Pakistan, China resolve to work together to realise CPEC’s shared objectives

Thu, 21 Sep 2023, 10:49 PM

NEW YORK, Sep 21 (APP): Pakistan and China on Thursday, expressing satisfaction at the steady development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, expressed their firm commitment to continue working together to realize its shared objectives.

The bilateral ties were discussed in a meeting between Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In the meeting, the two sides agreed on the centrality of CPEC for Pakistan’s socio-economic development and expressed satisfaction at the celebratory events held in both countries to mark its 10th anniversary.

They also agreed to further deepening their cooperation at the multilateral fora.

The conversation was marked by traditional warmth and cordiality that has been the hallmark of Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

The two leaders exchanged views on the entire gamut of bilateral relationship including CPEC, and bilateral economic and financial cooperation.

Reiterating support to China on core issues, the prime minister appreciated China’s unflinching support to Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and socio-economic development.

He noted that China’s firm opposition to holding any G20 meeting in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir reflected China’s principled stance for upholding international law and UN resolutions.

In his remarks, Vice-President Han said that Pakistan-China friendship was unique and had withstood the vicissitude of time due to deep fraternal ties between the peoples of two nations.

He said that as a close neighbour and iron-brother, Pakistan occupied a special position in China’s neighbourhood diplomacy and that China would continue efforts to safeguard Pakistan’s core interests and for the economic development and prosperity of its people.

Prime Minister Kakar and Vice-President Han agreed to continue the momentum of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China.

The prime minister invited the Chinese Vice-President to undertake a visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience which the latter accepted.

IESCO notifies 2-day power suspension programme

NNPS Desk

Thu, 21 Sep 2023, 10:38 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Thursday issued a 2-day power suspension programme for Friday and Saturday for various areas of its region due to necessary maintenance and routine development work.

According to the IESCO Spokesman, the power supply of different feeders and grid stations would remain suspended for the period on Friday From 07:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, Attock Circle, Qutbal, Morat, Fateh Jang Rural Feeders

On Saturday From 07:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, Islamabad Circle, Rehra, Chhata Bakhtawar, Tramri, Lahtrar Road, Waheed Abad Feeders, Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, Kohala, Morat Feeders, Rawalpindi City Circle, New Malpur, Bajnyal, Lakho, Chakra Feeders, Attock Circle, PM Housing Colony, Air University, HMC Road, Taxila, Sher Shah Suri Feeder, Chakwal Circle, Tharpal, CS Shah, Dandoot Feeder, Jhelum Circle, Captain Nisar Shaheed, Express Mangala, Madu Kalas, KS Manion, Shah Safir feeders and surrounding areas.

‘Summit of the Future’ aimed at creating safer, peaceful world opens at UN

NNPS Desk

Thu, 21 Sep 2023, 10:38 PM

UNITED NATIONS, Sep 21 (APP): The UN General Assembly President, Dennis Francis, told foreign ministers from around the world gathered in New York on Thursday that forecasts predicting the death of effective diplomacy were premature.

“Your strong engagement during our deliberations today reaffirms that multilateralism is neither dead nor obsolete,” said Dennis Francis in his opening remarks to a preparatory meeting for next year’s Summit of the Future.

Scheduled for September 2024, it is billed as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate multilateralism, address gaps in global governance, and reaffirm existing commitments, including to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Charter.

Recent global shocks – including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the climate emergency – have tested international institutions, underlining the critical need for unity around shared principles and common goals.

“The Summit of the Future is a unique opportunity to help rebuild trust and bring outdated multilateral institutions and frameworks into line with today’s world, based on equity and solidarity,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

“But it is more than an opportunity,” he added. “It is an essential means of reducing risks and creating a safer and more peaceful world.”

The Summit has its origins in Our Common Agenda, the Secretary-General’s 2021 report outlining his vision for the future of international cooperation “through an inclusive, networked, and effective multilateralism.”.

The report aims to “turbocharge” the push towards the 17 SDGs – the global promise to deliver a more just, equitable and greener future for all people and the planet by 2030.

Although progress has been derailed by the pandemic and other crises, a “rescue plan” agreed this week aims to get them back on track.

At the Summit, countries are expected to adopt a Pact for the Future that covers five areas: sustainable development and related financing; international peace and security; science, technology and innovation, as well as digital cooperation; youth and future generations; and transforming global governance.

Guterres commended their pledge to advance human rights, the empowerment of women and girls, and acceleration towards achieving the SDGs.

To support the negotiations, he has published 11 policy briefs that build on proposals contained in Our Common Agenda.

“The Pact for the Future will be your contract with each other and with your people,” he said. “It represents your pledge to use all the tools at your disposal at the global level to solve problems – before those problems overwhelm us.”

FAB, Blue Carbon sign MoU to advance carbon reduction initiatives, promote sustainable development

Zaka Ullah Ch

Thu, 21 Sep 2023, 10:37 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): Blue Carbon, an environmental asset developer active in Africa and Asia, and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance carbon reduction initiatives and promote sustainable development.

FAB, the UAE’s largest bank and a leader in green finance, has set an ambitious goal of dedicating $75 billion to sustainable finance initiatives by 2030, with $14.2 billion already allocated to environmentally and socially responsible solutions.

The momentous MoU was officially signed during a ceremony in Abu Dhabi, with Blue Carbon Chairman Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum and Sameh Al Qubaisi, Group Head of Global Markets at FAB, as signatories. The event was graced by the presence of Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, along with several other representatives from FAB and Blue Carbon.

Amid the global fight against climate change, as underscored by the recent Africa Climate Summit, climate finance is playing a pivotal role. The collaboration between Blue Carbon and FAB is poised to accelerate climate progress and direct vital green investment toward essential mitigation projects.

The collaboration between Blue Carbon and the prominent sustainable finance institution, FAB is poised to expedite climate advancements and direct essential green investment capital toward necessary mitigation projects.

Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Blue Carbon said, “We see immense potential in the collaboration between Blue Carbon and FAB to elevate climate finance to new heights. By aligning our efforts with the sustainability ambitions of both FAB and the UAE, we are charting a course toward fulfilling the crucial objectives of the Paris Agreement and creating lasting positive impacts.”

This collaboration will also streamline carbon offset transactions between Blue Carbon and FAB, aligning with FAB’s overarching sustainability goals, the climate mitigation agenda of COP28, and the UAE’s ambitious NetZero2050 vision.

Blue Carbon collaborates with countries to enable investments in projects generating internationally transferable carbon reductions. These projects involve entities committed to Net Zero goals and align with the Paris Agreement. Blue Carbon offers expertise in developing and facilitating carbon projects, including ITMOs, collaborating with both the public and private sectors to support their Net Zero objectives under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

FAB, the UAE’s largest bank, operates globally across five continents, providing financial strength and expertise to local, regional, and international businesses. Recognized as one of the world’s largest and socially responsible banks, FAB holds total assets of AED 1.1 Trillion (USD 312 Billion) as of June 2023. It boasts impressive ratings from Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch and is acknowledged as the UAE’s most valuable banking brand. FAB is also a sustainability leader, included in prominent ESG indices.

4-day NACTA’s National Peace Festival ends

Zaka Ullah Ch

Thu, 21 Sep 2023, 10:26 PM

ISLAMABAD: September 21 - Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, addressing the National Peace Festival-2023. APP

ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): The four-day National Peace Festival, organized by National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) concluded on Thursday with resolve to make vigorous efforts for peace in the society.

The objective of the event was to uphold and enhance social agreement against extremism and engage social actors in exchanging knowledge and proposing solutions to promote lasting peace in the country, a news release said.

NACTA in line with its mandate collaborated through the four-day National Peace Festival with its diversified stakeholders. Experts and practitioners, academia, religious scholars, media, policy makers and community leaders participated in the festival to work together in enhancing social consensus in the fight against extremism.

Minister for information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony.

Federal Minister for Human Rights Khalil George, speaking on the vision for a peaceful and tolerant Pakistan, stressed upon the importance of interfaith harmony in the social society.

Referring to the recent unfortunate incident of Jaranwala, he said that the menace of extremism was the only reason behind it. He hailed the humanitarian role of local community in providing shelter and safety to the victims in their homes and mosques.

The minister said Pakistan was built upon the values of democracy, justice fair play, and interfaith harmony as envisioned by Dr Allama Iqbal and Qauid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Earlier, National Coordinator NACTA and Inspector General of Police Muhammad Tahir Rai warmly welcomed the guests and participants from various walks of life for joining hands with Authority in the national cause of fighting against terrorism and extremism.

He aid Pakistanis, who were a great nation, were passing through difficult times.

He said Global events like wars, epidemics and climate change had definitely affected billions of people in fields of food and energy, and were facing hunger.

“We are also affected, obviously. But still Pakistanis are able to face it boldly by sharing food and happiness with each other. We have many blessings which other people don’t have.

“Having said that, Pakistan with its cultural diversity, exemplifies the strength of unity in the face of diversity. Our history is a diverse tapestry of communities, languages and traditions that have shaped our vibrant society. Here diversity has become a source of strength that enriches our nation.”

He said Pakistan was facing several challenges including conflicts, regional wars, insecurity and environmental calamities and on the other hand it was also suffering at the hands of violent extremists.

He informed the participants that NACTA was actively engaged in developing mechanisms to strategize solutions for the prevailing issue of growing intolerance in the country.

“We are working with our partners in other ministries and institutions to give solutions and most importantly engage with youth.”

He said NACTA had developed a comprehensive National CVE Policy 2023. “Pakistan’s national narrative against terrorism and extremism is a part of that policy. These policy documents are aimed at implementing an integrated model that embraces a whole-of-the-government and whole-of-the-society approach to effectively prevent and counter extremism and foster peaceful co-existence in our society.”

Special committee to be formed to resolve problems of minorities: Mushaal Mullick

Zaka Ullah Ch

Thu, 21 Sep 2023, 10:17 PM

FAISALABAD, Sep 21 (APP): Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Human Rights & Women Empowerment Ms. Mushaal Hussein Mullick on Thursday said that a special committee would be constituted soon to resolve the problems being faced by the minority people.

Addressing a gathering during her visit to Christian Town Jaranwala, she said that Pakistan never supported any terrorist activities. That’s why the entire government machinery became active for rehabilitation of churches and houses of the affected Christian community in Jaranwala, she added.

She said that the government was committed to fully protect rights of the minorities. In this connection, a special committee would be constituted very soon to resolve genuine problems of the minorities, she added.

She said that representatives from all minorities living in Pakistan including Christians would be included in this committee so that they could point out the real problems for their early redressal.

She said that the government despite various financial constraints provided a grant of Rs.2 million to each affected family of Jaranwala whereas rehabilitation work of their churches and houses was also in full swing.

She also expressed sympathies with affected Christians of Jaranwala and said that Kashmiris in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) were facing ever worst situation due to Indian atrocities in the valley.

She said that India was violating human rights in the Kashmir with great impunity for the last 7 decades. The people of IIOJK were demanding their fundamental right of self-determination but the India was using force to deprive them of this constitutional right.

Talking about International Peace Day, she said that Modi government had committed unprecedented barbarism in the Kashmir valley. However, the India could not succeed in pressing the voice of freedom from Kashmir.

Mushaal also condemned killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh and said that Indian government surely involved in this murder.

She also visited the churches and reviewed their rehabilitation and renovation work.

Steps underway for better telecom services: Dr. Umar Saif

Zaka Ullah Ch

Thu, 21 Sep 2023, 10:12 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Dr Umar Saif said that steps are underway for the provision of better telecom services in the country.

The 5G spectrum auction is going to be held in the next few months Dr Umar Saif said this while talking to Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Jazz, who called on him in his office on Thursday.

They exchanged views on 5G auction, its timeline and telecom services.

The minister said that cellular users failed to get better telecom services due to limited bandwidth offer and added that 5G auction will result in quality telecom services in the country, he added.

Earlier, Dr. Umar Saif also held separate meetings with the CEOs of Ufone and Zong.

These meetings with CEOs of cellular companies are aimed at appraising them about the 5G auction and to get ready the market for it.

NAB submits record of 80 references to accountability court

Zaka Ullah Ch

Thu, 21 Sep 2023, 10:07 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday submitted the record of 80 references to the Registrar Office Accountability Court in light of the judgment of the Supreme Court, pertaining to the restoration of specific cases.

The NAB prosecutor shared the list of 80 references with the Registrar Office wherein the 26 cases were shifted to the relevant courts after scrutiny.

The administrative judge Muhammad Bashir instructed the staff to apprise him about the cases against private, public office holders and government employees. The judge said that the prosecutor would inform the court that which was maintainable or not.

The prosecutor said that they would present record of all cases before the court to ensure implementation on the judgment of the top court.

Later, the NAB produced the record of cases. The reference against former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani pertaining to corruption in universal services funds was sent to AC-II, Rental Power case against ex-prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Benazir Income Support Reference was submitted to AC-III. Naudero Power Project reference against Pervaiz Ashraf and case pertaining All Pakistan Project Company, were also submitted to Act-III.

The NAB list included the references against Yousaf Raza Gilani, former prime minister Shaukat Aziz, former president Asif Ali Zardari pertaining to Park Lane, Kidney Hills case against Ijaz Haroon and cases against Khawaja Abdul Ghani Majeed.

Meanwhile, the Accountability Court served notices to Raja Pervaiz Ashraf in rental power case and noted that charges had already been framed against him in this case. Similarly, the court also sought arguments in reference against Farzana Raja. The same court also served notices to respondents in Lok Virsa corruption reference against Robina Khalid and others. The court also summoned the co-accused in person in the case.