UNITED NATIONS, Mar 7 (APP):The United Nations has welcomed a planned summit between North and South Korea, saying it was ready help in the process.
“The Secretary-General is encouraged by the advances made during the latest inter-Korean talks, particularly the agreement to hold a summit meeting soon, to further reduce military tensions, and to discuss denuclearization in future talks with all relevant parties,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to further assist in this process with the governments concerned,” the statement read. “The latest developments are further steps forward in laying the foundation for the resumption of sincere dialogue, leading to sustainable peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.”
At the regular noon briefing, Dujarric said, “We’re obviously encouraged by these discussions. Anything that can reduce further military tensions, I think is, is to be welcomed.”
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and South Korea have agreed to hold the third inter-Korean summit talks in late April after South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s special delegation led by Chung Eui-yong, Moon’s top national security adviser, paid a two-day visit to Pyongyang.
In December, Guterres had sent the UN political affairs chief, Jeffrey Feltman, to Pyongyang to urge the DPRK to open dialogue for ending the crisis on the Korean Peninsula.
He was, however, told by Pyongyang that “now was not the time.”
The UN Security Council last year imposed tough new economic sanctions aimed at choking off funding for Pyongyang’s military programmes after the DPRK carried out its sixth nuclear test and a series of missile launches.
UN welcomes upcoming inter-Korean summit, ready to assist process
International Football star: new UNWTO Ambassador for responsible tourism
ISLAMABAD, Mar 7 (APP):International football star Fernando Hierro has been named Ambassador for Responsible Tourism in a meeting at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with its Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili.
“As tourists, each of us can change the world if we act responsibly with regard to the places, the people and the cultures we visit. I feel part of this team and I support the World Tourism Organization in its efforts to ensure that tourism benefits everyone,” said Hierro upon accepting the distinction from UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, said a press release.
Fernando Hierro’s legacy is closely associated with Real Madrid, a team with which he played more than 600 matches. Over his career, he won five Spanish La Liga titles, five Spanish Super Cups, the Copa del Rey, three UEFA Champions League titles and two Intercontinental Cups, among others. As part of the national team of Spain, he played 89 matches and participated in the World Cup in 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002 and in the UEFA European Championship in 1996 and 2000. He is currently the sports director of the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
“Fernando is an exceptional athlete and an example of personal integrity, and as a friend of the UNWTO, he will help us promote the positive values and real benefits that tourism can represent,” said Zurab Pololikashvili.
Fernando Hierro thus joins Vicente del Bosque, the legendary Spanish football coach, who was named Ambassador for Responsible Tourism last 17 January during the annual UNWTO Awards for Tourism Innovation.
Maldives educationists praise AIOUs free education schemes
ISLAMABAD, Mar 07 (APP):Maldives educationists praised high the free educational schemes of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), stating that these could serve as model for other countries to follow in accommodating down-trodden people.
The delegation consisting of Maldives educationists visited the University and also had a meeting with the Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shahid Siddiqui during which the two sides discussed areas of bilateral cooperation, a news release said on Wednesday.
The delegation was briefed about the various educational programs of the University that cover wide-range of academic disciplines.
Maldives delegation led by Dr Amal Ali, rector of the MIANZ International College noted that the AIOUs initiatives providing free education to prisoners, disabled, drop-out girls and transgender groups are highly commendable.
He also praised the Accessibility Centers, set up at the Universitys 44 regional offices for visually impaired persons.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Shahid Siddiqui said the AIOU enjoys top-ranking academic position in the country in account of its record annual enrollment of 1.3 million students and country-wide infrastructure network.
The University has recently enhanced it collaboration at national and international level to upgrade it educational practices, he added.
The Maldivian delegation included Dr Ali Najeeb, Vice Rector, Villal Colleges, Ms Hawwa Latheef, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Maldives, Ibrahim Munaz, Chief Inspector, Institute for Security and Law Enforcement Studies, Hassan Abdull Saeed and Vice President, Clique College.
During the briefing-session, Dean Education Dr. Nasir Mahmood and Incharge International Collaboration and Exchange office Prof. Zahid Majeed informed the delegation about the Universitys research-based activities as well as its online educational programs.
Later, the delegation took round of various departments of the University including the national library, Press and Pub lication and E-learning excellent center.
Pak Army troops shot down Indian spy drone
RAWALPINDI, Mar 07 (APP):Pakistan Army troops shot down an Indian spy drone while it violated LoC in Chirikot Sector.
The drone has been taken over by Pakistan Army troops, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued here on late Tuesday.
This is 4th drone which has been shot down by Pakistan Army troops in last one year.
Myanmar’s ‘ethnic cleansing’ of Rohingya continues: U.N. rights official
UNITED NATIONS, Mar 6 (APP):Myanmar is continuing its “ethnic cleansing” of Rohingya Muslims, while claiming it is ready to receive them back from Bangladesh, according to a UN human rights envoy.
Andrew Gilmour, UN assistant secretary-general for human rights, made the remarks in a statement on Tuesday after speaking to newly-arrived Rohingyas in Bangladesh’s refugee camps on his four-day visit to Cox’s Bazar district.
“The ethnic cleansing of Rohingya from Myanmar continues. I don’t think we can draw any other conclusion from what I have seen and heard in Cox’s Bazar,” he said.
“It appears that widespread and systematic violence against the Rohingya persists,” the statement said.
His statement also said it was “inconceivable” that any Rohingya would be able to return to Myanmar in the near future, despite Myanmar’s pledges to start taking back some refugees.
“The Government of Myanmar is busy telling the world that it is ready to receive Rohingya returnees, while at the same time its forces are continuing to drive them into Bangladesh,” Gilmour said.
“Safe, dignified and sustainable returns are of course impossible under current conditions.”
“The nature of the violence has changed from the frenzied blood-letting and mass rape of last year to a lower intensity campaign of terror and forced starvation that seems to be designed to drive the remaining Rohingya from their homes and into Bangladesh.”
The Rohingya, one of the most persecuted communities in the world, are not recognised as citizens of Myanmar and face widespread discrimination from the authorities.
Prior to the current exodus, tens of thousands of Rohingya have already been living as refugees in several neighbouring countries.
The plight of the Rohingya reached its peak in Myanmar six months ago when the country’s military cracked down on the minority group in Rakhine State, sparking a mass exodus.
South Asia child marriage numbers falling, says Unicef
UNITED NATIONS, Mar 6 (APP):Child marriages are declining, with the largest drop in South Asia, the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF said Tuesday.
South Asia has witnessed the largest decline in child marriage worldwide in the last 10 years, as a girl’s risk of marrying before her 18th birthday has dropped by more than a third, from nearly 50 per cent to 30 per cent, in large part due to progress in India, UNICEF said.
Increasing rates of girls’ education, proactive government investments in adolescent girls, and strong public messaging around the illegality of child marriage and the harm it causes are among the reasons for the shift.
“When a girl is forced to marry as a child, she faces immediate and lifelong consequences. Her odds of finishing school decrease while her odds of being abused by her husband and suffering complications during pregnancy increase.
There are also huge societal consequences, and higher risk of intergenerational cycles of poverty, Anju Malhotra, UNICEF’s Principal Gender Advisor, said in a statement Tuesday. “Given the life-altering impact child marriage has on a young girl’s life, any reduction is welcome news, but we’ve got a long way to go.
According to new data from UNICEF, the total number of girls married in childhood is now estimated at 12 million a year. The new figures point to an accumulated global reduction of 25 million fewer marriages than would have been anticipated under global levels 10 years ago. However, to end the practice by 2030 the target set out in the Sustainable Development Goals progress must be significantly accelerated. Without further acceleration, more than 150 million additional girls will marry before their 18th birthday by 2030.
Worldwide, an estimated 650 million women alive today were married as children. While South Asia has led the way on reducing child marriage over the last decade, the global burden of child marriage is shifting to sub-Saharan Africa, where rates of progress need to be scaled up dramatically to offset population growth. Of the most recently married child brides, close to 1 in 3 are now in sub-Saharan Africa, compared to 1 in 5 a decade ago.
New data also point to the possibility of progress on the African continent. In Ethiopia ” once among the top five countries for child marriage in sub-Saharan Africa ” the prevalence has dropped by a third in the last 10 years.
“Each and every child marriage prevented gives another girl the chance to fulfill her potential,” said Malhotra. “But given the world has pledged to end child marriage by 2030, we’re going to have to collectively redouble efforts to prevent millions of girls from having their childhoods stolen through this devastating practice.”
Journey for revival of film,music, sports starts with marked improvement in security: Marriyum
ISLAMABAD, Mar 06 (APP):Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage while speaking at the launching ceremony of PTV Sports programmes said that journey for revival of film, music and sports had started with marked improvement in security situation of the country.
The journey was difficult but thankfully it had begun. She said that Pakistan had been facing the scourge of terrorism for the last 25 years and during this period not only film, music, art and culture suffered but sports fields also presented a deserted look. By the grace of Allah, she said the peace had returned to the country due to the steps taken under the vision of former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, efforts and cooperation of provisional governments and unmatched sacrifices of armed forces, police and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan.
She said that playgrounds of country had been settled up again and Government was further taking concrete measures to encourage and promote sports activities in Pakistan. She said that sports activities bestow unswerving resolve and develop resilience to go through difficulties and confront challenges. “Sports legends were the real face and identity of Pakistan and we were proud of our stars in hockey and all other games” the minister said.
She called upon sports super stars to come forward and play their role in promoting the positive image of the country as Pakistan was fighting a war of perception. The minister said that it was a matter of great privilege to be amongst the galaxy of sports heroes adding that a generation had grown up while watching these sports idols ruling the world in their respective arenas.
The minister said the credit for revitalization of sports in the country also goes to Pakistan Television which was changing in terms of its content and quality. She acknowledged efforts of Secretary Information Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera and his team for making PTV Sports channel a trend setter and a brand name.
She also acclaimed the role of national TV in combating the tendency of intolerance in the country. While dilating upon her plan of restructuring and revamping Pakistan Television Corporation, she said that the sports programming was being enhanced with a view to involve different communities and engage youth in every nook and cranny of the country in sports activities. The aim was not just to broadcast sports programmes for youth but the real idea behind was to bring a change in mindset and attitudes.
The minister of state informed the audience that the PTV Sports will broadcast 11 new specialized sports programs and variety of games including squash, cricket, football, hockey, tennis, women sports as well as programs on fitness and nutrition. Marriyum Aurangzeb also emphasized the need to put children in sports as it would help them grow to more calm, positive and tolerant individuals.
She said that PTV had always encouraged programs on women sports and would further extend live broadcast of sports events to be held within and foreign countries. She thanked corporate sector heads for attending the event, saying no government can deliver on its own and the corporate sector had to play its role in sponsoring sports events.
Cabinet expresses resolve to provide uninterrupted power to consumers in summer
ISLAMABAD, Mar 6 (APP):The federal cabinet which met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday
expressed satisfaction over the power situation and resolved to provide uninterrupted power to the consumers during the upcoming summer season and Ramzan.
The meeting also appreciated the efforts of the incumbent as well as former Minister for Power for addressing sectoral issues relating to power. It was emphasized during the meeting to lay greater focus on addressing administrative and management issues viz-a-viz transmission, distribution and recovery of power dues.
Secretary Power Division briefed the cabinet on projections of electricity demand and supply; and the available generation capacity for catering to the power requirements during the summer season particularly during Ramzan.
It was informed that additional power would be added to the national grid from Tarbela-IV and Neelum-Jhelum Hydro-power projects during next months which would further augment the existing generation capacity. The meeting was also briefed about the current load-management plan.
The prime minister stated that as a result of untiring efforts of the government power generation
had significantly increased since 2013. He said that provision of uninterrupted power supply had remained the priority of the present government in order to meet domestic, commercial and industrial requirements.
In order to discourage cigarette smoking, the cabinet approved banning of sale of loose cigarettes by amending the “Prohibition of Sale of Cigarettes to Minors Rules, 2010.
The federal cabinet accorded approval for signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Governments of Somalia and Government of Pakistan for Rendering NADRA’s Services to Somalia
Approval was granted to initiate legislation on Geographical Indications Protection Bill, 2017.
Geographical Indications (GIs) is a form of intellectual property rights which identifies a product originating from a specific area, whose quality or reputation is attributable to its place of origin. Possible GIs for Pakistan can include Basmati Rice, Ajrak and Pashmina shawls, Peshawari Chappal, Truck Art, Apricots, Handicrafts, Ornaments etc.
The Cabinet approved appointment of Presiding Officer, Special Court (Offences in Banks), Islamabad.
Cabinet ratified the recommendations of the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) in its meeting held on 22nd February, 2018 and Cabinet Committee on Privatization held on February 16, 2018.
Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Sartaj Aziz briefed the Cabinet in detail regarding measures to enhance cotton production and exports from Pakistan. Cabinet approved transfer of Pakistan Central Cotton Committee and Cotton related matters from Ministry of Textile Industry to Ministry of National Food Security & Research.
National polo championship gets underway
LAHORE, Mar 06 (APP):As many as three matches were decided on the opening day of the National Championship for Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup here at Lahore Polo Tuesday.
In this two-week long extravaganza, seven teams are showing their equine skills and control of ponies. On day one of the championship, Diamond Paints beat Master Paints/ Rizvis 6-5, Army defeated Newage/BBJ Pipes 9-8 and Barry’s outscore Master Paints Blacks 8-5.
Lahore Polo Club President Irfan Ali Hyder, executive committee member Umer Sadiq, Jawad Jamil Malik, Ahmed Nawaz Tiwana, Saqib Khan Khakwani, secretary Col R Shoaib Aftab and other members saw the successful start of the country’s premier polo tournament.
In the first match, from Diamond Paints, Macos Araya, Mir Huzaifa Ahmed and Eulogio Celestino scored two goals each while from Master/Rizvi’s, Juan Cruz Losada developed four goals and Saqib hit in one.
In the second game of the day, Army saw Ignasio Negri convert seven goals while Brig Zulfiqar Ali Baig and Miguel Luis Duggan shared one goal each while from the losing Newage side, Salvador Ulloa produced five goals with two coming from Ahmed Zubair Butt and one from Adnan Jalil.
In the third match of the day, Barry’s had its upperhand through Juan Maria Ruiz (Tito), who scored four goals and Bilal Haye and Ramiro Zavaleta shared two goals each and from the losing end, Gerado Mazzini hit three while Hissam Ali Hyder got two goals.
Another three matches will be played tomorrow Wednesday. Barry’s will take on Newage. BBJ Pipes, Army will face Rejas/PAF and Master Paints/Rizvis meet master Paints Blacks.
Malaysian businessmen urged to exploit Pakistan’s business potential
ISLAMABAD, Mar 6 (APP):Business community should take advantage of business opportunities provided by Pakistan in various fields including halal products, fruits, vegetables, sports goods, textiles, surgical goods, equipment, fisheries, dairy sector, germs and stones, etc.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Mohammad Nafees Zakaria said this while peaking as a chief guest at the Palm Oil Conference 2018, organized by the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives.
A business networking meeting was also arranged by Pakistani Investor in Malaysia, M/s GAMALUX, said a message received here on Tuesday, adding the businessmen and representatives from Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Singapore, South Korea, Netherlands and Norway attended the meeting.
In his address to the networking meeting, Nafees Zakaria appreciated GAMALUX for its contribution to promoting Pakistan-Malaysia economic relations, welcomed Business Delegates from Pakistan and other countries and informed the audience of the business and investment potential that Pakistan holds.
He underscored that Pakistani businessmen should create awareness among Malaysian businessmen through Workshops and business events.
The High Commissioner also underlined that Pakistan, by virtue of its geographic location at the confluence of four regions, is a natural economic hub and energy corridor and Malaysian and other countries’ businessmen could exploit the regional markets from their base in Pakistan.
In the context, Mr. Zakaria mentioned CPEC and the benefits the project offers to the regional countries and its people. Likewise, he said, Malaysia being a member of ASEAN could be a springboard to exploit ASEAN markets for Pakistani products.