Air Chief awards Hilal-i-Imtiaz Military to DG BOMETEC

Thu, 16 Feb 2023, 6:58 PM

ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (APP): Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on behalf of the government of Pakistan conferred Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon Director General Bureau of Military Equipment Technical Cooperation (BOMETEC), People’s Republic of China, General Fan Jianjun, during his visit to Air Headquarters here on Thursday.

The award was conferred in recognition of his wholehearted efforts in enhancing bilateral military relations and the pivotal role played by General Fan in Pakistan Air Force (PAF)’s capability enhancement thus ensuring regional balance of power, a PAF news release said.

The visiting dignitary called on the Air Chief and discussed several key areas of mutual interest along with regional developments during the meeting.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) shared broad contours of his vision and PAF’s modernization drive to further augment current operational capability necessitated in contemporary warfare especially in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber and Space domains. He also briefed the visiting dignitary about various ongoing projects for PAF’s Operational Construct in line with the emerging trends.

The Air Chief also highlighted that both the countries enjoy historic and unprecedented strategic partnership and reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral ties in military to military cooperation and training domains between PAF and PLAAF.

CAS further said, “Pakistan values its strong diplomatic, economic, defence relationship and time-tested friendship with China which are based on convergence on all important issues relating to regional peace, security and stability”.

The Air Chief also lauded the cooperation offered by China as Pakistan’s strategic partner in the realization of an independent technology-driven PAF and its innovative plans.

General Fan Jianjun thanked the Air Chief and the Government of Pakistan on being awarded with Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and hoped that cooperation between the Air Forces of the two countries will continue to expand in future.

The visiting dignitary praised the professionalism of PAF personnel and the exceptional progress made by PAF over the years, especially through indigenization.

General Fan appreciated the CAS efforts in steering PAF towards modernization and said that the vision of establishing National Aerospace Science and Technology Park was emulating.

He also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting regional peace.

Both leaders vowed to further consolidate cooperation in various fields including emerging technologies and mutual cooperation in the military industry.

PCB to support inaugural Over 40s World Cup: Najam Sethi

NNPS Desk

Thu, 16 Feb 2023, 6:53 PM

KARACHI, Feb 16 (APP): Chairman of Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) Fawad Ijaz Khan called on the Chairman of the Management Committee of PCB Najam Aziz Sethi to inform him about the details of the Inaugural Over 40s World Cup.

The Inaugural Over 40s World Cup is scheduled to be held in Karachi from 23rd September to 8th October 2023 according to a communique here on Thursday.

Fourteen Countries will be participating in the Mega Event and a total of 56 matches will be played on eight different grounds.

A number of well-known former Test players from 14 countries are expected to feature in this World Cup.

Fawad Ijaz Khan explained the details of this World Cup as well as the other activities of PVCA both at the domestic and international levels in a meeting that lasted approximately one hour.

Pakistan Over 50s team will be traveling to Cape Town South Africa next month to participate in the Over 50s World Cup.

Najam Aziz Sethi appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association for efficiently conducting a broad array of Cricket activities including organizing the Inter School Cricket Tournaments.

He applauded the World Cup-winning Pakistan Over 60s team which lifted the trophy in Brisbane in September 2022.

Moreover, the Chairman Management Committee of PCB ensured complete support in the organization of the Inaugural Over 40s World Cup.

Govt taking decisions inevitable for saving Pakistan from default: Faisal Kundi

NNPS Desk

Thu, 16 Feb 2023, 6:34 PM

Govt taking decisions inevitable for saving Pakistan from default: Faisal Kundi — Minister of State for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi addressing a press conference in Islamabad on February 16, 2023.

Read in Urdu

ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (APP): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety with the status of Minister of State Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday said the coalition government had taken difficult decisions to save the country’s economy from default.

Addressing a presser, the SAPM said the coalition government was fully cognizant of the sufferings of the people at the hands of inflation and was committed to facilitating them.

He said the country was facing potent economic challenges due to the ineffective policies of the previous government, which made an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with endorsement from the parliament.

“The nation knows who is responsible for the current economic crisis in the country”, he said.

Imran Khan’s government played havoc with the country and its economy by taking harmful decisions.

“We are accountable to the masses and want to provide every possible relief to them as we have to contest the election but such decisions were inevitable for addressing the prevailing economic crisis”, he said.

Criticizing Imran Khan’s claims of a foreign conspiracy against him, Faisal Kundi said the PTI chairman brought defamation to the country at the international level by his “conspiracy theory” which shifted from the United States to “Rawalpindi”.

“He [Imran] is claiming that it was not the conspiracy of United States, but some other forces were behind that”, he remarked.

The SAPM highlighted that the present government was still facing challenges of reconstruction of houses for those affected by the floods especially in Sindh, Balochistan, southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab.

Commenting on the Jail Bharo Tehreek (fill the prison movement), Faisal Kundi said the person who was talking of the movement was himself sacred of appearing before the court.

“Why Imran Khan is scared of appearing before the court if he is not involved in any corruption,” he asked.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) did not believe in the politics of political victimization but “Imran Khan’s own actions will lead him to disqualification and send him to prison”, he said.

Despite facing political victimization by the PTI-led government during its tenure, PPP was always ready to sit at the table of dialogue with them for the larger interest of the country, Faisal Kundi added.

The SAPM said Imran Khan never told the masses in any of his speeches what he delivered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where he ruled for nine years.

Terming the agriculture sector as the backbone of the country, he said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced a special package to promote the sector despite the economic crisis.

He said the government had also increased the budgetary allocations for Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) from Rs 360 billion to Rs 400 billion. “The BISP is going to launch a dynamic survey to register poorer households in the programme this month.”

Responding to a question, Faisal Kundi said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would decide on the party’s participation in the bye-elections, and all members would follow his call.

To another question, the PM aide said 60 to 70 percent of cabinet members were not withdrawing salaries and benefits and had been working on honorary positions.

Peace, enabling environment – prerequisite for businesses to flourish: Shazia Marri

NNPS Desk

Thu, 16 Feb 2023, 6:28 PM

Peace, enabling environment - prerequisite for businesses to flourish: Shazia Marri — APP28-160223 ISLAMABAD: February 16 – Federal Minister Ms. Shazia Marri PA & SS and Chairperson BISP addressinga summit tiitled "Turnaround Pakistan-Reshaping the Future at local hotel. APP/ SMR /TZD /SSH

Read in Urdu

ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (APP): Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Marri on Thursday said ensuring peace and an enabling environment in the country was a prerequisite for the budding businesses to flourish.

Unfortunately due to turmoil in Pakistan in recent years, the business community, particularly, foreign investors, had faced many hardships, she said, adding continuity of democracy was imperative to solve the issues.

Shazia Marri, who is also Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), was speaking here at the CEO Summit titled “Turn around Pakistan: Reshaping The Future of Pakistan”.

The minister expressed optimism that Pakistan would soon come out of troubling times and would be on track to tranquility and prosperity.

There was a need to build a narrative against disinformation being propagated against the country and the government needed to play the lead role in building a progressive narrative, he added.

Marri said Pakistan was not short of talent, however, there was a need to provide platforms to all budding businesses in Pakistan. “Youth, which comprises a big chunk of the country’s population, is our most valuable asset which needs to be cultivated.”

She commended the role of the CEO Club in digitizing the country.

She said foreign investment was directly linked with the country’s security situation.

The minister said the Benazir Income Support Programme supported flood victims with a cash amount of Rs 25,000 per family and urged the business community to join hands with the BISP in supporting nine million deserving families.

Through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the business community might extend its support to the deserving people of Pakistan through the BISP, she added.

Besides ambassadors and businessmen, the summit was also attended by Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, who also spoke to the audience.

NUST launches Climate Action Plan to mitigate impacts of climate change

NNPS Desk

Thu, 16 Feb 2023, 6:21 PM

NUST launches Climate Action Plan to mitigate impacts of climate change

ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (APP): The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) on Thursday organised first-ever Partnership for Climate Action (PCA-2023) conference in from February 14 to 16.

The conference titled “Science for Sustainability,” was held in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), German Red Cross, Pakistan Red Crescent, International Federation of Red Cross, International Rescue Committee and Welt Hunger Hilfe.

The prime objective was to bring together and connect youth, academia and other stakeholders to build meaningful partnerships towards addressing climate change challenges.

The conference also provided an opportunity to NUST to showcase its climate resilient technologies for potential deployment and commercialisation, and closely engage with stakeholders from the Government and Development Sector to accelerate progress towards a sustainable future.

In his welcome remarks, NUST Pro-Rector Research, Innovation & Commercialisation Dr Rizwan Riaz said that the university took its social responsibility seriously and had aligned all its core functions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Most significantly, he maintained, the NUST was proactively engaged in developing innovative technologies and devices to address the challenges of climate change. He also highlighted the importance of Partnership for Climate Action – a platform to share best practices, collaborate on new initiatives, and leverage collective resources to drive progress. He added that the NUST Climate Action Plan was an important step towards making a real impact.

The three-day event spanned across climate action policy simulation, youth activity, expert panel discussions, conference and exhibition, followed by the launch of Climate Action Plan and MoU signing.

The Climate Action Plan formulated by NUST Research Directorate – entails strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions within and beyond university and mitigate the impact of climate change.

The two main panel talks on the second day provided information on national and international root causes of climate change, actions to overcome the challenges by promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transportation.

The panelists included Director Policy & Governance WWF, Dr Imran Khalid, Member NUST Climate Panel, Ali Shah and Oxford Policy Management Institute, Maheen Zahra.

The second panel discussion, moderated by NUST, Ameera Adil focused on the role of academia in climate resilience and sustainable development, the importance of green land, establishing energy efficient measures, ensure net zero campus waste, and implementation of renewable energy generation plan. The panelists were Prof Dr Salman Atif, Member Climate Panel, IGIS NUST, Waqar ul Shams, Innovation and Information Coordinator AnthroInsights, Prof Ilhan Niaz, KLF Award Winner, Chairman Dept of History QAU and Dr Zainab Khalid, COMSATS Centre for Climate and Sustainability (CCCS).

The event concluded with the launch of NUST Integrated Climate Resilient Policy and Action Plan. Director Research, NUST Dr Hamood-ur-Rahman, and AD Sustainability NUST, Ameera Adil shed light on the plan that recognises climate change as a core issue for upcoming development, and devises remedial strategy to create a sustainable future for ourselves, communities and posterity alike.

Major upsets in ITF Pakistan World Junior Tennis Championships

NNPS Desk

Thu, 16 Feb 2023, 6:17 PM

ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (APP): Major upsets were caused in the semi-finals of the ITF Pakistan PPL – Syed Dilawar Abbas World Junior Tennis Championships as top seed players were seen off by their opponents at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex Islamabad on Thursday.

The 4th seed Vlada Guryleva of Russia eliminated top seed Zeynep Erbakan of Turkey in a thrilling three-set Girls Singles first semi-final 1-6 6-2 7-5. In the second semi-final, unseeded Yejun Lee of Korea toppled 3rd seed Defne Erbakan of Turkey 6-1, 6-0 to make it to the final.

In the Boys Singles 1st semi-final, unseeded Yuan Lu of China qualified for the final as he edged passed 2nd seed Cem Atlamis of Turkey, who left the match due to a health issue. In the second semi-final, 6th Seed Kamonpanyakorn Thadpong of Thailand eliminated 3rd seed Bugra Ockoc of Turkey in straight sets 6-2.6-0.

Results:
Boys Singles Semi-finals: Yuan Lu (CHN) bt Cem Atlamis (TUR) 3-0 (Retd.): Kamonpanyakorn Thadpong (THA) bt Bugra Ozkoc (TUR) 6-2, 6-0.
Girls Singles Semi-finals: Yejun Lee (KOR) bt Defne Erbkan (TUR) 6-1, 6-0: Vlada Guryleva (RUS) bt Zeynep Erbakan (TUR) 1-6, 6-2, 7-5.
Boys Doubles Quarter-finals: Keagan Jonathan (MAS) / Jihwan Kim(KOR) bt Mahatir Muhammad Khan (PAK) / Nadir Mirza (PAK) 6-2, 6-3: Cem Atlamis (TUR) / Mikhail Khodorchenko (RUS) bt Teetawat Tavachphongsri (THA) / Kamonpanyakom Thadpong (THA) 4-6, 7-5, 10-4.
Girls Doubles Quarter-finals: Taira Abildayeva (KAZ) / Vlada Guryleva (RUS) w/o Polina Bershteyan (RUS) / Lilya Piskun (RUS): Anastassiya Kim (KAZ) / Jinshu Xia (CHN) bt Defne Erbakan (TUR) / Zeynep Erbakan (TUR) 2-6, 7-6(5) 10-7.

A worker is weighing sacks of Himalayan rock salt at a godam in provincial capital

Zia Ur Rehman

Thu, 16 Feb 2023, 6:16 PM

<em>A worker is weighing sacks of Himalayan rock salt at a godam in provincial capital</em> — APP41-160223 LAHORE:

IHC clubs petitions against FIRs of Sh. Rasheed, Javed Latif

NNPS Desk

Thu, 16 Feb 2023, 6:09 PM

Contempt case against Imran Khan adjourned till next week

ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday clubbed the petitions against registration of FIRs against AML’s leader Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, PML-N’s Javed Latif, secretary information and others for hearing together.

The court instructed the additional attorney general, additional attorney general, vice chairman Islamabad Bar Council and Prosecutor General Punjab to submit their comments in written form till next date.

The bench remarked that if someone committed crime or crossed the red line he should be awarded punishment and questioned that whether an FIR could be registered in other cities if an incident occurred in Islamabad.

Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri heard the aforesaid cases. During the course of proceeding, the additional attorney general prayed the court to grant time for submission of answer against the questions raised by the bench.

Advocate General Jahangir Jadoon said that the words used by Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed couldn’t be even repeated here. He said that an FIR should be registered at the place where the certain incident took place.

Amicus curiae and vice chairman IBC Aleem Abbasi argued that no province had authority to register an FIR on an incident happening in federal capital.

Punjab’s prosecutor general said that FIRs were registered against Javed Latif in Lahore and Peshawar, adding that first FIR could be registered anywhere in the country.

Prosecutor General Sindh argued that this court had no authority to terminate the FIRs of the other provinces as per the article 199 of the constitution.

The first FIR registered anywhere on a matter would be operational only, he said, adding that the practice of registration of FIRs in various cities on same charges could be struck down. However, if different sections were applied in FIRs on same incident then it could have different grounds and impacts, he argued.

He contended that the times and places were different in FIRs registered against Sheikh Rasheed in Islamabad and Murree. There was difference in FIRs of Lasbela and Mochko, he said, adding that FIR was registered against Sheikh Rasheed in Karachi due to his remarks in Poly Clinic Hospital. The complainant had listened Sheikh Rasheed’s statement in Karachi.

The court questioned that how an FIR could be registered in other city if a person talked in federal capital. Prosecutor General Sindh said that whatever the location of the incident, the first FIR would be operational.

The investigation officer of Lahore Police informed the bench that the FIRs against Mian Javed Latif, secretary information and MD PTV had been cancelled and report was yet to be presented to the relevant court. The IO of Peshawar police said that the FIR against Mian Javed Latif had been shifted to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). At this, the court served notice to DG FIA and instructed him to present a senior official on next hearing.

The court adjourned hearing on all petitions till March 20, after clubbing them.

Ms. Shazia Marri, Federal Minister PA&SS and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) talking to media in Federal Capital

Zia Ur Rehman

Thu, 16 Feb 2023, 5:53 PM

SC intends to conclude NAB amendment case at earliest: CJP

NNPS Desk

Thu, 16 Feb 2023, 5:42 PM

ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (APP): Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial on Thursday said that the court intended to conclude the NAB amendment case at the earliest.

A three-member SC bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah heard the case filed by former prime minister Imran Khan challenging amendments in the National Accountability (NAB) Ordinance by the government.

During the course of proceedings, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah asked whether it was not clear in the NAB law that where the cases would be transferred.

Advocate Makhdoom Ali Khan, counsel for the federal government, said that there was a committee under the chairmanship of Chairman NAB which was looking into the transfer of cases to the relevant forums. In Britain, it was stated that if a matter was not to be decided, it should be referred to a committee, he added.

He said that 41 people were acquitted under NAB Ordinance 2019.

The Chief Justice said that the court would limit itself to the NAB amendments 2022 in this case.

Advocate Makhdoom Ali Khan said that the facts were not stated correctly in Imran Khan’s application. In the petition, the petitioner had to explain the conflict of the NAB amendments with the provisions of the Constitution, he added.

He said that there were total 47 legal questions in Imran Khan’s application. Out of these 47 legal questions, only 4 referred to constitutional provisions with NAB amendments, he added.

He said that the first two questions in the application for NAB amendments were related to Zia and Musharraf era referendum.
He said that the 21 legal questions in the NAB amendment petition were not questions at all. These 21 questions in the application did not refer to any NAB amendments or fundamental rights, he added.

He said that in 16 questions of the application, the NAB amendments were referred to, but the violation of fundamental rights was not mentioned. Six questions mentioned fundamental rights but NAB amendments were not mentioned in the petition, he added.

Advocate Makhdoom Ali Khan said that Imran Khan had also mentioned the imported conspiracy in the petition. According to the newspapers of the last few days, now this imported conspiracy had also become an exported conspiracy, he added.

Addressing the counsel, the chief justice said that he had done a forensic audit of Imran Khan’s application. He said that the court wanted to conclude the case early.

Subsequently, hearing of the case was adjourned till February 21.

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Associated Press Of Pakistan

Air Chief awards Hilal-i-Imtiaz Military to DG BOMETEC

PCB to support inaugural Over 40s World Cup: Najam Sethi

Govt taking decisions inevitable for saving Pakistan from default: Faisal Kundi

Peace, enabling environment – prerequisite for businesses to flourish: Shazia Marri

NUST launches Climate Action Plan to mitigate impacts of climate change

Major upsets in ITF Pakistan World Junior Tennis Championships

A worker is weighing sacks of Himalayan rock salt at a godam in provincial capital

IHC clubs petitions against FIRs of Sh. Rasheed, Javed Latif

Ms. Shazia Marri, Federal Minister PA&SS and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) talking to media in Federal Capital

SC intends to conclude NAB amendment case at earliest: CJP

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