CM Bizenjo for devising Inclusive policy to attract investors in GMP

Fri, 14 Jul 2023, 9:49 PM

QUETTA, Jul 14 (APP): Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo on Friday said that under the Gwadar Master Plan (GMP), a comprehensive policy should be made to attract investors for the promotion of business and commercial activities in the Central Business District (CBD).

He expressed these views while chairing a high-level meeting to review the issues and problems of Gwadar.

The meeting was attended by Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Mir Hamal Kalmati from Gwadar, Senator Kuhada Babar and a Senior Member of the Board of Revenue.

Secretary Local Government, Secretary Communications, Secretary PHE, Chairman Gwadar Port Authority, Director General, Gwadar Development Authority, (DG, GDA) Commissioner Makran and Deputy Commissioner Gwadar.

The concerned authorities briefed the meeting regarding the development issues and problems of Gwadar in detail.

The meeting also gave approvals including in-principal approval of ownership rights to slum inhabitants of Lanchpari and Bakshi Colony and in principle the increase in compensation for the owners of the land acquired for the free trade zone (FTZ).

The meeting gave the approval to give compensation to the victims of Gailug Road after briefing the meeting on the issues of the Central Business District.

Special funds for emergency water supply to the residents of Kallar Kolanch until the installation of the pipeline was approved in the meeting despite the resolution of the settlement of 84 fishermen’s houses of the old population was also approved.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo said that under the Gwadar Master Plan (GMP), a comprehensive policy should be made to attract investors for the promotion of business and commercial activities in the Central Business District (CBD).

He directed that investment in the housing sector should be encouraged in order to speed up the process of development of Gwadar, the protection of the rights and powers of the local population would have to be ensured.

The local people will be trusted and made partners in the development process, he said adding that the first right on the development of Gwadar belonged to the local people, which could not be ignored in any case.

He said that our government has given the status of a tax-free district to Gwadar and hoped that the federal government would also give federal tax exemption soon saying that the aim of this initiative was to encourage investors and gain their confidence for the stability of the economy of the province.

PUC issues ‘code of conduct’ for peace, harmony in Muharram

NNPS Desk

Fri, 14 Jul 2023, 9:45 PM

LAHORE, Jul 14 (APP): Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) on Friday released the ‘code of conduct’ aimed at promoting peace, inter-sect harmony, and tolerance throughout the country during the month of Muharram-ul-Haram.

The code was developed in consultation with religious scholars from various schools of thought and religions.

PUC Chairman and Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Interfaith Harmony and Middle East Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, and other prominent religious figures addressed a press conference here to announce the code of conduct.

They expressed their commitment to fully adhere to the guidelines and cooperate with the government and law enforcement agencies at all levels.

The religious leaders emphasized the importance of respecting all holy scriptures, including the Quran, and strongly condemned any act of desecration.

They also acknowledged the success of a resolution passed in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) regarding the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden, expressing gratitude to China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey, Iran, and other countries for their support.

Furthermore, the religious scholars expressed appreciation for the condemnation of an Israeli delegate’s speech on Pakistan’s internal affairs in the UNHRC.

They denounced Israel’s actions, stating that it was a country known for violating human rights and promoting blasphemy laws’ elimination in Pakistan, as well as advocating for homosexuality. The interference of Israel and its demands were strongly condemned by the Ulema, Mashaykh and all Pakistanis.

The Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct highlights that sectarian hatred, armed conflicts, and imposing one’s beliefs on others forcefully are contrary to Islamic teachings and are considered national crimes.

The religious scholars rejected extremist thinking and extremism, emphasizing the duty to respect the sanctity of Prophets, Companions of the Prophet, Caliphs, wives of the Holy Prophet, and Ahl-e-Bayt. They call for strict action against individuals who violate these sanctities.

The code of conduct also ensures the rights of non-Muslim citizens in Pakistan, granting them the freedom to worship and practice their religion without any infringement. Non-Muslim citizens’ rights, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan, must be respected, and no individual, group, or organization can deny them their rights.

The code emphasizes the importance of respecting women’s rights, including inheritance rights and education, as commanded by Islamic Shariah.

During the mourning days of Muharram-ul-Haram and Safar-ul-Muzaffar, citizens and Muslims in Pakistan are permitted to hold scheduled Majalis and religious gatherings, provided that the sanctity of the premises is protected within the boundaries of the law.

The religious scholars urged vigilance against conspiracies by enemies of the homeland and Islam and emphasized mutual tolerance among the followers of Ahl al-Bayt and companions of the Holy Prophet Peace Be Upon Him.

They called on all Muslims to support and respect each other’s observance of the days of Karbala according to their respective beliefs and ideologies.

To ensure the dissemination of the code of conduct, the religious scholars appealed to all official and non-official media outlets to publicize the guidelines and contribute to spreading the message of unity and stability.

They also called for quick action against any controversial content on print and social media or electronic platforms that incites violence, urging relevant government agencies to take immediate action in such cases.

AJK leaders call on President Sultan

NNPS Desk

Fri, 14 Jul 2023, 9:34 PM

ISLAMABAD , Jul 14 (APP): Former president of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan along with the Leader of Opposition AJK Legislative Assembly Khawaja Farooq Ahmed and former minister Chaudhry Aziz called on President Azad Jammu and Kashmir Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry at the Jammu Kashmir House in the federal metropolis on Friday.

During the meeting, the AJK leaders engaged in fruitful discussions on matters of mutual interest, as well as the prevailing political situation in the country, with a specific focus on AJK.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views and insights on various issues of importance,
aiming to strengthen cooperation and understanding among AJK’s political stakeholders.

The discussions are expected to contribute to the ongoing efforts aimed at addressing key challenges and exploring opportunities for the betterment of AJK and its residents.

APP/ahr

Govt focusing on diversifying energy mix: PM

Munir Hussain

Fri, 14 Jul 2023, 9:13 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday said the government was focusing its attention on diversifying the energy mix while tapping of nuclear power was part of the long-term energy security strategy.

In a tweet on social media platform Twitter, he said, “Today I performed the groundbreaking of the eighth nuclear power of plant of Pakistan and the fifth nuclear power unit to be built at Chashma. This 1200-MW power project, on completion, will provide clean & affordable electricity to the national grid. Given the increasing energy needs of the country, the government is focusing its attention on diversifying the energy mix and tapping of nuclear power is part of our long-term energy security strategy.”

“Grateful to China for its continued support to Pakistan in almost all areas of development. Like other sectors, Chinese support has been critical to setting up state-of-the-art nuclear power plants in the country,” he added