ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP):National Security Advisor Pakistan Lieutenant General (Retd) Nasser Khan Janjua said Wednesday that Pakistan had great economic and connectivity potential for other countries.
Addressing a program “Pakistan: A Land of Opportunities for Central Asian Republics” arranged by National Security Division and Center for Global and Strategic Studies, he spoke about prospects of Multilateral Security Cooperation for Multi Dimension Security Issues in the Region and also highlighted the culture, opportunities and living style of the people of Pakistan which is common with Central Asian States.
Nasser Khan Janjua said Central Asian States have great religious importance for Muslims who are spiritually connected to them. “All of us have common history along with peaceful and prosperous future,” he said and stressed the need to come together to counter challenges and common threats.
Speaking about challenges to Pakistan, he said “we were engaged in FATA, Balochistan and FATA but entire Pakistani nation and Armed Forces fought with these challenges successfully”.
He said that Pakistan launched the biggest counter terrorism operation in FATA, lot of operations to restore peace in Karachi while people-centric military strategy brought results in Balochistan.
National Security Advisor said that Pakistan is looking towards Russia for greater relationship. He questioned as how Pakistan did wrong if Russia had attacked Afghanistan in late 70s while several other challenges were also faced by the country after 9/11.
“Pakistan is morally a correct country and right side of the history,” he said while referring to blames on it about double game in Afghan war.
Mr. Janjua said that President Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani has stated to give chance to peace and Pakistan totally supports him in this regard.
Speaking about geographical location of Pakistan, he said Pakistan is uniquely placed country which provides connectivity to most of the countries.
“Pakistan is providing largest bridge or connectivity to the world. Central Asian States and Pakistan are very much blessed and suitably located to achieve their economic goals,” he maintained.
Nasser Khan Janjua said that new sun of our progression is rising and let’s all rise together for better future.
Pakistan has huge economic and connectivity potential; says Janjua
Air Pollution emerges major source of environmental degradation in Asia: Mushahidullah
ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP):Minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah Khan said air pollution has emerged over the years as one of the major sources of environmental degradation in Asia compromising the quality of living environment standards.
Addressing the participants of Ministerial Dialogue solutions landscape for clean air during 2018 Asia Pacific Clean air Partnership Joint Forum Bankok, Thailand, he said air pollution has no boundaries as pollutants can be mile across state and national boundaries therefore pollutants produced by one country can have adverse impacts on other countries, said a message received here.
He further highlighted that Pakistan is experiencing winter smog which engulf vast area, thus cause loss to life and economy.
This wither smog is primarily due to burning of agriculture residue and non-conforming industrial processes.
He further added while addressing most serious issue of air quality in Pakistan is the presence of excessive suspended particulate matter present in the ambient air. The major sources of Suspended
Particulate Matter are vehicles, industry, burning of solid wastes, brick kilns and natural dust. According to World Bank urban air particulate pollution is estimated to cause around 22,000 premature deaths among young children. Burning of municipal solid wastes is another source of air pollution.
Almost 54000 tons of solid wastes is generated every day, most of which is either dumped in low-lying areas or burnt. Incomplete combustion of solid waste leads to release of toxic and carcinogenic pollutants.
Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah Khan further highlighted that government of Pakistan have taken various initiatives including, environmental friendly policies and introduction of mass transit system in major cities of Pakistan.
He further added that government of Pakistan has taken significant steps in improving air quality. These steps include introduction of unleaded gasoline, reduction of sulphur in diesel that is now Euro 2 compliant, continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations in federal and provincial capital cities, national environmental quality standards for industrial gaseous emissions and establishment of Solid Waste Management Companies to effectively address solid waste management.
He further said that coal fire power plants being established in the country are based on super-critical steam type of boiler that operates at super critical pressure.
He also highlighted that Pakistan is part of regional initiatives called “Male declaration on control of Trans boundary Air Pollution”.
Building on the momentum of the regions’ response to implement the United Nations Environment Assembly Resolution on Air Quality and as a follow up to the 2015 Joint Forum, the 2018 Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership Joint Forum is being organized as part of long week long programme under the theme Solutions Landscape for clean Air.
The 2018 Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership Joint Forum will provide an opportunity to provide progress on implementation of the 2014 UN Environment Assembly resolution in Asia and the Pacific on air quality including the Asia Pacific Clean air Partnership since
2015 joint forum.
It will also discuss and share the latest science, evidence and impacts of air pollution. This forum will also share and exchange practical and innovative solutions at the national and local level, featuring policy, finance and technology and develop a plan for the Asia Pacific Clean air Partnership Joint Forum to implement the UN Environment Assembly resolution on air quality in the region.
2000 cops to ensure security on Pakistan Day
RAWALPINDI, Mar 21 (APP):Over 2000 police personnel will be deployed in the city to ensure security on Pakistan Day (March 23) to be celebrated on Friday.
According to a police spokesman, on the directive of City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Israr Ahmed Khan Abbasi elaborate security arrangements have been made. Besides district police, special branch, Elite Force and Dolphin Force personnel would
also perform security duties on Pakistan Day.
He informed, the cops would also perform rooftop duties to make security arrangements foolproof.
Police officials have been deployed at all entry and exit points of the city, he said adding, the city has been divided into various sectors which are being covered by setting up different police pickets.
Police officers of all the police stations have been directed to make police patrolling more effective and SPs and SDPOs are supervising and monitoring security and patrolling plan, he added.
The spokesman said, all out efforts are being made to avoid any untoward incident while special search operations are being conducted to net the criminals.
Jubilant citizens witness fighter jets’ aerobatic maneuvers
ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP):The jubilant citizens of twin cities on Wednesday gathered on different roads, roof-tops of their houses besides public and private buildings to witness the aerobatics maneuvers of fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force, rehearsing for the final show in mega event of the Pakistan Day, March 23 .
The day’s activities, specified as Rehearsal Day to mark the 23rd March in spectacular way, were enthusiastically witnessed by a large number of children, women, office goers and traders outside the Parade venue.
Some offices in surrounding of the Parade Avenue had even made sitting arrangements for catching the glimpse of adroit flying skills.
An office worker Ishtiaq Khattk told APP that such activities by the armed forces showed Pakistan’s defence capabilities and preparedness to give a befitting response to any challenge by adversaries.
“I used to observe the drills of various flying formations at the bridge of Kashmir Highway as one can have a beautiful view from there ,” he added.
Aftab Ali, a resident of Shamsabad, said he was going to drop his children in school but his younger child Ibrahim insist to stay near I/8 check post after seeing the crowd and hearing thunders of the colour- emitting Fighter Jets hovering over the capital.
Shadman, a student who came from the garrison city to see the aerobatics, said he had recorded the spectacular shows in his mobile phone for sending to his friends and posting on social media.
The capital remained echoing with thunders of the jets for hours and children were enjoying the aerial shows, putting hands of their ears due to heavy sounds.
Talal urges political parties to sit together for signing charter of economy
ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP):State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry Wednesday said all political parties should sit together to sign a charter of economy like charter of democracy. Signing Charter of Economy was need of the hour, he said this talking to a private news channel.
He said privatization of Pakistan International Airline (PIA) and Steel Mills was in favour of the country because a huge amount had been spent on these non profitable institutions.
He said development work in the country was also affected due to releasing heavy amount for PIA and PSM.
The minister said political instability was one of the reason affecting economy, adding that no country could make progress without political stability.
Replying to a question. he said rumours had been removed after arresting Rao Anwar, adding that
there was dire need to investigate the reasons regarding police encounters.
He said Awami Muslim League (AML) head Sheikh Rashid was a liar person and he was contineusly insulting the national institutions.
To another query,he said executive would decide the matters of ECL regarding Pervez Musharraf.
Pakistan a land of opportunities for CARs: Tehmina Janjua
ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP):Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua said here on Wednesday that Pakistan was the land of opportunities for Central Asian Republics (CARs).
She said this while addressing a daylong international conference titled “Pakistan: A Land of Opportunities for Central Asian Republic” organized by National Security Division (NSD) in collaboration with Global and Strategic Studies Institute (GSSI).
The Foreign Secretary delivered her presentation on “Addressing Geo-Political Challenges to Enhance Regional Integration” highlighting the geo-strategic and geo-political importance of Pakistan in the region.
She said that Pakistan’s foreign policy pursues connectivity, energy, peace and developing people-to-people and cultural contacts among the regional countries.
Tehmina Janjua said that no country was so much adversely affected by the conflict of Afghanistan as Pakistan. She said, “The Afghan conflict has gifted Pakistan with weapons, drugs, and refuges.” Thus the situation has also made the country suffer from smugglers and human traffickers, she added.
The Foreign Secretary urged that regional engagement with regional support and regional solutions to the problems being faced by the region. She said that no military solution is possible to resolve the Afghan conflict.
Janjua said that today the dream of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is closer to reality. She also lauded the efforts of China for its One Belt, One Road Initiatives (OBORI) and peaceful rise of China and its shared interest in the future and prosperity of the region.
She said that the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India Pipeline (TAPI) and the Central Asia-South Asia power project, commonly known by the acronym CASA-1000 are underway.
During the conference, a large number of academicians and policy experts from CARs presented their research papers on various themes of regional integration, economic cooperation, connectivity, socio-cultural exchanges, and security cooperation among the regional countries.
Nation to celebrate Pakistan Day with enthusiasm
LAHORE, Mar 21 (APP):The nation will celebrate the Pakistan Day (Resolution Day) across the country with zeal and zest on Friday.
Special programmes and seminars will be organised by
different organisations to mark the day in the provincial
capital like in the other cities of the country.
The day will dawn with 21-gun salute in the city while
national flag will be hoisted at all government buildings
and departments.
Several buildings including Railway station, Wapda House
and Provincial Assembly building will be decorated with lights
and colourful buntings to mark the national day.
Romina for promoting urban forestry to ensure cities sustainable, livable
ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP):Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change Romina Khursheed Alam Wednesday underlined the need for promoting urban forestry to ensure cities sustainable and livable.
“Urban forestry is a need of the hour to make cities sustainable and livable”, she said while addressing an event to mark International Forest Day here at Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services organized in collaboration of Gaarana group of Companies, Be There, Young Parliamentarian Forum, Green Pakistan Program, International Union of Conservation of Nature, Association of overseas Pakistanis, and Sustinable Development Policy Institute.
She said forests and greenery were the ultimate cures against global devastation, adding that despite provincial, federal and governmental level efforts, Pakistan was still lacking the capacity to cope with international forestation level standards.
Romina said urban forestry mainly deals with plantation in cities which are more prone to high pollution levels causing more diseases and disasters as compared to villages.
“Urban plantation can be suitable along road sides, along park corners and it might also be suitable for every house to plant a fruit tree in house lawn or open areas outside the houses,” she said.
On other hand, the parliamentary secretary said, kitchen gardening must be appreciated at smaller levels and building green infrastructures and concept of vertical gardening is also taking shape as recently introduced in Amazon mall, a project of Graana Group of Companies.
While talking about the importance of forest, she said, “forests apart of being a useful source of fruits and nuts, timber and fuel, shadow and shades, help in maintaining climatic balance, keep check on pollution levels and support a large portion of biodiversity, indeed”.
She also highlighted “Ghar Ghar Aik Shajar” program crossing the target of 8,000 plants and distribution of 3600 plants in schools.
Deputy Mayor Islamabad Zeeshan Naqvi appreciated the plantation drives of both Capital Development Authority and Ministry of Climate Change, which helped in creating awareness among public about clean environment and greenery.
He also highlighted initiatives taken under Prime Minister’s Green Pakistan Program. Chairman Graana Group of Companies Shafique Akbar apprised about major projects of the company including urban forestry .
Dr Asghar Naeem Professor at National University of Science and Technology stressed the need to take measures for promotion of urban forestry as “we are living in the age of cities.”
Fawad an architect also highlighted that architects could play an active role in urban forestation by designing green architectures.
Pakistan Food Festival kicks off in Ankara
ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP):A two days “Pakistan Food Festival” started Wednesday at the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara as part of the Pakistan Day celebrations, where a variety of dishes of Pakistani cuisine will be presented.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi at the launch of the Pakistan Food Festival said Pakistan’s rich and delicious cuisine is based on a long historic tradition and cooking excellence and has been evolving and changing since ancient times, according to message received here.
He said the geographical and cultural diversity of Pakistan was also reflected in Pakistani cuisine, adding that Pakistani and Turkish cuisine have many similarities.
The food festival will be organized in collaboration with Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Centre.
With its simplicity yet mouthwatering tastes, the popular and tasty Pakistani dishes like Biryani, Mutton Karahi, Chicken Karachi, Chicken Kebab, and snacks like Samosa, Pakora, Dahi Phulkiyaan along with desserts like Carrot Halva, Shahi Tukray and Cream Chaat would certainly titillate the taste buds of many Turks and international guests during the festival.
Provision of higher education is top priority of incumbent Govt: KP Governor
PESHAWAR, Mar 21 (APP): The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Engr. Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has said, education is of high importance on the agenda of the incumbent Government and virtually reaching the door-step of the students across the country.
Knowledge is an irreplaceable asset and the efforts of private sector towards promotion of higher education carry great value, Governor said while addressing the Convocation ceremony of CECOS University here Wednesday.
President of the University, Engr. Muhammad Javed; Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Riaz A Khattak, Consul General of Iran Muhammad Baqir Begi, teachers, parents of the graduating students and a large number of students were present on this occasion.
The governor, who is also the patron of the university, conferred degrees to a total of 400 graduating students of various disciplines
and 46 amongst them were given gold medals on their distinctive achievement in respective disciplines.
“Your persistence efforts and hard work has finally paid off and you are about to enter a new chapter of your lives where fresh challenges and opportunities await you,” the Governor said.
He appreciated the services of the university for securing respectable position amongst the top universities of the country especially engaged in the field of Engineering and Computer Science & Information Technology.
This is a commendable achievement and we appreciate it, the Governor said.
In fact, he said, there has been a rapid increase in the number of colleges and universities over the last few years which definitely
will play an indispensable role in progress of the entire nation.