ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development
and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal has said that despite the fact that after the
18th Amendment, education was now a provincial subject, yet the federal government has taken it upon itself to assist provinces in modernizing the education system in the country.
In this regard, he said that a National Curriculum Council has been
set up to update the curriculum.
Similarly, examination boards are being reformed and Teachers
Training Programme was being initiated.
During the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States, Pakistan US
Knowledge Corridor was agreed under which 10,000 Ph.Ds would be produced at the leading US universities to meet research and faculty needs of the Pakistani universities. Similarly, to support the deserving students, an Education Endowment Fund has been set up.
The Minister who recently visited UK stated this while delivering talks at Cambridge and Oxford Universities of the UK.
According to a statement issued by ministry of Planning here Thursday, the talks were attended by students, scholars and academia media representatives.
At Cambridge University, the Minister lectured on “Education in the Development Agenda of Pakistan.
He stated that education was one of the key priority areas of the
government as students are one of the most important segments of our society and our future.
The Minister said the government was fully cognizant of the fact
that this was an age of knowledge economy and knowledge is the key driver of progress, development and innovation.
He informed that the government increased the budget of the Higher
Education Commission from Rs. 100 billion in 2013 to Rs. 215 billion in 2016.
The Minister said: “Despite the fact that after the 18th Amendment,
education is now a provincial subject, yet the federal government has
taken it upon itself to assist provinces in modernizing the education system. In this regard, a National Curriculum Council has been set up to update the curriculum.
Similarly, he said examination boards were being reformed and
Teachers Training Programme is being initiated.
During the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States, Pakistan US
Knowledge Corridor was agreed under which 10,000 PhDs would be produced at the leading US universities to meet research and faculty needs of the Pakistani universities. Similarly, to support the deserving students, an Education Endowment Fund has been set up.
The Minister called upon the Pakistani students to make the best of educational opportunities in the UK. He also invited them to come to Pakistan after completion of their education to take advantage of the opportunities especially when the economy is showing steady growth and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) awaits their knowledge and expertise.
At the Oxford University, Minister Ahsan Iqbal delivered talk at Blavatnik School of Government on “China Pakistan Economic Corridor—A Game Changer for the Region”.
His second talk was at China Study Centre on the topic of “China Pakistan Relations—Looking to the Future”.
The Minister explained in detail the concept and salient features
of the CPEC project.
He said that CPEC has four components which include Development
and Up gradation of Gwadar Port, Energy, Transport infrastructure including road and rail network and setting up of industrial zones along the corridor.
The Minister informed that out of US$46 billion CPEC portfolio, US$35 billion would be spent on power generation which would meet domestic and industrial needs of the country and boost economic growth.
He said 11000 MW electricity would be added to the National Grid by 2018.
Dwelling upon the concept of CPEC, the Minister said that it was the fusion of Chinese One Belt One Road and Pakistan’s Vision 2025.
He stated that CPEC was not a bilateral project but it is a regional project. The Minister informed the audience that CPEC would turn Pakistan geo strategic location to its geo economic advantage.
He responded to the searching questions of the students and academia. He also delivered a talk at Chatham House, a leading think tank of the UK, about about China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Representatives of various think tanks, policy influentials, financial experts, research scholars and media representatives were in attendance.
Earlier, in the day, the Minister met Dr. Richard Jarvis, Head of National School of Government International (NSGI) at the Cabinet Office
in London.
The Minister also discussed with Dr. Jarvis the civil service reforms in Pakistan and how Pakistan could benefit from UK experience.
Ahsan Iqbal delivers talks at Cambridge, Oxford Universities and Chatham House
Nation, armed forces fully prepared to thwart enemy’s designs: Mamnoon
ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain, Thursday
said the country’s defence was in safe hands with the armed forces
and nation fully prepared to thwart any evil designs of the enemy.
Talking to Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC)
General Rashad Mahmood, who paid a farewell call on him here at
Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President lauded his services and contribution in
making operation Zarb-e-Azb a success.
The President termed General Rashad Mahmood “a true
professional soldier”, and said he was instrumental in increasing
the efficiency and professionalism of the armed forces.
President Mamnoon Hussain said that Pakistan’s armed forces are one of the best in the world and have served the country well even in times of national emergency and calamity.
General Rashad Mahmood thanked the President for his support
and guidance during his tenure as CJCSC.
Dar Urges civilized world to help stop brutalities in IOK
ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP): Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Thursday stressed upon the developed and civilized nations to restrain India from committing atrocities against the defenseless Kashmiri people in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir and repeated violations of the Line of Control.
He said this during call on by Assistant Secretary of State for Asia and Pacific, Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Johannes Matyassy and Swiss Ambassador in Pakistan, Marc P. George and other officials of the Swiss Embassy here, a statement issued by Ministry of Finance said.
Finance Minister said Pakistan believes in peaceful co existence with its neighbours including India, Afghanistan and Iran and is a great believer of regional economic cooperation for the common well being of the people of the region.
Talking about Pak Swiss bilateral relations, the finance minister said Switzerland has been a close friend of our country for the past many decades and Pakistan values this relationship.
He commended the helpful role of Swiss Agency for Development
and Cooperation (SDC) which is celebrating its 50 years in Pakistan in 2016.
The minister shared with the guests that during the last three years the government has shown full commitment to create a congenial environment for foreign direct investment in the country and paid special attention to improving on Ease of Doing for the local and foreign businesses.
With the intention on improving on the facilitation strategy, the government has updated the legislation, introduced reforms at various levels to improve efficiency, resultantly; the hard work of the government is paying off in the shape of increased confidence of the international as well as domestic investors.
The minister said that the recent signing of the OECD convention on tax matters, the successful issue of sukuk in the international markets and the up gradation of the ratings of Pakistan by the MSCI are proofs of Pakistan finding her place on the international scene.
He also mentioned that “We expect around 5.5% GDP growth this
year and there are predictions of higher growth next year.”
He said that Pakistan has conducted a successful campaign against extremism and terrorism which has boosted the investors’ confidence in Pakistan.
He added that Pakistan has suffered the most in the war against terror and the recent operation zarb e Azb has not only enhanced security in Pakistan but would benefit the region as well as the globe.
During his recent visits to many cities in Pakistan, the Assistant Secretary of State for Asia and Pacific, Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs, said that he had a chance to meet a number of businessmen particularly those handling the Swiss companies and they appreciated the improved security situation in Pakistan and bright business opportunities being offered in this country.
He stated that twenty one (21) Swiss companies are doing business in Pakistan and they have provided jobs to twenty thousand local workers.
He appreciated Pakistan for hosting more than three million Afghan refugees over decades and hoped that Pakistan would work for
their repatriation and integration in their own country.
He opined that the Swiss business community eyes CPEC as an
excellent business opportunity.
He hoped that the bilateral relationship between Switzerland and Pakistan would remain constructive and substantial.
The Swiss Assistant Secretary also stressed for the vitalization of the SAARC forum to address the current regional situation through dialogue.
Pakistan’s success in terrorism highly acknowledged by world: Asif
ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP): Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif Thursday said Pakistan’s success in war against terrorism was highly acknowledged and lauded by world community including Europe, United States of America, China and Muslim countries.
Pakistan had been successfully fighting war against terrorism and achieved maximum results in this regard, he said while talking to a private news channel.
The minister said the international community appreciated the success of operation Zarb e Azb for complete elimination of terrorism from the country.
He said that India was involved in terrorism incidents in Pakistan to sabotage China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project but we would foil its nefarious designs.
He said, “CPEC will bring economic revolution in the country and make Pakistan economically independent which ultimately will able us to not take any loan from International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.”
Khawaja Asif said now a days, the countries in the world were drafting their foreign policy in according to economic needs and goals.
Replying to a question, he said that Pakistan valiant armed forces had been giving befitting response to Indian aggression at the Line of Control (LoC).
“Our armed forces retaliated Indian forces firing along LoC in which several Indian soldiers were killed. India have been facing big losses due to its aggression policies,” he said.
The minister said that India was trying to divert attention of the world community and Indian people from atrocities on innocent Kashmiris in the occupied valley.
He said Parliamentary Kashmir Committee had been actively playing its role and had dispatched its delegations to various countries to effectively highlight the Kashmir issue at international level.
He said Turkey had endorsed Pakistan’s stance regarding Kashmir issue.
To another query, he said Pakistan army had sent a list of four valiant soldiers for newly appointment of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on the basis of seniority, reputation, experience and performance during their career.
He said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had been consulating with various civil and military leaders to appoint the new COAS.
He said Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif had rendered great services for the country and would be remembered for long.
It was imperative to the newly COAS to continue mission and legacy of Raheel Sharif with same spirit and commitment, he added.
The minister said it was a milestone in the history of the country that the COAS had completed its tenure.
He said the civil and military leadership would implement all points of National Action Plan (NAP) to completely eradicate terrorism from the country.
Plan a foot for welfare of writers, poets, intellectuals, artists: PM
ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif
Thursday said a comprehensive plan would be formulated for welfare of writers, poets, intellectuals and artists.
The prime minister was talking to his Advisor on National History and Literary Heritage Division, Irfan Siddiqui, who called on him here at the Prime Minister House.
The prime minister said awareness of national history was a must for national unity and solidarity.
He said the young generation should be informed about their heros and
those personalities who achieved in various fields of life.
Prime Minister Sharif said the government would take all necessary steps for patronage of the literary figures.
According to a press release issued by National History and Literary Heritage Division, Irfan Siddiqui informed the Prime Minister about performance of various departments and upcoming programmes of the Division.
The prime minister was also informed about details of a chandelier,being prepared with cooperation of China, for Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s tomb.
The advisor informed the Prime Minister that the chandelier was in its final stages and it would be installed at the Mazaar by the end of next month.
Govt endeavoring to strengthen economic conditions of people: Muqam
PESHAWAR, Nov 24 (APP): Advisor to Prime Minister, Engr. Ameer Muqam Thursday said that policies of federal government have initiated a new phase of prosperity in the country that would strengthen socio economic position of people.
Addressing a reception hosted by Sher Afghan here, he said that
welfare oriented policies of government would bring dramatic changes in lifestyle of people by improving their economic status.
He said we are united under the charismatic leadership of Prime Minister, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif that is working tirelessly and with an unprecedented dedication for the people of motherland.
Muqam said that worker convention would soon be held in every
constituency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also urged workers to focus their energies with an aim to rejuvenate party in the province.
Pakistan, UK to further strengthening ties in diverse fields
ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP): Pakistan and the United Kingdom on
Thursday reiterated their commitment to further strengthening their
relationship by increasing trade, promoting investment and creating greater opportunities for cultural cooperation.
This was decided at a meeting held between Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Boris Johnson,British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs,at the Foreign Office.
The two sides reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation in the areas of common interest, a press release of the Foreign Office spokesman said.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the progress of the “Enhanced Strategic Dialogue” (ESD) which sets out the priority areas for cooperation, including: trade and investment, culture and education and security.
It was agreed to intensify efforts to further strengthen cooperation under this framework.
The two sides also discussed regional and global issues. The Adviser briefed Boris Johnson about the current situation in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the massive human rights violations being committed against innocent Kashmiris.
The importance of the UK’s role in reducing tension between Pakistan and India was also underscored. The British Foreign Secretary called for early resumption of dialogue and the need for de escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India.
The British Foreign Secretary acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
Pakistan forcefully taking up HRs violations in IoK with Int’l Community: FO
ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP): Pakistan on Thursday said it was constantly and forcefully taking up the issue of grave human rights violations in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) with the International Community and with India through diplomatic channels.
“Pakistan is deeply concerned over the brutalities and gross human rights violations by Indian occupation forces in IoK as well as its targeting of civilians on the LoC.” Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakariya told a weekly briefing here.
He said there was a rising concern among the international community over the plight of Kashmiris in Occupied Kashmir.
He said Indian hostilities at the LoC and other attempts to raise tension were aimed at diverting world’s attention from gross human rights violations of Indian forces in IoK.
He said more than 150 people have been martyred and more than 1000 blinded, partially or completely, and over 16,000 have been injured, scores of among them are critical and maimed for the rest of their lives.
To a question, he said, Pakistan has only responded to the Indian aggression forcefully, proportionately and in a befitting manner. He, however, said it remained the endeavour of the Pakistan army not to target civilians.
He said Pakistan has forcefully raised its voice against these acts of Indian aggression to sensitize the international community about Indian designs in the region and how Indian irresponsible attitude could be detrimental to the peace of the region.
“We will continue to highlight this issue until India stops Kashmiris’ bloodshed and peacefully resolves the Jammu & Kashmir dispute and all other contentious issues.
About DGMOs meeting, the Spokesperson said, Pakistani DGMO conveyed to his counterpart that targeting of civilians was not acceptable under any circumstances, and must be stopped immediately.
Responding to a question, he said the Indian agent Kulbushan Yadav had admitted the nefarious designs India harbors against Pakistan and China Pakistan Economic Corridor project.
IDEAS 2016 combined efforts of Pak armed forces, Pakistan’s Govt. for self defence
KARACHI, Nov 24 (APP): The 9th International Defence Exhibition and
Seminar IDEAS 2016 is a combined effort of Pakistan armed forces and
Government of Pakistan for self dependence, by growing the local defence production industry instead of looking towards others for the country’s defence requirements.
Talking to media during his visit to IDEAS 2016 exhibition on Thursday, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief, Air Marshal Sohail Aman said that all legal formalities, including acquiring of land, for the aviation city had been completed.
The aviation city, being set up at Kamra, would be a complete education and research city and would emerge as the centre of excellence for entire South Asia. There would be the best facilities for research on air defence capacity, he said.
About Pakistan made Super Mashak aircraft, the Air Chief said it had gained popularity in the world. Many countries had shown interest in it. Nigeria, Qatar and Turkey had entered deals to purchase Mashak aircraft.
On Wednesday, the second day of IDEAS 2016 exhibition, Turkey
signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pakistan Aeronautical Complex to purchase 52 Super Mashak aircraft from PAC.
“Soon, we are going to engage in talks with some countries and hope, there may good deal on JF 17,” he revealed to the media.
He said PAC was also upgrading JF 17 Thunder to make it more effective for the country’s defence; rather to get a good share in international defence market.
Air Marshal Sohail Aman said these new developments in defence
production sector would further strengthen Pakistan’s relations with its friend countries.
“We will stand together with our friend countries,” he added.
He informed that there were the best training facilities at PAC in air defence sector. Foreigners, even Europeans, were getting training at the PAC.
The PAF’s chief reassured the nation that Pakistan Air Force was very
much capable and ready to respond to any hostile activity. Similarly, he continued, Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy were fully equipped and in high spirit and the enemy should understand our capacity and courage.
Then, PAF chief had a detailed visit of the exhibition and interacted with the local and foreign exhibitors.
At Pakistan Aeronautical Complex stall, Air Marshall Sohail Aman
witnessed the ceremony of signing MoU between PAC and a French Company manufacturing defence production.
Air Commodore Waqar Haider and French company’s representative
Julius signed the MoU.
Under the agreement, the French company extend technical support/expertise to upgrade PAF’s air buses and other aircraft etc., to French standard.
PTA starts process to set retail prices level for broadband services
ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP): Pakistan Telecommunication Authority
(PTA) has sought consultation from all telecom users, stakeholders
and general public, asking them to submit their views on price floor
regime for mobile broadband services.
The Authority has decided to introduce the regime to address
issue of unhealthy competition and protect and maintain
profitability of the telecom sector.
PTA has planned to set minimum level of retail prices for
mobile data and broadband services, while the minimum mobile
broadband speed would also be realized upwards.
PTA’s consultation paper on Recommended Price for Data
Services has said to protect and safeguard interest of consumers as well as operators there is a need to set a level of retail tariffs/
prices which should encourage operators to further invest in their
networks and acquire more spectrum to continuously improve Quality of Service (QoS) while offering competitive and affordable services to their subscribers.
In this regard, the minimum Mobile Broadband speed would also
be realized upwards.
The Authority is of view that appropriate price for data
services will lead to benefits which include introduction of healthy
and competitive regime leading to expeditious network rollout of
services and investment in mobile broadband segment for sustainable mobile broadband proliferation.
The other benefit would be enhanced QoS that satisfies
growing needs of consumers (individual as well as SMEs with specific reference to digitalization of services (Internet of Things, E-
Governance, E-Health etc.) and increase confidence of
consumers in use of mobile broadband by reducing free access with
potential non-social use of social media and channelizing the
youth in a more creative direction.
Considering aforementioned advantages, PTA has sought
comments on issue highlighted in this consultation paper within two weeks.
“The current pricing mechanism under intense competition among
mobile operators was not sustainable for a longer term.
Resultantly, it may slow down investment in broadband network, which was required continuously to meet the quality of service standards and bandwidth requirements of 3G and 4G and other digital services,” reasoned PTA in the consultation paper.
PTA has also received a request from one mobile operator to
regulate prices of data services with objective to ensure increasing
demand of consumers for enhanced mobile broadband services, while preventing potential market failure.
“If the regulator sets floor price for data services, it would
be a win-win situation for everyone involved as it would pave the
way for cellular operators to improve quality of service and
consumers could get seamless mobile internet connectivity.
Telecom companies invested heavily in licenses, but there was
no extension in 3G and 4G network roll out and the Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) in telecom sector has been declining mainly due to slow return on investment (RoI) ratio.
“Regulating the data tariffs was a viable option to support
struggling telecom industry as it would benefit all, consumers would
have better services, operators would have improved profits and the government would have strong revenues in terms of taxes,” said an expert on Thursday.
PTA said there was an intense price war among operators for
provision of data services even in the nascent stage of the mobile
broadband data proliferation. This situation has led unlimited
pricing offers and promotions resulting in consumers to make
impulsive decisions without considering and comparing with other
packages, lesser incentives for operators to invest in their
networks and acquire more spectrums from time to time in order to
meet the quality of service and bandwidth requirements of
accelerated digitalization.
Also, there has been general increase in the price of goods
and services owning to inflation and other factors, while mobile
communication was the only sector in Pakistan which has witnessed
constant decline in prices and tariffs owing to technological
advancements and price wars.
Therefore, it becomes imperative that appropriate action in the
form of minimum price should be initiated to bring stability in the
broadband market, PTA added.