ISLAMABAD, Mar 12 (APP):Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz candidate for Senate chairman Raja Zafar-ul-Haq Monday congratulated the newly elected Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and said that the democratic process should continue in the country.
He was speaking in the Senate after the election of chairman.
The former Senate chairman Mian Raza Rabbani also congratulated the newly elected chairman and deputy chairman.
He said he would extend full support to the new elected chairman and added that
every one wanted supremacy of the parliament and constitution.
Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar urged all the political parties to work jointly for the supremacy
of parliament.
JUI-F Senator Maulana Atta ur Rehman, Jamat-i-Islami chief Siraj ul Haq and Aurangzeb Khan also
congratulated Sadiq Sanjrani and Saleem Mandviwalla.
Hasil Bizenjo of National Party alleged use of unfair means in election of senators from
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Moreover, he added, Mian Raza Rabbani was not allowed to
contest election for the chairmanship despite being a unanimous candidate of all parties.
The new Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani thanked the members for reposing confidence in him.
and asked independent senators to join a political party within seven days.
Later, he prorogued the session sine die.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 12 (APP):Pakistan and Switzerland Monday agreed to open new avenues of cooperation in museum sector through capacity building of museum experts, arranging exchange visits and conducting joint research programmes.
In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Department of Archaeology and Museums, National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH) Division, Pakistan and Rietberg Museum, Zurich, Switzerland.
The MoU was signed by Federal Secretary, NH&LH Division, Engineer Aamir Hasan and Director, Rietberg Museum Zurich, Mr. Albert Lutz during a ceremony held at Rietberg Museum, Zurich, Switzerland.
Talking to APP, Director General, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Islamabad, Syed Junaid Akhlaq who was also present during the ceremony, informed that this MoU will help enhance cooperation between both the countries in museum sector.
He revealed that the MoU will provide an adequate framework for future institutional co-operation between the Museums of Pakistan and Rietberg Museum, Zurich in the areas of capacity building, joint research programmes, publications, scholarships for doctoral and post-doctoral research for professionals and young scholars of Pakistan in museology in the universities of Switzerland.
The MoU will also promote exchange visits between museum experts of both countries, museum related seminars, discussion programmes and other activities, he added.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 12 (APP):A 22-member delegation of Sikh Yatrees from Malaysia arrived here on Monday to visit the birth place of Baba Gurunanak and different Gurdwaras.
The government of Pakistan has made special arrangements for the stay, food, transportation and security of the Yatrees during their five-day stay, a press release said.
In the first phase of Yatra, the delegation reached Hasanabdal from Lahore.
The officials of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) warmly welcomed the Sikh Yatrees when they reached Lahore and Islamabad.
The Yatrees will stay at Gurdwara Panja Sahib at night and on Tuesday they will visit Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Darshan Lahore and will stay there in the night.
On the third day, the Sikh Yatrees will visit all the Gurdwaras of Lahore including Bal Laila Sahib, Pati Sahib, Tamboo Sahib, Maleji Sahib and Kiara Sahib and will stay there in the night.
On the fourth day, the Yatrees will visit the Aimanabad Gurdwara Gujranwala, Rohri Sahib, Socha Soda Sahib Gurdwara Farooqabad and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal and will spend the night there.
On the fifth day, the delegation will visit Gurdwara Dera Sahib and the Samadh of Raja Ranjeet Sahib and then through Wagah border will return from Amritsar to Malaysia.
The government of Pakistan has given complete religious freedom to the minorities living in Pakistan and according to the constitution of Pakistan all rights are being given to them. Special arrangements are also made to celebrate the religious festivals of non-Muslims.
Similarly, arrangements are made for the stay, food, traveling and security of the Yatrees who come from different countries to celebrate their religious festivals and visit their places of worship.
The Yatrees have expressed their satisfaction over the arrangements made by the Government of Pakistan.
The Evacuee Trust Property Board has made complete arrangements for the facility of thousands of Sikh Yatrees coming from different countries including India to participate in the celebrations of Besakhi Mela and Khalsa Janam Din.
The Secretary ETPB stated this while addressing a high level meeting, which was attended by Deputy Secretary Imran Khan, Deputy Secretary (Admn) Zafar Iqbal Baloch, PRO Amir Hussain Hashmi, Incharge Security Fazle Rabi, Chief Engineer Col (retd) Ghafoor Arshad and officials of Interior Ministry, police, army, Rangers, DCO, DPOs, WAPDA, Customs, Railways and other departments.
Yatrees from India, United States, Britain, Australia, Switzerland and other countries will come to Pakistan. The services of Hilal Ahmer and Young Doctors Association will be hired for providing the medical facilities. Generators will be available in case of load-shedding.
Close circuit television cameras and walk through gates will be installed to ensure strict security.
Yatrees from India and other parts of the world will reach Lahore through Wagah Railway Station on April 12.
The main event of Khalsa Janam Din and Besaki will be held at Gurdwara Panja Sahib Hassan Abdal on April 14. Different political and religious personalities will participate in the event.

ISLAMABAD, March 12 (APP):Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Monday said his country and Pakistan could work together on forming a new paradigm of inclusiveness by abandoning the concept of ‘blocs’ and joining the concept of ‘networking’ which would include everybody and none would have the power to exclude anybody from peace initiatives in the region.
He said there was need to change region-based networking. “We need to abandon the outdated paradigm of creating enemy for enemy,” he said speaking on the topic “70 Years of Pakistan-Iran Relations and Future Prospects” here at the Institute of Strategic Studies.
Javad Zarif said the two countries had bilateral relations since long, which were deep rooted in common faith, history and culture. “Pakistan has always been on our side during our difficult times,” he added.
He said, “We will never do anything to harm Pakistan and expect the same from Pakistan.” Iran desired to further strengthen its political, cultural, economic, trade, banking, and people-to-people ties with Pakistan, he added.
The Iranian minister said Chabhar and Gwadar ports were complimentary for each other. The two were in the best interest
of the region, and development of the Chabhar port was not aimed at encircling Pakistan, he added.
He said, “We want to connect Chabhar with CPEC both through land and sea.” Iran was ready to participate in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said and invited Pakistan to join the Chabhar port project.
Javad Zarif said small theological differences could not divide the two countries as the common challenges being faced by them
were greater, which bound them together.
Speaking on the occasion, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Sartaj Aziz highlighted the historical and civilization bonds between Pakistan and Iran. The overwhelming majority of the people of both countries had warm feelings for one another, he added.
He said trade and connectivity with Iran would be further expanded.
ISSI Chairman Ambassador (R) Khalid Mahmood said Pakistan attached great importance to the bilateral relations with Iran.Te two countries, he said, were jointly working for peace and prosperity of Afghanistan.

ISLAMABAD, March 12 (APP):The Supreme Court Monday banned public advertisements carrying the pictures of political leaders while hearing a suo moto notice case.
The three-member SC bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Umar Ata Bandial and Justice Ijazul Ahsan heard the case.
During the course of proceedings, the chief justice asked the Secretary Information Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) as to how many advertisements were given by the KP government to print and electronic media and whether the same carried the pictures of Imran Khan and Pervez Khattak.
The secretary information replied that the KP government had got published advertisements in print media and aired the same on electronic media, including radio and television channels, besides social media. No amount
was paid for the social media. The KP government had the advertisements policy of carrying no pictures of political leaders, he added.
Upon this, the chief justice remarked that the apex court was not banning advertisements, but only those which carried pictures of the leaders.
To a query of the chief justice regarding expenses incurred by the KP government on advertisements, the secretary said the present provincial government had spent Rs 1.63 billion on advertisements during its tenure. There was no personal publicity as advertisements usually carried information about projects for public facilitation, he added.
On which, the chief justice asked the secretary to submit an affidavit that no advertisement with pictures of political leaders in KP had been published or aired and warned that if the affidavit proved false then strict action would be taken.
He remarked that the court had many sources of information and it had sought details of all government advertisements published or aired in print or electronic media during last year.
The chief justice observed that no political campaign at public expense would be allowed and if any government wanted to do so then personal funds of leaders should be used for the purpose.
He said the Punjab chief minister had promised to deposit Rs 5.5 million.
Over advertisements in Sindh, the chief justice observed that Benazir Bhutto Shaheed’s picture should not appear. Benazir was a martyr and she was respectable, he added.
Similarly, pictures of Bilawal Bhutto and the Sindh chief minister should also not appear on advertisements, he said.
The court also sought suggestions from federal and provincial governments, All Pakistan Newspapers Society and Pakistan Broadcasters Association regarding the advertisements by Tuesday.

MIRPUR, Mar 12 (APP):Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan said that the incumbent
government was taking necessary measures to promote business activities in the
State.
Prime Minister expressed this views in the oath taking ceremony of Traders Joint Action
Committee (TJAC) in the capital town Monday.
He stated that foreign investment in AJK especially share of corporate banks and Diaspora would create new employment
opportunities for the masses. “State does not progress with the creation of
public sector job opportunities but it develops with trade and business” he
said.
Farooq reiterated that “we will set some conditions for scheduled banks to give loans on easy terms and
conditions for the promotion of business activities in the state.”
The government of AJK has started several schemes for promoting new businesses under
Azad Kashmir small industries corporation and Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
and providing loans to all small, medium and larger level traders on easy
terms.
“The basic facilities will be provided for the promotion of business activities” he added.
PM AJK also added that the proposal for making a ware house for commercial goods coming through LOC
trade was under consideration.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister also announced to establish nursing schools along with Muzaffarabad
and Rawalakot Medical colleges in next fiscal year.
Prime Minister cautioned that some public sector employees had been observed responsible for
favoritism and nepotism, such employees would be made accountable.
Moreover, Prime Minister also apprised the traders that he was aware of the load shedding issue
being faced by the people and the progress on the projects to control load
shedding in AJK is in progress on federal level.

PESHAWAR, Mar 12 (APP):The politicians of mainstream political parties, lawyers and civil society organizations here strongly condemned shoe attack on former Prime Minister, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and throwing ink on Foreign Minister Khwaja Muhammad Asif, demanding proper investigation of these unfortunate incidents to unmask the real culprits.
While ,expressing solidarity with Nawaz Sharif and Khawaja Asif, they also underlined the need for proper training and education of political workers to avoid such unlawful incidents in future besides unmasking the real perpetrators.

PML(N) Parliamentary leader in KP Assembly, Sardar Aurganzaib Nalota has strongly condemned both the incidents and demanded thorough investigation to unmask the identity of mastermind behind it. He said both attacks are highly offensive and have to be unequivocally condemned.

He said Nawaz Sharif was the most popular political leader of Pakistan and he could not be removed from people’s hearts through such cowardice attacks. The sympathies of people with PMLN Quaid have increased after the shoe hurling, which was widely condemned.

He said popularity of PMLN has significantly enhanced in the country and will emerge victorious in the upcoming general election, saying participation of sea of people in Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz’s rallies in different cities had showed overwhelming trust and confidence of people in the policies of his party.

Nalota said such attacks has showed increase in political intolerance in the society, which can be addressed by educating political workers, promoting political values, eliminating poverty and economic inequality.

“Politicians are the real face of a democratic country and no country can make progress and achieve development by disrespecting them,” he said.

Nalota said great responsibilities rest on the shoulders of political leaders, media, civil society and educationists to play its active role by educating political workers and people about importance of politicians, core values, political culture, tolerance, harmony and patience in the society.

ANP leader and former Provincial Minister Wajid Ali Khan has also strongly condemned these unfortunate incidents and demanded proper inquiry of it.

Terming intolerance in politics not a good omen for democracy, the ANP leader said no individual, politician and institution can be safe and democracy would be adversely affected if politicians were dishonoured publically and intolerance continue to grow in the society.

He said foe countries did not want progress and stability in Pakistan in the wake of CEPC and was trying to create political instability and unrest in our country, adding such nefarious designs of the enemy would be frustrated with unity and national cohesion. The ANP leader demanded proper protection to all political leadership.

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Islamia College University, Prof Dr Naushad Khan while deploring the above Incidents said such unlawful actions should never be appreciated as it was earning a bad name for the country.

To avoid such incidents in future, he said, we need to work tirelessly to eliminate poverty, class based education system and promote core values imperative for co-existence, tolerance and harmony in the society.

He said problems occurred when there were an economic imbalances, poverty and disrespect to power of arguments in the society.

Dr Nausahd underlined need for active role of educationists, media and civil society for promotion of core values, ethics and tolerance in the society to avoid such incidents in future.

Strongly condemning the incidents, Jumat e Islami leader and former Spokesman KP, Israr Ahmed demanded high level probe to unmask the real culprits.

Terming in intolerance in society very dangerous for democracy viz a viz for the country, he said such direct attacks on top political leadership on the grounds of dissimilar view-points would serve nothing but create political instability and anarchy in the society.

The JI leader said problems occurred when we did not accept power arguments and wanted to impose our own view points on others through force.

He said attacks on political opponents can’t deprive them from peoples support rather increased their strength among masses.

The JI leader said Pakistan can make progress only when all state institutions work under its constitutional domain and respect mandate of people, which was the only way forward to achieve economic prosperity.

Former PPP KP President and veteran politician, Rahimdad Khan had also condemned the attack on Nawaz Sharif and Khawja Asif and termed it highly regrettable.

He demanded proper security of political leadership as general election was nearer and the country can afford another assassination like that of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed who laid down life for democracy and rights of people.

The PPP leader said democracy will flourish only when we respect each others’ arguments and view points despite political differences and respect mandate of people with open hearts. He said people would decide about future of political parties and not by pessimist forces. He urged people to get unite for 2018 general elections.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 12 (APP):Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Pervaiz Rashid and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam have proposed Raja Zafar-ul-Haq as their candidate for Senate Chairman, while PML-N’s Mushahidullah has proposed Usman Kakar of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) as candidate for deputy chairman.
The Senate will meet at 4:00 pm today when secret balloting for its chairman and deputy chairman will be held.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 12 (APP):The Supreme Court on Monday decided to indict Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Nehal Hashmi for
contempt of court on March 26.
The three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar heard the case, which
also dismissed Nehal’s reply as unsatisfactory.