RAWALPINDI, Mar 18 (APP):Security forces apprehended five terrorists and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in intelligence based operations (IBOs) on Sunday in various areas of Balochistan.
The IBOs were conducted in Quetta, Uch, Dera Bugti, Loralai, Pishin and Sibbi areas of Balochistan, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement issued here.
The ISPR said that six terrorists also surrendered.
The recovered cache of arms and ammunition include mines, prepared improvised explosive devices (IEDs), explosives, detonators submachine guns and communication equipment.
Security forces arrest five terrorist from Balochistan
Masood asks world to take notice of Indian atrocities in IoK
MIRPUR (AJK), March 18 (APP): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Masood Khan has accused India of using pernicious and coercive tactics to divert the world’s attention from the atrocious human right abuses being committed by her
occupational forces against the innocent Kashmiris in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK).
The president expressed the views while addressing public meetings arranged by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Bhimbar district late Saturday.
Sardar Masood applauded the courageous role and resilience of the population dwelling along the Line of Control in the forward areas of AJK close to the LoC. “We will not be intimated by India’s unprovoked firing and shelling,” he vowed.
He paid rich tribute to the brave citizens, who had been martyred and seriously wounded due to the constant violations by India of the 2003 Ceasefire Agreement.
The Indian occupation forces, he said, were using pernicious tactics to simply divert the world’s attention from the atrocious human right violations being committed by them against the innocent Kashmiris in occupied Kashmir.
India, he added, had adopted a dastardly approach in its attempt at intimidating the local population living near the LoC by targeting unarmed civilians, school children, educational institutions, livestock and their homes. “These unabated acts of aggression will never succeed in making us renege on the demand for our just right to self-determination. This can not only be termed acts of terrorism but also grave violations of international humanitarian laws like the Geneva Conventions.”
He said in the IoK, women and girls were dishonoured and innocent protestors were being murdered, maimed, blinded and illegally imprisoned for merely demanding to exercise their right to self-determination as per United Nations Security Council’s resolutions.
“India has made the IoK a virtual prison for the Kashmiris. The international community has become a silent spectator due to its strategic, political and economic interests with India,” the AJK president said.
While lamenting India’s deliberate targeting of unarmed civilians, Sardar Masood said the Pakistan Army had never opened first fire, nor had it ever targeted civilians living on the other side of the LOC. ‘We consider the civilians living across the LoC as our own citizens and India continues to exploit this fact by relentlessly aiming their guns at our civilians.”
The AJK president said India had unleashed a three-pronged war against Pakistan; firstly, by torturing and killing our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in the IoK; secondly, it was targeting civilians across the LoC; and thirdly, India had launched a systematic proxy war to destabilize Pakistan by abetting and sponsoring terrorist activities in FATA, the province of Balochistan, Karachi and other cities of the country.
Sending a clear and resolute message to India, President Masood Khan said, “The people of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan, and our armed forces will not be intimated by such malicious devices to bring harm to our country or its people.”
The AJK president on the occasion personally addressed the issues raised by the affectees of cross border fire and informed that the government had allocated substantial funds for constructing bunkers to be used by the citizens in the areas most vulnerable to enemy fire. The construction of bunkers would be initiated very soon.
He assured that every effort was being made for providing ambulances for the evacuation of the injured and for the speedy establishment of basic health facilities in areas adjoining the LoC. Furthermore, he said, a modern network of roads would also be laid down in the areas to facilitate movement of the victims.
He said compensation for the victims of cross-border fire would be increased and the necessary modalities in that regard would soon be finalized.
President Masood also thanked Pakistan’s armed forces for their untiring efforts in defending the people living along the LoC and assured that the people and the government of Azad Kashmir stand shoulder to shoulder with their valiant soldiers in facing the enemy and its ongoing fight against terrorism.
Dubai being made first Smart City of world: Javed
ISLAMABAD, Mar 18 (APP):The Ambassador of Pakistan to UAE Javed Malik Sunday said Dubai was being made as the first Smart City of the world through state-of-the-art technology.
Addressing Dubai Block Chain Technology and Smart City International Seminar at Dubai, he said the world was emerging as a global village through modern technology, said a press release issued here.
He said the international developmental targets of United Nations (UN) had similarity with Block Chain Technology.
Javed Malik said ample advancement was being made in Pakistan’s information technology sector.
Xi takes oath of allegiance to Chinese constitution
ISLAMABAD, March 18 (APP):Chinese President Xi Jinping took a public oath of allegiance to the constitution in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Saturday.
Xi was elected Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People’s Republic of China earlier in the day at the ongoing first session of the 13th National People’s Congress, the national legislature, China Daily reported.
“I pledge my allegiance to the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to safeguard the Constitution’s authority, fulfill my legal obligations, ” newly elected president said.
This was the first time for a Chinese president to take a public oath of allegiance to the constitution upon assuming office.
Last October, Xi was elected general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and appointed CMC chairman of the CPC at the first plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee.
With the national emblem hung up high in an auditorium inside the Great Hall of the People, everybody stood and a hard copy of the constitution was brought to the stage by honour guards as the ceremony started at around 10:49 am.
After a chorus of the national anthem was sung by all present, 64-year-old Xi Jinping , in a dark suit, took the podium, placed his left hand upon the constitution, raised his right fist, and read the oath.
“I pledge to be loyal to the country and the people, be committed and honest in my duty, accept the people’s supervision and work for a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful,” he said.
He then bowed and returned to his seat amid warm applause.
The ceremony was held just six days after the national legislature added oaths of allegiance into the newly-amended constitution last Sunday.
The amendment also added Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a guiding theory for China.
Based on a legislative decision passed by the top legislature in July 2015, China put the system into effect in January 2016, requiring all state functionaries to take a public oath of allegiance to the Constitution when assuming office.
The PRC enacted its first Constitution in 1954. The current Constitution was adopted in 1982 and amended in 1988, 1993, 1999, 2004 and 2018.
Joining NPC deputies in a panel discussion on March 10, Xi urged officials to uphold rule of law, oppose rule of man, be in awe of the Constitution, and exercise their duty within the boundaries of the Constitution and laws.
The ceremony was broadcast live via state television and the Internet.
“By taking the lead in swearing the oath, the president is telling the public that every one is equal in front of the law, and there is no exception,” said Xiao Shengfang, an NPC deputy and president of Guangdong Lawyers Association. “It shows commitment by the Chinese leadership to rule of law, which will ensure China’s journey toward modernization.”
Taj Mahal not mentioned in Uttar Pradesh’s tourism booklet
BEIJING, March 18 (APP):A 32-page booklet titled “Uttar Pradesh Tourism: Its High Potential,” released by Rita Bahuguna Joshi, tourism
minister of Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, mentions some Hindu and Buddhist religious places but misses one of
the world’s most famous monuments, the Taj Mahal, said Ding Gang, a Chinese scholar.
In his article ‘Is the Taj Mahal part of Indian culture’ he wrote, “Like all other tourists from China, I looked
forward to seeing the Taj Mahal, described by Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore as “a teardrop on the cheek
of time.” On the way from Delhi to Agra, I visited the Hindu temple of Akshardham. The Hindu shrine lingered
in my memory as I strolled the compound of the Taj Mahal.
The hotel I stayed in was not far from the Taj Mahal. From the window of my hotel room, I could see the
Islamic-style dome of the monument enveloped in a pale yellow haze, surrounded by low and decrepit
houses. After a short break, we rushed to the Taj Mahal. Piles of rubbish and effluent streaking across the
street could be seen on the way to the monument.
The mausoleum was built by the 5th Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his dead wife Arjumand
Banu, popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal. When it was completed in 1654, the Mughal Empire was on the
decline.
The greatness and splendor of this building derive from the power of the Mughal Empire. The love enshrined
in the monument and celebrated by ancient literati and poets in their work was actually supported by a
significant amount of pearls and treasures.
The colored patterns on the walls were full of inlaid gems collected from different parts of the world. The
tour guide told us the marble inlay technology originated in Italy, but was made full use of during construction
of the building and later gave birth to a unique handicraft art – Agra Pietra dura. To most visitors, the Taj
Mahal is a manifesto of love that the emperor created with the wealth of his empire during its heyday.
In essence, it highlights the ostentation and ambition of the emperor.
The centuries-old building has indeed climbed to the top of world architectural art, but it was also an
example of the old rule: Each empire will begin, after completing the construction of some grand buildings,
to decline.
Not many years after the completion of the Taj Mahal in 1654, Shah Jahan’s sons fought for the throne.
Eventually, his third son, Aurangzeb, defeated his brother and placed Shah Jahan under house arrest in
the Agra Fort. The dethroned emperor could only see the mausoleum from the balcony of the tower where
he lived.
Although the Taj Mahal combined the architectural styles of Persia, Central Asia, the Hindus, and
Rajputs, in its entirety the building has been constructed in keeping with Islamic architecture.
The difference between the Taj Mahal and Akshardham Temple is not only in time and art but also
spiritual.
That is why some Hindu extremists think that the Taj Mahal should not be considered part of Indian
culture.
Indian scholar Shashi Tharoor wrote in his article “The Siege of the Taj Mahal” that “India’s Hindu extremists
have long considered it humiliating that a monument built by a Muslim emperor could be Hindu-majority India’s
most recognizable site. The difference now is that this is no longer a fringe group; its members are now in
power in Uttar Pradesh, with enablers leading the government in Delhi.”
“The government” Tharoor refers to is the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party, the BJP.
In last year’s election, BJP won elections in Uttar Pradesh state where the mausoleum is located.
A 32-page booklet titled “Uttar Pradesh Tourism: Its High Potential,” released by Rita Bahuguna Joshi,
state tourism minister, mentions some Hindu and Buddhist religious places but misses one of the world’s
most famous monuments, the Taj Mahal.
India is known as the “Museum of World Religions,” but these different religions are not merely “exhibits.”
They cannot always peacefully stay in the same “room” for visitors to watch.”
Pakistan, China closest political, cultural, military allies: Chinese scholar
BEIJING, March 18 (APP):Pakistan is the closest political, cultural, military and economic ally of China and the all weathers friendship
between the two countries is a unique model for other countries to learn.
This was stated b eminent Chinese Scholar and Executive Dean of Tsinghua School of Journalism and
Director of Tsinghua Pakistan Culture and Communication Center, Prof. Li Xi Guang in an exclusive
interview with APP here on Sunday.
“Both the countries, with their cultural corridor, can present a model of our shared tradition, history and
values to the entire world,” he added.
Prof Li who led an expedition of 20 students from Kashgar to Islamabad via Gilgit in 2015, opined
that cultural corridor was more important than the economic corridor and both the countries must work
on spiritual and physical aspects during their cooperation.
He commented that if a mind was filled with only money and big houses, then the greed would grow
bigger. Hence, spirituality was equally important which was essential for the peace of mind.
The Chinese scholar pointed out that many things were common among the people of two
countries, adding, “We are working to introduce a common food acceptable for Muslims and
Chinese working along the route. I and my research team are writing a book about the unity
of civilizations against the clash of civilizations.”
Criticizing the Western media for always talking about the clash of the civilizations, he said,
actually, it was worried about the unity of Islam and Confucianism.
“The Western media looks at Islam in terms of violence and terrorism by portraying its negative
image. But this is not the truth,” he added.
Reposing complete confidence into the measures taken by the Pakistan government for the security
of Chinese working on various development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC) in different parts of Pakistan, he said, not a single Chinese citizen working in any CPEC
project was killed.
He said two Chinese citizens killed in Quetta by terrorists last year were working for a South Korean
Christian missionary organization.
He remarked that robberies, burglaries, and murders could take place everywhere in the world and
pointed out that more Chinese were killed in the USA every year than Pakistan.
Prof. Li also lamented the Indian media for spreading rumours about the security of Chinese
citizens, particularly in Balochistan province.
Responding to a question regarding progress on the projects being completed under CPEC
framework, he expressed his complete satisfaction and said that Pakistan and its people
were lucky to have a friend like China.
He said that when China started its reconstruction in 1949, it was a very difficult time of the
country as China was forced to send the army join the Korean War in 1950 because the
American invasion army came to Chinese border and bombed China.
As a result, the reconstruction process was delayed for three years. But in Pakistan, a number
of power stations were completed taking the country out of electricity load-shedding and it had
put positive impacts of the daily life of the people.
He, however, said that media needed to highlight the progress on the CPEC projects in a more
positive and appropriate way.
Prof. Li opined that infrastructure projects need good planning from the top and continuity of
policies.
On the equal distribution of the Chinese economic support, he said that it could not be divided
equally like a piece of birthday cake. Rather, projects were prioritized in accordance with the
requirement of different areas.
Commenting on China’s mediatory role it recently played to resolve different regional conflicts,
he said that while addressing Pakistan’s Parliament during his visit in 2014 Chinese
President Xi Jinping had suggested using Asian values to find a solution of the Asian
problems.
He said that China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan were neighbouring countries and the three
Asian countries jointly could find a solution of Afghan issue and bring about lasting peace
and stability in the war-torn country.
The renowned scholar said that the US troops were in Afghanistan for around 17 years for
building the new Afghanistan. But, Afghanistan has one of the worst illiteracy rate, life
expectancy, and unemployment.
He said that the US and other 50 allies countries poured billions of dollars and hundreds
of thousands of troops into Afghanistan in the name of fighting terrorism, but still the
country was the largest shelter of terrorists including IS and Daish.
“It is a total failure of the American governance in Afghanistan. The current situation
in Afghanistan reflects a total failure of the US-led World Order,” he added.
To a question, he said, China had been trying to open its door to the United States and
the West since 1949. But the US and its Western allies had a containment policy against
China until 1971 when Pakistan helped China to open the close-shut door of the West.
He, however, said that despite their boycott before the West open its door to China,
China had become an industrial giant and drastically cut down poverty and improved
its education and health sector.
He opined that the western media always exaggerated to make issues. Today, the biggest
problem is extremists and extremism. “We need peace in Iraq, Syria, and Libya which comes
only from unity.”
In his remarks on the NPC and CPPCC sessions, he said that the Chinese political system
was different from western style political system wherein the leadership was elected totally
on merit.
On the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its opposition of the CPEC by Indian leadership,
he said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to enjoy a high opinion poll by
using nationalism in the issue of CPEC and Kashmir and also wanted to take advantage
of the US, Japan and Australian stand against China for their self-interest.
He advised Indian leadership to stop opposition of the BRI and become part of the Initiative
along with China and Pakistan for the social well-being of the peoples and development of
the whole region.
Shedding tears highly beneficial for health
By Seema Mir
ISLAMABAD, Mar 18 (APP):An APP Feature
If laughter is good for health crying is highly beneficial for it preventing one from potential health hazards.
Medically,tears act as safety valve by releasing excess stress hormones, if left unchecked, chronic elevated levels of these hormones can cause physical ailments and play havoc with mood.
Further,as stress often precedes a good cry, the sense of calm often felt afterwards is at least in part due to hormonal release.
Besides physical benefits , research shows that eighty five (85%) percent women and seventy three (73 %) men feel less sad and angry after shedding some tears.
“If there is a reason to cry,don’t hold the tears back as by doing so there will be lethal consequences,”advised dr. Sanober , a health expert..
Dr. Sanober said, “Crying relieves stress,” and, she elaborated,”chronic stress can increase the risk of heart attacks, damage certain areas of the brain,contribute to digestive issues like ulcers and cause tension headaches and migraine beside other health issues.
She continued, it is said ,”Humans ability to cry has survival value,that is true as crying lowers blood pressure;Tears remove toxins from the body that is tears help humans eliminate stress hormones (Cortisole)Tears, she added reduce manganese whose elevated levels could be associated with anxiety irritability and aggression.
“Manganese is a mineral which affects mood and is found significantly in greater concentrations in tears than in blood serum.
Men rarely cry that is why they get more angry and frustrated and consequently suicide rate is higher in men than in women,Dr. Sanober said and added, “during childhood do not forbid your son from crying so that he may become a tension free man.
“Crying lessons depression so one should cry bitterly when frustrated,” she added .
Moreover, she said tears were antibacterial and cleared the eyes of infections and dust particles.
Different medical researches endorsing Dr. Sanober’s point of view categorize the tears in three different types:
-Reflex tears:These clear debris like smoke and dust from your eyes.
-Continuous tears:Lubricate your eyes and help protect them from infection; continuous tears contain 98% water.
-Emotional tears:Emotional tears contain stress hormones and other toxins and hence this type of tears flush toxins out of body.
Health experts however, cautioned against shedding extra tears.
PML-N serving masses with missionary zeal: Asif
SIALKOT, Mar 18 (APP)::Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Sunday said the country has been put on
the road to progress and development due to effective policies of the PML-N government,
Talking to party workers and businessmen at his residence, he said the incumbent
government has successfully overcome energy crisis by initiating different power
generation projects across the country, eventually people are having a sigh of
relief.
He said that additional efforts were being made to transform Pakistan into
a developed country.
He said the PML-N would continue to move forward on the voyage of development
without paying heed towards opponents’ criticism as people’s prosperity and solution of
their problems ware top on agenda.
The Minister was of the view that mega projects would prove their ‘magic’ in the
upcoming elections and bring PML-N back into power again, adding, “We believe in
public service, development and prosperity as this is worship”.
The general election would be held on scheduled time in the country, he added.
Khawaja Asif said the government was spending billions of rupees on different
mega projects in Sialkot, adding earlier the export city was totally ignored by the
past governments.
The minister said the development work on mega project of Sialkot-Lahore Motorway
was in full swing and after its completion, a new era of development and prosperity in the
region would usher in.
Pakistan, Afghanistan reiterate commitment to peace, stability
ISLAMABAD, Mar 18 (APP):Pakistan and Afghanistan have reiterated their commitment to peace and stability of each other and
agreed to work in a cooperative framework for a brighter future and expressed resolve to work together
and enhance cooperation to improve bilateral relations.
“It’s time to build bridges. We have a shared history and shared future. That is what our ancestors left for
us and we have to leave for our children. We should work for our shared interests in all fields including
political, economic and security. We must protect our relationship and advance it further,” said Haneef
Atmar National Security Adviser (NSA) Afghanistan.
The commitment was made during the visit of National Security Adviser Lt.General (R) Nasser Khan
Janjua during his visit to Afghanistan on Saturday on a special invitation from National Security Adviser
(NSA) Afghanistan Haneef Atmar.
His visit was acknowledged by Afghanistan as a great gesture of Pakistan, particularly after the peace
offer made by President Ashraf Ghani, said a news release.
During his visit, the NSA had elaborate and successful meetings with President Ashraf Ghani, Chief
Executive Abdullah Abdullah, his counterpart Haneef Atmar, Minister of Defense and NDS Chief.
Meetings were held in a very congenial, warm and cordial environment.
President Ashraf Ghani associated strong hopes with Pakistan and said, “We have made a sincere
and serious offer of peace and together we have to make the best of it by rising beyond past. Let’s
not remain prisoners of past and lets secure our future with the aim, not to win the war but to end it
for which Pakistan should help”.
He also expressed strong support for regional connectivity with Central Asian Republics (CARS)
to reap the benefits of ideal geo-strategic locations of Afghanistan and Pakistan. ” Without each
other, we are not complete,” he added.
He desired for a roadmap to be prepared for a comprehensive engagement with Pakistan to carry
the relationship further with a leap of faith. Availing the opportunity, he also handed over the letter
of invitation to NSA for the Prime Minister of Pakistan and expected him to visit as soon as
possible.
The NSA thanked the President for extending an invitation to Prime Minister of Pakistan and also
acknowledged the warmth, displayed for him and Pakistan and appreciated the peace offer made
by the President.
He termed the peace offer as a light on the other side of the tunnel in a war which had become
rather perpetual. Seeking the closure of conflict instead of winning it is a righteous approach,
he added.
He expressed deep sympathies with people of Afghanistan who have seen nothing but war since
last 40 years. He also expressed complete support for the peace offer which was long awaited.
“Use of force only injures people; wars are however, virtually won politically” he added. Assuring
of Pakistan’s full support for the vision of peace, he, however, highlighted that isolated, blamed
and coerced Pakistan is of lesser use to Afghanistan.
“The world has started to look at and undermine Pakistan through the prism of Afghanistan which
is not correct. We need to commit to each other and invest in bilateral relationship and Afghanistan
needs to stand with Pakistan and both need to win peace together. Our peace is mutual, let’s
seek it together” he said.
The same sentiments were acknowledged and reciprocated by the Afghan Government. They
also agreed to seize this moment collectively and to improve bilateral relations in pursuit
of the common objectives.
Rich tribute paid to revolutionary poet Habib Jalib at Lok Virsa
ISLAMABAD, Mar 18 (APP):A rich tribute was paid to revolutionary poet Habib Jalib here at literary session “Muzakra” organized by National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa).
Poet Iftikhar Arif, while speaking to participants, said Jalib’s poetry became popular during the martial law imposed by Gen Ayub Khan, and he would recite his poetry during Fatima Jinnah’s public meetings in the 1960s and 70s.
“However, Jalib never discussed his own problems and always talked about the issues of the people,” he said, adding that Jalib was in prison when his son died but never stopped speaking the truth.
“It is a fact that it was only Jalib who wrote and recited poetry about the darkest era of Pakistani history. He spent a simple life, although he had an opportunity to get benefits from governments,” Mr Arif said.
Jalib’s daughter Tahira Jalib recited some of his poems, including the famous Dastoor.
She said at the event that a road or hospital in the country should be named after her father.
Habib Jalib was a big name in the Urdu poetry. His work besides affecting the modern poetry of the language also had a very positive and construction impact on the poetry of other languages.
He was a progressive writer and soon started to grab the audience with his enthusiastic recitation of poetry.
The poetry of Habib Jalib can be divided into two parts first comprises ghazals composed during the period when Jalib had chosen to keep a somewhat low profile. He died on March 12, 1993 at the age of 65 years.
Many prominent writers, poets and intellectuals were also participated in the event.