SIALKOT, April 30 (APP)::Deputy Ambassador of Germany in Pakistan
Jens Jokisch has said that German Chamber of Commerce and Industry was being
activated in Pakistan to develop ‘business-to-business’ contacts
and further strengthen mutual trade ties between Pakistan and Germany.
He stated this while addressing a meeting of Sialkot exporters at Sialkot
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here on Monday. SCCI President Zahid
Latif Malik and Vice President Abid Ahmed Khawaja also presided over the meeting.
The deputy ambassador said that Germany was keen to develop mutual trade ties
with Pakistan. He assured that his country would also help
enhance Sialkot’s sports goods and strengthen SMEs sector in Pakistan.
He said there was dire need for proper marketing of Sialkot-made
export products in Germany, saying that most of German people use the Sialkot made
sports goods, especially soccer ball, but they do not
know much about Sialkot.
He pledged to make all-out efforts to promote a soft and positive
image of Pakistan globally. He said that activation of Germany Chamber
of Commerce and Industry in Pakistan was much important to boost
mutual trade ties between Pakistan and Germany as well.
He said that promotion of quality education was vital for national development and prosperity of Pakistan.
During his visit to several industrial units here, the envoy
pledged to make efforts for removing all hurdles in the way of
promoting mutual trade between Pakistan and Germany. He said that
his country would encourage regular exchange of trade delegations
between Germany and Pakistan.
SCCI President Zahid Latif Malik said on the occasion that both Pakistan and Germany enjoy friendly relations in all fields. Germany is the largest economy in Europe and the 4th largest trading partner of Pakistan.
He said that Sialkot-made footballs, field hockey sticks, cricket
gear and boxing gloves are used in international games including
Olympics and World Cups. Most of developed countries are importing
surgical instruments from Sialkot. In leather products and textile sportswear, we
excel in quality and style. Similar is the case with
other items produced in Sialkot, he added.
German envoy meets Sialkot exporters, stresses more trade ties
10 percent quota for women in public sector employment fixed
ISLAMABAD, Apr 30 (APP):The government has fixed 10 percent quota for women in public sector employment with Punjab raised this to 15 percent and in Sindh job quota for women in police has been increased from 2 percent to 5 percent.
According to official document, 184 posts for women have been created at different tiers, and 70 percent of jobs in primary education have been earmarked for women.
Punjab Fair Representation of Women Act 2014 ensures 33 percent representation of women on all boards of statutory bodies, public sector companies etc, adding women participation in Prime Minister’s Youth Loan Schemes was encouraged by 50 percent.
It claimed that Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), a flagship social protection programme of the government is providing social assistance to women. BISP also gives interest free financial assistance to the female beneficiaries under their Waseela-e-Haq (Micro-Finance) programme to start their own business, he said.
Vocational and technical training of one month to a year’s duration, to the female beneficiary or her nominee has been provided under the Waseela-e-Rozgar (Technical & Vocational Training) programme (target is 150,000 beneficiaries) with Rs 6,000 monthly stipend for each trainee.
Waseela–e-Sehat (Life and Health Insurance) programme subsidized health care for beneficiaries and life insurance to one million women while the premium is paid by the program, it added.
Waseela-e-Taleem (Primary Education) encourages the beneficiaries families to send their children of 5-12 years age to school through a co-responsibility cash transfer of Rs 200/- per child (limit to three per family).
China’s One Belt One Road is ‘greatest economic initiative’ of 21st century: Pakistani envoy
NEW YORK, April 30 (APP):China’s “One Belt, One Road” project, of which China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a part, will bring economic prosperity to all nations through regional connectivity, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Maleeha Lodhi, has said.
“We in Pakistan view the Chinese initiative as the most important 21st century enterprise,” she said in an interview with Xinhua, China’ state-run new agency.
The mega, $46 billion project with 3,000 kms of roads, railways, pipelines and infrastructure programmes will connect China’s Kashghar in Xinjiang province with Pakistan’s Gwadar port. It is expected to help improve the lives of billions of people in China, South Asia and Central Asia, who would benefit from the economic corridor.
CPEC is set to be completed in three phases by 2030.
“It is the greatest economic initiative of the 21st century,” Ambassador Lodhi said of the flagship project.
Highlighting Pakistan’s geo-strategic location at the intersection of East and West, she said Islamabad’s role as a partner with China to promote regional connectivity was going to be especially important.
“I have always said that regional connectivity is not just about connecting our countries, it is about connecting our people, it is about connecting hearts,” the Pakistani envoy remarked.
The people-to-people aspect of One Belt One Road initiative, a win-win formula, was aimed at the welfare of all people — not just about China and Pakistan — , almost 100 countries, are now participating in the project, Ambassador Lodhi said, adding it has now become a global initiative aimed at the economic welfare of all peoples and all countries.
“Pakistan is particularly pleased to be a key partner with China in the implementation of the project,” she added.
“We see this initiative to be also very important in helping to achieve the UN’s 2030 global development agenda.”
About China’s role at the United Nations, Ambassador Lodhi said it’s role was commensurate and consistent with the fact that it is now a global power.
“China is not just an economic powerhouse of the world, but a major global power ; its diplomacy at the UN is very active — ranging from peace and security to development, to human rights, to many other issues she said.
On every global issue, Ambassador Lodhi said China’s voice was heard loud and clear, pointing out it was always on the side of the developing countries as it considers itself a developing country too.
“Despite the fact that it has become a global economic powerhouse, it still regards itself as a developing country and it aligns its interests with countries like mine, Pakistan, a developing country.
“So, as a member of the Group of 77(developing countries), which is G77 plus China, we align our policies here at the UN on a range of development issues, particularly the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On that also, China has a very important voice and it has a very important role to play.”
Sanjrani for making parliament friendly to disabled people
ISLAMABAD, Apr 30 (APP):Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani was surprised to learn
that the Parliament of Pakistan was not disabled friendly despite the fact that
Pakistan is signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled persons.
The Chairman ordered that designated parking spots be
allocated immediately in the parking spaces of the Parliament precincts, said a
press release issued here Monday.
He also instructed the Secretary Senate that all access points within the
Parliament and the Parliament Lodges should be made disabled friendly and instructions
in this regard shall be forwarded to the relevant Government Departments.
He reiterated that it is our duty to look after and take care of
disabled people and their integration in the society should be our guiding
principle; this is not philanthropy but is a responsibility.
Pakistan’s National Human Development Report to be launched on May 2
ISLAMABAD, Apr 30 (APP):The launching ceremony of Pakistan’s National Human Development Report would be held on May 2 here at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Prof. Ahsan Iqbal likely to be the chief guest on the occasion, said a press release
The event would be attended by Takashi Kurai, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Neil Buhne, UN Resident Coordinator, Ignacio Artaza, Country Director, UNDP-Pakistan, Samina Baig, Pakistan Mountaineer, UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador and Dr. Adil Najam and Dr. Faisal Bari, Lead Authors, National Human Development Report.
USAID celebrates spring in Gilgit Baltistan
GIGLIT, Apr 30 (APP):Farmers, vendors, shopkeepers, and the local community in Gilgit
Baltistan gathered to celebrate spring at the U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID)-sponsored funfair here on Monday.
The event showcased USAID-supported agricultural, water, and
hygiene innovations, including the construction of on-farm irrigation systems on 15,500
acres downstream from the Satpara Dam in Gilgit-Baltistan.
These improvements increase the
productivity and availability of the region’s high-value fruit, vegetables, and
fodder crops while boosting residents’ income.
“These
activities are essential in creating awareness and enlightening small
communities in areas like Gilgit-Baltistan about the many ways in which modern
techniques and development efforts have benefited these communities and
regions,” said Vice Chancellor Karakorum International University Prof. Dr
Khalil Ahmed.
Chief Guest Dr Khalil Ahmed said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan welcome
innovation, adding, “It is very important for them to know about the
developments in their region and how they can benefit even more.”
He said these farmers were more empowered now to produce agricultural products,
they earned more money and live better lifestyles, adding their children go to
schools and dream of becoming teachers, lawyers and doctors.
Mir Safdar, a farmer and father of five, emphasized how grateful he was for the USAID-sponsored agricultural improvements.
“These interventions have enabled us to improve our crop quality and production,” he said. “It has allowed me to feed my children and put them through school. I envision a better future for all my children,”
he added.
If PML-N agenda of development given time, destiny of Pakistan would have changed: Nawaz Sharif
ISLAMABAD, Apr 30 (APP):Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz believes in serving the masses and if its agenda of development was given ten to twenty years time, destiny of Pakistan would be changed.
Addressing party lawmakers alongside Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) President and Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz said, if the party legislators will support him they will definitely win.
Castigating Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairperson, Nawaz said, Imran Khan should stop his duplicity and spreading lies as this was not the method to make a new Pakistan.
He asked Imran what his party has done for public welfare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where the PTI was in power for past five years.Talking about the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), he asked why the PPP did not initiate the Karachi Operation in 2013 on its own.
“Karachi has turned into a pile of garbage,” he remarked.
Referring to PPP co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari, Nawaz said,there were allegations against him of taking the country into the dark ages.
Nawaz Sharif challenged his opponents in KP and Sindh to compare their provinces to Punjab, where the PML-N is in power. He also asked his opponents to make comparison of Karachi and Peshawar with Punjab capital Lahore and they will feel the difference as Lahore was far better.
He said he launched work on several motorway projects after coming to power in 2013 and with their completion dream of the people will be realized. He said if his party agenda of service and development was given 10 to 20 years time,destiny of the nation would be changed.But he said unfortunately he was not allowed to serve the people of Pakistan by interventions.
Adnan wins CNS Amateur Golf Cup
ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (APP):Muhammad Adnan of Western Wind Golf Club won the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Amateur Golf Cup 2018 on Sunday here at Margalla Greens Golf Club.
The three-day event was held from April 27 to 29 and around 300 enthusiast golfers participated in various categories including amateurs, seniors, ladies, and juniors.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi graced the prize distribution ceremony as chief guest and congratulated all the prize winners for their well-earned success and commended all the participants for their spirited participation in the championship.
The prizes were distributed amongst winner of all categories including Amateur, Seniors, Ladies and Juniors, whereas the main trophy was given to the best Amateur in the net category, Muhammad Adnan from Westron wind Golf Club, Islamabad.
Amateur Category Handi Cap 6 and Below: Mr Zubair Hussain (PAF, -3, Winner Net); Tariq Mehmood (MGGC, +1, Runner up Net); Muhammad Sharif (WWGC, +9, Winner Gross); Ghazanfar Mehmood (BTG, +12, Runner up Gross).
Amateur Category Handi Cap 7-12 and Below: Muhammad Adnan (WWGC, -9, Over All Winner Net); Ehtisham Abbasi (even par, Runner up Net); Muhammad Arsalan (Pannu Aqil, +24, Winner Gross); Adeel Shafqat (MGGC, +27, Runner up Gross).
Senior Amateur Category final score are as under: Lt Col Waqar Ahmed (RGC, 159, Winner Gross); Col Shahid Warraich (RGC, 159, Runner Up Gross).
Senior Amateur Category: Rear Admiral (R) Saleem Akhtar (MGGC, 144, Winner Net); Col Jehanzeb (RGC, 145, Runner Up Net).
Ladies Category: Ms Nobuko (29, 94, 65, Winner Net); Mrs Hussain Bano (28, 101, 73, Runner up Net); Ms Ami Qin (6, 77, Winner Gross); Ms Tehmina Ahmed (10, 85, Runner up Gross).
Junior Category gross: Naveed Khan (PAF Golf Club, 80, Winner Gross); Basil Rehman (LGC, 92, Runner up Gross).
Junior Category Net: Laraib Rehman (LGC, 67, Winner Net), Adam Khan (MGGC, 76, Runner Up Net).
Promotion of sports activities among govt’s priorities: President
NOROWAL, Apr 29 (APP):President Mamnoon Hussain Sunday said promotion of sports activities were among the government’s priorities due to which now the playgrounds in the country were thriving with sports activities.
Speaking at an inauguration ceremony of the newly established Sports City Complex, the president said those nations attained the acme of progress and prosperity whose playgrounds flourished with sports activities.
He said there was no dearth of talent in Pakistan as its invincible players brought laurels in the fields of hockey and squash whereas the cricket team was also adding to its triumphs.
The sports activities, he said, promoted healthy activities among the youth by invoking their capabilities. On the other hand, in countries where the playgrounds wore deserted looks, the youth could divert from the healthy track, he added.
The president noted that the nation with its strong determination and grand sacrifices had defeated terrorism and now it was necessary to divert the youth’s attention towards sports and games.
The games and sports always contributed towards mental, psychological and spiritual strength of a nation which helped it to carve a niche in the annals of history, he added.
He said from history, it was evident that the thinkers of the world always struck a balance in their activities and interests and those nations earned their place whose young generation ruled the playgrounds.
The president observed that games and sports also promoted discipline, passion for teamwork and healthy thinking in a society ultimately leading it towards the path of progress.
He also regretted that in the past, disregard for the merit policy and erroneous priorities had broken the streak of excellence in sports arena.
But now the situation had changed, the present government was accomplishing mega projects that would promote sports not only at the local level, but also help players to unfurl the national flag in the international competitions, he added.
The president stressed upon the young generation to excel in fields of sports and play their role for elimination of evils like ignorance and narrow mindedness.
Referring to Norowal sports city, the president said it would provide healthy activities to the young generation.
Earlier, the president inaugurated the newly established sports city complex. Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi, national cricketers including Inzamamul Haq, Misbahul Haq, Shoaib Malik, Muhammad Hafeez, Suhail Tanveer, Abdul Razzaq, Ahmed Shehzad, local MPAs Khawaja Waseem Butt, Rana Manan Khan, Sardar Ramaish Singh Arora, Narowal Deputy Commissioner Ali Anaan Qamar, chairman Narowal District Council Chaudhry Ahmed Iqbal and Narowal DPO Imran Kishwar were present on the occasion.
High Commissioner interacts with the Pakistani community at Pakistan Consulate Birmingham
LONDON, Apr 29 (APP):Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) held an interactive session with the Pakistani community on April 28 (Saturday), during his two-day visit to Birmingham.
A statement of Pakistan High Commission here on Sunday said the event was attended by a large number of community members from Cardiff, Wales, Bristol, Nottingham and Derby.
Khalid Mahmood, Member UK Parliament was also present on the occasion.
Welcoming the high commissioner and the community, Consul General Ahmar Ismail highlighted the key achievements made by the consulate, including the relocation of the consulate to the new building at a convenient location and the upgradation and automation of the entire consular services.
In this regard, he mentioned a dedicated and up to date website, online appointment system, providing consular services at the doorstep of the community through community outreach efforts and weekend surgeries in major cities.
In his remarks, the high commissioner thanked the community for their attendance and said it was one of his main priorities to set high standards of public service delivery for the convenience of our community and he was glad that the initiatives were received well by the community.
He appreciated the important contributions that Pakistani-British community has made in the progress and prosperity of the United Kingdom.
The high commissioner highlighted that Pakistani diaspora was serving as a strong bridge between Pakistan and the UK. However, there was a need for increased participation in the UK politics commensurate with the population of our community, he added.
The high commissioner briefed the audience about the efforts made by the government at the highest level to highlight the need of resolving the Kashmir dispute through peaceful means.
He urged the community members to approach their local MPs and councilors for highlighting the issue of grave violations of human rights committed by the security forces in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) at appropriate political fora.
On the economic front, the high commissioner emphasized the need for supplementing the existing excellent political relations between Pakistan and the UK by expanding the bilateral economic and trade relations.
In this regard, he mentioned that the UK Export Finance has recently doubled its export credit for Pakistan which would help the businessmen of the two countries. He informed the audience that last year, the Bust of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was unveiled at the historic British Museum. The Bust was permanently installed at the Quaid’s alma mater, the prestigious Lincoln’s Inn on November 29, 2017.
He said in the next phase, it had been planned to install a Bust of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal – National poet of Pakistan – at Stratford upon Avon which is Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
The high commissioner urged the community members especially the women and youth to assume greater responsibilities in the British society in their respective professions and businesses. In this regard, the high commission shall be sending five young individuals to Pakistan every year for them to explore our country.
This initiative would help bring a positive change in the general perception held about Pakistan in the UK.
In his comments, Khalid Mahmood thanked the high commissioner for making it to Birmingham for the interactive session. He underlined the fact that it was a long felt desire of the community members to relocate the consulate building from the old Bismillah Building to the new location.
On the issue of Kashmir, he stated that as a member of British Parliament and the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, he focused on the massive violations of human rights & civil liberties in IOK.
He added that the British society gave great importance to human rights issues. The MP underscored that the Pakistani and Kashmiri communities in the UK may synergize their efforts to play a vital role in highlighting the Kashmir issue in the Parliament through their respective members of Parliament.
At the end, he appreciated the key initiatives of the consulate in respect of public diplomacy for projection of cultural values of Pakistan.
At the end, the high commissioner responded to the comments/proposals made by the community members.