LAHORE, Nov 17 (APP): Pakistan’s first ever Kabaddi League will be played next year and the event will open a new era in country’s kabaddi establishing the game on professional lines.
“We are in process holding the league in a trend setting manner besides introducing a new culture of professionalism in the game of kabaddi in Pakistan,” said Secretary, Pakistan Kabaddi Federation while talking to APP on Thursday.
He said the participating teams of the league will be named after different cities of the country and a keen competition is likely to be witnessed in the event.
Sarwar said, “Strawberry Sports Management are the Owners of
the private sector led League. PKF is delighted to be their exclusive technical collaborator for the ten years of the League.”
Haider Ali Daud, Chief Executive Officer of Strawberry Sports Management said, “The League will be the dawn of a new era for sports in Pakistan. Sports have far reaching influence on people’s lives, and we believe it is high time we nurture and promote local sports. The League has so far received phenomenal response from the corporate sector.”
Kabaddi league inaugurates next year
Dar holds joint meeting with Deputy Prime Ministers of Turkey
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq
Dar here on Thursday held joint meeting with Yil Drim Turgul Turkes and Veysi Kaynak, Deputy Prime Ministers of Turkey at PM House and discussed matters of bilateral interests between the two countries.
Deputy Prime Ministers of Turkey congratulated the Finance Minister
over achievement of economic stability in Pakistan within a short span of time, said a press release issued here.
Ishaq Dar expressed his Government desire to further strengthen the
already close economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Turkey corresponding with close political and historic relations.
He praised business friendly taxation system of Turkey and showed keen interests to learn from Turkish experience.
Both sides on the occasion appreciated the exemplary brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Turkey.
It was agreed on the occassion that all necessary measures should be undertaken to further enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
The Finance Minister acknowledged that government and people of Turkey were always the first to reach and help Pakistan in hour of need.
He said that, in recent years, the First Lady of Turkey had played a leading and exemplary role in providing help mitigate the suffering of citizens affected by natural disasters in Pakistan, including earthquakes and floods.
Dar said that Pakistan had achieved macroeconomic stability during
the present government, and now the government had focused on stimulating economic growth.
He said that the improvement in Pakistan’s economy had been recognized by multilateral international organizations and international credit rating agencies, in the form of raised growth projections and credit rating upgrades.
The Finance Minister praised the taxation model of Turkey and said that cooperation efforts are already being undertaken at the appropriate level to draw lessons from the Turkish experience.
The Deputy Prime Ministers of Turkey congratulated the Finance Minister on achieving economic stability in Pakistan within a short span of time.
Deputy Prime Minister Yildirim Tugrul Turkes said that Turkey had undertaken its tax reforms in a business friendly manner, and Turkey would be happy to assist Pakistan in any way possible with its tax reforms.
Pakistan, Turkey urge int’l community to combat Islamophobia, stereotyping against Muslims
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Furthering their resolve to enhance bilateral cooperation in multiple fields including anti-terrorism, Pakistan and Turkey Thursday urged the international community to combat Islamophobia, religious discrimination and stereotyping against Muslims.
According to a joint declaration issued on the two-day visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Pakistan, the two countries reiterated the need for making the United Nations Security Council more representative, democratic, transparent, and accountable through comprehensive United Nations Security Council reform process, based on widest possible consensus.
Accompanied by a high level delegation, Erdogan paid the visit to Pakistan on the invitation of President Mamnoon Hussain.
During the interaction at top leadership level, the two countries called for the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions to resolve the long-standing disputes on the agenda of the Security Council, especially those pertaining to the Muslim Ummah.
The two sides committed to commencing joint initiatives in the context at the international fora, in particular at the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) agreeing that the assumption of Chair of OIC summit by Turkey presented a valuable opportunity in that regard.
During meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the two leaders exchanged views on the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Turkey bilateral relationship as well as issues of regional and international importance.
The two sides expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved towards transforming warm and cordial bilateral relationship into a strong strategic partnership, and reiterated their mutual resolve to explore new avenues for collaboration, to utilize untapped potential for the mutual benefit and prosperity of the peoples of the two countries.
They reiterated strong condemnation of the heinous coup attempt in Turkey on July 15, 2016 and paid tributes to the brave and resilient Turkish people who stood resolutely in defense of democracy against the forces of darkness.
Pakistan and Turkey expressed firm resolve to continue their strong mutual support to each other on issues of core national interest, and in defense of the peace and prosperity of the two nations. Pakistan and Turkey expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved towards implementation of ongoing projects under the framework of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
The two leaders reaffirmed the resolve to explore new avenues for collaboration in the forthcoming 5th Session of the HLSCC, to be held shortly in Turkey.
Both sides agreed to further enhance collaboration in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, food processing and housing as priority sectors.
They appreciated the significant progress achieved so far towards concluding the comprehensive bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and decided to complete the negotiations process by the end of 2016.
The two sides committed to further enhancing bilateral cultural collaboration and people-to-people contacts through tourism; cultural and educational exchanges, besides collaboration with regard to preservation and restoration of archeological and historical sites.
They resolved for promotion of Turkish and Urdu languages and literatures in the two countries, including through the cultural centers being established.
Pakistan and Turkey agreed to develop a comprehensive, long-term and forward-looking framework for defense cooperation between the two countries besides broadening the frequency and scope of bilateral consultations on foreign ministers as well as foreign secretaries levels and to expand these consultations to matters pertaining to Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as well.
The leadership of the two countries underscored the need for resolution of all outstanding differences between Pakistan and India, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir through a sustained dialogue process and in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
They expressed their deep concern about the increased tension and losses of innocent lives and casualties occurring recently in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Two sides applauded the resilience and perseverance of the peoples of the two countries as well as the sacrifices and bravery of the military and law enforcement personnel of both countries in the fight against the common threat posed by terrorism.
Pakistan and Turkey noted with concern the trend towards exceptionalism and sidelining of non-proliferation objectives for commercial or political interests, which was detrimental to the credibility of the global non-proliferation regime and, in particular, to the strategic stability in South Asia.
They urged the international community to play its due role in mobilizing support and assistance for the refugee hosting countries, including those facing protracted refugee situations.
SC adjourns hearing of NAB voluntary return, plea bargain case till second week of December
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): The Supreme Court on Thursday adjourned hearing of of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) voluntary return and plea bargain case till second week of December.
A division bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali heard the review appeals filed by employees of different departments to whom show cause notices were issued over getting benefit from NAB’s plea bargain and voluntary return schemes.
The court advised the department concerned to avoid taking any action against employees who earned benefits through NAB’s plea bargain and voluntary return schemes till next hearing.
During the course of proceedings, Advocate Aitzaz Ahsan counsel for 150 employees appeared before the court and informed that action against these employees by their respective departments had caused panic.
Asma Jehangir counsel for different employees informed the court that departments had served show cause notices in the name of court to hundreds of employees who had no concern with the voluntary return schemes.
She said that employees have been deprieved of salaries due to wrong interpretation of court ruling. Justice Amir Hani Muslim remarked that employees who looted national exchequer and got clean chit from the NAB after paying back millions of rupees under the scheme would have to face action.
Pak team named for Asian cadet, junior karate championship
LAHORE, Nov 17 (APP)- Pakistan Karate Federation on Thursday announced its three member team to take part in the 15th Asian Cadet, Junior & Under 21 Karate Championship being held from November 21-27 in Indonesia.
“The team comprising Naimat Ullah, Muhammad Awais and Saweel Fayaz is capable for producing desired results,” said a spokesman of PKF here.
He said Naimat Ullah who won bronze Medal in Alahli Karate Open Championship 2015 Dubai will be participating in cadet Individual Kata event and he is a medal prospect.
Asian Karate Federation is also organizing the referee/judges Course which will be held on the side lines of the championship in Indonesia.
“PKF has nominated two technical officials to attend the up-gradation courses,” he said adding “Nasim Ahmed Qureshi will participate in Kumite referee course and Ghulam Ali will feature in kata referee course.”
He said the PKF is taking every measure to promote karate and the participation of our national junior side will add to the experience of the players. “We are laying special emphasis on the grooming of our technical officials and that is why we are sending our coaches and referees to attend courses to learn finer points of the game in their respective departments,” said the spokesman.
US ambassador Hale celebrates global entrepreneurship week
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): American Ambassador David Hale has hosted a reception for members of Pakistan’s entrepreneurship community to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW).
He was joined by guest of honor Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunications Anusha Rahman Khan, said a press release of the US embassy issued here on Thursday.
Several members of Pakistan’s delegation to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), who travelled to Silicon Valley in June, were also present.
Pakistan sent the largest foreign delegation to the GES, a point which
Ambassador Hale lauded as evidence of the country’s economic vibrancy.
The reception was the capstone of several embassy events celebrating
Pakistan’s entrepreneurs and U.S.-Pakistan cooperation in this sphere.
To begin the week’s activities, State Department Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Angela Aggeler met with a group of young Pakistani entrepreneurs to discuss the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.
Other events included a meeting between members of the agricultural industry and the entrepreneurial scene which focused on boosting productivity in the agricultural sector through the adoption of new technologies, and a forum for women entrepreneurs and students to share their experiences in starting companies.
Various U.S. Embassy programs assist Pakistani entrepreneurs by increasing their access to financial resources, supporting opportunities for entrepreneurship education, and nurturing an entrepreneurial culture, including the United States Agency for International Development’s Pakistan Private Investment Initiative, which will make over $100 million in equity capital available to Pakistan’s dynamic and fast-growing small-and medium-sized businesses, the press release added.
Pak-Turkey enjoy longstanding brotherly ties: Gen Raheel
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Chief of Army Staff General Raheel
Sharif Thursday while welcoming Turkish President’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan address to the Joint Sitting of Parliament, said that Pakistan has longstanding brotherly ties with Turkey and both countries always stood with each other in hour of need.
In an informal chat with media persons after attending the Joint Sitting of Parliament here, the COAS said the Turkish President’s address would further strengthen the cordial relations between the two countries.
He said government and people of Turkey always supported Pakistan on Kashmir issue. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the joint session from the core of his heart, he said.
To a question, Gen Raheel said nation should remain confident that defence of the country was in strong hands.
Turkish General meets Pakistani Military leadership
RAWALPINDI Nov 17 (APP): Turkish Chief of General Staff (CGS), General Hulusi Akar, on Thursday called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Rashad Mahmood at the Joint Staff Headquarters.
The meeting, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) was also attended by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman.
Matters of mutual interest with emphasis on geo-strategic situation and security challenges came under discussion during the meeting.
The both sides reaffirmed the resolve to further the bonds of friendship and enhance bilateral cooperation between the two armed forces.
The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in fight against terrorism.
The Turkish CGS was on an official visit to Pakistan.
Contents of speech not enough to prove some one guilty: SC
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): A five-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali Thursday observed that contents of the speech would not be enough to prove some one guilty and adjourned the hearing of Panama Leaks case till November 30.
The bench comprising Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, Justice Amir Hani Muslim, Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed and Justice Ijaz ul Hassan made this observation while hearing four identical petitions filed by PTI and others seeking investigation into the Panama Papers.
Hearing the case, the Chief Justice asked the counsel of the petitioner Hamid Khan to provide concrete proofs before the court that the London flats were purchased illegally.
Justice Khosa remarked that the court could not conduct scrutiny of anyone’s entire life and the court would only restrict itself to the extent of these petitions.
During the course of proceedings, Petitioner Advocate Tariq Asad made request to the court for submitting an application before the court which was not allowed by the bench.
This is not appropriate to file application just during the hearing of the case and the court is only concentrating on the main petition. If the court will admit every application then it would not be possible to hear the ain case, the bench warned.
The Chief Jusitce remarked that six to seven requests are being submitted in this case on daily basis.
“The main case will never end if we will accepting these requests,” the Chief Justice observed.
He remarked that the court would entertain these petitions at some appropriate time.
Tariq Asad said that he was the first person who filed petition regarding Panama Papers in April this year. The chief justice remarked that “You had requested that this case shoul be taken up by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).”
Advocate Asad Manzoor Butt representing Jamaat-i-Islami in the case said that NAB and FIA were not doing their job properly.
The CJP remarked that it seems that officials of the NAB and FIA were only to take salaries as they make excuses by saying that the case does not fall into their jurisdiction.
Advocates Hamid Khan and Naeem Bukhari counsels for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) appeared before the court and informed that International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) revealed Panama Papers Leaks on Aril 3, 2016 and added that Prime Minister’s children names were also in the Leaks along with many other Pakistanis.
Hamid Khan apprised the court that the prime minister had delivered three speeches after the issue of Panama Papers.
The counsel of the PTI also read out all the three speeches during the hearing of the case.
Justice Azmat Saeed remarked that British Virgin Islands-based firms Nielsen Enterprises Limited and Nescoll Limited, incorporated in 1994, were not the owners of the flats based in London’s Mayfair area in 1999.
The bench asked the PTI counsel to bring solid evidence regarding ownership of flats to the court.
Salman Butt counsel of the Prime Minister apprised the court that the petitioner’s counsel was only targetting a specific person not in general.
The Chief Justice observed that the process of accountability would cover all others but it should be started from any one.
Justice Asif Saeed Khosa remarked that as per prime minister’s speech he let his children do the business by selling Jeddah steel mill, London flats were not mentioned in his speech.
Counsels of the Prime Minister and his children also filed objections over Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf‘s proofs with request to the court for rejecting such documents terming them not valid according to the “Qanoon e Shahdat”.
Civil, Military top brass witnesses joint sitting proceedings
ISLAMABAD Nov 17 (APP): Top military and civil leadership in the country Thursday witnessed the proceedings of joint sitting of the Parliament summoned for address of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Governor Punjab Rafiq Rajwana, Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Balochistan Sanaullah Zehri and Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman witnessed proceedings from Speaker’s gallery.
Besides them were present Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmood, Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zakaullah.
Large number of diplomats and former members of the Parliament were also present in the visitor’s galleries to witness the proceedings of this special session.
On conclusion of the session when the Turkish President reached near the Speaker’s gallery, he also extended greetings to civil and military leadership.