PESHAWAR, Feb 25 (APP):Adviser to the Prime Minister Engr Amir Muqam Sunday said the people in majority would vote to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the next general election.
Amir Muqam, who is also PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president, was a public meeting after inaugurating Sui gas supply to Char Bagh, Khawzakhala and Behrain. District Nazim Swat Muhammad Ali Shah, PML-N District President Qamoos Khan, Habib Shah and large number of workers and PML-N supporters were also present.
He said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government in KP had failed to deliver and that was why it would not even win a single assembly seat in the province. On the other hand the PML-N leadership always stood with the people whether it was an earthquake, floods, militant acts, or natural calamities, he added.
“Those who are cursing the parliament are receiving salaries for being members of the National Assembly” and the people would reject them in the 2018 general election, he added. The PTI government, he said, had done nothing for the welfare of the masses.
He said expressed the hope that the PML-N would get another five-year term in the government after winning the general election on the basis of performance. It had built infrastructure across the country, he added.
Amir Muqam said the PML-N was committed to develop province while the agenda of the PTI leadership was to derail the development works in the region initiated by the federal government.
He said the PTI had lost the support of the people due to its politics of agitation, including months long sit-in at the parliament.
Highlighting the government’s strong performance in economy, Amir Muqam said Pakistan had recently witnessed significant improvement in infrastructure and energy sectors.
He said the PML-N had focused on building infrastructure and public transportation systems. It had also made certain progress, mainly in its stronghold of Punjab, developing agricultural areas and addressing unemployment. The centerpiece of its political campaign would be the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, he added.
The CPEC, he said, would change the fate of Pakistan.
People in majority to vote PML-N in next election: Amir Muqam
PML-N not resisting against any action of NAB: Baloch
ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (APP):Minister for SAFRON Lt.G. (R) Abdul Qadir Baloch Sunday said that Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) was not resisting against any action of National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Talking to PTV, he said the matter of Ahad Cheema was mishandled and protest by his family against his arrest was their constitutional right.
Politics of allegations against each should be avoided as it was not in favor of any political party.
He said Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) had introduced politics of allegations and had been using derogatory language against others addign that PTI its leadership failed to prove any corruption case or allegation against PML-N or its leadership till date.
The minister said that former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was disqualified on having an Iqama and not on corruption charges.
Replying to a question, he said Minister for Railway’s Khawaja Saad Rafique was a senior politician and he had adopted legal way to respond to PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry.
He said, some immature people were working in the media who need training classes to train them how to talk with others.
CPC proposes change on Chinese president’s term in Constitution
BEIJING, Feb 25 (APP): The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has proposed the removal of the expression that the President and Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China “shall serve no more than two consecutive terms” from the country’s Constitution.
Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era was also proposed to be included in the Constitution, according to a proposal on the revision to the country’s Constitution, which was made public Sunday.
Another recommended constitutional change includes listing a supervisory commission as a new state organ, China Global Television Network (CGTN) said.
According the CPC document, supervisory organs will be listed together with administrative, judicial and procuratorial organs of the State, all of which are created by people’s congresses to which they are responsible and by which they are supervised.
A new section about supervisory commissions is proposed to be added to the third chapter titled “The Structure of the State” in the Constitution.
Also included is a sentence stressing the Party’s leadership will be added to the fundamental law.
“The leadership of the Communist Party of China is the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics,” the document said.
The announcement follows a Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee group study session on Saturday, during which Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, stressed the important role of the Constitution.
Highlighting its supreme status, Xi said, “No organization or individual has the power to overstep the Constitution or the law. All activities that violate the Constitution and laws must be reprimanded and rectified.”
The proposal further suggested writing building “a community with a shared future for humanity” into the Constitution, and that China’s adherence “to the peaceful development path and the mutually beneficial strategy of opening-up” should be added to the preamble.
Other changes to the Constitution have been brought forward, including adding core socialist values, and the mechanism that all state functionaries should pledge allegiance to the Constitution upon assuming office .
The second plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee adopted the proposal concerning amending China’s Constitution in January, giving full play to its important role in advancing the rule of law in all areas and modernizing national governance system and capacity.
China’s current Constitution was adopted on Dec. 4, 1982 and has been amended four times – in 1988, 1993, 1999 and 2004. The proposal for a fifth amendment will be later explained and put towards a vote to be legalized at the annual session of National People’s Congress (NPC) in March when the 13th NPC convenes its first session.
NAC, CPEC Cultural Caravan Festival to conclude on Monday
ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (APP):The grand cultural events, including National Artists Convention (NAC) and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Cultural Caravan Festival, organized by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, will conclude here on Monday.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is expected to be the chief guest at the concluding ceremony, PNCA Director General Jamal Shah said while talking to APP.
The three-day National Artists Convention started on Saturday while the two-day CPEC Cultural Caravan Festival opened on Sunday.
Jamal Shah said the Cultural Caravan Festival included visual arts and photography exhibitions, film screenings, music, dance performances, fashion and textile show, book launch, seminar, handicrafts display and cultural cuisine from China and Pakistan.
He said in the seminar, which would be held on Monday, speakers would deliberate the measures, policy and regulatory framework to benefit from the opportunities presented by the creative economy and culture and creative industry in general and to focus and evaluate the potential bilateral trade and cooperation in culture and creative industry and cultural exchange between China and Pakistan.
Jamal Shah said the cultural excursion under the title Cultural Caravan 2017-18 was a unique initiative of the PNCA, which was composed of a diverse group of Pakistani and Chinese artists, musicians, dancers, photographers, anthropologists, writers and filmmakers.
This caravan traveled from Xi’an, China, to Gwadar, Pakistan, documenting and reflecting upon the land, life and people along the CPEC during the month of November.
Talking about the National Artists Convention, Jamal Shah said it was a moot of renowned Pakistani artists from all the fields to discuss validity of art and culture, and to ponder on the challenges faced by them.
He said one-step forward and two-steps backwards had been the norm of cultural movement for several decades and the trend did not seem to let up, and because of which both the art and the artist suffered.
He said leading artists, musicians, filmmakers and producers in various forms of art had been provided a common platform at the National Artist Convention to discuss cultural issues and finalize recommendations for submission to the authorities to take necessary steps to alleviate the condition of the artists and try to remove ambiguities prevailing in various fields of arts.
He said five thematic discussion groups would come up with the recommendations that would be presented to the prime minister for induction into the government’s development programme.
Renowned actor Qavi Khan highly appreciated the government for inviting artists from across the country to discuss their issues and finalize recommendations for resolving them.
Film Star Mustafa Qureshi also lauded government for inviting artists from across the country to discuss their issues. Organizing a national convention was commendable to formalize a strategy for resolving their issues, he added.
Other leading artists participating in the convention welcomed the government decision to announce culture and film policies in the concluding session of the National Artists Convention.
They specially appreciated the efforts of Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb for taking keen interest in resolving the issues being faced by the artists.
Meanwhile, on the second day of the convention Sunday, the artists discussed and finalized recommendations for the improvement of art and artists in the country.
An orange a day boosts immune system, overall health
An APP Feature by Seema Mir
ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (APP): In the Holy Quran Allah says ,”I have not inflicted any disease on the mankind that has no cure.”That can be rightly inferred as: in the seasonal fruits and vegetables lies the hidden treasure of essential vitamins and minerals that can be utilized for prevention and cure of deadly diseases as well as improvement of overall health.
One such fruit is orange that being abundant these days is irresistible. . It merits a mention here that Pakistan is reportedly the sixth largest producer of oranges in the world and hence the oranges are in access to the common man, becoming the fruit of community and not that of nobility.
A medical practitioner Dr. Shazia Durrani said that it was better to take vitamins and minerals in a natural way through fruits and vegetables than taking their supplements.
When asked about the nutritional benefits of the oranges she said oranges were very good for health as these have essential vitamins and minerals and one of them is Vitamin C.
Vitamin C , she said was not only good for immune system but also for circulatory system, maintenance of healthy energy system, for skin and eye diseases as well as for brain function.
Elaborating, she said, “Vitamin C keeps a guard against fatal diseases like osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes,multiple sclerosis and many common cancers.”
About the recommended dose of vitamin C, she said taking a tablet of 1000 mg of vitamin C daily can help boost your immune system.
When her advice was sought about taking orange juice daily,she said,”If you drink more than one glass of orange juice a day,you will be still nowhere near the amount of vitamin C that will cause problems with your body; but, as with any other nutrient, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking massive amounts of any sort of nutrient or supplement.”
Researches have shown that just one orange has about 100 mg of vitamin C which is 130 percent of the daily recommended intake.
It can be recalled that not very long ago people used to eat oranges while sitting in the sun, being ignorant of benefits of their practice.
About the practice, medical science says, as sunshine is the best source of Vitamin D and this vitamin along with Vitamin C assists in absorbing calcium from the intestines for onward transmission to the body thus making it healthy and preventing it from ailments.
Dr. Shazia advised ,” We should go out in the sun for about 15 minutes a day , at least three times a week in winters.
PHC organizes Councillors Convention 2018
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.
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.