ISLAMABAD, March 23 (APP):Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Yousaf on Friday underlined the need to spread the message that Pakistan was a peaceful country and Islam had nothing to do with terrorism.
He said Paigham-i-Pakistan was, in fact, the message of Islam. He appreciated the Islamic Research Institute and Islamic University for building a unanimous narrative emphasizing the peaceful nature of Islam.
“There is a need to spread this message all over the world so that everybody could be told that terrorism has nothing to do with Islam.”
He was speaking as a chief guest at an international conference organized by Islamic Research Institute and Dawah Academy here at International Islamic University.
The conference, which was held to highlight the message emanating from Pakistan, was chaired by Grand Mufti of Egypt Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam.
The minister said 1800 ulema from various schools of thought signed the “Paigham-i-Pakistan” (decree) to tell the world that there was consensus in Pakistan that Islam negated all kinds of terrorism and militancy.
“This is our unanimous Islamic narrative which was spread by Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) 1400 years back. Imam Kaaba also endorsed the Paigham-i-Pakistan narrative.”
He said a joint statement from such a large number of prominent Pakistanis was a great success.
He thanked the Grant Mufti of Egypt as he had assured that the declaration “Paigham-i-Pakistan” would be published in Arabic in Egypt.
He said the government had fulfilled its responsibility and Islamic Research Institute published “Paigham-i-Pakistan” in shape of a book.
Grand Mufti of Egypt Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam, in his address, said Islam was a peaceful religion and through such a narrative a message should be sent that terrorism has no place in terrorism and acts of terrorism should not be linked with Islam.
A terrorist had no religion and he was an enemy of humanity, he said adding, “We should work together for complete eradication of the menace of terrorism.”
Vice Chancellor of Bahauddin Zikria University Prof Tahir Amin, Dr Usman Mustafa, Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change Romina Alam, Allama Tahir Ashrafi, Mansoor Qazi and other speakers also adressed the conference.
Terrorism has nothing to do with Islam: Yousaf
‘Earth Hour’ an effort to realise importance of protecting environment: Sanjrani
ISLAMABAD, March 23 (APP):Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has said that ‘Earth Hour’ movement was an effort for making all realise the importance of protecting the environment and by such steps “we can preserve and protect the ecological balance for present and future generation.”
The Senate chairman, in a message on ‘Earth Hour’ 2018, said the Senate of Pakistan being the House of Federation, was proud to be a part of the Earth Hour movement which would witness its eleventh year this year.
The proactive role of Senate in environmental protection, he said, was evident from the fact that the Upper House of the Parliament had passed the Pakistan Climate Change Act on March 17, 2017 which was aimed at tackling pressing climate change risks.
“We all belong to the Earth. It is high time that we show our commitment and responsibility towards playing our due role for making this world an environment friendly place to live; less for us and more for our future generations to come,” he added.
On Saturday (March 24), lights at the Parliament House will be switched off from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, to show the commitment of people of Pakistan towards the noble cause and responsibility.
Promotion of SMEs top on SBP agenda: Tariq Bajwa
SIALKOT, Mar 23 (APP)::Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Tariq Bajwa has said that adequate
efforts were being made for the promotion of SME sector of the country.
Addressing a seminar on “SME Banking Products and
Projects”, jointly arranged by Sialkot Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (SCCI) and the Institute of Bankers Pakistan
(IBP) held here Thursday evening at SCCI, he said that
SME sector was playing an instrumental role in strengthening
the national economy not only but also providing employment
opportunities to a large number of workers.
Tariq further said that three point SBP initiatives
would support SME financing including improving regulatory
framework through revising prudential regulations, strengthening
secured transactions framework and introduction of SME targets,
market development through SME supportive subsidized refinance
schemes, risk coverage scheme, Islamic SME financing, cluster
survey and non financial advisory service and improving capacity
building and awareness creation of bankers and SMEs.
The SBP Governor said that under National Financial Inclusion
(NFIS) and strategic direction of SBP, SME sector had been
identified as one of the key priority areas.
In line with the strategic direction of SBP key benchmarks
to be achieved by 2020, like increase SME share from existing
8 per cent of private sector credit to 17 per cent and to
increase number of borrowers from existing 174,000 to 500,000,
he said
In order to achieve these objectives a policy had been
prepared for the promotion of SME finance (Conventional and
Islamic in Pakistan he disclosed.
He added that there were nine pillars of the policy which
include improving regulatory framework, up-scaling of micro
fiance banks, risk mitigation strategy, simplified procedures
for SMEs, programme base lending and value chain financing,
capacity building and awareness creation, hand-holding of SMEs
and leverage technology and simplification of taxation regime.
Earlier, President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Zahid Latif Malik presented the address of welcome and highlighted
the problems of the business community.
Pakistan Day observed in Lahore with traditional zeal
LAHORE, Mar 23 (APP):Like other parts of the country, the Pakistan Day was observed in the provincial capital on Friday with a renewed pledge to transform the country into Islamic welfare state as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Jinnah.
The day dawned with 21 gun salutes in the provincial capital. Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr for the progress, prosperity and solidarity of the country.
An impressive change of guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal where a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) assumed ceremonial guard duties. Air Cdre Syed Sabahat Hassan laid a floral wreath on the grave of great philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal and offered Fateha.
An impressive flag lowering ceremony was held at Wagah Border. People from all walks of life visited the Wagah border to witness the ceremony.
Special programmes and seminars were organised by different organisations to mark the day in the provincial capital.
Several buildings including Railway station, Wapda House and Provincial Assembly building were decorated with lights and colourful buntings.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) organised a function in the party’s office.
Federal Commerce and Textile Minister Pervaiz Malik, Provincial Minister for Primary & Secondary Healthcare, Punjab Masstransit Authority chief, Mehar Ishtiaq, Zikriya Butt and former MPA, Akhtar Rasool attended the ceremony.
Nazria Pakistan Trust (NPT) organised a seminar in connection with the Resolution Day of Pakistan where speakers paid glowing tributes to the heroes of Pakistan Movement.
Youth Forum for Kashmir held a seminar titled “Kashmir Bane Ga Pakistan” at its Ichhra Secretariat while Islami JamiatTulba, Lahore held an Istehkam e Pakistan rally from Bhekhey Wal Morh to PGM Chowk. Hundreds of students and JI workers who were carrying national flags and banners attended the rally.
A national flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Chamber’s President Malik Tahir Javed unfurled the flag.
Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements were made to avoid any untoward incident on the Pakistan Day.
Besides district police, the special branch, Elite Force, and the Dolphin Force personnel performed their security duties.
In the night, a glorious display of fireworks was held at Minar-e-Pakistan Lahore.
President confers Sitara-i-Imtiaz on Zahid Bashir, Chairman Patients Aid Foundation
KARACHI, Mar 23 (APP):The Chairman of the Patients Aid Foundation, Zahid Bashir, has been awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz,
one of Pakistan highest civilian honors for public service in
Pakistan.
A statement issued here said that he was given the award
by President Mamnoon Hussain at an event held at the Presidency
Palace on Friday (March 23).
Bashir has been at the helm of the organization since its
foundation in 1990. During his time in this role, he has raised a
very substantial amount for public health care. The organizations
Vice-Chairman, Mushtaq Chhapra, received the same award last
year.
Patients Aid Foundation is one of Pakistan leading health care
organizations supporting 1.2 million patients a year, who receive
treatment at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi
free-of-cost. It raises private philanthropic donations for the
public health sector, while being responsible for the running and
maintenance of facilities such as the Blood Bank, the
Neurotrauma, Radiology, Oncology, Ophthalmology and several
others. Patients Aid Foundation has also invested in and manages
the CyberKnife (Advanced Robotics Cancer Treatment), PET Scan,
MRI, Mammography and other similar health facilities. Patients
Aid Foundation is also funding the building of many new
facilities at Jinnah, including the New OPD & Surgical Complex,
and Jinnah Food Complex.
PML-N striving to ensure sanctity of vote: Safdar
SIALKOT, Mar 23 (APP): PML-N (Youth Wing) President Capt (R) Muhammad Safdar has said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was striving to ensure the sanctity of vote and respect of voters.
Addressing the ‘Pakistan Zindabad Conference’ here at Anwar Club Auditorium, he said the next general election
would be a ‘referendum’ against all anti-state elements, which would be won by the PML-N on the basis of its performance.
Matured people had already rejected the negative politics of some ‘political actors’, he added.
Safdar said that it was need of the hour that the constitution must be protected at every cost. Only the PML-N had the capability to make the country prosperous as envisaged by the Father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he added.
He said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif enjoyed complete support of 220 million population of Pakistan.
Local MPAs Ch. Muhammad Ikram, Rana Liaqa Ali, Ch. Arshad Javaid Warraich, Mrs. Gull Naz Shujaat Pasha, General Secretary PML-N (Youth Wing) Punjab Kashif Randhawa, President PML-N (Youth Wing) Gujranwala Division Muhammad Farooq Ghuman, President PML-N Sialkot District Idrees Ahmed Bajwa and President PML-N (Women Wing)
Sialkot Nusrat Jamshaid Malik were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, a warm welcome was accorded to Capt (R) Muhammad Safdar on his arrival at Sialkot.
Presidential awards presented to three personalities in Balochistan
QUETTA, Mar 23 (APP):Governor Balochistan Muhammad Khan Achakzai on Friday presented Presidential awards to three highbrow personalities in Balochistan on occasion of Pakistan Day.
A ceremony was held at Governor House here Friday, on the occasion of Pakistan Day, in which Governor Balochistan Mohammad Khan Achakzai presented Presidential awards to three
renowned personalities from Balochistan, for rendering uncountable services for the welfare of the State and its people.
Inspector General Police Balochistan Moazzam Jha Ansari was awarded honorable Quaid-e-Azam Police medal, for his remarkable role in ongoing war against terrorism and tremendous efforts he made for restoration of peace and security in the province.
Advocate Sarwar Farooq and Actress Maryam Durdana Baloch were awarded Pride of Performance awards for their outstanding services in literary and art.
Speaker Balochistan assembly Raheela Hamid Khan Durrani, Provincial Ministers Mir Asim Kurd Gailo, Agha Raza Akbar Askani, former Federal Minister, Dr Abdul Malik Kansi, Director General Public Relations Shehzada Farhat and other government officials were also present in this ceremony.
Governor presents Presidential awards on Pakistan Day
PESHAWAR, Mar 23 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Eng. Iqbal Zafar Jhagra on behalf of the President Mamnoon Hussain honored one personality of the province with Sitara-I-Imtiaz, three with Presidential pride of performance and one with Tamgha-I-Imtiaz in recognition of their illustrious achievements in their respective disciplines at the ceremony held at the Governor’s House, Peshawar on Friday.
The police officials of the province were decorated with Quaid-e-Azam Police Medals and President’s Police Medals in the function.
Besides, Inspector General of Police Salahuddin Mehsud, members of the provincial cabinet, Parliamentarians both from the Province and FATA, Senior Civil and Military officials, relatives and well-wisher of the recipients of the award attended the ceremony.
Prof. Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari, got Sitara-I-Imtiaz in acknowledgement of his extra ordinary services in the field of Bio Technology. While, Prof. Dr Bashir Khan in the field of Bio Technology, Dr Abul Samad in the field of Archeology and Kahlid Noor in Martial Arts got the President’s Award for Pride of Performance.
Prof Dr Asifullah in the field of Computer Science were also decorated the
Tamgha-I-Imtiaz for his remarkable achievements in their respective
fields.
DPO Bunir Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani, Inspector Hameed Khan, Constable
Waheedullah awarded Quaid-e-Azam Police medals, SSP Sajad Khan, DSP
Izhar Shah, S.I Haroon Khan, S.I Haider Ali Shah and constable Shahid
Hussain awarded President’s Police Medal.
Fazal Mabud brother of Shaheed Sub Inspector Sultan Mehmood; Muhammad Riaz
brother of Constable Shaheed Munir Ahmed, Muhammad Nawaz brother of
Shaheed Tahir Nawaz, Noman Khan brother of Shaheed LHC Adnan Aslam,
Muhammad Ramzan Father of Shaheed H.C Abdul Qayyum, Jannat Mir Father of
Shaheed Constable Jehnazeb, Akbar Nawaz Father of Shaheed Constable
Sabir Nawaz and Prof. Asmatullah brother of Shaheed Inspector
Najeebullah received Quaid Azam Police Medals.
Saira Bibi wife of Shaheed Constable Muhammad Tariq, Haji Sadique Father of
Shaheed Constable Khurram Shahzad and Naseer Khan Father of Shaheed
Constable Sajeed Khan received President’s Police Medal.
Laptops also given to the children of Shuhada, Kashish d/o Shaheed Amir Nawaz,
Uzma Amin d/o Shaheed ASI Iqrar Amin, Muhammad Faisal s/o Shaheed
Inspector Khalil ur Rehman, Sunbal d/o Shaheed Inspector Tahir Mehmood,
Muskan d/o Shaheed Sub-Inspector Muhammad Akbar, Sada Bibi d/o Shaheed
Constable Bakht Rasheed and Muhammad Jalal Khan s/o Shaheed Muhammad
Iqbal Marwat, which was announced by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Engr.
Iqbal Zafar Jhagra.
On the occasion, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Engr. Iqbal Zafar Jhagra
congratulated the recipients of the National Awards and also paid
tributes to the martyrs of the Pakistan Movement.
Global water crisis has widespread impact: UN chief
UNITED NATIONS, Mar 23 (APP):Underscoring the threats posed by the global water crisis on World Water Day, the United Nations on Thursday launched a decade for action that seeks to forge new partnerships, improve cooperation and strengthen capacity to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Most directly linked to Sustainable Development Goal 6, safe water and adequate sanitation are indispensable for healthy ecosystems, reducing poverty, and achieving inclusive growth, social well-being and sustainable livelihoods, the targets for many of the 17 Goals.
However, growing demands, poor management and climate change have increased water stresses and scarcity of water is a major problem in many parts of the world.
Furthermore, more than two billion people worldwide lack access to safe water and over 4.5 billion to adequate sanitation services, warned UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
“By 2050 at least one in four people will live in a country where the lack of fresh water will be chronic or recurrent,” he said, speaking at the launch of the International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028.
“Quite simply, water is a matter of life and death. Our bodies, our cities, our industries and our agriculture all depend on it.”
Stressing that water cannot be taken for granted, the UN chief said that while solutions and technologies to improve water management exist, these are often not accessible to all. In many cases, end up perpetrating inequity within and among countries.
“As with most development challenges, women and girls suffer disproportionately. For example, women and girls in low-income countries spend some 40 billion hours a year collecting water,” he stressed.
Addressing these and other challenges needs a comprehensive approach to water supply, sanitation, water management and disaster risk reduction, said the UN chief, highlighting that aligning existing water and sanitation programmes and projects with the 2030 Agenda will also be vital.
Also crucial is the political will for strengthened cooperation and partnerships, he added.
Alongside the Secretary-General, Mahmoud Saikal, the Vice-President of the General Assembly (speaking on behalf of Assembly President Miroslav Lajcak) said that while many in the world have adequate safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, billions on the same planet lack even a basic toilet and are forced to drink water that can make them ill.
“This is the reality we all have to face. It is not pretty. But, it should not come as a surprise. We have known about it for a while,” he said.
“Luckily, we still have enough time to do something about it,” added Mr. Saikal, calling on for action on everyone’s part to capitalize on the opportunities offered by the International Decade.
The launch of the International Decade coincides with the World Water Day, marked annually on 22 March, to focus attention to importance of and challenges facing freshwater availability.
Commemorated this year with the theme, Nature for Water, the Day urges people to explore nature-based solutions to contemporary water problems.
Some of these could include planting trees and increasing forest cover, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, and restoring wetlands to rebalance the water cycle.
Pak day at Washington
ISLAMABAD, Mar 23 (APP):“78th Pakistan Day celebrations commence with Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Pakistan Embassy Washington D.C.
According to a press release, an elegant flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Embassy of Pakistan Washington D.C. Friday morning to commence Pakistan Day celebrations.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry raised the Pakistan flag at the Embassy courtyard with the National Anthem playing in the background.
In his remarks, the Ambassador congratulated Pakistanis all over the world, particularly in the United States of America on the 78th Pakistan Day.
He paid rich tribute to the founding fathers who resolved at Lahore on 23 March 1940 to establish a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Sub-Continent under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
He said Pakistan was a resilient nation with a proud history and had tremendous potential to rise in future. The principles of the Pakistan Resolution served as a guiding light for the current generation to overcome the challenges faced by the country today.
He shared that in the last few years, Pakistan had taken great strides in achieving macro-economic stability, improved law and order situation and ensuring continuity of democracy.
Ambassador Chaudhry particularly commended the patriotic zeal and fervor of the Pakistani American community. He urged the diaspora to continue to play its role as a bridge between Pakistan and the United States.
Earlier, senior officials of the Embassy read out aloud the special messages of President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi congratulating the entire nation on this historic day.
Officers and officials of the Embassy along with their families participated in the flag hoisting ceremony. A group of officers from the US foreign service also witnessed the flag hoisting ceremony.