ISLAMABAD, Mar 24 (APP):Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal Saturday said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had great importance for both the countries and Pakistan would become an industrial hub of South Asia after the completion of the project.
CPEC would connect not only China to Europe, Africa and the Middle East, but would also play an important role in regional connectivity, he said while talking to PTV.
Ahsan Iqbal, who is also Minister for Planning and Development, said the CPEC would make the entire region developed and prosperous. The mega project was a game changer for Pakistan as it would bring mega improvement in social infrastructure, energy, industrial cooperation, agriculture and many other sectors, besides creating millions of job opportunities for the youth of the country, he added.
The CPEC, he said, was launched with the consensus of all political parties. The government had held an all parties conference on the matter.
The minister said Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan would become gateways of the CPEC. Trade zones would be set up in the federal capital, all the four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Federally Administered Tribal Areas, he added.
He said Chinese and Pakistani companies would make large-scale investment in the trade zones, which would not only create new jobs, but also help transfer new technology to Pakistan.
He said enemies were trying to sabotage the CPEC project. The arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav testified that fact. However, law enforcement agencies were providing complete security to all those, who were working on the projects underway under the CPEC. A special force of some 10,000 security personnel had been constituted for the purpose.
The minister said in 2013 when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) came into government, the country was facing many challenges, including terrorism, energy shortfall, and deteriorating law and order situation. The government with its effective policies overcame all the challenges, he added.
He said some 11,500 mega watt electricity was added to the national grid during the last four years. About $ 35 billion were being spent in the energy sector only and there was not even a single penny of loan included in it, rather it was investment under the CPEC, he added.
He said Thar had rich coal deposits and it would become an energy capital of the country after the completion of coal projects.
He expressed the hope that the people would again vote the PML-N in the next general election in majority for the continuity of development process in the country.
Pakistan to become industrial hub of South Asia after CPEC’s completion: Ahsan
Music & Folk dances enthrall audience at RAC
RAWALPINDI, Mar 24 (APP):Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) arranged a musical night to celebrate Pakistan Day with
enthusiasm.
Senator Najma Hameed and Member Punjab Assembly Raja Hanif Advocate were the guests of honor of the musical night.
Folk singers Bashir Lohar, Arshad Khan, Master Majeed, Sarfraz enthralled the jam-packed audience while the performance of Multan Lok Raqs Party proved charming. Naheed Manzoor and Director RAC Waqar Ahmed were also present on the occasion.
Senator Najma Hameed addressing at the occasion said Pakistan was a precious gift from God.
MPA Raja Hanif said Pakistan was established due to dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam.
Naheed Manzoor and Director RAC Waqar Ahmed also addressed the ceremony.
American media speculates on Trump’s new cabinet picks for diplomacy, national security
WASHINGTON, March 24 (APP):American media is rife with speculations over the future course of the US foreign policy in the aftermath of President Trump’s new picks for the Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, who are known for their hawkish views on global issues such as Iran’s nuclear deal and North Korea.
Within the span of two weeks, President Trump shuffled his cabinet’s two top posts, bringing in former US ambassador to UN, John Bolton, to replace national security adviser Lt. Gen H.R. McMaster and CIA Director Mike Pompeo to take over from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
While both Tillerson and McMaster were seen moderating voices on issues like the Iranian nuclear deal, their replacements have publically criticized the 2015 accord with Tehran reached with the help of world’s leading powers as well as US handling of the crisis on the Korean Peninsula.
Bolton and Pompeo’s appointments come at a time when President Trump is preparing for a historic meeting with North Korea over its nuclear program. Media reports say that inclusion of the two in the cabinet would lead to more aggressive foreign policy by the United States.
Bolton’s appointment this week has raised more eyebrows, who had in recent years advocated military actions and regime change in Iran, Syria and Libya.
In an opinion article published in the Washington Post, the author said Bolton’s belief that whatever happens in the world happens because of something the US did or did not do “is a recipe for diplomatic delusion and military overreaching.”
A report by the online news magazine – the POLITICO – quoted foreign policy foreign policy veteran as saying that Bolton’s world view is as much “military first” as is “American First” – Trump’s signature slogan as the President of the United States.
Bolton was seen as a champion of former US President George W. Bush’s 2003 invasion of Iraq, who still defends the American decision which drew sharp criticism after revelations that Iraq never had weapons of mass destruction, a very reason that was cited to justify the Iraq invasion.
The choice, for some, is an odd one as President Trump had been a vocal critic of the Iraq invasion. During his presidential campaign, Trump vowed that the US would stop “racing to topple foreign regimes”. On the other hand, Bolton is seen as a “military hawkish”, who advocated a strong US policy against Iran as recent as January this year.
He has also taken a strong stand vis-a-vis dealing with North Korea. “Given the gaps in US intelligence about North Korea, we should not wait until the very last minute. That would risk striking after the North has deliverable nuclear weapons , a much more dangerous situation,” the POLITICO magazine quoted Bolton as writing for the conservative American Enterprise Institute.
“The staff shake-up reveals the president’s frustration with members of his old team who encouraged him to back away from or delay key policy decisions, which he frequently makes based on gut instinct,” a report by the The Hill magazine commented, in an obvious reference to his hawkish views on Iran’s nuclear deal and North Korea.
PSL final in Karachi on Sunday
KARACHI, Mar 24 (APP):Pakistan Super League (PSL) final
match will be played between the cricket teams of Islamabad
United and Peshawar Zalmi at National Stadium here on Sunday.
Both the teams and there officials have arrived in Karachi
for final match of PSL, to be started Sunday evening at 7 p.m.
The stadium entry gates will be opened at 12 noon for the
visitors and will be closed at 5 pm, two hours before start
of the match.
Law Enforcement Agencies have made foolproof security
arrangements for the peacefull conduct of the event.
Karachiites wellcoming the conduct of PSL final in
Karachi, hoped that international cricket will also be
played in the city near future.
22th anniversary of Ghani Khan to be held on March 26
PESHAWAR, Mar 24 (APP):The 22th anniversary of renowned poet Ghani Khan would be held on March 26 at Bacha Khan Markaz.
Rich tribute would be paid to the famous Pashto poet through poetry and other speeches by central and provincial political leaders of ANP.
Pakistan-Sri Lanka agree to cement bilateral ties, cooperation
ISLAMABAD, Mar 24 (APP):President Mamnoon Hussain and his Sri Lankan counterpart Maithripala Sirisena Saturday agreed to work together for the regional peace, bilateral cooperation and enhancement of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) role.
During their meeting at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, both sides agreed that they would continue their close cooperation for the regional peace, stability, development and prosperity of the people, a press
release said.Both sides stressed upon further enhancement of SAARC role by making it more effective.
The presidents held a brief one-on-one meeting and later on, joined by delegations from both sides.
During the meeting, President Mamnoon Hussain welcomed the visiting dignitary and said his participation during the Pakistan Day ceremony reflected the close ties between the two countries.
Sri Lankan president also expressed his gratitude and said it was a matter of pleasure for him and an honour for the Sri Lankan people.
He said they considered Pakistan as their real brother and close friend.
President Mamnoon Hussain proposed for working together to increase bilateral trade between the two countries to which his Sri Lankan counterpart agreed.
The president also underlined the need to boost air and maritime linkages so that the cooperation in business and industry besides, other sectors, could be strengthened.
President Sirisena expressed his satisfaction over the increasing cooperation in different sectors including defence and expressed the confidence that it would witness further boost in future.
He reiterated his country’s support to Pakistan in its efforts against terrorism and expressed his satisfaction over the achievements against it.
He also thanked the president for extending academic and training scholarships to Sri Lankan students and officers.
The meeting was also attended by Sri Lankan minister Wasantha Senanayake, minister for rehabilitation MLAM Hizbullah, members of parliament from Sri Lanka Syed Ali Zahir Moulana, Abdullah Maroof and SM Marikkar and minister for SAFRON Abdul Qadir Baloch, foreign secretary and other high officials.
Earlier, upon his arrival at the Aiwan e Sadr, the Sri Lankan president was received by President Mamnoon Hussain. Children clad in traditional dress, presented bouquets to the visiting dignitary.
Democracy to flourish, no room for judicial martial law, coup: PM
LAHORE, March 24 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Saturday expressed his confidence that the democratic system in the country would keep on flourishing as there was no room for judicial martial law or any other coup.
He was addressing the inauguration ceremony of first CCV line and aluminum alloy manufacturing plant in the Sunder Industrial Estate.
He said in the upcoming general election in July, only the electorate would decide about the fate of next government and their decision would be accepted while the country’s journey on the path of development and prosperity would continue.
The prime minister said the PML-N government faced energy and power challenges and the backlog of the previous governments, but it had solved the energy issues, with addition of 10,400MW of power into the national grid.
He said the government had been performing well during its tenure which was matchless and resolved the energy issues for the next fifteen years.
About 1,700 kms six lanes motorway network was being completed, he said and expressed his resolve to serve the country within the limited resources.
The prime minister also regretted that after 1999 coup, a case was registered against PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif for establishment of Sunder Industrial Estate.
He said it was an irony that those who served the country were punished instead of giving the respect and hounour.
He wondered about those people who were rejected in the last general election by public, were preaching morality and integrity.
He said Pakistan had the huge potential to increase its export products by adhering to global quality and standard which were requisite for global competition.
The government had taken steps for facilitating the private sector investment with different incentives which led to increase in the business activities and eventually boosted the exports, he said and added the investment activities paved the ways for creation of jobs and generation of tax revenues.
He said the government had provided gas, power and infrastructure facilities so that the cost of production could be reduced.
He stressed upon maintaining the quality and standards in the production by bringing the local products at par with the international competitors to attract investment in the country.
The prime minister observed that Pakistan was a market for billions of dollars investment and certain issues like tariff re-balance, cost of production and taxation system faced by the industry, would be resolved.
He announced that tax incentives package would be announced prior to next fiscal budget.
He emphasized that the private sector and government required working hand in hand to achieve export targets.
“Industries play a vital role in the progress and prosperity of any country, adding that we want to ensure stability of policies as continuity of policies is of high importance”.
Abbasi hoped that country’s industry would focus on improving quality as latest technology and efficiency not only help in growing business activities but also help earn good profit.
He said government was striving to achieve a balance in import and export through short and long term policies.
He said the availability of energy had been settled and the growth rate was hovering around 6% which would further surge.
The prime minister assured that the government wanted to further strengthen the investors’ policies by seeking input from the opposition.
He said the industrial estate in the provincial capital made him happy that work was being carried out here as per by-laws which investors always look for.
The prime minister appreciated the contribution of the private sector in meeting the energy demands of the nation and introducing new technologies for local manufacturing products to reduce reliance on imports.
He also congratulated Fast Cables for establishing state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and mentioned that
such projects play an important role in national prosperity through creating jobs.
Fast Cables Director Kamal Mian, in his welcome note, said the first CCV manufacturing facility could produce medium voltage cables upto 33 KV using the latest dry curing technology.
Minister for Commerce Pervaiz Malik, Minister for Kashmir Affairs Barjees Tahir, State Minister for Industries and Production Arshad Khan Leghari and Punjab Minister for Industries Sheikh Allaudin were also present on the occasion.
Fast Cables Chief Executive Officer Mian Ghulam Murtaza Shaukat presented a souvenir to the prime minster.
PML-N Govt delivered to masses despite all odds : PM
NANKANA SAHIB, Mar 24 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Saturday said the PML-N always stood as guard for the democratic system like rock-solid political force, facing all conspiracies and Dharna-driven politics during the last five
years and successfully delivered on all its promises.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Rai Mansab Ali Khan Kharal Bridge, he said only elected government could deliver which had sincerity to serve the masses. It was only the PML-N which proved this sincerity by serving the masses in the last five years, on the other hand, the countrymen witnessed Dharna politics and the specific legal cases, he added.
The prime minister said the government worked despite all odds and challenges. The specific legal cases, including Panama Papers, eventually brought instability in the country otherwise it would have
been on the path of rapid progress. He called upon the voters to understand the significance of all these happenings.
The prime minister said it was strange that those persons who had delivered for the country, were punished and were engaged in litigation.
He said the PML-N government tackled all these ploys and was resolved to eradicate evils and solve public problems.
He said several opportunities did emerge in the past but the party religiously stood steadfast to democratic norms and did not make compromises like NRO.
“We stood for democratic norms. No one should doubt the masses’ decision, only through it, the country can progress. Masses will decide again in July this year,” he added.
The PML-N government in the past was ousted and now its president was removed through legal cases.
The prime minister said it was his conviction that the history would not accept such cases and referred to the one decision in Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s case which had never been accepted.
Despite all this, Nawaz Sharif abandoned the government in July last year but the people had not accepted it, he added.
The PML-N politics revolved around resolution of public issues, instead of stuffing pockets with money, he said, adding the opponents leveled different allegations against the PML-N
government but the completion of development projects repudiated their false claims.
He called upon those who leveled allegations to prove their sincerity with the masses by citing execution of any major development project.
Expressing his concerns over the election of Senate chairman, the prime minister said votes were purchased. “Whether the country could earn respect through such tactics!” he questioned.
He said such election did not enjoy any respect.
He said there was need to elect a consensus candidate as the Senate reflected the Federation.
The prime minister said in July this year, the masses would give a clear decision while keeping these issues in view. “Decision is very clear throughout the country.”
About power production, the prime minister said there was no load shedding in the country and only those areas with power theft, had to endure it.
He said 85 per cent consumers, paying bills, could not be burdened for the theft of others.
The prime minister said in this winter, the gas supply continued uninterrupted to domestic consumers, CNG sector and industry. The government had only imported 6000 tons of urea as
compared to previous 10,000 tons urea.
He also lauded performance of Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The prime minister said other link roads in the area besides Phool Nagar and Nankana motorway link would be constructed.
Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana and State Minister for Power Abid Sher Ali were also present.
Earlier, the prime minister inaugurated the newly constructed 612 meter long Rai Mansab Ali Khan Kharal Bridge on River Ravi. The construction work on the bridge had been hitting snags
during the previous government tenure but the PML-N government gave it priority and ensured funds for its completion.
It was the long standing demand of the people of the area, benefiting a large population, residing on both sides of the Ravi river, by easing their crossing and travelling.
During the monsoon, it was impossible for the people to cross the bridge and they had to cover a long distance to cross over the river. The bridge would also provide short access to Okara and
Jaranwala, besides, facilitating vehicular traffic heading to GT road on the right side.
The heavy traffic would get access to important agricultural and industrial centers of Jaranwala, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot and Sargodha.
Maithripala for measures to further improve relations with Pakistan
KARACHI, Mar 24 (APP):Sri Lankan President, Maithripala Sirisena has emphasized for comprehensive measures to further
promote relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
This he said in meeting with Governor Sindh Muhammad Zubair held at VVIP lounge of Jinnah International Airport Karachi, said a statement issued by Governor House here on Saturday.
Earlier, the Sri Lankan president was received by the governor Sindh upon his arrival from Islamabad at the airport who later seen him off for Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Chief Secretary Sindh Muhammad Rizwan Memon, Additional IGP Muhshtaq Meher and other officials were also present on the occasion.
Sri Lankan president had come to Pakistan on a three-day official visit on March 22 for participation in Pakistan Day parade as guest of honour, held at Islamabad on March 23.
During the meeting, the Sri Lankan president and governor Sindh discussed bilateral ties, exchange of trade delegations and others matters of mutual interest.
The Sri Lankan president said that Sri Lankan people respect Pakistani assistance and cooperation.
Zubair said people of the two countries were very much close to each other. He remarked that increase in bilateral tarde between the two countries was need of the hour.
Republic of Korea’s contribution to Malala Fund for Girls Right to Education
ISLAMABAD, Mar 24 (APP):A Funds-in-Trust Agreement was signed between Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and UNESCO at UNESCO Headquarters Friday.
The Agreement was signed by Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director General UNESCO and H.E. Mr LEE Byong Hyun, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Korea to UNESCO. The Ambassador of Pakistan to France Moin ul Haque also attended the signing ceremony.
Under the Agreement, Republic of Korea, will provide support to national capacity building to realize girls’ right to education in Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan to the tune of USD 3.4 million under the UNESCO Malala Fund.
UNESCO-Malala Fund for Girls’ Right to Education which was established in 2012 at the initiative of Pakistan with seed money of USD 10 million as an initial contribution. It is a multi-donor account meant to expand girls’ access to quality and gender responsive education through implementing projects in Pakistan as well as eight other countries namely Egypt, Nigeria, Tanzania, Nepal, Mozambique, Cambodia, Mauritania and Vietnam.
The program’s success and visibility is a testament to Pakistan’s continued commitment to the noble cause of girl’s education, as well as excellent partnership with contributing countries. Pakistan greatly appreciates the valuable support of Government and people of Republic of Korea for extending their generous contribution to Malala Fund.
Pakistan looks forward to working in close collaboration with UNESCO and donor countries for realizing the ideals of redressing gender imbalance in the field of education in the quest of sustainable, equitable future for all.