WASHINGTON, Nov 6 (APP):US-based Kashmiri leaders called on the international community to help bring an end to the ongoing Indian brutalities in the occupied Kashmir as Pakistan assured full political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people at all world forum for their right to self-determination.
Kashmiri leaders from across the United States gathered at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington for a seminar entitled “Kashmir: The Seventy Years Struggle” to mark the Kashmir Black Day which is observed every year on October 27.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry urged the international community to take notice of the gross human rights violated perpetrated by Indian occupation forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
He drew the world attention to the wave of ongoing violence and events of the past 15 months ever since the death of Kashmiri freedom fighter Burhan Wani and said that the resilience of the Kashmiri people has proved that their spirit and determination remains unflinching in the face of Indian brutality.
He assured the Kashmiri community that Pakistan will continue to lend moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmir at all international fora.
Kashmiri American Committee Secretary General Sardar Zulfiqar Khan, former member Azad Jammu & Kashmir Council Sardar Sawaar Khan and George Washington University professor Dr. Imtiaz Khan also spoke on the occasion.
The speakers highlighted the plight of the innocent Kashmiris, particularly women and children, who continue to face the wrath of Indian atrocities since the last seventy years. They called upon human rights organizations to raise their voice against India’s barbaric acts in the Kashmir Valley.
The Kashmiri representatives reaffirmed the resolve of the Muslims of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir to continue their struggle for freedom from Indian oppression.
Highlighting the historical context of the dispute, two distinguished former diplomats, Ambassador Touqir Hussain and former Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan drew the attention of the international community to numerous UN Security Council resolutions under which the people of Kashmir have been promised the right to self-determination through a UN-mandated plebiscite.
The two speakers also emphasized that both governments in India and Pakistan need to resume dialogue to arrive at a political solution that is satisfactory to the Kashmiri people.
Each year, October 27 is marked by Kashmiris around the world as Kashmir Black Day. It was on this this day in 1947 that Indian forces landed in Jammu and Kashmir and occupied it.
World must help to end Indian brutalities in held Kashmir: Kashmiri Leaders
AJK people living along LOC are the real heroes: Farooq Haider
MIRPUR, Nov 06 (APP):AJK Prime Minister Raja Mohammad Farooq Haider Khan said that the people of AJK inhibiting along the Line of Control (LOC) are the real heroes facing Indian army’s oppression every day and we will not leave them alone.
Referring to the ongoing development projects of public welfare in forward town of Abbaspur, the
Prime Minister said that all measures would be taken before winter to
facilitate people living near the Line of Control.
“A committee has been formed to this direction for timely implementation of the projects.
He said, “Abbaspur town is named after late Raees ul Ahrar Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas, the founding leader
of the Kashmir freedom struggle and the ex Supreme head of the AJK government.
“We will soon upgrade this region to the status of District after consultation;
in order to ease the official accommodation in Abbaspur, a good standard rest
house will be constructed by July 2018,” he told.
“Chaudhary Yasin Gulshan would address the steady public issues on priority basis. Prime Minister said that we
are cognizant of the demands and problems of Abbaspur people.
Prime Minister reiterated that Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif took personal interest in the development of
Azad Kashmir and they have set an example by providing development funds
equally in all the constituencies of Azad Kashmir.
Talking on development plans, Prime Minister stated that we took practical steps to get resources,
owing to which billions of rupees funds have been disbursed in Abbaspur. “Work
on the projects is in full swing, some plans have been accomplished and some development
plans are in the final stages of completion.” Prime Minister added.
Raja Farooq Haider expressed these views while addressing a mammoth public gathering in Abbaspur. He was accompanied
by Ministers of State, Member Kashmir Council, Members of AJK Legislative
Assembly and his other party colleagues.
Difference of opinion beauty of democratic system:Tariq
ISLAMABAD, Nov 6 (APP):Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Monday said difference of opinion was the beauty of democratic system. Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) was a big political party and had difference of opinion on different matters.
Talking to a private news channel, he said the PML-N was united under the leadership of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and there was no rift in the party or Sharif family.
Those who wanted to see any division in the party or Sharif family would not succeed, he added.
The minister said the government was making consensus among all political parties on the matters of constitutional amendment on matter of delimitation.
He urged the opposition parties to play their due role for constitutional amendment to avoid delay
in holding general election.
Indian minister’s visit to disputed area may complicate border issue: China
BEIJING, Nov 6 (APP): A Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson said on Monday that Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visit to disputed areas of the China-India border may complicate the border issue and is not conducive to efforts made by two countries to maintain peace and tranquility of the border area.
“We believe that Indian official’s visit to the disputed area of the China-India border may complicate the border issue and is not conducive to the efforts made by the two sides to maintain the peace and tranquility of the border area,” Hua Chunying said while responding to a question regarding Indian Defense Minister’s visit of border area in the so called “Arunachal Pradesh” during her regular press briefing here.
She said that China’s position on the issue of China-India border is clear-cut, adding, “It is an objective fact that there are disputes over the eastern section of the China-India border.”
The spokesperson hoped that the Indian side can make concerted efforts with China to continue creating enabling conditions and atmosphere for the two sides to properly resolve the border issue through negotiation and uphold the overall picture of the bilateral relations.
US Democrats demand gun control after Texas church shooting
NEW YORK, Nov 6 (APP): The horrific mass shooting in a Texas church is prompting fresh calls from Democrats to pass stricter gun laws, as Republicans, including President Donald Trump, insisted firearms are not the problem.
“May God grant all of us the wisdom to ask what concrete steps we can take to reduce the violence and weaponry in our midst,” former President Barrack Obama, a Democrat, wrote in a tweet on Sunday night, after a former US Air Force serviceman killed 27 people at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas.
Former Vice President Joe Biden also reacted by urging Americans not to give in to “hopelessness” and “persist in our efforts to prevent gun violence.”
The shooting came a little more than a month after the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history in Las Vegas, which killed over 50 people and injured hundreds more at a concert.
Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, demanded stricter gun control laws with a scathing statement.
“As my colleagues go to sleep tonight, they need to think about whether the political support of the gun industry is worth the blood that flows endlessly onto the floors of American churches, elementary schools, movie theaters, and city streets,” Murphy said.
“The terrifying fact is that no one is safe so long as Congress chooses to do absolutely nothing in the face of this epidemic. The time is now for Congress to shed its cowardly cover and do something,” he added.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, said, “As we mourn the lives that were cruelly cut short today, we must resolve to denounce all forms of hatred and violence and to drive them from our communities and our nation.”
President Trump, meanwhile, called the suspect in the shooting a “very deranged individual,” adding that “we have a lot of mental health problems in our country, as do other countries.”
At a press briefing in Japan, Trump added, “This isn’t a guns situation. Fortunately somebody else had a gun that was shooting in the opposite direction.”
Democratic Senators Bob Casey, Dick Durbin and Kamala Harris also weighed in and urged the Republican-dominated Congress to act in response to the latest deadly shooting.
“The shooter turned his gun on people — kids — in a place of worship. America is in the grips of a gun violence crisis. Congress must act,” Senator Durbin wrote in a tweet.
Senator Harris, a possible 2020 presidential contender, condemned “senseless gun violence” after the incident.
“When do we say enough is enough?” she added.
Pakistan desires multi dimensional ties with Russia: Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
ISLAMABAD, Nov 6 (APP):Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has called for greater interaction and people-to-people contact with Russia. Talking to the Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs of the Russian Federation Leonid Slutsky, he stressed the need for new synergies of parliamentary and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Russia.
Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Alexey Y. Dedov was also present on the occasion.
During the meeting, the Speaker specifically emphasized the political will and consensus in the parliament regarding the closer relations with Russia. He also stressed the need of Russian investment to come to Pakistan for the mutual benefit of both the countries. “Russia can take advantage of the Pak-China “trade corridor”, spread from Chinese border to Gwadar port, as it can serve another alternative route for Russia to be linked with Middle East. This can play a vital role in the stability and economic progress of these regions,” the Speaker remarked. “We want a multi-dimensional relationship with Russia in the fields of trade, defence, energy, infrastructure, culture and other spheres,” the Speaker added.
The Speaker said that Pakistan and Russia not only share the same continent but also the same values of democracy and human freedom, therefore, both the nations need to take their bilateral relation to new heights. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also called for global multi-dimensional legislative and political measures to address challenges of terrorism and extremism. Both terrorism and extremism posed severe threat to global peace and prosperity but terrorism should not be associated with any religion, culture or society, the Speaker said. He informed the Chairman that Speaker from China, Russia, Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan are agreed to participate in a conference held in Islamabad next month. “Pakistan is focusing how to tackle terrorism in the region and how to connect with each other” the Speaker said.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said terrorism and extremism are directly related to conflicts and disputes and called on the international community to pay urgent attention to address festering disputes and unresolved conflicts, aggression, foreign occupation and denial of the right to self-determination.”We must ensure regional stability and further economic integration to realize our goals,” he said.
Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs of the Russian Federation Leonid Slutsky agreed with the Speaker and said that his government also desires to have cordial relation with Pakistan. He also agreed for regular interaction between Pakistani and Russian Parliamentarians. He appreciated the idea of the Speaker to hold a conference in Pakistan devoted to security issues and fight against terrorism with the participation of China, Russia, Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan. He informed the Speaker that the Russian President is also supported the regional conference held in Islamabad and he urged that this kind of interaction will be held every year. Leonid Slutsky also discussed ways and means for manifold increase in business and trade between the business communities of both the countries in the field of agriculture, textile, leather goods, sports goods, etc. and investment in energy sector by the Russian businesses.
Later on, Speaker hosted a lunch in honour Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutsky. Chairman Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar, Ambassadors and representatives of China, Russia, Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan were also invited. Diplomats of all the respective countries appreciated the gesture of Speaker to hold the conference and assured their support for the regional cause as well proactive participation in conference. Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutsky was also witnessed the proceedings of the National Assembly.
India committing war crimes in IOK: Masood Khan.
MIRPUR, Nov 06 (APP):AJK President Sardar Masood Khan said that India is scared of the economic progress
of the country due to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Talking to media, the President said that our foremost priority must be to raise awareness on the human rights violations taking place in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK). India is committing war crimes in Kashmir and the international community must raise their voice against the
humanitarian crisis unfolding in IOK, he underlined.
“We need to take action against these
violations in view of the international humanitarian laws, Geneva Conventions,
UN Human Rights Charter and conventions that govern human rights”, he added.
He said India is an occupation force which has
unlawfully claimed sovereignty illegally jailed Kashmiris, used innocent
Kashmiris as human shields by tying them to their vehicles, changing the local
demography by using unconstitutional tactics and forcefully vacating properties.
The President said that this Indian occupation cannot continue in perpetuity as
it is illegal and criminal.
To a question, he said that this project has opened a new era of economic growth and opportunity. The
CPEC project will be pivotal in bringing around prosperity to the country and
the region. “We will not allow any power to sabotage the CPEC project and any Indian conspiracy to disrupt it”, he remarked.
The President lamented that the international community is appeasing India by not intervening
action against the atrocities is unfortunate; this culture of silence and
appeasement should come to an end.
SBP Governor calls on Muhammad Zubair
KARACHI, Nov 06 (APP):Governor of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Tariq Bajwa, on Monday called on Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair.
At the meeting held at the Governor House matters pertaining to economic targets, GDP, steps taken for stability of the Pakistani currency, economic activities, foreign investment were among those that came up for discussion.
Zubair said that foreign investment can be increased by
fostering Pakistan’s image based on ground realities.
He was of the view that US investors were unaware of such a situation and were reluctant to come up with investment in
Pakistan.
Governor Sindh who has just returned from a US visit along
with a delegation, said that through conference, receptions and road shows the positive image of Pakistan based on ground realities were promoted.
With this, he added, the US investors appeared willing for
investment in Pakistan.
Zubair also pointed out that owing to economic policies of
the present government, the economic and trade activities in
Pakistan have enhanced.
I this regard, he was also appreciative of the role of the
SBP.
Tariq Bajwa said that the SBP has undertaken comprehensive
measures for achieving the targets of the GDP.
The positive results of these would come to the fore soon,
he added.
Governor SBP also said that steps taken for the stability of
the Pakistani currency are producing far-reaching results.
Senate discusses needs to establish tax courts in country
ISLAMABAD, Nov 6 (APP):The Senate on Monday discussed the need to establish Independent National Tax Courts in the country to dispose of tax cases quickly and to protect the rights of tax payers.
The issue was discussed in the House following a motion under Rule 218 moved by MQM Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Sheikh.
The mover said that the entire tax system in the country is under domain of one department which imposes tax and settles disputes about tax. He said there are tax courts in the developed countries and such courts should be established in the country to dispose of tax related issues in expeditious and transparent manner.
PkMAP Senator Sardar Azam Musakhel said that tax system in the country has several flaws and reforms should be introduced in it. Another PkMAP Senator Usman Kakar said endorsed the idea of mover to establish the tax courts in the country.
Senator Mohsin Aziz said that special forces should be constituted to handle tax related issues and delay in settling such disputes to be avoided.
Senator Javed Abbasi said there is dire need for reforms in the taxation system and improve the performance of Appellate Tribunals through speedy decision of the case.
Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Baligh ur Rehman said that there are four forums in the present system where an aggrieved party can take up its tax related disputes. He said that Chief Commission, Federal Tax Ombudsman and even Federal Board of Revenue has the powers to look into such cases.
He said that forums of High Courts and Supreme Courts can be approached in such disputes.
The minister said there are 20 branches of Appellate Tribunal in the country and present system is satisfactory to tackle tax related matter.
Political stability must for making Pakistan Asian economic giant: Ahsan Iqbal
PESHAWAR, Nov 06 (APP): Federal Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Monday that political stability was a must for making the country an economic giant among the comity of nations saying PMLN government has put the country on road to progress and prosperity.
Talking to media here after inaugurating executive passport office and NADRA mega centre, he called for refraining from blame game and developing national cohesion, adding that such things would end up in nothing but political turmoil.
He recalled that PML-N came into power in 2013 ,when the country was in total disarray and it’s economy was like a sinking ship where there was no electricity and peace. Twenty hours load shedding was a routine matter, economic wheel was stopped while there was a big energy crisis.
“However, with blessing of Allah Almighty today we proved all the speculations being made in 2013 wrong and put the country on fast track of development.”
Ahsan lauded the performance of NADRA, saying that after making reforms within the organization , now other countries were also benefiting from the authority’s services.
The interior minister said that the growth rate of the country has increased from 3 to 5.3 percent whereas 10,000 MW electricity would be added to national grid by 2018. He recalled that during last 66 years only 16,000 MW was generated.
He said that industrial sector was being provided uninterrupted electricity. He said that crime ratio has dropped by 90 percent whereas new blood has been injected
into economic rigs.
He said that backbone of the terrorists has been broken, as the law enforcers were chasing those who had been confined. However he regretted that a specific group in the country was spreading disappointment in a bid to snatch self confidence from the people, which he said would not be allowed to do.
Referring to the report of Transparency International, he said that if the economic pace which the country had attained remained so, Pakistan would soon be among big –twenty economies of the world.
He explained that the federal government has no domain to differentiate between the urban and rural areas, adding it was the responsibility of the provincial governments. Certain quarters were spreading rumors with regard to population census and wanted the general election on the old population consensus, he added.
He said that holding elections without new population census would create new problems in the country. He added that nobody would be allowed to create dispute over the matter.
He said population census was conducted by Pakistan Army and civil government in a very transparent manner for which both deserve appreciation.
He said, according to new census the constituencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have been increased and any constitutional and legal battle over the matter would jeopardize the general election in 2018.
Ahsan Iqbal said some elements wanted to create an environment of mistrust between Pakistan Army and the government. The officials of Pakistan Army have sacrificed their lives in war against terror and “we are proud of their supreme sacrifices” .
He said Imran Khan has introduced a trend in politics that was casting negative impact on the educated lot of the country. On the occasion chairman NADRA Osman Yousaf Mobeen was also present.