KARACHI, Nov 17 (APP): Chinese Navy Ships CHANGXINGDAO (Ocean
Salvage & Rescue Ship) and PLA(N) Ship HANDAN are in Karachi these
days on a good-will visit to Pakistan and the visiting ships will participate in the 4th Pak-China bilateral naval exercise.
In this connection, a joint media briefing was held here at Pakistan Navy Fleet Headquarters wherein Commodore Mirza Foad Amin Baig, Commander 18th Destroyer Squadron, and Senior Captain Chi Qingtao, Flotilla Commander Chinese Naval Force, gave details of the exercise, said a press release of Pakistan Navy (PN) Thursday.
Commodore Foad apprised that this significant exercise comprises Harbour and Sea Phases. The harbour phase is currently in progress and consists of various calls on, mutual visits to ships and table top discussions as preparatory warm up for sea phase. The sea phase of the exercise will be conducted in the open sea and cover wide spectrum of maritime and naval operations by ships, helicopters, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Joint Boarding Operations by Special Forces, Air Defence Exercises, Communication Drills and Joint Manoeuvres by ships.
Underlining the aims and objectives of the exercise, he said that it is to improve interoperability for conducting combined maritime operations to ensure a stable maritime environment vital for economic stability and growth as well as ensuring peace and security in the maritime commons. The exercise is reflective of strong mutual desire to improve the level of coordination and interoperability at operational and tactical levels, he added.
Commodore Baig further said that Pakistan and Chinese Navies enjoy “all weather” relationship which has a long history of Joint Maritime Collaboration including regular exchange visits of senior naval leadership and fleet units, joint construction of naval ships and submarines, PLA(N)’s regular participation in AMAN series of exercises, annual joint SOF exercises and conduct of PN- PLA(N) bilateral exercises. The current visit of PLA(N) ships to Karachi and conduct of the exercise is a testimony of the same.
Highlighting the efforts of Pakistan in eradicating the menace of terrorism, he said that the Government of Pakistan, its Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan are fighting against terrorism for over a decade now. Pakistan Navy is actively pursuing the Governments policies and has taken number of measures to promote peace and stability in the maritime commons of the world’s most important sea route through regular participation in Multinational Task Forces CTF 150 and CTF 151. Similarly, PLA(N) is also actively engaged in the efforts to thwart terrorism and piracy in the Indian Ocean region through continuous deployment of a Task Force.
While talking to the mediamen on this occasion, Senior Captain Chi Qingtao, Flotilla Commander of Chinese Navy said that these bilateral exercises will further refine operational capabilities of both the navies. He said that these exercises are also significant in the backdrop of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Pak-China Naval Exercises will continue till 21 November and certainly the conduct of these exercises will help improve the capability to protect Gwadar Port activities and provide a safe and conducive environment for the movement of merchant ships.
4th Pak-China bilateral naval exercise begins
Erdogan stresses unity against terrorists who spill Muslims’ blood
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Reiterating his government’s clear stance against terrorism, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Thursday called for unity against terrorist organizations terming them “the agents of the war carried out against Islam,” which was detrimental to Muslims.
“The terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaida and its affiliate DAESH are the agents of the war carried out against Islam, which are only and solely harming Muslims. We should eliminate these bunches of killers, who have no other skill than to shed Muslims’ blood, from the Islamic world and from all over the world as soon as possible,” Erdogan said addressing the joint session of the Senate and National Assembly here.
Chaired by Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the session was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, while in the galleries were the chief ministers of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, besides the services chiefs and diplomats from various countries.
As the guest entered the House, the members arose from their seat and thumped desks to welcome him.
The national anthems of both the countries were also played.
President Erdogan believed that Turkey, Pakistan, the world of Islam, and humankind would not attain peace without eliminating the terrorist elements. Terrorists had nothing to do with Islam as the religion provided the basis of promotion of peace and brotherhood, he added.
As believers of the holy religion, we cannot save Muslims from the pit of impunity that they have fallen into, he said.
The Turkish president said strengthening democracy in Pakistan was laudable and also apprised the House of the foiled coup attempt in his own country.
“Pakistan has become an important model for the Islamic world demonstrating that democracy may work through maintaining its values. I also congratulate you for your success,” he remarked.
Turkish President Erdogan recalled that Pakistan was the first country to stand by Turkey with its state government, parliament and its people after the July 15, coup attempt in Turkey.
“We appreciated the resolutions of support which were adopted unanimously by your parliament,” he said adding that the support visit of the Pakistani delegation to Turkey in August, contributed to their struggle against the terrorist organizations.
He said Pakistan, with its stance against the July 15 coup attempt, perpetrated by Fetullah Gullen Terrorist Organization (FETO), showed that it also stood by the Turkish nation in its second War of Liberation.
“May Allah be pleased with you and forever maintain and preserve our solidarity,” he remarked.
Erdogan reiterated that FETO was a terrorist organization posing a threat not only to Turkey but to all countries in which it operates.
He believed that this terrorist organization would be eliminated as soon as possible without harming Pakistan. He appreciated the recent decisions taken by the Pakistani government in that direction and also thanked for the strong support in the fight against FETO.
The Turkish president believed that Pakistan and Turkey should maintain and further enhance their cooperation and solidarity against terrorist organizations.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the condition to deserve the title of Muslim was to stand against all kinds of persecution, inequity and injustice wherever and by whoever it was perpetrated.
He viewed that terrorist organizations tried to find a basis for themselves by provoking the divisions and differences among the Muslims.
In order to save the Muslims from this servile situation, Muslims would have to eradicate all means of exploitation from sectarianism to ethnic discrimination spreading among the Islamic nations.
He called for fighting together against those who were desiring to turn the Islamic World into a geography in which division, defeatism, instigation, hatred and ignorance prevail.
He said relations between Pakistan and Turkey were beyond just words as both were brotherly countries in real term, bound by common religious and other multiple ties.
He recalled Pakistan’s support in various instances including earthquake in 1999 and announcing of day of mourning after a mining disaster in Soma in 2014. Turkey also announced a day of mourning after terrorist attack at Army Public School in Peshawar in 2014, he added.
Besides their close cooperation against terrorism and for promotion of economic, trade, defense and cultural ties, the president said both the countries were also paying attention to the projects of public interest.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was addressing the joint sitting for record third time, said he was glad to meet the members at the institution that was the symbol of national will.
He said the relations between Pakistan and Turkey were of exclusive nature far beyond diplomatic contacts between the two states.
He said people of both the countries shared joys and sorrows and both the states and people acted with this understanding throughout the history.
He said the wisdom and knowledge spread by Moulana Jalaluddin Rumi from Anatolia to the world was one of the common values of two countries.
President Erdogan said that Turkey would never forget Pakistan’s help during the War of Dardanelles and during War of Liberation.
He said in the foundations of today’s Turkey, there were efforts and endeavours of many Pakistani heroes such as Abdurrahman Peshawari who came to help the Ottoman Empire during the Balkan War and then took part first in the War of Dardanelles and later in the War of Liberation and made great contributions to Turkey even after the proclamation of the Republic.
“And Abdurrahman Peshawari is such a brother for us that when his mother sent him a message to return home, responded “I cannot return while Anatolia is under occupation,” Erdogan said.
He viewed that there was no difference between Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Mehmet Akif; both were the philosophers of the liberation and future of both the countries.
We also never forgot and will not forget that our Pakistani brothers were the ones who offered the greatest support and assistance during the earthquake of 1999.
He hoped that both Pakistan and Turkey would spread this spirit of solidarity and fraternity to the whole world together.
He said Turkey also showed its solidarity with all of brothers and sisters through Turkish humanitarian and development assistance projects, with political and military support when necessary.
“We will continue our struggle until we succeed in preventing unjustly spilling of blood of any Muslim in the world,” he resolved.
He also offered Pakistan to remove together the obstacles before the Islamic World.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said mutual high level contacts greatly contributed to the development of bilateral relations in every field.
The inter-parliamentarian contacts play a critical role in strengthening the relations between the politicians and nations of the two countries, he said and hoped that the close dialogue established between the parliamentarians of the two countries would continue.
Calling for strengthening cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, Erdogan said the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council established between Turkey and Pakistan in 2009 had brought an institutional framework for the bilateral relations.
Both the countries had come a long way in a short period of time by signing 51 agreements and documents within the Council so far what he said was insufficient.
He said Turkey supported its Pakistani brothers through development-oriented cooperation projects.
He mentioned Turkish assistance after flood disaster in 2010, “Turkey Scholarships” for students and added that following the Memorandum of Understanding to be signed next month between the Council of Higher Education of Turkey and the Council of Higher Education of Pakistan will provide the opportunity for 500 Pakistani students for PhD in Turkey, each year.
He said Turkey attached importance to the development of cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan within the framework of their good neighborhood relations.
“This cooperation is indispensable not only for peace and security of the region, but also for the economic potential of this geography and carrying out important infrastructure projects,” he observed.
He said Turkey followed Kashmir issue carefully and latest developments in Kashmir once again demonstrated the importance and the urgency of the solution of that problem.
Expressing his deep concerns about the increase of the tension, he urged the international community to exert further efforts in to solve this issue which has political and humanitarian dimensions, according to justice and law.
He wished that Pakistan and India resolve the issue through dialogue taking into consideration the demands of the Kashmiri people and offered Turkey’s all out efforts in that regard.
Later, after prorogation of the session, the Turkish president mixed up with the members of the parliament and exchanged matters of mutual interests.
Emine Erdogan says ‘Pakistan my second home’
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan in a meeting with First Lady Mehmooda Mamnoon Hussain has said that she considers Pakistan her second home.
The meeting of the two first ladies that took place here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, focused on issues of mutual interest.
Begum Mehmooda said Pakistan and Turkey enjoy exemplary ties, have commonality of views on many issues and always stood by each other in difficult hour.
She commended the services and assistance of Turkish First Lady for the flood-stricken people of Pakistan.
Begum Mehmooda apprised Emine Erdogan that significant work on cancer control had been done in Pakistan following the Istanbul Declaration of Special Session of First Ladies’ Leadership on Cancer Control.
She said the efforts of Emine Erdogan for educating girls, reducing negative effects of social stratification and struggle against child labour were a source of inspiration for Muslim women.
She said the Government of Pakistan had taken many measures for the welfare of women and their participation in all walks of life.
Women powerful agents of change: Zahid Hamid
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Federal Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid has said that Pakistan has taken affirmative action to ensure women’s participation and decision-making in policy and decision-making process.
According to a message recieved at a special event organized on “Women Leaders and the Global transformation Summit at COP-22 at Morocco, the minister said,”The subject of this summit is of great interest to Pakistan because of the importance of the role of women in ensuring effectiveness of measures to combat the adverse impacts of climate change”.
Women participation in not an option but a strategic necessity, he remarked in the summit that witnessed a large number of female participation.
Pakistan today faces several major risks related to climate change including glacial melts, variable monsoons, recurrent floods, sea intrusion, and higher average temperatures and higher frequency of droughts. Millions of people have been affected and colossal damage has been caused on recurring basis, the minister said.
“These threats pose major survival concerns for Pakistan, particularly in relation to the country’s water security, food security and energy security and have adverse consequence, he said.
A historic Pakistan Climate Change Bill, he said, would be introduced in Parliament next week that would establish a high-level, policy-making Pakistan Climate Change Council, along with the Pakistan Climate Change Authority, to prepare and supervise implementation of adaptation and mitigation projects in various sector.
“The government of Pakistan is fully aware that women are powerful agents of change and it is therefore vital to ensure participation of women and female gender experts in all policies, initiatives and decision relating to climate change”, he said.
“Our experience during the massive floods of 2010 and 2011 which caused colossal damage and left millions homeless, was that women suffer much more than men from the severe impacts of such natural disasters, including shortage of clean water for drinking, personal hygiene and cooking, lack of food, diarrheal and water borne diseases. They may also suffer from severe psychological problems such as depression”, he pointed out.
Government policies, he said must be designed to facilitate the development of women leaders who will prepare communities, especially the women, for enhanced and efficient natural resource management, particularly food security, clean water source, and access to health care service and secure the close links between sustainable development and climate resilience. Seats have been reserved for women in parliament, provincial assemblies and local governments” for their adequate representation in law3 and policy making fora, he added.
“Women parliamentarians have spearheaded the significant laws for gender equality, removal of discriminatory practice and barriers to empowerment, protection from harassment at the work place, securing inheritance rights, contesting and participation in elections, among many others”, Zahid Hamid said.
“The need of half the world’s population cannot be neglected, nor their potential in innovative solutions be ignored. Their key role, the care economy and social reproduction that sustains families and communities demand that they be fully integrated in mitigation and adaptation initiatives at all levels.”
PEMRA issues notice to Sabzbaat TV for airing Indian content
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory
Authority (PEMRA) on Thursday in a letter to Sabzbaat television issued a show cause notice for airing Indian content in its transmission.
In its notice, PEMRA General Manager Operations wrote that daily transmission report of Sabzbaat television from November 4 to November 12, 2016 confirmed that channel had been airing English movies dubbed in Hindi language and Indian songs daily in sheer violation of PEMRA laws as well as orders of the authority conveyed vide letter dated 19.10.2016.
Now therefore M/s East Films (Pvt) Ltd (Sabzbaat TV) is hereby directed to stop broadcast of Indian content immediately and also show cause within seven days on or before 23.11.2016 before 4 p.m.
The letter stated as to why under section 29 of PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, Rs 100,000 may not be imposed on the Sabzbaat TV or under section 30 of PEMRA amendment Act 2007, why Sabzbaat may not be suspended or under section 30 of PEMRA amendment Act 2008, why Sabzbaat licence may not be cancelled or revoked.
M/s East Films may also communicate in writing if it wants to be heard in person or not.
In case of failure to file reply within stipulated time, PEMRA will have the right to initiate ex-parte proceedings.
PEMRA in one of its meeting had decided that no Indian content would be shown on any licensed Satellite TV channel.
Turkish First Lady visits Faisal Masjid
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Turkish First Lady visited Faisal Masjid here Thursday, where she was received by Mayor Islamabad Sheikh Anser Aziz.
Briefing on the history of Faisal Masjid she was informed that the Turkish architect had designed the masjid and it was constructed in collaboration with Saudi Arabia.
Turkish First Lady visited different sections of the mosque and took keen interest in diversified calligraphy of Quranic verses.
Mayor Islamabad said that Turkey and Pakistan are not only two brotherly countries but also enjoyed strong friendship and supported each other in the hour of need.
The Turkish First Lady said that Faisal Mosque is not only a masterpiece of construction but also a symbol of great Islamic traditions.
She appreciated the calligraphy of Sadequain and painting of renowned artist Gul Gee.
Sheikh Anser Aziz, who is also the CDA chairman, presented a book on Islamabad and commemorative shield to the Turkish First Lady.
Senior officers of Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) and Capital Development Authority were also present on the occasion.
PM hosts dinner for Turkish President
LAHORE, Nov 17 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif hosted dinner in honour of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his entourage at historic Lahore Fort on Thursday.
First ladies Emine Erdogan and Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, AJK President Masood Khan, Punjab Governor Muhammad Rafique Rajwana, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, federal and provincial ministers, Members of National Assembly, Members of Provincial Assembly, Vice Chancellors of Punjab University and Government College University, prominent personalities from various fields and Turkish dignitaries attended the dinner.
On the occasion, renowned Pakistani vocalists gave a superb cultural performance by singing local songs and mystic poetry (kalaam) which
mesmerised the participants.
Earlier, a memorandum of understanding regarding technical assistance in the field of healthcare in Punjab was also signed between the two sides in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime
Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and other prominent figures.
It is pertinent to mention here that historic, Mall Road, main passage of the VVIP motorcade from Allama Iqbal International Airport to Lahore Fort, was beautifully decorated with colourful lights and flowers to welcome the dignitaries from the brotherly Islamic country.
Nisar says govt has reservations over issue of Altaf Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said the government of Pakistan had reservations over the issue of Altaf Hussain.
This he said while talking to Lord Nazir Ahmed who called on him in London, says a press release.
Talking to Lord Nazir Ahmed, the minister said the British government had legal and moral responsibility to bring to justice those perpetrators who had murdered a Pakistani national on British soil.
Discussing matters concerning Pakistan community in United Kingdom, the Interior Minister said Pakistani expatriates were an asset for the country and every effort would be made to address their issues on priority basis.
Lord Nazir Ahmed appreciated personal efforts of the Interior Minister in addressing issues concerning Pakistani community.
Separately, Bradford West Member of Parliament Naz Shah also met with Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan at the High Commission for Pakistan, London.
Naz thanked the minister for his personal commitment to the investigation into the murder of British national Samia Shahid.
Naz Shah also commended work of the investigative team in particular DIG Baksh whom the minister appointed personally to oversee the case which led to numerous arrests including that of a senior police officer.
The minister thanked MP Naz for the commitment she had shown in relation to this case and women’s rights.
He said, “As I have said previously, the government of Pakistan is committed to bringing to justice those who committed this heinous crime, furthermore we thank Naz for her continued efforts in relation to the murder of her constituent.”
Following the meeting Naz said, “I am confident with the continued commitment shown, that we will get justice for Samia Shahid.”
Erdogan accorded warm welcome at Parliament
ISLAMABAD Nov 17 (APP): Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan here on Thursday was accorded warm welcome by the parliamentarians at time of his address to the joint sitting of Parliament.
On his arrival to the House along with Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani, the Turkish President was welcomed with desks thumping for quite some time.
Prime Minister, Muhammed Nawaz Sharif, Minister, Leaders of the
Opposition in National Assembly and the Senate and other Parliamentarians kept standing at the seats and continued desks thumping for quite some time.
National Anthems of both the countries were played soon after recitation of verses from the Holy Quran and Na’at.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq praised wisdom and acumen of the Turkish President for economic progress and strengthening democracy and mentioned to centuries old historic Pak-Turk brotherly relations.
The visiting guest who had the honor of addressing the joint sitting for third time was also appreciated by desks thumping when he mentioned to Pak-Turkey relations, courageous war against terrorism and the Kashmir issue.
On culmination of proceedings of this special sitting, the Turkish President was introduced to Parliamentarians as he was guided to the leaders by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
Erdogan shook hands with Prime Ministe, Muhammed Nawaz Sharif, Leader of the House in the Senate, Raja Muhammad Zafarul Haq, federal ministers Akram Khan Durrani, Mir Hasil Bazinjo, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Ishaq Dar, former Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, Maulana fazlur Rehman, Leaders of Opposition in National Assembly and the Senate Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah and Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan and opposition members including Ayaz Soomro, Ijaz Jakhrani, Syed Naveed Qamar, Maqbool Siddiqui, Sardar Yaqoob Khan Nasir, Farooq Sattar, Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Ilyas Bilour, Aftab Khan Sherpao, Ghulam Ahmed Bilour and Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
Pak-Turkey share religion, history, culture, common ancestry: Ayaz
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Thursday said that Pakistan and Turkey are inter-twined in eternal bonds of shared religion, history, culture, and common ancestry.
In his welcome address to the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Speaker said,” as a matter of record, our people’s relations are even older than the creation of our two modern states, which date back even much prior to the ‘Khilaafat Movement’ of early twentieth century, when our forefathers rose in support of their Turkish brethren.
Both our societies have nurtured the values of tolerance and harmony, and followed the same path of peace, as taught by our great religion Islam and reflected in the poetry of Maulana Jalal-ud-Din Rumi and Allama Mohammad Iqbal, he said.
Ayaz Sadiq said it was the unique distinction of Majlis-e-Shoora, the Parliament that it will be benefitting from your wisdom and ideas, for the third time.
“Today, Mr. President! We, the Representatives of the people of Pakistan celebrate your presence amongst us for yet another historic reason: Your convincing and over-arching victory, in the recent past, particularly, for the cause of democracy and rule of law in Turkey by mobilizing the will of people has been rightly recognized world-wide as a ray of hope,” he said.
He said credit goes to your (Recep Tayyip) inspiring leadership that the heroic people of Turkey — especially the brave Speaker and the courageous Members of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey — rose in one voice to protect and preserve their constitution and democracy.
While the people of Pakistan salute the courage and valour of the people of Turkey, Majlis-e-Shoora Parliament also joins me in paying our combined accolades to your exemplary devotion and dedication to your people and Motherland.
He said great leaders, Mustafa Kemal Ata-turk and Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah built the states of Turkey and Pakistan on principles of democracy, equality and rule of law.
“Our people have courageously faced the common challenge of terrorism and rendered innumerable sacrifices for regional and global peace,” he said.
Ayaz Sadiq said the brave armed forces of Turkey and Pakistan have inflicted fatal blow to global terrorist networks like DAAISH and launched historic operations like Zarb-e-Azb.
He said both nations have always strongly advocated the cause of marginalised and oppressed people world-wide — be it the Palestinians, the Turk Cypri-ots or the people of Occupied Kashmir.
He said your (President Recep) bold stance on Kashmir has won millions of hearts as it helped in shaking the international conscience about inhuman situation imposed by India in Occupied Kashmir.He said since January 2016, more than 1000 innocent people have been wounded and blinded with pellet guns, more than 130 have lost their lives, and rest of the millions are languishing under un-ending brutalities and prolonged curfew.
Ayaz said that India has violated ceasefire 230 times, killed 26 civilians on our side of the Line of Control and injured more than 108. Only few days ago, the unprovoked firing martyred seven brave Pakistani soldiers, he added.
He said he had briefly narrated these figures of misery and anguish to acknowledge your principled stand on Kashmir. “We are optimistic that through unwavering support like yours, millions of Kashmiris will get their right to self-determination in near future,” he said.
He said,”We appreciate your vision for “Alliance of Civilizations Initiative” aimed at universal cooperation of religions, nations and cultures to address challenges of extremism. What is more, the manner in which Turkey has risen from the economic crisis of the late nineties to the present-day excellence under your democratic leadership, presents
a unique role-model for all developing countries.”
He said that Pakistan-Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Groups in our both Legislatures were the largest of all, reflects our mutual love for each other.
He said the parliament represents will of the people of Pakistan dedicated to the preservation of democracy achieved by the un-remitting struggle of the people against oppression and tyranny.
“This House, therefore, eagerly awaits to benefit from the thoughts, ideas and experiences of a statesman of your caliber,” he said.