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

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

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

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

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

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

ISLAMABAD, Mar 25 (APP): State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed on Friday said that Pakistan is on the road to progress and prosperity.Talking to media persons outside the Parliament House, he said that public welfare projects are being implemented with speed, standard and transparency. He said that the mission of public service and welfare would continue and all issues would be resolved with consensus.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 25 (APP): Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad  Asif has expressed the hope that Afghan peace process would yield  positive results. Talking to Voice of America (VOA), he said that peace in  Afghanistan is necessary for the entire region and Pakistan would  continue supporting the peace process. He said “Every step which is being taken for peace in  Afghanistan is important for the region.” “Peaceful Afghanistan  is very important for Pakistanis and Pakistan,”, he added.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 25 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain on Friday reiterated that the government would undertake all measures to modernise country’s Armed Forces for enabling them  to counter internal and external threats and terrorism. He was addressing a “Bara Khana” – a grand luncheon – for the officers and men of the Armed Forces who participated in the Pakistan Day Parade on March 23 at Shakarparian ground. The President said only a strong military can protect the nation from the threats the country faces. The President also paid rich tributes to the courageous officers and men of the Armed Forces who were participating in the Operation Zarb-e-Azb and have successfully destroyed  the network of the terrorists.