WASHINGTON, Feb 9 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a game-changer and will link South Asia to world’s major trading hubs such as Middle East, Europe and Latin America.
Speaking at a function arranged by the Pakistan Embassy in Washington on Thursday night to highlight CPEC’s significance, the minister said the multi-billion project has already started to show positive impacts on Pakistan’s economy with GDP growth now at 5.3 percent, up from about 3 percent on average in 2013, and projected to be 6 percent in 2018.
The minister told the gathering, widely attended by foreign policy experts, members of Think Tanks, IMF, World Bank as well as Pakistani American community, that Pakistan has made a tremendous economic progress since 2013 and people should look at it beyond the lens of security.
He said political stability has played an important role in achieving the goals.
CPEC will usher prosperity and progress not only in Pakistan but the entire region and there was a great scope for the extension of CPEC projects to other countries, the minister said, adding it would be beneficial to India also if it joined it.
Iqbal highlighted that major infrastructure projects related to CPEC are nearing completion within the timelines. Both China and Pakistan are keen to operationalize CPEC at the earliest so that it can stimulate the economy and bring about a meaningful change in the lives of the people, he added.
Earlier, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, in his opening remarks, said CPEC is a visionary initiative of the governments of China and Pakistan which has the potential of bringing economic benefits to both countries and the region for decades.
CPEC represents the transformation of a long-standing and time-tested strategic friendship of China and Pakistan from the political to the economic sphere. The people of both countries are excited by the opportunities that CPEC would present.
Dr. Ehtesham Ahmed, a renowned economist and former senior World Bank / IMF official, while moderating the event remarked that CPEC is generating great interest around the world and implementation of this project was part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The success of CPEC would demonstrate that the Belt and Road Initiative could transform the economic future of the region, he added.
CPEC to link South Asia to world’s major trading hubs: Ahsan Iqbal
FM Asif urges US to pay for fencing Pak-Afghan border aimed at reducing terrorism
NEW YORK, Feb 9 (APP):Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that the fence Pakistan is building along its largely porous 2,343- kilometer border with Afghanistan will help reduce terrorism and he sought U.S. assistance as Islamabad steps up efforts to complete the project.
“It won’t cost them much,” he said of the U.S. in an interview with Bloomberg, a New York-based international news agency, in Islamabad.
“The war is costing them much more,” the foreign minister was quoted as saying.
Khawaja Asif said the barrier should be finished by the end of 2019.
The border fence will stop the flow of militants crossing into both countries unchecked, FM Asif said, adding Pakistan also considers the return of more than 2 million Afghan refugees critical for peace.
He called on the U.S. to assist with the fencing and repatriation of the Afghan refugees.
“It’s a free for all,” Asif said, adding that as many as 70,000 people crossing the border a day. “These issues are facilitating terrorism.”
When asked about Donald Trump’s allegations, Asif said that Pakistan wanted better ties with the U.S.
“Both sides are trying to decrease the stress,” he said.
The foreign minister said the roughly 600,000 Afghan refugees that went back to their home country last year have largely returned to Pakistan.
He said the camps are breeding grounds for insurgency, and the international community must do more to help with the burden and conditions in Afghanistan for returnees.
Meanwhile, Qaiser Khan Afridi, a spokesman for the UN Refugee Agency in Islamabad, was quoted by Bloomberg as saying that there are funding shortages for Afghan refugees as resources have been diverted to other places like Syria and Iraq.
“Any free movement from their side to our side, or our side to their side, can breed mistrust and obviously some terrorist activity on our side or on their soil,” Asif said. “It’s in our mutual interest that the border is fenced.”
Children’s life a ‘living nightmare’ in Syria’s East Ghouta — UNICEF
UNITED NATIONS, Feb 9 (APP):Following reports that dozens of children have been killed in violence this week alone in Syria, a top United Nations official on Friday stressed the need for unconditional evacuations of sick and wounded children from East Ghouta and other sieged areas.
“The violence shows no sign of abating,” UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Henrietta Fore said in a statement. ” “For children who remain trapped under siege and under wanton, heavy violence across Syria, life is a living nightmare. They are struggling just to stay alive.”
Violence is intensifying in several parts of Syria, and in East Ghouta alone, hundreds of children are in urgent need of medical evacuation, she said, noting that four years of siege have crumbled health and other basic services and over the past few months, malnutrition has increased five-fold.
“Children, wherever they are in Syria, must have access to healthcare. The evacuation of sick and wounded children from besieged areas should be a given, not part of bargaining efforts,” she warned.
“I am heartbroken by what the children of Syria continue to suffer because of actions taken by adults, actions that show total disregard for the protection, safety and wellbeing of children,” she added.
Protection of children must be paramount at all times, and schools, hospitals and playgrounds should be places of safety, never targets, she stressed, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Syria.
85,000 people displaced in 10 weeks as hostilities rage across Yemen: UN
UNITED NATIONS, Feb 9 (APP):The United Nations has expressed deep concern over surging violence across Yemen, warning that the worsening situation has pushed some 85,000 people from their homes over the past 10 weeks.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Friday that more than 70 percent of those displaced since December 1 last year had escaped clashes between fighters from rival groups in Yemen’s western coastal provinces of Hudaydah and Taizz.
The UN refugee agency also cautioned against the dire condition of displaced people, who are caught in areas close to hostilities in the two provinces.
Most of those displaced in the governorates of Hudaydah and Taizz remain hosted by relatives or friends, trapped inside homes or in caves as ground clashes, aerial bombardment and sniper fire rage around them, UNHCR spokeswoman Cecile Pouilly told reporters in Geneva.
She noted that the UN is witnessing an upsurge in new displacements from other parts of Yemen, including the northern provinces of al-Jawf and Hajjah, as well as the oil-rich eastern province of Shabwa.
The main needs of the displaced and other conflict-affected populations continue to be access to shelter, health, food and water and sanitation, Pouilly said.
She warned that Yemen is seeing a spike in needs, fueled by ongoing conflict, a collapsing economy and diminishing social services and livelihoods.
Last month, the UN appealed for nearly $3 billion to combat imminent famine as well as cholera and diphtheria outbreaks in Yemen this year.
NA body recommends Rs25,626 mln PSDP proposals for Commerce, Textile Ministry
ISLAMABAD, Feb 9 (APP):The Standing Committee on Commerce and Textile Friday recommended Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) proposals of Ministry of Commerce and Textile amounting to Rs.25,626.577 million for the financial year 2018-19.
According to press statement issued by the National Assembly Secretariat here, the the meeting of the committee was held under the chairmanship of MNA, Siraj Muhammad Khan.
The Committee was separately apprised about the proposed PSDP of Commerce and Textile Divisions, the statement added.
Additional Secretary, Commerce Division informed that the Division had proposed allocation of PSDP fund amounting to Rs.8550 million for financial year 2018-19 for seven projects.
The projects include establishment of new Exp-Centers at Islamabad, Quetta and Faisalabad, expansion or remodeling of Expo-Center at Karachi, provision hostel and transport facility to student at Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design, Lahore and an ongoing project relating to Expo-Center at Peshawar.
Secretary Textile Division apprised the Committee about the proposed PSDP allocation for the project of Textile Division. He informed that Rs.11012.372 million had been proposed for 5 new projects whereas Rs.6064.205 had been proposed for 7 projects, which were being resubmitted for approval by the Planning and Development Division.
Apprising the Committee about the new projects, the Secretary said that the projects include establishment of National Textile University (NTU) Campus at Quetta, Garment City Project at Karachi, construction of new library at NTU campus at Faisalabad and implementation of system for standardization of high quality cotton.
He also apprised the committee the projects being resubmitted for approval related to PM Skill Development Program for Textile Industry and studies for climatic change, recycling of organic wastes, restoration of soil fertility and cost management in cotton production and marketing.
The Committee after thorough discussion recommended the entire proposed PSDP of the Ministry for inclusion in Budget for next financial year.
The Committee expressed satisfaction on the progress and implementation of its recommendations by the divisions concerned. The Committee directed Commerce Division to expedite the proposed amendment in Pakistan Tobacco Board Act which would ensure supply of registered and certified Tobacco seed to the growers.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Haji Muhammad Akram Ansari, Minister of State for Commerce and Textile, MNAs; Ch. Asad-ur-Rehman, Mrs. Seema Mohiuddin Jameeli, Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb, Ms. Zeb Jaffar, Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharral, Mr. Nazir Ahmed Bughio, Ms. Mussarat Ahmad Zeb, Ms. Sajida Begum, Dr. Fouzia Hameed, Mr. Sanjay Perwani, Secretaries Commerce and Textile Divisions and Senior Officers of the concerned departments.
Faiz Aman Mela on Feb 18
LAHORE, Feb 09 (APP):The Faiz Aman Mela will be held on Feb 18 at open air theatre in Bagh-e-Jinnah to pay tribute
to the late Faiz Ahmad Faiz over his services he rendered in the fields of journalism, poetry, literature and
education.
The Faiz peace festival is conducted every year by the Eaiz Aman Mela committee.
During the festival, cultural programmes are held and poets, men of letters and scholars threw light on the
personality, ideas and services of Faiz Ahmad Faiz.
Master Paints in final of Master Paints Polo Cup
LAHORE, Feb 09 (APP):Master Paints/Rizvi’s Friday defeated Master Paints Blacks 6-5 in a thrilling match to qualify for the main final of the Master Paints Polo Cup 2018 here at Polo Club (LPC) ground on Friday.
It was a very closely contested encounter which ended 5-5 when the final whistle of the match was blown.
The match then entered the sudden death chukker, where Hamza Mawaz Khan came from behind to
pump in the match-winning goal for Master Paints/Rizvi’s and also helped them book berth in the main final.
Juaz Cruz Losada was real hero of the match as he fired fabulous four goals while Mumtaz Abbas and Hamza Mawaz Khan (one goal each) completed the tally for the victors.
From the losing side, Hissam Ali Hyder and Saqib Khan Khakwani equally played outstanding polo and banged in a brace each while Agha Musa struck one but their efforts went in vain in the end, when they lost the crucial match by a margin of one goal.
Both the teams kept on struggling to score a goal in the first chukker but their efforts couldn’t bear fruit and the first chukker remained goalless.
In the second chukker, Saqib Khakwani scored the opening goal off a spot penalty to give Master Paints Black 1-0 lead which was soon equalized by Losada who also converted spot penalty successfully and then in the dying moments of the chukker, he converted another spot penalty to give Master Paints/Rizvi’s 2-1 edge.
The third chukker was fully dominated by Master Paints/Rizvi’s as they thwarted three tremendous goals – two by Losada off field goal and 60-yard penalty and one by Mumtaz Abbas, who fired a fantastic field goal – to further enhance their lead to 5-1. Master Paints Black made a strong comeback in the fourth chukker as they hammered four back-to-back goals – two by Hissam Ali Hyder and one each by Agha Musa and Saqib Khakwani – to level the score at 5-5. Both the teams then utilized all their skills and efforts to convert one more goal to ensure crucial victory, but both failed to add a single goal and when the final whistle was blown, the match was tied at 5-5.
The match entered the sudden death chukker where the team, which scores the first goal, is declared the winners. Fight for the final and match-winning goal started in the great style and both fought well against each other. At this crucial stage, Hamza Mawaz came from behind and brought the ball near the goal post where he slammed in a cracking goal to give his team a well-deserving victory. Ignasio Negro and Mighuel Luis Duggan officiated the match as field umpires.
Wealthy, potential non-taxpayers must be brought into tax net: SCCI
ISLAMABAD, Feb 9 (APP):The Vice President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Iftikhar Ali Malik Friday welcomed Prime Minister’s plans to broaden tax base, saying that wealthy and potential non-taxpayers must be brought into tax net.
Chambers would cooperate with the government in this regard, he said while talking to a high level delegation of traders, importers and exporters from Sialkot led by Abdul Ghafoor Butt, Executive Member, Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry here.
According to press released issued here, Malik said that ratio of tax payers in Pakistan was even less than Afghanistan, adding the broadening of tax net was must for strengthening the national economy and for the survival of the country.
He said that Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and top leadership of United business Group (UBG) is in principle agreed to lend helping hand to the government in this regard.
He said plugging of revenue leakage and broadening of tax net would ultimately benefit the existing tax payers in terms of reduction in heavy taxation.
He said that the UBG and all chambers across the country would not only resolve the issues being confronted by the traders but also convince the trading community to pay their due taxes timely.
He said Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has assured to address all the genuine grievances of the business community on top priority and had directed all ministry and attached departments to resolve traders’ problems on priority basis.
“Around 1.2 million people pay taxes in Pakistan while the number of traders paying tax on electricity bills surpasses seven million, this gap can be bridged through sincere efforts backed by the government,” he observed.
He said there is consensus amongst the tax experts that most of the problems are stemming from weakness in the effective implementation of fiscal laws.
Pakistan firmly adheres to policy of non-interference in other countries affairs: PM
ISLAMABAD, Feb 9 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Friday said Pakistan firmly adhered to the policy of non-interference in the affairs of other countries and would continue to adhere to the principles of the UN charter in this regard.
He said this during a meeting with Foreign Minister of Maldives, Dr Mohamed Asim, who called on him here.
The prime minister highlighted that the relations between Pakistan and Maldives were characterized by cordiality, mutual respect and commonality of interests.
He expressed satisfaction over the trajectory of brotherly bilateral relations.
The Maldivian foreign minister, who was on an official visit to Pakistan as the special envoy of the president of Maldives from February 8 to 10, briefed the prime minister on the developments that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in his country.
He reaffirmed Maldives’ support to Pakistan’s initiatives for bringing peace and stability in the region.
The foreign minister of Maldives appreciated Pakistan for its support to the people and the government of Maldives.
He thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him.
US, Pakistan need to understand mutual legitimate security concerns
WASHINGTON, Feb.9 (APP):Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday called for a structured dialogue between Pakistan and the United States, saying the two countries must realize other’s legitimate security concerns and cooperate with each other to achieve the common objective of defeating terrorism and stabilizing Afghanistan.
He was talking to Pakistan media to summarize his visit to Washington at the invitation to attend the Annual National Prayer Breakfast hosted by the White House and attended by President Trump. During his brief stay, the Minister met with lawmakers, media and Pakistani community leaders and apprised them of Pakistan’s position on the current stand-off with the United States, and the country’s economic conditions.
The Minister said that Pakistan and the United States have a long history of cooperation which has benefitted both, adding that Islamabad desires strong ties with Washington on the basis of mutual respect.
There should be an open and candid discussion. Both countries need each other and they need to understand other’s legitimate security concerns, the Minister said, adding that any relationship has to be based on dignity and mutual respect for each other and nothing can be achieved through using pressure tactics.
Emphasizing the need for working together, the Minister said that the US was the biggest stakeholder in Afghanistan at the world level, whereas peace and stability in Pakistan was linked to peace and stability in Afghanistan.For peace in Pakistan, there has to be peace in Afghanistan,he said, adding that both countries cannot change their geography.
Minister Iqbal observed that Pakistan did not need American aid, but that the US has a very important place in Pakistan’s development agenda. The US has an important role in developing Pakistan’s human resources, he added
Replying to a question, the Minister said that there has been a significant reduction in terrorism-related incidents compared with the situation in 2013 when the PML-N government took over after a landslide victory in the general elections. We have controlled terrorism with our own meager resources and have forced extremist groups to leave the country, he added.
The Minister also underlined the need for respecting Pakistan’s territorial integrity and said if the US has any information, it should be shared with Pakistan and the government will take action. He said the two countries have to fight the menace of terrorism together.
He said that spoilers are trying to create a wedge between Pakistan and the United States, but added that they two countries have a long history of cooperation and should find common grounds for working together in the future.
To a question, he said that India’s role in Afghanistan was counter-productive. He however made it clear that Pakistan was fully capable of defending itself and no one can harm the country. Peace in South Asia will benefit all regional countries, he added.
Replying to a question if the aid-cut would impact Pakistan, the Minister said that government is now working with a change approach and the nation has defeated terrorism with its own resources and has survived hardest of times.