LAHORE, May 18 (APP):Pakistan volleyball senior men team on Friday outshone China Taipei volleyball team in FIVB World Challenger Cup Qualification Continental Tournament with a score of 3-0 sets, 25-22, 26-24, 25-19. at Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Pakistan had lost to China Taipei in the last Asian Senior Men Championship at Surabaya, Indonesia as Chinese Taipei was placed 4th in Asia in that tournament. It had defeated the strong teams of South Korea and Iran in Asian Championship, said the information made available to APP here.
Pakistan will play against Kazakhstan tomorrow , Saturday at 5 PM local time, which would be 4.00 PM in Pakistan.
In today’s match whole team combined very well and did great job both in attack and defense. Aimal Khan, Murad Jehan and Mubashar Raza did powerful attack with quick spiking. Mubashar Raza and libero Nasir did a great job in defense. Aimal Khan, Mubashar Raza and Sheraz served excellent and disturbed the reception of the ball by Chinese Taipei and as a result succeeded in blocking opponents attack effectively. In fact Pakistan coach Hamid Movahedi developed a good strategy by analyzing the play of ChineseTaipei by watching previous videos of their play and prepared the team to counter opponent’s tactics convincingly. He had worked hard with Pakistan’s Senior Volleyball Team for the last 3 months. The team’s visit to Turkey also paid off as team was sent to Turkey on its way to Kazakhstan where it played 3 matches with Turkish senior team and gained great match experience.
If Pakistan wins this tournament, then Pakistan will host another qualification tournament which will be participated by 4/5 teams from South America. The final decision that which teams qualify for World challenger cup shall be decided after that.
Pakistan Volleyball is now on the upward trajectory and In-sha-Allah year 2018 will prove the year of Change for Pakistan Volleyball as Chaudhary Yaqoob, Chairman of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation had announced and wished for Pakistan.
Pak best Chinese Taipei in world volleyball challenger cup
National Icon Gala celebrates rich, vibrant cultural history of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, May 18 (APP):As part of national effort for revival of the film industry and cultural heritage, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting organized a grand evening “National Icon Gala” to pay tributes to the iconic personalities from the world of Pakistani films, TV, radio, music and other areas of performing and visual arts, who have made a sterling contribution during the last 70 years in their respective domains.
The first of its kind, the “National Icon Awards” show was a celebration of the rich and vibrant history of Pakistani performing arts, spanning over seven decades. Hence, the format was split over various segments, each recognizing and paying tribute to the maestros of those respective generations and their immense contributions in shaping the national narrative.
The contemporary community of artists joined hands for the Awards Show to pay tribute to the legends of performing arts, whose struggle and prodigious talent set the foundations of an industry that once ruled the hearts and minds of its viewers.In this manner, the meritorious services of all those gifted souls were recognized, who over the decades, had cultivated and developed, through the most challenging of times in our nations history, a narrative of harmony, levity and collectivism.
The artists who won the awards were Sohail Rana, Kanwal Naseer, Suriya Multanikar, Zeba, Shoaib Hashmi, Qavi Khan, Khawaja Najamul Hassan, Abida Parveen, Naeem Tahir, Yasmeen Tahir, Shakeel, Haseena Moeen, Irfan Khoosat, Sarmad Khoosat, Anjuman, Nauman Ejaz, Marina Khan, Humayun Saeed, Saba Hameed, Behroze Sabzwari, Firdous Jamal, Babara Sharif, Faisal Rehman, Syed Noor, Afzal Khan (Rambo), Sultana Siddiqui, Robina Ashraf, Ahsan Khan and Saba Qamar.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said that artists not only portrayed characters, but also had the profound ability to set direction for the society. The minister said artists were the face of Pakistan and a reflection of the diversity and vibrancy of its people. Pakistan was known because of its artists, and now young artists were the true face of the country. Humbleness and perseverance of the senior artists kept them professionally alive and connected them with the next generation, she added.
Marriyum said, “Artists influence the mood and attitude of people and can play a role to erase social ills in the society. Artists make valuable contribution to bring positive change in society through the values that they stress on.”
She said that in the past eras, citizens were deprived of the right of freedom of expression and voice of the artists was suppressed. “Freedom of expression is right of every citizen. Silence of artists does not send a positive message to the outside world and we need to put spotlight on the positive image of Pakistan,” Marriyum added.
She said that Pakistan suffered from the menace of terrorism for the last 35 years which badly tarnished its image. She said that sustained and coordinated efforts were needed to promote and boost Pakistan’s culture, heritage, civilization and local languages.
The minister said Ministry of Information arranged the National Icon Gala in collaboration with a group of sponsors after a long absence of many years, adding it was important that artists should get together on such platforms to share ideas and appreciate each other’s work.
“It is my belief that through screen tourism Pakistan’s perception can be improved in a significant manner,” she continued.
Marriyum said she fulfilled her promise with the artist community and announced the first ever film and culture policy that envisaged tax incentives and waiver on import duties for film making equipment and these were made part of the budget.
She said that if the artists’ made an effort to fully utilize the incentives offered in the policy, it would give a much needed boost to the film industry and earn good name for Pakistan. She appreciated the Ministry of Information and team of Pakistan Television for successfully organizing the gala, and said holding of the event was not less than a miracle because of different issues faced by the organizers.
She expressed the hope that the next government would ensure the continuity and sustainability of the policies.
The star-studded event was embellished with mesmerizing musical and dance performances by the folk singer Arif Lohar, Zoe Viccaji, Bagga Group and others leading groups of artists. The audience comprising people from different walks of life thoroughly enjoyed the event where renowned artists spell bound every one.
French company interested to provide hi-tech milk collection system to Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, May 18 (APP):World Leader French company in the bulk food-grade liquid conservation and processing sector SERAP has showed keen interest to supply its state-of-the-art hi-tech milk and food cooling integrated systems to Pakistan.
CEO and President SERAP Eric Boitin expressed keen interest in this regard while briefing the Ambassador of Pakistan to France Moin ul Haque, who visited SERAP’s headquarters and its manufacturing facilities in Gorron, a French town 400 km away from Paris, said a message received here Friday.
Eric Boitin said SERAP was keen to engage with the fast developing dairy industry of Pakistan and help in the modernization of milk collection & cooling processes.
He said SERAP had in the past provided its milk cooling tanks to local industry in Pakistan and would like to do business with new emerging players in this sector.
Welcoming SERAP’s interest in Pakistan, Ambassador Moin ul Huq said Pakistan being the third largest milk producer of the world was all set to expand and modernize its milk and food processing capability with a view to prevent wastage.
The ambassador invited SERAP president to also consider setting up of its manufacturing facility in Pakistan.
The ambassador also visited various sections of SERAP manufacturing facility and appreciated high professional and technical standards observed during production and assembly of stainless steel milk chillers, boilers and heat exchange systems.
He noted that SERAP’s small and low cost fruit and milk cooling and storage systems were suitable for individual and middle level farmers to help them prolong the shelf lives of their products.
SERAP Group, with its headquartered in Gorron, is in the heart of France’s largest dairy producing region. It employs 500 people and currently manages four production sites in France, India, Mexico and Brazil. It enjoys presence in 80 countries through an extensive network of independent distributors, supported by its production units and commercial subsidiaries.
PHC observes solidarity day with Palestinians
LONDON, May 18 (APP):On the directions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the Pakistan High Commission here on Friday observed Solidarity Day with the people of Palestine.
A large number of the Pakistani diaspora and representatives of media were in attendance.
On this occasion, special prayers were offered for the Palestinians after the Jumma Prayer. It was expressed that the Government and the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with their Palestinian brothers and sisters.
On the occasion,full political, moral and diplomatic support was expressed on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan.
The use of force by Israel against innocent Palestinians was strongly condemned.
The international community was urged to take immediate action against the use of live ammunition by Israel, killing 62 innocent Palestinians including women and children and injuring thousands.
The human rights organizations were also appealed to raise their voice against the atrocities.
It was underscored that crimes committed by Israel are not only crimes against Palestinians but are indeed crimes against humanity, which need to be condemned at all forums.
PM arrives in Istanbul to attend 7th Extraordinary OIC Summit
ISTANBUL, May 18 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi arrived here Friday to lead the Pakistan delegation at the 7th Extraordinary OIC Summit being hosted by Turkey, to discuss the grave situation in the aftermath of blatant human rights violations by the occupying forces in the state of Palestine.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Khurram Dastgir Khan and senior officials accompanied the Prime Minister.
The Extraordinary Summit has been called by the President of Turkey in his capacity as the Chair of the OIC Summit.
The Summit will focus on the latest incidents of violence in the Gaza strip where over 60 civilians have been mercilessly killed by the occupying Israeli forces and scores of others have sustained injuries including women, children and the elderly.
Pakistan has called for an independent and transparent investigation of violence in Gaza.
While condemning the human rights violations by the occupying Israeli forces, Prime Minister Abbasi will reiterate support of the people and Government of Pakistan for the establishment of a viable, independent and contiguous state of Palestine.
RCCI delegation visits High Commission London
LONDON, May 18 (APP):A delegation of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) led by Khursheed Barlas met with Syed Ibne Abbas, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to the United Kingdom (UK) here at the High Commission the other day.
According to a statement issued here, RCCI delegation apprised the High Commissioner of their upcoming events at Birmingham and Manchester in November this year during the meeting.
They appreciated High Commission’s support for their Investment Conference at Birmingham last year.
The High Commissioner assured the visiting delegates of Mission’s support to promote bilateral commercial relations.
He underlined the need to make such business events result oriented so that tangible
outcome could be achieved.
During the last one month, five trade delegations from Pakistan have visited the UK, which shows keen interest of the businesses of two countries to enhance bilateral trade.
Gaza residents ‘caged in a toxic slum’: UN human rights chief Zeid
UNITED NATIONS, May 18 (APP):Israel has been keeping 1.9 million Palestinians “caged in a toxic slum from birth to death” in the Gaza Strip, UN human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein told a special session of the Human Rights Council on Friday.
His remarks come as the Geneva-based Council began considering a draft resolution on sending an international war crimes probe to Gaza to investigate deadly shootings of protesters by Israeli forces, according to media reports.
The special session of the 47-member Council was convened after the bloodiest day for Palestinians in years last Monday, when 60 were killed by Israeli gunfire during demonstrations that Israel said included attempts to breach its frontier fence.
Nobody has been made safer by the horrific events of the past week, U.N. human rights chief Zeid Rad al-Hussein told the Council.
He said Israeli forces had killed 106 Palestinians, including 15 children, since March 30. More than 12,000 were injured, at least 3,500 by live ammunition. Israel was an occupying power under international law, obliged to protect the people of Gaza and ensure their welfare, he said.
But they are, in essence, caged in a toxic slum from birth to death; deprived of dignity; dehumanised by the Israeli authorities to such a point it appears officials do not even consider that these men and women have a right, as well as every reason, to protest.
Israel claims the deaths took place in protests organized by Hamas, which intentionally provoked the violence, an accusation Hamas denies.
The United States has stood by Israel during the past weeks violence, which coincided with the opening of a new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. U.S. charge daffaires Theodore Allegra said the Council was ignoring the real culprit of the violence: Hamas.But Zeid told the Council that “the stark contrast in casualties on both sides is … suggestive of a wholly disproportionate response.”
Many of the Palestinians injured and killed “were completely unarmed, (and) were shot in the back, in the chest, in the head and limbs with live ammunition,” he said.
“Although some of the demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails, used slingshots to throw stones, flew burning kites into Israel and attempted to use wire-cutters against the two fences between Gaza and Israel, these actions alone do not appear to constitute the imminent threat to life or deadly injury which could justify the use of lethal force.”
Zeid called “an investigation that is international, independent and impartial, in the hope the truth regarding these matters will lead to justice.”
Pakistan to participate in annual specialty commodity expo in China
BEIJING, May 18 (APP):Pakistani enterprises to participate in the sixth China Specialty Products Fair to be held in Sanmenxia, Henan province from May 25 to 29.
Covering an area of 16,000 square meters on two floors, the event will attract enterprises from 18 countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, including Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Vietnam, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea and Hong Kong, China Daily reported on Friday.
This year’s fair will focus on specialties of Henan and its neighboring provinces, such as Shanxi and Shaanxi. Characteristic commodities like air and water purification devices, health care products and Taiwan specialties will be featured as well.
According to the event’s organizers, a total of 12 famous manufacturers of air and water purification equipment from Shanghai and Henan will bring more than 100 new products to the fair.
A painting, calligraphy and photography exhibition will also be held, helping visitors to explore the beauty of Sanmenxia.
The city’s government offices administration, one of the organizers, will host a music festival on May 19 as a warm-up for the fair.
LED screens and advertisement facilities will display slogans and promos for the event, with more detailed information being available on various media.
The administration has taken precautions in case of a public emergency by offering training programs for about 200 cleaners and security personnel.
Supported by the China General Chamber of Commerce and China Business Enterprise Management Association, the fair is organized by Henan province’s tourism bureau and commerce department, Henan Committee of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and the municipal government of Sanmenxia.
End ‘cycle of violence’ in Gaza: UN deputy chief
UNITED NATIONS, My 18 (APP):The ‘cycle of violence’ in Gaza serves no one and it must end, the United Nations deputy chief has said, calling on everyone with a stake in Middle East peace to exercise utmost restraint to avoid further deaths, especially the lives of children.
Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, speaking at the UN Forum on the Question of Palestine on behalf of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urged both Israeli forces – as well as organizers from Hamas, and other leaders of demonstrations against Israel’s decade-long blockade of the Gaza Strip – to prevent all violent actions.
Monday was the bloodiest day in Gaza since the 2014 Israeli invasion of the Strip. Sixty Palestinian protestors were killed and 2,700 were wounded by Israeli troops attempting to break up the demonstration.
“Today is an occasion to reflect on the costs and consequences of the 1948 War“ which resulted in the mass displacement and dispossession of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes, said Ms. Mohammad, referring to what Palestinians call “Al Naqba,” or catastrophe.
She said that apart from addressing the history of the decades-long conflict, it also provided an opportunity to look ahead at what must be done to cement a lasting peace.
“This year we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The principles and standards enshrined in the Universal Declaration should guide the search for a durable solution to the question of Palestine,” said Ms. Mohammed, adding that a solution had to be found that must be based on international law, the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis, as well as dialogue for reconciliation and for accountability.
In her remarks, Ms. Mohammad also cautioned against the establishment and expansion of more Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, noting that it displaced more Palestinians and was a major impediment to talks towards a two-state solution.
“We must strive for a future where Israel and Palestine thrive as states in which all are equally respected, and where civil society is able to play its constructive role,” she said.
“The UN will continue to support Israelis and Palestinians on the road to peace, by helping them to take the historic steps to achieve a solution of two states living side by side in peace and within secure and recognized borders with Jerusalem as the capital of both. Over the course of the next two days, I urge you all to reflect on how we can turn this vision into a reality,” she said.
The two-day Forum marks the anniversary of the 1948 War and mass displacement of Palestinians, convened by the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.
It brings together Palestinian, Israeli and international experts, as well as representatives of the diplomatic community and civil society, to discuss how a lasting settlement can be brought about.
China welcomes unification of two major left-wing parties of Nepal
BEIJING, May 18 (APP):China on Friday welcomed the unification of the two major left-wing parties of Nepal and wished the Himalayan country would achieve its national development goals as early as possible.
“As a good neighbor and good friend of Nepal, China supports Nepal’s self-selection of a social system and development path suited to its own national conditions,” Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson, Lu Kang said during his regular briefing held here.
The Chinese side welcomed the merger of the ruling Community Party of Nepal (United Marxist Leninist) led by Chairman K.P. Sharma Oli and Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) led by Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dhal, he added.
The spokesperson wished Nepal to achieve its national development goals as soon as possible.
Lu Kang said, the Chinese side was willing to continue deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with the Nepalese side and better serve the peoples of the two countries.
According to details, after a series of meetings and months-long negotiations, Nepal’s two major
left-wing parties declared their unification and launched the new communist party on May 17.
The ruling Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist Leninist) (CPN-UML) and Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) announced their unification as Nepal Communist Party.
CPN-UML Chairman K.P. Sharma Oli and Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal signed the agreement and declared the merger and formation of a single communist party in the Himalayan country.
The new party has been registered at the Election Commission after the CPN-UML and the CPN Maoist Centre dissolved their respective central committees.
The latest political development came after the seven-point party unification deal which was formally signed by the top leaders of both parties in Feb. 20.
As per the terms of the agreement of the unification of the two parties, Oli and Dahal will lead the unified party and a nine-member secretariat and enjoy equal power.
As per the agreement, there will be 43 standing committee members in the new party which includes 25 from CPN-UML and 18 from CPN Maoist Centre.
The unified party will have 441 members in its central committee, out of which CPN-UML would have 241 members and CPN Maoist Centre would have 200 members.
After the merger, the CPN-UML-led government will enjoy a two-thirds majority in the parliament.