SIALKOT, Mar 19 (APP):Barzil Ambassador to Pakistan, Claudio Raja Gabaglia Lins vowed to make all out sincere efforts to boost mutual trade ties between Pakistan and Brazil.
He stated this during an important meeting with Sialkot business community held at Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here Monday.
SCCI President Zahid Latif malik, Senior Vice President (SVP) Abdul Waheed and Vice President (VP) Abid Ahmed Khawaja presided over the meeting.
The Brazilian Ambassador said that Brazil would soon establish the direly needed “Pak-Brazil Business Forum” to develop Face-to-Face business contacts and boost the mutual trade ties between Pakistan and Brazil.
He said that all the stakeholders from both sides would be putting together in this forum.
The envoy said that there was a dire need to establish “Pak-Brazil Business Forum”, saying the Forum would start formal functioning in Islamabad at the end of April 2018.
He sought positive suggestion from SCCI, in this regard.
Earlier, SCCI President Zahid Latif Malik accorded a warm welcome to the visiting diplomat.
He lauded the efforts to enhance bilateral trade and investment, and said that the same could be conveniently enhanced by facilitating frequent interactions of private sectors through single country exhibitions, exchange of trade delegations and one-to-one meetings of businessmen from both sides.
He emphasized that Sialkot exporters have great potential to explore and capture the international trade markets including France by exporting their world class traditional and non-traditional export products.
The meeting was told that the total trade volume between the two countries is around US $660 Million with balance of trade in favour of Brazil at US $ 605 Million.
The present trade volume is not reflective of the mutual friendly relations and potential available in the two countries.
They said that there were immense possibilities and huge potential of joint ventures and cooperation
in various feasible sectors, which might be exploited optimally to improve bilateral trade.
Ambassador of Brazil to Pakistan, Claudio Raja Gabaglia Lins also thanked the people of Sialkot for their warm hospitality and appreciated the exceptional projects of Sialkot Business Community including Sialkot International Airport and AIRSIAL.
Earlier, the Brazilian Ambassador also visited the several leading industrial units in Sialkot, amid tight security.
He witnessed the international standard craftsmanship of Sialkot based artisans and said that Sialkot exporters had a great potential to explore and capture the international trade markets of Brazil by exporting their world class traditional and non-traditional export products.
He also highly hailed the unique export culture of Sialkot.
Brazil envoy vows to enhance mutual trade ties
Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan took over command of PAF
ISLAMABAD, Mar 19 (APP):Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan took over the command of Pakistan Air Force as the 22nd Chief of the Air Staff, in a Change of Command ceremony here at Air Headquarters, on Monday.
During the ceremony, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented the guard of honour to the outgoing Chief of the
Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman. Later on, he decorated Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan with the ranks of Air Chief Marshal and handed him over the “Command Sword”. To bid farewell to the outgoing Air Chief a four-ship formation of JF-17 Thunder aircraft presented a farewell fly past over the venue.
Speaking on the occasion, the outgoing Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman said, “As I relinquish the responsibility of PAF command on completion of my tenure as Chief of the Air Staff, I bow my head in great humility before Allah Almighty, for his
boundless blessings, help and guidance throughout my career. No doubt, serving PAF for over four decades has been a privilege, honour and a matter of immense satisfaction for me. Certainly, I cannot think of a greater honour than leading
one of the best air forces of the world.”
The outgoing Air Chief further said, “I am glad to leave behind a well-developed mature organization, equipped with
sophisticated hardware in the hands of most competent and highly skilled
professionals, ever ready to defend the aerial frontiers of Pakistan as per the
aspirations of the nation. As I reflect upon my times, both pleasant and
testing in Pakistan Air Force, vivid among these are the events of the last
three years in which PAF faced unprecedented challenges and brought peace to
the country after milestone achievements in war against violent non-state
actors and extremists.
“Establishment of PAF’s Airpower Centre of Excellence was another major step forward in augmenting PAF’s operational preparedness and promoting cordial relations with friendly countries. PAF has also embarked upon
a toilsome but rewarding effort in shape of Aviation City and a well-crafted Aerospace and Aviation Campus of Air University to prove the much needed Industry-Academia linkage for economic prosperity of the country through indigenization
and self-reliance,” he said.
“I urge you to strive for excellence in your assignments, put in your best for the country and PAF, work with sincerity
of purpose and complete commitment to assigned tasks. Being combatants of this elite organization, always uphold the pledge to live for, fight for and die for the country.
“On this occasion, I congratulate Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan on his appointment as Chief
of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, and wish him success in his new assignment. My successor is a sound professional with extraordinary leadership qualities and above all he is an excellent human being. I am confident that
during his tenure of command, Pakistan Air Force will scale new heights of excellence, Insha Allah,” he added.
Rear Admiral Imran Ahmad takes over as Commander Logistics of Pak Navy
ISLAMABAD, Mar 19 (APP):Rear Admiral Imran Ahmad Monday took over the Logistic Command of Pakistan Navy in impressive change of command ceremony held at PN Dockyard.
According to a statement issued here by directorate of general public relations of Pakistan Navy, Imran Ahmad took over the command from Rear Admiral Sajid Wazir Khan.
Rear Admiral Imran Ahmad would now be Incharge of Logistic support to all PN Units, Ships, Establishments and repair/maintenance facilities of Pakistan Navy.
A guard of honour was also presented to the newly-appointed Commander Logistics during the ceremony.
Later, Commanding Officers of the units under Command were also
introduced to Commander Logistics.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of officers, civilians and sailors of Pakistan Navy.
Cricket festivity returns to Lahore
LAHORE, Mar 19 (APP):Cricket festivity returns to Lahore after
almost five months and the Gadaffi stadium wears a fresh look to
stage two back to back play offs, of the third edition of the
Pakistan Super League here on March 20 and 21.
After the successful holding of the, last year’s PSL final in
March last, three match ‘Independence Cup’ series between Pakistan
and the World XI in September last followed by a T20 game between
Pakistan and Sri Lanka in October at this historic venue, the arena
has been given a bridal look to hold the two semi finals of the PSL.
Pitches are being prepared and the grass has been cut in different patterns as the ground wears a good look. Different enclosures have
been washed and plastic chairs get their original colour back after
dusting. Broken chairs are being replaced with the new ones in
various enclosures.
“There is nothing more to be done as the entire stadium is in
perfect condition”, said a spokesman of the Pakistan Cricket Board
while talking to APP on Monday. “We are just taking care of the
minor things and work ,where it is needed and necessary and we are
all set to organize the matches in a befitting manner”, he said.
“Another historic moment will be added in Pakistan cricket history
with these play off at the Gadaffi stadium which is a respected
cricket arena throughout the world for having staged World Cup and
other elite cricket events in the past”, he asserted.
A strict security plan has been put in order at the Nishtar
Park Sports complex and all the restaurants and the business houses
located in its vicinity are closed and will reopen on March 23.
“Similar measures (closing of the Nishtar Park sports complex)
were also taken earlier this year when we organised the final of
the Pakistan Super League, matches of World XI last month and
Pak-Lanka T20 game”, he said.
PML-N govt taking revolutionary steps to promote research culture: Abid
FAISALABAD, Mar 19 (APP)::State Minister for Power Chaudhary Abid Sher Ali said on Monday the PML-N government was taking revolutionary steps to promote education research culture, provision of state-of-the-art health facilities and uplift of agriculture sector.
Addressing the laptops distribution ceremony at University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), he said the future of country was in the hands of youth and they must focus on their education.
He said the Prime Minister Youth Internship Program, Laptop scheme, and scholarships etc. were landmark steps which would bring prosperity in the country.
He urged the scientists to develop out-of-the-box solutions to redress the grievances of layman. He also said that agriculture was backbone of our economy, contributing to 20 percent to the Gross Domestic Product.
He said the government had brought Prime Minster Kissan Package worth Rs 341 billion in order to make development in agriculture sector and to facilitate farmers.
He said that under the government health policy, free medical facilities were being provided to under-privileged segment of the society.
He said that quality education and trained manpower were essential to compete with the rest of the world. He lauded the steps being taken on the part of the UAF in the area of academia and research with a special focus on agriculture sector.He added that they had recruited 2.5 lakh teachers that will help improve situation of the education sector.
UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Zafar said that without ensuring the quality education, we cannot cope with the challenges of modern era. He lauded the revolutionary steps of government to
promote education, and uplift the agricultural sector.
He said that knowledge based economies are growing across the globe and we have to take the measurers in this regard. He said the UAF was taking all possible measures to produce the quality manpower and research work.
He said that the country was blessed with tremendous talent. He said that the Kissan package, Punjab Educational Endowment Fund, PM Fee imbursement scheme, HEC need-based scholarship etc are the hallmark measures that will bring tangible results.
He said under a Rs. 1350 million federally funded project, the infrastructure like multi-storey ICT Block, Digital Library, Student Services Center, and a Hostel for 1000 students, is at final stage.
The project also include campus wide ICT infrastructure worth Rs 250 million.
He said that the University now has 10-G connectivity across the campus. The voice over IP solution has recently been launched, whereas ERP and Campus Management System, is also in the process of deployment.
He said that with the financial support of federal government, sub-campus of this University has been established in T.T. Singh at a cost of Rs. 502 million.
He lauded federal Government for approving a project regarding Establishment of UAF Sub-Campus in District Okara at a total cost of Rs 889.291 million.
HEC Regional Center Lahore Director General Nazir Hussain said that in fourth phase manufacturing plant of laptop had started manufacturing.
He said that only 9 percent youth is getting higher education compared to 90 percent in South Korea. He added with the laptop, the students will be able to get the access to 10,000 books and
a number of journals to excel in the knowledge.
Director Financial Assistance Dr Hafeez Sadaqat said that the university was making all out efforts to ensure the modern facilities to the students.
He said Rs 700 million was being given to the students as scholarships in the university. He said that laptop scheme is enabling the students to compete the students with the rest of the world.
Daniyal accuses PTI, PPP of creating conflict among institutions
ISLAMABAD, March 19 (APP):Minister for Privatization Daniyal Aziz Monday alleged that Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leadership were trying to create conflict among institutions.
Talking to a private news channel, he said the PTI leaders were using derogatory language and defying the orders of national institutions.
He said it was a wrong perception against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) that it was disrespecting institutions. The PML-N leader accepted the court orders and left the slot of premiership for rule of law, he added.
To a question, Daniyal Aziz said efforts were made to force the PML-N out of power, which had come into government by winning the general election 2013 with thumping majority. The opposition parties, including the PTI, started harping rigging allegations, which were aimed at creating chaos in the country, he added.
To another question about contempt of court case, Daniyal Aziz said the decision would be accepted in reverence of law.
PSL play offs : full house to watch both the matches
LAHORE, Mar 19 (APP):With tickets of both the play offs of the third edition of Pakistan super league already sold out,these semi finals will be watched by full house at the home of cricket the historic Gadaffi stadium
In the first semi final defending champion,Peshawar Zalmi will face off with Quetta Gladiators here tomorrow,Tuesday and the stadium is set to welcome the PSL at home with a full house in attendance.The winner of Zalmi and Gladiators will take on Karachi Kings in the second semi final on March 22 .The final is slated on March 25 at Karachi.
“Tickets of the matches have already been sold out as informed by the courier company assigned the task to sale the tickets on its designated branches and on line”, said a spokesman of the Pakistan Cricket Board while talking to APP on Monday.
He said the tickets priced at different values for both the plays off were put on sale well ahead of the matches to facilitate.
“We have make good arrangements for the comfort of the pubic inside the stadium,the way we did in the PSL final,during the World XI tour and the visit of Sri Lankan team last year”, he said.
Answering a question,he said fool proof security arrangements have been made for the peaceful conduct of the matches with the help and cooperation of law enforcement agencies.
“Safe city authorities will be monitoring the city situation and the entire route of teams from their hotel to the stadium with the help of installed cameras round the clock during the matches”,he added.
He praised the efforts of authorities of safe city project to ensure strong security in and around the stadium.”Security will be at the highest level for the participating teams of the play offs and for the public coming to watch these matches”, he said.
POL products’ consumption up by 9.7%, production 3.2 %
ISLAMABAD, Mar 19 (APP):The consumption of petroleum products registered a growth rate of 9.7 percent during fiscal year 2016-17 as compared to previous year’s increase of 5.2 percent.
During the year, main drivers of increased consumption were transport and power sectors, which registered high growth of 12 percent and 10 percent respectively as compared to the year 2015-16, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) said in its annual report for the year 2016-17.
The consumption of Motor Spirit (MS) in transport sector witnessed an increase of around 16 percent during the period under review, which could be attributed to rising demand of transport sector particularly the growing number of motorcycles and cars.
Similarly, consumption of High Speed Diesel (HSD) grew by 10 percent compared to previous year mainly on account of higher utilization by transport sector indicating increased economic activity in the country.
Transport and Power sectors consumed almost 90 percent of total Petroleum Oil Lubricant (POL) consumed in the country, with 57 percent and 33 percent shares respectively.
Pakistan State Oil remained the lead player in total energy products supply to the consumers with 55 percent market share, followed by Shell with 9 percent, Attock Petroleum Limited and Hascol Private Limited with 8 percent each. Total PARCO Marketing Limited and Total PARCO Pakistan Limited captured 4 percent shares each. While, Byco Petroleum Pakistan Limited and other oil marketing companies contributed 3 percent and 8 percent shares respectively.
Total production by the refineries stood at 11.67 million tons as compared to previous year’s 11.31 million tons, showing a growth of 3.2 percent.
Pak-Arab Refinery Company was the largest and main producer of petroleum (POL) products with 39 percent market share in the total production, followed by National Refinery Limited with 20 percent share, Attock Refinery Limited , Pakistan Refinery Limited and Byco Petroleum Pakistan Limited with 18 percent, 14 percent and 10 percent respectively.
The demand for HSD, MS and FO were mostly met through imports as domestic production was not enough to meet the domestic requirements.
Around 73 percent of MS, 69 percent of FO, 46 percent of HSD and 14 percent of Jet Fuels demand was met through imports of finished POL products in the country during the last fiscal year.
Musadik urges political parties to have debate on jurisdiction of institutions
ISLAMABAD, March 19 (APP): Special Assistant to Prime Minister Senator Dr Musadik Malik on Monday urged the political parties to have debate on jurisdiction of institutions for smooth flow of system in the country.
The role or limits of the institutions should have been discussed so that democratic system could continue and flourish in the country, he said while talking to a news channel.
Expressing concerns over changing ideology and attitude of Pakistan Peoples Party, he said
PPP’s collusion with Pakistan Tehrik e Insaf (PTI), and undemocratic forces had been visible. In the current scenario, we can understand the collusion of PPP and PTI , he added.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), would continue working for democracy and streamlining the institutions for betterment of the country, he said.
To a question, he said that political parties should focus on amending laws or formation of new legislation so that the matter of jurisdiction of institutions could be clarified for democracy.
PSL is big step forward for unearthing talent: Zaheer Abbas
LAHORE,March 19 (APP)-:Former Pakistan cricket captain, Zaheer Abbas on Monday said that Pakistan Super League (PSL) is a giant step forward for unearthing new talent and to provide them a platform to showcase their talent and become quality cricketers in due course of time.
“Look at the players who have been inducted in Pakistan cricket team in recent years,they are the find of PSL and got into the lime light by showing their class in their respective departments of the game during the previous editions of PSL”,he told APP in an exclusive interview.
Zaheer,a former International Cricket Council’s President said pace bowlers Hasan Ali, Roman Raees, all rounder Muhammad Nawaz,spinner Shadab Khan and batsman Fakhar Zaman were the finds of the previous editions of PSL and this year paceman Shaheen Afridi and batsmen Talat Hussain, Salman Agha have impressed with their talent.”
“There are few other promising cricketers who are part of the PSL but they are in the process of making”,he said.
“Finding talent from PSL is an un-ending process and it will strengthen our national cricket in years to come as well and by that way we will be able to find variety of players mainly in batting and bowling”,said Zaheer,known as a batting run machine.
He said PSL is also helping the players to nourish their talent by playing alongside world’s top notch cricketers during the league matches which is adding to their confidence and also lifting the level of their game to a high level.
“With passage of time and new talent pouring in we will be having plenty of talent in our national cricket which will make our team capable of attaining desired results mainly due to the presence of young talent”,he said.
The former Pakistan captain said Pakistan Cricket Board deserves praise for making the PSL a huge success as the event is liked by the fans across the globe and it has set certain benchmarks as far quality of cricket and thrill in the matches are concerned.
“From its first edition till now (third edition),PSL liking graph is going up,given the fact that it is being played in parts at UAE and in Pakistan and if the entire PSL is staged in Pakistan,it will be having deep rooted impact on Pakistan cricket as the players will be playing in their own backyard amid presence of foreign players”,said the former batting legend.
To a question,he said PSL at home will be instrumental in bringing back international cricket to Pakistan and still it is playing its part in addressing this issue.
“PSL final at Lahore last year was the breakthrough in ensuring the return of international cricket to Pakistan and it was good to see World XI and then Sri Lankan team visiting the country”, he said adding that “PCB is working hard to revive international cricket and PSL is an added advantage in achieving this objective”.