ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal Monday said the meeting of Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would be held on December 28, in Beijing, China.
This he said while talking to media after attending a ceremony held in connection with the celebration of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday organized by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
He said in the meeting, both sides would evaluate progress on ongoing projects in infrastructure and energy sectors under CPEC.
Ahsan Iqbal said, “We need to follow Quaid’s vision in letter and spirit for prosperity and development of the country.”
He said Pakistan was an emerging economy and the country would stand in top 10 economies of the world in coming years.
He said justice, equality and peace were hallmark for socio-economic development.
He said the government under leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was fully committed for the turnaround in country’s fortunes.
Ahsan said CPEC would help to overcome the energy crisis and all the infrastructure development under this project would provide equal opportunities to all.
He said apart from focusing on energy and infrastructure, CPEC would also improve the quality of life through social and economic interventions.
The minister said the government would establish special economic zones through CPEC in all provinces, which would create tremendous trade and economic opportunities for the people.
JCC meeting on CPEC to be held in Beijing on Dec 28
Govt to welcome MPs suggestions for improving testing system: Qadir
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Minister for States and Frontier Regions
(SAFRON) Lt Gen ® Abdul Qadir Baloch on Monday told the Senate that the government would welcome suggestions from members of
parliament (MPs) for improving the testing system to uphold merit in recruitments.
Speaking on a motion moved by Daud Khan Achakzai, the minister
said the National Testing Service (NTS) conducted tests for short-listing candidates for recruitment in various government departments.
Earlier, Daud Khan Achakzai alleged that the NTS was minting money from the poor students in the name of conducting tests for recruitment in government departments.
It had no rules or regulations and even it had not maintained the record of tests conducted by it, he added.
Azam Khan Swati termed the NTS a ‘fraud’ as its chief executive officer had been sacked on account of a fake degree. The body, he said, was playing with the future of students.
Usman Khan Kakkar said proper legislation was required for check on the working of the NTS. He alleged that its examiners leaked papers in examination halls to mint money.
Senators Shahi Syed, Ilyas Bilour, Sradar Muhammad Hassni, Atta ur Rehman and Kalsoom Parveen also spoke on the matter.
Murree Road to be widened from Convention Center to Satra Meel: Senate told
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Minister of State for Capital Administration
and Development Division (CADD), Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Monday said Murree Road would be widened from Convention Center to Satra Meel from four to six lanes.
Speaking on a motion he apprised the Senate, Capital Development Authority (CDA) in collaboration with National Highway Athority (NHA) would widen the road.
He said the PC-1 of Bhara Kahu underpass had been completed and construction work would start soon.
He said the CDA’s 22 departments had been shifted to Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad (MCI) while remaining were being run with mutual understanding.
He said 65 to 70 percent employees had also been shifted to the MCI declaring, no political appointment were made in the CDA during present government’s tenure.
The minister said a proposal was under consideration to bring pipeline from Ghazi Bartha Dam to Islamabad to meet water requirement of the local people.
He said the CDA was vacating commercial units from residential areas as per directive of Supreme Court.
He said commercial and residential areas of federal capital were clearly identified in the master plan of the city.
Shahida Mini starts work on new songs
LAHORE, Dec 19 (APP): Famous singer, Shahida Mini has started work to compose her new songs for the next year.
Talking to APP here on Monday, she said that she wanted to appease her admirers with her new songs and for the purpose she has started composing new songs.
She said that current year is nearing end and she pray to Allah Almighty for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.
PML-N to continue its efforts for betterment of masses: Dr.Tariq
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Minister for Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary on Monday said the government would continue its efforts for the betterment of masses.
Talking to media outside the Parliament House, he said some people, with their undue criticism, wanted to create hurdle in government’s journey to development.
He said PML-N government always hail the recommendations of opposition and all the national interest issues were resolved with consensus.
The minister asked the opposition to come forward to strengthen democratic process in the country.
Australia-Pakistan Aid Partnership Arrangement 2016-2025 signed
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Pakistan and Australia Monday signed
an aid partnership agreement for the prosperity, stability and poverty reduction in the country.
According to a press statement issued here, Australia-Pakistan Aid Partnership Arrangement 2016-2025 was signed by Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Margaret Adamson and Secretary Economic Affairs Division (EAD), Tariq Bajwa on behalf of their respective governments.
The arrangement underpins the continuation of Australia’s long-term Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Pakistan, confirming Australia’s commitment to support Pakistan in building its economic prosperity and to promote sustainable, equitable development.
Australia is also providing scholarship for higher education and fostering institutional linkages besides supporting Pakistan in times of humanitarian crisis.
The Australian government is providing an estimated AUD 47.0 million development assistance to Pakistan in 2016-17.
Through this arrangement, Australia and Pakistan jointly acknowledge financial aid to Pakistan through government platforms and support through international organizations and registered NGOs.
“Australia’s aid partnership aligns with and supports Pakistan’s development policy, Vision 2025 as well as Australia’s own development policy of promoting prosperity, reducing poverty and enhancing stability and is aligned with our mutual international commitments, including on gender equality and human rights,” Adamson said.
Adamson said Australia-Pakistan development partnership invests in Pakistan’s human capital, as well as building agricultural productivity and sustainable management of water.
Australian engagement in mango value chain has resulted in better mango production, marketing and distribution, strengthening exports of this iconic Pakistan product, Adamson added.
On this occasion, Secretary EAD urged Australian high commissioner to continue to partner on development projects that align with Pakistan’s priority needs, including in agriculture, water resource management, clean energy, health and nutrition.
Law & order improved due to govt’s efforts: Baligh
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Baligh-ur-Rehman Monday said the law and order situation had improved significantly across the country due to the government’s efforts.
Under the National Action Plan (NAP), it was decided to take immediate steps against the miscreants anywhere in the country, he said talking to PTV.
The minister said the NAP had been discussed in the Parliament many times.
The incidents of terrorism had decreased in the country to a great extent, he added.
Replying to a question, he said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was doing negative politics as its leaders were using derogatory language against political opponents.
He said the PTI had boycotted the parliament sessions on several national issues including Kashmir issue and urged it to do mature and positive politics.
Siddiqui for refraining from hurting actions
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Advisor to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage Division, Irfan Siddiqui Monday emphasized on refraining from actions that may hurt public sentiments in view of shared bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
He was speaking during a meeting with High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan Tariq Ahsan called on him here.
Irfan Siddiqui said, “Pakistan aspires to maintain and promote cordial relations with all countries of the region especially Bangladesh as both the countries were tied in common bonds of religion, heritage and history”.
Tariq Ahsan formally invited Irfan Siddiqui to attend a conference which would be held in Bogra on January 21, 2017 arranged by South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
More investment from UAE : Sheikh Nahyan
KARACHI, Dec. 19 (APP) : United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Minister
for Culture, Youth Affaris and Social Development, Sheikh Nahyan bin
Mubarak Al Nahyan on Monday said that his group of companies’
investment in Pakistan is dollars six billion and more investment will
continue in various sectors.
” Our investment portfolio stands at $ 6 billion and further
investment will be done in all sectors,” UAE Minister said while
speaking at a Gong ceremony at Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) here.
At Gong ceremony, a big bell is striken with a hammer to start daily
trading in PSX.
UAE’s Minister was leading his five-member official delegation.
Chairman PSX Muneer Kamal and its Managing Director Nadeem Naqvi,
Chief Executive Officer of Bank Alfalah Atif Bajwa besides a number of
brokers were present.
Pakistan is not only a trusted friend but a strategic partner of
his country. It had always extended strong support to UAE and
Pakistanis, who are a great nation, had contributed a lot in his
country’s social and economic development, she said.
Sheikh Nahyan expressing his sentiments said Pakistan was the
second home to him like UAE for thousands of Pakistanis pursuing their
career there in different fields. Both the countries would continue to
explore ways for strengthening their cooperation on social and
economic fronts.
” Pakistan is a great country and we have great relationship,” he
reaffirmed.
He praised the role of Pakistan in combating terrorism and its
contribution towards world peace.
” You are great people and a great nation. You have done a good
job,” he remarked.
He was optimistic that Pakitan will prosper further.
Chairman PSX Muneer Kamal said Pakistan Stock Exchange had emerged as the best exchange in Asia and was included among the top ten best stock exchanges in the world.
PSX was going for international bidding to offload its 40 percent
shares very soon that would further boost this institution.
Due to positive economic indicators, he said Pakistan including
reduction in terrorist activities, PSX had become very attractive for
foreign investment.
He appreciated that UAE investors made investment in Pakistan even
in odd times.
” Your group is expected to play its dynamic role in future as
well,” he said.
He said UAE’s delegation led by the Minister would help find new
avenues of mutural cooperation and joint ventures.
PSX Managing Director Nadeem Naqvi welcomed the UAE delegation and
described Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan’s visit as previlege to
Pakistan Stock Exchange.
On the occasion of UAE’s delegation, PSX started with high bullish
tendency.
GGC Pabbi, FCW to clash in SBBWU Inter-College Girls Football final
PESHAWAR, Dec 19 (APP): Govt Girls Degree College Pabbi District
Nowshera and Frontier College for Women Peshawar took berth into the final after recording victories against their respective rivals in the semi-finals of the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Inter-College Girls Football Championship being played here at Larrama Campus on Monday.
In the first semi-final match played between Govt Girls Degree College
Pabbi, District Nowshera and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University both the teams raided on each other territories by making some good rallies of attacks but none of the team could score any goal till the end of the first session play.
Govt Girls Degree College Pabbi got a free goal chance in the 7th minute but Humaria failed to score and her kick wend wide from the goal-post. In the 18th minute Huma of Govt Girls Degree College Pabbi got another chance but this time Shaheed Benazir Bhutton Women University team Fakhra intercepted the attempt nicely.
Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University team also played attacking game but failed to score any goal in the first session ended in a goal-less draw. It was the second session in which Huma slammed in a beautiful goal for Pabbi College and thus guided the team to reach to the final.
In the second semi-final match Frontier College for Women defeated Govt Girls Degree College Nowshera by 3-1 in a thrilling match. Govt Girls Degree College Nowshera took the lead in the 13th minute when Irum slammed in a beautiful goal through field attempt. Nowshera College defended the goal till the 30th minute play as it was in the 3st minute when Beenish leveled the tally 1-1 when she scored a superb goal through field attempt. At half-time both the teams were locked 1-1.
It was the second session in which Frontier College for Women dominated the proceedings and did not give much room to their rivals to strike back. Center striker Anum and Kiran in the 56th and 69th minute scored one goal each to make the tally 3-1 and thus FCW won the match and marched into the final.
Earlier, Provost Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Miss Roheena was the chief guest on this occasion and before the start of the semi-final matches the players of all the four semi-finalists teams were introduced to her. Organizing Secretary and Director Sports Miss Mariyyia Samin, Miss Raham Bibi, Miss Farhad, Miss Suria, the officials of the teams were also present.