ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (APP):Minister for Climate Change, Senator Mushahidullah Khan on Wednesday said Pakistan Tehrik e Insaf’s (PTI) government had spread disappointment among masses for not initiating any mega development project including that of energy in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa.
PTI could not produce even a single mega watt (MW) electricity in its tenure, he said talking to a private news channel.
He said Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) government during its four and half years period had launched many development works including construction of road networks, energy plants, hospitals, and educational institutions.
Commenting on recent Senate elections, he said conspiracy was hatched by toppling Balochistan’s government before holding the Senate elections.
Lamenting over politics of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), he said Asif Ali Zardari had buried the
ideology of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. He added A.A.Zardari was standing behind the undemocratic forces.
Expressing optimism over the next elections, he said that Nawaz Sharif was the representative of millions of people, adding the leader of PML-N’s struggle for sanctity of vote and Parliament would continue.
The Senator said people would exhibit their decision in the next general elections on the basis of performance of the political parties.
PTI spread disappointment among people, did nothing for power generation: Mushahidullah
ADB to provide $ 140 mln for roads improvement project in KP
ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (APP):Economic Affairs Division and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed Wednesday loan agreement for provision of US$ 140 million for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Roads Improvement Project.
Pakhtunkhwa Highways Authority (PKHA) intends to rehabilitate a part of its provincial highway network under this Project to improve the performance of its roads and achieve a higher service level in the province.
With the rehabilitation of these roads, the overall maintenance cost will reduce significantly. Due to the proposed interventions, these 214 Kms of roads will require only periodic maintenance after 5-6 years which will result in reducing maintenance burden on PKHA in the forthcoming years.
The rehabilitation of these roads, in accordance with the proposed program, will not only enhance their capacities but will also result in improved service delivery.
The loan agreement was signed by Additional Secretary (Incharge), Economic Affairs Division Syed Ghazanfar Abbas Jilani, and Country Director, ADB, Xiaohong Yang.
The Project Agreement was signed by Secretary, Communication and Works Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Managing Director, Pakhtunkhwa Highway Authority, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Speaking on the occasion, Syed Ghazanfar Abbas Jilani, appreciated the ADB’s support for improving infrastructure and urban services in Pakistan.
He reiterated that the Government of Pakistan is committed to improve regional connectivity by improving physical infrastructure and economic activities.
The provincial roads of KP will complement towards enhanced economic mobility of China Pakistan Economic Corridor as well as Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Corridor.
Commodore Ahmed Fauzan promoted to Rear Admiral rank
ISLAMABAD, March 14 (APP):Commodore Ahmed Fauzan has been promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral with immediate effect, said a statement issued here by directorate of public relations of Pakistan Navy on Wednesday.
Rear Admiral Ahmed Fauzan was commissioned in Weapon Engineering Branch of Pakistan Navy in 1986. During his illustrious career, he has served on various Command and Staff appointments.
His distinguished staff appointments include General Manager Maritime Technologies Complex (North), Fleet Weapon Engineering Officer to Commander Pakistan Fleet, General Manager (Support & Services) PN Dockyard, Director Naval Weapon & Equipment and Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Technical) at Naval Headquarters Islamabad.
Presently, Rear Admiral Ahmed Fauzan is serving as Commandant PNS Karsaz, Karachi and he will take over as Director General Maritime Technologies Complex on March16.
He is a graduate of Pakistan Navy War College and National Defence University Islamabad.
Rear Admiral Ahmed Fauzan also holds Masters Degree in Real Time Electronic Systems from UK.
In recognition of his meritorious services, Rear Admiral Ahmed Fauzan has been awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military).
Air Chief inaugurates PAF Hospital Islamabad
ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (APP):Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), inaugurated PAF Hospital, in a grand ceremony here at PAF Complex on Wednesday.
On his arrival, the Air Chief was received by Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Support), said a press release.
The Air Chief unveiled the inauguration plaque and offered prayers for the success of the missionary project. Afterwards, he visited various facilities and wards of the hospital and interacted with the doctors and paramedic staff.
Speaking on the occasion, the Air Chief appreciated the relentless efforts of the team members for constructing the hospital in a record time. Equipped with modern health care facilities the hospital would not only facilitate PAF personnel, but also general public of the twin cities and adjoining areas.
Highlighting PAF’s contributions in nation building, the Air Chief mentioned that the hospital would be a valuable addition in the long list of public service endeavours carried out by PAF in recent years.
The PAF Hospital has a capacity of 300 beds and its nine-storey building is a state-of-the-art facility. It will provide valuable health services for local population in the fields of medicine, surgery, gynecology, radiology, pathology, ENT, Eye, pediatric, psychiatry, physiotherapy, anesthesia, skin, orthopedic and pain management.
The hospital has been equipped with most modern facilities including CT Scan, MRI, Digital Radiography, Mammography, Color Doppler, Blood Bank and Laboratory as well as Intensive Care Units.
Principal staff officers and high ranking civil and military officials attended the ceremony.
Business leaders urged to play due role in country’s development
ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (APP):Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday urged upon the business leaders to play their due role in economic development of the country.
“We as leaders have responsibility to become ambassadors of Pakistan and show spirit to take the country to new heights and to bring it among the top 25 economies of the world as visioned by the government in 2014,” he said while addressing the 2nd “Leaders in Islamabad” Business Summit here today.
The event was organized by Martin Dow in collaboration with Nutshell Forum and Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms and was attended by business delegations from China, GCC and other regional countries.
The two- day Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit is Pakistan’s most prestigious and well-attended business summit, which features 20 international speakers including distinguished professors from Ivy League Universities and global CEOs.
The theme for this year’s summit was “Disrupting the Future” where innovators, leaders and future thinkers will come together to present their ideas.
Ahsan Iqbal said technology was developing at very fast pace that has changed the mode of business as new ideas and innovation were emerging every day.
He said the current government, since the time it took over, had managed to bring the country’s economy on track and and had reshaped the course of national economy as promised in 2013.
Ahsan said average growth of national economy remained 4.85 percent during the last five years as compared to 3 per cent growth rate during tenure of the previous government, and Pakistan become the fifth fastest emerging country among comity of the nations.
The minister said the country also witnessed tremendous progress in the energy sector and succeeded in breaking the backbone of terrorism, which had been affecting the national economy.
The minister said that heavy investment had also been made in the country’s infrastructure, energy and industrial sectors under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which would result in giving boost to the national economy.
“CPEC is at initial stage and still its benefits are being felt across the country as far flung areas of the country are being connected with the big cities through construction of 1650 kilometers motorways besides numerous employment and entrepreneurship opportunities are also surfacing,” he said adding after completion of the mega project in 2030, Pakistan would become hub of regional trade, business and manufacturing.
He said for the first time in country’s history, the government had made it possible to utilize the precious Thar coal and by the end of current year, the local coal would start producing electricity which would continue to produce electricity for next 400 years as the coal reserves in Tharparkar had energy equal to that of Iran and Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas reserves.
The minister said, the current government had fulfilled the promise it made during 2013 elections and Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), a multinational professional services network headquartered in London had also forecast that if current pace of development continued in Pakistan, it would be included in top 20 economies of the world by 2030.
Meanwhile Governor Sindh, Muhammad Zubair in a panel discussion said that in 2008, Pakistan’s economy collapsed mainly due to inconsistency of policies.
Now, he said the second democratic government was completing its five year tenure which would be helpful in consistency of the economic policies and ultimately would give boom to sustainable economic growth.
To a question, he said in next general elections people would have choice to vote for either of three major parties which are now ruling in three different provinces and they will vote on the performance of the parties in their respective provinces.
Minister of State for Information Technology Anusha Rehman said during the current government’s tenure information technology sector had witnessed a tremendous development.
She informed that the IT exports from the country increased from $200 million five years back to over $3 billion now and it will further increase to $10 billion by 2020.
Chairman Board of Investment Naeem Zamindar said Pakistan had great potential to grow due to huge market potential.
Chairman, Martin Dow Group stated “The Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit is a great platform to discuss and share innovative ideas and help delegates further expand their business models. Martin Dow was the co-host for the Pakistan Breakfast at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2018 and the outcome of interacting with the world’s best is simply an unmatched experience”.
He said the Summit is built on a similar ideology where top leaders and thinkers spend 2 days to unleash and share inspirational and spectacular experiences which would go a long way in improving the future of business in Pakistan.
Diplomatic fraternity enjoys cultural show at the High Commission
ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (APP):Pakistan Day celebrations kicked off at the Pakistan High Commission London with showcasing artistic creations of Pakistani artists.
Renowned designers from Pakistan showcased the specimens of their work to packed to capacity venue comprising spouses of High Commissioners, Ambassadors, diplomats and leading ladies from the diaspora, said a press release issued here.
Naila Noornai, Jewellery Designer and Rana Noman bridal-wear designer put on display their creative work. More than one hundred guests evinced keen interest in the exquisite cultural heritage of Pakistan.
Begum High Commissioner, Mrs Sadaf Abbas organised the event to celebrate the upcoming Pakistan Day as well as the International Women’s Day.
Speaking on the occasion, Sadaf Abbas said, “On the occasion of the Women’s Day, I am happy to say that since our independence 70 years ago women in Pakistan have come a long way. Women empowerment in Pakistan was pioneered by leading lights like Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah and Begum Raana Liaqat Ali Khan and the journey continues.”
She said we have tried to give a glimpse of rich Pakistani culture by showcasing exquisite bridal-wear and hand crafted traditional jewellery. Famous violist Sara Sirhandi played melodious viola tunes which added colour to the festive ambience of the show.
Govt resumes issuance of Pakistan Origin Cards to foreign spouses of Pakistani nationals
ISLAMABAD, March 14 (APP):The government has resumed the issuance of Pakistan Origin Cards (POCs) to foreign spouses of Pakistani nationals.
The POC holders can have their cards renewed as per past practice and previous conditions, a message received here from Pakistan High Commission London on Wednesday said.
Fresh applications for POC issuance will only be processed for those foreign nationals who have been married to their Pakistan spouses for a period of five years.
Applications for POC issuance can only be made online at following weblink http://id.nadra.gov.pk/pakistan-origin-card/, the message said.
Dismissal of contempt applications boosted judiciary’s honour: Saad
LAHORE, Mar 14 (APP):Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique
has said that dismissal of contempt of court application boosted
the respect of courts.
In a statement on Wednesday, he said that contempt of
court was never remained intention of the PML-N leaders, adding
that PML-N leaders would never think of insulting the courts.
“Respect of court is mandatary,” he added.
He said that his party was claimant of freedom, honour
and impartiality of the judiciary, and that’s why the PML-N had
participated in the movement for the restoration of judiciary
whole-heartily.
The minister said that the party had reservations on some
remarks and verdicts of the courts but not on the judiciary.
He said that those elements who created bitterness among
institutions, should fear of Allah Almighty.
“Business of disinformation is not in the national
interest”, he added.
He said that creating fissure among those institutions
which were guardians of law and the constitution, was dangerous.
Overseas Pakistanis are an asset: Minister
LAHORE, Mar 14 (APP):Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development Pir Syed Sadar-ud-Din Shah Rashidi on Wednesday said that overseas Pakistanis were an asset and their remittances were playing an important role in the development of the country.
Addressing a briefing at Overseas Pakistanis Foundation’s (OPF) regional office here, he directed the OPF to launch an advertisement campaign to make the overseas Pakistanis aware of fraudulent practices adopted by land mafia for depriving them of their property. He also directed the Foundation to provide free of cost services to overseas
Pakistanis for verification of property before its purchase, through OPF website. Overseas Pakistanis should also be briefed about the property verification service through community welfare attaches deputed abroad, he added.
The minister further directed to improve the standards of the OPF educational institutions. He directed to approach institutions operating big schools for running the OPF educational institutions under a partnership programme, so that performance of the OPF educational institutions could be improved besides reducing financial losses.
He insisted that housing schemes should be developed on available land of the foundation for overseas Pakistanis and foreign remittence received through State Bank should be accepted only in this regard.
He also appreciated the efforts of OPF administration especially its Board Member Khalid Shaheen Butt over playing role for retrieving the occupied land.
The minister was informed that the foundation had completed work on two housing projects – OPF Green and OPF Town – and both schemes would be launched for overseas Pakistanis soon.
Schedule of Pak-West Indies T20 matches changed
ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (APP):Schedule of three T20 matches between Pakistan and West Indies has been changed over the request of the Sindh government.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earlier announced that three T20 matches between Pakistan and West Indies will be played on 1, 2 and 4 April in Karachi. However, the schedule of the third match has been changed and it will be played on 3 April now,reported private news channel.
Sources in the PCB said the date of the last T20 was changed from 4 April to 3 April on the request of the Sindh government as the death anniversary of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto will be observed on 4 April which will also require security and other arrangements.