ISLAMABAD, June 12 (APP): British Prime Minister David Cameron has enquired about the recovery of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and conveyed his best wishes.
He communicated his wishes to Pakistan High Commissioner in the United Kingdom Ibne Abbas who had met Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing during the “Trooping the Colour” Parade, said a press release received here on Sunday.
LAHORE, June 12 (APP): Minister for Railways, Khawaja Saad Rafiq
on Sunday met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and congratulated him on recovery of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif after successful operation.
Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister said that Pakistan Muslim League-N believes in politics of values. He said that the government was taking various steps for the welfare of masses.
Shehbaz Sharif said that new records of public service will be set in next two years. He said that today’s Pakistan is more safe, peaceful and prosperous.
UNITED NATIONS, June 12 (APP): With some 168 million children
working in various sectors globally, the fight against child labour
requires coherent policy packages to support legislation focused on
quality education, social protection and decent jobs for parents, the International Labour Organization (ILO), a UN agency, said Sunday.
“That child labour has no place in well-functioning and well-regulated markets is evident. But the reality is that today, child labour remains widespread in supply chains,” ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said in a statement to mark the World Day against Child Labour.
This year’s focus for the Day – which is observed annually on
June 12 – is on child labour and supply chains.
Ryder, in his message, underscored that of the total number of
children in child labour, 85 million are in hazardous work. Child labour
is also found in other supply chains, from agriculture – 99 million –
to mining, from manufacturing to tourism, producing goods and services consumed by millions every day.
The Director-General also noted that child labour occurs predominantly in the rural and informal economies, beyond the reach of labour inspection, the protection of workers’ organizations or the governance benefits of employers’ and producers’ organizations.
“It’s not just the lack of institutional protection in the rural and informal economies that increases the risk of child labour in supply chains; in household production and on family farms, children are often highly vulnerable because parents’ incomes are insufficient or because
small family enterprises and farms cannot afford to replace child labour
by hiring adults and youth,” Ryder said.
“Piece rate production increases the risk with child labour helping parents to make up quotas and to assure family survival when
parents are not earning a living wage,” he added.
The Director-General emphasized that while global supply chains
can offer opportunities for inclusive development for supplier firms, workers and host countries, targeted action is needed to assure just outcomes.
“Beyond child labour in high profile, global supply chains, many
child labourers are also found in supply chains producing for local and national consumption and they must not be ignored,” he said.
“There are encouraging signs of a will to act and to prevent
child labour, to achieve greater transparency and visibility along
supply chains as well as more effective enforcement of relevant laws,”
he added.
The Director-General highlighted that ILO’s Minimum Age
Convention, 1973 (No 138) has been ratified by 168 member states and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No 182) by 180 – near universal ratification.
In addition, Ryder said that companies are increasingly exploring
how they might contribute to eliminating child labour by strengthening
the capacity of enterprises throughout their supply chains – a complex
task requiring partnerships involving Governments, industry peers and employers’ and workers’ organizations.
In that regard, he noted that forums such as the ILO’s Child Labour Platform allow enterprises to share good practices and develop new
models for collaboration. “Global Framework Agreements between global trade union federations and multinational companies are one expression of global cooperation through social dialogue. At the grass-roots of value chains too, rural workers’ and informal workers’ organizations are expanding innovative approaches to strengthen collective representation,” the Director-General said.
Ryder also highlighted that the ILO’s Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning multinational enterprises and social policy of 1977 recognizes the role of enterprises in the elimination of child
labour. With a focus on development and strengthening of enterprise
capacity and social dialogue, the declaration holds “great potential
to guide action against child labour,” he said.
He also stressed that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development reaffirms the goal of ending child labour.
“Acting together, it is within our means to make the future of work
a future without child labour,” the Director-General concluded.
ISLAMABAD, June 12 (APP): Capital Development Authority (CDA)
on Sunday kicked off its six-day Margalla Festival All Pakistan
Tape Ball Cricket Tournament 2016 here at G-9 Markaz Cricket Ground.
Prime Minister’s Advisor Barrister Zafer Ullah was the chief
guest at the inaugural ceremony, which was attended by Member
Environment CDA Sanaullah Aman, National Cricketer
Rana Naveed-ul-Hassan, President Tennis Cricket Ball Federation of
Pakistan Malik Maherban Ali, fan of Pakistan Cricket Chacha
Cricket, players of different teams contesting in the tournament and
a large number of people from twin cities.
Barrister Zafer Ullah appreciated the efforts of the CDA for
engaging the youth in playgrounds.
He said that such healthy activities would not only help boost
talent of youth but also provide quality entertainment to
the residents of the city. He appreciated the CDA management for
organizing the tournament on such a large scale.
On this occasion Member Environment Sanaullah Aman said that
the CDA had always provided healthy recreational opportunities to
the residents of the city. He said that main theme behind organizing
the Margalla Festival 2016 was to provide quality recreational
opportunities in the city.
He said a number of sports and cultural programmes had planned
in Margalla Festival 2016 which included sports competitions as well
as cultural and other entertainment activities.
During the first day of the tournament, four matches were
played. Muhammadi Supreme Club won the opening match of the
tournament by beating Young Brothers Club while Netcom won the
second match by beating Rizwan Eleven.
Similarly, Hawks Club and CDA Shaheens won their matches by
beating their opponents in remaining two matches.
The tournament is being played on knock out basis. Forty teams
from different parts of the country are participating in six day
tournament. Nine matches will be played on the second day of the
tournament.
ISLAMABAD, Jun 12 (APP): Minister of State for Capital Administration
and Development Division (CADD) Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Sunday said the people wanted peace, job opportunities and development in the country, and not protests and sit-ins.
He said the nation had rejected the sit-ins held by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf at D-Chowk and would not back its such endeavours any more because protests had damaged the national economy.
Talking to a news channel, the minister said the nation was well
aware about the PTI’s tactics. It chief Imran Khan, he said, had been addressing empty chairs during party’s public meetings.
Dr Tariq Fazal said holding peaceful protest was right of every citizen, but law would take its course against the violators. The PTI workers had attacked national institutions, including the Parliament and Pakistan Television (PTV), during the sit-in and the law would take its due course, he added.
Commenting on the performance of PTI’s government in Khyber
Pakhtunkwa, he said the provincial government had failed to deliver
for the welfare of the province.
He said the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) had provided the
PTI a chance to form government in the KP after general election 2013.
But the party had exposed itself by not working for the welfare of the
masses, he added.
Replying to a question, he said the accountability should be carried out against all those whose names were mentioned in Panama Papers. Although the name of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was not mentioned in Panama Papers, yet he presented himself and his
family for accountability, he added.
PESHAWAR, June 12 (APP): Brisk arrangements are underway to hold
the prestigious 2nd World Nomad Games, dedicated to ethnic sports,
practiced in Central Asia, this autumn from September 3 to 8 in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan.
Countries comprising Turkey, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Russia especially Sakha, de Bouriatia, Altay, Kalmykia, Bashkortostan republics, Afghanistan and host Kyrgyzstan are taking part.
The event comprising Alysh, a kind of belt wrestling, Salburun, a
sport mixing falconry, mounted archery and hunt assisted by Taigan,
Shagai, Horse racings, Erenish, Toguz korgool, Kourach, Kok-boru, a
sport similar to Buzkashi, where riders fight for a goat carcass.
President AIPS Asia Muhammad Qasem along with other members
of the delegation has recently extended all out support to the
Govt of Kyrgyzstan during a meeting held in Ashgabat, the Capital
City of Turkmenistan with Miss Baktygul Noruzbayev, the Director
of the Department of Information and Mass Communications in the
Ministry of Culture, information and Tourism of the Kyrgyz
Republic.
Muhammad Qasem, hailing from Bahrain, assured the official
of the organizing committee for extending cooperation in print and electronic media coverage. He said presently AIPS Asia has 8000
qualified journalists around Asia.
When asked Secretary General AIPS Asia Amjad Aziz Malik
from Pakistan, he rest assured that AIPS Asia, a sole
representative body of promoting sports and peace in Asia,
would extend all out support to the organizing committee.
He said talks are under way with the organizing committee and
AIPS Asia as a result of meeting of President AIPS Asia in
Ashgabat, for the provision of updated media facilities.
Miss Baktygul Noruzbayev informed APP on phone that over
400 athletes from 19 countries will be there in a resort on
the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul to compete in wrestling, archery,
Kok Boru (a game where mounted riders face off over a dead
goat), Ordo (a Kyrgyz board game) and Kyz Kumai .
All people will be dressed in traditional clothing. It
is a great event worth seeing, she said. Miss Baktygul Noruzbayev
disclosed that preparations are well underway and currently
Issyk-Kul gets ready for the games; the roads and hippodrome
are being reconstructed.
“The Kyrgyz people, with their rich history, culture, and
traditions, were among the early nations that founded nomadic
civilization. The Nomad Games are also part of Atambayev
administration’s objective of strengthening collaboration
among Turkic-speaking nations. The idea of the Games first
appeared during the 2011 visit of Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Kyrgyzstan.
The Games will provide fertile ground not only for
sports, but also an active intercultural and interethnic
dialogue between the peoples of the world, she said. She
said the govt originally provided $ 3 million 397.15 thousand
from the national budget.
“We want to invite about 40 countries including Pakistan,
Australia and USA and culturally and sports rich countries
of the world,” she added.
With generous government support, Kyrgyzstan is going
to host the second World Nomadic Games, an event “dedicated to
promote the history of nomad nations, their traditions, lifestyles
and culture,” according to the organizers when asked to comment.
ISLAMABAD, June 12 (APP): Federal Minister for Information,
Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid on Wednesday condoled the passing away of President of India chapter of South Asia Free Media Association K K Katyal.
Besides being a distinguished journalist, Mr Katyal who hailed
from Jhang, also worked for improving ties between India and Pakistan.
He was one of those influential opinion makers in India, who
advocated peace and amity in the region for the progress and welfare of the people inhabiting SAARC countries.
ISLAMABAD, June 12 (APP): A seven member Pakistan boxing outfit
will depart for Baku, Azerbaijan from Islamabad Airport on Monday night to feature in the last world qualifying round for this summer’s Olympics.
“This is the only remaining chance for our pugilists to book
a place in Olympics,” Secretary Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF)
Iqbal Hussain told APP on Sunday.
Boxers from around the world will chip in these qualifiers,
scheduled to be held from June 16 to 25.
Iqbal sounded optimistic that at least a couple of Pakistani
boxers would be able to make a cut to the Rio. “All our boxers are in good shape. They’ve undergone tough training at a camp at Pakistan Sport Complex Islamabad. I’m sure the nation will soon hear good news,” Iqbal added.
The PBF had set up an intensive training programme for 20
boxers at the camp under national boxing coach Arshad Hussain, an AIBA three star coach. Arshad was assisted by former international and AIBA one star coach Nisar Khan. However, finally seven boxers from different weight categories were selected to represent the country at these qualifiers.
Those vying in the event to fulfill their Olympic dream
include, Awais Ali Khan (81kg), Mohammad Tanveer (75kg), Amir Khan (69kg), US born Umar Cheema (64kg), Ali Ahmed (60kg), Niamatullah (56kg) and Mohammad Asif (52kg).
The 21 year old Cheema, who has been getting training in
Miami, is the first US born boxer to represent Pakistan in an international event.
If any Pakistani boxer qualifies for Rio Olympics it will be
after a gap of 12 years that the country will have representation in boxing at the world’s most prestigious multi sports event. Pakistan’s last appearance at Olympics in boxing was in 2004, when in Athens five Pakistani boxers featured in various weight categories. However, none of them could even advance to the quarterfinal stage.
Syed Hussain Shah won a bronze medal for Pakistan in boxing
in the middleweight division (71 75 kg) at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Till to date, he is one of the only two individual Olympic medallists for the country.
PESHAWAR, June 12 (APP): The provincial Met Office on Sunday forecast mainly hot and dry weather for most parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
However rain-thunderstorm with gusty winds, dust storm is expected at isolated places of Hazara, Malakand, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan divisions and FATA (Kurram Khyber Agency) during evening/night for next 24 hours.
The Met Office also forecasted that mainly hot and dry weather for most parts of the province. However rain-thunderstorm with gusty winds/dust storm is expected at isolated places of Hazara, Malakand, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu, DI Khan divisions and FATA (Kurram, Khyber Agency) during evening/night for next 48 hours.
ISLAMABAD, Jun 12 (APP): Taking full advantage of innovations, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced SMS service to facilitate people in acquiring new currency notes to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.
As part of steps taken to provide citizens with new currency notes, especially with Eid holidays, this facility will be provided through 500 E-branches in 116 cities during Ramazan.
According to information, the aspirants of fresh currency notes need to type CNIC number<space>e-branch ID and send it as an SMS to 8877. Charges of sending an SMS to 8877 are Rs. 2 (plus tax).
In reply to SMS, the customer will get their redemption code, e-branch address and redemption code validity date. The redemption code will be valid for two working days.
Once the aspirants receive the code, they can visit the concerned E-branch along with their original CNIC card, its photocopy and the redemption code received from 8877 to acquire new notes.
It may noted that in order to avoid an abuse of the system, SBP has allotted a quota of new notes which will be granted to each person. This quota consists of two packets of Rs. 10, one packet of Rs.20, one packet of Rs. 50 (subject to availability) and one package of Rs. 100 (subject to availability).
Under the SMS service, each CNIC number and mobile phone number can only be used once. No transaction code will be issued to senders if they send same CNIC/smart card number from different mobile numbers or addresses.
A help desk has also been established at 111-008-877 to entertain queries/complaints of general public. The help desk can be contacted through NWD code of: 042 for Punjab, 021 for Sindh and Balochistan, 051 for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The help desk facility will only be available during office hours.
It is expected that the start of SMS service will facilitate public in acquiring new currency notes for Eid-ul-Fitr in a timely and hassle-free manner.
ISLAMABAD, Jun 12 (APP): Telecom sector, a significant source of revenue generation for government, has contributed Rs. 744 billion in terms of regulatory duties and taxes during last five years.
The sector also contributed around Rs. 105.9 billion during first three quarters of this fiscal year in terms of initial and annual license fees, initial and annual spectrum fees, Universal Service Fund (USF) and Research and Development (R&D) Fund contributions, Access Promotion Contribution (APC) for USF, Numbering Charges, license applications including General Sales Tax (GST)/Federal Excise Duty (FED), SIM Activation Tax, Advance/Withholding Tax (WHT), sales tax on mobile handsets, custom duties and other taxes.
Official sources on Sunday said Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and telecom industry believe that rationalization of taxes on telecom sector can result into better sector growth and consequently better collections for government in the long run.
By Shahid Sra
ISLAMABAD, Jun 12 (APP): Pakistan Railways, the achilles heel of the country’s cargo and passenger services, has undergone a laudable transformation that was unimaginable just a couple of years back.
The turn-around has been achieved due to renovation and refurbishing of obsolete engines and launching of cargo trains.
The induction of new locomotives, increase in cargo trains and other positive steps have improved the financial health of the department which had been virtually laid to waste over the decades because of bad-governance, nepotism and corruption.
The strenuous effort started three years back not only arrested the deterioration but helped improve the efficiency of the Railways as well as enhanced the image of the national institution.
The fiscal deficit of Pakistan Railways has decreased significantly in last two years. Fiscal deficit of Railways was Rs 27.247 billion during 2014-15 as compared to Rs 32.527 billion during financial year 2013-14.
The number of freight trains to up-country was one train per day in the year 2011-12 and now has been increased to almost 10 to 15 trains in the year 2014-15.
“The punctuality of passenger trains has been improved tremendously, in the year 2012 it was 10 percent which now has gone around 80 percent.”
A vast chunk of the Railways land is still under illegal occupation.
The present government has managed to retrieve 3,500 acres of encroached-upon land of the department over the past three and a half years.
The passenger traffic since 2007-08, had declined from 230 trains per day to 92 trains per day, while the number of freight trains had drastically went down from 96 per day to just one per day some two years back but now the fleet of 305 locomotives in passenger (250) and freight (55) sectors is on track.
The Railways took control of Business Express Train from the defaulted private company, however, litigation continues between the Railways and private operators on Rs 2.2 billion default money which is payable towards the latter.
The Railways administration claims that the Business Train’s revenue increased from Rs 2.2 million per day to Rs 3.2 million per day after taking its control from private group.
The Railways launched Green Line Train between Rawalpindi and Karachi in May. It is the first of its kind executive train with modern amenities available for the passengers and it covers the distance in 23 hours between the port city and Rawalpindi.
The Railways upgraded Karakarm Express on November 23 and refurbished two rakes of Hazara Express.
The Pakistan Railways entered into an agreement with American company General Electric which will provide 55 locomotives to the Railways in phases. The locomotives will be of 4,000 and 4,500 horse power and will utilized in freight sector.
The PR planned to upgrade 22 Railways Stations across the country and the work on Narowal Station has been started in this regard.
Secretary Railways Board Aftab said that railways has the potential to be developed as the state-of-the-art mode of transportation within the country and to promote regional trade and passenger transportation among neighboring countries like Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan and Middle East. But it requires time.
“The Railways went into decline during last three decades. Improvement will also come gradually. Things are on right track now,” he added.
“Improvement can be seen in various sectors of the Railways. Whole track will be up-graded under the China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC), the train speed will touch 160km/hr (120km/hr current) after completion of up-gradation of the track. The Railways’ earnings will touch new heights after the start of coal transportation as the work on different coal power plants continues,” he said.
Aftab Akbar said that stations, waiting rooms, restaurants and dining rooms to facilitate passengers have been built and older facilities renovated.
The Musa-Pak Express running between Lahore and Karachi and Mehran Express running between Khairpur and Karachi, have been restored, he added.
He said there has been exponential growth in cargo trains operations with the number of trains rising from a lowly figure of 30 trains per month in 2013 to over 350 in 2015.
While the future looks hopeful there are still a number of problems which the government needs to tackle if progress is to be sustained, he added.
Aftab Akbar said that two main things, done by the Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, were the selection of honest officers on key posts, giving confidence to all workers and their union leaders.
He said that after two and half years of the current Government, the Railways has over 200 locomotives, out of which 50 locomotives are being used for freight trains, while earlier no locomotive was available for freight services.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is investigating eight different corruption cases of Railways and all these cases belong to the last era.
Pakistan Railways earned Rs 5 Billion more than the target given by the Government in 2014-15 and Rs 2 Billion more in 2013-14 fiscal.
The department now feels happy when passengers approach for getting tickets and proper seats of the trains, because in previous regime, nobody bothered to contact for seats. It is a healthy sign and proof of improvement.
Now, trains are full of people; many passengers don’t even mind to stand rather than to have a seat.
ISLAMABAD, Jun 12 (APP): The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has constituted a high level committee to review Hajj quota regime of all Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs), especially to devise quota allotment policy for HGOs enrolled in the year 2012.
The official sources told APP that the committee has been mandated to finalize its recommendations regarding non-quota holder enrolled companies for incorporating in next hajj policy of year 2017 as this year private Hajj quota was being distributed among only 742 enrolled old HGOs as there is no room for allocating quota to the (new) HGOs enrolled in the year 2012.
The committee, headed by Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, would consist of Minister of State on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony; Chairmen National Assembly, Senate Standing Committees on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony; Secretary, Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony; Representative of Ministry of Law (not less than the officer of BS-20); Representative of Attorney General of Pakistan; Representative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs (not less than the officer of BS-20); Representative of Securities Exchange Commission of Pakistan(not less than the officer of BS-20); Representative of Competition Commission of Pakistan(not less than the officer of BS-20) as members and Joint Secretary(Hajj) will perform the duties of Secretary of the Committee.
The committee will review quota regime of all HGOs, keeping in view the recommendation of Competition Commission, Supreme Court judgment and give its recommendation for Hajj Policy 2017.
Meanwhile, the private Hajj flight operation would commence from the August 04 and last Hajj flight will leave Saudi Arabia on September 05.
According to a member of Hajj Organiser Association of Pakistan (HOAP), the return of Pakistani private Hujjaj would continue from September 17 to October 6.
PESHAWAR, June 12 (APP): A moderate intensity earthquake, measuring 5.0 magnitudes on the Richter Scale, struck different areas of Malakand Division including Chitral in Sunday’s wee hours.
According to Pakistan’s Meteorological Department, the epicenter of the quake was located in border area of Afghanistan and Tajikistan at a depth of 85 kilometers.
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
ISLAMABAD, June 12 (APP): Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Division Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Sunday condoled the sad demise of Saeed Ahmed, Assistant Sergeant at Arms National Assembly Secretariat.
The minister, in his condolence message, expressed grief and sorrow over the passing away of the Saeed Ahmed.
He prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with equanimity.
WAH CANT, Jun 12 (APP): Over 150 Indian Sikh pilgrims flanked
with hundreds of local Sikhs on Sunday offered their religious rituals in connection to Jore Mela festivities to commemorate the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Punja Sahib.
The Indian Sikh pilgrims reached here by a special train from
Nankana last evening to take part in the festivities.
The 156 pilgrims were welcomed by Evacuee Trust Property Board
officials and office bearers of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee.
On Sunday pilgrims offered their religious rites including
Matha Taek (bowing) and Ashnan (holy bath).
Later, they also visit the shrine of Baba Wali Kandhari
located on a hilltop.
UNITED NATIONS, June 12 (APP): Underscoring need for protecting civilians, Pakistan has called for giving higher priority to finding political solutions to disputes in the mandates of UN peacekeeping operations to establish peace and stability.
“Political solutions must be placed front and center of peacekeeping operations, for that is the only viable path to achieving sustainable and enduring peace and security,” Pakistani Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told the UN Security Council.
Speaking in a Security Council debate on Protecting Civilians in the Context of Peacekeeping, she said although the primary responsibility for the protection of all civilians rested with the host country, it was best promoted by preventing the outbreak of armed conflicts, addressing their root causes, finding inclusive political solutions to disputes and seeking peaceful settlement.
Participation of women in peacekeeping operations would also help make them not just more people-centered but also more effective in implementing protection of civilians mandates, she said.
Noting that protection of civilians was primarily interpreted in military terms, Ambassador Lodhi suggested that its scope should include protection through political action as well as institution and capacity building.
“The use of non-military tools such as advocacy, liaison with local communities and building the capacity of national authorities also help to achieve the same objective,” the Pakistani envoy added.
The conduct of peacekeeping operations needed to be driven by the unique requirements of each mission, not by political or financial consideration, she said.
There needed to be collective efforts made to ensure that all peacekeeping missions were given adequate financial and other resources, along with political support, to accomplish assigned tasks.
As one of the world’s top troop-contributing countries, Ambassador Lodhi said Pakistan had proudly undertaken the task of protecting civilians in missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Darfur, Ivory Coast, Central African Republic and Liberia.
“We have demonstrated that this can be done by a robust deterrence posture and without resorting to the actual use of force, as in UNAMID recently,” she added.
UNITED NATIONS, June 12 (APP): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned an attack carried out on Friday near the Hazarat Sayidda Zeinab shrine in a Damascus suburb of Syria, in which several civilians were killed and many others wounded.
A statement issued by the secretary-general’s spokesperson said local monitor groups, several civilians, including women and children, were killed and many others wounded in the attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh).
“Those responsible for attacks on civilians must be held accountable,” the Secretary-General said.
Ban extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the Government of Syria, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
ISLAMABAD, June 11 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif
Saturday said the brave soldiers of Pakistan Army like Captain
Asfandyar Bukhari Shaheed guarantee the survival of Pakistan who
bring pride to their families, cities, country as well as the
nation.
The Prime Minister, in his message on the occasion of renaming District Headquarters Hospital Attock after Captain Asfandyar Shaheed
in a ceremony held in Attock on the day by Punjab government on his
directive, said soldiers like Asfandyar Shaheed brightened the names
of their parents and brought them pride.
He said Asfandyar Shaheed had set a great example of valour by sacrificing his life in line of his duty that would be remembered
forever.
In order to keep this memory alive, District Headquarters Hospital Attock was being renamed after Asfandyar Bukhari Shaheed, he added.
He said the government would improve and modernize the health
services for the people at the hospital to pay befitting tribute to
our benefactor.
ISLAMABAD, Jun 11 (APP): Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid said after coming into power, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz-led government managed to address all issues confronting the country including national security, fragile economy and energy crisis.
Talking to a private television channel on Saturday, the minister said in its endeavors to address the issues, the government made no compromise on transparency.
After three years now, the world has acknowledged decline
in terrorism and that situation was improving.
He said the security forces had successfully eliminated not
only anti-state elements posing threats to pakistan as well as
those to the world peace.
To a question, the information minister said new power projects were being set up to overcome energy shortage. These projects would be completed by 2017 making the country self-sufficient in power resources and giving it deliverance from load-shedding.
National Security Adviser Lieutenant General (R) Nasser Khan Janjua said that anti-terror operations had been launched in the country to achieve human security as well as the economic security.
He said the civil and military institutions were on same page on national issues.
He emphasized that all stakeholders should sit together to discuss the prevailing situation and sort out some way forward.
To a query, the Advisor said that Pakistan enjoyed good relations with Iran.
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