ISLAMABAD, March 28 (APP):High Commissioner of Australia Margaret Adamson while hosting a reception for Pakistan’s contingent heading to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018), said it was the biggest sporting event which had ever staged in Australia this decade.
More than 6,600 athletes and team officials from 70 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, she said in a press release here Wednesday.
“I am particularly pleased we have been able to help two Pakistani student ambassadors travel to the Gold Coast during the Games,” the high commissioner said adding, “These students – a girl and a boy selected by competition – will represent Pakistan at a cultural programme alongside students drawn from all over the Commonwealth. Australia has a strong record of supporting sports development in Pakistan.”
“The Australian High Commission and Pakistan Cricket Board hold an annual School Girls’ Cup cricket tournament and skills development clinic which aims to empower girls through cricket,” the high commissioner said.
In addition, Australia supports squash training for more than 600 youngsters, and promotes health and gender equality messages through its sporting programmes.
GC2018 will be held from April 4 to 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.
Australian envoy hosts reception for Pakistan’s commonwealth games contingent
Envoys of Botswana, Ecuador, Finland present credentials to President
ISLAMABAD, Mar 28 (APP):President Mamnoon Hussain Wednesday said Pakistan desires to further enhance diplomatic and economic relations with all countries including those from Africa, South America and Europe.
He was talking to envoys of Botswana, Ecuador and Finland who separately called on the him after presenting their credentials to the President in a ceremony held here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, a press release said.
The President said Pakistan being a responsible member of International community was working in close collaboration with other countries at all multilateral and international forums. He said economic indicators of Pakistan have improved due to the policies of the incumbent government and have also been recognized by the international economic institutions.
The President said Pakistan today provides very conducive environment for investment and business opportunities and said the foreign investors need to avail these by investing in diverse areas.
The President felicitated the newly appointed Ambassadors to Pakistan and hoped they would work for further strengthening the existing ties of their respective countries with Pakistan.
The envoys who presented their credentials included Ambassador-designate of Botswana Mothusi Bruce Rabasha PALAI, Ambassador-designate of Ecuador German Alejandro Ortega Almeida and Ambassador-designate of Finland Harri Kamarainen.
Earlier as part of the long standing tradition, the envoy-designates arrived at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in a horse-driven carriage. National Anthem of Pakistan and their respective countries were played and they were presented a Guard of Honour.
First Wazir Gul National Junior Squash Championship begins
PESHAWAR, Mar 28 (APP):The first edition of the Wazir Gul National Junior Squash Championship got under way here at PAF Hashim Khan Squash Complex on Wednesday.
Inspector General of Frontier Constabulary Liaqat Ali Khan was the chief guest on this occasion who formally inaugurated the Championship in which a total of 110 players are taking part in Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 categories.
Former World Champion Qamar Zaman, sponsor of the tournament, Executive Member and former international squash player and coach Wazir Gul, Nazim Nawa Khali Sajjad Khan, officials, players and large number of spectators were also present.
Speaking on this occasion, Liaqat Ali Khan lauded Qamar Zaman for his dedicated efforts in involving the youth in different age group categories.
He termed that competitive exposure very vital for the upcoming players.
He said there is no dearth of talent of squash in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but the best things is to providing much needed international exposure to the players.
“If the junior and most important for those female associated with this game could get international exposure they could shine their game in a more appropriate manners,” Liaqat Ali Khan.
He said Pakistan dominated the world of squash and now advised the players to continue their hard work so that they could come up at national and international levels.
Earlier, in the qualifying round of the Under-15
categories Muhammad Hamza, Nouman Khan, Talha Iqbal, Huzaifa Zahid moved to the
main round after recording victories against their respective rivals.
Hamza of PAF defeated Hasnain Ali of Punjab by 11-5, 11-3 and 11-2, Nouman of
KP beat Hamza Zahid by 3-0, the score was 11-9, 11-5 and 11-8. In the third
match Talha Iqbal of KP beat Mir Fayyaz of Punjab by 11-9, 11-5 and 11-6 while
Huzaifa Zahid of KP beat Bilal Ahmad by 3-0, the score was 11-4, 11-7 and 11-5.
In the Under-17 category Ali Sher of PAF beat Zargham
Khan of KP by 3-0, the score was 11-5, 11-5 and 11-3, Hammad Khan of Punjab
beat Waqar Naeem of Punjab by 3-0, the score was 11-5, 11-9 and 11-6, Ubaid
Ullah of Sindh beat Abdul Wajid of KP by 3-0, the score was 11-7, 11-9 and 11-5
and Atif Malik of Punjab beat Arbab Mehran of KP by 3-1, the score was 11-6,
4-11, 11-9 and 11-8.
In the Under-19 category Shahzab of KP beat Muhammad
Qasim Noorqni by 11-9, 11-8, 12-10, Salman Shah of KP beat Danish by 3-0, the
score was 11-7, 11-9 and 11-6, Muhammad Usman of Punjab beat Alamgir Khan by
3-0, the score was 11-4, 11-9 and 11-9, Muhammad Essa of Punjab beat Anis Ur
Rehman by 3-1, the score was 11-9, 11-9, 3-11, 11-9.
The main round will be kicking from March 29 with four
players each have qualified for the main round of their respective age
categories Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19.
At the end, former World Champion Qamar Zaman appreciated
Wazir Gul for sponsoring the event and expressed the hope that more such age
groups tournaments would be organized in future as well. He said KP Squash
Association has the honor of winning the President Pakistan Squash Federation
trophy from the last three years consecutively due to holding most tournaments
and hopefully in the year 2018 would also win the same.
Bajwa doctrine only related to security aspect and taking Pakistan towards peace: DG ISPR
RAWALPINDI, Mar 28 (APP):Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj General, Asif Ghafoor said on
Wednesday that if there existed a ‘Bajwa doctrine’, then it was only related to security aspect and taking Pakistan towards peace.
Addressing a press conference here at ISPR, he said Bajwa doctrine was to take Pakistan from the security point to the place where it should have been. “And this is the dream of every Pakistani, whether he is a civilian or in uniform or whether he is in opposition or in the government,” he said when he was asked about the Bajwa doctrine, particularly with reference to Chief of Army Staff’s a recent interaction with a group of anchorpersons.
“That interaction has nothing to do with the Bajwa doctrine. During that media interaction whatever conversation took place that was lumped together and made a part of the Bajwa doctrine.
There is no mention of 18th amendment or judiciary in that (Bajwa doctrine),” he said.
He said he himself had talked about this doctrine in a TV interview in January and had stated that if there existed such a doctrine, then it was only related to the security aspect in the country.
Major General Asif Ghafoor said that every army chief had his own perspective and General Bajwa as an Army Chief wanted to see Pakistan to return towards that peace which every Pakistan
wished to have.
The DG ISPR said the Army chief’s talk in the informal meeting with anchorpersons was off-the-record. “I take the pride that most of the anchors respected the norms of media interaction in that off-the-record conversation,” he said, adding but some mediapersons, who were not even present in that meeting wrote articles and did programmes.
He said the Army chief never said as a whole that 18th amendment was not good. He said the 18th amendment did several good things such as giving powers to the provinces.
Talking about the successful staging of eliminators and final match of the third edition of
Pakistan Super League in Lahore and Karachi, he said it showed that the security situation in the country had improved.
“This year has been very eventful in Pakistan. The PSL matches and March 23 (parade) were
held. All went well and the good thing was that the people participated with great passion,” he said.
He said the cricket fans in Karachi, during PSL final, were very well organized and disciplined. “This was a proud moment for public, rangers, security organizations and intelligence agencies,” he added
He appreciated Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Najam Sethi’s role in bringing back cricket
activities to the country. “The Gaddafi Stadium has been renovated and same is the case with National Stadium Karachi. I have talked to PCB chief that the next year’s event should be planned in a way that some matches also take place in Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan and Peshawar.”
He said law and order situation in Karachi was very different from that of 2013. “There
were 70 no-go areas in Karachi in 2013, but as of today there is none. The shutter-down
strikes are also no more there.
“In the year 2017, around 386 political activities took place in Karachi but not a single violent incident took place. Hotel occupancy is back to 100 per cent. Karachi Stock Exchange is also going up. Social events are being held. There will be a film festival happening on the 30th of this month,” he added.
He, however, said there was still more to be done to take the things forward.
The DG ISPR lauded the role and sacrifices rendered by the country’s security agencies in improving the law and order situation.
Highlighting the success of the ongoing operation Raddul Fassad, he said 26 major operations and 23,318 intelligence based operations were conducted. “If we are successful today it is because of
the intelligence agencies such as ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence), MI (Military Intelligence) and IB (Intelligence Bureau). We should be proud of them,” he said.
He said the intelligence agencies busted seven major terrorist networks, namely Ansarula Sharia, Jamatul Ahrar Kurram, TTS Lahore, TTP Swabi TTs Dir/Swat chapter and Intiqam-e-waziristan group.
He said the Chief of Army Staff’s meeting with others were a routine matter. He said in response to some claims made by a section of press a few days ago that the Chief Minister Punjab twice met Army chief twice in 72 hours, the ISPR had given clarification that no such meeting took place.
He said Army had nothing to do with any sort of National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).
He said the chief minister Punjab had called the Army chief and offered financial support
for fencing along Pak-Afghan border.
Major General Asif Ghafoor also talked about Indian ceasefire violations and said it (India) was behaving like an irresponsible state. He said Pakistan had played a positive role for peace in the region, adding efforts to promote instability in Pakistan would also not be in India’s favour. He said Pakistan’s response capability should not be underestimated.
He said Pakistan enjoyed close ties with Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE).
He said the Army chief visited Saudi Arabia and held talks there. He said since 1982, Pakistan had a bilateral pact with Saudi Arabia, adding Pakistani troops would be sent to Saudi Arabia as part of that pact but they had nothing to do with Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition.
He said it was not only Saudi Arabia that Pakistan had a bilateral agreement, but Pakistan had such
agreements with other Gulf States as well. “Even Iranian pilots are receiving training in Pakistan,” he said.
Regarding Pakistan-US relations, he said there was no stalemate in talks with the US. He said Pakistan had played a key role in the war against terrorism and for bringing peace in the region.
He said situation became complex after the US President Donald Trump tweeted about Pakistan earlier this year, adding the US needed to recognize Pakistan’s role in facilitating rapprochement between the US and China in 1970s, helping the US in becoming unipolar power and assisting it in Afghanistan.
He said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would bring prosperity for the entire region. “If India sees it as a threat, it will negatively affect the region. If our contributions are seen as negative, this will affect the region’s stability,” he added.
He said operations in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) were going on successfully and that was why the army had shifted its focus towards the betterment of Balochistan.
He said water, electricity and communication were the three basic issues of Balochistan and
efforts were being made for the welfare of the province under Khushhal Balochistan project.
Kuwait Ambassador calls on Sardar Mehtab
ISLAMABAD, Mar 28 (APP):Ambassador of the state of Kuwait Nassar Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi has called on the Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan here in Islamabad on Wednesday and discussed the matters related to mutual cooperation in different sectors particularly in the field of aviation.
Besides, Secretary Aviation Division, Irfan Ilahi, senior officials of aviation division were also present on this occasion.
Kuwait and Pakistan have mutually agreed on extending their bilateral relations and to work collectively to enhance the air travel facility and for the betterment in the field of aviation.
Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan has said that peace has been restored in the country and now we are heading towards progress and prosperity.
He said that we have been working very closely and still there are sectors which to be explored particularly the aviation sector.
Adviser Aviation assured his support and affirmed that we are willing to further work closely in aviation field.
He said that we are focused to further strengthen bilateral relations added that Pakistan and Kuwait are bosom friends and this friendship will last forever. We are eager to collaborate on different projects with Kuwait to nourish this relation and to collaborate in aviation sector particularly, he added.
Mahtab thanked the Ambassador and expressed that Pakistan and Kuwait have very strong bond and with every passing day both countries are embracing strong and closest relations.
Ambassador while congratulating the Adviser on the near opening of the state of the art New Islamabad International Airport, appreciated the endeavors of the incumbent government for the betterment of aviation industry in Pakistan.
He said we have very strong brotherly relations adding that Kuwait Airways is the official national carrier and it is operating as the second carrier in Pakistan after PIA for more than three decades and providing the better services to the passengers and it is the good addition to the relations between two countries. He said that the incumbent government played a due role for the restoration of peace not only in Pakistan but for the whole region.
Ambassador of Kuwait in Pakistan not only appreciated the endeavors of incumbent government towards enhancing and accelerating the bilateral relations with Kuwait and also admired the significant contribution made by Aviation Adviser and said that Aviation sector is the fast growing sector in Pakistan.
He acknowledged the steps taken by incumbent government to restructuring Pakistan International Airlines. While thanking him, Adviser also invited the Ambassador to attend the inaugural ceremony of New Islamabad International Airport.
PCB terms Karachi premier league illegal tournament
LAHORE, Mar 28 (APP):Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has termed the Karachi Premier League as an illegal cricket event and asked the all concerned related to the game to stay away from it.
This is to notify that a Private Tournament by the name of Karachi Premier League, organized by Moiz Bin Zahid has not
been officially sanctioned/approved by the Tournament Evaluation Committee (TEC) of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and pursuant
to the Pakistan Cricket Board (Rules For Private Cricket Events), 2012 falls within the ambit of ‘Disapproved Cricket’, said a spokesman of the PCB here on Wednesday.
Therefore if any ,Cricketer, Coach, Trainer, Manager, Selector,
Team Owner or Official, Doctor, Physiotherapist, Match Referee, Pitch Curator, Player Agent, Umpire or Umpire Support Personnel affiliated with PCB or any person employed with PCB participates in the above mentioned Tournament, they may be liable to Disciplinary Action being taken against them in accordance with applicable Rules & Regulations.
“PCB’s Commercial & Media Partners should also take note of this announcement and take remedial action/measures”, he added.
Rana Afzal lauds services of business community
ISLAMABAD, Mar 28 (APP):Minister of State for Finance, Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan Wednesday lauded the services of business community for the development of the country.
Talking to a delegation of Jhelum Chamber of Commerce and Industries led by Farhan Razzaq Dar that called on the him here, the minister said the government would always accord due consideration to the genuine needs and demands of traders and exporters.
The Minister said that the government of Pakistan Muslim League (N) had always supported the development of small and medium enterprises in the country and was fully cognizant of the role small industries had been playing in the provision of employment and development of the local communities.
He assured the delegation of his full support and immediate action in the matter regarding supply of gas.
On the occasion, the delegation thanked the Minister for the meeting and said the business community would keep playing its role in supplementing government’s efforts for strengthening of country’s economy.
Pakistan Investment Forum successfully concluded in Paris
ISLAMABAD, Mar 28 (APP):Pakistan Investment Forum jointly organized by Pakistan Board of Investment, Embassy of Pakistan to France and Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF), successfully concluded in Paris, a statement of the Pakistan embassy said here Wednesday.
Minister of State and Chairman Board of Investment Pakistan, Naeem Y. Zamindar and President Pakistan-France Business Council, Thierry Pflimlin co-chaired the Forum. Naeem Y. Zamindar led a 17-member Pakistani business delegation to the Pakistan Investment Forum.
The representatives of Punjab & KP Investment Boards made presentations about business and investment opportunities in their provinces. A large number of major French companies including Renault, Total, Suez, GE, Gemalto, Vinci, Credit Agricole, Surys and Engie attended the event.
Addressing the opening session of the Forum, Chairman BoI, Naeem Zamindar said,” Pakistan with its 207 million strong consumer base, growing economy and skilled workforce offers an excellent opportunity to the French companies for investment. He invited them to benefit from Pakistan’s lucrative and liberal investment policies. He assured them government’s full support and facilitation for their investments in Pakistan.
The Ambassador of Pakistan to France, Moin ul Haque said that Pakistan’s economy was going through a transformation with large scale infrastructure development and connectivity projects being undertaken under CPEC. He said it is high time for French companies to explore Pakistan, which is fast becoming a regional hub for trade and business.
Thierry Pflimlin, President France-Pakistan Business Council appreciated Government of Pakistan’s initiative to hold the Investment Forum in Paris. He recalled the visit of the French business delegation to Pakistan last year and noted that such interactions would strengthen the trade and investment relations between the two countries. Noting Pakistan’s impressive economic performance, he also urged France companies to invest in Pakistan.
Later, the representatives of the Pakistan business delegation held B2B meetings with their French counterparts in diverse fields such as infrastructure development, agri-products, energy, IT, pharmaceuticals, security equipment and water management.
Naeem Y. Zamindar Minister of State and Chairman Board of Investment Pakistan also held separate meetings with Thierry Pflimlin, President France-Pakistan Business Council of MEDEF International, who is also the President of TOTAL, Global Services, and representatives of Renault, French Development Agency and Credit Agricole. He also gave interview to French newspapers Le Figaro and Liberation.
Traders asked to offer discounted sale during Islamabad Spring Festival
ISLAMABAD, Mar 28 (APP):Deputy Commissioner, Islamabad Capital Territory Capt. (Retd) Mushtaq Ahmed visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and briefed the business community about the details of organizing a 3-days Islamabad Spring Festival 2018 (ISF) that would commence from April 6.
The representatives of local markets were also present on the occasion.
The Deputy Commissioner ICT said that business community should decorate markets to give them a festive look during the ISF.
He said traders could also organize sales events during the festival. He said that various festivities were held throughout the world to welcome the spring season, but due to terrorism in Pakistan, no such festivity was held in Islamabad since long. However, he said now the things were much improved and under the guidance of Ministry of Interior, ICT Administration has decided to organize an international level 3-days Islamabad Spring Festival. He said the event would promote a soft image of Pakistan.
Mushtaq said the inaugural ceremony of ISF would be held at Fatima Jinnah Park on April 6. He said the festival would feature various events during three days including family gala, food festival, kids’ arena, water sports competition, cycling competition, flowers exhibition, art and craft gallery etc.
He said a cricket match of special persons in collaboration with ICCI would also be held on April 8 at Shalimar Ground.
He said a musical concert would be held at Jinnah Convention Center and said that ICCI should sponsor that event. He hoped that the ISF would also help in better promotion of business activities. He said efforts would be made to organize ISF every year on regular basis and its during could be enhanced from one to two weeks or more.
Speaking on the occasion, President, ICCI Sheikh Amir Waheed lauded the initiative of ICT Administration for organizing Islamabad Spring Festival as it would send a positive message to the outside world and encourage new investment in the country as well. He assured that business community would fully cooperate in making ISF successful. He stressed upon the traders to offer discounted sale during the festival to give additional benefits to the consumers.
PMLN to win next elections owing to record accomplishments: Muqam
PESHAWAR, Mar 28 (APP):Adviser to Prime Minister and
Provincial President PMLN, Engr. Ameer Muqam Wednesday said that PMLN would emerge victorious in next election owing to its performance and record development work.
Addressing public gatherings at Swat, he said that
accomplishments, development and steps taken by PMLN to strengthen country’s economy would pave the way for its success in elections 2018.
He said that despite being out of power in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, PMLN has addressed the concerns and issues confronted by people living in KP.
He vowed to continue struggle keeping in view the wishes and aspirations of people who were being left unattended by PTI in the province.
He said that leadership of PTI is in disarray due to ascending popularity of PMLN adding it also reflects the confidence of public on the leadership of PMLN. He said that PTI has delivered nothing tangible but deceived people by misleading slogans.
Muqam said true face of PTI has been exposed before public
who would reject it in next coming elections.