ISLAMABAD, March 21 (APP):Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan has said that Pakistan was working on the prospects to enhance trade volume with Afghanistan and bilateral trade would be doubled in coming years. The government had vision for share prosperity, through regional connectivity and economic integration for maintaining peace and prosperity in the region, he said while addressing a roundtable on “Pakistan  Afghanistan Cooperation on Trade” organized by Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) here on Monday.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP): The government on Monday announced the Automotive Policy 2016 carrying incentives and reduced duties for new entrants and existing vehicle manufacturers with the hope to bring in well known international brands to the Pakistani market. Addressing a press conference here, Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the new automotive policy approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) would be valid for five years till 2021.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP): Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Privatization Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar Monday said National Assembly, Senate Secretariats would jointly sort out their bilateral issues and surely remove the disconnect between both Houses of Parliament. Speaking in the Joint Session of the Parliament, he said the speaker must avoid issue a ruling which exhibits perception of confrontation with Senate of Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP): Thousands of people drawn from various walks of life on Monday witnessed the full dress rehearsal of parade held as part of preparations for Pakistan Day at the Parade Venue here. Preparations of March 23 (Pakistan Day) parade holds a significant place in the history of Pakistan and to mark this day in a befitting manner, Armed Forces Pakistan Day Parade is held in spectacular manner.

ISLAMABAD, March 21 (APP): Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid Monday said the government was committed to the welfare of journalists and independence of media. The government believed in freedom of expression and would continue to support and facilitate the growth of free media, he said while talking to a delegation of Khyber Union of Journalists that called on him here.

RAWALPINDI, Mar 21 (APP): Commander Resolute Support Mission (RSM) and United States Forces Afghanistan General John Nicholson, who is on  on his maiden visit to Pakistan, Monday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif here at General Headquarters. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest and regional security with particular emphasis on coordination along Pak Afghan border and reconciliation process in Afghanistan were discussed, according to ISPR.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif  Monday said the government was pro actively pursuing the agenda of bringing reforms in different sectors for the welfare of masses. The Prime Minister expressed these views in his separate meetings with parliamentarians Mir Dostain Khan Domki, Bilal Virk and Nawabzada Mazhar here at the PM House.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP): Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Monday said former President Gen (R) Pervez Musharraf would be extradited back to Pakistan through Interpol, whenever court issues order in this regard. Responding to points raised by Leader of the Opposition in Joint Session of the Parliament, the minister assured the House that all possible options including Interpol would be used to bring him back to the country, if Musharraf adopts defying course.

ISLAMABAD, March 21 (APP): Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Senator Pervaiz Rashid Monday said Pakistan was progressing as per vision of Quaid i Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah where every citizen had equal rights without any discrimination. “The government and state treat every Pakistani equally without any discrimination of gender, faith, caste and creed,” he said while talking to journalists after inaugurating a photo exhibition held in connection with the Pakistan Day, falling on March 23.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Monday lauded the services and contribution made by outgoing Ambassador of Argentine Rodolfo Martin J Sarawia, who he said, “celebrated our joys and shared our sorrows.” Addressing the farewell reception in honor of the outgoing diplomat, the Prime Minister said during his tenure since 2004, Rodolfo J Martin made untiring efforts to strengthen the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Argentine.