ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): Pakistan and China on Friday agreed on expanding people-to-people ties and expressed resolve to further enhance consular facilitation for each other’s nationals.

This was agreed during the ninth round of Pakistan-China Consular Consultations held in Beijing, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Director General (China), Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani, led the Pakistani delegation while the Chinese side was led by Deputy Director General, Wu Demin.

It was agreed that the embassies of the two countries would hold a monthly review meeting with the concerned officials to discuss consular matters concerning students and entrepreneurs and issues relating to prisoners.

The 10th round of Pakistan-China Consular Consultations will be held in Islamabad next year.

The Consular Consultations are an institutionalized mechanism between Pakistan and China that reviews the entire range of consular matters including visa and immigration, and consular facilitation for nationals of the two countries.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): Pakistan-Indonesia Business Council was established on Friday at a ceremony held here at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KADIN) in Jakarta.

Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad Majeed Khan witnessed the signing ceremony for the establishment of the the business council.

The Foreign Secretary termed the establishment of Pakistan-Indonesian Business Council as an important step towards deepening of economic engagement and unlocking the vast potential within Pakistan-Indonesia partnership.

He expressed hope that the Council will serve as a catalyst for further economic cooperation by improving business-to-business interaction, promoting joint ventures, generating employment opportunities, and reducing poverty to build prosperous and resilient societies.

In his keynote address, Chairman KADIN Arsjad Rasjid P.M. noted that Pakistan was an important non-traditional trading partner of Indonesia.

He emphasized the immense potential for mutually beneficial economic ties between Pakistan and Indonesia and underscored the importance of long-term collaboration to unlock the untapped potential in both markets.

He expressed KADIN’s readiness to host interactive sessions and networking opportunities and to explore potential collaboration and forming lasting partnerships.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Asim Ahmad here on Friday held E-Khuli Kachehri to directly received telephone calls from taxpayers and listened to their grievances and recommendations.

He was addressing E-Khuli Kachehri held at the board’s headquarter under the government vision as part of the FBR drive to facilitate taxpayers, said a news release.

The occasion provides an opportunity to taxpayers to directly communicate with Chairman FBR for resolving their tax-related issues and promote culture of tax compliance in the country.

The chairman gave on-spot directions to relevant offices to resolve issues of the taxpayers at the earliest.

He also advised the taxpayers to visit their nearest Regional Tax Office and Collectorate of Customs for speedy redressal of their concerns.

He appreciated the suggestions given by the taxpayers for further improving the tax-related services for better facilitation.

The chairman assured that their valued input would be considered and expressed the resolve to further improve the services and mechanism of taxation to facilitate all taxpayers and generate more revenue for the betterment of the national economy.

He said that FBR was undertaking various measures and initiatives to promote tax culture across the country and urged upon eligible taxpayers to fulfil their national duty by filing their tax returns in time.

Asim Ahmad has already directed all Field Formations to timely resolve the taxpayers’ concerns through improved service delivery.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):Speaker of National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf  Friday said the 15th July episode of the failed coup attempt in Türkiye, was bravely defended by the Turkish people as 250 people sacrificed their lives to save democracy and to protect their rights and freedom.

It is indeed a historic example and a great message to the entire world that nothing can harm a democratic order if it is tested and then trusted by the people.

He made the remarks while addressing the 7th commemoration ceremony of the martyred of the July 15, 2016, thwarted coup attempted by Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO) and Democracy and National Unity Day.

The speaker further stated that this day reminded us of the memorable victory of the Türkiye’s democracy over the dark forces of regression and repression as it was the glorious day when the entire Turkiye nation stood like a rock side by side and showed their patriotism and courage.

They defended democracy and their popular leader President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The cowardly attempt was made to detract from its chosen path of democracy, people’s rules, and people’s progress, he added.

He congratulated Dr. Mehmet Paçaci, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, on behalf of the entire nation on this 7th anniversary.

He expressed that Pakistan and Türkiye shared goals of democracy & stability.

Pakistan considered Türkiye a brotherly country as it supported us in difficult times, especially during natural disasters, including the earthquake of 2005, the speaker said.

He added that the last year both countries commemorated the 75th anniversary of the bilateral relations, adding

Raja Pervaiz said “I am confident that our relations will continue to grow and stronger in every passing day and our people have always taken pride in Türkiye’s progress as for generations, our two peoples have shared our joys and sorrows.”

Turkey has always supported Pakistan at all regional and global forums and added that the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad also played its role in taking Pakistan-Turkey relations to new heights.

The bilateral relations had been further strengthened by the exchange of parliamentary delegations of Azerbaijan including Turkey and Pakistan.

Dr. Mehmet Paçaci, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Pakistan said that the evening and night of the 15th July was a night of unprecedented betrayal as well as a night of unprecedented heroism until dawn.

He said that the Turkish people defended democracy simply at the cost of their lives.

The envoy acknowledged Pakistan’s initiative to prudently clear the FETO organization from its country which was working in the education sector such as schools.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan declared FETO as a proscribed organization with its decision on December 28, 2018. For this, the Turkish nation is grateful to Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):In an effort to raise awareness about corruption and instill a sense of responsibility among students, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Balochistan on Friday organized a seminar and walk in Quetta Cantt School.

The primary objective of the seminar was to educate students about the consequences of misconduct and promote a culture of intolerance towards such actions.

The event was attended by Saima Nazir and Henna, representing the school, along with Zahid Kassi and Khurram Shahzad, Deputy Directors from NAB Balochistan.

The speakers expressed their views on the subject and shed light on NAB’s strategies and the role of students in combating corruption. They emphasized the negative impacts of corruption on society and highlighted the valuable initiatives taken to eradicate it.

During the seminar, effective measures were also highlighted, empowering students to actively contribute to the development of a transparent and accountable society.

The overall objective of the seminar was to serve as an informative platform, motivating students to actively participate in actions against misconduct. The participants gained insights into the negative effects of misconduct and the steps being taken to prevent it.

In a symbolic gesture, a walk was organized at the conclusion of the seminar, in which students enthusiastically participated. The walk aimed to symbolize their commitment to fighting misconduct and their dedication to building a more transparent society.

The seminar and walk organized by NAB Balochistan in collaboration with Quetta Cantt School successfully raised awareness about misconduct and encouraged students to play their part in eradicating it. This initiative serves as a stepping stone towards fostering a responsible and accountable society.