ISLAMABAD, Apr 20 (APP):Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Anusha Rehman Friday said, Pakistan was one of those countries that had been adopting the advance technology most rapidly to counter challenges of modern, digital era.
While addressing the concluding ceremony of five-day “Huawei Mobile Pakistan Congress 2018” the minister said, the technology advancements were coming in Pakistan adding “we also hope that we can have huawei made in Pakistan as soon as possible.”
Anusha said, Ministry of IT had started projects for Baluchistan worth Rs 26 billion to provide 3G service to the people there.
In the history of IT of Pakistan, this was the biggest investment for Balochistan, which aimed to target hundreds of villages to connect these remote areas with 3G service, she added.
She said,a population of about 196,177, covering 269 mauzas and an area of 39,434 sq kms would get modern broadband facilities through this project.
The project would cover Awaran, Jhal Jao and Mashkai tehsils/sub-tehsils of Awaran district and Bela, Lakhra, Liari, Uthal, Dureji, Hub, Sonmiani and Kanraj of Lasbel district, she added.
The Minister said, after launching 3G services in Baluchistan, other services like careem would be start in in the province which would be a great achievement of Ministry of Information Technology.
She emphasized the importance of technological advancement and virtual assistance for the generations to come to bring this nation on path of Technology evolution and prosperity.
“Government is making all out efforts to introduce 5G technology in Pakistan by 2020 to bring it at par with Developed economies in term of technology advancements.”
She emphasized that women’s economic empowerment was at the heart of the sustainable development and essential to achieve gender equality, poverty eradication and inclusive economic growth.
She shared initiatives steered by IT ministry in this regard, particularly ICT for Girls program.
She said, achievements of Pakistan in the arena of ICT and future plans for continued growth in this sector would enable transformation into “Digital Pakistan”.
Anusha described the DigiSkills program as an important part of Information Technology initiative of the government that would create online employment opportunities to enable youth to earn 200 to 300 dollars per month and with the help of this program, youth from across the country would provide services across the globe.
She appreciated the Huawei Technology role in setting such precedent to promote emerging technologies in Pakistan by involving Industry players and engaging the Government to make it reality.
The Minister hoped that people of Pakistan were going to use the opportunities that were created by Huawei, the technology giant.
Pakistan adopting advance technologies rapidly: Anusha
PM Abbasi, British counterpart discuss bilateral ties, matters of mutual interest
LONDON, Apr 20 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Friday met UK Prime Minister Theresa May on the sidelines of Commonwealth leaders retreat here at Windsor Castle.
The two leaders discussed matters of bilateral interest.
Prime Minister Abbasi congratulated Prime Minister Theresa May on a very efficient steering of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.
Prime Minister Abbasi highlighted the plight of the Kashmiri people and urged the international community to respond to the current human rights situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.
He informed Prime Minister May of Pakistan’s efforts in fighting terrorism and extremism.
He also underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral relations especially in the context of trade and investment and thanked UK for the work done by its development agency in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Abbasi also appreciated the appointment of a trade envoy by the UK government to help explore trade and investment opportunities between the two countries, especially in the post Brexit context.
He also spoke of his visit to Kabul and underscored Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister May appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in fighting terrorism and in that context recalled Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s reference to more than 100,000 Pakistanis affected in our fight against terrorism over the past 10 years.
She appreciated Prime Minister Abbasi’s efforts in reaching out to Afghanistan especially during his recent visit to Kabul.
She said that Pakistan-UK relations were strong and underscored the importance of further enhancing trade between the two countries.
In response to PM May’s reference to the recent alleged use of chemical weapons, Prime Minister Abbasi recalled Pakistan’s principled position of condemning any use of chemical weapons and upholding the principles of the UN Charter.
Pakistan’s efforts for dialogue with Afghanistan to continue: FO Spokesman
ISLAMABAD, Apr 20 (APP):Foreign Office spokesman Dr Muhammad Faisal on Friday said that Pakistan would continue its efforts for dialogue process with Afghanistan regarding peace.
More meetings of higher authorities and working groups were expected in coming days to resolve all the matters between the two sides, he said while talking to a news channel.
Pakistan was seeking ways for fruitful dialogue with Afghanistan on all matters of mutual interest, he said.
Commenting on India, he said Pakistan wanted to resolve the issues between the two countries through dialogue.
He said popularity of domestic policies of India regarding Dalit and Muslim communities were plummeting.
To a question he said in Pakistan, media was enjoying full freedom.
To another question about Sikh Yatrees, he said Pakistan always provided all possible facilities to pilgrims coming from India to perform rituals, while the neighboring country made hindrances for Sikh Yatrees.
Saad urges holding of free, fair, timely elections for ensuring political stability
ISLAMABAD, Apr 20 (APP):Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique Friday stressed that elections should be held in a free and fair manner and on time to avoid acrimony among people and to ensure political stability in the country.
He was talking to media persons after inaugurating the second new hall of the Railway Museum at Golra Railway Station here.
He said it was better for the country that people should be fairly allowed to make their decision in elections.
The minister said whenever people were given freedom to vote they elected those politicians who were always maligned by certain elements.
To a question, he said present tension among the institutions could not be denied and the saner elements among the stakeholders should play their role to create harmony in the country. It was the joint responsibility of all to find a common ground and resolve political issues, he added.
Talking about NAB investigation against him, he said he did not commit any wrong and in the past his father was financially destroyed for raising voice against the Ayub Khan regime and he himself went to jail numerous times and was tortured for his democratic struggle.
The minister said the treatment meted out to politicians and civil servants made it difficult for them to take decisions in the interest of the people.
Saad said he should be told name of the person who filed anonymous complaint against him in NAB.
He said it was becoming increasingly difficult to run government in Pakistan, adding Pakistan Muslim League(N) was determined to put up fight in elections despite the campaign being run against its leadership.
He said all the characters who were working against the democratic system will be exposed with the passage of time and persons like Imran Khan will be ultimate losers.
He said reforms, upgradation and modernization would continue in railways, adding investment of about $30 billion was needed to bring Pakistan Railways at par with international standards.
With the untiring efforts of five years, the income of railways had increased from Rs 18 billion in 2013 to Rs 50 billion this year and also the number of passengers travelling in trains rose to 55 million. The income from freight increased from only Rs two billion in 2012 to Rs 21 billion, he added.
He said deficit of the Pakistan Railways was due to payments and pensions being given to 118,000 pensioners, losses on branch lines and maintenance operations.
Saad said work on the Railway Museum was taken up after a gap of more than ten years. The museum is a favourite place for families and school children of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, who wanted to know about the history of railway started by British in 1861.
He said better facilities of food and washrooms will be provided to people visiting the museum and a boundary wall will be built to make the place more secure for families.
POA honour medal winners of CWG with cash awards
LAHORE, Apr 20 (APP):Pakistan Olympic Association here on Friday honored the medal winners of the Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast, with cash awards.
POA President Lt-Gen (retd) Syed Arif was the chief guest at the ceremony which was held at the Olympic House to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of Muhammad Inam Butt, Gold Medalist (Wrestling), Muhammad Bilal, Bronze Medalist (Wrestling), Tayab Raza, Bronze Medalist (Wrestling), Talha Talib, Bronze Medalist (Weightlifting) and Muhammad Nooh Dastgir, Bronze Medalist (Weightlifting).
“They (medal winners) are our national hero and they have made the entire Nation proud by winning one gold four bronze medals in the mega event,” said POA chief adding “The cash awards being given to them are a token of appreciation and to acknowledge their performance and commitment for bringing laurels for their country.”
The gold medal winning was awarded a cash prize of Rs300,000 and the bronze medal winners each got cash prize of Rs100,000.
The POA chief also announced a cash prize of Rs100,000 each for the coaches of the respective medal winners.
He said Letters of Appreciation were also awarded to Pakistan Wrestling Federation, Pakistan Weightlifting Federation and WAPDA. Four medalists belong to WAPDA whereas one is from HEC.
“As our medal winners put in hard work their coaches also deserve praise for inspiring them to achieve excellence which is evident that our country won five medals in the Games,” said Lt-Gen (retd) Arif Hasain.
He said the POA would urge the government and all other stakeholders to give handsome monetary awards to the medalists and also recommended the name of Muhammad Inam Butt for the Pride of Performance award.
The POA chief also suggested that the government should provide International standard infrastructure for wrestlers and weightlifters at Gujranwala for training of the potential medalists/ Olympians of future.
“It is also right time that the PSB provides complete financial support to National Sports Federations to ensure participation in the Olympic Qualifying Round with an aim to qualify and strive for medal in 2020 Tokyo. It is imperative that both PSB and WAPDA hire the services of foreign coaches to enhance the skills of our weightlifters and wrestlers to bring more laurels for the nation,” he asserted.
He pointed out that it is great honour for WAPDA that four medalists including Gold Medal winner Muhammad Inam are their part. “Congratulations to Lt-Gen (retd) Muzammil Hussain, Chairman WAPDA and his team for doing excellent job for the promotion of the games in the country,” he said adding “My appreciation to Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC since Tayab Raza belongs to the HEC – a student of University of Central Punjab Lahore.”
Ex-New York mayor Giuliani joins Trumps legal team
NEW YORK, April 20 (APP):Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has joined US President Donald Trump’s personal legal team to help with Special Counsel Bob Mueller’s investigation into potential Russian meddling in the 2016 election, The New York Times reported.
“Rudy is great. He has been my friend for a long time and wants to get this matter quickly resolved for the good of the country,” Trump said in a statement provided his lawyer Jay Sekulow.
Giuliani has joined Trump’s legal team which has been dealing with the federal investigation into the alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.
“It is an honour to be a part of such an important legal team… ” said Giuliani, who presided over New York City from 1994 to 2001.
Trump’s legal team has been weakened since the departure of lead attorney John Dowd last month. Giuliani’s inclusion will bolster it.
“I’m doing it because I hope we can negotiate an end to this for the good of the country and because I have high regard for the president and for Bob Mueller,” Giuliani said.
Trump has repeatedly denied allegations that his campaign colluded with Russians and has condemned the investigations. Russia has also denied the allegations.
Trump has also labeled Mueller’s investigation as a “witch hunt,” and has suggested that Russians might have meddled in favour of Hillary Clinton, his Democratic rival in the 2016 election.
Early rains expose risks for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, warns UN
UNITED NATIONS, Apr 20 (APP):The arrival of pre-Monsoon rains in southern Bangladesh have exposed alarming level of risks for Rohingya refugees, United Nations humanitarian agencies said, urging immediate funding to ensure support and protection can be provided to hundreds of thousands in desperate need.
“The arrival of the rains first marks the start of what is going to be an incredibly challenging period for the refugees and those working to support them,” John McCue, an official at the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), said in Cox’s Bazar,
where more than 700,000 refugees are residing.
“The worst is yet to come when cyclone and monsoon seasons hit in the coming weeks.”
UN agencies and partners have some heavy machinery and road clearing equipment and some more are expected to arrive.
But humanitarian workers are facing severe shortage when it comes to other vital resources.
To date, just 7 per cent of the UN migration agency’s $182 million appeal for 2018 has been secured.
“The grim reality is that most [refugees] are living under tarpaulins on highly unstable ground and are going to have to survive months of rain, floods, landslides and possible cyclones. They are in desperate need of support and protection and we simply do not have the funding we need to deliver a fraction of what is required,” McCue said.
Furthermore, the sheer scale of the crisis and the short period of time in which it unfolded has had a major impact on the topography of the area.
Trees and vegetation had to be cleared by people to set up shelters and as a result it is now impossible to predict where the most severe weather-related damage will occur, officials say.
Conservative estimates suggest 120,000 people will be at grave risk from flooding and landslides when Monsoon proper hits.
However, one thing is certain: protecting almost a million people from the life-threatening dangers of cyclones and other disasters far exceeds current financial resources and pledges.
In spite of the severe shortage of funds, IOM and partners on the ground, including the UN World Food Programme (WFP)
and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) are working flat out to prepare.
IOM is establishing sites across the camps with emergency supplies to ensure that even if areas are temporarily cut off, people will still have access to aid. Teams of porters have also been readied to bring in supplies on foot, if roads are damaged.
UN agencies say they are also supporting the relocation of thousands of families from areas deemed most at risk and helping communities strengthen their resilience. They are also training refugees in first aid, search and rescue, and early warning systems as part of a cyclone preparedness programme.
PM interacts with leaders at CHOGM retreat sessions
LONDON, Apr 20 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, on the second day of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2018), here on Friday joined the leaders of CW countries at three retreat sessions of the summit.
During the retreat sessions held in Windsor Castle, the prime minister interacted and had frank discussion on various issues of mutual interest with several leaders from Commonwealth countries.
Among the various leaders of CW countries with whom the prime minister met and interacted during the retreat sessions at Windsor Castle included President Uruhu Kenyatta of Kenya, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill of Papua New Guinea.
Prime Minister Abbasi, who was here to attend CHOGM Summit – first in London in 40 years – actively participated in the Executive Sessions on Thursday and presented Pakistan’s vision on economy, security and sustainable development.
Pakistan being a founder member of the 53-member Commonwealth had been playing active role.
Pakistani diplomat visits spot in Kansas City where Liaquat Ali Khan addressed students in 1950
CHICAGO, Apr 20 (APP)::A senior Pakistani diplomat has paid homage to Liaquat Ali Khan at a university in the Midwestern American state of Kansas which the first prime minister of Pakistan visited during his landmark state visit to the United States in 1950.
A plaque had been placed at the spot in the University of Missouri in Kansas City (UMKC) where the late Liaquat Ali
Khan addressed the students, faculty and general public on May 13, 1950.
President Harry S. Truman, who belonged to Kansas City, had accompanied the Pakistani leader during that visit.
Pakistan’s Consul General Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, who visited the place where the former prime minister had interacted
with the students of University of Missouri, paid tributes to the courageous leadership of Liaquat Ali Khan during an extremely challenging period in the wake of the establishment of Pakistan.
Tirimizi also met the faculty and students of the university and presented a detailed appraisal of fast growing economy
of Pakistan, saying the country’s retail market is the third largest in Asia and will cross $200 billion by 2020.
He also met American businessmen and briefed them about the investment opportunities available in Pakistan.
The Pakistani Student Association of UMKC hosted a dinner for the Consul General and Commercial Counsellor Amer Tareen, who accompanied him.
UMKC is the largest fully accredited University in the Kansas City, with 16,000 students enrolled in more than 125 academic areas.
Govt to earmark Rs 2 bln in budget to construct hospital for Islamabad police: Ahsan
ISLAMABAD, Apr 20 (APP):Minister for Interior, Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said the government would allocate Rs. two billion in coming
budget 2018-19 for construction of a dedicated hospital for Islamabad police.
Addressing a Darbar of Islamabad Women Police here at policelines, Ahsan Iqbal said there must be a separate hospital for Capital police where its personnel could be provided the best medical facilities. The Darbar was
attended by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Dr. Sultan Azam Temuri, police officers and a large number
of women police personnel.
He said basic objective was to ensure a modern hospital for Capital police like other Law Enforcement Agencies which had their own hospitals in different parts of the country.
The Minister said,”We are taking this initiative from Federal Capital and I hope provinces would also follow the same and construct dedicated hospitals for their police force.”
Ahsan Iqbal said in coming budget, more funds would be provided for Islamabad police to address their problems.
He said Rs one billion would also be allocated for setting-up an Anti-Riot Force which has been announced a few months back.
The Minister assured that Islamabad police would be equipped on modern lines and would be made an exemplary force for other law enforcement agencies by their performance and support from the community.
Ahsan said that of the total 22, seven model police stations had been established in Capital whose pattern might be replicated in other parts of the country while the remaining would also be made model police stations in next phases.
“I congratulate the Islamabad police over the completion of this vision,” the Minister said.
He said model policing was not a slogan and added that citizens might visit police stations without any fear to get their issues resolved without any approach. Every citizen should be treated as VIP at these police stations, he said.
The Minister stressed for cooperation of community to ensure successful policing and said the prime task to a policeman should be protection and assistance to aggrieved persons including children, women and other marginalized segments of the society,” he added.
The minister said policemen and officials performing their duties at police pickets deserved appreciation as they were the ones owing to whom citizens could breathe in peace.
He directed the IGP to enhance the current 2.5 ratio of women personnel in total strength of Capital police while more facilities such as modern day care centre, transport and accommodation be ensured for them.
The Minister appreciated induction of women in Counter Terrorism Force Islamabad, congratulating them that they have chosen a profession which provides protection to citizens.
Dr Sultan Azam Temuri said the strength of women in Capital police is 289 which is around 2.5 per cent of total force. Their strength in Islamabad police would be enhanced to 10 per cent in future.
He said capacity building of women police is also being focused and in this regard training programmes are arranged.
The IGP said a separate Whatsapp group of women police personnel has also been established where they can share their problems and get them addressed.