ISLAMABAD, May 23 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Media Affairs, Dr.Musadik Malik Wednesday said no corruption was proved against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in Panama Papers case so far
however he was disqualified on having a Iqama.
Talking to a private news channel, he said that Nawaz Sharif presented himself for accountability into the Panama Papers case despite the fact that his name was not mentioned there.
Commenting on Pervez Musharraf’s departure from Pakistan, Musadik said that his name was put on Exit Control List (ECL) by the federal government but Sindh High Court ordered to remove the name.Later the government, approached Supreme Court on the matter but high court’s decision was uphold by the apex court.
To a question, Musadik said consultation between Prime Minister and opposition leader on matter of appointment of interim prime minister, was under way. He expressed the hope that the matter would be resolve with consensus.
He lauded the role of Pakistan Peoples Party for standing with the democracy during sit-in and attack on the Parliament by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in 2014.
No corruption proved against Nawaz Sharif:Musadik
KP governor appreciates sacrifices of security forces, tribal people for protecting country
PESHAWAR, May 23 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Eng. Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has said that patriotic
attachment of tribes of FATA to motherland is a historically tested reality and their role for
the protection of country has been acknowledged worldwide.
He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of newly constructed terminal at Bacha Khan International Airport here on Wednesday. It is a big headway in civil aviation sector,
after launching of one of the biggest green field airport – the Islamabad
International airport which has been opened recently, he added.
Provision of additional facilities at Bacha Khan International Airport would
also help in promoting exports and boosting economic conditions of people, he said.
Welcoming the distinguished guests, KP Governor said that peace
has been restored as a result of matchless sacrifices offered by Pak Army,
security forces and FATA people; he said that after peace, development work is
in full swing in the area according to aspirations and wishes of the people.
He also appreciated federal government for taking steps to meet
the basic needs of tribal people and said that FATA would soon be at par with developed
areas of the country.
Prime Minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Advisor to Prime Minister on Civil Aviation, Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan also addressed the ceremony. Deputy Speaker National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasai, Minister of State, Ghalib Khan and a number of federal and provincial dignitaries were also
present on this occasion.
Chinese Ambassador calls on CM Balochistan Abdul Quddus Bizenjo
QUETTA, May 23 (APP):Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo on Wednesday said Pakistan has deep connections with China, which is becoming more stable and stronger with passage of every time.
He expressed these views while talking to Chinese Ambassador Mr, Yao Jing posted in Pakistan called him at CM Secretariat.
Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) president Jam Kamal was also present on this occasion.
Chief Minister Balochistan said the completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is
our destination, which will not only bring development in Balochistan but also whole country, saying that
it could make province center of economic and trade activities throughout in this region.
He hoped that there will be no injustice with Balochistan in CPEC projects because Gwadar is
main area for CPEC.
Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo said Pakistan and China have strong
relationship, China always stood with Pakistan in every difficult time.
He said CPEC would play vital role in development of the country along with this region, saying
that Balochistan will be provided its maximum share in shape of lot of opportunities including jobs, develoment processes in CPEC project which will eliminate concerns of people of Balochistan,
Quddus Bizenjo said incumbent government is trying to improve different sectors including
agriculture, energy sector, health and education in limited sources, saying that measures are being
taken to provide facilities to investors under CPEC, so that they would not face any problem in this regard.
He said Balochista is a geographical importance because of long coastal and natural resources where are vast resources for natural resources which would provide enhance opportunities to business men.
Chief Minister said provincial government will cooperate with Chinese investors and Iran and Afghnistan would also take advantage of CPEC.
“The involvement of Afghanistan
in the CPEC would bring peace and boost trade activities in the region”, he
added.
He said Pak-Afghan border is long vast area and construction of fencing is being continued to curb terrorist activities and to stop illegall border crossing .
Chinese Ambassador Mr, Yao Jing applauded Chief Minister efforts regarding Balochistan
peace and CPEC projects.
He said China sees friendship with Pakistan very valuable and assured Chief
Minister Balochistan that China would cooperate with province in development processes including energy , health, education and other fields.
Chief Minister Balochistan and Chinese Ambassador also exchanged gifts and shields on this occasion .
ndus Water Treaty: WB vows to resolve issues in amicable manner
ISLAMABAD, May 23 (APP):The World Bank has said that it would continue to work with Pakistan and India to resolve all issues relating to Indus Water Treaty including Kishenganga hydroelectric project in an amicable manner and in line with the Indus Water Treaty provisions.
According to a statement issued by the World Bank on Wednesday, Senior World Bank officials met on May 21-22 with a delegation from the Government of Pakistan to discuss issues regarding the Indus Waters Treaty and opportunities within the Treaty to seek an amicable resolution.
The delegation of the Government of Pakistan also shared with the Bank their concerns about the recent inauguration of the Kishenganga hydroelectric plant.
Several procedural options for resolving the disagreement over the interpretation of the Treaty’s provisions were discussed.
While an agreement on the way forward was not reached at the conclusion of the meetings, the World Bank will continue to work with both countries to resolve the issues in an amicable manner and in line with the Treaty provisions.
The Indus Waters Treaty is a profoundly important international agreement that provides an essential cooperative framework for India and Pakistan to address current and future challenges of effective water management to meet human needs and achieve development goals, the statement added.
As a signatory to the Treaty, the World Bank’s role is limited and procedural. In particular, the role in relation to “differences” and “disputes” is limited to the designation of people to fulfill certain roles when requested by either or both parties.
The WB however reaffirmed its commitment to act in good faith and with complete impartiality and transparency in fulfilling its responsibilities under the Treaty, while continuing to assist the countries.
Special Committee formed to promote Iqbal’s messages
ISLAMABAD, May 23 (APP):Advisor to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH), Irfan Siddiqui Wednesday formed a special committee titled “Farogh-i-Fiqr-i-Iqbal” to devise a comprehensive
plan for promoting messages of Allama Muhammad Iqbal among youth.
Presiding over the first meeting of newly constituted Board
of Governors (BoG) of Iqbal Academy of Pakistan (IAP), Irfan Siddiqui said the
committee, renowned expert, Rafi ud Din Hashmi, will decide how
different mediums including Drama, Film and Songs could be vitally used for
disseminating Iqbal’s message among young generation.
The BoG meeting approved the budget for the year 2018-19 and
future projects of the academy and decided to hold Iqbal Conference once a
year.
The members of BoG also appreciated the efforts of Advisor to
Prime Minister, Irfan Siddiqui, Federal Secretary of NH&LH Division,
Engineer Aamir Hasan and Director IAP for successfully organizing Iqbal
Conference recently and said launch of Mobile Application of “Kalam-i-Iqbal”
and its Deluxe edition are excellent initiatives.
The meeting unanimously decided to nominate renowned expert
on Iqbal from Balochistan, Abdul Rauf Rafiqui as Iqbal Ambassador for
Afghanistan, Central Asian States and Turkey.
Abdul Rauf Rafiqui was given responsibility to suggest steps
for arranging conferences and other literary activities in these areas to
promote Iqbal’s messages.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be approached to assist in this regard.
The meeting also formed a committee for conducting translation of Kalam-i-Iqbal from Persian to Urdu language.
Speaking on the occasion, Irfan Siddiqui appreciated the
cooperation and performance of Federal Secretary, Engineer Aamir Hasan and
other staff for revitalizing the 12 institutions working under the division.
He said arrangement of Iqbal Conference after 16 years’ gap
is a big achievement which should be continued without any disruption.
Irfan Siddiqui said the division had resolved the issue of
funds shortage for literary activities through establishing an endowment fund
worth Rs 500 million.
Irfan Siddiqui welcomed the newly appointed members of BoG
including Professor Ahsan Akbar, Professor Jalil Aali, Dr. Fatima Hassan, Dr.
Rubina Shaheen, Abdur Rauf Rafiqui, Vice President, Shahzad Qaiser and
Treasurer, Muhammad Shafi.
He hoped that their guidance and recommendations would help
Iqbal Academy to pursue its mission of promotion of Iqbal’s works and messages
among younger generation.
Federal Secretary, Aamir Hasan thanked the Advisor on the
behalf of the division and said he had rendered a big contribution for uplifting
literature in the country through reviving all the literary institutions of
the division in a creative way.
The BoG members also eulogized the efforts of the Advisor for
betterment of literary institutions.
Director IAP, Muhammad Baksh Sangi briefed the members about
performance, budget and different projects of the academy.
SCO holds tremendous potential for connectivity, trade, energy, economic development
ISLAMABAD, May 23 (APP):Foreign Secretary, Ms Tehmina Janjua said here on Wednesday that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held tremendous potential for connectivity, trade, energy and economic development.
She said this during the inaugural session of
the Shanghai Cooperation Organization-Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) Legal Experts meeting being held here from May 22 to 25.
The Foreign Secretary said that the SCO had had special significance for Pakistan as it offered a unique model of inter-state cooperation for peace, security, connectivity and sustainable development. She said that the organization could lead to progress and prosperity for the entire region, adding “We look forward to bringing further vitality to this vibrant organization.”
Tehmina Janjua said that with a consumer market of over 200 million people, vast business potential and a rapidly modernizing infrastructure, Pakistan offered the SCO enormous opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
She said that Pakistan’s historical and cultural ties and strong economic and strategic links with the SCO members, could act as an enabler in realizing the SCO’s vision.
“Pakistan is cognizant of the threats posed by terrorism, separatism and extremism to our region and beyond. Having fought terrorism, we have lost thousands of our citizens and law enforcement personnel, with many more injured. We have also suffered economic losses of over US$120 billion,” the Foreign Secretary added.
But neither the human nor the financial losses had diminished the country’s resolve to fight this menace, she said.
Tehmina Janjua said, “Through our comprehensive efforts, over the past several years, supported by a firm domestic political consensus, we have been able to turn the tide. Our National Counter Extremism Policy focuses on the Rule of Law, Service Delivery, Citizens Engagement, Media Engagement, Integrated Education Reform, Reformation, Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Renunciation of terrorism by extremist elements and Promotion of Culture as its major facets.”
She said that Pakistan looked forward to working with regional countries under the umbrella of SCO to effectively eliminate this menace from the region, adding in this regard, the country fully supported and welcomed the efforts of SCO-RATS in the fight against “three evils” of terrorism, extremism and separatism.
The Foreign Secretary said that as a new member, Pakistan would continue to complement these efforts, adding “We support SCO consensus that as we engage in the fight against terrorism, we must respect the norms and principles of international law, UN Charter and shun “double standards”.
She said that terrorism could not and should not be identified with any religion, individual countries or nationalities.
Tehmina Janjua said, “We strongly believe that SCO-RATs is an ideal forum for exchange of views and best practices on countering terrorism and extremism. We hope that other member states can benefit from our rich experience in countering terrorism and extremism as we do from the good practices developed by other SCO members.”
Balochistan cleansed of ghost teachers; claims secretary
Quetta, May 23 (APP):Secretary Education Balochistan Noor-ul-Haq Baloch on Wednesday claimed that the province was hundred per cent cleansed of ghost teachers and strict action was being taken against irregular ones.
Talking to APP he said the government’s Real Time School Monitoring System introduced in 2016 had bore fruitful results and the teachers were now showing punctuality, which also helped improve education standard in the province as well.
“Every ghost teacher has been traced and terminated from the job and the government is tightening noose on those who remain irregular.” He added.
He said since RTSM’s inception the government had deducted Rs60 million from the salaries of irregular teachers as fine and those who remained on willful absence for more than 15 days had been terminated after completing legal formalities.
Noor said the system was so impartial and transparent that, “A minister’s wife was also terminated due to absence from the duty for years”.
To a question, he informed that there were a number of non-functional schools locating in suburb areas of the province due to lack of staffers.
The secretary said some 8,000 teachers were planned to be recruited to overcome shortage of staff in 32 districts’ schools, however, due to the apex court’s ban on fresh jobs, its implementation was in pending.
The Balochistan government had also finalized a plan to establish 500 community schools at far flung districts to reduce illiteracy ratio and to bring revolutionary changes in the underprivileged society, he said.
He said community’s involvement was only solution to increase literacy ratio and ensure quality education to the children at par with other provinces. Initiation of Parents Teachers School Meeting Committee (PTSMCs) in all schools, he said, was a step to improve collaboration in this regard.
Education was top priority of the incumbent government, therefore, it was using all possible resources to bring improvement in this sector, he added.
Strong economy, a fundamental-pillar for national security: Ahsan Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, May 23 (APP):Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal Wednesday said strong economy was a fundamental-pillar for achieving national security as in modern era, wars could not be won by weapons only.
Addressing an inaugural ceremony of Research Centre for Robotics and Automation at the College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering in Rawalpindi, he said that super power Soviet Union collapsed due to weak economy and in the present era, only strong and competitive economies of the world could survive.
He said prudent policies pursued by the government have laid foundation for a vibrant and modern economy.
He said that in 2013, average GDP growth rate was 3 percent, but due to policies adopted by the government, now the average GDP growth rate is 5 percent.
The minister said “Presently, we have 5.8 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and international institutions have termed Pakistan fastest growing economy of the world. Pakistan will be among 25 top economies of the world by 2025.”
“The 21st century is the century of economic development and only those nations will survive who will make achievements on the economic front, rather than on political or defense fronts” he added.
He said “Developing economy is not a T20, but test match which requires patience, stability and peace.”
Ahsan Iqbal said that peace, stability and continuity of policies were the key elements and of vital importance to achieve fast paced economic development and prosperity.
He said “There is no country in the world that is free of the challenges and problems and every nation, when going through a development cycle, faces lot of challenges.”
He said “Pakistan is poised to takeoff and we should start to celebrate the success stories of our country.”
Ahsan Iqbal stressed the need to change mindset on national level in a bid to discard negative perception about the country and called upon the nation to prepare itself for new challenges in future.
He said political stability was the basic requirement of economic development, therefore more focus should be given on the economic development of the country.
Ahsan Iqbal said PML-N had implemented its manifesto of 4Es – Energy, Extremism, Education and Economy and our efforts had been endorsed by international financial and ranking institutions.
“Our progress in social sector has been exemplary, economic growth was the highest during last 13 years, we added over 10,000 MW power to the system and above all shattered the terrorist networks in the country.”
He said that during last 66 years, the country was generating 70 to 75 MW electricity every year but during last five years the country had produced 2500 MW electricity.
The minister said in 2013, the country was using 2 G only but the present government had made possible for the population to enjoy services of 3 G and 4 G.
He said the country was ready to adopt the services of 5 G along the world by 2020.
The minister said with removal of bottlenecks in energy sector, infrastructure development, investment of billions of dollars is coming to Pakistan and the country is take off position.
He said after building infrastructure, the present government started focusing on investing in higher sectors of economy.
“Connectively will ensure progress, prosperity development and creation of jobs” he added.
Ahsan said the government launched Pak-US Knowledge Corridor under which it had funding, on annual basis, for 1000 scholars to study in the best US universities.
“We need to ensure that the Pakistani scholars avail the opportunities being offered under this initiative to study in the best US universities.”
He said the government had launched a similar programme named UK-Pakistan Knowledge Gateway which offered Pakistani students to acquire quality higher education as well as exposure by studying in the leading UK universities.
Sharing future vision for higher education sector, the minister stressed the need for evolving a strong mechanism to annually evaluate progress on the seven pillars of Higher Education Vision 2025. The seven pillars, he added, included turning the universities into centres of excellence in instruction, research and innovation, strong academia-industry linkages, community engagement, corporate governance of higher education institutions, and producing quality products.
He emphasized on universities to develop a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Matrix to examine development on the goals set under the Vision 2025.
He said the human resource development must be aligned with the Vision 2025.
The project management needed to be given due importance to ensure proper execution of projects and utilisation of funds in future, he added.
The minister said the May, 6 coward person had attack on him but with the grace of Allah Almighty he survived and it indicted that Allah Almighty wanted to take more work from him.
“The bullet, which is stuck up in my body, will always remind me of my mission to work for progress, prosperity and development of the country,” he added.
32- ton BP Tugboat handed over to Pakistan Navy
ISLAMABAD, May 23 (APP):Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) Wednesday handed over a 32-ton Bollard Pull (BP) Tug to Pakistan Navy.
Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat was the chief guest at the handing over ceremony held at KS&EW in Karachi, which was attended among others by high ranking officials from government, Pakistan Navy, Corporate Sector and the shipyard.
“The 32 Tons BP Tug has a 34 meter overall length with displacement of 481 tons. It has maximum speed of 12 knots and propelled by 2 x Diesel Engines and same number of Azimuth Thrusters. It is fitted with a very robust fendering arrangement for all round tugging operation of almost all sizes of ships and crafts of Pakistan Navy,” said a press release issued here.
Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat said it was indeed a clear manifestation of the vision of Pakistan Navy to pursue self-reliance in the field of ship construction.
He appreciated Ministry of Defence Production and Karachi Shipyard for their valuable contribution towards attaining goal of self-reliance in the field of ship building.
He said the Karachi Shipyard was one of the few public sector industries which made a remarkable turnaround in last decade and was playing a pivotal role in supporting all components of national maritime sector.
He said that inception of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project had created many opportunities for the growth of local industries, adding the public sector industries like shipyard should avail this opportunity and help create more jobs and play their role in national development.
Earlier MD KS&EW, Rear Admiral Syed Hasan Nasir Shah, in his welcome address, thanked Pakistan Navy and the Ministry of Defence Production for their continued support.
He said that no foreign assistance had been sought for this project as it had been completed with self-sufficiency in all phases of construction.He briefed about the ongoing shipbuilding and ship-repair activities at KS&EW.
Presently, he said, the KS&EW was undertaking 6 x shipbuilding projects. “First export order of 8 x sugar mill rollers to Philippines and Thailand through an American Company CSI, has also been delivered this year,” he informed.
Lastly, he said that each and every worker of Karachi Shipyard was ready, prepared and committed to complete these challenging projects on time while meeting all quality standards.
UN chief urges governments to do more to protect civilians in conflict
UNITED NATIONS, May 22 (APP):With more than 128 million people worldwide requiring immediate humanitarian aid, mostly due to war and violence, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the international community to
do more to protect civilians caught in conflict.
The world body chief made the appeal during a Security Council meeting on Tuesday, where he presented a report outlining three ways governments can step up action.
He noted that last year, more than 26,000 civilians were killed or injured in six countries affected
by conflict: Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Somalia, and Yemen.
“The most effective way to protect civilians is to prevent conflicts and to end them,” Mr. Guterres told the Council. “This is why conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding are, and will remain, the highest priorities for the whole United Nations system.”
The Secretary-General’s report first calls on governments to develop national policy frameworks to offer more protection for civilians caught up in fighting.
Countries are also asked to support efforts by the UN and others to engage with non-state armed groups to develop practical codes of conduct for them, and action plans that address civilian protection.
Guterres said 17 groups have already signed action plans with the UN on ending child recruitment, adding that “we need more of these initiatives.”
Finally, he urged countries to ensure accountability for serious violations to end what he called
“the climate of impunity.”
Steps include conducting credible national investigations and giving full support to the work of
the International Criminal Court, which prosecutes individuals charged with atrocities such as
genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The Secretary-General’s speech highlighted numerous ways lives have been upended by
war, such as being subjected to rape and other human rights violations, or enduring the horrors of bombing and shelling in densely populated areas.
Yves Daccord, Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), echoed another concern expressed by the UN chief: attacks against medical facilities and personnel.
He said that in the two years since the Council adopted a resolution on this subject, the ICRC
has recorded more than 1,200 incidents in 16 countries, with health workers killed, hospitals bombed
or looted, and medical supplies destroyed or prevented from crossing front lines.
“The gap between words and actions is rather dramatic,” he charged. “And it is imperative that all states, not only parties to conflicts, uphold international commitments and make the protection of healthcare a national priority.”
Civilians in Iraq have endured more than three decades of war, insecurity and violence, veteran human rights defender, Hanaa Edwar, reminded ambassadors.
She urged the Council to give more support to recovery efforts there, such as those underway in the city of Mosul, the last stronghold of the extremist group, ISIL, or Daesh.
Ms. Edwaar said all Iraqi civilians must have access to accountability, which she stressed
“should not be limited to some people and some types of violations.”
She reported that families of Daesh fighters have been badly treated in camps. Meanwhile, women who had been forced to marry extremists, as well as their children, have been stigmatized.
“The successful elections following the liberation of areas under the control of Daesh offer us a chance to move forward to building inclusive peace and justice,” she said. “In this effort, the rights of all women to full participation should be respected.”