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NA body directs departments to address employees problems early

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 1 (APP): The Special Committee of the National Assembly on Dismissed Employees on Thursday ordered the federal departments to early address the issues of employees in light of its directions and submit reports.

The meeting of the committee was held in the Parliament House under the chairmanship of the Committee Chairman Prof Dr Qadir Khan Mandokhail.

The committee expressed dissatisfaction over the response of Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) regarding the resolving of grievances of 358 employees and instructed the director general and the chairperson to appear in the next meeting with full details, and brief that what to do with the affected employees.

The body also sought the complete files of seven dismissed employees of Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) and 300 contract employees in Workers Welfare Board, who were dismissed without any reason or notice.

During the meeting, the NA body ordered the Interior Ministry to reinstate all sacked employees immediately and instructed the director general of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) personally present his response to the show cause notice before the next meeting.

On the occasion, an official of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) informed the body that eight employees had not been reinstated so far and the pay fixation of the reinstated employees was still pending.

The employees of the Earthquake Reconstruction & Rehabilitation Authority (EERA) told the committee that 46 employees were not still reinstated and several other employees had been serving on a contract basis for the last 15 years. At this, the committee issued the show cause notice to EERA’s officials for delaying the matter.

The committee was informed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that there was a shortage of funds for which a letter was written to the Ministry of Finance. As soon as the funds were received, it would release pensions to the pensioners.

The ministry further said that now Radio Pakistan had only Rs 140 million of funds. The committee issued directives to pay the pension of all the pensioners by tomorrow [Friday] and submit a report.

Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation (APPC) Managing Director Akhtar Munir, on the occasion, said that in light of the committee’s orders, APP had reinstated all the dismissed employees and fixed their salaries. The arrears of the pay fixation had also been paid, he added.

The committee lauded the efforts of APP MD for resolving a number of issues of employees.

Meanwhile, the committee served a show cause notice to the Chief Executive of IESCO due to non-attendance and summon him with the records of 87 employees in the next meeting.

The meeting was attended by Alia Kamran, Asia Azim, Kishwar Zahra, Ramesh Kumar, Nawab Sher Wasir, Naveed Amir Jeeva and Ali Gohar Baloch.

Sanjrani for stronger, sustainable ties with Qatar

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File Photo

ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (APP): Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani on Thursday vowed to make extraneous efforts for building stronger and sustainable ties with Qatar.

He was talking to a delegation of Qatar led by member of the Qatar’s Royal Family Sheikh Falah Bin Jassim.

Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo was also present during the meeting held in Balochistan House, Islamabad.

The matters of mutual interest and ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries came under discussion.

Sanjrani said there were immense investment opportunities in Pakistan which could be exploited to create a successful business environment.

He said the development and prosperity of Balochistan were the first priority of the government and all necessary steps were being taken to further improve the law and order situation.

Sanjrani said Pakistani people value their relations with Qatar. He thanked Qatar for its valuable assistance in dealing with the flood situation in Balochistan.

The Chairman appreciated the services of the Qatar government and especially the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for solving the problems of the Muslim Ummah.

He congratulated Qatar on the successful holding of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.

Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Qudous Bizenjo briefed the delegation about the law and order situation in the province and government development plans.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Falah bin Jassim said, “Pakistan is our best friend and will continue to provide full assistance for the rehabilitation of the displaced people due to floods in Balochistan province.”

Later, Senate Chairman organized a dinner in the honour of the Qatari delegation.

The dinner was attended by the senators, including Naseebullah Bazai, Semi Ezdi, Robina Khalid, Hidayatullah, Faisal Saleem Rehman, Dr Shahzad Waseem, Muhammad Akram, Muhammad Abdul Qadir, Saifullah Abro, Hilal ur Rehman, Mushtaq Ahmed, Prince Ahmed Umer Ahmedzai, Haji Hidayatullah Khan.

Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman, Minister of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Talha Mehmood, Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, MNA Khalid Magsi and National Assembly Deputy Speaker Zahid Akram Durrani.

Marriyum felicitates UAE on its 51st national day

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Thursday extended heartfelt felicitation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s leadership and its people on their 51st national day on behalf of the Pakistani nation and its government.

The minister participated in the reception hosted by UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Alzaabi here at a local hotel to mark the UAE’s 51st National Day.

On the occasion, she also extended best wishes to the UAE envoy on behalf the government of Pakistan and the people.

She said bilateral relations between the two countries were based on common heritage and multilateral cooperation. Economic and trade ties were an important part of the bilateral relations, she added.

Highlighting the importance of bilateral relations between the two countries, she said the UAE was Pakistan’s largest trading partner and among the biggest foreign investors.

“People of Pakistan consider UAE as their second home,” she remarked.

Marriyum also prayed for a further boost in the bilateral relations between Pakistan and the UAE.

The UAE ambassador also underscored the importance of brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE.

A number of parliamentarians and diplomats participated in the reception.

Dr Joshua stresses for political will, planning in defeating terrorism and extremism

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 1 (APP):Dr Joshua Snider, distinguished faculty of UAE National Defence College, on Thursday stressed over resources, ‘political will’, and planning (strategy) as the capacity forums in defeating terrorism and extremism.

He delivered an exclusive talk on “Preventing and countering violent extremism in the Indo-Pacific: Policy, programming and the challenge of capacity building.”

Dr Arshi Saleem Hashmi, Professor at Peace and Conflict Studies, at National Defence University, was the discussant.

The discourse was part of the Islamabad Policy Research Institute Distinguished Lecture Series.

The distinguished scholar who has immense experience in counter-terrorism studies said “‘Counter Violent Extremism’ is almost a science, and a durable solution to extremism literally depends on articulating political tools and an appropriate strategy to address revulsion”.

He said the National security and development priorities of member states matter a lot in defeating insurgencies and terrorism.

This is why there is a chord between extremism and terrorism, he said, adding that though the focus was on Islamist movements and the wayward activities of non-state actors, the debate was humbly graduated to list out the irritants in the socio-economic milieu of the region and beyond.
Dr Snider’s scope of study was Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, as he shed light upon extremism and terrorism tendencies in the region.

He further said prevention is a political process and thus political engagement and people inclusivity will allow the state to have a successful CVE and CT strategy – and its ownership on all levels is of utmost importance.

For Pakistan, the counter terrorism (hard strategy) was easier to implement than Counter Violent Extremism, (softer strategies) and that’s why there needs to be more investment in long-term softer strategies for sustainable peace, Dr Arshi Saleem observed.

With a case study on Indonesia, Dr Joshua, explained how terrorism mixed with struggles of secular nationalism versus what people wanted — the globalization of the religio-political ideology only added to this violent extremism.

Member states discuss draft OIC convention on child rights

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 1 (APP): The second meeting of the open-ended OIC Intergovernmental Group of Experts considering the OIC Convention on the Rights of the Child in Islam was held at the OIC General Secretariat.

The meeting was meant to conclude consideration of the draft convention for onward submission to the next session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Nouakchott, Mauritania, for adoption, said a press release received here Thursday.

In his opening remarks OIC Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha, read on his behalf by the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs Ambassador Ali Tarig Bakheet, reviewed the stages through which the drafting of the convention has passed.

He mentioned that the second draft of the convention was prepared in coordination between the OIC General Secretariat and the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, with the aim of incorporating and revising Member States’ views so that discussions on it would be concluded at this meeting.

The secretary-general called for concerted efforts and cooperation by member states to protect the rights of the child and to translate into concrete reality those rights guaranteed for the child by Islam and international regimes and instruments.

This, he said, is to be achieved by strengthening coordination mechanisms among national institutions on the one hand and between those institutions and the OIC organs and institutions on the other, and by taking important steps to implement the convention.

He also urged the participants to consider ways to enhance the role of relevant OIC institutions in exchanging expertise, setting standards and mechanisms and following up of implementation of the convention.

For his part, the chairman of the meeting Ambassador Rezwan Sheikh, Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the OIC, as Pakistan is the current chair of the Council of Foreign Ministers, made a presentation on the development of the draft convention.

He underscored the need to benefit from best practices from member states and from national, regional and international human rights conventions and instruments on the child.

He emphasized the need to conclude the drafting of the convention at this meeting in order to submit it to the next session of the Council of Foreign Ministers.

PIA join hands with Turkish Airlines for flight operation to Istanbul

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (APP): Minister for Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique on Thursday said Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) recently entered into a code-share agreement with Turkish Airlines and will start PIA flights operation to Istanbul with four weekly flights from Islamabad and two from Lahore.

Speaking on the National Assembly floor, he said that PIA would operate up to Istanbul and transfer passengers for onward destinations in the UK, USA and Europe (29 destinations).

He further informed that similar code-share agreements would be signed with other countries in order to boost the institution. “We are trying our best to purchase more planes for PIA to raise its standard as par with other international aviation companies.”

He said that consistent five years of hard work, merit-based promotions, transfers and induction would ensure the development of PIA.

He also criticised the PTI’s former minister Sarwar Khan for denting the PIA institution at the international level by giving irresponsible statements regarding fake degrees of pilots.

Khawaja said: “Since 2009, PIA remained compliant with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulation and operated flights to/from EU states safely till 30th June 2020. In between, EASA undertook regular two yearly safety audits in 2015, 2017, and 2019. Various observations that surfaced during these audits, were amicably addressed as per the defined timeline.”

Two Pakistani airlines namely PIA and Vision Air have EASA-TCO (third country operator) authorization, he said, adding that PIA is maintaining EASA-TCO authorization since 2016 while Vision Air obtained this authorization in 2020.

“Flight operations of both airlines to EU member states were suspended from 1st July 2020 primarily because of irregularities in the pilot-licensing process. However, while suspending PIA authorization, EASA has also quoted some SMS compliance issues pending since the last audit of 2019.”

The minister informed the floor that consequent to suspension effective since 1st July 2020, PIA embarked upon a swift recovery plan, owing to the following actions:

On 2nd December 2020, EASA accepted all deliverables submitted by PIACL for closure of Level-1 finding related to Organizational SMS but linked the reinstatement of Third Country Operator (TCO) Authorization with safety concerns on licenses issued by PCAA.

On 31st March 2021, EASA once again accepted and appreciated the steps taken by PLACE regarding organizational SMS, but extended the suspension for an indefinite period amidst Significant Safety Concern (SSC) raised by ICAO regarding certification and oversight capabilities of the Pakistani Aviation Regulator, i.e. PCAA.

He said that the ICAO USOAP audit of PCAA was conducted from 29th November 2021 to 10th December 2021 during which PIACL facilities were also visited by the audit team for verification of compliance with applicable ICAOSARPs & PCAA regulations on Flight Operations, Safety and Air Worthiness Management areas, hence PIA has been cleared by IOSA with 97% satisfaction ratio.

The minister said EASA would plan an audit of PIA in coordination with the European Safety Commission depending on the security and COVID-19 Pandemic conditions.

Meanwhile, the UK Department for Transport (UK DFT) has linked the lifting of the suspension of PIA operations to the UK with the successful conduct of USOAP audit with positive outcomes specific to personal licensing, airworthiness and flight operations.

The clearance by EASA is still awaited as European Commission is still engaged with PCAA for verification of PCCA’s pilot licensing certification process and SMS oversight capabilities, he said.

PIA, Khawaja said, has met all conditions of EASA and over final response submitted in December 2020 was accepted by EASA, as assessed as satisfactory for closure of finding related to organizational SMS.

However, for reinstatement of TCO authorization, EASA has demanded that the same shall be considered after the restoration of confidence in the certification and oversight capabilities of PCAA.

In this regard, PCAA has cleared a full-scale USOAP audit conducted by ICAO in November-December 2021. Since then PCAA is following up this issue with
European Commission which is expected to be resolved soon.

To overcome the difficulties due to the suspension of flights to Europe and the UK as well as to facilitate overseas Pakistani, PIA continued to facilitate the customers through a charter operation to UK and Paris, he said.

He said the list of Functional/ operational and non-functional/ scaled-down and closed airports are attached with CAA documents.

To a question, he said that Gwadar International Airport is under construction under the umbrella of CPEC.

He said that an aerodrome airport is also under construction in Muridke, Punjab, which is expected to complete on 10th February 2023, while Gwadar International Airport is expected to be completed by September 2023.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal being presented with memento during his visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry KCCI.

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Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal being presented with memento during his visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry KCCI.
APP82-011222 KARACHI: December 01 - Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal being presented with memento during his visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry KCCI. APP/MOS
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal being presented with memento during his visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry KCCI.
APP82-011222 KARACHI:

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Sajid Hussain Turi met Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Haji Ghulam Ali at Governor House Peshawar

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Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Sajid Hussain Turi met Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Haji Ghulam Ali at Governor House Peshawar
APP83-011222 PESHAWAR: December 01 - Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Sajid Hussain Turi met Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Haji Ghulam Ali at Governor House Peshawar. APP/MOS
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Sajid Hussain Turi met Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Haji Ghulam Ali at Governor House Peshawar
APP83-011222 PESHAWAR:

Thar Coal Block-1 wins 12th Fire Safety Award

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 1 (APP):Thar Coal Block-1 Power Generation Company was invited to attend the award ceremony of the “12th Annual Fire Safety Award” organized by the National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH) of Pakistan.

Kamran Khan Tesori, Governor Sindh, presented the award to the company. This is the second time Thar Coal Block-1 Power Generation Company won the award, according to a press release issued here on Thursday.

After the professional review by experts, the jury fully affirmed the implementation of the work in the field of fire safety and the popularization of fire safety by Thar Coal Block-1 Power Generation Company, and positively recognized the vision of the Company.

The company carries out in-depth investigation of hidden dangers, conducts regular equipment maintenance and holds fire safety knowledge training for many times, to ensure that all employees learn fire protection knowledge and related skills. In addition, the plant site and different offices of the Company all adopt complete fire protection systems and facilities to ensure a safe and reliable working environment for all employees.

Encouraged by the Fire Safety Award, Thar Coal Block-1 Power Generation Company will continue to make sure the implementation of HSE goals and policies, practice into daily work, make continuous progress in fire protection and safety, keep alertness all the time, and make effort to become a model enterprise in fire protection and safety.

UAE 51st National Day celebrated in Islamabad with enthusiasm

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (APP):UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Alzaabi on Thursday hosted a reception, here at a local hotel, to mark the 51st National Day of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

There was a huge participation from the diplomatic and journalistic community in the colourful reception where the UAE envoy received all the guests with great vigour.

Addressing the celebration ceremony, the ambassador said this cheerful gathering was clear evidence of enthusiasm and affection between the brotherly people and governments of our two countries.

“Indeed, I consider this event as Fifty First celebration of our friendly relations and cooperation, and I am confident that this bond of brotherhood will further enhance in various sectors and broader horizons.”

He said the celebration this year came with the visionary leadership of UAE President Sheikh Muhammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who adopted the “Principles of the 50” as guidelines for a new phase of growth and development over the next 50 years.

He said the miraculous accomplishments in the areas of development over the last year coincided with the unprecedented success of UAE, which had the pride to not only host international events but to successfully host the EXPO 2020 amid the gigantic participation of more than 192 countries and thousands of multinational and leading companies.

The envoy said the UAE adopted economic strategies that stimulated economic diversification away from oil, and working to build an economy based on knowledge and diversity, reinforced by scientific and technological progress, and to provide impetus for investment in digital and circular economies, as well as sectors based on artificial intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The UAE, he said, believed that the future of regional security depended on strong multilateral partnerships and a common commitment to achieving stability and prosperity through peaceful political and economic means.

“The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements will continue to pave the way for more opportunities for the people of the region and open the way for the vital economic development of the Middle East, accelerating and enhancing trade across nations and increasing the ease of doing business throughout the region, and in other markets such as Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.”

He said the United Arab Emirates had become an important trade hub, and “it is aware of the necessity of prosperity and the free flow of goods and services as a fundamental principle for any modern and peaceful forward-looking country, and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements are the latest step in this regard.”

He said the UAE had deep and distinguished relations with all countries, which reinforced and reflected its principles based on openness, partnership, building bridges, and working to consolidate peace, and the common interests of countries and peoples, in a way that contributes to achieving international peace and security.

He said the United Arab Emirates was committed to international aid based on the principle of humanity and solidarity which stated, “The Emirates’ foreign humanitarian aid is essential to its vision and moral duty towards less fortunate peoples. Our foreign humanitarian aid is not tied to religion, race, color, or culture.”

He said this year the brotherly people of Pakistan confronted the territorial rains and devastating floods resulted by the global climate change, claiming more than 1700 precious lives damaging people, live stocks and lands.

As the UAE’s wise leadership always stood first to assist and provide humanitarian support to the brotherly Pakistani people as and when needed in times of national crisis and natural calamities, it remained the largest relief assistance provider to the flood affectees.

He said upon directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, an air bridge of humanitarian aid has been established which carried 57 flights to Pakistan, and 205 containers arrived Pakistan carrying thousand tons of foods, health packages and various shelter materials, beside the UAE NGO’s such as UAE Red Crescent, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation and other charitable organizations are still working in fields to provide rescue and relief assistance aid to the victims of devastating floods.

Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said he personally had special Love and affection for UAE.
“We stood by each other. In times of distress in times of crisis. It’s a time-tested friendship which will survive all tests of time and it will be there forever,” he said, while felicitating the UAE nation and the Royal family on its 51st national day.

He hoped that the bilateral relations between the two countries would further strengthen and that cooperation between them grew to a level Which would be recorded in the history.