MILGEM project a major step towards self-reliance and indigenization: PM

Thu, 3 Aug 2023, 10:23 AM

APP17-010823 KARACHI: August 02 - Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Türkiye's Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi cutting a rope to launch Pakistan's 4th MILGEM Class Corvette"PNS Tariq" into sea at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works. APP/ABB

ISLAMABAD, Aug 3 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that the launch of the state-of-the-art MILGEM Class Warship PNS Tariq was a major step towards self-reliance and indigenization in the defence sector.

The prime minister, who jointly launched PNS Tariq along with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz in Karachi, wrote on a social media platform that the MILGEM project opened new vistas of closer collaboration between Pakistan and Turkiye and would prove to be an enduring icon of our friendship.

PNS Tariq is the 4th Ship of MILGEM Class and the second one being constructed in Pakistan.

The prime minister said that maritime trade activities were going to increase manifold with the growth in Pakistan’s financial and industrial base. This will create the need for additional capacity to support expansion in the maritime sector, he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan remained committed to developing maritime infrastructure along the coast from Karachi to Gwadar to prepare itself as the future trade and trans-shipment hub in the region.

MILGEM Class Ships will also play a crucial role in meeting our security needs, he remarked.

PM thanks President Xi for “powerful” message of support, solidarity with Pakistan

Ishtiaq Rao

Thu, 3 Aug 2023, 8:13 AM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 03 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for his “powerful” message of support and solidarity with Pakistan on completion of the Decade of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In his message, which was also read out by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at a ceremony marking 10 years of CPEC held here, President Xi had assured that China would always stand firm with Pakistan regardless of any change in international landscape.

He also emphasised that both countries would continue to improve overall planning and deepen cooperation.

“Highly grateful to H.E. President Xi Jinping for his powerful message of support and solidarity with Pakistan on the occasion of the completion of the Decade of CPEC,” Prime Minister Shehbaz wrote on a social media platform.

He said that President Xi’s emphasis on building CPEC into “an exemplary project of high quality Belt and Road Cooperation” reflected his commitment to the well-being of the people of Pakistan.

He said indeed, CPEC had achieved many milestones over the course of last ten years in the fields of high quality infrastructure, energy, and socio-economic growth.

“As the flagship project of BRI, CPEC matured into a story of transformation under the leadership of Mian Nawaz Sharif. Pakistan is ready to share this story with our friends and partners around the world,” the prime minister remarked.

He said Pakistan would never be able to thank President Xi Jinping enough for his singular contribution to taking the China-Pakistan Strategic Cooperative Partnership to new heights.

“I am determined to work with more energy and passion to make the second phase of CPEC a resounding success,” he resolved.

PTI warned of election symbol disqualification on failure to conduct party elections

NNPS Desk

Wed, 2 Aug 2023, 11:44 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 02 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) warned that Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) may be declared ineligible for the election symbol if it fails to conduct intra-party polls within the stipulated timeframe.

The commission has issued a notice to the PTI chairman requiring his presence on August 4 (Friday) at 10 am. Failure to appear may lead to the political party being deemed ineligible to obtain an election symbol for future elections under Section 215 (5) of the Elections Act, 2017.

The ECP reminded the PTI about its intra-party polls due on June 13, 2021, as per its constitution. Despite being notified to conduct the polls within the specified timeframe, the PTI didn’t provide the required certificate, as required by the Elections Act, 2017.

In May of the previous year, the polls organizing authority issued a final notice to the PTI, directing them to conduct intra-party elections on or before the extended date of 13.06.2022. The notice explicitly stated that no further extension would be granted.

The ECP referred to Section 209(1) of the Election Act, which requires every registered political party to provide the ECP with a certificate regarding the conduct of intra-party elections as mandated by the law.

Failure to comply with this provision could result in the ECP declaring the party ineligible to obtain an election symbol.

Last month, the ECP instructed political parties to submit their applications for election symbol allotment ahead of the upcoming general polls scheduled for later this year. Along with the applications, parties were asked to attach a list of preferred symbols, with the party leader’s signature being mandatory. The application must also include the address of the political party’s head office. The ECP will assess the parties’ eligibility after receiving the applications.
In 2018, the PTI was allotted a ‘bat’ symbol to contest the general elections.

Dar congratulates FBR team for achieving July 2023 revenue target of Rs 539 bln

NNPS Desk

Wed, 2 Aug 2023, 11:14 PM

dar fbr — Islamabad: August 02, 2023: Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited FBR (Hqr) today and extended felicitations to Malik Amjad Zubair Tiwana on assuming the charge of Chairman FBR.

ISLAMABAD, Aug 2 (APP): Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Wednesday congratulated the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) team for achieving the July 2023 revenue target of Rs 539 billion.

The minister, during his visit to the FBR headquarters, also felicitated Malik Amjad Zubair Tiwana on assuming the charge as FBR chairman and expressed confidence that he would work hard to achieve the revenue target for FY24.

Ishaq Dar encouraged the FBR team to work with dedication and provide max facilitation to taxpayers.

He said eliminating the deficit of the budget and current account was a priority. The foreign exchange reserves were stabilizing rapidly, while steps had been taken for the development of agriculture, IT and mineral sectors, he added.

Ishaq Dar appreciated the FBR for collecting Rs 7,169 billion in taxes during the last financial year against the target of Rs 7,200 billion.

He said the non-existent shortfall of Rs 31 billion was due to imports compression and expenditure in foreign currency.

Hajj pilgrims to receive up to Rs 185,000 refund: NA body told

NNPS Desk

Wed, 2 Aug 2023, 11:10 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 02 (APP): The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony was informed on Wednesday that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony would refund up to Rs 185,000 each to pilgrims who had performed Hajj under the government scheme.

The committee, which met in the Parliament House with Syed Imran Ahmad Shah in the chair, lauded the Hajj arrangements.

The committee was told that a total of Rs 1,175,000 was received from the each pilgrim performing Hajj under the regular scheme, and Rs 55,000 was paid back to them before their departure for Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims, who performed the Hajj under the hardship quota, were requested to deposit Rs 1,120,000, it was further informed.

The ministry had now decided to give refunds to specific groups of pilgrims. Those who did not reside in the Markazia in Madina Al Munawwara would receive Rs 12,000 per head, and those who did not travel by train in Mina would be given Rs 21,000 per head. Furthermore, all the pilgrims would receive a refund of Rs 97,000 each.

The committee members hailed the efforts of the Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood, for ensuring the smooth conduct of the Hajj.

The Moavineen, appointed on merit, were noted for their excellent service, with strict measures in place to ensure proper duty performance.

The committee directed the relevant law changes regarding the Hajj Group Operators (HGOs), advocating for a competitive atmosphere among them.

It also encouraged small HGOs to form consortiums to handle larger groups of pilgrims, aiming for improved service delivery.

The meeting was attended by Members of the National Assembly Chaudhry Faqir Ahmed, Shahnaz Saleem Malik, Pir Syed Fazal Ali Shah Jillani, Shagufta Jumani, Muhammad Anwar and Shahida Akhtar Ali, and Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Special Invitee (through video link). Senior officers from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony were also present, including the Secretary and Joint Secretary (Hajj).

The committee expressed hope that the positive practices and efforts would continue to benefit pilgrims in the future.

JUI-S chief visits blast victims in Bajaur, condemns incident

NNPS Desk

Wed, 2 Aug 2023, 11:01 PM

PESHAWAR, Aug 02 (APP): Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq Haqqani, to show solidarity and support on Wednesday, visited the injured victims of the tragic Bajaur blast.

Accompanied by a delegation, he expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims. During his visit, Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq Haqqani condemned the Bajaur incident in the strongest terms.

He reiterated his commitment to Pakistan’s progress, prosperity, and stability, vowing to continue playing a constructive role in achieving these goals.

JUI-S chief visits blast victims in Bajaur, condemns incident

On this occasion, JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed gratitude for the visit, stating that the presence of such esteemed scholars uplifted their spirits during this challenging time.

Maulana Haqqani also individually visited each injured person, providing them with moral support and encouragement.

The delegation included Maulana Rashid-ul-Haq Sami, Maulana Syed Muhammad Yousuf Shah, Maulana Abdul Wahid Khateeb, Maulana Abdul Rafi, Maulana Abdul Sami, Maulana Saahib Hussain, and other distinguished scholars.

The visit served as a ray of hope for the victims and showcased the collective commitment of religious scholars towards peace and unity in Pakistan.

Representative Of Unhcr In Pakistan Ms. Noriko Yoshida and her team calls on the Special Assistant To The Prime Minister on Accountability, Mr. Irfan Qadir at his office

Zia Ur Rehman

Wed, 2 Aug 2023, 10:46 PM

Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Ms. Shazia Marri chairs the 60th BISP Board of Directors Meeting

Zia Ur Rehman

Wed, 2 Aug 2023, 10:43 PM

Senators seek in-camera briefing on terrorism

NNPS Desk

Wed, 2 Aug 2023, 10:03 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 02 (APP): Senators on Wednesday demanded an in-camera meeting to address sensitive matters concerning national security and to devise a collective strategy for combating terrorism and extremism within the country.

During the debate on the Bajaur suicide attack, the Upper House members have expressed strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Bajaur urging the development of an effective strategy to eradicate terrorism from the country.

The debate participants reached a consensus to assert parliament’s powers. They emphasized the importance of regularly summoning key officers to question their performance and the measures taken to ensure peace in their respective areas.

They stressed the need to seek regular feedback and take concrete steps to combat terrorism.

During the discussion, JUI-F leader Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri strongly denounced the terrorist attack, emphasizing that its purpose was to destabilize the country. He reaffirmed his party’s unwavering commitment to stand for the cause of Islam and Pakistan and expressed their readiness to make any necessary sacrifices.

Haji Hidayat Ullah emphasized the need to hold the perpetrators of the Bajaur terrorist attack accountable as a way to set an example for others.

Dost Muhammad Khan urged the Federal Government to promptly announce a compensation package for the victims of the Bajaur incident. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar pledged to address the issue of announcing compensation for the victims of the Bajaur incident with the Prime Minister and at the cabinet level.

Mushtaq Ahmed Khan emphasized that safeguarding the lives and liberties of Pakistani citizens is the joint responsibility of federal, and provincial authorities and security agencies.

He urged the government to announce compensation for the victims of the Bajaur incident.

Additionally, he proposed holding an in-camera session of Parliament to discuss the issue and develop a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism.

Bahramand Tangi stressed the importance of avoiding political point-scoring regarding the Bajaur incident. Instead, he called for all stakeholders, including political forces, to unite in the fight against terrorism.

Furthermore, he emphasized the significance of honouring and recognizing the martyrs of the armed forces.
Tahir Bizinjo said Pakistan must reevaluate its Afghan policy and develop a new strategy in collaboration with all political forces in the country. He believes that establishing good relations with neighbouring countries and resolving conflicts through dialogue is crucial for restoring peace in Pakistan.

Palwsha alleged that enemies were planning to push Pakistan towards default.

Saifullah Abro, Fida Muhammad, Kamran Murtaza and Danesh Kumar also spoke.

At the outset of the proceedings, Maulana Attaur Rehman led the House in offering Fateha for the martyrs of Bajaur.

Govt takes steps for prevention of trafficking in persons: Dr. Ehsan Sadiq

NNPS Desk

Wed, 2 Aug 2023, 9:55 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 02 (APP): Director General National Police Bureau Dr Ehsan Sadiq, Wednesday said that in recent years, the government undertook a range of measures for the prevention of trafficking in persons.

Dr Ehsan Sadiq expressed these views while speaking on the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The event was participated by senior officials of FIA, the Police, relevant Government ministries, UN agencies, the diplomatic community, academia, and civil society.

Highlighting the steps, he said the government has promulgated the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2018, issued TIP rules 2020, ratified TIP protocols to UNTOC and collaborated with TIP communities at the provincial level.

He induced the need for all stakeholders to work together to reduce trafficking in person cases.

He was of the view that the recent Rizwana case highlighted the need of recognizing the importance of child protection and assessing the true magnitude of the issue.

He informed that National Police Bureau is compiling a database and working closely with FIA and police to enhance coordination and collaboration.

Dr Ehsan Sadiq appreciated Sardar Zaheer Ahmed, a Pakistani law enforcement officer, who was presented with the prestigious Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Hero award by U.S. State Department.

He said that the purpose of the event is also to recognize the services of all who are working on the issue of trafficking in persons in Pakistan.

Sardar Zaheer Ahmed in his closing remarks said thanked DG NPB Dr Ehsan Sadiq for organizing the session.

Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director SSDO speaking on the occasion appreciated all the stakeholders who participated at the event and suggested that this forum should be given a permanent structure and should meet at least once in every quarter to share the progress on TIP, to enhance coordination and way forward.

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Associated Press Of Pakistan

MILGEM project a major step towards self-reliance and indigenization: PM

PM thanks President Xi for “powerful” message of support, solidarity with Pakistan

PTI warned of election symbol disqualification on failure to conduct party elections

Dar congratulates FBR team for achieving July 2023 revenue target of Rs 539 bln

Hajj pilgrims to receive up to Rs 185,000 refund: NA body told

JUI-S chief visits blast victims in Bajaur, condemns incident

Representative Of Unhcr In Pakistan Ms. Noriko Yoshida and her team calls on the Special Assistant To The Prime Minister on Accountability, Mr. Irfan Qadir at his office

Senators seek in-camera briefing on terrorism

Govt takes steps for prevention of trafficking in persons: Dr. Ehsan Sadiq

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