KARACHI, Feb 09 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that last year he vowed to organize Pakistan Super League (PSL) final match in Karachi and now, he has kept his promise.
He said that all agencies concerned, institutions and the people of Karachi have to work together to make the event memorable so that international cricket events can be held in the city.
He stated this while presiding over a meeting to review arrangements for forthcoming PSL final match in Karachi, said a statement on Friday.
The meeting was attended by Provincial Ministers, Chief Secretary, DG Rangers, IG Police, Principal Secretary to CM, Commissioner Karachi, Secretary Health, Secretary Home, Secretary Sports, Secretary LG, Mayor of Karachi, Additional IG Karachi, Representatives of all the intelligence agencies, representatives of PCB, General manager National stadium and other officials concerned.
The Sindh CM giving guidelines said that there should be close coordination among all stakeholders.
“I have already issued directives for provision of civic facilities,” he said and emphasized the need for public convenience and beautification of the city.
The IG Police, A.D. Khowaja told the CM Sindh that he had sent a team to Lahore to observe the security arrangements for international cricket match played between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on October 29, 2017.
The same security model with some improvements will be implemented here.
The CM Sindh constituted different committees and assigned them with tasks.
The Executive committee headed by Chief Secretary would monitor.
The security committee include Police, Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies.
They would share their intelligence reports among them on daily basis.
He directed the civic agency which is under local government minister and Mayor of Karachi would make arrangements for provision of lighting, drinking water, parking sites, cleanliness and also arrange medical facilities.
The meeting decided that there would be aerial surveillance by helicopters. The commandos would be deployed around the stadium and the police would take control inside the stadium.
The CM Sindh directed Secretary Health to talk to Aga Khan Hospital and Liaquat National Hospital for providing special health services, if need be.
The CM Sindh directed the IG police to identify and declare alternative traffic routes for public convenience.
This extra-ordinary security should not cause harassment among the citizens but let the citizens enjoy the event in a festive manner because it is their event.
The CM Sindh was told that there was capacity of 40,000 spectators in the stadium. It would be a big event in terms of public attendance.
The law enforcement agencies would make full dress rehearsal on February 11 at 10am.
The CM Sindh decided to convene another meeting on February 14 to review security arrangement.
Murad reviews arrangements for PSL final match
China urges world community to respect sovereignty of Maldives
BEIJING, Feb 9 (APP):Terming the current situation in Maldives as its internal matter, a Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson Friday said international community should respect sovereignty and independence of the Maldives.
“The international community should respect the will of the Maldives and play a constructive role in the stability and development of Maldives instead of doing the opposite,” Geng Shuang said during his regular briefing here.
“The current situation in the Maldives is its internal affairs. It should be properly resolved through dialogue and consultations by all relevant parties,” he said while responding to a question regarding current situation in Maldives.
Replying to a question on reports of Indian deployment in the Maldives to evacuate Indians, he said “non-interference in other countries is an important principle of international relations.”
About Maldives Economic Development Minister Mohamed Saeed to China, he said Saeed in his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has introduced the current situation in the Maldives and said the government is committed to uphold the rule of law and social order independently resolving the current issue and achieving national stability and development.
“The Maldives has the ability to protect the security of the Chinese personnel and the institutions,” Saeed told Wang.
For his part, Wang said China is closely following the situation in the Maldives and believe that the government and people there have the ability to properly resolve the current issue and restore the normal order in the country in accordance with law, Geng said.
“China will not interfere in the internal affairs of the Maldives. This is also an important principle enshrined by UN charter. We support the Maldives government to properly resolve issues through dialogue and consultations with relevant parties and uphold independence, sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests of Maldives,” Wang told Saeed according to the spokesperson.
China has offered self-less assistance to Maldives for its social development, Wang said adding that the cooperation benefits all the peoples in Maldives.
Geng said, “I want to emphasise that China believes that the Maldives and people have the wisdom and capability to properly resolve the current issue faced them.”
To another question whether Saeed sought China’s help to resolve the issue, he said,
“I can tell you that diplomatic channels between the two countries is smooth. China and the Maldives maintain normal and friendly exchanges.”
NA speaker, Railways minister call on Punjab CM
LAHORE, Feb 09 (APP):Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, here on Friday.
During the meeting, different issues including Senate elections, political matters and development programmes came under discussion.
The visitors congratulated the Punjab CM over the unprecedented savings of Rs682 billion in different projects.
CM Shehbaz Sharif said on the occasion that the journey of public welfare and development was continuing at a fast pace.
He said the national resources were a sacred trust of the people and every penny was being spent for welfare of masses.
“It is heartening that a saving of billions of rupees has been made in development projects through the policy of transparency and efficiency. It is sanguine that our development projects are an example of their own with regard to quality and transparency and a new record has been set in the national history with the saving of Rs 682 billion in different schemes,” he added.
The chief minister said that the government had also spread a network of farm-to-market roads and infrastructural developments in the province.
Shehbaz said that Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project was of prime importance in the transport sector as hundreds of thousands of commuters would daily use this facility.
Instead of making hollow claims, he said, the PML-N had taken practical steps for development and prosperity of people.
“Punjab enjoys a conspicuous status in the arena of development while the performance of so-called claimants had been evident to the people.
The performance of critics had been zero in their own province,” he added.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said public welfare projects had been completed with hard work by Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and he had changed the face of the province with his unprecedented development works.
He added that development in Punjab was a role model for other provinces.
Railways Minister Saad Rafiq said, “Heart of Shehbaz Sharif beats with the people,” adding that the chief minister had made the province fully developed with his hard work.
Islamabad through to National One Day Cup final
ISLAMABAD, Feb 9 (APP):Islamabad beat Rawalpindi by 13 runs Friday in the second semifinal of the National One Day Cup– Regions 2017-18 at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
Put into bat, Islamabad Region piled up a total of 380 runs for 2 in 50 overs. Shan Masood was the pick of the batsmen scoring an unbeaten182 runs on 153 balls including 20 4s and a 6 while Babar Azam also played a magnificent innings of 136 runs on 106 balls with 13 4s and 5 6s. Abid Ali also contributed with 36 runs.
For Rawalpindi, Saad Altaf 1 for 62 and Yasir Ali 1 for 80 took wickets.
In reply, Rawalpindi made 367 runs for 9 in 50 overs. Iftikhar Ahmed 123, Saud Shakeel 70, Umair Masood 50 not out, Muhammad Hafeez 48 and Zeeshan Malik 31 batted well.
For Islamabad, Hamza Nadeem bagged 3 wickets for 85 runs while Nouman Ali grabbed 2 wickets for 81 runs.
Summarized scores:
Islamabad Region 380-2 in 50 overs: (Shan Masood182*, 153 balls, 20x4s, 1×6, Babar Azam 136, 106 balls, 13x4s, 5x6s, Abid Ali 36, 36 balls, 5x4s, 1×6, Saad Altaf 1-62, Yasir Ali 1-80).
Rawalpindi Region 367-9 in 50 overs: (Iftikhar Ahmed 123, 110 balls, 8x4s, 4x6s, Saud Shakeel 70, 62 balls, 9x4s, Umair Masood 50*, 34 balls, 2x4s, 4x6s, Muhammad Hafeez 48, 44 balls, 6x4s, 2x6s, Zeeshan Malik 31, 16 balls, 3x4s, 2x6s, Hamza Nadeem 3-85, Nouman Ali 2-81).
Indian deputy high commissioner summoned over unprovoked ceasefire violations along LoC
ISLAMABAD, Feb 9 (APP):The Foreign Office Friday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh and strong protest was launched over the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces along the Line of Control (LoC) on February 4, in Nezapir, Nikial and Karela Sectors, resulting in the martyrdom of two innocent civilians, while injuring seven others, including two children.
Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal in his weekly media briefing said the Indian forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) were continuously targeting the civilian population with heavy mortars and automatic weapons.
The Indian forces have carried out more than 190 ceasefire violations along the LoC and he WB so far in 2018, resulting in the martyrdom of 13 innocent civilians, while injuring 65 others.
The Indian occupation forces killed two Kashmiris including Rayees Ahmad Ganie, 19-year old and Musharraf Fayaz ,10-year old, in Shopian in occupied Kashmir, while a young girl Samaya Jan, who has received bullets fired by Indian forces is struggling for life in a hospital in Srinagar, he said.
Miseries of the people in occupied Kashmir have increased day by day as Indian occupation forces in Pulwama, Shopian, Islamabad, Kulgam, Srinagar, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipore districts continue to terrorize by illegal house searches, damaging properties and beating the people without any provocation in day and at night, he said.
“We highly condemn Indian atrocities and brutal acts and call upon world human rights defenders to stand up for Kashmiris in IoK”, Dr Faisal said.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the death of a Chinese national Chen Zhu, shot by unidentified assailants, in his vehicle, in Karachi on February 5. Pakistan condemns the killing in the strongest possible terms. We are committed to taking all possible measures to apprehend the culprits and carry out a thorough investigation against the perpetrators of this crime. Pakistan attaches great importance to the safety and security of the Chinese nationals in the country”, he said.
The Foreign Office spokesman said King Abdullah II, of Jordan along with a high-level delegation is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of President Mamnoon Hussain. During his stay in Islamabad, the King of Jordan would hold talks with President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
The visit would provide an opportunity to explore ways and means to further strengthen cooperation in diverse areas of mutual interest, particularly expanding bilateral trade and enhancing investments in Pakistan. The visit of King Abdullah II has given a new impetus to the existing fraternal bonds between the two brotherly countries.
The Secretary General of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Rashid Alimov has visited Pakistan from February 5 to 6. This marked the first visit of SCO secretary general after Pakistan’s full membership in the cooperation.
He called on the prime minister, foreign minister, minister for communications, deputy chairman Planning Commission and the foreign secretary.
In his meeting with the secretary general, the foreign minister thanked him for facilitating Pakistan’s bid for SCO membership. He said Pakistan shares deep rooted historical and cultural links with the member states of SCO. Its membership creates an opportunity for connectivity of critical overland routes for trade and energy in the SCO region.
A high-level Pakistani delegation comprising senior civilian and military officials led by the foreign secretary of Pakistan visited Kabul on February 3, to hold discussions with their Afghan counterparts, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai, on Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity, a joint action plan for cooperation in the areas of counter-terrorism and reduction of violence, peace and reconciliation, refugees repatriation and joint economic development.
Replying to a question, the spokesman said the boat carrying migrants, which included Pakistanis capsized off the coast of Libya on January 31, as per a Pakistani survivor of the incident. Some 32 Pakistanis boarded the boat as per unconfirmed report of the eye witness. Any figure circulating in the media except this is mere speculation. The following is what we know so far: Eleven bodies have been recovered and identified and their relatives have been informed. There are two bodies that have been found but their identity as yet has not been confirmed.
Identification documents of five Pakistanis have been found, out of which one Rehmat Khan S/o Muhammad Inayat bearing CNIC No.34202-2896695-9, Passport No.VG4106952 is alive. The bodies or whereabouts (if alive) of the remaining four Pakistanis are unknown.
The 11 recovered and identified bodies will be dispatched to Pakistan, depending upon flight availability, most likely within the next three days.
Two officials of the Mission have been permanently deputed at Zawara where the dead bodies and documents are washed ashore.
The ministry has deputed an extra officer from a nearby Pakistan Embassy (Egypt) to help in the identification and repatriation process.
Details of contact person in Embassy of Pakistan, Tripoli, Libya: Muhammad Islam, Charge d’affaires a i Cell: 00218-91-9663346, Cell: 00218-91-3402246, Whatsapp: 0092-332-7968635.
To a question the spokesman said currently there are 1.4 million registered and an equal number of unregistered Afghan citizens living in Pakistan.
SAFRON is in the process of finalizing a repatriation plan. We are also engaged with Afghan government, donors and other stakeholders for the smooth resettlement and reintegration of the returning refugees in Afghan society, he said.
While replying to another question the spokesman said the Indian government’s involvement in perpetrating terrorism in Pakistan is a known fact, the most recent example of which is the apprehension of the serving Indian Naval Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has confessed to his involvement in numerous terrorist incidents in Pakistan.
It is regrettable that India has so far not given us any reply on how Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav was in possession of the passport of Hussain Mubarak Patel, or any details of his retirement from Indian Navy. Also, had he retired prior to his apprehension?
The spokesman further said the Indian subversive and terrorist activities against Pakistan are well-documented. Pakistan has also raised them with the UN and the international community.
Commander Jadhav is just the last case in evidence. India needs to act as a responsible member of the international community and refrain from such activities, which are against the UN Charter and inter-state norms and pose a threat to regional peace.
Pakistan fully committed towards peace, stability in region: President
ISLAMABAD, Feb 9 (APP):President Mamnoon Hussain Friday said there was no place for militancy and militants in Pakistan and the government was fully committed towards peace and stability in the region.
He reiterated that Pakistan strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and emphasized that use of Pakistani soil for this purpose was totally out of question.
The president said this while talking to the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee General Mikhail Kostarakos who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. Senior officials of the President Secretariat and Ministry of Defence were also present in the meeting.
He emphasized that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with the European Union and this visit would open up avenues for further defence cooperation between Pakistan and European Union.
The president underscored that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was a project for peace, stability and economic development of the region and its full scale operationalization would help in putting an end to the unrest in the region.
He appreciated the constructive role of European Union countries in Afghanistan and said they had also played a valuable role in various development projects in Pakistan.
He also expressed the hope that this cooperation would continue in the future.
The president underlined that Pakistan had rendered unprecedented sacrifices during the ongoing war on terror.
He also expressed his concern over the human rights violations in Indian occupied Kashmir and Indian violations of the Line of Control and working boundary and said the international community should play its role to stop those Indian brutalities and violations.
Peshawar, Karachi victorious in women super hockey league
LAHORE, Feb 09 (APP):Peshawar Deers carved out a narrow
3-2 win over Quetta Panthers and Karachi Dolphins outshone
Islamabad Shaheen 4-0 and all sailed ahead in the 2nd Women
super league here on Friday at the national hockey stadium.
In the match between Peshawar and Quetta the fortunes
swung either way throughout the tie. It remained goal less
till four minutes before the end of the first half.
Peshawar’s skipper Zakia Nawaz broke the deadlock in the
26th minute converting a penalty corner. Six minute into the
second half, Quetta’s Iqra Hanif equalised thorugh a field
goal.
However, very next minute, Peshawar restored the lead
when celebrated international Maira Sabir scored via a penalty
corner.
Quetta, last year’s runners up, again restored the parity
as their captain Kulsoom Shahzadi made it 2-2 also through a PC.
In the 47th minute, Peshawar went ahead the third time when
Faiqa Riaz found the target in open play. And the Deers managed
to hold on to their lead this time when 60 minutes ended.
Scorers, Peshawar: Zakia Nawaz, Maira Sabir & Faiqa Riaz
Quetta: Iqra Hanif & Kalsoom Shahzadi.
Karachi and Islamabad contrast turned out to be one sided.
Karachi Dolphins with a goal in each quarter, had an easy
victory over Islamabad Shaheen.
Scores, Esha Akbar, Sadaf Rafi, Tehmina & Zarqa Bashir
Matches for tomorrow, Saturday:
Lahore Lions vs Quetta Panthers
Karachi Dolphins vs Peshawar Deers
COAS confirms death sentences awarded to seven hardcore terrorists
RAWALPINDI, Feb 9 (APP):Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa Friday confirmed death sentences awarded to another seven hardcore terrorists.
According to Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR), these terrorists were involved in heinous offences related to terrorism, including killing of innocent civilians, attacking law enforcement agencies and armed forces of Pakistan.
On the whole, they were involved in killing of 85 persons and injuring 109 others. Arms and explosives were also recovered from their possession.
These convicts were tried by military courts. Besides, five convicts were awarded imprisonment of various duration.
According to details, convicts Atlas Khan S/O Mada Mir Jan and Muhammad Yousaf Khan S/O Mir Azam Khan were members of proscribed organization.
They were involved in attacking armed forces of Pakistan. These convicts admitted their offences before the Magistrate and the trial court. Both convicts were awarded death sentences.
Convict Farhan S/O Seen Gul was a member of proscribed organization. He was involved in killing of innocent civilian, attacking law enforcement agencies and armed forces of Pakistan, which resulted in death of Assistant Sub Inspector Jan Daraz Khan alongwith two police officials, Subedar Muhammad Irfan, Naib Subedar Abudullah as well as 12 other soldiers and injuries to 18 other soldiers of Armed Forces/ Frontier Constabulary.
The convict admitted his offences before the Magistrate and the trial court. He was awarded death sentence.
Both convicts Khalay Gul S/O Niaz Min Gul and Nazar Moon S/O Akimoon were members of proscribed organization. They were involved in attacking law enforcement agencies of Pakistan.
These convicts admitted their offences before the Magistrate and the trial court. Both convicts were awarded death sentences.
Nek Maeel Khan S/O Amal Khan, a convict was a member of proscribed organization. He was involved in attacking law enforcement agencies of Pakistan. He was also found in possession of explosives. The convict admitted his offences before the Magistrate and the trial court. He was awarded death sentence.
Akbar Ali S/O Bakhtiar, a convict was a member of proscribed organization. He was involved in killing of civilians Shahi Rahman and Badi ur Rahman, both members of village defence committee, Swat. He was also found in possession of fire-arms.
The convict admitted his offences before the Magistrate and the trial court. He was awarded death sentence.
Mutual cooperation only way to achieve sustainable peace in region: Iranian ambassador
ISLAMABAD, Feb 9 (APP):The ambassador of Iran Mehdi Honardost Friday met National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt General (R) Nasser Khan Janjua and discussed matters of mutual interest and prospects of future cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in different areas.
Welcoming the guest, the NSA said Iran is our brotherly Muslim neighbouring country to which Pakistan has always extended a friendly hand and is keen to strengthen these ties in future.
The ambassador expressed satisfaction over the frequency of high level bilateral visits which are paving the way for improvement of relationship.
The envoy said mutual cooperation is the only way to achieve sustainable peace in the region. Discussing the importance of strengthening economic ties, the envoy stressed on the importance of formal banking sector and also requested to eliminate impediments in this regard.
Both sides agreed that Pakistan and Iran have a great future.
“The most valuable part of Pak-Iran relations is the mutual feeling based on common history, faith and values among the people of both the countries,” the ambassador said.
The NSA said Pakistan has always played a positive role for peace and stability of the region and will continue to play a constructive and balanced role in the future as well.
Broader understanding of each others stance regarding the key regional developments can consolidate Pak-Iran relations and can pave the way to enhance bilateral engagements further, they agreed.
The NSA congratulated the ambassador on the National Day of Iran.
EU military committee chairman appreciate Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability
ISLAMABAD, Feb 9 (APP):European Union Military Committee Chairman Gen Mikhail Kastarakos Friday called on National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt General (R) Nasser Khan Janjua and discussed matters of mutual interest and common challenges.
The security adviser warmly welcomed the guest and said Pakistan attached great importance to its ties with European Union and was keen to strengthen those ties further by promoting cooperation in multiple areas.
The NSA appreciated EU’s contribution towards democracy, governance, rule of law and economic betterment of the regional countries.
General Mikhail acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability of the world and particularly of the region.
He also mentioned the multi-faceted support Pakistan had provided to the international community particularly under the ambit of United Nations.
He also appreciated the resolve of Pakistan armed forces and its efforts against terrorism and extremism in the region.
He reiterated his desire to enhance ties and expand cooperation between EU and Pakistan in multiple areas.
“We need to cooperate for better economic and political environment for which peace is prerequisite,” the envoy said.
Furthermore, he expressed desire that Pakistan should use the opportunity to interact with international community through international forums offered by EU.
The NSA stressed the need to develop a better understanding of the region by EU and also sensitized the general over the fragile regional environment.
Both sides agreed that by means of progression, cooperation and economic interdependence EU and Pakistan can really become close.