ISLAMABAD, May 10 (APP):The two-day International Conference of News Agencies (ICNA) commencing here from May 13, will prove to be instrumental in highlighting Pakistan’s efforts for peace and promoting further collaboration at international level to portray the country’s soft image among the comity of nations.
The event, second of its kind after 1990, is being organized by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) in connection with the 70 years of the country’s independence, to highlight its journey since inception and to further strengthen bilateral relations with the outer world in the digital era. The conference would be held with the theme “Emerging Professional Challenges to the News Agencies.”
According to APP Managing Director Masood Malik, the conference would provide an opportunity to APP journalists to have a direct and hassle free linkage with their counterparts in other countries for exploring more areas of cooperation and exchange of news.
He said in today’s age of digital communication, the role of national news agencies was of paramount importance as no nation could remain isolated to meet challenges of globalization.
He said in the wake of Pakistan’s special geo-strategic location, it was imperative to highlight the events pertaining to the country and the region to the independent world in their true perspective, so that that information should be disseminated to the people.
APP, he said, had taken the initiative to develop close proactive relations with its international counterparts, which would help enlarge their news coverage on one hand and expand the outreach of some 20 countries on the other.
Masood Malik said the participants of the conference would be apprised as to how Pakistani media had come out after suffering from dark decades of terrorism and how the nation had risen to the challenge and live peacefully.
Heads and representatives of 18 international news agencies from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey are expected to attend the conference.
Keynote speakers from various sectors will deliver lectures in four main sessions on the topics: ‘Bridging Gap in Social Media: News Promptness versus News Authenticity,’ ‘Role of News Agencies in Digital Era and Mutual Cooperation,’ ‘CPEC: A step forward for Economic Connectivity and Role of Media,’ and ‘Pakistan’s Role in Global and Regional Peace.’
It is pertinent to mention here that APP has bilateral news exchange agreements with 40 international news agencies and is also in the process to sign such accords with 17 others.

ISLAMABAD, May 10 (APP):The government of Japan stands with Pakistan in combating international criminal syndicates which through their illicit activities hinder economic development and prosperity of Pakistani people.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Pakistan, Takashi Kurai on Thursday reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to assist Pakistan eradicate all types of transnational organized crime including illicit drug trafficking.
He was addressing a play up media event here for United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) projects, aimed at enhancing air cargo security, combating transnational organized crime, strengthening border security against illicit drug trafficking and response to counter terrorism.
The projects are to be implemented under UNODC Country Programme for Pakistan (2016-2019) through financial support of government of Japan. Officials from the Ministry of Narcotics Control, National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) were present on the occasion.
In his opening remarks, UNODC Country Office Representative in Pakistan, Cesar Guedes thanked Takashi Kurai and said through financial support of government of Japan, the projects will contribute to vision of creating “a safer community,
free from threats posed by illicit narcotics trafficking and transnational organized crime.”
He said, “UNODC was a leading global effort against drug trafficking and is sole guardian of all international conventions on drugs and transnational organized crime.”
The UNODC Country Office in Pakistan has been active for over 35 years and works in close collaboration with government
of Pakistan, its mandate is to empower the government in its efforts to overcome challenges associated with transnational organized crime, thereby contributing towards nation’s stabilization and development.
As per details, in total, generous contribution of Japanese government for four projects would be amounting to about 3.73 million US Dollars for duration of one year.
The four one-year projects will receive funding from April 2018 to March 2019 include Combating Transnational Organized Crime
and strengthening borders in Pakistan – US$ 2,545,335, Strengthening response of Pakistan’s Action to Counter Terrorism Financing (CTF) US$ 500,000, Improving Forensic Capacity of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Investigate Terrorism Cases US$ 300,000 and US$ 385,600 for Enhancing Air Cargo Security through establishment of Air Cargo Control Unit at Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport.
It was informed that Pakistan has been facing border management challenges at its western border with Afghanistan which was not only used for legitimate trade and movement of people but also a much preferred route for drugs and human trafficking.
In recent years, the challenges alluded to have become more complexed with changing geo-political environment in
region, and this is particularly so with respect to transnational organized crime, illicit narcotics trafficking as well as human
trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The security situation across Pakistan remains fragile and terrorists are regularly targeting civilians and law enforcement officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh.
The primary focus of efforts of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in Pakistan for countering terrorism has been on intelligence, investigation and operations against suspected individuals and organizations.
An effective approach to countering terrorism is to diminish strength of the terrorism economy, through all possible ways including tracing the financial sources of funding used by terrorists, seizing those sources, preventing individuals and organizations from raising funds nationally and internationally.
Criminals constantly look for opportunities where they can exploit the flaws, gaps or deficiencies of laws and regulations
in place.
For more than two decades now, the overwhelming volume of global trade has made it more and more difficult for regulatory
bodies and customs enforcement to control the actual content of thousands of millions of consignments moving across the world.
This provides the criminals opportunity to mask their illegal transhipments by legitimate trade cover.

ISLAMABAD, May 10 (APP):Manual token system still in vogue at National Saving Centre, Muslim Town, Rawalpindi in this era of modern technology irking the senior citizens making routine banking a herculean task for them.
Murtaza Abbasi, 65, has to reach the Centre at 6 am to get his name registered and then issuance of token by the security guards deputed there after 8 am whenever he needs to do some banking transaction.
“The humiliation does not end here. It takes one hour more as the NSC opens at 9 am when the official concerned takes half an hour further to enter the tokens in an outdated ledger and then feed them in the computer system for withdrawal or deposit of cash or other transactions,” he told APP on Wednesday while waiting for opening of the Centre.
He lamented that after a three-hour hectic exercise one could just manage to enter the premises of the Centre.
A widow, Niyaz Fatima, who had all the way come from Sihala to withdraw pension, said she was over 70 and a heart patient, and she had to go through an exhausting day to run affairs of life once in a month.
Hussain Shah, a 75-year government pensioner, said many a time complaints had been lodged for adopting automated e-ticketing. “But it looks the NSC people want to carry this system as a legacy asset for even next generations,” he sarcastically remarked.
He said, “The activity is so complex that a group of five persons at same time is called to deal, consuming more time and creating mix-ups.”
He said some 200 clients daily visited the Centre while it had seating capacity for 40 persons at a time and the rest had to stand waiting for hours. It was an unfair treatment meted out to the senior citizens, he added.
An NSC official at the facility said they were aware of the problems being faced by the citizens and were gradually improving their quality of service.
He said earlier the condition was more pathetic, but now the clients are provided with comfortable sofas to wait for their turn.The demand for e-token system had also been forwarded to the high-ups and steps were under consideration to resolve all the issues, he added.

ISLAMABAD, May 10 (APP):Former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Thursday asked the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman to present proof of money laundering by him within next 24 hours else tender his resignation.
“The NAB chairman should present all evidence against me within 24 hours. If he fails to do so, then he should publicly apologize and resign,” he said addressing a press conference here at the Punjab House.
Nawaz Sharif criticized NAB for holding an inquiry against him and others for allegedly laundering $4.9 billion to India. “It has now been proven how head of an institution (NAB) has made my media trial his mission,” he said.
“The severity of allegations cannot be ignored,” he said, adding that NAB had “lost its entire credibility” after initiating inquiry over “baseless allegations” against him.
“How did this column surface again after four months?” he asked referring to the media report on which NAB had taken notice and launched the probe.
“Did the NAB chairman inquire from the World Bank and the State Bank about these allegations?” he questioned.
He said without investigating the matter of money laundering or asking from the World Bank and the State Bank, NAB released a press release regarding the inquiry. The two institutions had already clearly stated that no money laundering was done and nobody was involved in any such act.
Expressing serious concern over NAB’s action, he questioned why the Bureau was in a hurry to issue the press release at night. “NAB has not only done my character assassination but has also damaged the country’s image and national interest,” he added.
Nawaz Sharif said, “Our legal team is making consultations and further action will be taken in days to come.”
Referring to NAB cases, he claimed that no accountability was being done rather the Sharif family was being victimised. Moreover, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government was also being targeted, he added.
He said cases were being filed against the PML-N leaders to weaken political forces and democracy. “It all is pre-poll rigging, which is against law and the Constitution,” the three-time prime minister asserted.
“I am thankful to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for raising the point on the floor of parliament,” he said.
Nawaz Sharif said all the political parties should unitedly take up the matter for supremacy of parliament.
He appreciated that most of the media had highlighted the facts after the press release was issued by NAB.

Replying to a question, he alleged that the PML-N members were being pressurized to change loyalties to avoid NAB cases against them. “NAB is being used for the purpose,” he claimed.
The public at large were not supporting the elements, who were quitting one party to join the other for personal gains, he said.
He said some politicians against whom corruption proceedings had been going on for years, had yet to appear in the court, but he (Nawaz) had made almost 70 appearances before the trial court.

ISLAMABAD, May 10 (APP):Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani Thursday asked the government to implement Senate resolutions demanding to empower Senate to have viable role in Finance Bill, specially the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), in letter and
spirit.
He, in his ruling, said, “Resolutions passed by the Senate reflects the aspirations of the Upper House of the Parliament being the House of Federation. The government is advised to implement the resolutions of the Senate with regard to role of the Senate in the Finance Bill specially the PSDP, in letter and spirit. We will also deliberate the matter in the Business Advisory Committee.”
Earlier, Senators belonging to the ruling and opposition parties asked the government for enhancing powers of the Senate
to authorize to approve money bill including the finance bill.

ISLAMABAD, May 10 (APP):Minister for
Law and Justice, Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk Thursday said that it was
unfortunate that Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto Shaheed’s assassination case was
still pending with the judiciary for the last 10 years, while those accused in
it were being granted bails.
Responding
to a point raised by the leader of the opposition Syed Khurshid Shah, who
expressed deep concern over the bail to accused in Benazir murder case, the minister
said that this case should have been decided long ago.
He lamented
that at one side, day-to-day hearing was being conducted in the case against former
prime minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif whereas on the other hand, “the
murder case of Benazir Bhutto, punishment of which is death sentence, is
pending for ten years.”
He informed
the parliament that when Benazir Bhutto was attacked, same day the rally of Muhammad
Nawaz Sharif was also assaulted, resulting in deaths of many people.
Notwithstanding
the dangers for his life, Nawaz Sharif when hearing about the attack on BB went to the hospital, where political activists appealed him to save
his life. “This was the passion of political activists and respect for each other,”
he said and lamented that “we are divided now, which is very dangerous for the
country.”
He said that
the country was passing through a crucial stage as ministers were being
attacked, appealing all the members of parliament to get united and stand for
the protection of the whole country.
He said that
danger was not only looming for the parliament, or politicians, rather he added,
this situation was a consequence of a big conspiracy against the state.
He said, let’s
inform the judiciary to focus on the cases which are before it instead of
indulging in the issues, which does not need its involvement and let the administration
work.
He also appealed
all the institutions to get united and take the country forward. “When we get
united, it will change the fate of the country and Pakistan will become a
strong country otherwise danger would always lurk the country,” he remarked.
Earlier,
Leader of the opposition in the house, Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah said that it
was very unfortunate that those accused in the murder of Benazir Bhutto were
being released on bail.
He said that
Benazir was not leader of Pakistan Peoples Party, she was leader of all and
voice of the poor, third world and Muslim world.
He said that
within two hours after the attack the place was cleaned whereas when Musharraf
was attacked, the place was cordoned off for four days and ultimately a phone chip
was discovered which helped in arresting the culprits.
He said that
the killers of Benazir were arrested but they were being granted bail which is
not good for the country as it has made politicians insecure.

KARACHI, May 10 (APP):Appreciative of the unanimous adoption of Home Based Workers (HBWs) Act 2018 by the
Sindh Assembly, activists here on Wednesday sought urgency for the registration of these labourers,
mainly comprising women.
Addressing a press conference here at Karachi Press Club, they urged all relevant stakeholders including concerned government departments, HBWs as well as relevant associations to immediately identify centres in each and every locality where HBWs may get themselves registered.
Ume Laila Azhar of HomeNet mentioned that Sindh labour department had already been recommended to ensure online registration of these workers.
HomeNet in its individual as well as in coordination with concerned government departments and NGOs was said to be in process to develop APPs through which HBWs entering their nature of work as well as NIC numbers could be immediately registered.
Mentioning that as per the law registered workers would be entitled to facilities offered under SESSI, EOBI, Sindh Workers Welfare Trust etc., she said a fund has also been constituted to help
the workers.
“An important aspect of this fund is the minimal yet mandatory contribution to be made by HBWs coupled with endowment to be made by the government, middle men as well as employers in case of HBWs serving as piece meal workers” she said in reply to a query.
“We can not allow to get compromised the dignity of these HBWs,” said the activist.
To another query, she said there were 748,056 urban HBWs and another 1.9 million based in rural parts of Sindh pertaining to informal bracket of the economy.
Joined by Karamat Ali of Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER); Habib uddin Junaidi of Peoples Labour Bureau; Nuzhat Shirin, Chairperson, Sindh Commission of Women Status, Mehnaz Rahman, Regional Director, Aurat Foundation, Sabiha Shah and Naheed Syed the HomeNet representative also expressed her satisfaction that Sindh has also emerged to be the first province to finally approve HBW Policy.
“Factually this first ever policy for home based workers in South Asia and is indeed a step forward towards the recognition of the home based workers of the province,” said the activist.
Habib uddin Junaidi said Sindh Chief Minister had previously announced and launched the landmark policy for home based workers, thus fulfilling the party’s commitment, providing work status and
acknowledging the contribution of home based workers.
Naheed Syed said HBWs have fought for this fundamental constitutional right to get the status of worker.
Karamat Ali said through the much needed legislation HBWs would be mainstreamed into provincial economy and that similar initiative was needed for “Domestic Workers.”
“Sindh government needs to be also applauded for bringing the HBWs under social protection network,” he said.
The HBWs Act 2018 was said to formulate a provincial council comprising members as prescribed and will also notify district committees for ensuring the implementation of the law.
As per Law provisions, the Labour department will initiate the data collection within province and open registration of the HBWs leading to their accessibility to the existing social security
schemes.
Rehana Yasmin, representing HBWs of Karachi said it was after decades of hardwork and struggle that the policy has been approved.
She emphasized that HBWs registration with the social protection mechanism must start immediately from Karachi and extended to other districts.

ISLAMABAD, May 10 (APP):Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Anusha Rehman Thursday said, government aimed to enable the young entrepreneurs and start ups to run and improve their businesses, ideas in technologically sound environment.
While addressing the graduation ceremony of National Incubation Center’s (NIC) 1st Cohort minister said in Pakistan technology has come through revolution rather than evaluation.
Minister said “It is a day of celebration not only for the passing out cohort, but for us as well. You should have faith in the learning and expertise developed during your time at the NIC.”
She said the NIC was a testament to the growing synergy between the public and private sectors to promote youth-led entrepreneurship and realize the government’s dream of a digital Pakistan.
While we embark on the journey of empowering our communities through technology, it is pertinent to look at other countries, which are ahead of us on the digitalization curve, she added.
Anusha said first time in the history of IT sector of the country, such a huge investment was being made in Balochistan which aim to target hundreds of villages to connect with 3G service.
Ministry has taken Balochistan as a priority to provide telecom services and these services will include the provision of both voice and data facilities under 3G licenses.
Anusha Rehman described the DigiSkills program as an important part of Information Technology initiative of the government. She said the program would create online employment opportunities to enable youth to earn 200 to 300 dollars per month. She said with the help of this program, youth from across the country will provide services across the globe.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – JAZZ Amir Ibrahim said, “Being a leading digital company with global expertise through VEON, JAZZ believes in empowering societies.
We are doing so by building a healthy, robust startup eco system and bridging digital divide through our vast data network, he said.
He said the next step is to ensure a digital eco system that not only supports our endeavors, but also assists the government in achieving its SDGs.
This is the first NIC in Islamabad set up under a joint public-private partnership between Jazz, Ignite and TeamUp, under the umbrella of ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
It is the largest incubation center in Pakistan with 40 startups inducted each year in six months cycle for a twelve month programme and provided world class facilities, a best in class customized curriculum and Jazz’s bespoke Jazz x1r8 acceleration programme.