ISLAMABAD, April 3 (APP):A four-day National Book Fair, starting at Pak-China Friendship Center, Islamabad from April 6 (Friday), will bring more attractions for the book lovers through display of around 130 book stalls and a number of colourful activities.
President Mamnoon Hussain will inaugurate the National Book Fair, which will continue till April 9 (Monday).
A meeting, presided by Advisor to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH), Irfan Siddiqui, was held here Tuesday to finalize the arrangements for the mega event.
Speaking during the meeting, the advisor said, “Participation of Iran, Turkey and China in the National Book Fair is a welcoming sign. It will add more charm to the activity and enable the book lovers to access Chinese, Turkish and Iranian books and gain knowledge about these friendly countries”.
He directed the officials of National Book Foundation (NBF) and the division to ensure best arrangements for the visitors as well as the guests coming from abroad.
He also directed to establish a complaint cell with presence of officials’ round-the-clock to resolve issues being faced by the visitors.
Irfan Siddiqui asked the officials to adopt a comprehensive strategy for ensuring provision of books of NBF and other publishers on discounted price and also ensure availability of books according to interest of children and women.
He said promotion of book reading culture among citizens was a national responsibility and National Book Fair served as a catalyst to achieve this objective.
He said nations could only achieve past glorious status through promotion of book culture and knowledge in the society.
Managing Director of NBF, Dr Inam ul Haq Javed apprised the advisor about the arrangements of National Book Fair. He informed that around 110 private publishers were participating in the book fair while around 130 book stalls carrying diversified literature would be set up.
Federal Secretary of NH&LH division, Engineer Aamir Hasan, Joint Secretary Syed Junaid Akhlaq and other officials were present in the meeting.
Iran, Turkey, China to participate in 4-day National Book Fair
India’s refusal to attend summit against SAARC spirit: Mandiwala
ISLAMABAD, Apr 3 (APP):Acting Senate Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla Tuesday said Pakistan wanted to strengthen South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) for regional development and prosperity, but India’s refusal to attend the summit in Pakistan was unfortunate and against the spirit of SAARC.
Pakistan, he said, wanted peace to flourish in the region and beyond, and SAARC could play an important role in boosting regional cooperation for growth and prosperity of South Asia.
The acting Senate chairman expressed the views while exchanging views with acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Mohammad Anas here at the Parliament House, according to a press release.
Saleem Mandviwalla said Pakistan placed its bilateral relations with Sri Lanka at high esteem and desired to further expand bilateral cooperation in different fields for benefit of the people of two sides.
He underscored the need for activation of parliamentary friendship groups to develop people-to-people contacts and further strengthen parliamentary linkages.
He said Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoyed a time-tested friendship as both had stood by the side of each other in testing times and continued to maintain strong, robust and reliable relations through increased interaction at the highest political level and in the people-to-people domain. “Parliaments of the two sides can explore more avenues of cooperation,” he added.
The Sri Lankan envoy agreed to further boost bilateral linkages through enhanced parliamentary cooperation and thanked the acting Senate chairman for warm welcome at the Parliament House.
AJK Prime Minister calls for raising issue in UNSC
MUZAFFARABAD, April 03 (APP)::Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan has called upon the government of Pakistan to raise the issue of killings of more than 20 innocent youth in Shopian area of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) by Indian forces in United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Addressing a press conference here Tuesday he condemned the killings and atrocities on civilian
population by Indian forces and said the death toll could be more as the whole valley had been sealed off by the Indian army cutting all the communication means including Internet and telephones.
While expressing gratitude of the government of Pakistan on its announcement to observe Friday
as solidarity day with the people of Jammu and Kashmir on this occasion, he demanded of Pakistan to announce unilateral withdrawal from the Simla accord’s clause to resolve the issue through bilateral talks.
He said Pakistan was incomplete without Kashmir and emphasized all the political leadership of Pakistan to envisaged a joint and unanimous strategy and opinion on Kashmir issue and avoid political chaos in the country exhibiting complete unity amongst their ranks.
He said a special joint sitting of the legislative Assembly and Kashmir Council had been convened to discuss the prevailing situation of the valley which would be attended by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and members of his cabinet to send a strong message to the other side of line of control (LOC).
He said Indian occupied Kashmir was under complete besieged by Indian forces and India was not allowing bodies including United Nations or their representatives to assess the situation of human rights violations and was committing worse type of atrocities on the Kashmiries.
He said the enemy had chosen specific time by judging the political split in Pakistan and situation on the frontiers to intensify its atrocities inside the valley but she must remember that the people of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are united against the aggressor.
Holding int’l matches proves Pakistan has defeated terrorism: Ahsan
ISLAMABAD, Apr 3 (APP):Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal Tuesday said holding international cricket matches at home grounds proved that Pakistan had defeated terrorism and extremism.
Talking to British High Commissioner Thomas Drew, who called on him here, the minister said security situation had improved in the country.
Pakistan and the United Kingdom enjoyed long-term and historic relations, he said and extended invitation to the British cricket team to play matches in Pakistan.
Ahsan Iqbal said international community should recognize Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and extremism. Strong economy played a key role in the fight against terrorism, he added.
Both sides also agreed on knowledge corridor under which Pakistani students would get higher education in British universities.
Saudi Arabia’s first housing forum explores opportunities for real estate
ISLAMABAD, Apr 3 (APP):Wafiqs 2018, the first Saudi forum on sales of housing projects has explored opportunities for buyers and real estate developers, as well as introduced licensed projects and the options they give to those who want to buy early, before or during the project implementation phase.
The maiden forum, which concluded on Saturday, was inaugurated by Minister of Housing Majid Al-Hogail at Crowne Plaza in Riyadh on Wednesday. The forum and its exhibition on selling housing unit was organized by the sale and lease programme “Wafi”, Arab News reported.
The Housing Ministry’s Wafi Programme aims to market and sell the real estate unit before or during the development or construction stage, by putting the description of the house plan or a building model in its final form after the completion of the development or construction, and ensure the commitment of the real estate developer to implement according to the model and agreed specifications.
The main aims of the programme are to reduce the cost of real estate unit ownership, to reserve the buyer’s rights through the implementation of regulations and procedures, to increase transparency in the real estate sector, to increase supply through the development of real estate projects, to limit speculations that have an adverse effect on real estate prices and to obtain high-quality real estate units.
The four-day forum was attended by experts, real estate developers and financial institutions, as well as engineering and accounting offices, and international experiences in the field of buying and owning residential units on the map, under construction projects, were reviewed.
Earlier, speaking at the forum, the housing minister affirmed that it helps to achieve the strategies the ministry works on. The first strategy is to enable every Saudi citizen to obtain a residential or financing product quickly by providing mortgage loans in partnership with banks and financial institutions.
Al-Hogail said in the past there was no bank to provide financing for the sale programme on the map, whereas now all banks and financial institutions provide this service.
The second element in the provision was to enable all citizens in different cities, whatever their jobs, to obtain funding through the recently launched safeguards programme, which is being implemented by six Saudi banks, and in the coming period, we will find all banks offering this service.
Envoys, parliamentarians to brief int’l community about Indian HR violation in Occupied Kashmir
ISLAMABAD, Apr 3 (APP):Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Muhammad Faisal on Tuesday said that envoys and parliamentarians would brief the
international community about Indian human rights violations in Occupied Kashmir valley.
Pakistan will send diplomats and parliamentarians to different countries to apprise the world community about the plight
of Kashmiri people living in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he said while talking to a news channel.
India was not permitting any fact finding mission and media to visit IOK, he said.
Foreign Minister Khawaja M Asif had held meeting with Iranian counterpart, and the FM had issued statement regarding Kashmir, Spokesman said.
The OIC and UN secretary generals had already issued statements about Kashmir, he added.
Pakistan would express solidarity with Kashmiri people on April 6 as announced by the government, he said.
The assurance would be given to the Kashmiri people that the matter of Kashmir would be resolved according to their
wishes and United Nations resolution, he said.
The Kashmiri people would have their right through plebiscite, he said.
Dr Faisal urged social media users to highlight the issue of Kashmir and Indian human rights violations in a befitting manner.
He said that international community should take notice of Indian barbarism against innocent Kashmiri people.
To a question he said that due to stubborn attitude of India, no dialogue could be made.
Colourful XXI Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games to start on Wednesday evening
By Ijaz Ahmad
PESHAWAR, Apr 03 (APP):An 89-member Pakistan contingent arrived here at Games village to participate in
the 10 disciplines of the XXI Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, which is
going to open on Wednesday.
Children wearing colourful costumes, officials, large
number of volunteers and above all the Pakistanis based in Australia have given
due reception to the Pakistani contingent. The 89-member Pakistan contingent is
taking part in athletics, badminton, boxing, hockey, shooting, squash,
swimming, table tennis, weightlifting and wrestling.
Pakistan will have to face India on Saturday, next, with
many of the field hockey lovers, have been inquiring about the highlights of
the most awaited clash. The Gold Coast, a cities famous for is beautiful
decorated and from children to old men above all enthusiastically responded
with their shooting and cheering.
More than 6,600 athletes and team officials from 71
countries and territories would compete in 18 sports and seven Para-Sports
during 11 days of competition broadcast to a global audience of 1.5 billion.
They will be supported by 15,000 friendly Australian volunteers.
Two Pakistani student ambassadors also traveled to the
Gold Coast during the Games including a girl and a boy selected by competition
– will represent Pakistan at a cultural program alongside students drawn from
all over the Commonwealth. Australia has a strong record of supporting sports
development in Pakistan.
Australia has
always given a helping hand for the promotion of sports activities in Pakistan
and local people and people from across the world are waiting the grand opening
ceremony.
GC2018 opening
ceremony will be organized on Wednesday at 6.30 (Australia time) on Pakistan
GMT 12.30 p.m and will continue up till April 15, on the Gold Coast in the
Australian state of Queensland. These will be the fifth Commonwealth Games held
in Australia and the first Games offering an equal number of medal events for
men and women.
Spanning across more than 57 kilometers of picturesque
coastline and bordered by world-heritage listed rainforest, the Gold Coast is
Australia’s premier tourist destination – renowned for its surf, sand and
sunshine.
The sixth largest city in Australia will host the Gold
Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Our natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle and
strong, vibrant and connected community make the Gold Coast one of the most
unique cities to live, work and play, informed member of the organizing
committee. The region has not only earned its place as one of Australia’s
favourite holiday destinations, but proved to be an attractive option for
investors, migrants and business travellers.
The region attracts over 13 million visitors and
approximately 12,500 new residents each year, making it one of the fastest
growing cities in Australia. Delegates visiting the Gold Coast spend an average
4.2 days in the region – more than any other Queensland destination.
Spanning over two local government areas – Gold Coast
City and Tweed Shire Council – the region’s population tops more than 500,000
and is expected to tip 700,000 residents by 2021. Famous for its sub-tropical
climate – boasting almost 300 days of warm, bright sunshine per year – the Gold
Coast offers year round comfort with daily temperature in the mid-20s. It is
Australia’s sixth largest city – larger than two of the nation’s capitals.
The Gold Coast shares the title with Brisbane as one of
the most desirable places in the world to live when ranked on political,
social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health.
One of the highest partner participation rates in
conferences in Australia.
The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) is the
largest sporting event Australia is seeing this decade and the biggest sporting
spectacular the Gold Coast has ever seen. As the first regional Australian city
to ever host a Commonwealth Games, the Gold Coast is going to celebrate a great
Games in a great city leaving great memories and great benefits for all.
The city is certainly shine on the world sporting stage
and the promotional exposure for business, trade, investment, tourism and
events will herald a new era in the region’s growth and maturity. The GC2018
brand embraces the three pillars of – The Place, The Event and The Sport.
No room for negative politics: Shehbaz Sharif
LAHORE, Apr 03 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said that there is no room for anarchy or negative politics in the country. He said this while talking to Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq, who called on him here on Tuesday.
The chief minister said that if the people would repose trust in the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) in the next general elections, the welfare programmes for the farming community would be launched across-the-country.
He said that historic Kissan Package worth billions of rupees had been introduced for welfare of farming community and a wonderful programme of providing interest-free loans had been initiated for prosperity of small farmers as well.
On the other hand, farmers had been given rights in the form of subsidy on fertilizers amounting to billions of rupees. Along with it, electricity bills of tube-wells had been decreased. There is no other example of such wonderful steps taken by the government for welfare of farmers in the 70 years history of the country, he added.
During the meeting, different matters including provision of relief to farmers, development schemes and overall political situation in the country came under discussion.
Shehbaz Sharif said that the PML-N government had set records of constructing new hospitals, schools and colleges and vowed that process of development of health and education
sectors would be spread across the country.
He said that people were well aware of the fact that who served them day and night and who continuously had told lies.
No matter whatever alliances the opponents form, the conscious people of Pakistan would reject them in the next elections, he said.
Shehbaz Sharif said that people would hold accountability of those who had obstructed the process of national development and prosperity.
The process of development has been accelerated due to the solid economic policies of the PML-N government and the agenda of public welfare had been moved forward with zeal and dedication, he added.
He further said that credit of introducing development revolution through mega projects goes to the PML-N and the party would win the elections on the basis of its immaculate performance.
Governor eulogizes police role in combating menace of terrorism
PESHAWAR, Apr 03 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Eng. Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has said that the role of police in establishing civilized societies is an admitted fact and indeed the police of the province have been
successful in earning soft corner for it in the hearts of people of the entire country because of its services.
He was addressing as a chief guest at the Police Passing Out Parade at Nowshera on Tuesday.
Beside others, IGP, Salah-ud-Din Mahsud, Additional I.G Elite Force, Dr. Muhammad Naeem Khan, Maj: General Khalid Saeed and other civil and police officers were also present on the occasion.
The Governor, while mentioning the role of the Police Force in countering terrorism and militancy oriented problems further observed that indeed the situation was very challenging.
However, he added, the jawans and officers of the force have never hesitated to protecting the life and properties of the people even at the cost of their own lives.
This, he added, means that the policemen have practically proved their professional responsibilities bear their top most priority. This, he said, indeed was the need of hour as well.
Congratulating the passing out graduates, the Governor said, joining police force is indeed an honour.
“It on the one hand is an honourable source of employment and at the same time also carries the level of worship. Joining Elite Force can only become possible through hard work, commitment, courage and successful completion of professional training and the jawans of its Combat Force deserve
appreciation for materializing this aim just in nine month time.
He expressed the confidence that their professional capabilities will be further enhanced with the passage of time.
He also appreciated the performance of Dr. Muhammad Naeem Khan for taking keen interest in the professional training of the jawans.
Later on, the Governor announced a cash prize of R.10 lac for the Police Training School at Nowshera.
Chineses investors keen on joint venture in ceramics industry
LAHORE, Apr 03 (APP):A Chinese delegation, from City of Zibo,has expressed keen interest to have joint ventures in ceramics sector of Pakistan.
The delegation visited Pakistan on the invitation of Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI),and held a meeting with local industrialists of ceramics sector.
PCJCCI President S.M. Naveed delivered address of welcome to the delegation headed by Mr. Wang Chenzhong. Joint Chamber’s Senior Vice President Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Qureshi, Vice President Rana Mahmood Iqbal Khan, Secretary Salahuddin Hanif and a number of prominent businessmen and government officers also attended the meeting, according to PCJCCI spokesperson here Tuesday.
On this occasion, Mr. Wang Chenzhong, who is also Head Exhibition Committee of Zibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that Zibo, being a key transportation hub of China, was also playing an important role in the country’s economy through its rapidly growing manufacturing industries, especially in ceramics sector. He was impressed by the growth potential of ceramics industry of Pakistan.
He agreed to relocate ceramic industries from Zibo into Pakistan for sharing the global demand of ceramics products by exploiting inherent advantages of Pakistan and China.
He added that 70 percent work of Chinese ceramic industry was being done under the expertise of Zibo industries and the products produced in Zibo were being exported to US, EU and other sophisticated markets. Zibo was ranked as the 34th most competitive city in China according to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in 2016,he said,adding that Zibo had a significantly large industry sector that accounted for 47% of the GDP in China.
Earlier,S.M. Naveed apprised the Chinese delegation about the strong support to be extended by PCJCCI for economic development of the two countries.
He said that the joint ventures of Pakistani and Chinese businessmen under CPEC had attained a highest level of mutual confidence that was giving birth to new venues of collaboration in trade and investment areas. He thanked the Chinese business community to pave way for modern phase of the industrialization in Pakistan and also creating a space for Pakistan in international markets through joint ventures.
On the occasion, PCJCCI arranged a visit of the Chinese delegates to two housing societies to review the construction techniques being used in Pakistan and to suggest innovative Chinese techniques for the betterment of the local construction industry.