ISLAMABAD Dec 14 (APP): Former Prime Minister of Nepal Jhala
Nath Khanal alongwith its cabinet’s former Finance Minister Surendra Pandey Wednesday visited National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage at Lok Virsa.
The guests were welcomed and briefed about the functions and cultural
activities of Lok Virsa, a press release issued here said.
International Human Rights Chairman Muhammad Shaheed Amin and
International Turkish singer and goodwill Ambassador Ersin Faikzade
also present on the occasion.
During visit, the guests visited various cultural sections of
Lok Virsa and evinced keen interest in the cultural heritage museum.
They appreciated Lok Virsa for preserving the beautiful
culture and art of the country in the museum.
Former Prime Minister Nepal hoped that Pakistan and
Nepal would initiate joint cultural programmes to promote the
culture of both countries.
He said culture and languages of Pakistan had deep
resemblance with Nepalese culture.
Former PM Nepal visits Lok Virsa
Dar directs SECP to consult stakeholders on Draft Modaraba Act, 2016
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP): Federal Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday directed the Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to consult all the relevant stakeholders on Draft Modaraba Companies and Modaraba (Floatation and Control) Ordinance, (Amendment) Act, 2016, and the Amendments in the Insurance Law which were currently under consideration of the SECP.
Chairing a meeting here at the Finance Division with the Chairman SECP
and his team, the Minister appreciated the hard work done by the SECP team which has contributed effectively in regulating the financial sector of the country.
Ishaq Dar especially acknowledged the recent measures taken by the
SECP on submission of quarterly accounts through email.
The measure is another step towards encouraging use of technology and electronic means in conduct of business and its regulation, he added.
The Chairman, SECP briefed the Minister on the feedback on the
promulgation of the New Companies Ordinance, 2016.
He told the Minister that as per his instructions all the feedback and
proposals are being summarized to place before the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance.
He further informed the Minister that important regulations under the
Companies Ordinance 2016 like Companies (Incorporation) Regulations; Electronic Intermediaries Regulations and Associations Not Fit for Profit (Licensing and Corporate Governance) Regulations have been drafted and will be put for public consultation next week.
The Chairman SECP also updated the Minister on the divestment of 40% blocked shares of the Pakistan Stock Exchange and the prospectus of development of Pakistan capital market.
He assured the Finance Minister that SECP is taking all necessary
steps for stability of the capital market and risk mitigation.
The meeting was participated by the senior officials of the Ministry
of Finance and members of the SECP team.
Pakistan Netball team returns
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP): The Pakistan men’s team after winning
a silver medal in the 1st Asian Men’s Netball Championship arrived
Pakistan on Wednesday.
Pakistan won the silver medal in the First Asian Men’s Netball
Championship 2016 on Sunday. The final was played between Pakistan
and Malaysia held at Dewan Serbaguna Complex Kuarters, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In the finale Pakistan led the first quarter by 11-6 goals,
however, by the end of the second quarter the score leveled up at 16
goals on each side as Malaysia rapidly caught on.
The third quarter saw the Malaysian side lead by two goals as
the score stood at 26-24. By the end of the match the score was
equal by 31 goals.
Two five minute slots of extra time were given to the teams
and by the end of the second slot Malaysia stood at 35 goals,
beating Pakistan by the margin of one goal.
According to a press release issued here, Pakistan Netball
Federation (PNF) informed that Pakistan Men’s Netball team returned
back home at Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore on Wednesday
early morning.
The office-bearers of Punjab Netball Association and PNF
welcomed and congratulated the team for their excellent performance
in the event.
Mudassar Arain, President, PNF thanked Dr. Akhltar Nawaz
Ganjera, Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for providing
the facilities for training camp and other things to prepare for the competition.
Dar directs BoI to formulate long term investment plan
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP): Minister for Finance Mohammad Ishaq
Dar Wednesday directed the Board of Investment (BoI) for
formulating a long term investment plan focusing on sectors which
had potential to absorb maximum investments and create more job
opportunities in country.
The minister held a meeting with Chairman BoI Miftah Ismail
and Special Advisor to Prime Minister on Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan
to review the measures to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
and improve local investment in the country.
He asked BoI to take input from the private sector to make the
plan more inclusive and beneficial. The plan, later, would be
presented to the prime minister for further consideration.
The minister said the present government since its
inception had promoted policies that could facilitate the investment
both foreign and local in the country.
We had worked on improving the transparency in operations
and taken measures to build the image of the country in the World
at large; now our approach should be to reap the benefits of the
changed perceptions, he added.
Chairman BoI Miftah Ismail briefed the minister on the
current situation of the foreign direct investment in the country
and steps being taken to make the country more attractive
destination for investors both foreign and local.
Chairman BoI said as the country had been making
progress on the economic front, there was a need to put in place
measures to ensure an enabling environment by enhancing the ease of
doing business in the country.
The meeting also discussed measures to boost exports of the
country.
Ilyas Afridi, Tehsil Ullah elected President, Secretary of KP Martial Arts Association
PESHAWAR, Dec 14 (APP): Ilyas Afridi and Tehsin Ullah Wednesday elected as President and General Secretary respectively of the KP Martial Arts Association in an election meeting held here at local hotel.
The election meeting was presided over by Secretary KP Karate
Association and current Pakistan Karate coach Khalid Noor with representatives from KP Taekwondo Association, KP Wushu Association, KP Boxing Association, KP Judo Association, KP Moi Thai, Kick Boxing Associations.
The house unanimously elected Ilyas Afridi and Tehsin Ullah as President and General Secretary with other office-bearers comprising Shah Faisal (Senior Vice President), Syed Kamal, Najam Safi, Prof. Dr Shagufta (Vice President), Muhammad Waqar (Joint Secretary), Khalid Noor (Joint Secretary), Joint Secretary Female Najma Qazi, Ayaz Muhammad (finance secretary), Asim Sheraz (PRO).
The members of the executive committee comprising Murtaza Bangash,
Muhammad Raja, Kamran Ali, Fazal Hussain, Aamir Khan, Rafaq Khan, Nouman Afridi, Zar Muhammad, and Shumaila Usman.
Muhammad Ilyas Afridi while speaking on this occasion, thanked the house for reposing confidence in him and assured that he would work for the promotion of all Martial Arts Games affiliated with the KP Martial Arts Association.
He also announced that a Martial Arts Games will be organized in the
last week of December this year wherein a request would be made to the President Pakistan Olympic Association Lt. Gen Arif Hassan to grace the occasion as chief guest.
Balochistan’s development means ‘new Pakistan in-making’: PM
TURBAT, Dec 14 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said the dream of Balochistan’s prosperity was being
realized with completion of several development projects, ensuring
“a new Pakistan in the making”.
“A new and developed Balochistan means a new Pakistan, with an
unprecedented progress never took place in history,” the Prime
Minister said in his address at the inauguration of a 448-kilometre-
long Sorab-Hoshab road, an important segment of western route of
China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Prime Minister said the journey of progress and development was continuing on full pace in every nook and corner of the country.
He said that billions of rupees were being spent on development of
Balochistan and the government was in particular focusing on its
development to mitigate the sense of deprivation of Baloch people.
Nawaz Sharif said road network in Balochistan would connect
Gwadar port upto Khunjerab border with China and would ensure
economic activity, reduce poverty and unemployment in the province.
“With completion of every new road in Balochistan comes another ray of hope of a promising future for the people of province,” he said, adding that a strong communication network would pave way for building of schools, universities and hospitals.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said his government had chosen the
path of serving masses and whosoever wanted to reach the power
echelons, should also adopt seriousness and sobriety.
“Only a serious command with a vision can lead the nation,” he
said adding that public in 2018 election would give their decision
in favour of those who took steps for their welfare.
He regretted the attitude of some politicians who were constantly involved in mud-slinging and said such people were bringing negativity to the society.
“Pakistanis are a cultured nation with great moral traditions.
Those who ruin these norms, are responsible for spoiling generations
and history calls them a ‘disgrace of ancestors’,” he said.
Nawaz Sharif said during his present tenure, the country had
experienced a visible change in terms of strong economy, improved
law and order and reduced load-shedding of electricity,” he said.
Chief Minister Balochistan Sanaullah Khan Zehri expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for giving priority to the people of Balochistan and supporting the launch of several development projects.
He said different areas of Balochistan were being connected with road networks and the dream of progress and prosperity for the province was being realized.
He said uplift of Balochistan was in the manifesto of Pakistan Muslim League-N. Director General Frontier Works Organization (FWO) Lt.Gen.
Muhammad Afzal said the Sorab-Hoshab road project had been
materialized with the unity and will power of the federal and
Balochistan government, FWO, National Highway Authority and local
administration.
About the project’s salient features, the DG FWO said initially it was started in September 2007, but was stopped due to lack of funds owing to deteriorating law and order situation.
He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in January 2014 gave a go- ahead to restart the road under the guidance of FWO, NHA and NESPAK.
He said the deadline was reduced from five years and six months to two years and three months.
The DG FWO paid tribute to 32 jawans who laid their lives during construction of this road.
He said the road was an important segment of CPEC and would bring prosperity to the area, and added that Sorab-Panjgur-Baseema road had been named as Hoshab-Sikandrabad Road.
Commander Southern Command Lt.Gen Amir Riaz, former Chief
Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and parliamentarians
attended the event.
PTI dragging baseless issue for saving its politics: Rana Tanveer
LAHORE, Dec 14 (APP): Federal Minister for Defence Production and Science & Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain has alleged the PTI chairman is dragging baseless issue of Panama Leaks for saving his declining politics.
He was talking to media at the opening ceremony of the 5th International Symposium on Biomedical Materials: Translational
Research and Commercialization 2016 held at a local hotel here
on Wednesday.
Rana Tanveer said that Imran Khan would complete century
of his “u-turns” till the next elections.
He said those who had staged drama on Panama Leaks would
not get anything except hopelessness, adding that lawyers of
Imran Khan had failed to produce any evidence in past two
months against Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif inside and
outside the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
“PTI Chief Imran Khan has introduced politics of chaos and confrontation in the country”, he added Rana Tanveer Hussain said that those who demanded at the floor of House about formation of commission on Panama papers had once again taken “u-turn”.
“Presenting demands by any party or the PPP is a democratic right but such demands should be presented in a democratic way,” he added.
To a question, the minister said that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto should also give any post to his paternal aunt as he (Bilawal) wanted to see himself as prime minister and his father as president.
He said that Bilawal had no spark of handling political affairs.
To a question about the statement of Dr Tahirul Qadri about Pakistan-India relationship, he said that Qadri should avoid politics and comments on neighbours.
Earlier, in his address, Rana Tanveer said the PMLN government was working in the sector of science and technology and it was spending a reasonable fund on it.
President lauds NDU role in education sector
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain Wednesday
commended the role of National Defence University (NDU) in imparting
quality education and training, besides carrying out research work
in the defence strategies.
He was talking to outgoing President NDU, Lt. Gen Nazir Ahmed
Butt who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The President appreciated NDU for organizing quality strategic
and security studies programmes not only for the armed forces officers and civil bureaucracy of Pakistan but also for senior officers from friendly countries, said a press release.
He underlined the importance of acquiring modern education and
called for further raising the standard of higher education across
the country.
The President lauded the services of the outgoing President
NDU and wished him success in his future endeavours.
Pakistan conducts successful test of enhanced version of Babur Cruise Missile
RAWALPINDI, Dec 14 (APP): Pakistan Wednesday conducted a
successful test of an enhanced version of the indigenously developed Babur Cruise Missile.
According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Babur Weapon
System version-2 incorporates advanced aerodynamics and avionics that can strike targets both at land and sea with high accuracy, at a range of 700 kilometers.
It is a low flying, terrain hugging missile, which carries certain
stealth features and is capable of carrying various types of warheads.
The missile is equipped with state of the art navigational
technologies of Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM), all time Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation (DSMAC) which enables it to engage various types of targets with pinpoint accuracy even in the absence of GPS navigation.
Babur Weapon System is an important force multiplier for Pakistan’s
strategic defence.
Today’s launch was witnessed by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff
Committee (CJCSC) General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, senior officers from Strategic Plans Division, Strategic Forces, scientists and engineers of strategic organizations.
The CJCSC congratulated the scientists and engineers on achieving yet
another milestone of great value and significance.
He appreciated the technical prowess, dedication and commitment of
scientists who contributed to the success of this launch.
Expressing his full confidence over the Strategic Command and
Control System and the Strategic Forces’ operational preparedness, the
CJCSC stated that this test further strengthens Pakistan’s deterrence
capability.
President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz
Sharif have congratulated the scientists and engineers on successful conduct of the missile test.
Plane victims identification process to be completed on Thursday
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP): The Minister of State for Capital
Administration and Development Division Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Wednesday said the identification process of all 47 victims of the PIA plane crash would be completed on Thursday.
Talking to media at PIMS, the minister said 34 victims had
been identified so far including Junaid Jamshed and his wife while
the remaining 13 victims identification was likely to be completed
by Thursday.
He said bodies handing over process to the heir was
continued and remained so till the completion of last identification.
He said earlier the bodies were identified through their
used things and marks of identification while today some victims
were identified through DNA reports.
He thanked the family members of the victims for their patience and
support to the PIMS administration and other concerned departments.
He added on the direction of Prime Minister Muhammad
Nawaz Sharif special arrangements were made to maximum facilitate
the victims family who reached here to collect the bodies of their loved ones.
He appreciated the efficiency and commitment of PIMS staff and
administration.
He said the PIA had already announced Rs 500,000 each as
burial charges while the complete compensation amount would be
announced later.
He said victims relatives were provided accommodation during their
stay in Islamabad and they were being given transport facility for shifting the dead bodies of their loved ones to their native towns.
He said on the request of victims family, the DNA process had been
completed within four days for early identification of bodies.
He said during identification process and collecting of
DNA samples the bodies were placed at cold storage.