ISLAMABAD, Mar 22 (APP):A high-level Chinese delegation visited Ministry of Defence Production and held a bilateral meeting, co-chaired by Secretary Ministry of Defence Production, Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Ijaz Chaudhary and Vice Administrator of State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND) of China, Xu Zhanbian.
During the meeting matters of bilateral Defence Collaboration came under the discussion, said a press release issued here.
Both the sides expressed satisfaction on the level of cooperation in the field of defence production and showed keenness to further expand the existing relations.
They also ensured smooth implementation of various projects of defence collaboration.
Chinese defence delegation headed by Vice Administrator SASTIND also called on Minister for Defence Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain.
The delegation showed keen interest in enhancing collaboration with Pakistan in the defence sector and military trade.
Rana Tanveer appreciated long history of Pak-China relations in all fields. He said these relations were focussed on welfare of people of both countries and were not against any other country.
He also highlighted the need to identify the areas of cooperation, which might help to further strengthen bilateral ties between Pakistan and its all-weather friend China.
He added that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with China. Both the dignitaries were satisfied with the increasing level of joint collaboration in defence sector.
High-level Chinese delegation visits Defence Production Ministry
Transport corridor projects to create economic surplus:WB report
ISLAMABAD, Mar 22 (APP):A report launched by World Bank Group here on Thursday revealed that investment in transport corridors is expected to create large economic surpluses that could spread throughout the economy
and society and stressed the need for fair and equitable distribution of the investments benefits across the population.
The report Wider Economic Benefits of Transport Corridors in South Asia was jointly launched by World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and UKAID.
The report aimed at presenting past and recent case studies of corridor initiatives and make an assessment of corridor investment supported by international development organizations.
Highlighting the salient features of the report, Martin Melecky lead Economic, Wider Economic Benefits of Transport Corridors said that there are many corridor proposals but there were a dire need for bridging the gap between investment and financing capacity and stressed the need for adopting the holistic appraisal methodology.
The report urged for engaging private sector and considering disparities in regional development and stressed the need for civil society organization integration of the uses of transport corridors their designs and implementation.
It called upon the policy makers to ensure the private sector understanding about the corridor programme, take ownership and ensure that it was not overwhelmed by the risk .
The analysis suggested that so far the engagement of the private sector might have contributed to the development success of corridor projects.
Istanbul bridges connecting Asia, Europe to be illuminated with Pak flag colors
ISLAMABAD, March 22 (APP):The bridges in Istanbul across Bosphorous Strait, connecting the two continents of Asia and Europe, would be illuminated in Pakistani flag colors to commemorate the National Day of Pakistan falling on March 23.
Pakistan and Turkey enjoy exemplary friendly relations as the two countries have always stood by each other in good and difficult times. Over the years, the relationship has grown from strength to strength, a message received here from Pakistani embassy in Istanbul on Thursday said.
The embassy deeply appreciates the Turkish government’s friendly gesture to commemorate the National Day of Pakistan in Turkey. Meanwhile, aerial acrobatic team “Solo Türk” and T-129 ATAK helicopters of Turkey will also participate in the fly-past ceremony during the “Pakistan Day” parade in Islamabad on March 23.
Construction of dams to help meet growing demand of water in country: Minister
ISLAMABAD, Mar 22 (APP):Minister for Water Reservoirs Syed Javed Ali Shah on Thursday underlined the need for construction of dams to meet growing demand of water in the country.
With the construction of dams, wastage of rainy and flood water could have been avoided in a befitting manner, he said.
while talking to a news channel he said the work on some reservoirs was in progress due to consensus among the stakeholders.
Upgradation of Mangla dam had been completed while the projects of Neelum-Jehlum and Diamer-Bhasha would be accomplished in near future, he added.
To a question regarding water issues with neighboring country, he said India was involved in violation of Indus Water Treaty.
Pakistan would again seek help from International Court of Justice regarding Indian violations, Syed Javed Ali said.
He expressed hope that India would come forward for resolving the issues with Pakistan regarding Indus Water Treaty.
To another question he said all the provinces should focus on formulating a policy on water and express unanimity on it.
As far as matter of water policy was concerned, he said the government would announce comprehensive water policy first time in the history of Pakistan.
Sherry Rehman notified as opposition leader in Senate
ISLAMABAD, Mar 22 (APP):Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani has declared Sherry Rehman as leader of the Opposition in upper house of the Parliament.
The Chairman declared Sherry Rehman as the opposition leader with effect from March 22, in pursuance of Rule 16 (3) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012, said a notification issued here Thursday.
Pakistan successfully acquires another Communication Satellite
ISLAMABAD, Mar 22 (APP):Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and China Great Wail Industry Cooperation (CGWIC) Thursday signed a contract for the acquisition of communication satellite PakSat Multi-Mission Satelite (PakSat-MM1) here.
This communication satellite PakSat- MMI has arrived at Pakistan’s geostationary orbital location of 38.2 East on Feb 27, said a press release.
Member Space Electronics Shakeel Zahid on behalf of SUPARCO and Chairman CGWIC Mr. Llu Qlang signed the contract.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reforms Professor Ahsan Iqbal and Ambassador People’s Republic of China Mr. Yao Jing, were present to witness the signing ceremony.
Chairman SUPARCO Qaiser Anees Khurram along with officials from Planning Commission, SUPARCO and CGWIC were also present at the occasion.
This event marks a major milestone as Pakistan has now secured another geostationary orbital slot along with precious frequency resources ensuring a continuous and expanding foothold of Pakistan in space.
China is collaborating with Pakistan on various avenues including space technology and its applications. The successful implementation of Pakistan’s first Communication Satellite (PakSat-1R) program has laid a very strong foundation between the two countries for future collaborations.
Pakistan’s first Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-1) program is another important step in this direction.
PakSat-MM1 satellite is a value addition in our geo-stationary fleet. This project paved the way for new communication services which will significantly assist in the socio-economic development of the country.
Another significant aspect of this program is that SUPARCO is collaborating a business venture with CGWIC on cost and revenue sharing basis through commercial contract.
Pakistan Multi-Mission Satellite will prove to be another major asset to initiate and expand various communication services including Direct To Hone (DTH).
Democratic system contributing to economic stability, development: Musadik
ISLAMABAD, Mar 22 (APP):Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Media Affairs, Senator Dr Musadik Malik Thursday said continuity of democratic system had always contributed to economic stability, development and prosperity of the country.
Democratic system should not be stopped in the country as Pakistan had already faced three worst martial laws, he said while talking to a private news channel.
He said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government was following one-point agenda to achieve milestone. Former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was ready to hold talks for supremacy of law and constitution which was demand of every person.
He urged leaders of political parties to talk under the limits of constitution and refrain from using unparliamentary language.
Musadik Malik said Nawaz Sharif always preferred the voice and narrative of public, who already held big public meetings in Peshawar, Mansehra, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad and other parts of the country to show his power.
He said many people were courageously participating in public gatherings of Maryam Nawaz because of her vision and leadership qualities.
Collective efforts stressed to frustrate terrorists’ designs
ISLAMABAD, Mar 22 (APP):Collective efforts are needed to frustrate the designs of terrorists, who wanted to tear apart the fabric of entire society, Grand Mufti of Egypt Dr Shawki Ibrahim Abdel Karim Allam said Thursday.
Addressing an International Conference titled “Promotion of Religious Tolerance in Light of the Teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH),” he urged Ulema, intellectuals, educationists and civil society to play their role for elimination of destructive concepts of terrorism and extremism.
He stressed the need to check the promotion of terrorism on social media, saying we should disseminate the message of Islam through our character, education. He asked the world to make decisive action against terrorists.
Every Muslim should play his role in portraying a true picture of Islam as fake Islamic organizations, created by enemies to give bad name to Islam, have been involved in the mass massacre of people in the name of religion. We should have to take measures to completely eliminate terrorism and extremism, he said.
Egypt has sacrificed its brave sons in the war against terrorism, which will be remembered for long time and would be written in the golden words.
He said National decree of Pakistan namely, ‘Paigham-e-Pakistan’ would be translated into Arabic language and distributed among various segments of society in Egypt for their benefit. He said Islam teaches promoting peace, tolerance and harmony among each other. The killings of innocent people is not allowed in any religion. Islam encourages cooperation in good deeds. On the occasion, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said the Seerat of last Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) teaches tolerance, harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The inking of Hudaibiya treaty by Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was a great example of Prophet’s tolerance and compassion. In an Islamic country minorities enjoy equal rights and religious freedom. No non-Muslim could be compelled to change his religion.
Highlighting Religious Ministry’s efforts of promoting religious harmony, he said National Ulema and Mashaikh Council, National Commission for Minorities have been constituted to promote religious harmony besides National Seerat Conferences are being held annually for spreading the peace message of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
He said Pakistan’s National Decree Paigham-e-Pakistan has been endorsed by Egypt and Imam Kaaba. The need is to spread the message of peace among all for ensuring peace in the world.
He said head of Al-Azhar University (Egypt) will be invited to Pakistan.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Pir Ami-ul-Hasnat Shah said enemies were trying to promote hatred among various sects of Islam. Implementing National Decree or narrative Paigham-e-Pakistan with letter and spirit would make the country peaceful.
Dr Yasin Zaraf said society was facing multiple challenges. More concerted efforts are needed for promoting religious harmony.
Allama Arif Wahidi said suicide bomb blasts are haram and only state is authorized to announce Jihad. Kashmiris were struggling to win right to self determination and we shall raise voice against Indian atrocities. Hanif Jalandhri said Islam preaches self-respect and tolerance. Non-Muslims were enjoying equal rights in Pakistan. Ulema are united against the menace of terrorism and extremism.
Dr Atta-ur-Rehman said state terrorism should also be condemned besides criticizing individual terrorism. Kashmiris and Palestanians are being subjected to the worst state terrorism.
Pandit Channa Lal said non Muslims are enjoying complete religious freedom in Pakistan. He urged for removing hate material from curriculam.
Pakistan played vital role in war against terrorism: Minister
ISLAMABAD, Mar 22 (APP):Minister for Defence Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan has said that Pakistan had played vital role in war against terrorism and achieved many success in rooting out terrorists from its soil.
All the terrorist sanctuaries had been eliminated through operation Zarb-e-Azb, he said while talking to a private news channel.
The remnants of terrorist networks had also been demolished through operation Radal Fasaad, he added.
He said that Pakistan would not allow anyone to use its soil against any country. It was the prime responsibility of the Armed forces to protect boundaries of motherland, he added.
To a question he said the government could provide assistance to Afghan government for establishing peace there.
To another question regarding interference of institutions into politics, Khurram Dastagir said such practices should be avoided. He said the slot of Senate chairmanship should have been given to Pakistan Muslim League-N.
In a query, the minister said the decisions would be taken in a cabinet committee meeting regarding the name of some people in Exit Control List.
He said Nawaz Sharif had always respected the courts and he appeared before the courts in respect of law. Shahbaz Sharif was playing key role in decision making of the party politics, he added.
Tireless efforts of PML-N government make possible Pakistan Day celebrations: Birjees
ISLAMABAD, Mar 22 (APP):Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Chaudhry Muhammad Birjees Tahir Thursday said the tireless efforts of incumbent government had made possible the celebrations of Pakistan Day in peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
In a statement, he said nation is set to celebrate Pakistan Day on Friday with traditional enthusiasm and fervor. Due to worst security situation of the country in 2013, the nation was unable to celebrate national ceremonies but today the situation has totally reversed and Pakistan Day will be celebrated with traditional enthusiasm and fervor.
The holding of Pakistan Super League matches in Pakistan proves the fact that playing activities have been re-started in country’s play grounds.
FATA and Balochistan have too become peaceful, thanks to tireless efforts of the incumbent government of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N).
After winning the general elections this year, he said the foundations of a true democratic state, free from prejudices would be laid.
He said country has become peaceful due to the steps taken by the incumbent government. The security situation was worst in 2013 as comparing to 2018.