ISLAMABAD, Mar 6 (APP):Senior officials of member countries of the South Asia Sub regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) programme met on Tuesday in Singapore to review progress of regional projects in transport, trade facilitation, and energy.
They also updated and improved the SASEC operational plan, which has identified about 300 projects in transport, energy, and trade facilitation.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) organized the meeting and assisted with the updating of the operational plan, said a statement issued by ADB here.
“ADB is deeply committed to SASEC and will continue to play its role as secretariat for financial and technical support,” said Hun Kim, Director General of ADB’s South Asia Department. “In addition to loan and grant assistance amounting to $6.2 billion that ADB has extended to the SASEC program since the program’s inception in 2001, our indicative investment pipeline for 2018-2020 includes 26 loan projects with a total amount of about $5 billion.”
SASEC is a projects-based partnership, which aims to improve cross-border transport connectivity, promote energy trade, and facilitate faster and less-costly trade. Participating countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Since SASEC’s establishment in 2001, participating countries have undertaken 49 projects in transport, energy, trade facilitation, and information and communications technology worth almost $11 billion.
In June 2016, SASEC countries endorsed their first-ever operational plan for 2016-2025, which outlines the strategic priorities of the program to support its objectives of improved connectivity and expanded trade.
This was followed by the adoption of the SASEC vision document by the finance ministers of the member countries in April 2017 in New Delhi, India.
The SASEC vision promotes leveraging natural resource-based industries by tapping latent industrial demand, developing regional value chains by creating industry-to-industry links, and enhancing connectivity within and between member countries. The updated operational plan identifies regional projects costing in total $132 billion.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members—48 from the region.
ADB to extend $5 bn for regional cooperation in South Asia
Govt releases Rs 30 bln for Hakla-D.I.Khan expressway
ISLAMABAD, Mar 6 (APP):The government has released Rs30.435 billion for construction of Hakla on Motorway M-1 to Yarik (Dera Ismail Khan) expressway under Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2017-18.
In PSDP 2017-18, the government allocated a total amount of Rs38 billion for the project while total cost of the project is over Rs110 billion, a latest data released by Planning Commission suggested.
Work on the 285 kilometer section of Western Rout of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is in full swing and is expected to be completed by end of current fiscal year.
To ensure timely completion of the project, the expressway has been divided in five packages and phase one of the project comprises Yarik-Rehmani Khail section.
Similarly under Package-II, 72 km section from Rehmanikhel to Mianwali would be constructed while 52 kilometer section of package-III from Mianwali to Tarap has already been completed.
The package-IV comprises of 50 KM section from Tarap to Pindi Gheb and consists of 63 km long section from Pindi Gheb to Hakla.
PNCA would organize screening of Turkish drama film ‘My Father & My Son’
ISLAMABAD, Mar 6 (APP):Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in collaboration with Embassy of Turkey would organize screening of Turkish drama film “My Father and My Son at PNCA.
The film was written and directed by Cagan Irmak about a family torn apart by the 1980 coup.
The film which went on nationwide release on November 18, 2005 became one of the highest-grossing Turkish films in history.
The film won an award for its soundtrack at the World Soundtrack Awards, awarded to Evanthia Reboutsika.
According to film plot, Sadik is one of the rebellious youth who has been politically active as a university student and became a left-wing journalist in the 70’s, despite his father’s expectations of him becoming an agricultural engineer and taking control of their family farm in an Aegean village.
On the dawn of September 12, 1980, when a merciless military coup hits the country, they cannot find access to any hospital or a doctor and his wife dies.
After a long-lasting period of torture, trials, and jail time, Sadik returns to his village with 7-8 years old Deniz, knowing that it will be hard to correct things with his father, Huseyin.
PM’s Nepal visit concludes with CPEC, SAARC in focus
KATHMANDU, Mar 06 (APP): Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s two-day visit to Nepal has not only provided an opportunity for the leadership of two countries to discuss bilateral matters but to also exchange views on issues of global and regional significance including CPEC and SAARC.
In a meeting between Prime Minister Abbasi and his Nepalese counterpart Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, particular focus was laid on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and China’s One Belt-One Road (OBOR) project, which was joined by Nepal in 2016.
Abbasi mentioned that CPEC was the visible and significant part of OBOR and had resulted in materializing of several development projects in the country including motorways, Gwadar airport, economic free zones and energy generation projects.
He said CPEC would ensure connectivity of regional countries with China and all Central Asian states.
Abbasi said Pakistan was ready to share experience and knowledge with Nepal on the matters related to CPEC.
On Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, Abbasi said the project was not confined to the gas supply only but was a flagship venture which included road network, railways lines and laying of fibre optic.
The visit also highlighted the importance of continuation of democracy and Prime Minister Abbasi emphasized increasing people-to-people contacts and parliamentary exchanges between Pakistan and Nepal.
He said parliament was an ideal and appropriate forum as the democracy had been strengthened in Pakistan and was gaining roots in Nepal as well.
He mentioned that the incumbent parliament in Pakistan was the second one in the country’s history which was going to complete its five-year term.
Both the leaders shared similarity of views on eradication of terrorism and extremism.
Abbasi said Pakistan was not only a partner with countries fighting terrorism but a leader in waging war against this menace.
He mentioned that Pakistan had successfully eliminated terrorism where other countries failed to do so as in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Abbasi called for enhancing trade between the two countries and the need to energize Pakistan-Nepal Business Council. He also invited the Nepalese investors to invest in Pakistan’s diverse sectors.
On South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the two prime ministers discussed ways to reinvigorate the forum for the benefit of all member states.
Prime Minister Abbasi said Pakistan was ready to hold SAARC summit scheduled in November 2016, which was postponed. He stressed that the potential of SAARC was not being exploited up to the mark and hence there was a need to hold the next summit on priority basis.
Abbasi emphasized that through dialogue, the countries in the region could achieve the fruits of progress, development and prosperity.
The leaders also discussed the Kashmir issue and the ongoing human rights violations in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli informed Prime Minister Abbasi that Nepal’s elections were held in three tiers including federal, provincial and local under the 2015 Constitution.
Prime Minister Oli said Nepal had a fruitful relationship with Pakistan and expressed gratitude for providing assistance to the victims of Nepal’s massive 2015 earthquake.
He lauded Pakistan’s initiative of providing scholarships to 25 Nepalese students and requested to increase the number.
Oli seconded Prime Minister Abbasi’s views on SAARC’s active role for regional integration.
Prime Minister Abbasi also held meetings with Nepal’s President Bhidya Devi, former prime minister Pushpa Kamal and the SAARC Secretary General Amjad Hussain B. Sial.
Ahsan directs expediting Laptop for All Scheme
ISLAMABAD, Mar 6 (APP):Minister for Interior and Planning Professor Ahsan Iqbal Tuesday directed the concerned officials to finalise the ambitious ‘Laptop For All Scheme’ as soon as possible.
Chairing a meeting in connection with Laptop For All Scheme, he said the laptop had become necessity of each university student.
“Government provides laptops to 100,000 students every year on merit and yet the need is to ensure providing the laptops to remaining students on easy installments.”
He said students must be provided computers to enable them to remain competitive in such digital age.
He directed Banks, Higher Education Commission (HEC) to join hands for introducing an easy financing Scheme for fulfilling the needs of students pursuing higher studies. The meeting was attended by the heads of Higher Education Commission, Scheduled Banks and Education Department.
Seven small dams, 13 irrigation schemes completed in FATA so far
ISLAMABAD, Mar 6 (APP):Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) Development Authority has completed seven small dams and 13 small irrigation schemes since 2004 to till date.
Official source told APP here on Tuesday, he said that as a result of completion of these projects a huge land has been brought under cultivation.
As some of these completed projects are multi-purpose, therefore, a huge population is also benefited by using clean drinking water.
Moreover, the power generation projects have been initiated by FATA Development Authority which will play key role in reducing the energy crisis after their completion.
So far, FATA DA has completed these projects including Dargai Pal Small Dam, SWA, Dandy Small Dam, NWA, Moto Shah Small Dam Mohmand Agency, Sheen Kach Small Dam FR Tank, Zao Small Dam, Khyber Agency,Kand Small Dam, NWA, Ping Small Dam, FR Bannu, Sheen Warsak Irrigation Scheme, SWA, Musa Nikka Irrigation Scheme, SWA, Zeera Letta Irrigation Scheme, SWA, Sadda Weir Lower Kurram, Agency, Walai Killi Bazar Zakha Khel Irrigation Scheme, Khyber Agency,Pir Qayum Drinking Water, Kurram Agency, Makha Zai Irrigation Scheme, Kurram Agency, Zarwam Irrigation Scheme, FR Bannu, Jallandar Irrigation Scheme, Kurram Agency, Shahbaz Sum Irrigation Scheme, Kurram Agency, Shawa Irrigation Scheme, NWA, Maula Khan Sarai Irrigation Scheme, SWA.
PM leaves for home after two-day Nepal visit
KATHMANDU, Mar 06 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi left here for home after concluding his two-day visit to the capital of Himalayan country.
Nepal’s Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada saw off the Prime Minister at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Senior officials of the Nepal government and Pakistan’s ambassador Mazhar Javed were present.
The Prime Minister during his stay in Kathmandu held meetings with President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli and felicitated them on continuation of democracy in their country.
He also met Nepal’s former prime minister Pushpa Kamal and planted a tree at the SAARC Secretariat.
The Prime Minister also held an interaction with editors and heads of media houses.
NAB arrests ex-chairman CDA, member finance
ISLAMABAD, Mar 6 (APP):National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Tuesday arrested former chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) Imtiaz Inayat Elahi and former member finance Saeed-ur-Rehman in Shakarparian Cultural Complex project case.
They have been arrested over the charges of misuse of their powers in the project, the NAB said in a brief statement issued here.
Pakistan to extend every possible support for Afghan peace: Khawaja Asif
ISLAMABAD, Mar 6 (APP):Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif Tuesday reiterated Pakistan’s full cooperation for peace
in Afghanistan.
Pakistan had provided support to United States in Afghan war, and that the war could not be won without the help of
our country, he said while talking to a private news channel.
“We have made the efforts to control the terrorism after an immense sacrifices, ” he said.
Khawaja Muhammad Asif said due to strategic location, America was still using our country. Pakistan had handed over
27 people to US, he said.
To a question about relations with US, he said there was a “trust deficit” between the two countries but we wanted to
have good relations with US based on equality.
Foreign Minister made it clear Pakistan would never compromise on national interest and dignity of the country.
He said, “We had made mistakes in the past and we have paid the heavy price.”
The FM said that due to the effective foreign policy, Pakistan’s relations with Russia was increasing.
To another question regarding Pakistan’s name in Financial Action Task Force (FATF) list, he said all out efforts
would be made to bring the country out of this list.
He said name of Pakistan had been in the grey and black list of FATF during the regime of Pakistan Peoples Party
(PPP).
Replying to a question about Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) agreements, he said, “LNG would have positive impact on
national economy.”
Commenting on Senate elections, he said the workers of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), were loyal for Nawaz
Sharif. The candidates had contested the Senate elections as independent candidates but no one was leaving the party.
Anyone could see the results and popularity of PML-N in Lodhran, Chakwal, Sargodha and other elections, he added.
Expressing his point of view about Shahbaz Sharif’s nomination for premiership, he said that Chief Minister Punjab
had made great struggle and sacrifices for the PML-N.
The Punjab province had achieved record development and progress under dynamic leadership of Shahbaz Sharif.
To a question regarding Maryam Nawaz, he said “She was the future of PML-N.”
USDA facilitators to train Pakistani youth in agriculture
ISLAMABAD, Mar 6 (APP):A three day training workshop on ‘youth engagement in agriculture’ kicked off here on Tuesday with the support of USDA where 32 Pakistani youth will learn upgraded agricultural techniques.
Three facilitators from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are conducting the workshop this week to support Pakistan Water Dialogue and Soil health and Fertility projects.
This workshop utilizes the Positive Youth Engagement model from USDA’s 4-El programme, which has been active in the United States since the late 1800’s. The workshop will work with participants from Punjab, Sindh, KPK, and Balochistan to identify solutions and pathways for further engaging emerging young leaders in Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
USDA facilitators leading the workshop are Dr, Lisa Lauxman, the Division Director for Youth and 441 at USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hilary Landfried, a programme manager with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, and Benjamin August, a programme coordinator with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Lisa Lauxman said by learning upgraded irrigation techniques or other modern farming techniques Pakistani youth can create a sustainable change in country’s agricultural environment. “It’s a great opportunity to work together towards a possible solution”, he added.
On the occasion, Acting Chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Dr. Munir Ahmad said now Pakistani agricultural products are in surplus so they must possess the quality that can be exported in different countries. “We have tough regional competitors in field of agricultural like India. We need to raise our product standard to broaden our internal export. Such trainings will definitely pave the way for youth to work towards agriculture progress”, he added.
Talking to APP, programme manager Hilary Landfried said this workshop seeks to build upon USDA’s seven year engagement promoting the demonstration and adoption of best management practices and technologies in watershed rehabilitation and irrigation. “Not every one of us can be producers or farmers but we can be the persons who support them,” she added.
One of the participants, Ms. Farkhanda, a social mobilization officer from Hyderabad told APP that she is pleased to be the part of the programme. “After this session, we will be able to create awareness among the farmers of our communities regarding modern farming techniques”, she added.
Seventy-five senior officials, technical experts from the federal and provincial ministries, universities, and NGOS are attending the event organized by USAID, USDA, World Learning, and International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).