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.
Arif Lohar enthralls audience at Cultural Festival
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.
BISE Mardan grabs overall Pakistan Inter-Board Girls Games trophy, says Dr. Shoukat
PESHAWAR, Feb 28 (APP):Board of Intermediate and Secondary
Education (BISE) Mardan grabbed overall trophy of the Pakistan Inter-Board
Girls Games-2017-18 after securing leading points in various disciplines.
This was stated by Chairman BISE Mardan Dr. Shoukat Hayat while talking to media here.
He said, in 2017-2018 grabbed General trophy by winning most disciplines.
He said two player Kalsoom Sher Alam of GPGCW, Mardan
and Shandana Adil Badshah of GGDC Nowshera visited Thailand with national team
and Asia Noor acted as Assistant Manager of the team.
He said two each players of hockey and volleyball are part of the national team. Urooj is winning
Pakistan Board Badminton title for the third consecutive times. Nayab of GGHSS
Mardan No.1 and Zainab Zareen were the leading players going to Spain with the
Pakistan Volleyball team.
He said it is a great achievement of the players hailing
from BISE Mardan of winning Volleyball, Netball, Badminton and got runners-up
trophy in Hockey and Handball, remained third in Basketball, Cricket, Handball,
Table Tennis, gold medal winners in 100M, shot put.
In this connection, he hosted a reception in the honor of
all those players of various games who got top positions. Director Sports Sabir
Khan, Assistant Director Sports Female and former national athlete Asia Noor,
officials and players were also present during the honoring ceremony.
Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Shoukat Hayat said that
participation in sports activities is very vital for the students as its
guarantees quality education because a healthy mind resides in healthy body and
will sports one cannot attain such.
He said BISE Mardan is developing a mega
sports project over 220 kanals of land, costing Rs. 370 million. The facility
will have a gigantic multi-purpose indoor hall of 53 square feet, having 32000
square feet playing area inside. It is certainly Pakistan’s largest indoor hall
facilities which can hold 200m athletic track event, 10 courts for badminton
and can hold event like handball, netball, basketball, table tennis, martial
arts, circle kabaddi and wrestling.
He said with sports we can impart quality education only
to involve students in healthy sports activities which is the key to success,
instrumental to solution of problems, and essential for overall personality and
social development.
Beside promoting sports activities in the affiliated
schools and Colleges, BISE, Mardan exercise its power to regulate and maintain
Academic discipline, both in Public and Private Educational institutions,
through the collective efforts of its important segments, in the Districts of
Mardan, Nowshera and Swabi, which comes under its jurisdiction, Dr. Shoukat
Hayat said.
These segments include Academic Section, attached to
Enrollment and Registration Section, with connection to Examination Section as
part and parcel of the latest existing evaluation system, he added. He said,
the indigenously developed website, intercom connected sections, CCTV
Cameras fitted in the sensitive spots, polished behaviour of its employees and
One Window quick information and delivery systems, beside a complaint cell for
addressing issues on priority basis including implementation of Honourable High
Courts and Supreme Court orders, are other significant features of BISE,
Mardan.
He said BISE Mardan has introduced for the first time in
the country SMS alert system to the students and supervisory staff, OMR
(Optical Mark Recognition system) for Computerized marking of Papers, declaring
result with SMM, and access to academic result of Matric and F.A/FSc with a
single short message service (SMS) in which the students just send their roll
number to 9818 and will get detailed result in a single SMS.
He said the students send the roll no in a message to
9818 and will receive the require information, result on his, her mobile. He
said, with such facilities it would facilitate the students very effectively
without any cost or resource utilization, helping them on time result
declaration, elimination of printing cost, elimination of gazette distribution,
minimize HR cost, minimized high bandwidth cost for Internet, comprehensive data
base.
The students would get facilitation with eDMC, Electronic
Detail marks Certificate is a specialized service operated by this company
which enables BISE Peshawar & BISE Mardan students to access and print
individual subject marks for Matric/FA/FSc Examinations. This service allow
students from above mentioned boards to access and print eDMC of their
individual subject marks at A2Z E-Payments franchises across 20 Districts of KP
including Peshawar, Mardan, Charssada, Kohat and Nowshera Districts.
At the end, he honored players comprising Urooj Ali,
Shandana, Aiman, Kalsoom, Zainab, Ansa, Aiman, Reshma, Uzma, Malaika, Nida, Humaira
Nayab, Nadiya, Jalwa, Zaibun Nisa, Laiba Noor, Parkha Iqbal, Salma Shams Mahnoor,
Kausar, Hilal Uddin, Aimal Khan, Afaq Khan, Aqib Khan.
MOHR gets only 26 percent of the PSDP reserved budgetary allocation 2017-18 till February 23
ISLAMABAD, Feb 28 (APP):Ministry of Human Rights (MOHR) got only 26.225 percent (Rs. 80.25 million) funds among the total amount of Rs. 306 million, reserved for its six projects in the public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2017-18.
Not a single panel has been issued so far for two projects including Acquisition of land and construction of building for National Institute of Human Rights, Islamabad for which total amount of Rs. 112 million was reserved while the construction of working women hostel, G-6/2 and G-7/3, Islamabad is also in doldrum for which an amount of Rs. 100 million was allocation in the current fiscal year.
However, on the other hand total amount earmarked for the projects of Helpline for Legal Advice on Human Rights Violations, Islamabad and Institutional Strengthening of Ministry of Human Rights i.e Rs. 25 million and Rs. 30.million respectively, have been released in three quarters.
Rs. 27 million was reserved for Establishment of National Institute of Human Rights, Islamabad while Rs. 12 million has been allocated for Implementation of Action Plan for Human Rights in Pakistan among which Rs. 16 million and Rs. 89.25 million have been released respectively till the above mentioned time period.
It is pertinent to mention here that last year an amount of Rs. 250 million were reserved for Construction of Building for National Institute of Human Rights, Islamabad while Rs. 261.3 million were allocated for Construction of Working Women Hostel, G-6/2 and G-7/3, Islamabad.
The money was surrendered due to the inefficiency of the department to complete the initial work for issuance of funds in time.
Ahsan Iqbal condemns terrorism incident in Quetta
ISLAMABAD, Feb 28 (APP):Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday strongly condemned the incident of terrorism in Quetta and expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of two police officials.
In a message received here today, the minister prayed for the departed souls of martyred and for early recovery of those injured in the
incident .
He said the backbone of terrorists had been broken and the defeated terrorists can not embarrass our motivation with their cowardice acts.
He said the nation was fully supporting their security forces.