RAWALPINDI, May 08 (APP):Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa Tuesday inaugurated work on border fencing along the
Balochistan portion of Pak-Afghan border at Panjpai, said a press release issued here by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Qadoos Bazinjo and provincial interior minister Sarfraz Bugti were also present on the occasion.
Interacting with the tribal leaders and locals at the occasion, the Army Chief thanked them for their full support and
cooperation in fencing as well as their participation in maintaining security situation.
He said that the fencing would check cross border movement of terrorists. However, special arrangements have
been made to facilitate bilateral economic activity and legal movement in any way or form through designated crossing points, he
said.
Chief Minister Balochistan thanked Pakistan Army and FC for working hand in glove with the provincial government to achieve
a common vision of shining Balochistan.
At Quetta, the COAS attended the earth breaking ceremony of National University of Science and Technology’s (NUST)
Quetta Campus. With an estimated cost of Rs 2.63 billion, the campus spans over 30 acres and will house 550 students. Besides usual disciplines, it will also have fields pandering to specific requirements of Balochistan such as mining, water resource
engineering etc.
Later, the Army Chief inaugurated the Quetta Safe City Project, which was held up for the last five years. It will cost Rs 2.28 billion. Upon completion, it will result in quick incremental betterment in law and order situation and make Quetta more safe and
secure.
The COAS also interacted with youth from various universities of Quetta. He said that army would wholeheartedly support
the government in bringing a revolution in services, particularly in fields of education, health, electricity, water and
infrastructure. Our aim is to ensure that Balochistan does not have to rely on any quota or special arrangement, rather people
have same level of life as they can have in any other part of the country, he added.
He said that Pakistan had rejected terrorism achieved better peace after great sacrifices by country’s armed forces backed
by the whole nation . Some elements are trying to influence the minds of our youth at this stage to create anarchy and
dissatisfaction in the society. Pakistan Army will ensure the defence of the motherland in discharge of constitutional duties. It is
for everyone to ensure that they abide by law of the land and remain within the bounds of constitution, he added.
He asked the youth to take Pakistan forward through devotion, hard work and character.
COAS inaugurates border fencing along Balochistan portion of Pak-Afghan border
ECC satisfied over sufficient stocks of sugar during Ramzam
ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP):The the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) Tuesday expressed satisfaction over the availability of
sufficient sugar stock during Ramazan and noted that 4.35 MMT was available with monthly consumption
of 0.433 MMT per month in the country.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC)
of the Cabinet here at the PM Office, that considered a report of Ministry of Commerce on availability of
sugar during the Ramazan.
The ECC also accorded ex-post facto approval for an amount of Rs. 7.34 billion, paid during the previous
years to Oil Marketing Companies against their Price Differential Claims (PDCs) in order to provide relief to
consumers through subsidizing imported petroleum products. These claims have been duly verified and audited,
a statement from the PM Office said.
Classical music concert ‘Moonlight over the Spring River’ on May 11
ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP):The Embassy of People’s Republic of China, China Cultural Centre in collaboration with NICE, a network of international culture entities would organize a concert of China Classical music “Moonlight Over the Spring River” on May 11. China Opera and Dance-Drama Theatre artists would present classical music of China in the concert.
“Spring Moonlight on the Flowers by the River” is one of the most famous Chinese traditional music works. It had been popular among ordinary people before the year 1875 and has become one of the masterpieces in the treasury of Chinese classical music.
Spring Moonlight on the Flowers by the Riveris one of the most famous Chinese traditional music works. It had been popular among ordinary people before the year 1875, and has become one of the masterpieces in the treasury of Chinese classical music.
It was originally named as Pipa tune Flutes and Drums at Dusk, and was adapted by Liu Yaozhang, a member of Shanghai’s Datong Music Conservatory and renamed as Spring Moonlight on the Flowers by the Riverby Zheng Jinwen in 1930.
Since 1949, it has undergone many revisions, until now it is a highly polished piece. The intro has a background of musical harmony, and then a Pipa is plunked faster and faster, giving out drumbeat-like notes. At the same time, deft fingering on a vertical bamboo flute produces the melody.
The contrast between the two instruments — one producing pellet-like short notes by twanging, and the other producing long-drawn-out notes — conjures up a picture of a river in springtime. The technique, often used in folk music, of phrases repeated over and over, and seemingly chasing one another, gives a vivid impression of ripples on water.
The understated melody, the fluid rhythmical meter, the ingenious subtlety, together with random orchestration, combine to paint a tranquil scene of a river on a moonlit night in spring, and is paean of praise to the countryside south of the Yangtze River.
The whole work is divided into ten sections, each having a different title.
This music is based on a famous poetry of Tang Dynasty:
Week-long Spring Festival to start from May 9
ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP):National Cultural Development Forum (NCDF) would organize a week-long spring festival and media family show from May 9 at Arts and Craft Village, Islamabad.
NCDF is organizing the festival in collaboration with Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and National Press Club (NPC), Islamabad.
Renowned singers including Malku, Laila Jutti, Farhana Arshad, and Abass Jutt would perform in the musical night of the spring festival.
The cultural festival aimed at promoting culture, arts, crafts, folk music and traditional skills of the country, an official of NCDF told APP.
Traditional local cuisines will also be arranged in the premises of arts and craft village. The festival will culminate with a colourful ceremony on May 13.
A craft bazaar featuring arts and crafts would be arranged in the premises of the festival.
Folk singer Laila Jutti lauded the initiative of NCFD for organizing Spring Festival as it would promote arts and culture and entertain the people of twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
An official of NCFD said that efforts would be made to organize Spring Festival every year on regular basis and it’s during could be enhanced from one to two weeks or more.
He said that NCFD would organize special Media family show on May 12 to entertain the families of journalist’s community. He thanked PFUJ and NPC for collaboration in organizing the spring festival.
Impression given in news item regarding Imtiaz Inayat Elahi, totally incorrect : NAB
ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP):National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday said conveying impression to public through incorrect reporting and posing mere allegations against transparent working of Bureau, is unfair.
NAB believes in across the board accountability which have been acknowledged by reputable and independent, national and international organizations such as PILDAT,
Transparency International and World Economic Forum.
A Spokesman of NAB, while contradicting an editorial published in a section of press,
has termed the impression given by writer regarding former Federal Secretary and also
former Chairman CDA, Imtiaz Inayat Elahi, was totally incorrect.
Giving brief facts of the case, the Spokesman said these included: “Construction of
Cultural Complex at Shakarparian” Islamabad was a self-financed project duly approved
by Capital Development Authority (CDA) DWP, being competent forum, in its 13th meeting on January 17, 2007.
All codal formalities including Feasibility Study, Capital Cost Estimates, Annual O&M Cost, Financial Plan, Mode of Financing, Project Benefits & analysis of financial/economic/social benefits & indicators, employment generation, environmental impact, impact of delays on project cost and viability, etc, were discussed at length in PC-I of the project that was duly examined and approved by CDA DWP.
Hence, initial planning and approval of the project was not ill-conceived or ill-planned. As per NAB investigation, execution work of the project was commenced on December 27, 2007 which continued till August 26, 2009 without any financial/operational hindrance and liability.
The Spokesman said the accused Imtiaz Inayat Elahi took charge as Chairman CDA in June 2009. He visited site of the project and ordered for stoppage of work and execution work at Cultural Complex in 2009.
Imtiaz Inayat Elahi, in capacity of Chairman CDA, was not competent to take such decision
unilaterally that too without assigning any cogent reason.
The decision of accused Imtiaz Inayat Elahi for stoppage of construction of Cultural Complex
at Shakarparian Islamabad project was, illegal, malafide and unilateral, arbitral and in contravention
of notification by ECNEC and Guidelines by Planning Commission for self-financed projects like
Cultural Complex Project, resulting into wasteful expenditure of Rs. 471 million directly and may
also resulted in a further huge loss to state exchequer in form of claims and liabilities.
The Executive Board in its meeting held on April 20, 2018 decided to file a reference in
Accountability Court, Islamabad.
The Reference against accused Imtiaz Inayat Elahi for illegal stoppage of construction of
Cultural Complex at Shakarparian Islamabad project will soon be filed.
NAB has ample and solid evidence as to prosecute him in Accountability Court, Islamabad.
The Bureau hopes that in true spirit of responsible journalism, an effort would always be made
to verify authenticity of case before going to print.
Scenic panoramic view of Islamabad from Daman-e Koh attracts visitors
By Zoya Khan
ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP): Daman-i-Koh, located in the foothills of Margalla Hills some 2400 feet above the sea level, offers a thrilling bird’s eye view of the federal capital to the visitors, and has become one of the most frequently visited recreational spots.
Hundreds of people visit Daman-e-Koh daily and is rushed by scores of people on weekends making it a popular destination and panoramic view point for the visitors and a hill top garden in north of Islamabad located in the middle of the Margalla hills.
The name “Daman-e-Koh” is a conjunction of two Persian words, which together mean foothills. It is a midpoint for tourists on their way to the higher view point Pir Sohawa, which is located at the top of Margalla hills at an elevation of about 3600 ft.
There was a plan to construct a chairlift from Daman-e-Koh to Pir Sohawa but Capital Development Authority did not do so as the environment experts raised concerns. However, CDA officials claimed that the project was feasible, adding that the deliberations on the project were still underway.
One of the main problems for reaching Daman-e-Koh is absence of transport availability. The only option for visitors is to hire a taxi to reach their destination.
In this regard when Managing Director PTDC Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor was contacted, he said that PTDC had recently launched a city tour bus service to facilitate tourists with state-of-the-art transport system, which starts from Flashman’s Hotel in Rawalpindi daily at 9 am .
“Initially the bus runs through Saidpur Village, Faisal Masjid, Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa and Lake View Park. The PTDC was planning to extend the service to Daman-e-Koh as well in near future,” he said.
Leyla Khan, a visitor said that the tourism department and CDA should facilitate Daman-e-Koh visitors with transport, adding that most people could not afford private cabs. He said that it was not affordable for families to visit the magnificent panoramic viewpoint without proper transport system.
It merits a mention here that monkeys are a common sight at the scenic picnic spot. They make beautiful gestures towards visitors and enjoy chunks of foodstuff given by them.
Moreover, the restaurants including that of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and other food points at Daman-e-Koh, offer special packages for get-together and other group events. The place is ideal for afternoon and evening outings. A guitarist also entertains the visitors with melodious music making the place more accentuated.
A PTDC official said a large number of people visit Daman-e-Koh along with their families, especially on weekends.
The PTDC is offering varieties of food to the visitors, aimed at promoting site seeing and tourism, he said and added its restaurant was popular among local visitors, who enjoyed meal along superb view of Islamabad.
PTDC plans to further improve its services in near future on the directive of its managing director. The management of Daman-e-Koh has endorsed the PTDC point of view saying that thousands of tourists enjoy the splendours of this unique spot.
Asima, a visitor, said that visit to Daman-e-Koh was a memorable visit of her life saying the view from the top of the city left her mesmerized. She said that one of the amazing things was the unique Paan (betel leaf) Shop and the other was the musician playing traditional instrument Rubab in a calm and quiet surroundings.
CJ administer oath to Justice Munib Akhtar as SC judge
ISLAMABAD, May 08 (APP):Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar administered the oath of office to Justice Munib Akhtar, Judge
High Court Sindh, as Supreme Court Judge in a simple but dignified ceremony on Tuesday.
Judges of the superior court, Attorney General, Advocate General Islamabad, Bars Members,
officers of Law and Justice Commission and Federal Judicial Academy, attended the event.
Officers and staff of the Supreme Court were also present on the occasion.
We are committed towards promoting forest-based actions: Mushahidullah
ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP):Federal Minister for Climate Change attended a ministerial level discussion “Forest-based solutions for accelerating achievement of the SDGs” during the Thirteenth Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF 13) in New York, USA.
While, answering the questions of moderator, Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah Khan highlighted Forests in Pakistan play an important role in protection and enhancement of ecological, economic and social functions, said a press release issued here on Wednesday.
“We are strongly committed towards promoting such forest-based actions that shall address the challenges of climate change, water scarcity and land degradation.”
He highlighted that we have taken various initiatives to protect our forests that includes approval of National Forest Policy-2015 that suggests measures to conserve existing forest and increase tree cover on a massive scale with community involvement, particularly on communal lands and urban areas.
He said approval of National Climate Change Policy-2012 of Pakistan also supports the role of forests as carbon sinks and towards mitigating adverse effects of extreme climate events.
Initiation of “Green Pakistan Programme” to support achievement of forest policy objectives to afforest forest deficient areas spread across the whole country with 100 million plants.
All segments of society have been involved in planting and regeneration activity across country. He also emphasized that government of Pakistan Promoted ecological, social and cultural functions of forests through “Sustainable Land Management Programme”.
It supports preparation and implementation of plans at local level to control land degradation and desertification. We are executing projects REDD plus and mangroves are improving through “Sustainable Forest Management Project”. Spring and Monsoon tree planting campaigns are coordinated at the national level to plant on an average 80 million plants each year.
“A comprehensive programme on floodwater management will be implemented with the support of Green Climate Fund. Efforts are being made to regulate flow of water in the catchment areas by increasing vegetation cover, soil conservation measures, and construction of small dams.”
In response to question, the implementation of national level forest based activities have always ensured involvement of all in sustainable development,he added.
Irfan Siddiqui appreciates performance of NH&LH Division’ officers, staff
ISLAMABAD, May 08 (APP):Advisor to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH), Irfan Siddiqui Tuesday said government
officers can achieve huge targets through team work, national spirit, honesty and hard work.
“The officers and other staff of NH&LH division have shown excellent performance during a short span of time since
creation of this division which is worth appreciable”, Irfan Siddiqui said while speaking during a farewell ceremony arranged in
honour of the Joint Secretary of the division, Capt (r) Abdul Majeed Niazi.
Capt (r) Abdul Majeed Niazi who was an officer of Information Group Service retired from his services on May 2 after completion of his employment period. He was also having additional charge of Chairman Pakistan Academy of Letters.
Appreciating Abdul Majeed Niazi’s performance, Irfan Siddiqui said during his entire service period especially in
NH&LH division, Niazi has performed his duties with utmost dedication, commitment and national spirit.
On this occasion, Irfan Siddiqui presented a memorable gift to Abdul Majeed Niazi.
The farewell ceremony was attended by Federal Secretary, Engineer Aamir Hasan and other officials of the division.
Nawaz inquires after Ahsan Iqbal
LAHORE, May 08 (APP):Former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Services Hospital here on Tuesday to inquire about the health of Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
He prayed for early recovery of the minister.