LAHORE, April 5 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that public service is the biggest priority of the government and the Pakistan Muslim league-N has always given preference to implementation of the agenda of public service.
The development projects were clear proof of our immaculate performance in the province where revolutionary steps had been taken for development of health, education, agriculture and infrastructural development, he added.
Similarly, timely completion of development schemes, meant for less-developed areas, had been ensured to implement the policy of ensuring composite progress of the province. That is why
Punjab had emerged as an exemplary province with regard to development, the CM said.
He expressed these views while talking to MNAs and MPAs belonging to various districts of the province on Thursday.
The chief minister said the government had served the masses with dedication adding that a lot of improvement had been ensured in health, education and other social sectors.
The PML-N government would be stood victorious in the public court and will proudly go in the public in the up coming elections.
He lamented that a lot of precious time of the nation had been wasted by liars and those who took U-turns. These elements would reap what they had sown, he added.
The chief minister said the provision of quality healthcare services to people had been ensured and added that the latest medical machinery and important equipments had been installed
in the hospitals for the provision of the latest healthcare facilities to the masses.
Similarly, special attention was being paid to the provision of the latest transport facilities to the commuters, he said.
Shehbaz Sharif said that thousands of passengers were benefiting from metro bus service in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
“I am fully committed to serve the people and will leave no stone unturned to the mission of public service in the lurch to ensure complete development in the country, if Allah Almighty has accorded an opportunity, the journey of public welfare and prosperity will be moved forward with renewed zeal after achieving complete success in elections 2018”, the chief minister added.
Journey of public welfare to be moved forward after success in elections 2018: CM
Recent act of atrocities in IoK showing Indian frustration: FO
ISLAMABAD, April 5 (APP):Ongoing Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir show Indian belligerent mindset and frustration, Foreign Office Thursday said.
During his weekly media briefing, foreign office spokesperson Dr Faisal said India wrongly thinks that the continuous slaughter in occupied Kashmir will crush the indigenous movement in the valley.
He said in complete solidarity with the people of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Friday April 6, will be observed as Kashmir Solidarity Day in Islamabad and Pakistan Missions abroad.
He said Pakistan has never been reluctant to go for dialogue with India; it is Indian attitude that has halted the dialogue process.
Replying to a question he said, Kashmiris around the world are expecting justice from United Nations and other international Human Rights bodies.
“During the last week, our Kashmiri brothers and sisters have been subjected to extreme brutality and human rights violations by Indian occupation forces where they have martyred more than twenty people”, he added.
He informed that over 300 defenseless Kashmiris, including young people were injured by bullets and pellets guns, while 41 persons face vision loss with at partial or complete blindness, due to pellets fired on them by Indian occupation forces.
He said Pakistan has always raised Kashmir issue on every diplomatic and international fora. It has always reaffirmed its commitment and unconditional support to its Kashmir brethren
Dr Faisal said Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif personally briefed the diplomatic corps in Islamabad today about the recent Indian atrocities.
Replying to another question regarding OIC session, he said Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has raised this issue with OIC secretary general and it is under discussion.
“Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also called a special meeting of the Federal Cabinet and the meeting of the National Security Committee of the Cabinet to review the situation arising from the recent Indian brutalities in IoK”, he added.
He said Pakistan also contacted some other countries on the situation arising out of violence in occupied Kashmir and their response has been positive.
The Turkish and Iranian foreign ministers and general secretaries of the UN and the OIC have already given their reaction in this connection.
Regarding a recent meeting between National Security Advisor Nasser Khan Janjua and the Indian high commissioner, the spokesperson it is not Pakistan but India which is running away from dialogue.
Replying to another question, Dr Faisal said the recent visit of US special secretary Alice Wells is the proof that the talks between the two countries are under process. “We also raised the issue of Kashmir with US”, he said.
Pakistan condemns the recent attack in Qunduz, Afghanistan where a Madrassah has been targeted. “The loss of precious lives especially children is regrettable”, he added.
Foreign Office also showed a special documentary on Kashmir to media representative in which the oppressor Indian forces could be seen killing and brutalizing defenseless Kashmiris.
NUST PNEC teams garner multiple awards
ISLAMABAD, April 5 (APP):A student team from Pakistan Navy Engineering College (PNEC), a constituent college of National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), clinched the winner’s award at the recently concluded Unilever Talent Hunt 2018 in which over 1300 students from various institutes across Pakistan took part in the competition.
The PNEC team pitched their winning idea ‘Ready to Eat Knorr Noodles’ at the final of competition held at a local hotel in Karachi a press release said.
Other teams that made it to the final were from NUST Business School (NBS), Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and Lahore School of Economics (LSE). With this breathtaking achievement, the PNEC team comprising Mechanical Engineering students – namely Farrukh Aqil, Ali Asher Kazmi and Usama Noor – has reserved berth at Unilever Future Leader’s League, scheduled to be held in London from April 18 to 20, 2018.
The team has also been granted fast track entry to the Discovery Center Round of Unilever Future Leader League. UTH is a unique case-based marketing competition organized annually in Pakistan to give university students exposure to industry problems.
Another team from NUST PNEC participated in the 9th Annual HULT Prize Regional Final, London. The team secured 3rd position in the competition, only behind the winning teams from University of Oxford and University College of London.
Hult Prize, being the largest social entrepreneurship competition, this year provided an opportunity to address energy-related challenges based on innovative ideas.
NUST PNEC team designed an electric powered wheel ‘Wheelo’ with a view to providing a greener and more sustainable option for routine motorbike users. The team presented their idea of Wheelo in London after being crowned champions at the national level.
In addition, NUST Formula Student Team (NFST) from PNEC rose to prominence among 25 teams at Pakistan Intpernational Auto Show – the country’s largest gathering of auto parts suppliers and auto service providers – held at the Expo Center Lahore.
NFST bagged 3rd prize in the category of Innovation. A total of 203 exhibitors, including 78 international exhibitors, also took part in the event. NFST designs and manufactures combustion engine formula vehicle to participate in the Formula Student events.
Abbasi to discuss economic, security, counter-terrorism cooperation with Afghan leadership on April,6
ISLAMABAD, Apr 5 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will undertake a daylong visit to Kabul on Friday to hold in-depth consultations with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah on economic, security and counter-terrorism cooperation, the Foreign Office announced.
The visit on the invitation of Afghan President Muhammad Ashraf Ghani would also allow the leaders to take up matters of mutual interest, strengthening of bilateral ties, return of Afghan refugees, combating drug production and narco-trade besides holding talks on Afghan peace process and regional political and security situation.
The Foreign Office in a statement said “Prime Minister’s visit to Afghanistan is aimed at strengthening the positive momentum in bilateral relations and help augment joint endeavours in the pursuit of durable peace, stability and economic prosperity in the two countries, and the region.”
The visit comes in the backdrop of Pakistan’s support to President Ghani’s offer of peace talks with the Taliban for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and strengthening bilateral engagement. Abbasi would also meet senior Afghan political leaders.
During the talks, Pakistan would reiterate its stance to continue to support Afghanistan’s developments efforts through capacity building in infrastructure, educational and health sectors in Afghanistan.
In a bid to deepen people to people contacts, the Prime Minister would discuss with the Afghan leadership ways to facilitate travel between the two countries, assist in education and medical treatment of Afghan nationals in Pakistan and expand trade and transit facilitation between the two countries.
The two countries are already participating in key trans-regional initiatives to promote regional economic integration; Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and Central Asia – South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project (CASA-1000).
The Prime Minister recently joined Afghan President in Herat to inaugurate the TAPI gas pipeline project. The two sides are also engaged in undertaking major bilateral rail-road connectivity projects.
PM approves establishment of NUMS Medical City in federal capital
ISLAMABAD, Apr 5 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday approved, in principle, the establishment of NUMS Medical City in the federal capital for the purpose of further strengthening provision of quality healthcare facilities to the residents of twin cities.
The proposed Medical City would be set up with relocation and expansion of the existing National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS).
The decision was taken during a briefing by Vice Chancellor NUMS, Lt. Gen. Syed Imran Majeed here at the Prime Minister’s Office.
As per the plan, approved by the Prime Minister, the proposed state of the art medical facility would comprise 4000 beds in the first phase which would be further enhanced to 9000 beds in due course. The city would cater to 270,000 indoor patients and 5,000,000 outdoor patients.
The proposed medical facility would also undertake research on indigenization of active pharmaceuticals, vaccines and anti-sera, drugs standardizations and other medical related activities.
The Prime Minister also committed that the federal government will contribute financially in the development of the Medical City.
The Prime Minister appreciated Vice Chancellor NUMS and his team for their idea and efforts for the establishment of Medical City.
Pakistani nation committed and united against extremism, terrorism; PM
ISLAMABAD, Apr 5 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Thursday said the Pakistan nation was united and committed against terrorism and extremism and had played its part in bringing peace to the country and the region.
Addressing the concluding session of the three-day National International Counter Terrorism Forum (IICTF), the Prime Minister urged the international community for its role in addressing the causes leading to extremism and terrorism.
“We have fought a world war against terrorism,” and now it was for the world to do more. Abbasi said he was happy and proud to note that Pakistan had made success in an area where the rest of the world failed.
He said no country in the world had committed over 200,000 troops to eradicate the threat and had conducted numerous civil and military operations across the country to wipe out all sanctuaries of terrorists.
“We do not accept the narrative that there are any sanctuaries in Pakistan that are [bringing] any instability to Afghanistan. That is not the truth.”
“In fact today, unfortunately, the reverse is true. The people instigating terrorism in Pakistan are based in Afghanistan,” Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said.
He said it was the reality that everyone needed to accept and counter it. He said Pakistan in a bid to protect itself was fencing its border with Afghanistan.
He mentioned the recent bombing at a religious seminary in Kunduz in which tens of young children were killed and said “this is what breeds radicalism and extremism.”
The Prime Minister dismissed the narrative that Pakistan did not support peace in Afghanistan and said “no other country is more interested in peace in Afghanistan than Pakistan.” He said Pakistan was the first country that faced the impact of instability in neighbouring Afghanistan.
“War is no solution to Afghanistan,” he said and reiterated Pakistan’s support for dialogue to achieve peace and said his government was ready to facilitate it.
The Prime Minister also urged the world to take note of the indigenous freedom movement in Kashmir and said the issue could only be resolved through implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions.
He mentioned the State brutality and gross human rights violations by the Indian occupation forces that did not differentiate between women, children, elderly and the youth. He pointed to the recent 17 deaths of youth in cold blood and said such acts breed extremism and terrorism.
The Prime Minister called for addressing the causes leading to acts of extremism and terrorism and said there could be no lasting peace unless such simmering issues were not resolved.
During the event organised by National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), one minute silence was observed to honour all those who lost lives in the war against terrorism.
Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal, Governor Sindh Muhammad Zubair, Opposition Leader in Senate Ms. Sherry Rehman, political leaders, diplomats and senior officials attended the event.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan had come a long way in its fight against extremism and terrorism and recalled that after the invasion of Afghanistan by the USSR in 1979 the country faced an influx of weapons and drugs, besides bearing the fallout of the collapse of the Soviet Union.
He said the attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar proved to be a turning point for Pakistan, when it made a firm resolve to rid the country of all sorts of extremism and terrorism.
He said the nation stood united and radical measures were taken and operations conducted to clear the country of such elements.
Pakistan, he said was today a much safer country and mentioned the port city Karachi which had dropped down from being the top ten most dangerous cities in the world.
“We countered and defeated terrorists and we are committed to continue to do so,” he added.
The Prime Minister said the country was progressing economically and said the China Pakistan Economic Corridor would open up the country to Europe and Central Asian Republics.
He said the growth rate was expected to reach over 6 percent owing to the several bold initiatives of the government.
He said his government stood firm in putting the economy back on track as he believed that it was the biggest check on terrorism.
He said the Pakistani nation had always rejected radicalism and no such party had ever succeeded in the general elections, nor they would in the next. Abbasi also mentioned the ban on the use of private ownership of automatic weapons and the public religious stance of castigating suicide bombing and that declaring Jehad was only the right of the State and not any individual.
Ahsan stresses systematic approach to permanently address terrorism issue
ISLAMABAD, Apr 5 (APP): Minister for Interior, Ahsan Iqbal Thursday stressed the need for systematic approach to permanently address issue of terrorism, saying this menace could not be defeated through blame games and without defusing conflicts.
“Collaboration is a way forward to defeat terrorism which is a global challenge. Where there are conflicts, the terrorism wrecks havoc so we need a systematic approach to permanently address the issue,” he said this while speaking at a plenary session of a three-day Islamabad International Counter Terrorism Forum here.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi attended the closing session
and address the participants. Others attending the closing ceremony included Foreign Minister, Kh. Muhammad Asif, Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair, leader of the opposition in the Senate Sherry Rehman, political leaders and members of the diplomatic corps.
National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) organized the
Forum to provide an ample opportunity to portray the country’s positive and soft image and a nation of courage, perseverance and resilience.
Ahsan Iqbal said conflict in Afghanistan and growing conflict
in Occupied Kashmir posed a serious challenge to diffuse
extremism from region and added India was fomenting conflicts and international community would have to intervene to play its due role in resolving conflicts.
The Minister said, “We need to understand causes of extremism
because it (extremism) leads to terrorism. Engagement and understanding are keys to defeat the extremism,” he said.
Ahsan Iqbal said terrorism and extremism badly affected the
globe and added Pakistan would continue its efforts against terrorism for lasting peace.
He said brave and unsung heroes of Pakistan stood united
with parliament, adding state institutions and law enforcement agencies would combat the menace.
The Minister said National Action Plan (NAP) and Operations Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad were the pragmatic measures to curb scourge of terrorism.
He said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project
and other initiatives for regional communication would make Pakistan a hub of trade and other financial activities which
would greatly contribute towards development of the country.
Regarding the Forum, he said, it had been organized by
NACTA to highlight endeavors and achievements of Pakistan
against terrorism and such type of forum would be organized every
year with different themes.
Ahsan Iqbal, who also had inaugurated the Forum, said
Pakistan had overcome a long and dark decades of terrorist
victimization and instead of letting detractors define its
identity, the country had turned around picture from `Victim to
Victor of Terrorism.’
He said, “We are determined to eliminate extremism from
the society in all its manifestation through adoption of
appropriate counter violent extremism strategies and
narratives.”
Ahsan Iqbal said, “The road to peace and stability has
been very rough and full of challenges, but I can say with pride
that our efforts have borne fruits. The incidents of terrorism have
fallen sharply since 2013 when the present government came to power.
Our resolve to fight forces of extremism and terrorism is unmatched
and will continue unabated.”
The Minister said political leadership supported NACTA in all
its endeavours to make Pakistan a country free from extremism
and violence.
He said the government had managed to reshape course of
national economy as per promise made in 2013 which was evident
from the fact that the international rating agencies were now
acknowledging Pakistan as one of the top few emerging economies
of the world, who were earlier describing it a sinking economy.
The Minister said menace of extremism had almost been
eliminated, economy witnessed rapid growth while energy crisis
also had overcome.
The Minister strongly condemned brutalities in
Occupied Jammu & Kashmir by the Indian forces and said
voice of Kashmiri people could not be suppressed through guns,
bullets and force. The Indian forces must stop bloodshed of the
innocent people.
Addressing the Forum, Foreign Minister, Kh. Muhammad Asif
said “Our success against menace of terrorism is helping us
realize vision of a democratic Pakistan.”
He said the whole nation stands united in the fight against
terrorism and terrorists are trying to undermine our sovereignty
and no country can ignore attacks on its territorial integrity.
Kh. Muhammad Asif said our forces have offered unprecedented
sacrifices to defend the motherland. He said the nation has firm resolve
to eliminate terrorism and “We will not allow terrorist to become a
threat to the country.”
One minute silence was observed on the occasion in memory of those who lost their lives in the war
against terrorism.
During last two days the Forum engaged diplomats, governmental officials, parliamentarians, politicians,
United Nation Agencies, international organizations, aid agencies, media, civil society and world community at
large.
There were nine sessions in all, three Plenary Sessions and 12 panel discussions. A documentary,
depicting efforts of people, the government and security agencies of the country against terrorism, was also
shown.
National Security Advisor, Lt. Gen (Retd) Nasir Khan Janjua also addressed the forum on second day and
said, “Besides many sacrifices and contributions, unfortunately we are still not being acknowledged.”
He lauded NACTA’s initiative of highlighting Pakistan’s efforts in counter extremism and counter
terrorism to world through the Forum.
Ambassador of Morocco calls on Federal Minister Riaz Hussain Pirzada
ISLAMABAD, Apr 5 (APP):Ambassador of Morocco Mohamed Karmoune Thursday called on Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada at his Office in Sports Complex.
According to a press release issued here, the federal minister welcomed the ambassador and matters related to sports were discussed during the meeting.
Mohamed Karmoune said that Morocco and Pakistan enjoyed cordial and fraternal relations and these relations would further boost in future.
Federal Minister, Riaz Pirzada said that Pakistan attached great importance to its brotherly relations with Morocco. He said that the bilateral and sports relations between the two countries could be further strengthened by arranging visits of sports teams.
The Federal Minister said that Pakistan would fully support Morocco in the field of sports.
Hospital emergency deptt to be provided staff, medicine as per SC directive: Azhar Kiyani
ISLAMABAD, Apr 5 (APP):Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology Executive Director Major (R) Dr Azhar Kiyani on Thursday said provision of minimum required staff, medicine and equipment at the emergency departments of government hospitals at Tehsil and district levels along with tertiary care hospitals as per the Supreme Court’s directive would be ensured.
Speaking at a conference on “Cardiovascular Diseases And Preventive Measures” here at the National Press Club, he said at present heart patients had to purchase stents for Rs 500,000 to Rs 600,000 per piece. Due to the intervention of the apex court it would be available in market for Rs100,000 from June, 2018. Pharmaceutical companies had helped in clamping down the stent prices, he added.
Dr Kiyani said the SC had directed him to prepare a sample prescription of medicine for heart ailments priced at Rs 550 and he had submitted four prescriptions in compliance.
Highlighting the complications leading to heart attack, he said preventive measures, timely detection and treatment of the disease could reduce the risk.
He called the heart ailment an expensive disease as its treatment cost millions of rupees and urged the public to abandon smoking, unhygienic and fast food, and cold drinks, and instead start having oil free diet, fruits, grains and vegetables with daily exercise to avoid heart complications.
“A heart patient should control his cholesterol, sugar and blood pressure levels as their augmentation may cause early death,” he added.
Dr Kiyani said 30 to 40 per cent patients suffering from heart attacks did not have any symptoms. “If someone feels 5-10 minutes continuous chest pain with sweating must go to hospital as muscles of heart die with each passing second.”
He , however, urged the heart patients to must have aspirin tablets in home and always carry it with himself and chewed it in case of heart attack in order to reduce its severity.
Pakistan for cordial relations with immediate neighbors, world at large
ISLAMABAD, Apr 5 (APP):Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said here on Thursday that Pakistan wanted to have cordial relations with immediate neighbors and world at large.
He said this while speaking on “Vision for a democratic Pakistan” at a three-day seminar on theme of “Pakistan’s role in countering extremism and terrorism at regional and global level” arranged by Islamabad International Counter Terrorism Forum 2018 under the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).
The Foreign Minister said that the vision of democratic Pakistan was based on Quaid-I-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision which sought to achieve unity, harmony, peace, justice, knowledge-based and equitable society for ensuring sustainable development.
He said that the democratic vision worked for creating more job opportunities, increasing productivity and cultural diplomacy.
“The Constitution of Pakistan ensures freedom, justice, fundamental rights and full participation of women in all walks of life.”
Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that the nation had rendered unparallel sacrifices in war against terrorism.
He said, “We are ready and resolute to offer more sacrifices for ensuring long term peace in the country which is also priority of the present government.”
The Foreign Minister said that the terrorist sanctuaries based in the neighboring countries were being used against Pakistan.
He said, “the efforts and success against the menace of terrorism and extremism has unified us as a nation.”
The Foreign Minister said that democratic ideals of Pakistan sought to attract foreign investment in the country, adding that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as game-changer and flagship-project would not only create economic opportunities in Pakistan but for the entire region.