RAWALPINDI Nov 23 (APP): Director General Military Operations
(DGMO) of India on Wednesday was demarched by his Pakistani counterpart for targeting civilian bus by his troops on Pakistani side along the Line of Control (LoC).
“Hotline contact was established between Pakistan and Indian Army DGMOs. Discussing single point agenda, Pakistan Army DGMO
demarched his Indian counterpart for targeting civilians bus, by Indian troops, with innocent civilians inside, on LoC towards Pakistan side,” Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) here stated in a press release.
The Pakistani DGMO said, “We reserve the right to respond at
the place and time of our choosing.”
As many as seven passengers of a bus embraced martyrdom
when it was targeted by the Indian troops on early Wednesday at the LoC. At least four other passengers had sustained serious injuries.
Indians had set a worst example by targeting an ambulance that
had approached the site to evacuate the injured passengers of the ill fated bus to hospital later on.
Indian DGMO demarched for targeting civilian bus across LOC
Pakistan, Azerbaijan agree on early finalization of joint ventures in different sectors
KARACHI, Nov 23 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain and First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yaqub Eyyubov on Wednesday agreed for early finalization of joint ventures in different sectors of economy for mutual benefit.
This was agreed during a meeting between the two leaders here on the sidelines of IDEAS 2016.
Azerbaijan’s Minister for Defence Industry, Yavar Jamalov and Ambassador Ali Alizada were also present in the meeting. Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Secretary Defence, Lt. Gen. ® Syed Muhammad Awais and senior officials also attended the meeting.
Deputy Prime Minister Yaqub Eyyubov on this occasion also delivered a special message of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the President.
President Mamnoon Hussain said Pakistan, which was the third country, after Turkey and Romania, to recognize Azerbaijan, accorded high importance to its brotherly ties with Azerbaijan.
He said the relations between the two countries were rooted in common history, culture, traditions, faith and values.
The president while expressing his satisfaction over the existing close relations between the two countries, stressed the need for further enhancing the defence relations.
He said Pakistan desired to turn the existing ties between the two countries into broad based and multi faceted relations.
The president said Pakistan and Azerbaijan have commonality of views on different issues and cooperate with each other at all regional and international fora including the United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Economic Cooperation Organization (OIC).
President Mamnoon Hussain expressed his desire for President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady to pay a visit to Pakistan in February 2017.
He also thanked Azerbaijan for their continued support on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and said Pakistan would continue to support Azerbaijan’s stance on the issue of Nagorno Karabakh. Pakistan desires just and peaceful resolution of Kashmir and Nagorno Karabakh issues, he added.
The president expressed his satisfaction over the continued increase in defence cooperation between the two countries.
He said Pakistani scientists and experts were manufacturing economical and quality weapons, which fulfilled the international standards, adding, Pakistan wants Azerbaijan to also benefit through cooperation in this field.
Besides, the president said, Azerbaijan can also benefit from the services of Pakistan’s defence and civil institutions for the training of its civil and military personnel.
Azerbaijan can also avail the services and expertise of Pakistan in the purchase of defence equipments, he added.
The president said there was a need to enhance the volume of trade between the two countries. Pakistan gives special importance to development and progress in the region as well as regional connectivity, he added.
The First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan on this occasion expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s defence products, which he said fulfilled international standards and Azerbaijan was very impressed by Pakistan’s expertise in this field.
He also expressed Azerbaijan’s desire to initiate joint ventures with Pakistan in different sectors.
Pakistan to supply 52 trainer aircraft to Turkey
ISLAMABAD Nov 23 (APP): Pakistan would supply 52 trainer Mushshak aircraft to Turkey as an agreement to this effect has been signed between both the brotherly countries.
This landmark sale contract was signed during IDEAS 2016 being
held at Expo Centre Karachi, a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) press release issued here on Wednesday stated.
Air Marshal Arshad Malik, Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and Mustafa Seker, Deputy Undersecretary Turkish Ministry of Defence Industry signed the contract.
As per the agreement, PAC will provide 52 Super Mushshak Trainer aircraft to Turkish Air Force for primary training of its pilots.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja
Muhammad Asif, Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain and Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force along with high ranking officials of Pakistan and Turkey were also present at the occasion.
This contract would not only open new avenues for export of
aviation equipment to foreign countries but also help in generating revenue for the country.
The Super Mushshak aircraft is already in service with PAF, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran and South Africa.
The deal further strengthens PAC’s status as a world class aviation industry producing the supersonic JF 17 Thunder and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.
Besides this other Memorandum of Understandings were also signed at the occasion.
In the first one, PAC in collaboration with Telec Electronics and Machinery Pvt Ltd will jointly offer the engine repairs and overhaul facilities to the customers.
Another important MoU was signed with STI for the procurement
of 02 Super Mushshak flight simulators.
These contracts have been signed with an aim to support and promote the local aviation industry in the country.
Pak EU Joint Commission agree to continue cooperation in counter terrorism, security
ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 (APP): Pakistan EU Joint Commission here on Wednesday agreed to continue cooperation in the spheres of counter terrorism, security and defence, disarmament and non proliferation.
The seventh meeting of Pak EU Joint Commission welcomed the holding of the second Dialogue on Disarmament and Non Proliferation, as well as the fifth round of the Counter Terrorism Dialogue in April 2016 in Brussels.
The Pakistan side was jointly led by Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry and Secretary Economic Affairs Division Tariq Bajwa.The EU delegation was led by Gunnar Wiegand, Managing Director of the European External Action Service, a joint press release issued here said.
The meeting discussed the economic reform programme of the Government of Pakistan and the EU welcomed the progress made in this respect.
They appreciated the continued strengthening of the Pakistan EU relations.
The two sides expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the implementation of the Pakistan EU 5 year Engagement Plan, including the holding of the 3rd Pakistan EU Political Dialogue and the Strategic Dialogue in Brussels earlier this year.
The two sides welcomed the decision to further elevate their mutually beneficial partnership under the new Strategic Engagement Plan. Every effort will be made to finalize the new plan by the middle of 2017, for approval by the next Pakistan EU Summit.
The EU side reiterated its strong support for the democratic institutions, electoral reforms in time for the next elections, rule of law, human rights, economic development and poverty reduction in Pakistan, in accordance with national plans and priorities.
Both sides recognized the importance of mutual cooperation in the field of energy. They welcomed the agreement to hold a first EU Pakistan energy meeting in January 2017 in Brussels, to strengthen cooperation and exchange of information.
They also agreed to further cooperate on migration issues, including irregular migration, and reaffirmed their commitment to the continued implementation of the EU Pakistan Readmission Agreement.
The EU acknowledged the challenges faced by Pakistan in hosting over three million refugees and is ready to consider providing additional support, including for their voluntary repatriation to Afghanistan in safety and dignity.
Cooperation on science, technology and higher education were also discussed.
Reports were submitted to the Joint Commission by the three subgroups on (i) Trade ;( ii) Governance and Human Rights; and (iii) Development Cooperation.
On trade, there was an agreement to work on strengthening trade and investment relations, including making full use of the potential provided by GSP+, and removing impediments.
On development cooperation both sides noted the good progress being made with the implementation of the current programme, and particularly the importance of policy dialogue.
A number of key operational aspects of our cooperation were improved which will further enhance the effectiveness of EU’s support to Pakistan’s development. The EU stressed the role played by the civil society including, NGOs and INGOs in development and humanitarian assistance in a democratic society.
On human rights, the Pakistan side highlighted the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan for the promotion and protection of human rights.
The EU side welcomed these steps, especially the Human Rights Plan of Action adopted by the Government of Pakistan and its decision to strengthen its human rights institutions, and noted certain challenges that required continued attention.
Both sides also took note of the first GSP+ progress report and the visit of a GSP+ Mission to Pakistan from 30 October 4 November 2016.
While appreciating the progress made, the EU called for continued efforts for implementation of the international commitments related to the 27 International Conventions.
The Pakistan side apprised the EU about the recent developments in the region, including the current human rights situation in Kashmir.
Noting with concern the recent developments, the EU side underlined the need for resolving disputes through dialogue and constructive engagement.
Pakistan considers various diplomatic options on Indian aggression at LoC: Maleeha
ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 (APP): Pakistan’s Permanent Representative in the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi Wednesday said Pakistan was considering various diplomatic options on Indian aggression at the Line of Control (LoC).
“Situation at the Line of Control is turning very dangerous,” she said while talking to a private television channel about the unprovoked Indian firing at various sectors on LoC.
The envoy said she would meet the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres on Wednesday and inform him about the tense situation on the LoC.
Maleeha Lodhi said Indian forces had resorted to unprovoked firing at the LoC just to divert attention of the international community from the gross human rights violations by them in the Occupied Kashmir.
Indian-American Nikki Haley now eyed for UN envoy in Trump admin
UNITED NATIONS, Nov 23 (APP): The Governor of U.S. state of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, who is of Indian ancestry, is now the leading candidate for United Nations Ambassador in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, a report in The Wall Street Journal said.
The report cites sources close to Trump’s transition team that Haley, who met with Trump last week in New York, is now being eyed for a diplomatic role in the administration.
“Governor Haley was pleased to meet with President-elect Trump,” Haley’s Deputy Chief of Staff Rob Godfrey was quoted as saying. “They had a good discussion, and she is very encouraged about the coming administration and the new direction it will bring to Washington.”
Last week, reports indicated Haley was being floated as a candidate for Secretary of State. However, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney appears to be the leading choice for the nation’s top diplomat, the Wall Street Journal said.
Born as Nimrata Randhawa to Sikh parents who migrated from Indian Punjab, Ms. Haley created history by becoming the first woman to occupy the governor’s mansion of South Carolina.
She has since converted to Christianity, but occasionally goes to Sikh services at her parents’ request.
Haley, 44, is married to Michael Haley, an officer in US defence department.
Currently serving her second term as governor, she has little foreign policy experience, although the Post and Courier points out that she has traveled abroad eight times since taking office. Her husband was deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 as a member of the S.C. National Guard, the Post and Courier reported.
Haley would bring a dash of diversity to Trump’s appointments, which so far have uniformly consisted of white males.
She was critical of Trump during the primary campaign, calling him one of the “angriest voices” and accusing him of contributing to “irresponsible talk.” She also denounced Trump’s plan to ban on Muslims entering the U.S.
ICC penalises India women’s team for not playing Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 (APP): The International Cricket Council (ICC) Technical Committee on Wednesday ruled that the India Women’s
team is deemed to have forfeited each of the three matches it was
due to play against Pakistan in Round 6 of the ICC Women’s
Championship, and that the associated points should be awarded to
Pakistan.
According to a press release issued here, it was announced following consideration of written submissions from both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The matches, which were due to be played between August 1 and
October 31, 2016, were not formally scheduled and did not ultimately
take place, and the Technical Committee has ruled that Pakistan will
be awarded two points for each of the three games and, in accordance
with the ICC Women’s Championship playing conditions, India shall be
considered to have scored 0 runs in each of the 50 overs in each of
the three matches and that its net run rate shall be adjusted
accordingly.
The Technical Committee was sensitive to the current state of
relations between the nations of India and Pakistan, but concluded
that the BCCI had not been able to establish `acceptable reasons’ for not participating in this series.
The Technical Committee comprised Geoff Allardice, ICC General
Manager Cricket, Andy Hobbs, ICC acting Head of Global Development
and Iain Higgins, ICC Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel.
This decision means that there will be no change to the
current standings on the ICC Women’s Championship Points Table, with India remaining in fifth position and Pakistan remaining in seventh
position.
The teams that have automatically qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup, to be played in England from June 26, 2017 to July 23, 2017 are Australia, England, New Zealand and the West Indies, while India, South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will join Bangladesh, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and Thailand in the Women’s World Cup Qualifier, to be played in Sri Lanka from February 7 to 21, 2017, where the top four placed teams will progress to the Women’s World Cup.
Railway connectivity important for cooperation with Central Asia: Saad
ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 (APP): Pakistan and Tajikistan on Wednesday
decided to enhance cooperation in the sector of Railways.
This understanding was reached during a meeting of Minister of
Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique and Ambassador of Tajikistan
Sherali S. Jononov here.
They exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and about enhancing cooperation for railway connectivity via Afghanistan.
Tajik ambassador mentioned that Pakistan was at a God gifted
location and was like a bridge.
Connectivity was a basis of regional economic cooperation for Pakistan and other countries of the region including Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, especially in the context of regional economic growth. All Central Asian Republics want to be connected to Gwadar Port.
“Railway connectivity through Afghanistan is important for cooperation with Central Asia,” said Khawaja Saad Rafique.
He said he believed that railway track between Torkham and Kabul, which will be later extended to Tajikistan and other Central Asian Republics, can usher in a new era of development for Pakistan and Afghanistan.
He also mentioned that Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) is also playing an important role.
CAREC is a partnership of ten countries working together to promote development cooperation leading accelerated growth besides envisioning implementation of China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Pakistan will soon complete its feasibility study on Peshawar Jalalabad railway track. Pakistan is also taking an initiative to complete 11 kilometres railway track between Chaman and Spin Boldak.
This track will be funded under Prime Minister package for reconstruction of Afghanistan.
Governor KPK visits IDEAS 2016
KARACHI, Nov 23 (APP): Governor, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zaffar
Iqbal Jhagra on Wednesday visited 9th International Defence Exhibtion
IDEAS 2016 and hoped, this will help promote sale of Pakistan’s defence products and increase cooperation with other countries in defence sector.
During an interaction with media there, KPK Governor said Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamrah and Turkish Defence Ministry—under which PAC will manufacture 52 Super Mushak aircraft for Turkey was very encouraging for Pakistan’s defence production sector.
He said 480 companies’ participation in IDEAS 2016 showed confidence in Pakistan.
He paid tribute to Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif who successfully led operation Zarb i Azb and restored peace and security in the country.
He said, now the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was much better and the credit goes to Pakistan Army.
KPK Governor urged the opposition parties to play their role for welfare of the people and development of the country.
India harmed SAARC forum: Sartaj
ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 (APP): Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Wednesday said India had impaired the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) forum with its unilateral decision of canceling a scheduled conference.
About participation in the upcoming Heart of Asia Conference in India, the Advisor said Pakistan was deeply related with Afghanistan and did not want to remain disconnected.
In a private Tv programme, however, he made it clear that Heart of Asia was not a bilateral conference rather it was related to what was happening inside Afghanistan.
To another question, he said the present government had very effectively raised the issue of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK) at all
fora, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC).
He said all missions and government’s representatives had been very vocal over the issue.
Sartaj informed that a separate cabinet meeting would be held soon over the grave situation in IoK.
“It is very significant movement. It is a new kind of Intifada, led by the new Kashmiri generation who are carrying Pakistani flags and demanding liberation from illegitimate Indian rule,” he noted.