ISLAMABAD, Nov 08 (APP):Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Ahmad Al-Maliki called on Federal Minister for Communications Hafiz Abdul Karim at Ministry of Communications here Wenesday. A detailed briefing was given regarding development of road infrastructure including China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan. Projects in progress with the cooperation of the Saudi Fund for development were also reviewed in detail. Federal Secretary Communications Muhammad Siddique Memon and senior officers from Ministry of Communications and National Highway Authority were also present.
Welcoming the honorable delegates, Hafiz Abdul Karim said, brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are very strong and deep and these friendly ties will further be extended and cemented in the years to come. He said, Saudi Arabia has been a well wisher of Pakistan. He said, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a gigantic project that will bring about positive change to the economy of Pakistan and the whole region as well. We have requested to the Saudi brother to have more investment for development and extension of road infrastructure in Pakistan, and they have positively responded.
Expressing views on this occasion Nawaf Saeed Ahmad Al-Maliki said, brotherly friendly relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are exemplary. He said, Pakistan has made remarkable achievements in road development sector. He said, Gwadar Port possesses great significance from economic viewpoint which will generate employment opportunities in Pakistan. He said, Saudi Arabia always stood shoulder by shoulder with Pakistan, and cooperation between the two brothers will continue in the future.
During the meeting, it was told in the briefing that there are 49 national highways and motorways having total length of 13127Km in Pakistan. Length of the Western Route of the CPEC is 2463Km from Khunjerab to Gwadar. After 2013, 26 projects were completed at cost of Rs. 207 billion.
It was further told that the Private Sector has made investment of more than Rs. 300 billion in road infrastructure of Pakistan. It was told that the Rehabilitation and improvement of Chakdara-Mangora-Fatehpur road is being carried out with Saudi grant. 82 Km long this project will be completed in 02xyears at cost of Rs. 2.79billion. Further in AJK, 2x tunnels at Kohri (3.7Km) and Chellpani (0.6Km) are being financed by Saudi fund for development. It was also told that 05x projects are also available for Saudi funding in the future at an estimated cost of Rs. 34 billion.
Saudi-Pak time tested ties will be further strengthened ‘
PPP does not support demand of early elections: Rehman Malik
BEIJING, Nov 8 (APP):: While rejecting demand of early general elections, former Interior Minister and a central leader of PPP, Rehman Malik Wednesday said that a political party had initiated a campaign for new elections even after four months of the taking oath by the present government.
“We always support continuity of the democratic process and our party is in favour of the present democratic set up to complete its term,” he told mediapersons before his departure after a three-day visit to the Chinese capital at the invitation of People’s Security University of China here.
“If the present government completes its five-year term, it means, all the political parties give the democracy a chance,” he added.
Rehman Malik said that it is responsibility of all the political parties to take democracy forward. Those who want fresh elections, only desire to secure power but only people will decide about it.”
Regarding a question about political reconciliation, he said the dialogue is only way forward and important in the politics adding, “We have no programme to destabilize the government but we want supremacy of the rule of law in the country.”
The former interior minister expressed a need to evolve a political consensus to cope with the challenges faced by the country.
“We should sit together setting aside political differences and evolve unanimous security, economy and foreign policies,” he added.
He said there is complete national consensus on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), adding, “We should sit together to evolve a consensus on other issues as well.”
China again rejects Indian concern over CPEC framework
BEIJING, Nov 8 (APP):: China Wednesday rejected India’s concerns over China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and reiterated that the economic cooperation initiative is not directed at third parties and has nothing to do with territorial sovereignty disputes.
“We understand India’s concerns on this issue. We have said many times that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is an economic cooperation initiative that is not directed at third parties and has nothing to do with territorial sovereignty disputes,” Chinese Foreign Minister spokesperson Hua Chunying said during her regular press briefing here.
“You and other Indian journalists have asked this question before. You can see that the Indian side is really entangled in the “One Belt and Road” issue,” she said while responding to a question regarding Russian Ambassador to India statement that China and India should enhance mutual understanding on the “Belt and Road Initiative” and discuss and reach a consensus on the differences between the two sides on this issue.
The spokesperson said that the “Belt and Road Initiative” is an open and inclusive framework of cooperation.
“We hope that countries liking the one-Belt and one-road initiative can work together for common development, cooperation and development for the benefit of the people with like-minded countries,” she added.
Hua Chunying said that since the proposal of “One Belt and One Road” put forward by General Secretary Xi Jinping in the autumn of 2013, the “Belt and a Road” has progressed smoothly and with fruitful results.
“It has been widely recognized and supported by the international community and more and more countries are actively participating in the “Belt and Road Initiative,” She added.
The spokespersons said that the just-concluded 19th CPC National Congress clearly pointed out that it is necessary to actively promote international cooperation in the “Belt and Road” and its inclusion in the party constitution shows that China attaches great importance to the “One Belt and One Road” initiative.
“We must continue to firmly promote the determination and confidence in international cooperation under the “Belt and Road Initiative.”
She said that it is believed that with the continuous deepening of the “Belt and Road” construction, it will not only create more room for the opening up of China, but also bring greater opportunities for the development of all countries and the global economy.
“We stand ready to work together with all parties to uphold the principle of consultation, building and sharing, continuously promote the development of the “One Belt and One Road, strengthen the mutual development strategies and pragmatic cooperation in various fields so that international cooperation on the Belt and One Road will be better, faster and more extensive access to B&R countries.
Mushaal Malik to supplement BISP efforts for women empowerment in AJK
ISLAMABAD, Nov 8 (APP):Mushaal Yasin Malik, the wife of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik on Wednesday called on the Omar Hamid Khan to congratulate him on his appointment as Secretary BISP.
During the meeting held at BISP headquarters, the collaboration between Mushaal Malik and BISP was discussed with focus on expansion of BISP in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and mobilization of Kashmiri women for their empowerment. BISP has 106193 beneficiaries in AJK.
Secretary BISP sought her help in expansion of BISP initiatives in AJK and discussed the ways in which she could mobilize BISP beneficiaries towards a better future.
The Secretary said BISP would benefit greatly by having her on its platform as an ambassador promoting BISP vision of dignity, empowerment and meaning to life.
Mushaal Malik said that she would be happy to contribute towards women empowerment and poverty alleviation through the platform of BISP. She also appreciated the efforts of BISP for poverty alleviation and women empowerment.
Mrs Malik said that refugees from Indian Occupied Kashmir living in camps deserve special attention of BISP. Kashmiri women are skilled in making traditional Kashmiri shawls so their cultural potential could be utilized to help them earn for themselves and thus graduate out of poverty.
Secretary Omar Hamid Khan said that BISP is the prime women empowerment program that is making women financially and socially inclusive all across the country.
“BISP graduation model is under consideration that would help BISP beneficiaries transit from poverty to self sufficiency. This would be a true contribution towards poverty alleviation in Pakistan,” he added.
ICCI to continue playing role in trade promotion
ISLAMABAD, Nov 8 (APP):Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ICCI) will continue playing its role effectively for promotion of country’s trade to balance the increasing gap between import and export.
During visit to Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) alongwith a chamber delegation, President ICCI Sheikh Amir Waheed Wednesday said that there was a need to have innovative trade strategy to enhance the existing value with other
countries.
He said that Trade Development Authority has an important role in this regard and urged the authorities concerned to plan activities inside country and abroad with an aim to boost local trade.
He said that these activities will encourage the local businessmen to initiate steps for export of its products in other countries with more focus on meeting the international standards of exporting products.
He added such trade activities could also attract foreign countries to start or enhance trade activities with Pakistan. He added Pakistan can increase its exports of many products with other countries like wheat, rice etc which have great demand in abroad.
He suggested the government to depute commercial attache in foreign countries from private sector who were more professionals and capable to work for the country for promotion of trade activities.
Sheikh Amir said that there were several sectors which need attention of the government for promotion like forestry and harvestery while there was a need to educate local farmers about value addition of their commodities.
He said that it was high time to support the cottage industry in cities like Sialkot and Gujranwala to encourage the small businessmen for promotion of their locally made products.
He urged to increase the tax net for achieving the tax targets by implementing the innovative strategies.
He also suggested to announce more incentives for those who are working in real state business, which he termed an important business to improve the image of the country in abroad.
He said that more focus should be paid on research and development besides involving private sector in framing the future trade policies to have appropriate inputs and collective wisdom.
He said that processing plants should be established in Balochistan for production of dates in accordance with the international standard while same plants should also be set up in other high yielding areas of local fruits.
He said that efforts were being made to make ICCI a leading and role model trade organization in the country taking growth oriented initiatives and adopting best international practices.
He said that ICCI will continue to enhance its leadership role by being proactive and providing quality services to its members and to act as a catalyst for rapid economic development in this region through promotion of trade,
industry, services and development of youth entrepreneurship culture.
He said that besides advocacy initiatives, ICCI provides platform for linkage with the international counterparts by holding meetings with members. Trade delegations of ICCI frequently visit abroad to participate in international exhibitions to find partners in the areas of their business
interest.
Managing Director Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) Masood Ahmad Malik informed the delegation that the APP is country’s premier national news agency which comprises highly qualified and professionally competent editorial
staffers.
He said that APP’s service in different languages including English, Arabic, Urdu, Sindhi and Pushto were making effective contribution towards promoting country’s image and stance on various national and regional issues in their true perspective.
Executive Director APP Sohail Ali Khan said that the news agency was committed to ensure coverage of all important developments and events on diverse fronts within the country and abroad with objective professional approach.
Director News APP Muhammad Naem Chaudhry briefed the delegation about
the functioning of the organization. He said that the news agency was playing a leading role by supplying authentic and credible news to the print and electronic media round-the-clock.
Iqbal Day marked in Paris
ISLAMABAD, Nov 8 (APP):The Embassy of Pakistan to France organized a special evening to mark the birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal the other day.
The Renowned Pakistani poet and writer Amjad Islam Amjad presided over the evening, while famous poet Khalid Masood also attended the event as a special guest, a press release received here on Wednesday said.
The function which was held in the embassy’s premises in Paris was attended by poets, writers and notables of the Pakistani community and media persons in large number.
Ambassador of Pakistan to France Moin ul Haque speaking on the occasion paid tribute to Allama Iqbal for his vision for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent, which became a reality with the creation of Pakistan.
He said it was important to study deeper about his philosophy of life, individual responsibility and communal harmony.
Sharing his thoughts with Pakistani community, Amjad Islam Amjad said commemoration of Iqbal’s birth anniversary was indeed a good occasion to recall his message of peace, self-reflection and self-renewal.
He exhorted the youth of the country to read the works of Iqbal to understand his message in order to contribute towards nation building as a responsible citizen.
Earlier, General Secretary of Bazm-e-Ahle Sukhn Ayaz Mehmood introduced Amjad Islam Amjad and Khalid Masood and thanked them for commemorating the Iqbal Day with the Pakistani community of France. Pakistani poets residing in France also recited their poems relevant to the occasion.
CM condoles death of Maulana Hakeem Amjad
LAHORE, Nov 08 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday condoled the death of Maulana Hakeem Amjad Hassan, brother of Allama Arshad Hassan Saqib and nephew of Maulana Hafiz Fazal ur Rahim Ashrafi, head of Jamia Ashrafia and Chairman of Mothida Ulema Board Punjab.
In his condolence message, the Chief Minister has extended sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace.
Iqbal’s Day to be observed with national favour
SIALKOT, Nov 08 (APP)::The 140th annual birth day of Allama Iqbal the Poet of the East would be observed with national fervour and enthusiasm at Iqbal Manzil here (the birthplace of Allama Iqbal the East) here today (Thursday).
The Day will dawn with special prayers in the mosques for the peace, national integrity, prosperity and development. Iqbal Manzil and Allama Iqbal Chowk have also been illuminated by the Sialkot Municipal Corporation here today.
Iqbal Manzil’s caretaker Syed Riaz Hussain Naqvi said that the main birthday cake cutting ceremony would be held at the Iqbal Manzil. People from all walks of life will participate in the ceremony to pay homage to the great poet, Allama
Iqbal.
An exhibition of books on Iqbaliyat, rare personal use articles, photos of Allama Iqbal and his family would be held at Iqbal Manzil. Today the Kalaam-e-Iqbal and speech contests were held at Iqbal e Manzil.
PM welcomes plans of Volkswagon to invest in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Nov 8 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday while welcoming the decision of Volkswagen to invest and undertake business venture in Pakistan and assured all possible facilities and support to the company.
He was talking to Dr. Joseph Baumert, Member Volkswagen Board of Management who called on him here at the PM Office.
The Prime Minister spoke of the strengths of Pakistan economy and said owing to the investor-friendly policies of the present government, economic turnaround in the last four years and improved security situation, huge incentives to invest and reap benefits from a fast growing economy were now available to the international business community.
He said with an enhanced road networks; in view of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor project and greater spending on communication infrastructure, Pakistan offered great opportunities to the international automobile companies to fill in the existing demand-supply gap through local production.
The Prime Minister also highlighted various features of the Auto Policy; 2016-2021 that offers tax and other incentives to the new entrants to enable introduction of new brands, develop market share, create distribution and after sales service networks besides a parts-manufacturing base.
The Prime Minister expressed the hope that Volkswagen’s production in Pakistan would provide quality vehicles of international standards. Dr. Joseph Baumert also expressed the hope for a successful business venture in Pakistan.
Head of Overseas Production Andreas Sprindler, Head of Asia Pacific Oliver Glaser, International Policy Foreign and Governmental Relations Klaus – Bo Steindorff and Head of CKD Yuri Konushin, CEO Premier Systems Pvt Ltd. Syed Arshad and Secretary Board of Investment were present during the meeting.
Naval Chief Golf championship: galaxy of amateurs to take part
LAHORE, Nov 08 (APP):The 7th edition of Chief of Naval Staff Amateur Golf Championship will swing into action here from November 10 with a galaxy of amateurs players of the country showing their talent and technique in the grand event at the Garrison golf and country club.
This was stated by Station Commander, Pakistan Navy Lahore, Commodore S.M.Shahzad, at a press conference also attended by Brig (r) R. Bajwa, Chief Referee of the Championship, Khawaja Pervaiz Saeed,Director Media and Lt Cmdr ,Kashif of Pakistan Navy on Wednesday at the Garrison Golf Club.
Commodore Shahzad said this will be the 7th consecutive year of this championship and for the 7th segment of this much sought after annual event, Garrison Golf Club has been chosen to play host to this championship.
“Because of its popularity and endorsement by Pakistan Navy, this event has acquired a reputation of excellence and all stake holders are vying to make sure that all aspects of the Championship are handled and executed in a superb manner and the competitive activity illuminates the golf scene of the country”, he asserted.
Shahzad also stated that the foremost positive aspect of the event is that it is open to the top golf amateurs of the country. “In this regard every significant champion of the national golf scene that matters in the golf arena of Pakistan will be there to demonstrate his brilliance and compete in a most dignified manner”.
“Top ranked players are determined to come up with amazing golf scores so as to bring joy to all stake holders associated with this championship and in the process prove that they are champions of value in this game of skills”, he said.
“A few foreign players of Pakistani origin will also be featuring
in the event which will portray a soft image of the country besides sending a positive message to the world that Pakistan is a safe country to hosts elite sports events “ said the station commander of Navy Lahore.
He further said that a big attraction is the prize of a car for
a hole in one.
Khawaja Pervaiz Saeed as many as three hundred players will be taking part in different events of the competition.
“This event seeks to create an opportunity whereby they can apply their golfing skills in a way that the scores they attain help them to get noticed at the national level and subsequently represent the country in international competitions”, he said.
The leading ones who are going to make the competition fierce are Wazir Ali, Mohammad Rehman, Zhoaib Asif, Fakhar Imam, Zunair Aleem, Robin Bagh, Ahmed Zafar Hayat, Mohsen Zafar and Ahsan Khawaja.
Khawaja Pervaiz spelled out that there will also be an event for ladies and gradually their numbers are swelling and many youthful ones are emerging to show their talent. Besides ladies, juniors are also taking part.
As regards the golf course Brig(r)Bajwa explained that a lot
of efforts have gone into preparing the golf course for this event.