NEW JERSEY, March 29 (APP): Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, Jalil Abbas Jilani on Monday emphasized the role of the Pakistani American community in deepening and strengthening the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and the United States.
US says PM Sharif's decision to cancel visit completely understandable
WASHINGTON, March 29 (APP): The decision by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to cancel US visit is completely understandable, a State Department spokesman said on Monday and described the Lahore attack as a `lash out’ from a group under pressure from the ongoing military operation by the Pakistani security forces. At a press briefing in Washington, Spokesman John Kirby condemned the horrific attack on innocent people and said that the United States was committed to help Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. When asked to comment on the cancellation of visit by Prime Minister Sharif, he said that “given what just happened, it’s completely understandable why he would want to stay at home”.
By election in NA-245 on April 7
ISLAMABAD, Mar 29 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will hold by-election on National Assembly’s seat NA-245 on April 7. The ECP has appointed Regional Election Commissioner Karachi Ali Asghar Sial as District Returning Officer, District Election Commissioner Karachi Central Syed Nadeem Haider as Returning Officer, said an official of the Commission. The seat had fallen vacant after the resignation by Muhammad Rehan Hashmi.
Railways making efforts for manning all level crossings
SLAMABAD, Mar 29 (APP): In a bid to avoid and check accidents on railway tracks, Ministry of Railways is making tireless efforts to deploy gatekeepers at all rail crossings points across the country in collaboration with provincial governments. “In this regard Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique has written letters to chief executives of all provinces to release funds for the conversion of un-manned level crossings into manned level crossings,” official sources in the Ministry of Railways told APP. They said the Punjab government had released Rs 555 million where 95 per cent most dangerous unmanned level crossings had so far been made manned.
Qatar to build two power plants in Pakistan: Envoy
ISLAMABAD, Mar 29 (APP): Ambassador of Qatar to Pakistan, Saqr Bin Mubarak Al-Mansouri said on Tuesday that his country was interested to build two power plants in Pakistan for which initial studies were in progress. He said Qatari and Chinese companies were already working on four coal-based power plants in Pakistan and construction of two power plants by Qatar would go a long way in reducing Pakistan’s energy problem. He expressed these views during an interaction with business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) here.
March 23 A day to renew pledge for national development, prosperity: Abbasi
ISLAMABAD, Mar 29 (APP): Deputy Speaker National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi has said that March 23 was the Day to renew the commitment to develop the country in accordance with the principles of justice and equity, the real objective of creation of Pakistan. He expressed these views while addressing a widely attended event by Pakistanis residing in USA in connection with March 23 celebrations in Dallas Texas, USA which was organized by the Pakistani Society of North Texas (PSNT), a message received from Texas, USA said here on Tuesday.
Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar installed as Col Commandant Armoured Corps
RAWALPINDI, March 29 (APP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday visited Armoured Corps Centre Nowshera. At an installation ceremony, the COAS installed Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar as new Colonel Commandant of Armoured Corps Regiment. The COAS also met veterans of the regiment and inquired about their health and well being.
BISP proves to be milestone for alleviating poverty: Marvi
CHITRAL, March 29 (APP): Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Marvi Memon here on Tuesday said that BISP would prove to be a milestone in alleviating poverty and changing socioeconomic condition of the people as various social welfare schemes had been initiated by the federal government. Addressing a BISP beneficiaries and heirs of martyred students of Sosom Village, the BISP chairperson said that 5.2 million people were benefiting from the program adding that federal government has increased the funds of the program from Rs33billion to Rs104billion as further increase are also expected.
Drive for primary enrollment from April 1: Ahsan
ISLAMABAD, Mar 29 (APP): Federal Minster for Planning, Development and Reform, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Monday said that a comprehensive enrollment drive would be launched across the country from April 1 to 30. “End of illiteracy is one of the significant targets of the Vision 2025,” Ahsan Iqbal said while participating in a meeting along with Chief Minister Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif. The meeting was convened to review the arrangements made for launching the campaign. Ahsan Iqbal said that all the provinces have assured of their full support to make the drive successful while the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers and parliament members would also take part in the drive.
Govt focusing on achieving GDP growth rate of over 5 pc in 2015 16:Dar
ISLAMABAD, Mar 29 (APP): Minister for Finance Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday said that having achieved economic stabilization the government was now fully focused on inclusive economic growth and was aiming at achieving the GDP growth rate of over 5 per cent in FY 2015 16. He was chairing the 7th meeting of the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) held here. At the outset of the meeting, the Finance Minister welcomed all participants and gave a brief overview of recent positive developments on the economic front.