ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP):Pakistan Archery Federation (PAF) in collaboration with Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) is holding archery training camp in preparation for the Asian Games here at the Pakistan Sports Complex(PSC).
The 2018 Asian Games are scheduled to be held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia from August 18 to September 2.
According to PAF Secretary Muhammad Wisal Khan male players in the camp include Muhammad Tayab, Idrees Majeed, Saifullah, Muhammad Nadeem, Noman Saqib, Osama Mustafa and female players comprise Nabeela Kausar, Umme Zehara, Symbol Zubair, Aqsa Nawaz.
The coaches imparting training to the players include Sarfraz, Imran Khan and Jalaluddin.
Archery camp at PSC
Lawmakers say economy put on growth path
ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP):Lawmakers on Friday expressed satisfaction over the economic development of the country saying that the indicators show the economy has been put on path of growth and development.
Participating in the budget debate, Zahid Hamid congratulated Miftah Ismail for successfully presenting budget for the year 2018-19, which he said was a roadmap for future progress and prosperity.
He said the credit of progress and development in the country goes to former prime minister, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and former Finance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
He said due to the prudent policies of the government, the country achieved 5.8 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
during the fiscal year 2017-18, which was highest during the last 13 years.
He said during the outgoing fiscal year, the agriculture grew by 3.8 percent, industry by 5.9 percent, services sector
by 6.4 percent while the inflation remained below five percent, which is lowest in last five years.
He said the government had also launched many development projects during the year particularly energy projects and included 12,230 megawatt electricity in the national transmission system.
He said the government has also set growth target of 6.2 percent for the fiscal year 2018-19. He was of the view that the public debt should remain within the limits of Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act.
He said the government had also initiated many projects for the development of Karachi.
Participating in the debate, Shazia Marri expressed concern over the release of bail to five accused in the murder former prime minister, Mohtarama Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.
She said the government should have not presented this budget as its constitutional tenure was ending within a few days.
She said that the government has not announced National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
Naeema Kishwar Khan while commenting on the
budgetary proposals forwarded by the Senate, appreciated Senate Standing
Committee on Finance for presenting about 157 recommendations within a short
time.
She said that there are about 50 to 60 recommendations
related to Baluchistan which should be incorporated in the budget to help
development of the province, also stressing the need that same should be done
for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
She said that recommendations related to
agriculture, fisheries, easing of tax-filing, halal food and many more that were aimed at providing relief to
people should be accepted.
Shehryar Afridi, while commenting on the
recommendations of the Senate said that tax was an obligation which every
person should pay and criticized the government for creating difficulties for
overseas Pakistanis. He said that all federating units should be taken into
confidence to provide them due share in resources, which he said would help promote
democracy in the country.
He also rejected the idea of presenting the
budget for 12 months when the government was leaving within a few days.
On the occasion, SA Iqbal Qadri said that the
government was increasing indirect taxation which has been putting burden on
common people. He said that since this was last budget of the government, so it
should have cut sales tax and levy on petroleum products to provide relief to
the masses.
Riaz Hussain Pirzada said the Pakistan was water-scarce
country, so the government should initiate projects to clean sea water as is
being done in many countries of the world. He said that water purifying plants should
be installed as the technology has already been developed by Pakistan
Agricultural Council (PARC).
He also urged for taking comprehensive
measures to overcome the problems created due to increasing population growth. He
said that the credit of bringing peace to the country goes to Mian Muhammad
Nawaz Sharif.
Usman Tarakai stressed the need that all the
institutions of the country should work in their respective domains. He said
that developing of the transmission system was imperative to overcome the problems
load-shedding.
Rao Ajmal said that agriculture was the backbone
of the country’s economy, highlighting the importance of implementing single
digit mark up rates on agriculture loans. He said that no funds were provided
for developing water reservoirs which would have negative impact agriculture
produce.
Sahibzada Mohammad Yoqoob stressed the need
for ensuring balance in developing projects of various provinces besides
highlighting the importance of reducing debt burden of the country.
Shugufta Jamani said that it was unfortunate
that despite rejection of budget by the opposition, it was presented. She opposed
the idea of establishing one more convention center for which the government
has allocated Rs100 billion in the federal Public Sector Development Programme
(PSDP) 2018-19.
Marriyum inaugurates PBC’s new music channel ‘Dhanak-94’
ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP):Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb Friday inaugurated Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation’s (PBC) new music channel ‘Dhanak-94’ aimed at providing a platform to emerging singers, artists and compares to prove their skills.
She unveiled the plaque of the new studio along with Director General PBC Shafqat Jaleel, directors and senior officers of the ministry. Following which, the channel started its transmission simultaneously from Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
Marriyum Aurangzeb participated in live transmission of the channel and congratulated Radio Pakistan for initiating such a remarkable programme, saying that it would not only help revive past glory of the Radio but also serve as a ‘talent hunt’ platform.
She expressed confidence that such programmes would prove to be beneficial in bringing positive change in harsh attitudes and ending the culture of intolerance from the society, which unfortunately got its roots during last 35 years due to the tendencies of extremism and terrorism.
She said it was the hallmark of the Radio and Pakistan Television that they identified and produced the world fame singers and artists from different parts of the country, who became identity of Pakistan among the comity of nations.
The minister said this channel would help restart the past practice to explore new talent and encourage the youth by providing them an opportunity to prove their mettle.
She said this channel would entertain its listeners through a wide range of music, projecting soft image of the country, besides rich culture and national heritage.
Later, addressing the inaugural ceremony of the new music channel here, Marriyum Aurangzeb said it was a good initiative of the PBC in the present scenario when almost all private channels were focusing on news and current affair programmes.
She said the idea of new channel was conceived by the ministry around six months ago as part of the 70-year celebrations of the country.
The minister said Radio Pakistan had always played a proactive role in promoting peace, love, brotherhood, national culture and heritage, which was highly admired by all members of the society. Although, she said, the number of television channels had increased manifold during last 10 to 15 years, but unfortunately they could not bring any positive impact in the society especially with regard to promoting the culture of tolerance in the society.
She regretted that intolerance was rampant in the society as the country faced twin menaces of extremism and terrorism during the last 35 years.
Due to effective policies, she said, the present government succeeded in eliminating the menace of terrorism to greater extent in a short span of four and a half years.
Commenting on sincere efforts of the ministry to promote art and culture, Marriyum Aurangzeb said the government had introduced first-ever film and culture policy with a view to revive dormant film industry and to promote the culture of Pakistan.
She said under the film policy, various incentives had been given to producers and filmmakers so that they could produce quality films, promoting core national values.
Marriyum Aurangzeb also expressed her resolve to extend maximum facilities for welfare of the artist community as no society could progress where voice of artist was suppressed.
She said the impact of the new policy would start emerging in five to 10 years, which would take the country’s film industry to a new height.
Wazir Khan Mosque:An architectural relic
By Naeem Khan Niazi
LAHORE, May 11 (APP):Pakistan, land of the pure, was destined to be created as an Islamic state the day first Arab Muslim trader set foot on the sub-continent. The creation of Pakistan in 1947 was made possible as the Muslim civilization spread and preserved itself for centuries
to come. The Islamic civilization provided the Muslims distinct identity in India and this impact was reflected in all spheres of life.
The lasting imprints of Islamic history are conspicuous in all areas of life including religious practices, art, education, and
culture.
The eternal sway of the Muslim culture can easily be traced through the archaeological and architectural preserves in all parts
of the region especially Lahore. The earlier sites constructed on the classical Islamic architectural pattern in the region are famous
for their quality of being picture-less.
Muslim architecture which saw its hey-day during the Mughal period in India when it introduced a fusion of Islamic-Persian architecture and the local art which ultimately came to be known as Mughal architecture, Lahore.
Out of these architectural masterpieces many have stood the test of time and have been preserved for eternity.
The Mughal architecture and the historic city of Lahore have made their mark across the globe and the great English poet John
Milton (1607-80) ‘known for his grand style in the epic poem’ alludes to the Agra and Lahore to emphasize expansive landscape,
“His eyes might there command whatever stood City of old or modern fame, the seat/ Of mightiest empire, from the destined walls / Of Cambalu, seat of Cathian Can,/ And Samarcand by Oxus, Temir’s throne, /To Paquin of Sinaen Kings, and thence To Agra and Lahore of Great Mogul…” The grandeur of the Mughal architecture and advancements was well-known across the seven seas and by the time John Milton penned down his paradise lost in 1667.
Lahore hosts many architectural masterpieces like the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila), Tomb of Shahjehan, Jahangir’s Tomb, Shalimar Garden, and Wazir Khan Mosque. Lahore Fort and Shalimar Garden have been on the cultural heritage list of UNESCO since 1981 while Badshahi Mosque and Wazir Khan Mosque have been on the UNESCO’s tentative list to be adopted as a cultural heritage since 1993.
The Wazir Khan Mosque is such an architectural masterpiece which mesmerizes the onlooker with its majestic architecture and extensive faience tile work. The mosque contains some of the finest examples of Qashani tile work, taza kari (fresco) painting, stone and chuna (lime plaster) decoration on the interior and exterior walls. It has been described as ‘a mole on the cheek of Lahore’ while British historian Lockwood Kipling said, “The beautiful building is in itself a school of design”. The Wazir Khan Mosque is a feast for the onlooker for its finest mosaic tile work while the walls have been adorned with Persian poetry and verses from the holy Quran in calligraphy.
Mosque’s floral designs and patterns emerge in symmetrical and harmonious waves which bring a sense of tranquility to the mosque’s echoing halls. It is a haven of tranquility for the worshippers and the knowledge seekers in a city which has been surrounded by the din of the market-places and the noise of the households in the modern walled city of Lahore. The mosque is said to have been built to fortify an ancient subterranean tomb of the saint Syed Muhammad Ishaq Gazrooni, also known as Miran Bashshah, who had migrated from Iran during the 13th century to Lahore. It was once the fancied worship-place for Friday prayers of the emperors for its immaculate beauty and close proximity to the seat of the Mughal empire and is accessible from the Delhi Gate, one of the thirteen gates of the historic city.
Wazir Khan mosque was built in 1641 after seven years of love’s labour on the command of Lahore Governor (Wazir) Hakim Shaikh Ilm-ud-din Ansari during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. Hakim Shaikh Ilm-ud-din Ansari, a native of Chiniot, was the court physician to emperor Shah Jehan and was elevated as Governor (Wazir) of Lahore.
There is another tale about the construction of this architectural wonder. People believe that Hakim Shaikh ilm-ud-din had cured Queen Nur Jahan (1577-1645) and she had rewarded him with all the gold ornaments she was wearing. The gold was set-aside by the Wazir who later proclaimed the construction of Wazir Khan mosque. It is also commonly believed that the Wazirabad (a city in Punjab) was also named after the Governor Shaikh Ilm-ud-din while another mosque Wazir Khan was also constructed in the city. Another hallmark of Wazir Khan mosque is the calligrapher’s Bazaar at the entrance of the mosque which is marked by a large verandah with a dome atop. According to an architectural heritage preserver Kamil Khan, Wazir Khan Mosque has its symbolism,adding that the frescos round the base of the domes with fruits of every kind on the platters and tress in pairs are a reference to the Paradise.
Wazir Khan Mosque is an eternal masterpiece of architecture with a masterful blending of magical calligraphy, geometrical forms and floral decorations into its structural fiber which has turned the mosque into a paragon of artistic beauty, balance and grandness for the generations to come.
Athletics trials on Sunday
ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP):Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) will be holding male and female athletes trials for the Asian Games May 13 (Sunday) here at the Jinnah Stadium of Pakistan Sports Complex.
The 2018 Asian Games are scheduled to be held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia from August 18 to September 2.
According to AFP, President Maj. Gen. (R) Muhammad Akram Sahi, HI(M), SI(M) male athletes will be participating in 9 competitions (100m, 200m, 400m, 400m hurdle race, 110 hurdle race, long jump, high jump, 4X400 relay race) while female athletes will take part in 6 events (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, high jump, long jump).
Nine reports presented before NA
ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP):As many as nine reports of different Standing Committees on Friday presented before the National
Assembly by their respective chairmen.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed on the
behalf of Sheikh Rohale Asghar presented report of the standing committee on
the bill to provide for constitution and regulation of the joint Maritime
Information Organization.
Chairman standing committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic
Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has presented five reports of his committee on different
matters.
MNA Nafisa Shah on the behalf of Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan
presented the report of the standing committee on the Cabinet Secretariat.
Meanwhile the National Assembly also adopted seven motions.
Irfan Siddiqui stresses book reading for better knowledge
FAISANABAD, May 11 (APP)::Advisor to Prime Minister on
National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui has
stressed inculcating reading habits among the young generation.
He was addressing the inauguration ceremony of 1st NBF
Book Festival held at Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Auditorium of
Faisalabad Arts Council (FAC) on Friday.
Managing Director National Book Foundation Dr Inamul Haq
Javed, Vice-Chancellor Government College University for Women
Dr Noreen Aziz Qureshi, Director Faisalabad Arts Council Sofia
Bedar, Prof Riaz Majeed, students and a large number of
book-lovers were present at the opening ceremony.
Irfan Siddiqui said that Friday’s book festival had been
arranged on his proposal and it would help promote literary
activities in society.
He said that book festival held in Islamabad last month
received tremendous response as over 350,000 people visited
the book stalls and the books worth over Rs150 million were
sold during the four-day festival.
He said that Urdu Dictionary Board has launched 22 volumes
of Urdu Digital Dictionary and now everyone has access to
Urdu Lughat in the world.
Later, talking to the media persons, Irfan Siddiqui said
that the nation always takes better decision and five-year
performance of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz is before them.
He said that only people have the right of choosing the
parliament and they would definitely elect those who serve
them better.
Population Commission, task force on card to control alarming growth rate
ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP):The government plans to formulate Population Commission of Pakistan (PCP) to sensitize policy makers about alarming population growth rate.
The task force has also been proposed under the commission. The basic objectives are to have a consolidated forum of all
stakeholders for devising plan of action according to national priorities by adhering to religious doctrines, to deliberate on population control mechanisms by effectively engaging stakeholders and develop consensus on implementation of other priority areas of population as mentioned in Vision 2025.
Annual Development Plan for year 2018-19 on Friday revealed that Population Policy has been finalized and is expected to
be notified within this year. For population planning, impact oriented approach has been adopted which would bear dividend in
long run.
The document said Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform, UNFPA and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have started joint project to deal effectively population related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The objective of the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) contribution is to mainstream population dynamics across core national and provincial development plans and strategies as this is consistent with Agenda 2030 and this will improve
the general quality of development planning.
This project will cover research and analysis including impact of population growth and population dynamics on SDGs achievement in Pakistan.
Presently, population sector has been accorded as a high priority sector by the government to control the accelerated population growth rate and to improve demographic indicators.
The Council of Common Interest (CCI) will decide about future funding and amount to be allocated to Population Welfare Programme for 2018-19.
The token money of Rs. 511 million has been allocated in PSDP 2018-19 to this programme.
Some most important activities to be undertaken during the year are proposed in new initiatives as 3700 Family Welfare
Centres, 350 Reproductive Health-A Centres, 550 Mobile Service Units (MSUs) and 260 Reproductive Health-B Centres are planned
to be established.
Policeman killed, 10 injured in IED blast
BANNU, May 11 (APP):A policeman was killed and about 10
other injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast
near General Bus Stand here on Friday.
Police said a police van was passing through the area when
an IED blast targeted their vehicle.As a result, constable Sabgatullah was martyred
on the spot and 10 others including three policemen sustained injuries.
The injured were shifted to DHQ Hospital Bannu. The explosion
damaged the vehicles parked close to the site of the blast.
Police and security forces cordoned off
the area and have started search operation.
Pakistan committed to zero tolerance of illegal killing, trade of wild birds
ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP):Federal Minister for Climate Change Mushahidullah Khan Friday said Pakistan is committed to zero tolerance of illegal killing, taking and trade of wild birds.
The minister said this in a message regarding World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD). It is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. It has a global outreach and is an effective tool to help raise global awareness of the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them.
The theme of the World Migratory Bird Day 2018 is; Unifying our Voices for Bird Conservation.
Mushahidullah further added that every year people around the world take action and organize public events such as bird festivals, educational programmes, exhibitions and bird-watching excursions to celebrate WMBD. All these activities can also be
undertaken at any time of the year because that countries or regions observing the peak of migrations at different times, but the main days for the international celebrations on the Second Saturday in May and in October.
He also highlighted that World Migratory Bird Day activities take place in many different countries including Pakistan and places across the globe – united by a common campaign and theme. In this way, individual events can be shared with others around the world and help inspire them to take action too. This April, some of the greatest minds of the conservation world including Pakistan assembled at a global summit in Abu Dhabi, to thrash out the issues threatening our migratory birds.
He stressed that Migratory birds don’t have an easy life: They have to run the gauntlet of illegal hunting / killing, wind turbines, pollution and panoply of other threats. Pakistan is committed to tackle the threats faced by migratory birds.
Pakistan is located on a cross road of bird migrations which is called Central Asian Flyway (CAF) connecting Central Asia to Indian Ocean. CAF mainly falls in Indus Plains in Pakistan is followed by a number of wintering birds during their migration from Central Asia to subcontinent, the Minister added.
He also highlighted that Pakistan has five diverse and representative eco-regions included in Global 200 eco-regions, identified by WWF. Pakistan with its unique geographical location and climatic conditions has a varied and interesting mix of flora and fauna. About 668 bird species are reported in Pakistan which includes both resident and migratory species. All important migratory birds species are” Protected” under respective provincial wildlife legislations and its hunting, killing and capturing is completely banned. Any violation is punishable with imprisonment or a fine or with both. Awareness Raising and Capacity building: Awareness raising activities have been undertaken to highlighting importance of migratory species.
Important events like World Wetlands Day, World Wildlife Day, and World Migratory Birds Day etc. are celebrated to enhance awareness on the species.
He highlighted that Pakistan is taking initiatives to conserve wildlife in Pakistan that includes revival of Wildlife Resources in Pakistan Rs. 1065.187 million. The aim of the project is to revive and functionally reorganize wildlife departments at provincial/ AJK, GB & FATA through development of time bound plans including capacity building and incentive driven performance regime. Pakistan Migratory Birds and Houbara Bustard Endowment Fund with a seed money of Rs. 250 million.
He emphasized that The Government of Pakistan is committed to comply with all the national / international conventions / treaties like Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), Ramsar Convention and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Government of Pakistan is committed to zero tolerance of illegal killing, taking and trade of wild birds. Increased effort is needed to strengthen, comply with and enforce relevant legislations and judicial processes, and engage with stakeholders, local communities and wider society to change attitudes towards zero tolerance of illegal killing of
migratory birds.