China congratulates Uzbek President Mirziyoyev on reelection

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 8:13 PM

BEIJING, July 10 (APP): Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday congratulated Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his reelection and said that China was ready to work with Uzbekistan for high quality and all round mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly build a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future.

“China congratulates Uzbekistan on a successful presidential election and President Mirziyoyev‚ on his‚ reelection,” Mao Ning said during her regular briefing.

Uzbekistan had a successful early presidential election on July 9 and preliminary results show that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been reelected.

The spokesperson said that Chinese President Xi Jinping had sent a congratulatory message to President Mirziyoyev upon learning the news.

He said, “We believe that under the leadership of President Mirziyoyev, the country will achieve even greater success towards building a New Uzbekistan.”

Mao Ning said that China and Uzbekistan were friendly neighbours with a shared future and added, the bilateral relations have remained strong and enjoyed robust growth over the past 31 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

“China deeply values this bilateral relationship and stands ready to work with Uzbekistan for high-quality and all-round mutually-beneficial cooperation and jointly build a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future,” she added.

Privatization Commission allowed to proceed SIH transaction

NNPS Desk

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 8:04 PM

Privatization Commission allowed to proceed SIH transaction — ISLAMABAD: July 10 - Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Privatization (CCoP). APP

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): Cabinet Committee on Privatization (CCoP) Monday allowed Privatization Commission to proceed towards a successful conclusion of Services International Hotel (SIH) transaction with the completion of transfer/mutation process in the name of the purchaser.

The CCoP met here with Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in chair. Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan, Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Privatization and Chairman Privatization Commission Abid Hussain Bhayo, SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Mehmood Pasha, Chairman RRMC Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, federal secretaries and senior officials attended the meeting.

The Privatization Commission submitted a summary regarding the privatization of SIH and updated the committee on its privatization process.

The CCoP after a detailed discussion allowed Privatization Commission to proceed towards a successful conclusion of SIH transaction with the completion of transfer/mutation process in the name of the purchaser.

The Privatization Commission also presented a summary on the privatization of House Building Finance Company Ltd (HBFCL) with one single (pre-qualified) bidder.

After detailed deliberations, CCoP decided to allow Privatization Commission to proceed with single source/negotiated transaction for Privatization of HBFCL with sole pre-qualified investor namely Pakistan Mortgage Refinance Company Ltd (PMRCL).

The Privatisation Commission tabled a summary related to Budget Estimates of the Privatization Commission for Fiscal Year 2023-24 to the tune of Rs. 1248.8 million.

The CCoP after detailed deliberation approved the summary. The Privatisation Commission also presented summaries on privatisation of Pakistan Engineering Company (PECO) and privatization of Sindh engineering Limited (SEL) and briefed the meeting on their status.

The CCoP after discussion deferred both the summaries with directions that Secretary Privatization Commission, Secretary Law and Justice and Secretary Industries & Production may hold mutual consultations and come up with future course of action in both cases.

The Privatization Commission also updated the CCoP on the status of privatization process of Roosevelt Hotel.
The CCoP after discussion deferred the summary with direction to submit an update on the privation of Roosevelt Hotel after consultation with Aviation Ministry.

PM reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to meet UN SDGs with enhanced cooperation

Irfan Khan

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 7:31 PM

PM virtually participated in the First High-Level Forum on Global Development Initiative (GDI). Islamabad, July 10, 2023.

ISLAMABAD, July 10 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that Pakistan was keen to expand its cooperation with partner countries to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-2030.

The prime minister virtually participated in the First High-Level Forum on Global Development Initiative (GDI). Held under the theme of Global Development Initiative: “Echo the Development Agenda and Call for Global Action”, the forum was organized by China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

In his remarks, the prime minister stressed the salience of international development cooperation to present a unified global response for socio-economic development, mitigation of climate change threats and for galvanizing new drivers of growth for humanity’s enduring progress and prosperity.

He also appreciated China for launching the Global Development Initiative for achieving shared goals of inclusive and sustainable global development.

Extending Pakistan’s firm support to GDI, the prime minister said that Pakistan would continue its multifaceted cooperation with China for swift implementation of the GDI projects in Pakistan.

The event was attended by Wang Yi, member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China and Director of the General Office of CPC Foreign Affairs Commission, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Chairman CIDCA, Luo Zhaohui.

Leading experts and executives from several countries and international organizations also participated in the forum.

Justice Khawaja Naseem sworn in as acting AJK Chief Justice

NNPS Desk

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 7:10 PM

Justice Khawaja Naseem sworn in as acting AJK Chief Justice

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): Justice Khawaja Muhammad Naseem, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday, was sworn in as the Acting AJK Chief Justice.

The AJK President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry administered the oath of office to Justice Khawaja Muhammad Naseem at a special ceremony held at Jammu Kashmir House in the federal metropolis.

The ceremony was attended among others by AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq, Government Ministers, Judges of the Supreme Court and High Court and Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd) Abdul Rasheed Salharia, and several others.

Tanveer Ahmed to represent Pakistan at World Archery Para Championships

NNPS Desk

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 6:08 PM

Tanveer Ahmed to represent Pakistan at World Archery Para Championships

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): Pakistan’s visually impaired archer Tanveer Ahmed will feature in the World Archery Para Championships 2023, scheduled to be held in Pilsen, Czech Republic from July 17-23.

“I will be flying to Pilsen on early July 17 for the event,” Tanveer told APP on Monday.

The 39-year-old Tanveer claimed the first-ever silver medal for the country in the last edition of the Championships that was held in Dubai, last year.

“That was my first appearance in the event and I returned home with a silver medal. Now I’m targeting another medal; hopefully, gold this time,” added Tanveer, who has low vision and shoots blindfolded.

Tanveer has won several medals in national and international competitions since taking on archery in 2017. Prior to that, he was a blind cricketer and he showcased his talent for 16 years. “I’ve been a cricketer. But it is archery that gave me real recognition.”

The 2022 has been a year of success for him as he earned five international medals, including the first-ever mix team gold medal in Andorra International Open for VI Archery, a silver medal in the 30-metre individual event of VI Archery and a bronze medal in 18-metre individual event of VI Archery in Andorra International Open for VI Archery, a bronze medal in World Ranking Event & European Cup and a silver medal in World Archery Para Championships. “I’m the only archer from Pakistan, who has won five medals in a calendar year,” he added.

Tanveer said he had been training hard for the World Archery Para Championships and believed he was fully fit to take on the challenge and emerge victorious.

“My coach Muhammad Ijaz is a seasoned trainer. I wanted him to accompany me to the event but unfortunately, we were not able to find a sponsor for him. Now I will be competing in the event without my coach,” said Tanveer, who himself is being sponsored by the BARD Foundation for the event.

“The BARD Foundation is also sponsoring me for World Blind Games where I will be again the only archer to represent my country.”

The 2023 World Games is the largest high-level international event for athletes with visual impairment, with more than 1250 competitors from 70 nations. The games staged every four years are the pinnacle of the international sporting calendar outside the Paralympic Games. The sports taking place during the 2023 World Games include archery, chess, cricket, blind football, partially sighted football, women’s football, goalball, judo, powerlifting, showdown, tenpin bowling and tennis.

Pakistan men’s blind cricket team is also scheduled to feature in the Games.

Utah University organizes workshop at NUST for department chairs of Pak varsities

NNPS Desk

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 5:59 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP):The University of Utah of the United States has organized a three-day training workshop for department chairs of public universities of Pakistan on strategic planning, as part of the USAID’s Higher Education System Strengthening Activity (HESSA).

Hosted by the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) Islamabad, the workshop was attended by 30 department chairs representing 16 partner universities of HESSA, a news release on Monday said.

These universities have partnered with USAID’s HESSA to strengthen their capacity of developing and delivering market-driven education and research to enhance graduate employability.

Facilitated by Dr Mike Barber, University of Utah and Dr Sajjad Ahmad, University of Nevada Las Vegas, the department leadership prepared strategic plans for their respective sections, and developed mission & vision statements, core values, goals and performance indicators to measure success of their departments.

Building on from the earlier batch, the workshop focused on the required skills to be a successful leader with a visionary approach to sustainable improvement in faculty and student success.

In his opening remarks, Dr Mike Barber welcomed the faculty from HESSA’s partner universities and elaborated the objectives and impact of the project.

Dr Osman Hasan, NUST’s Pro Rector Academics, welcomed all the participants on campus and appreciated the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the continuous support to advance higher education in the country and for engaging international experts in all its trainings.

“This workshop is complemented by virtual one-on-one sessions and an exposure visit to the University of Utah. Through this extended training programme, HESSA seeks to develop a pool of trainers who will support the capacity building of university administration and facilitate transformation across their respective universities and beyond,” the news release said.

HESSA is a USAID-funded programme that aims to introduce sustainable higher education reforms and work with Pakistani universities on international best practices in teaching, research, student support, and governance.

Fitch upgrades Pakistan to ‘CCC’, Dar congratulates Nation

Muhammad Ashraf Wani

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 5:49 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): The Fitch Ratings has upgraded Pakistan’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘CCC’ from ‘CCC, indicating a positive development towards betterment of country’s economy

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in a tweet said it was another positive development towards current economic revival journey.

He congratulated Prime Minister, nation, government allies and economic team for this achievement.

Global Rating Agency “Fitch”
Upgrades Pakistan’s Long Term Foreign-Currency rating to CCC from IDR(Issuer Default Rating).
Another positive news towards current economic revival journey, AlhamdoLilah.
Congratulations to PM @CMShehbaz ,the Nation, Govt Allies & Economic Team 🌺
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 10, 2023

“Global Rating Agency “Fitch” upgrades Pakistan’s Long Term Foreign-Currency rating to CCC from IDR(Issuer Default Rating)….Another positive news towards current economic revival journey, AlhamdoLilah…Congratulations to PM @CMShehbaz, the Nation, Govt Allies & Economic Team,” the minister tweeted.

The rating agency has identified key indicators that contributed in the positive development rating for the country which include improvement in easing external financing risks.

Its says, the upgrade reflects Pakistan’s improved external liquidity and funding conditions following its Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a nine-month Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) in June.

“We expect the SLA to be approved by the IMF board in July, catalysing other funding and anchoring policies around parliamentary elections due by October,” it adds.

According to the report, Pakistan has recently taken measures to address shortfalls in government revenue collection, energy subsidies and policies inconsistent with a market-determined exchange rate, including import financing restrictions. These issues held up the last three reviews of Pakistan’s previous IMF programme, before its expiry in June.

Most recently, the government amended its proposed budget for the fiscal year ending June 2024 (FY24) to introduce new revenue measures and cut spending, following additional tax measures and subsidy reforms in February. The authorities appeared to abandon exchange-rate management in January 2023, although guidelines on prioritising imports were only removed in June.

It says, IMF board approval of the SBA will unlock an immediate disbursement of USD1.2 billion, with the remaining USD1.8 billion scheduled after reviews in November and February 2024.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have committed another USD3 billion in deposits, and the authorities expect USD3-5 billion in other new multilateral funding after the IMF agreement. The SBA should also facilitate disbursement of some of the USD10 billion in aid pledges made at the January

2023 flood relief conference, mostly in the form of project loans (USD2 billion in the budget).

It says, Pakistan’s current account deficit (CAD) has narrowed sharply and forecasted it at about USD4 billion (1% of GDP) in FY24, after USD3 billion in FY23 and over USD17 billion in FY22.

The report also identified that country’s reserves were still low and fiscal deficit was wide.

Young artists call on Chairman Gandhara Task Force

NNPS Desk

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 5:46 PM

Young artists call on Chairman Gandhara Task Force

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): A group of young artists working on Gandhara called on Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Chairman PM’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism here Monday at Sir Syed Memorial Museum to share their work on Gandhara and display the works during the 2-day Gandhara Symposium.

Dr. Ramesh Kumar selected their work on Gandhara featuring paintings, sculptures in diverse mediums and ideas exploring potential and opportunities for Gandhara tourism in Pakistan. He said these artists are our assets and we must create opportunities for them to polish their talent and attract young generation to the field of visual art.

The Chairman PM Task Force said the works contributed by these budding and established artists will be displayed during the two-day Gandhara Symposium and after this grand event, we will hold a national level Gandhara Art Competition to involve art students and artists for promotion of Gandhara tourism at home and abroad through such competitions.

“Pakistan has huge potential of tourism especialy Gandhara tourism and we have rich heritage of Gandhara civilization that needs to be preserved and promoted and the Task Force on Tourism is endeavoring to protect and maintain these sites besides attracting both local and international tourists”, he added.