WASHINGTON, Dec 16 (APP): The relationship between Pakistan and the Afghan government remains a critical aspect of enhancing security and stability in Afghanistan, according to a latest report by the U.S. Defence Department.
The report was submitted by the Defense Department to the Congress on Monday and covers the period between June 1 through November 30, 2015.
KARACHI, Dec 16 (APP): Treasury Management Division of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on Wednesday issued the following exchange rates:
PESHAWAR, Dec 16 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif here Wednesday arrived at Army Public School to attend the first anniversary of the martyrs of the school and to express solidarity with the victims families.
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 16 (APP): UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Wednesday marked the first anniversary of the deadly terrorist attack on the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar, saying no cause justifies brutality against children.
“No grievance excuses the horror and cowardice of attacking defenceless children while they learn,” the UN chief said in a message released by his office.
The Secretary-General said, “I join with all of you in honouring the many lives lost in the horrific terror attack on the APS in Peshawar on December 16, 2014.I extend my thoughts and good wishes to the family, friends and loved ones of all the victims”.
“One year later, I know the pain and sorrow of this utterly
senselessness act remains fresh.So does the outrage.No cause justifies such brutality”.
“I have been deeply moved by the resolve and resilience of students as they returned to school just weeks after the attack.Through that simple act, they have shown the power of education, hope and peace”.
“Going to school should not have to be an act of bravery.Schools must be safe and secure learning spaces.Thank you for coming together to remember the fallen students and recommit to ensuring the right to safe and quality education for all.”
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 16 (APP): Pakistan Tuesday called for enhanced cooperation among states and other stakeholders to strengthen security in the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), saying their malicious use in cyberspace posed risks to users.
“Use of cyberspace by criminals and terrorists cannot be permitted and we, as responsible members of the global community, must ensure that such elements do not operate in cyberspace to further their nefarious designs,” Information Technology Minister Anusha Rehman Khan told the U.N.
ISLAMABAD, Dec 15 (APP): Acting President Mian Raza Rabbani has said that the appalling and horrendous attack on Army Public School (APS) did not deter the resolve of the nation, instead it breathed a new life into national unity and solidarity.
It brought the whole spectrum of political and military leadership on one platform in the fight against dark forces of extremism and terrorism, he said in a message on the first anniversary of the dastardly attack on the innocent lives of Army Public School Peshawar.
KARACHI, Dec 15 (APP): Governor, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Ashraf Mahmood Wathra launched 2nd Access to Finance (A2F) Survey Report-2015 entitled “State of Financial Access and usage in Pakistan” for encouraging all stakeholders (Banks) to improve financial inclusion, at SBP, here on Tuesday.
PESHAWAR, Dec 15 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan said Tuesday that the government would make no compromise on peace, law and order situation in Kurram Agency.
ISLAMABAD, Dec 15 (APP): Pak-Turkey agreed to enhance bilateral collaboration for women empowerment, poverty reduction, skills development and sharing of best practices.
ZHENGZHOU (China), Dec. 15 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations in diverse fields, particularly in economy and energy sectors.
Both leaders discussed bilateral relations and regional situation as they met on the sidelines of 14th SCO Heads of Government meeting here.
Implementation on Economic Corridor Project and energy and infrastructure development projects in Pakistan also featured during the meeting.
Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi were also present on the occasion.
The Prime Minister congratulated the Chinese Premier on the successful holding of the 14th SCO Heads of Government meeting.
He felicitated the Chinese leadership and the Communist Party for approval of Yuan by International Monetary Fund (IMF) as Global Reserve Currency and said it was an important milestone in the integration of the Chinese economy into the global financial system and recognition of China as a major financial power.
Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan and China are celebrating the Year of Friendly Exchanges and next year would be marking 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
“We should tap this opportunity to further promote people-to-people contacts,” he added.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif expressed the satisfaction with progress on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project and said Pakistan wanted that all the projects under the CPEC, be implemented in a timely and efficient manner.
He said the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor Project would prove a game-changer in the region.
He said Pakistan considers friendship with China as central pillar of its foreign policy.
He said that cooperation between Pakistan and China was reflection of close friendship between the two countries and the new projects would change to destiny of people of the region. It will create new opportunities for employment and end poverty, he added.
Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan would like Chinese side to allow Pakistan to open a trade cum visa office in Urumqi to facilitate the CPEC projects implementation and people to people exchanges.
He said the progress achieved by handing-taking over of Gwadar Port Free Zone is a good beginning for initiating the process for building the economic zone.
The Prime Minister informed his Chinese counterpart that the operation Zarb-e-Azb in FATA and National Action Plan in the country are being successfully implemented.
He assured his counterpart of the security for Chinese workers and for this purpose a Special Security Division had been set up while Gwadar security force has already been mobilized under the command of a Brigadier.
Both leaders also discussed the Afghan reconciliation process and the recently held Heart of Asia Conference in Islamabad in which a Steering Committee comprising Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and US was set up which will supervise the process of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and coordinated efforts in this regard.
The Prime Minister also apprised the Chinese Premier of his recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi in Paris and Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj’s visit to Islamabad and said it has yielded encouraging results.
He said both the countries have agreed to resume the comprehensive bilateral dialogue process, which is a welcome sign and development.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan and China are celebrating ‘the year of friendly exchanges’ and next year will be the 65th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations.
He said both the countries wanted to further promote people-to-people contacts.
The Prime Minister thanked China’s support for Pakistan being accepted as full member of the SCO.
The Chinese Prime Minister on the occasion said that the relationship between Pakistan and China is deep-rooted between the two peoples.
He said that China supports a strong and stable Pakistan and desires for a much more strong relationship in the future.
Prime Minister Sharif invited the Chinese Premier to visit Pakistan, which he graciously accepted. The dates for which would be mutually finalized.
Later, the Prime Minister departed for Islamabad after concluding his two-day visit to China.
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