ISLAMABAD, Mar 26 (APP): President of Islamic Republic of Iran Dr Hassan Rouhani Saturday assured the Government of Pakistan that provision of its energy security was Iran’s responsibility besides reiterating bilateral commitment to take volume of trade to US$ 5 billion within next five years. “In the presence of distinguished Prime Minister of Pakistan, the officials, the authorities, tradesmen, entrepreneurs and delegates, I announce that Iran is responsible for provision of Pakistan’s energy security. This is our commitment in the area of electricity.

LAHORE, Mar 26 (APP): Federal Minister for Pakistan Railways, Khawaja Saad Rafique said on Saturday, that public private partnership in transport sector is of high importance as there was enough space to excel in it. Addressing a seminar on Public Private Partnership in Development of Transport Infrastructure jointly organized by Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Pakistan and Pakistan Railways here, he said that maximum benefit should be got from China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), adding that CPEC was very important for transportation system.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 26 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain on Saturday said the lifting of international economic and  financial sanctions against Iran, would pave the way for greater economic, trade and business relations between Pakistan and Iran. He emphasized that all possible efforts should be made to enhance Iran Pakistan trade and economic relations and expressed the optimism that the two countries would achieve the bilateral trade target of $ 5 billion for mutual benefit. The President expressed these views during his meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani here at Aiwan e Sadr.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 26 (APP): Pakistan and Iran vowed on Saturday to remove non tariff barriers to take bilateral trade volume up to $5 billion from existing $270 million in next five years. Addressing Pakistan Iran Business Forum here, Minister for Commerce, Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan said under an MoU of Five Year Strategic Trade Cooperation Plan, signed on previous day, the two countries expressed their resolve to start a fresh era of bilateral trade and economic relations.

ISLAMABAD, March 26 (APP): Commander of Turkish Air Force General Abidin Unal Saturday visited Air Headquarters (AHQ) and met Chief of  Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Suhail Aman.     According to PAF news release, on his arrival at Air Headquarters, the distinguished guest was received by Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force (PAF)  presented the Guard of Honour. The visiting guest paid homage to the  martyrs of PAF by laying a wreath on the Martyrs’ Monument. He was introduced to the principle staff officers.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 26 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain has felicitated the entire Christian community, particularly the Christians residing in Pakistan, on the auspicious occasion of Easter. The President in his message also reiterated the government’s resolve that the Christians and other minorities in Pakistan will always enjoy equal rights as citizens of the country. “The solemn occasion of Easter reminds us of Prophet Jesus’ (AS) noble teachings of love, tolerance and brotherhood  which he preached to mankind as a true prophet of God. It is  imperative that universal teachings of Prophet Jesus be  disseminated in society for promotion of peace and fraternity,”  he added.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 25 (APP): Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Friday informed the National Assembly that no financial assistance has been provided by the Government of Saudi Arabia to the heirs of Pakistani Hujjaj who embraced martyrdom in Mina incident last year.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 25 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has appointed the judges of Balochistan High Court (BHC) as tribunal judges for disposal of appeals in NA-267.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 25 (APP): Pakistan and Iran Friday signed six Memoranda of Understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in multiple fields including health, commerce, finance and foreign services. Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr Hassan Rouhani witnessed the signing ceremony held at the PM House after the delegation level talks between the two countries. Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Iranian President Rouhani led their respective delegations during the talks.