pakistan and AJK Kashmir.
Talking to Radio Pakistan he said, the economic development in the AJK was the aim of the present government while the moral and diplomatic struggle for the Kashmiri people living in the Indian Occupied Kashmir would continue till the liberation and rights of the Kashmiris. China could help in the vocational training of the people of this country, he suggested.
Raja Nisar said welfare of people, development, quality education, and raising voice for the Kashmir liberation struggle are the priorities of the government.
On Kashmir issue, he said governments of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir are making their best efforts to highlight the Kashmir issue at international level.
Raja Nisar urged youth to highlight Kashmir issue through social media.
CPEC to helpful for prosperity of Pakistan, AJK: Raja Nisar
Thousands of desperate Muslims flee violence and persecution in Myanmar
Jeddah, Oct 20 (OIC-UNA/APP):Thousands more Rohingya Muslims are fleeing large-scale violence and persecution in Myanmar and crossing into Bangladesh, a drone video shot by the UN refugee agency shows.
More than half a million Rohingya are already living in squalid and overcrowded camps, where they lack access to food and healthcare, officials said.
The UNHCR video shows thousands upon thousands of Rohingya Muslims trudging along a narrow strip of land alongside what appears to be a rain-swollen creek in the Palong Khali area in southern Bangladesh.
An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 Rohingya have fled since Sunday night, UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic said, raising the overall total to 582,000 refugees who have left Burma since 25 August.
He said the latest influx came through the Anjuman Para border crossing point, and many of the new refugees explained they had fled when their villages were set on fire. Anjuman Para is in the Palong Khali area where the drone video was shot.
“As of this morning, they are still squatting in the paddy fields of Anjuman Para village in Bangladesh,” Mahecic told a news briefing.
“They are waiting for permission to move away from the border, where the sound of gunfire continues to be heard every night from the Myanmar side,” he added, using an alternative word for Myanmar.
Violence in Buddhist-majority Burma’s Rakhine state erupted after a Rohingya insurgent group known as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army attacked at least 30 security outposts on August 25 and the military responded with brutal attacks against the Rohingya Muslim population, The Independent reported.
The exodus of Rohingya has continued, with a few small breaks, over the last eight weeks. The new arrivals, almost all terrified and starving, have described scenes of incredible violence with army troops and Buddhist mobs attacking Rohingya homes.
The UN has described the violence as “textbook ethnic cleansing.” Many Buddhists in Burma call the Rohingya “Bengalis” and say they migrated illegally from Bangladesh, even though they have lived in the country for generations.
Most Rohingya have been denied citizenship since 1982 and are excluded from the country’s 135 official ethnic groups, which effectively renders them stateless.
US Secretary to discuss economy, joint efforts against terrorism during Pakistan visit
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 (APP):US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will pay his maiden visit to Pakistan this month during which he would discuss joint efforts against terrorism and expanding economic ties between the two countries, a State Department spokesperson announced on Thursday.
The visit to Pakistan is part of Secretary Tillerson’s first visit to Asia, which will also take him to India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Geneva, Spokesman Heather Nauert told a briefing at the State Department.
“The Secretary will meet with senior Pakistani leaders to discuss our continued bilateral cooperation, Pakistan’s critical role in the success of our South Asia strategy, and the expanding economic ties between our two countries,” the spokesperson said.
She said that the Secretary was due to meet with the prime minister, foreign minister, and senior military officials to discuss joint efforts between Pakistan and the United States to fight terrorist groups that threaten regional peace and stability and how “Pakistan can support our effort to reach a peaceful solution in Afghanistan”.
Secretary Tillerson’s visit to Islamabad follows the visit by Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif to Washington this month during which he met high US officials to discuss the US-Pakistan relations and the new South Asia strategy announced by President Trump in August.
In his meetings with the US officials, the Foreign Minister briefed them about Pakistan’s perspective on the US strategy and stressed the importance that Pakistan attaches to peace in Afghanistan. He also emphasized during his meetings the need the working together for regional peace and stability.
Responding to a question about the US-India ties and whether Washington would take side in issues between Pakistan and India like the cross border firing across the Line of Control, the Spokesperson said that the US had always been very cautious about addressing those issues, “not wanting to contribute to any additional tensions”.
After his visit to Islamabad, Secretary Tillerson will travel to New Delhi as part of his Asia visit. He will begin his visit from Oct.20 from Saudi Arabia where he will take part in the inaugural Coordination Council meeting between the Governments of Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
The Secretary will also meet with various Saudi leaders to discuss the conflict in Yemen, the ongoing Gulf dispute, Iran, and another – other important regional and bilateral issues.
Secretary Tillerson will then travel to Doha, where he will speak with Qatari leaders and U.S. military officials to discuss joint counterterrorism efforts and the ongoing Gulf dispute and other regional and bilateral issues, including both Iran and Iraq.
On the last leg of his visit, Secretary Tillerson will visit Geneva, where he will meet with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Organization for Migration and the International Committee of Red Cross to discuss Afghanistan and Pakistan and also a number of other global humanitarian crises including Burma and Syria.
2018 elections important for political parties: Zubair
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Governor Sindh Muhammad Zubair on Thursday said that 2018 general election was very important for all the
political parties.
The political parties should have to clear themselves from the legal process before going to public for
vote, he said while talking to a private news channel.
The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), had given policy and performed well for the public, he said.
He said that despite the matter of disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz
(PML-N), was fully united.
He said that educated people should come forward for politics.
To a question he said that he got the governorship through hardwork and performance.
National economy strengthening due to govt’s measures: Dar
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Minister for Finance, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday said national economy was strengthening due to concrete measures taken by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government.
Talking to a private news channel, he said the country’s economy was much better as compared to 2013. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would bring economic revolution in the country, he added.
The minister said the PML-N government initiated mega power projects in the country and overcame power loadshedding to a great extent.
He said, due to the hectic efforts of the government, China was investing in Pakistan and works on many motorways were underway. “We had achieved milestone in the economic sector.”
He said Pakistan had launched operations to completely eliminate terrorism with its available resources.
Ishaq Dar said that he was giving time to ministry affairs despite pleading a case against him.
Fulfillment of demands of justice, mutual respect among institutions was need of the hour.
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Minister for Sports and Inter-provincial Harmony Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada Thursday said that fulfillment of demands of justice and mutual respect among institutions for their respective powers was need of the hour.
Speaking at Meet the Press organized by the National Press Club, the minister said all the problems could be solved easily if the justice system in the country was rectified. The people needed speedy and inexpensive justices at their doorsteps, he added.
He called upon all the stakeholders particularly media and lawyer community to play their role in promoting inter-faith harmony in the country. The minister said no institution should try to encroach upon the judiciary.
To another question, he said avoiding confrontation with institutions was in the best interests of the country.
Riaz Pirzada said negotiation was in progress with Higher Education Commission (HEC) to set up a sports university at the sports complex. The HEC has been given a task in this regard and the Prime Minister would be briefed next week.
Earlier elected members of the National Press Club welcomed him on arrival. The minister also announced indoor sports equipment for the NPC.
Matter of QAU to be resolved soon: Dr Tariq
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD), Dr Tariq Fazal
Chaudhry on Thursday said that matter of Quaid e Azam University (QAU), would be resolved soon.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC), was monitoring the affairs of the QAU and the conflict would be
addressed in couple of days, he said while talking to a private news channel.
There had been a conflict between the student groups and administration, he said.
“We had made efforts in personal capacity to resolve the issues, ” he said.
To a question regarding negligence of doctors treating a person having AIDS and Hepatitis, in a
hospital, he said investigation would be held regarding the matter.
Constitution, Law not allow govt for 3 years: Ayaz Sadiq
LAHORE, Oct 19 (APP):National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Thursday met Punjab Assembly Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal at the latter’s assembly chamber.
Both the leaders exchanged views on assembly’s performance, parliamentary and political matters.
Ayaz Sadiq lauded the role of parliamentarians in resolving issues of the public.
Later talking to media, the National Assembly Speaker flayed the opponents and said, some elements wanted to gain power through undemocratic ways. However, he made it clear that such elements would not succeed in getting power through back door.
To a question, he insisted that the Constitution and Law did not allow forming government for three years, adding only those were airing such stunts who could not win the election and come to power.
The NA Speaker said their enemies wanted clash among the institutions which was not in favour of the country in any way.
He said, in Nawaz Sharif case, lawyers were appearing before the court.
Ayaz Sadiq told a questioner that Nawaz Sharif would return to Pakistan as soon as his spouse Kulsoom Nawaz’s condition was stable.
15 hurt in Mastung hand grenade blast
QUETTA, Oct 19 (APP):At least 15 people were injured in a blast at Sultan Shaheed Chowk near Habib Bank Limited (HBL) area of Mastung Bazaar on Thursday evening.
According to police sources, a hand grenade blast was occurred which was threw at Sultan Shaheed Chowk area, leaving 15 people injured on the spot.
The victims were shifted to nearby hospital for medical aid where some the victims were
referred to provincial civil hospital for further treatment.
The injured were identified as Sami Ullah, Abdul Aziz, Fraz Ahmed, Saidullah, Muhammad Din,
Nisar Ahmed, Hussain Bukhsh, Zubair Ahmed, Ali Hyider, Lal Muhammad, Imran,
Faiz Muhammad, Shuaib Ahmed, Abdul Qadir and Khalil Ahmed.
Law enforcement agencies reached the site and cordoned off the entire area.
Further investigation was underway.
Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri strongly condemned the incident
and directed consultant authorities to provide all facilities medical aid to the victims during treatment.
Health Minister Rehmat Saleh Baloch condemned the incident and imposed emergency at
official hospital for ensuring best treatment of the victims.
Marriyum felicitates Hindu community on festive occasion of Divali
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Minister of state for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb in a message issued here Thursday
felicitated Hindu community in Pakistan on the festive occasion of Devali. She said that Devali was a festival of lights which conveyed the message that all of us had to spread the light of peace through our thought process and conduct.
The minister said that all the minorities in Pakistan including Hindus enjoyed equal rights as enshrined in the constitution and were playing a sterling role in the development of the country. She said that all Pakistanis including the minorities had to work collectively to make Pakistan prosperous and invincible.
Pakistan must move from improvement to implementation on GSP Plus
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Member of European Parliament (MEP) Sajjad Karim has expressed his desire to see Pakistan move from improvement stage towards the implementation stage of GSP Plus.
Dr. Karim- who played a lead role in securing the coveted trade scheme of Pakistan- voiced his opinion during a specially convened meeting of the International Trade Committee’s Monitoring Group of South Asia. Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce and Textile, Muhammad Pervaiz Malik, and Attorney General, Ashtar Ausaf Ali gave evidence on their country’s current GSP Plus status.
According to a message received here, Dr Karim speaking in Brussels said “ the relationship between the EU and Pakistan we, of course, regard as an important one. Under the GSP plus scheme Pakistan has benefited beyond expectations, with their garments export to EU increasing significantly since being awarded the trade status”.
Dr. Karim said it was pleasure to welcome Commerce Minister Muhammad Pervaiz Malik and Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali to the European Parliament. He said I am grateful for the evidence they gave to the committee which will now become an official part of our policy making in regard to our trade relationship.
He said Pakistan must now ensure though that they move from the improvement stage to the implementation stage. They must continue to meet the target set by the EU that come as being a part of the GSP+ Scheme and retain the trade status that is helping to boost their economy.
He said there is need of trade diversification on many levels and business to business links between the EU and Pakistan must also be improved if trade and growth are to be increased.
The British MEP also noted the current political situation in the UK regarding Brexit, highlighting that the majority of Pakistan’s textiles exports go there, so this would have to be factored into any future policies.
Dr Karim was instrumental in Pakistan gaining its coveted GSP+ trade status and in 2005 was awarded the Sitara-i-Quaid i Azam – the highest national honour to non Pakistanis for services that have helped the country joining ranks with the British queen and Nelson Mandela.
Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua launches “Pakistan Alumni Society of Sri Lanka”
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):With the vision of “Re-Connecting the Alumni for Greater Collective Good”, the “Pakistan Alumni Society of Sri Lanka (PASS)” has launched ceremony in Colombo.
According to a messege received here, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Ms. Tehmina Janjua was the chief guest on the occasion and launched the alumni society in the presence of a large gathering including Sri Lankan ministers, dignitaries, representatives of armed forces, educational institutions, academia and people from different walks of life.
The Society aims to connect the universities of both countries under various scholarship programmes. Through this Alumni Society, the public and private sectors as well as civil society will be able to build networks and create professional opportunities that will contribute to the advanced knowledge development of two countries.
Addressing the gathering, the Foreign Secretary underscored that Pakistan had excelled in many fields of higher education, particularly medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and engineering, management & social sciences and provided a wonderful and cost effective option for talented Sri Lankan students.
Over the last many decades, thousands of Sri Lankan students and professionals had benefitted from education and training in Pakistan, she added.
Ms. Tehmina Janjua referred the visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan to Sri Lanka in 2016, during which Pakistan offered to develop a “Knowledge Corridor” for Sri Lankan students and civil and military personnel, through scholarships and trainings in our universities and training institutions. This initiative, termed as Prime Minister’s Pak-Lanka Knowledge Corridor, will open up immense opportunities for Sri Lankan nationals to study at higher education institutions of Pakistan on scholarships and highly concessional terms, she emphasized.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner-designate to Sri Lanka, Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat said that the Alumni Society would engage the members and provided them means to learn, integrate, and share their experience and memories during their education and training for the benefits of a larger community.
He applauded the office bearers of the newly formed society and wished them all success in their endeavors to make it a great success and future oriented body.
Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan, Dr. Sarfraz Sipra briefed the audience about the prospects, vision and mission statement of the alumni society. He also announced the interim board which would work until the holding of first general meeting of the society in six months’ time.
All Sri Lankan citizens those who received any professional qualification or attended short or long term training programmes in Pakistan are eligible to join the Society.
Nawaz Sharif to return from London before Oct 26
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said that he would return to Pakistan from
London before October 26, to face the cases.
Talking to media persons in London, he said the Supreme Court had disqualified him on having `Iqama’ as
he was neither involved in corruption nor in kick back charges.
Expressing reservations over the decision of the court, he said, “The Panama case ended on Iqama.”
He said that a number of Pakistani people were holding Iqama. The Joint Investigation Team (JIT),
was formulated with selected people, he added.
There was no precedent to indict somebody in his absence, he said. However, he hoped that
justice would be made in the cases filed against him.
He asked the nation to pray for the early recovery of Kalsoom Nawaz.
Marriyum refutes the notion of Sharif family avoiding courts
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb talking to the media outside the accountability court on the eve of appearance of Captain Safdar here Thursday strongly refuted the notion that the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the members of his family were trying to avoid the courts.
She said that Nawaz Sharif and his family members had been appearing in the courts without any inhibitions. She pointed out that they had appeared before the SC, JIT, the accountability court and wherever required by the law and the constitution.
The minister said that Nawaz Sharif was appearing before the courts because the people elected him with their votes and he wanted to tell them that their leader had done no wrong, or corruption of a single penny.
Responding to a question about Hasan and Hussain she asserted that the laws that applied to millions of Pakistani also applied to them and there could not be different laws for different people.
CDWP approves 31 development projects worth Rs360 bln
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) Thursday sanctioned 31 development projects worth Rs360 billion including 12 mega projects valuing Rs342 billion that had been referred to
Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) for their final
approval.
The meeting of CDWP was chaired by Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Sartaj Aziz, while among others it was attended by officials from different ministries and provincial governments.
The projects approved include schemes in transport and communications, energy, water resources, information technology, physical planning and housing, environment and health.
In energy sector, CDWP had approved three projects worth Rs3.714 billion. In addition to that three energy projects worth Rs41.387 billion were referred to ECNEC for further approval.
The projects approved in energy sector were construction of 132 kV Grid Station at Splinji and Allied 132 kV SDT Darwaza – Splinji Transmission Line (65 km), 220 kV Jamrud Substation along
with Associated 220 kV Transmission Line and Establishment of New 132 kV Grid
Station Puran, Tehsil Martung.
CDWP considered two projects of water resources with the total proposed cost of Rs16 billion. Both of these projects were referred to ECNEC. The water resources project approved were
construction of 200 Dams / Check Dams in Killa Abdullah, Gulistan and Dobandai
Tehsils, District Killa Abdullah, and Construction of Garuk Storage Dam, District Kharan, Baluchistan. Both of these projects were sent to ECNEC for further evaluation.
CDWP also recommended two projects of Transport and Communications with the total proposed cost of Rs193 billion. Both of these projects were referred to ECNEC for further approval.
The projects approved in Transport and Communications sector were Design, Tendering Assistance and Construction of Malakand Tunnel Project valuing Rs177.9 billion, and Procurement / Construction
of 06 x Maritime Patrol Vessels (4 x 600 Tons and 2 x 1500 Tons MPVs) for Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) at a cost of Rs15.948 billion.
A total of nine Physical Planning and Housing projects were proposed in CDWP out of which 7 were approved and one was referred to ECNEC. The total proposed cost of these projects is Rs28
billion.
The approved projects in Physical planning and Housing were construction of SSP Office, Lines HQ & Beat for National Highways and Motorway Police at Gwadar Balochistan, construction of
Accommodation for 4 x wing at Gorgana, Painda Cheena, Dogra, Shilman Khyber
Agency, Construction of Model Prison at H-16, Islamabad, Land Acquisition and
Site Development of Pakistan Institute of Development Economics for
Construction of New Campus, Improvement and Up Lift of Gulshan-e-Jinnah F-5/2,
Islamabad, Construction of Federal Lodge No.II Shami Road Peshawar and
Construction of Accommodation, Training and Administrative Blocks and Barracks
at Gilgit, Hunza, Diamer and Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan for the Establishment of
Special Protection unit (SPU) for Gilgit Baltistan Police.
The CDWP also considered four science and technology projects out of which three were approved. The cost of these projects is Rs2.35 billion.
The projects approved were Development of Sindh Madrasatul Islam (SMIU) Campus at Education City, Malir, Karachi (Phase-I), Upgrade of Silicon Strip Tracker and Muon system for the
Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) Experiment, Research and Development and Up-gradation and Strengthening of R&D Labs of National Centre for Physics. In heath sector, one project with total cost of Rs33 billion was referred to ECNEC for further approval.
The project approved was Prime Minister’s National Health Program (Phase-II)
The CDWP considered five projects of Industries and Commerce out of which three were approved and one project was referred to ECNEC.
The projects approved are Fruits, Vegetables and Condiments Processing Centre Naushehro feroze, National Business Development Program for SMEs and Product Development Center (PDC) for
Composites based Sports Goods.
The CDWP also approved a governance sector project with the total cost of Rs732 million. The project approved was CPEC Support Project by Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform.
In environment sector, the CDWP approved one project with a cost of Rs193.6 million.
The approved project was Generation of Global Environment benefits from improved decision making systems.
Dar reviews performance of National Savings
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Thursday chaired a meeting to review the performance
and other matters related to National Savings.
At the outset of the meeting, the finance minister stated that it had come to his
notice that an anomaly in the tax regime had resulted in taxation of yield on
Behbood Certificates and Pensioners Benefits accounts, according to press
statement.
Apparently the impact on taxation of these schemes was an unintended consequence of certain legal changes introduced in the Finance Act, he said adding that he has already instructed Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to take appropriate measures to remove the anomaly.
On the occasion, DG, National Savings, Zafar Masud briefed the meeting on performance of the National Savings during the last one year. The briefing covered the progress made in areas like
financial inclusion through automation, introduction of new products and improving the customer service and outreach.
The meeting was informed that National Savings has emerged as a formidable vehicle for
financial inclusion with introduction of popular welfare oriented products and
registering a large number of customers of which more than 50% were women.
The efforts of National Savings are being actively supported by the World Bank and Karandaaz
(DFID and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) through up-gradation of IT system,
offering alternate delivery channels (cell phone, internet banking and ATM cards), Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP), Business Intelligence, Data Warehouse, capacity building and training etc.
He said the efforts of National Savings in promoting financial inclusion have been lauded
and recognized, not only nationally but also internationally.
The reputed CFI magazine UK has recently bestowed on National Savings the award for
“outstanding performance in promoting financial inclusion-2017”.
The award is in fact a recognition of the progress made by National Savings in the last one year on
the automation front with 2/3rd of the branches having been connected online and the offering of banking clearing services to the customers.
The meeting was informed that after the successful roll out of Rs. 40,000
Premium Prize Bond (Registered), the Rs. 100,000 denomination bond was on the
cards.
The launch of Shuhada Families Welfare Account and extension of Behbud Saving Certificates
for disabled persons was also coming up. Furthermore the Overseas Pakistanis
Savings Certificates and Shariah Compliant Products were also being considered.
DG National Savings further informed that for customer facilitation, SMS
Service, access through social media and revamping of the institution’s website
had been carried out. He said a complaint resolution cell had been
established at the DG’s Office which disposed of public complaints on daily
basis.
The minister appreciated the achievements made by the National Savings in
various areas particularly financial inclusion and customer outreach.
He also praised the performance of the institution for surpassing the annual savings target. He
assured his continued support to National Savings in achieving the objective of
greater financial inclusion.
Ahsan asks FIA to stop zero tolerance policy towards corruption
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Minister for Interior Prof Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday said Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) should adopt
zero tolerance policy towards corruption to eliminate this menace.
The minister visited the headquarters of Federal Investigation Agency here and presided over the meeting of FIA and reviewed its performance.
The minister said black sheep would be removed from FIA, adding FIA would be made an exemplary institution by reforming it on modern lines.
FIA should acquire capability to control crimes through use of new technology, he emphasized.
He said FIA academy should be reorganized and made an effective institution and officers from friendly countries should also be invited to attend the training programmes.
The minister instructed that officials should deal courteously with the passengers that come at the airport.
He said effective and practicable steps should be taken for stopping human smuggling as due to this criminal activity, the country’s reputation at international level was negatively impacted.
The minister ordered that those involved in illegal activities should be dealt with strictly.
Effective steps should be taken to stop the elements which were spreading extremism, chaos and instability through the social media, he added.
Anti-Pakistan elements were trying to create anarchy in the society by using social media as a tool, he added.
The minister said FIA would have to play an active role to stop cyber crimes.
FIA should also take action against professional beggars who were cause of bad name for the country, in other countries particularly Saudi Arabia.
He issued orders for better facilities for those officers who will show good performance,
Director General FIA Bashir Memon briefed the Interior Minister about the organization.
Elimination of corruption top priority of NAB: Chairman NAB
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Justice (R) Javed Iqbal Thursday said elimination of corruption was top priority of NAB and promotions in the bureau would be given only on merit, seniority, performance and according to law.
He said this while presiding over the meeting of Human Resource Department of NAB at NAB headquarters.
He said the provincial quota would be strictly observed and no injustice would be done to the provinces. He said policy of zero tolerance would be adopted against inefficient, corrupt officials and hard working, honest and able officers would be encouraged, while disciplinary action would be taken against officers who would violate the law.
He said no officer was above the law and where the law gave them authority, it also stopped them from misusing the law and taught them self accountability.
The Chairman NAB said he would not tolerate any pressure or influence on the policy of rotation, progress and posting, while he would ensure that merit and transparency was observed in NAB.
He said he would promote teamwork in NAB and urged the officers to work with passion and steadfastness, adding promotion of no officer would be stopped without reason.
Chairman NAB said he performed his duties according to law all his life and he expected that the officers would also perform their duties with honesty and in a legal manner.
He said observance of merit and justice would increase the performance of the institution.
It was their mission to end corruption from the country and every effort would be made to achieve this goal, he added.
He said the decisions of Supreme Court would be implemented in letter and spirit. He said NAB would take steps for promotion of Urdu in the country and he would only make speeches in Urdu.
The Chairman NAB said individuals make organizations and if individuals work for the betterment of individuals, then there was no reason that Pakistan does not become free of corruption.
NAB could become best institution at the international level if it worked according to law and regulations, he added.
Minister for CADD takes notice of trees cutting on embassy road
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD), Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Thursday took strict notice of cutting of trees at the Embassy Road, and directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to submit report on the same day.
CDA officials submitted report on the issue and briefed the Minister about the urgent need to expand the Embassy Road and the measures taken to mitigate the environmental impact, a news release said here.
The project director said that the increasing number of vehicles using Embassy Road in the past few years created severe problem to commuters as long queues of vehicles are seen on the road. In order to ease the pressure of traffic, expansion of Embassy Road was inevitable.
CDA briefed that the Master Plan of CDA contains clear provisions for the expansion of Embassy Road and reasonable wide space was left vacant all along the road for this purpose in the Master Plan. Trees were planted at the vacant place left for the expansion of road. The Project Director of CDA refuted the claims of some activists that the expansion of the road is being made on the land designated as Green Area.
He also said that the plan to expand the Embassy Road is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as it contains several measures to mitigate the effects on the environment.
He said that for every tree cut for the expansion of road, ten new plants will be planted. 2500 new trees will be planted in place of the 245 trees which are being cut in the process. He said that instead of planting small saplings, CDA environment wing will plant small plants of 8-10 feet height for which budgetary provisions are made in the PC-I.
Project Director of CDA said that the environmental impact of new trees will be better than the previous trees. The trees which fell were 35-40 years old and many were near completion of their natural life. Such trees fall down in winds and storms causing loss to property and life.
He said that almost 25% of trees cut were Paper Mulberry and Eucalyptus trees which are now prohibited species and the former is the source of respiratory allergies among Isloites. Every year five lakh new trees are planted by CDA in its tree-planting campaigns which are under-taken twice a year.
He said that the green profile of the Seventh Avenue and Islamabad Highway after their expansion is a testimony to the fact the projects under-taken by the CDA do not cause harm to environment but are environment-friendly.
Providing the details of new plantation, the Project Director said that 500 trees of Alestonia, 500 trees of Pilkhan, 500 trees of Chir Pine, 100 trees of Sapium, 500 trees of Ficus and 400 trees of Sukh Chain will be planted. He further said that grass will also be planted at five hundred square feet of land all along the road.
Pakistan, Tunisia to work together in further promoting ties
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Ambassador of Tunisia, Adel Elarbi on Thursday called on National Security Adviser, Lt. General (Retd) Nasser Khan Janjua and discussed ways to further enhance bilateral relations.
Matters regarding security and stability of South Asia and Africa also came under discussion during the meeting.
Talking to the ambassador, Nasser Janjua said that Tunisia was a brotherly Muslim country and Pakistan was keen to expand cooperation with it.
Strong relations with Tunisia would be instrumental for maintaining good relations with other African countries as well.
He assured the ambassador that Pakistan was ever ready to support Tunisia in every field and both the countries must belong to each other in manner better than ever before.
Both sides agreed to work together at all levels to further promote cordial bilateral relations.
Ambassador Adel Elarbi said Tunisia attached great importance to Pakistan and expressed a strong desire to boost bilateral relations by extending cooperation in multiple areas including defence, economics and social sectors.
He also conveyed that Tunisian government was keen to explore possibilities of enhancing cooperation between both the countries in field of security, particularly counter-terrorism.
“We want to learn from Pakistan the strategy to win against terrorism and integration of people in society,” he added.
Inviting business community of Pakistan, the Envoy said because of its location, Tunisia can be helpful in providing an easy access to European and African countries.
“We have a lot of scope to move forward and it is time to translate our different ideas of cooperation into tangible projects,” he added.