ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP):The federal cabinet Thursday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi approved placement of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Reforms Bill in the National Assembly (NA) and establishment of a medical city in Islamabad.
The cabinet approved agreement between the governments of Pakistan and Russia on settlement of mutual financial claims and the obligations on operations of the former USSR.
The cabinet approved amendment in policy of commercial import of arms and ammunitions, placement of National Disaster Management Authority under the Prime Minister Office and amendment in Master Plan of CDA, in Sub-Zone C of Zone IV of Islamabad.
The federal cabinet approved signing of agreement on technical cooperation between Pakistan and Brazil, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and Territory and Vocational Education Commission of Sri Lanka.
The cabinet gave approval of Managing Director, Pakistan Software Export Board, MP-I Scale under Ministry of Information, Technology and Telecommunication and also amendment in Section 5 and Section 6 of the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002 as Amended vide PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007.
The cabinet approved appointment of date of coming into force of the University of Baltistan Order, 2016, ratification of notifications of tariff determinations/decisions by NEPRA issued by Power Division, implementation of Peshawar High Court Judgment in Writ Petition No4169 P/2015 on 31-01-2018, and deletion of Synthetic Fiber Development and Application Centre and Plastic Technology Centre Karachi from the Administrative Control of Textile Division.
The federal cabinet also gave approval to the signing of MoU on water resources management between the governments of Pakistan and Australia, ratification of the decisions taken by Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases in its meeting held on May 9, and approval for Legislation for the establishment of Al-Karam International Institute, Bhera- Placement of the bill before Parliament.
The cabinet approved formation of a committee for implementation of the orders of Supreme Court, in Human Rights Case No623-P/2017 (in the Matter of Substandard Cardiac Stents).
Cabinet approves placement FATA Reforms Bill in NA
Three terrorists, including Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Balochistan head killed: ISPR
ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP):Security forces have killed three terrorists, including a high value target of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi involved in the killing of over 100 innocent personnel of Hazara Community and police in Balochistan under the Operation Radd ul Fasaad.
During the operation three terrorists including two suicide bombers and a high value target Salman Badeni, head of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Balochistan was killed, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release Thursday said. Both the killed suicide bombers were Afghans and the group was involved in target killing of innocent Hazara community and police.
The ISPR has termed it a major achievement of Military Intelligence in tracking the group and killing of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi leader. An injured terrorist was also taken in custody during the continuing combing operation.
The security forces conducted the intelligence based operation in Killi Almas on pointing out of another apprehended high value target about the presence of suicide bombers along with other terrorists in hideouts.
During the intense exchange of fire Colonel Sohail Abid of Military Intelligence embraced martyrdom, while four soldiers were injured, two of them critically.
CM Balochistan offered funeral prayers of the martyred col Sohail Abid
QUETTA, May 17 (APP):Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo on Thursday attended the funeral prayer of Col. Sohail Abid, who was martyred in the operation against terrorists in Killi Almas area of Balochistan.
He extended heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family and said Col
Sohail Abid sacrificed his life for the peaceful future of the nation and his sacrifice
would never be forgotten Home minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, IG Police Moazzam Jha Ansari, IGFC Major General Nadim Anjum and other civil and military officers also attended the funeral prayer.
Puppetry most ancient forms of entertainment: Farooq Qaiser
ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP):Renowned puppeteer Farooq Qaiser said the puppetry is one of the most ancient forms of entertainment. Besides providing entertainment, this visual art form is also used for conveying meaningful messages.
He was delivering a lecture on “Puppetry and Communication” at Lok Virsa Media Centre on Thursday.
Derived from his book “Kathputli”, the lecture was aimed at illuminating aspects of communication, both subtle and direct, which can be learned by observing the many successful puppets plays staged across the world including the legacy of Uncle Sargam.
Farooq Qaiser said, Art and Culture an integral part of the society. The culture exhibits the history and lifestyle of the specific area. Pakistan was a culturally rich country and every province is known for its own art and culture.
He said: “Over the years, puppetry has developed into a powerful medium of communication as it offers a real challenge to the imagination of viewers and creative ability of the presenters.”
Puppetry is a form of theatre or performance that involves the animation of puppets. This animation is carried out by a a puppeteer. Such a performance is also known as a puppet play or puppet theatre, he added.
PSB to initiate insurance of sports persons
ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP):The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) will initiating the process of insurance of sportsmen with the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan.
This was directed in the 86th Executive Committee meeting of PSB held here at the board which was chaired by Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC), said a press release issued here.
The IPC Secretary will discuss and finalize the modalities with the SBP Chairman.
The committee also approved the second hockey field in the name of Former Olympian Mansoor Ahmed and his is family will also be paid Rs one million in recognition of his services in the field of hockey.
The committee also sanctioned Rs one million to Zarina Waqar, Former Badminton Player and Coach who remained under treatment at Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, Lahore for the last five years.
The committee also approved the creation of post Project Director for National Sports City (NSC), Narowal and Chief Engineer (Civil) for smooth functioning of the Maintenance Wing and ongoing development projects.
Regarding the Proposal of the Secretary IPC for generating funds through Public Private Partnership strictly under rules of PSB. The committee decided that this will be examined in accordance with law and no action will be taken without issuance of advertisements as well as compliance of PPRA Rules only related to sports activities.
The committee also directed PSB to call a joint meeting of IPC Ministry (Sports Wing), PSB, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and concerned National Sports Federations to work out the modalities for holding the upcoming South Asian Games in Pakistan.
The committee decided that funds amounting to Rs 500 million should be distributed equally for repair and maintenance of the facilities and amongst the concerned NSFs to prepare the teams for effective preparation and participation in the South Asian Games.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, Ministry IPC, DG, PSB, President, Pakistan Table Tennis Federation, Secretary Generals, Hockey, Kabaddi, Weightlifting and other members.
Colonel Sohail Abid shaheed laid to rest with full military honour
RAWALPINDI, May 17 (APP):Namaz-e-Janaza of Colonel Sohail Abid of Military Intelligence, who embraced martyrdom on Wednesday during an intelligence based operation near Killi Almas, Balochistan was held here Thursday.
Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa and large number of senior civil and military officers, soldiers and relatives of the shaheed attended Namaz-e-Janaza, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release said.
Colonel Sohail Abid Shaheed was laid to rest at Bobari near Bara Kahu with full military honour.
“When a solider sacrifices his life I lose part flesh of my body, that night is always difficult to pass. But we remain fully determined to sacrifice anything and everything for the defence of our mother land,” Director General ISPR, Major General Asif Ghafoor said in a tweet quoting Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa as saying.
PML-N parliamentary party pay tribute to Nawaz Sharif’s services for country
ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP):The parliamentary party of Pakistan Muslim League (PMLN) here on Thursday expressing its full confidence on the leadership of former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif paid glowing tributes to his services for the development of the country.
The parliamentary party met under the chairmanship of its President Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.
The meeting termed that Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had played a historic role for the progress, development, prosperity and integrity of the country and said that despite the international pressure he made the country an atomic power.
The parliamentary party said he had worked hard day and night for the development of the country and due to his commitment the country got rid of many issues and challenges including weak economy and power shortfall.
The meeting also expressed its full confidence on the leadership of chief minister Punjab and said that all the party was united and it believed that PML-N was the only party which had pull out the country from challenges.
It said that being the chief minister of Province, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif had done exemplary developmental work and due to his efforts and hard work the people of other provinces were looking Punjab as a role model.
The meeting said that PML-N as a democratic political party listened every member and believed that difference of opinion was their right and it respect every ones point of view.
The meeting also reiterated its resolve for supporting Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s narrative “Respect for vote”.
Pak team to participate in World Jr Squash C’ship
ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP):A six-member Pakistan’s team will feature in the World Junior Squash Championship to take place in India from July 17 to 29.
According to the Game Development Officer of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), Flight Lt. Aamir Iqbal, 6 junior players including Abbas Zeb, Aziz Rashid, Harris Qasim, Aziz Shaukat, Asadullah and Farqan Hashmi will represent Pakistan in the tournament.
“Players from more then 24 countries will be seen in action in the championship,” he said.
Pakistan condemns Indian ceasefire violations along LoC, WB
ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP):Foreign Office Wednesday summoned the Indian Acting Deputy High Commissioner and condemned the Tuesday’s unprovoked ceasefire violations by the occupation forces along the Line of Control in Hotspring’s Sector, which resulted in the martyrdom of an innocent civilian, Chaudry Muzaffar in Village Dehra Sher Khan.
This was stated by Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal here Thursday during his weekly media briefing. The Indian Forces along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary are continuously targeting civilian populated areas with heavy weapons, he said.
“This year, the Indian forces have carried out more than 1000 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary, resulting in the martyrdom of 24 innocent civilians and injured 107 others.”
The unprecedented escalation in ceasefire violations by India is continuing since 2017, when the Indian forces committed 1970 ceasefire violations, he said. The deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws, he added.
“The Indian ceasefire violations are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation,” he said.
Indian state terrorism continued unabated during the past week in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where occupation forces constantly terrorize the people of Jammu and Kashmir with violent operations, fake encounters, illegal house searches, targeting people and damaging property in Srinagar, Shopian, Pulwama, Islamabad, Kulgam, Kupwara, Bandipore and Baramulla districts of Indian occupied Kashmir, he added.
“We condemn the unlawful detention of the Hurriyet leaders including Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Massrat Alam Bhat, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Dr. Qasim Fakhtoo, Altaf Ahmad Shah, Ayaz Akbar, Peer Saifullah, Raja Meraj-ud-din Kalwal, Farooq Ahmad Dar, 55-year-old, Syeda Aasiya Andrabi, Fehmeeda Sofi and Nahida Nasreen, as well as students and youth who are languishing in different jails of occupied Kashmir and in India,” he said.
He highly deplored the arrest of Hurriyet leaders Bashir Ahmad Lone and Muhammad Rafiq Shah Owais under draconian Public Safety Act (PSA) for merely participating in funeral prayers of martyr Prof Dr Muhammad Rafiq Bhat in Ganderbal.
He urged the international community to play its role in calling upon India to account for its crimes against humanity in Jammu & Kashmir. Like many other public figures and leader of IoK, Shabir Shah has been arrested for his non-violent political struggle for the resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.
Despite the urgent need to ensure his safety, he has not been shifted to a high-risk ward and authorities continue to torment him by giving him no access to medical facilities, he said and added, several other incarcerated leaders and political activists languish in various Indian jails for their political beliefs.
“We condemn the political vendetta they face and will continue to provide political, moral and diplomatic support to the oppressed people of IoK for the realization of the inalienable right to self determination.”
He said on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to occupied Kashmir, the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik have called for a march towards Srinagar’s Lal Chowk Srinagar on Saturday (May 19).
Pakistan, he said, has noted with grave concern that despite calls by the international community to comply with UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions on the two-state solution, US has moved its Embassy to the Holy City of Jerusalem. “This represents a violation of international law and several United Nations Security Council resolutions, in particular resolutions 476 and 478.”
The Government and people of Pakistan stand firmly with the Palestinian people also renew the call for establishment of a viable, independent and contiguous State of Palestine, on the basis of internationally agreed parameters, the pre-1967 borders, and with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, he said.
“The Government of Pakistan strongly condemns the merciless killings and injuries to innocent unarmed Palestinian civilian protesters by the occupying authorities,” he said. The protests are a consequence of the relocation of the United States Embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv in opposition to the position of the United Nations and under international law, he added.
“Pakistan calls on the United Nations and the international community to investigate and bring to end the use of force, which has resulted in causalities of innocent Palestinian civilians, including women, children and the elderly.”
He recalled the fourth meeting of Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) was held in Islamabad on May 14 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where delegations were led by Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai and Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua.
In pursuance of the seven principles agreed in the meeting between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi during his visit to Kabul on April 6, 2018, the two sides finalized the Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS), which operationalized the six working groups envisaged under APAPPS, he said.
APAPPS provides a framework to deepen interaction in all spheres of bilateral engagements. It is also a mechanism for finding solutions to bilateral areas of concern.
He said both sides agreed that effective and full implementation of APAPPS would contribute towards the common objectives of eliminating terrorism and achieving peace, stability, prosperity and development of the people of the two countries.
The spokesperson said Pakistan condemned the multiple missile attacks on Jazan and Riyadh by Houthi militia. The successful interception of the missiles by the Saudi forces prevented loss of innocent lives and was commendable, he added.
“Pakistan reiterates its solidarity with Saudi leadership and people and stands by Saudi Arabia against any threats to its territorial integrity and threats against Harmain Sharifain.”
He said Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had extended the deepest felicitations to Dr. Mahathir Muhammad on becoming Prime Minister of Malaysia.
The Prime Minister underscored that the unprecedented victory of Pakatan Harapan is the clear demonstration of Malaysian people’s trust in the dynamic and inspirational leadership of Dr Mahathir Muhammad, he added.
The Prime Minister underlined that the relationship between the two brotherly Muslim countries has grown from strength to strength over the decades and also hoped that under the leadership of the Prime Minster Dr Mahathir, the bilateral relations between two countries would be further broadened and deepened in diverse fields, particularly economic and trade.
Gwadar port development project progressing well: NDRC Spokesperson
BEIJING, May 17 (APP)::The Gwadar Port, one of a mega projects being completed by Chinese companies in Pakistan within the framework of China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, is proceeding well.
China is a major investor in Gwadar and has so far spent $248 million in the first phase of the development of Gwadar port.
China has invested more than $70 billion in countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative since its inception in 2013, with commodity trade exceeding $5 trillion, according to the country’s top economic regulator, Meng Wei, spokesperson of China’s National Development and Reform Commission told media.
China has set up 75 overseas economic and trade cooperation zones, with an investment exceeding $27 billion and created jobs for more than 200,000 local people, she added.
In addition, China’s Silk Road Fund has inked 19 projects with a committed investment of $7 billion.
Infrastructure investment and other projects within the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative have proved beneficial for China as well as economies involved in the initiative since China held the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing last May.
Proposed in 2013, the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road aimed to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes.
“China has signed 103 cooperation documents with 88 countries and international organizations on jointly constructing the Belt and Road Initiative during the past year. 255 of the agreements reached during last year’s forum are in progress with 24 of them progressing steadily,” said Meng.
The 142-km-long Jakarta to Bandung high-speed railway, the first such railway in Indonesia as well as China’s first overseas high-speed rail project, is currently proceeding well and has recently made several breakthroughs, she said.
The cooperative rail project under the Belt and Road Initiative uses the technically advanced CR400 trains and takes local climate and customs into consideration in its design.
Lu Dongfu, general manager of China Railway, said earlier that Chinese companies will do the best to build a modern high-speed railway for Indonesia.
According to Meng, other projects including the second line of the China-Russia oil pipeline is proceeding well. The China-Europe rail service has also reached 42 cities and covers 14 countries in Europe so far.
The Belt and Road is an open and tolerant platform for international cooperation, and all economies are welcome to jointly participate. Some western multinationals are already participating, she added.
The projects related to the initiative are mostly commercial projects, she said.
However, the Chinese government will suggest the companies to release the early stage information of the projects as well as related information to the public, she said.