ISLAMABAD, Feb 28 (APP):President Mamnoon Hussain Wednesday said the nations promoting their cultural heritage remained successful in all fields of life.
Addressing here at the closing ceremony of Abdul Majeed Parveen Raqam Youth Calligraphy Competition, he said severing ties with heritage leads to lagging behind among comity of nations.
The president said the exhibition of different forms of calligraphy by young calligraphers showed that cultural legacy of Muslims was being transferred from one generation to the other and the artistic expressions by the young Pakistani practitioners was a reflection of this bright cultural heritage.
The president appreciated the strenuous efforts of National History and Literary Division under the inspiring leadership of Adviser to the Prime Minister Irfan Siddiqui for revival of this art.
He said attributing this activity to renowned calligrapher Abdul Majeed Raqam was itself commendable and provided an opportunity to pay tribute to the people who contributed significantly in the field of calligraphy.
He said there was a time when the art of calligraphy like oriental medicine, classical music and other fine arts was transferred from one generation to another in specific families.
He mentioned Masjid-e-Nabvi in Medina where Ustaad Shafiq uz Zaman from Pakistan demonstrated his true love and dedication in the form of his remarkable artistic designs.
The president said the nations that followed the path of development by neglecting their cultural heritage ultimately failed as compared to those which remained connected to their cultural heritage.
He said cultural values created such a depth and beauty in the conduct and lifestyle of the culturally rich nations like Pakistan which became a guarantee of their success and development.
He said cultural values provided basis for educational, cultural and economic development besides enhancing the passion for progress among the people.
The president said the work of young calligraphers was not limited to pen and paper but was a national service, adding that manifestation of calligraphy could also be found in all Muslim countries including Turkey and Iran.
He emphasized that instead of becoming indifferent towards fine arts due to invention of modern era, focus should be given to promotion of the art and culture because it was the course followed by the developed nations.
Irfan Siddiqui highlighted the importance of calligraphy competition.
Nations fostering cultural heritage remain successful: President
Chinese, Pakistanis hold business meetings at PCJCCI
LAHORE, Feb 28 (APP):Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (PCJCCI) here Wednesday organized B2B (business to business) meetings of 31-member high profile, multi-sector Chinese Trade delegation with Pakistani businessmen, investors, and entrepreneurs.
The delegation was headed by Teng Shuang, Deputy Minister China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Jinan. The Delegation came with a purpose to hold interactive B2B meetings with potential partners in Pakistan. The area of interest was mainly Auto Parts manufacturing sector including electrical accessories, electrical equipment, sheet metal processing, , fiber laser cutting machine and precision machinery along with many other.
The head of delegation, Teng Shuang invited the PCJCI members to Jinan and extended her precious regards and offer to fully cooperate with the Pakistani officials. The B2B meetings were exclusively arranged by the members of PCJCCI to increase the scope of trade and investment in the above-mentioned areas.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr Iqbal Qureshi, Senior Vice President of PCJCCI. In the interest of promoting bilateral trade facilities between China and Pakistan, he expressed utmost aspiration
to make these business engagements purposive and productive for the businessmen of both countries.
Dr Iqbal Qureshi said that Pak China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry was highly grateful to the Chinese officials for being amazingly supportive and concerned about the business development of both countries. He said, China had been an incredible support of Pakistan at all times, the constant assistance of China would do wonders for the emerging economic status of Pakistan and these B2B meetings would certainly have a positive impact on the business community.
The meeting included various dignitaries including Sohail Qadri
from Punjab Board of Investment who talked about the investment policies for boost the ongoing economic activities in Pakistan.
He also brought to notice the importance of CPEC in his conversation with high profile delegates from various industries and hoped for the industrial boom of both nations.
PCJCCI invited top most auto parts manufacturing Pakistani companies to represent the auto industry of Pakistan before Chinese investors. Among those companies were Suzuki Master Motor, Toyota Airport Motor,
Ruba Automotive, Roshan Packages, Guard Agricultures and Novamed Pharmaceuticals etc. The meetings were held successfully between the investors and facilitators. The Chinese entrepreneurs highly appreciated the arrangements being done by PCJCCI and they were also satisfied with the positive response of the companies during the meeting.
It was observed that counseling with Chinese business community is mandatory to increase the quantum of trade and investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Tea imports into country grew by 11.35% in seven months
ISLAMABAD, Feb 28 (APP):Tea imports into the country during first seven months of current financial year increased by 11.35 percent as compared the imports of corresponding period of last year.
During the period from July-January, 2017-18, about 115,172 million tons of tea worth US$ 339.997 million imported to fulfill the domestic requirements as against the import of 119,314 million tons valuing US$ 303.343 million of the same period of last year, according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
During the period under review, about 80,171 metric tons of spices worth US$ 93.23 million imported as compared the imports of 68,965 metric tons valuing US$ 75.939 million of same period last year, showing an increase of 22.15 percent.
The imports of milk cream and milk for infants grew by 9.92 percent and about 55,042 metric tons of the commodity worth US$ 152.331 million imported as compared the imports 46,525 metric tons valuing of US$ 138.584 million of same period of last year, it added.
During the period under review, soyabean oil imports into the country also grew by 82.18 percent as about 118.795 metric tons of above mentioned commodity valuing US$ 105.778 million imported as compared the imports of 38,254 metric tons valuing of 58.063 million of same period of last year.
Meanwhile, about 1,662,763 metric tons of palm oil worth of US$ 1.208 billion imported to fulfill the domestic requirements as compared the imports of 1,448,796 metric tons valuing US$ 1.15 million of same period last year.
The imports of palm oil during the period under review grew by 19.04 percent as compared the first seven months of last year, according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
It may be recalled that country earned US$ 2.395 billion by exporting different food commodities during last seven months of current financial year as compared the exports of US$ 2.016 billion of the corresponding period of last year.
During the period from July-January, 2017-18, food group exports from the country grew by 18.83 percent as against the exports of same period last year.
On the other hand food commodities imports into the country during the period under review grew by 9.77 percent and stood at US$ 3.777 billion as against US$ 3.441 billion of same period last year.
However, on month on month basis, imports of food croup decreased by 7.21 percent as it was recorded at US$ 535.339 million in January, 2018 as against the imports of US$ 576.883 million of same month of last year.
Arif Lohar enthralls audience at Cultural Festival
ISLAMABAD, Feb 28 (APP):Famous singer Arif Lohar enthralled audience at on-going National Food and Cultural Festival organized by National Culture Development Forum (NCDF) here at Arts and Craft Village
Arif Lohar stole the show with his superb rendition of ‘Jugni’ and a few other Sufi songs. Clad in a black kurta shalwar with golden embroidery along with a group of four drummers, they created magic.
Arif Lohar usually sings with native musical instrument resembling tongs (called a ‘chimta’). His folk music is representative of traditional folk heritage of the Punjab. He is the son of folk singer Alam Lohar.
Arif Lohar praised the organizer of the event and lauded the audience warm response during his singing. He said that more such events should be organized in Islamabad.
“I have sung folk songs my entire life with the motto of spreading this love and peace” he said.
In 2005, he was awarded Pride of Performance Award from Government of Pakistan-the highest civil award in Pakistan. Worldwide he is among the Top Five Punjabi Folk and Pop Singers. In 2006 he made headlines in the Punjabi music world by his super hit album ’21st Century Jugni’, music produced, arranged and mastered by Mukhtar Sahota in Wolverhampton, UK, and was released by Internalmusic UK. Arif Lohar got big applause from the audience.
Folk Singers Abbas Jutt and Laila Jutti also performed on the occasion and got big applause from the audience. Laila Jutti performed on famous Punjabi song Bhaley Bhaley and enthralled the audience.
Earlier, President National Culture Development Forum President Mushtaq A Khan welcomed the audience in the Mega cultural event.
Talking to APP she said that National Food and Culture Festival was a great experience for her. She said that NCDF was great an important forum for presenting beautiful diverse culture and music of country.
Abbas Jutt presented famous songs of his father legend folk singer Ashiq Jutt and got big applause from the audience at musical show.
Some anti-Pakistan forces trying to halt CPEC: Ahsan
ISLAMABAD, Feb 28 (APP):Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal has said that some anti-Pakistan forces wanted to sabotage China Pakistan Economic Corridor project
the credit went to Nawaz Sharif for initiating the CPEC besides other projects to achieve speedy progress and prosperity for the people of country, he said while talking to a private news channel.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government would complete all ongoing development projects executed after 2013 elections, he said.
The PML-N would win the next general election with majority and support of the people due to its performance, he added.
He said it was unanimous decision of the party that Nawaz Sharif would lead the PML-N and Shehbaz Sharif would be
the acting president of the party.
The PML-N was fully united and it supported the decisions of Nawaz Sharif, he added.
Ahsan said Shehbaz Sharif was very popular due to record development and welfare projects in the province. The
performance of Shahbaz Sharif was much better than the other chief ministers, and it had increased the vote bank of PML-N, he added.
Replying to a question about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he said the PTI chief Imran Khan had introduced the culture of
derogatory language and politics of agitation.
Imran Khan was dreaming to become the prime minister of Pakistan since 1997, he added.
Ahsan Iqbal said there was need to work for political stability in the country. Expressing concerns, he said some anti-Pakistan forces wanted to halt China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
Nawaz says development projects speak of his commitment
SARGODHA, Feb 28 (APP):Former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Wednesday said he was striving to ensure respect for vote of the people
and development projects of the PML-N spoke of his commitment for welfare of the masses.
Addressing a gathering, after condoling the death of MPA Tahir Ahmed Sandhu with his family in Kotmomin, he said hurdles were always created in his resolve to serve the people with sincerity and in bringing development projects across the country.
Nawaz Sharif was not afraid of anybody, except Allah Almighty, he added.
Paying tribute to Tahir Ahmed Sandhu he said, Tahir was an honest and committed politician and his death had caused an irreparable loss to his family and the PML-N.
He was a well-wisher of the people of his area and had a deep ideology for a better future, he said and urged the people
to make his nephew Yasir Sandhu successful in the upcoming by-election.
Praising the successful public gathering at Kotmomin, he said people of the area had always respected the PML-N leadership as
they knew that their party always stood with them in all weathers.
State Minister Barrister Mohsin Nawaz, District President of PML-N Shahnawaz Ranjha, MNAs Hamid Hameed, Dr Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Sardar Shafqat Baloch, MPA Mian Manaazar Ali Ranjha and a large number of party workers were present on the occasion.
SIDC-industry Sports Industries Development Centre to inaugurate tomorrow
SIALKOT,Feb 28 (APP):Federal Minister for Industries and Production Ghulam Murtaza Khan Jatoi would formally inaugurate here on Thursday
the Sports Industries Development Centre (SIDC), a core initiative in the strategy of infusing mechanized inflatable ball technology in the local industry.
The centre has been established with a total cost of Rs. 436 million provided by the federal government while SMEDA is the executing agency. A Board of Management led by the private sector is handling the affairs of the project.
SIDC would help develop prototype balls for local industry, get their staff trained and thereby enable local manufacturers to replace their existing set up of hand stitched ball with mechanized ball.It would also help develop imported machinery locally through reverse engineering,IPR facilitation for mechanized inflatable ball.
It would also help in IPR facilitation and manufacturing of mechanized inflatable balls for SMEs so that the sector embraces new technology and maintains its present share in international trade of inflatable balls.
The installed capacity on single shift basis is 1000,000 balls per year on a single shift basis.However,it may be enhanced in two shifts depending on the need,said SIDC sources.
SMEDA,during its interaction with the sports sector stakeholders,chamber and other relevant institutions, identified the problem requirement and developed a project that would provide a long term solution that has a potential to be a game changer for the local industry.
For this purpose SMEDA joined hands with Sialkot Chamber of Commerce, sports industry stakeholders, and other development partners and after extensive consultations,research,review of best practices and comparison of available technology options, proposal was initiated for seeking government funding for establishment of a common facility for production of mechanized ball so that Pakistan remains competitive in the world sports market.
Some of the world-renowned brands Adidas, Nike and Puma source a large portion of their supplies of sports goods from Sialkot. Total exports of Sports Goods during Calendar year 2014 were US$ 260 million with inflatable balls worth US$ 211 million. The major export destinations are Germany (14 percent of total exports), UK (10 percent of total exports),USA (8 percent of total exports) and Netherlands (7 percent of total exports).
Sports goods sector faced and overcame many challenges in the past through collective initiatives taken by all the stakeholders in general and exporters in particular. The sector faced threat in the form of ‘Mechanized inflatable ball’ which used medium end technology to produce a ball having most of the characteristics of hand stitched ball. This new ball had been tested and played in a number of international football tournaments including UEFA EURO 2004.
The center will act as a common facility where local manufacturers/ exporters can bring in their material and use the available machinery to produce high quality product.
Sialkot is globally known as a producer of high quality sports goods for over 100 years and the city caters to more than 60 percent of total world demand of hand stitched inflatable balls which translates into around 40 million balls annually,providing direct employment facility to over 200,000 individuals.
Lankan Furniture Manufacturers interested for JV with Pakistan Furniture Council for better trade
ISLAMABAD, Feb 28 (APP):Leading Sri Lankan furniture manufacturers are interested in Pakistan’s markets and urged the Pakistan’s businessmen to start joint ventures with their Lankan counterparts for promotion of intra trade among the member countries of the region besides its export to European countries and Middle East.
According to a message received here from Colombo, Asoka Pieris, a leading furniture producing company of Sri Lanka expressed these views during a meeting with PFC delegation headed by its Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq here on Wednesday currently on tour to Sri Lanka.
Asoka Pieris said furniture industry in Sri Lanka is blooming as its current tendency is import oriented but he is much optimistic that Sri Lankan furniture will be exported to other countries too.
He said furniture manufacturers are interested to start joint venture with PFC and in this regard, a delegation of Sri Lankan furniture producers will visit Pakistan and to hold one to one business meetings with their counterparts to explore new venues mutually beneficial for both the countries’ furniture trading.
Mian Kashif Ashfaq, CEO PFC, on this occasion thanked him and other illustrious business tycoons for showing keen interests in Pak handmade world class furniture items.
He said the visit aimed at exploring new markets and strengthening existing bilateral trade relations with their counterparts in furniture industry during business to business contacts, said PFC Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq leader of Pak delegation in a statement on Wednesday.
He said whilst Sri Lanka’s furniture industry especially the wood-based manufacturing sector is highly dependent on exports, the evolving consumer demands locally towards adapting a western culture exhibits a lucrative market for global brands.
He said Pakistan can easily double exports to Sri Lanka in a year’s time by effectively using the duty concessions under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and if the steps would be taken timely in right direction, he expected Pakistan’s exports to Sri Lanka to $500 million from the current $267 million within a year.
He said the trade balance is heavily in favour of Pakistan. “Its exports to Sri Lanka amounted to $267 million while Sri Lankan exports to Pakistan were worth just $58 million,” he added.
“Sri Lanka mainly exports textile products like men’s T-shirts while it imports bed wear, trousers, silk and synthetic textile and other ready-made garments. Pakistan’s exports are slowly growing and it can further increase its share.”
He said that this business tour provided ample chances to explore new avenues by sharing vision, expertise for formulation of future policies, economic studies, sectoral and project specific reports besides promotional efforts.
Nawaz Sharif most popular political leader in country: Saira
ISLAMABAD, Feb 28 (APP):State Minister for Health Saira Afzal Tarrar has said Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was the most popular political leader in the country and people were supporting the former prime minister.
Talking to a private news channel, she said people were supporting the narrative of Nawaz Sharif and their participation in political gatherings of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) was prove of the fact.
She said no body could raise objections if the accountability process was same and transparent for everyone without any discrimination.
She urged that all political parties should learn the lesson from their past mistakes, adding that all national institutions were respectable for all of us.
PAF achieves another milestone squadron, equipped with Pakistan’s Pride JF-17 Thunder
QUETTA, Feb 28 (APP):Pakistan Air Force (PAF) achieved another milestone, as a new multirole squadron, equipped with
Pakistan’s Pride JF-17 Thunder, was raised at PAF Base Samungli, Quetta on Wednesday.
The squadron has been number plated as No 28 Multirole Squadron.
A grand ceremony was
held at the base to mark this historic event. Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman,
Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was the Chief Guest at the occasion.
The Air Chief reviewed a smartly turned out guard of honour by the personnel of the Base.
He awarded the squadron emblem to Wing Commander Amir Imran Cheema, Officer
Commanding No 28 Multirole Squadron.
To make this event memorable, a four ship formation of JF-17 Thunders presented a fly
past over the venue.
Addressing at the occasion, the Air Chief said, “We totally understand the kind of conspiracies
the enemies of Pakistan continue to hatch but our resolve is very firm and response very clear.
He said we are peace loving nation but we do not want anybody to interfere into our airspace and
territory.
“We have done whatever is humanly possible on fighting the menace of terrorism and Allah has rewarded
our efforts by restoring peace in the country”, he added.
He noted Reversal is not an option for us”.
The Air Chief said, “From now on, No 28 MR Squadron, equipped with Pakistan’s Pride JF-17,
has the responsibility of providing day and night aerial defence of the country,
especially along the western borders of Pakistan.
He said he is confident that No 28 Squadron would create the desired strategic balance in a most
befitting manner and we want to maintain peace with honour in the region,
especially during these uncertain and challenging times.
I want to assure the nation that despite all
odds, our resolve shall remain unshakable and we shall defend our motherland
against any aerial aggression”, he added.
He added, “Baluchistan is a great
province and has significant value for all of us and its people are friendly,
loyal to the country and have always given their best for the development of
this country.
“The development of CPEC is a milestone and
will turn In Sha Allah not only the history and face of Baluchistan but the
entire country and i am very glad that No 28 Squadron takes its birth today in
Baluchistan”, he said.