ISLAMABAD, Feb 3 (APP): Federal Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid on Wednesday said that electronic voting machines would be purchased by the end of December for by-election in any part of the country. Talking to media after chairing a meeting of Parliamentary Electoral Reforms Committee held here, he said that Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), would soon float a tender to purchase electronic voting machines.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 3 (APP): Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Division (CA&DD), Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhary on Wednesday directed the management of private schools to follow security guidelines issued by the government. The direction was given to the management of private schools during a meeting held with representatives and owners of the educational institutions working in the private sector.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 3 (APP): Advisor to the Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui on Wednesday said that books are one of the most influential weapons against terrorism and extremism. Chairing a meeting here, egarding various schemes of National Book Foundation, he said that a comprehensive plan would be devised to prepare the young generation for fighting the future challenges.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 3 (APP): Federal Interior Minister, Ch Nisar Ali Khan Wednesday chaired a high level meeting to review law and order situation. The meeting was attended by Coordinator of National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Chief Commissioner, Inspector General (IG) Islamabad, Deputy Commissioner, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations, Zonal SPs and senior officers of Interior Ministry, said a press release issued here.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 3 (APP): Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Chaudhry Barjees Tahir here Wednesday said Pakistan wanted resolution of Kashmir issue according to United Nations Security Council resolutions, giving Kashmiris their right to self-determination through a plebiscite. Addressing a press conference, the minister said Pakistan would welcome a decision which was acceptable to the Kashmiris.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 3 (APP): Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid Wednesday said better mutual understanding between peoples of Pakistan and China guarantees sustained, solid and beneficial bilateral ties. Speaking at the launching ceremony of Urdu Mobile Application ‘Watching Media,’ he said the new App would help provide information about China to those Pakistanis, who do not have access to traditional electronic and print media.

HOSHAB (Balochistan), Feb 3 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday inaugurated the Gwadar-Hoshab M-8 motorway by driving on the newly constructed road, that links the Gwadar Port to Quetta. The Prime Minister took a test drive on the road on a military jeep, driven by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 3 (APP): Minister for Information,Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid said on Wednesday that the government would foil all conspiracies to cash on the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) issue for political gains. Talking to media persons after attending a seminar here at a local hotel, he said that no conspiracy, tactic and political plan of Imran Khan would succeed in this regard.

HOSHAB (Balochistan), Feb 3 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Wednesday inaugurated the Rs 13 bln Gwadar Turbat Hoshab Road (M 8) that would link Gwadar Port with Quetta and serve as vital part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The 193 km long highway would connect the western, central and eastern routes of the CPEC with the Gwadar Port.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 3 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain Wednesday emphasized upon the crucial role of the universities in human resource development which ultimately contributes toward economic progress of the country. Talking to Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President said that the government was laying great emphasis on promoting education in the country as a part of nation building efforts.