LONDON, Feb 25 (APP):The Pakistan High Commission (PHC) in London here Saturday organized the third “Councilors Convention-2018” where the Pakistani diaspora including lords, mayors, lady mayors, councillors vowed to play their role in the socio-economic development of their country of origion.
They also vowed to make efforts for fostering bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom to take them to the new heights in diverse fields.
The Councilors Convention here in London was organized by the High Commission after receiving positive feedback from the previous such Conventions.
A large number of Councilors/Mayors, lords, lady mayors, community members and experts attended the Convention. Previously, similar Councillors Conventions were organized at Bradford and Birmingham Consulates of Pakistan.
The purpose of the initiative was to further strengthen the bond with the Pakistani community in the the United Kingdom and to celebrate their success in various fields of life.
Syed Ibn-e-Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK was the chief guest while the concluding session
was also attended by the visiting Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Sardar Masood Khan.
Besides the inaugural session, there were two sessions of the Convention in which threadbare discussions were took place on the themes of Diaspora’s role in furthering Pakistan-UK relationship and Youth Engagement and Women Empowerment.
The speakers were a mix of MPs, Councillors/Mayors and experts from various walks of life.
Those who spoke on various sessions included Pakistan High Commission to UK Syed Ibne Abbas, AJK President Sardar Masood Khan, Lord Nazir Ahmed, Hamza Malik, Dr.Aysha Raza, Julian Martin Hamilton Barn, Asghar Butt, Paul Scully MP, Yasmin Dar, Sabia Hussain, Pasha Bocaria, Ruth Cadbury, Keith Allen Bennet ,Shahid Younus, Saba Nasreen, Sara Khan, and Zara Shah.
In his remarks Pakistan High Commissioner to UK Syed Ibne Abbas highlighted the objctives of the convention.
He thanked President Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan, Lord Nazir Ahmed and other participants
of the convention for gracing the occasion.
He termed Lord Nazir Ahmed an icon and a model for Pakistani diaspora in the UK.
The High Commissioner told the participants that Pakistani diaspora in the UK could play an important role in strengthening the bilateral relations between Pakistan and United Kingdom.He added that the High Commission was thus making efforts for engagement and dialogue with Pakistani community in the UK in this regard.
He said, this year the Commission was focusing on youth and women empowerment.
Highlighting Pak-UK relations, he said that relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom were robust adding that last year Pakistan’s merchandise exports to UK increased by 8 percent.
Syed Ibne Abbas said that post-Brexit Pakistan would be the desirable destination for entrepreneurship as Pakistan’s economy according to the World Bank report was growing at 5.5 percent.
He said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a game changer with an investment of US $ over 60 billion for the great benefit of Pakistan and even in the region.
He urged the British Pakistani community to be good citizens of the country as their success in UK would
be the success of Pakistan.
He on the occasion announced that next Councillor Convention would be held at Manchester to facilitate
the Pakistani community there.
He also announced to send six British Pakistani children on a visit to Pakistan so that they could see
by themselves the progress made by the country of their origin.
The High Commissioner said that Kashmir was an international case and India is constantly involved in
violation of gross human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
He regretted that UK was a stand bearer of human rights, but in its last year’s human rights report it did
not mention violations of human rights in IOK.
Syed Ibne Abbas said that India has indulged in provocation at Line of Control and working boundary and untill
February 23 as many as 391 violations were made by India.
In the concluding session President of AJK Masood Khan appreciated Pakistan High Commission for holding
the Councillors conference.
He said that Kashmir, a paradise on earth was on fired triggered by India and its forces (arsenalists).
He said that India is constantly denying the right of self-determination to the people of Kashmir and
killing innocent Kashmiri people to silent their voice .
He called upon the Pakistani British community to raise voice for their Kashmiri brothers and sisters and more specifically against the humman rights violations committed by India.
He added that Pakistan would continue to extend political, moral and diplomatic support to people of occupied Kashmir till realization of their birth right to self determination.
He also highlighted the steps taken by the AJK government for the socio-economic development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The other speakers also appreciated Pakistan High Commission for organizaing this event and for providing an opportunity to share their thoughts and suggestions for the betterment of Pakistani diaspora of UK.
They also suggested launching of “Diapora Bonds” so that they could play an important role in the development of Pakistan being their identity and birth of origion.
They also suggested exchage to expertise in education and health sectors.
PHC organizes Councillors Convention 2018
Josh Malih Abadi’s anniversary to be observed on Feb 28
ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (APP):The 36th death anniversary of renowned poet, Shabir Hassan Khan, popularly known as Josh Malih Abadi would be observed on February 28, at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC).
According to press release, Josh Adabi Foundation and Josh Memorial Committee would jointly arranged Josh National Literary Seminar / Mushaira in collaboration with RAC.
Prominent poet and chairman of National Language Authority Iftikhar Arif would preside the occasion while Dr Jamal Nasir, a social figure, would be the chief guest.
Josh was not only a poet but also an intellectual and prolific writer as he wrote about religion,politics and history as well. He was known for his command over Urdu language and it was noted that he was very strict about respecting the grammar and rules of the language.
FATF not to affect rising economy, investment in Pakistan: Miftah
ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (APP):Advisor on Finance and Economic Affairs, Miftah Ismail has said that seeking name of our country into the list of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), would not affect Pakistan’s rising economy.
It was only effort of some countries including United States to malign Pakistan, which would not be successful as many countries supported our position, he said while talking to a private news channel.
He, however, said Pakistan would have to focus on long term planning and implement “action plan”.
There was no name of Pakistan mentioned in the list of FATF, he said.
Putting the name in the watch list would not affect emerging economy and investment in Pakistan, he assured.
Shabbir creates course record of winning 3rd RMI Open Golf Championship with 19 under 197
PESHAWAR, Feb 25 (APP):International Muhammad Shabbir Iqbal created new record of 19 under 197 over 54-holes and clinched the trophy
of the 3rd RMI Open Golf Championship played here at PAF Golf Course on Sunday.
Shabbir Iqbal succeeded in breaking the 18 under 198 score record of leading professional Imdad Hussain who created it in way back 1997 during the then Frontier Open Golf Championship.
In-form Shabbir Iqbal added a very vital 64 on the third and last day to his overnight score 66, 67 by winning the prestigious event.
“It is certainly an honor for me as I have great association with PAF Golf Course and making a record in a course where I love to play is surely very encouraging for me,” Shabbir Iqbal told APP in post-match talks. “My putting was par better in this Championship as compared to Sindh Open concluded recently where I lost to Matloob Ahmad while I succeeded in hitting all regulations which eased my job to go for birdie-putt,” he added.
“Playing in Peshawar always fascinate me and I’m very happy the way golf is being promoted with increase in prize money as well certainly that would attract more golfers in future,” he said. He further said that the Championship being organized always attracted leading golfers because of the dedicated efforts of international golfer Maj Arshad Mehmood who cares after the golfers besides superb hosting.
Shabbir Iqbal carded three under 33 at front nine and five under 31 at back nine with birdies at 1, 6, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17.
His close rival Matloob from Lahore Gymkhana added five under 67 to his overnight 69 and 68 to make an aggregated total 12 under 204.
Matloob Ahmad, a Lahore Gymkhana professional carded three under 33 at front nine and 34, two under at back nine to score one bogy and birdies at 3, 5, 11, 12 and 17.
Muhammad Ashfaq, who was a stroke behind the leader Shabbir Iqbal on the second day, slipped to third position with his gross score nine under 207.
Muhammad Ashfaq added one over par 73 to his overnight 70 and 64 with only two birdies and three bogeys. He carded one over 37 at front nine and par 36 at back nine. Another leading golfer of Pakistan international M. Munir got fourth position with his gross score 207, five under, by adding one over par 69 to his overnight 67, 71. Muhammad Munir played well and carded par 36 at front nine with just one birdie and three under 33 at back nine with three birdies at hole no. 12, 17 and 18 and a missed stroke at hole no. 3. His second short at hold no. 3 par-4 landed in rough but he managed out quickly by finishing with just one missed stroke.
Muhammad Wisal Khan of Peshawar Golf Club scored five under 211, Ansar Mehmood (213), Muhammad Alam and Muhammad Naeem (214) each were the other leading golfers.
In the Amateur 12 and below Zubair Hussain carded 221 by taking first position, followed by Ghazanfar with 223 score and Taimur Khan with 224 score while in the Net Abdul Qayyum Bokhari carded 212 and got first position, followed by Hamza Khan with 214 and Khushal Khan with 217 over 54 holes.
In Junior professional Bilal Khan won first position with gross 151 over 36 holes, followed by Asad Khan and Syed Bilal Hussain. In 13-18 HCP Shanan Khan won first position, followed by Zahid Shafiq and Wing Commander
Jawad Ali Raja. In the Net Azmat got first position, followed by Yasir Huda Khan and Laraib.
In boys U-17 gross Hamza Bilal won first position, followed by Basil and Ahmad, in Net Laraib got first position, followed by Abbas and Muhammad Bin Qasim, in Boys Under-14 gross Adan Bokhari got first, followed by Hazi and Danial and in Net Bilal, Darmal and Jalal got positions.
In Senior Amateur gross international golfer Col Saud won the title, followed by Mohsin and Brig Iqbal while in Net Azhar Ul Habib won first position, followed by Dr. Shahkar and Rahim Bari while in Veterans gross Imdad Hussain of Railways won the title with five under par 67, followed by Asad and Mehmood Kiyani of PTV, in Net Col Safi won the title, followed by Col Saeed and Jamal Ul Hasnain. In Ladies US National Ami Qin won the title in gross, followed by Tahir and Asma and in Net Aisha won the title, followed by Zeenat Aisha and Aisha Hamid.
In Media Putting Javed Iqbal of Dawn TV won first position, followed by Hashim of Frontier News and Jehanzeb of Al-Safawat Sports Magzine.
At the end, Governor KP Iqbal Zafar Jhagra who was the chief guest on this occasion gave away trophies and cash prizes to the position holders. A total of 350 golfers from across the country took part in the event.
Efforts underway for uplift of Karachi: President
KARACHI, Feb 25 (APP):President Mamnoon Hussain Sunday said special focus was given to the resolution of issues confronting Karachi and appreciated the performance of the present experienced and talented financial team of the federal government.
During a meeting with delegation of business community led by noted businessman and PML-N leader Ishtiaque Baig, the president stressed upon making of efforts for the uplift of Karachi and Sindh province irrespective of all the political affiliations as the country’s development was linked with Karachi.
The president observed that political issues had not affected the government’s performance, declaring that the political issues would settle down soon, said a press release. He also assured to resolve issues of the business community.
The president said planning was underway for establishment of economic zones under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. A strong foundation for development and progress of the country had been laid in the last few years.
The eminent businessmen from Karachi, on the occasion, credited the federal government for restoring peace in the port city.
In the last four years, improvement in the national economy and decline in inflation had been noted. The federal government had chalked out major development projects for Karachi, they added.
Saad sends defamation notice of Rs 5 bln to Fawad
LAHORE, Feb 25 (APP):Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has sent a defamation notice of Rs 5 billion to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhary for levelling false allegations against him.
Saad Rafique, in a statement on Sunday, demanded an unconditional apology from Fawad over his statements against him regarding the Paragon Housing Society.
Addressing a news conference on February 22, Fawad Chaudhary had alleged that Saad was the owner of Paragon Housing Society. He also alleged that the Railways Minister was a member of the land mafia, who had deprived common people of their property.
The minister demanded that Fawad should either prove the allegations or tender apology publicly within 14 days, and in case of his failure to do so, legal proceedings would be initiated against him.
Saad Rafique, in the notice, stated the Constitution allowed every person to protect his sanctity and that no one
should level baseless allegations against anyone.
Ahsan distributes 691 laptops among brilliant students
SIALKOT, Feb 25 (APP):Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal Sunday distributed 691 laptops among brilliant students at Narowal Public School.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister stressed the need to ensure an easy access of every one to quality education.
He said parents and teachers should focus on the character-building of their children and students,
enabling them to serve the nation and the country in a better way.
Ahsan Iqbal said promotion of quality education was the top priority of the government. Being future of the nation students should be encouraged to get advanced education and knowledge and the government was also providing them maximum facilities for the purpose.
The minister said for the first time in the country’s 70-year history, university campuses were being opened in every district. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government had started many educational projects across the country, he added.
He said five years back, foreign media had declared Pakistan a dangerous country and today it was ranked the fifth among the fast growing countries. Billions of dollars were being invested in the country under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, he added.
Member of Provincial Assembly Rana Abdul Manan Khan, Narowal District Council Chairman Chaudhary Ahmed Iqbal, educationists and others also attended the ceremony.
Occupied Kashmir is in the line of fire: Masood Khan
MIRPUR (AJK), Feb 25 (APP)::President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Sardar Masood Khan has said that the Indian occupied Kashmir – the
paradise on earth – was on fire and the world community was not sending any firefighters or peacekeepers to extinguish the raging fires there.
He made these remarks while addressing a convention of British Councilors, Lord Mayors and Mayors in
London, hosted by the Pakistan High Commission in the United Kingdom, a message received here on Sunday said.
He paid tribute to Pakistan High Commissioner Ibn-e-Abbas for successfully organizing and hosting the event and congratulated the councilors of Pakistani and Kashmiri extraction for their successful integration into the British political fabric.
He said that this was no accidental fire, but Indian occupation forces were the “arsonists” who would not let any firefighter enter into the region and extinguish the fires. And the world was busy appeasing India and the arsonists instead of sending peacekeepers to the region because they say they have their economic interests tied with that country.
The president also said Jammu and Kashmir was the most obscure conflict in the region where thousands of people are killed, maimed, tortured, and incarcerated every year. Unlike other conflicts, Kashmir has little visibility on the international radar screen and Kashmir is also the least reported conflict, he said.
The United Nations Security Council and the United Nations Secretary General, instead of hiding behind bland statements, should intercede to take full cognizance of the situation in the Indian occupied Kashmir and stop massacres, killings, and illegal
detentions.
India would never agree to the UN Secretary General’s good offices but why should the SG be deterred by India’s non-compliance? The president asked: Has the UN not intervened in South Sudan, Mali, Central African Republic, Yemen, and Libya, without waiting for the consent of the parties to the conflict?
Sardar Masood said the UN Security Council should, instead of acting as a bystander in the Kashmir dispute, should take full cognizance of the matter and play its rightful role.
He appealed to the Councilors, mayors and lord mayors to raise the visibility of the Kashmir dispute in the parleys in the legislative bodies, conventions and conferences. This, he said, could be done by raising questions on the floors, moving resolutions, and holding events on the sidelines.
He said Pakistan should stop talking to India on Kashmir because of three reasons: Kashmir is an international, not a bilateral, dispute; secondly, India has closed all doors for bilateral dialogue; and thirdly, the rounds of bilateral engagement so far have proved to be a mirage and totally unproductive. The real pressure for the solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute will come from the international forums and global civil society.
The AJK president clarified that Jammu and Kashmir never was and never will be an integral part of India.
“That’s a falsehood coined by India, which it cannot sustain or justify, as is evident from the situation on the ground”, he said.
He also underlined that Kashmir was a trilateral issue between Pakistan, India and the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the Kashmiris were the most important party in this dispute because they have to decide their political future in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.
He said India wants to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir through the use of unbridled and brutal state terrorism; whereas Pakistan believes in dialogue, diplomacy and the rule of law as written into the UN Charter. Kashmiris were not, he said, terrorists but were waging a peaceful movement for the libertarian of their own homeland.
“This is neither terrorism, nor a crime by any law or standard; this is a legitimate aspiration”, he said.
The president introduced Azad Kashmir as a destination for investment, commerce and economic activity. He apprised his audience how Azad Kashmir had become part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and a hub for economic activity focusing on roads, hydropower generation, high quality and higher education, universal access to health, organization of tourism as an industry, exploitation of extractive industry, and development of the agriculture sector. He told his audience that work on the Rathua Haryana bridge will be completed with speed.
Marriyum Aurangzeb condoles demise of Bollywood actress Sridevi
ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (APP):Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of renowned Bollywood film actress Sridevi.
In a statement the minister said that Sridevi was a versatile actress who proved her mettle in showbusiness through stellar performances in several films.
She said that her fans all over the world were mourning her sudden death.
She expressed heartfelt condolences with the family members of the deceased actress.
Computerization of 223 National Savings Centres completed to facilitate investors
ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (APP):National Saving has completed automation and computerization of its 223 Centres to facilitate investors and ensure more effectiveness in execution of routine work.
More than 200 such Centres are now centrally connected, official sources at Finance Division said on Sunday.
The sources said present government under ambit of National Savings had taken steps to attract more investment in National Savings Schemes and to facilitate investors and these included launch of non-financial version of Mobile Application i.e Qoumi Bachat Digital.
The National Savings has become first-ever non-bank member of Banking Clearing House System which has reduced cheque processing time from 7-10 days to 1-3 days only.
The Department has also launched state-of-the-art Call Center which is backed by a Computerized Complaint Resolution System and added Call Centre can be accessed through a dedicated number and all complaints of customers are tracked through system generated complaint ID till their final resolution.
The other steps included mobile application enabled National Savings to view up-to-date Certificate and Account Balances, access product-wise investment details, get SMS and email alerts on any transactions in accounts/certificates, view transactional history and account statements, search draw results of prize bonds and save prize bond numbers for future draws.
Permission for Third-Party Payment against National Savings Withdrawal Slips was another step through which customers of Savings Account can now pay their routine expenditure like utility bill, school fee etc. to beneficiary directly.
The National Savings has also developed schemes for family members of martyrs called Shuhada Family
Welfare Account (SFWA) and extension of Bahbood Savings Certificates (BSCs) to Persons with Disabilities
(PwDs)
Structuring of a new scheme for Non-Resident Pakistanis through Overseas Pakistanis Savings Certificates
(OPSCs), consideration and establishment of a Sharia Window of National Savings to launch Islamic Schemes
and launch of Rs 40,000 Premium Prize Bonds (Registered) with dual features of both prize money and bi-annual
profit payments were the other major steps introduced.