ISLAMABAD, July 9 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Saturday said that Pakistan and Germany enjoy cordial and cooperative relations which needs to be further strengthened through substantive and
long term parliamentary and economic cooperation.

According to the message received from Germany, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said this while talking to German State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Frank Walter Steinmeier who called on the Speaker of National Assembly in Berlin.

Speaker briefed the German dignitary on strengthening of
Parliamentary democracy in Pakistan; the prospects and desirability of peace in Afghanistan; and the positive trajectory of economic development and
the immense opportunities provided by the CPEC for trade and connectivity in the region and beyond.

He also highlighted the issues of Defence procumbent of Germany, and the expected role of the major powers towards a criteria based expansion of NSG.

The meeting resolved to facilitate German investments in Pakistan; with the State Secretary planning to visit Pakistan third time in two years. This fall at the head of a delegation of German businessman.

The meeting ended with mutual assurances to further deeper already excellent bilateral relations.

During the meeting, the Speaker was accompanied by Mir Amir Magsi, MNA and the Ambassador of Pakistan in Germany, Jauhar Saleem.

Earlier, Chairman of the South Asia Friendship Group in the German Parliament Niels Annen hosted a lunch in the honour of the Speaker.

Full Spectrum of bilateral and regional issues were discussed during the lunch.

It was decided that the contacts between the two parliaments would be further strengthening with frequent exchanges and deepening of institutional linkages.

LANDIKOTAL, July 09 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has said that report regarding FATA reforms has been prepared and final decision in that regard will be taken by Prime Minister in light of the opinion of the majority of tribesmen.

He expressed these views while addressing a jirga of tribal elders in Landikotal, Khyber Agency on Saturday.

He said that the report will be presented to Prime Minister soon after which he himself will announced FATA reforms.

The Governor said that the government will not impose any decision on tribesmen rather reforms will be introduced in light of consultations with them, which will bear positive and pleasant impacts on their lives.

The Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said that tribesmen have passed through difficult and hard period, adding that first the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif adopted the path of negotiations in FATA. But, on failure, he took the timely decision of operation Zarb e Azb and protected the whole country and FATA and now tribesmen are living peaceful life.

He said that Pakistan is constructing Torkham Border Gate, which will make possible the checking of the entry and exit of people in better manner and their travel documents could be scrutinized. However, he said that the purpose of the Torkham Gate is not meant to stop Afghans.

The Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said that Afghan and Pakistan governments are negotiating to repatriate Afghan refugees in such honourable manner where the government of Afghanistan could provide them all possible facilities.

He said that by the end of the current year all FATA IDPs will be repatriated to their houses in honourable manner and wherever destruction had occurred rehabilitation work is also in full swing there.

On this occasion, the Governor, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also announced an amount of Rs.05 million for Major Jawad Ali Chengzi, who martyred during Torkham tension and also prayed for his eternal peace.

The Governor also distributed relief cheques for the heirs of 72 other persons that were martyred and injured in Torkham and other areas of Khyber Agency.

ISLAMABAD, July 9 (APP): The 49th death anniversary of Madre Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was observed with reverence a nd respect on Saturday.

Various political parties and women wings of many organizations arranged conferences and seminars to highlight the services rendered by Fatima Jinnah.

Radio and TV channels aired specail programmes while newspapers published supplements to highlight her role and support to his brother Quaid i Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his struggle for the creation of Pakistan.

The Quaid was greatly affected after his wife’s death in 1929.

Fatima Jinnah worked side by side with Mohammad Ali Jinnah and gathered the women of Sub continent on one platform which made the struggle for achieving a separate state of Muslims easier.

In 1947, Jinnah formed the Women s Relief Committee, which later formed the nucleus for the All Pakistan Women s Association (APWA).

She also played a significant role in the settlement of Muhajirs in the new state of Pakistan.

Jinnah is referred as the Madar i Millat or Mother of the Nation for her role in the Freedom Movement. She returned to the political forefront to contest the 1964 elections at the age of 71 against the military administrator Ayub Khan.
Fatima Jinnah died in Karachi on July 9, 1967.

Fatima Jinnah is still remembered for her passionate support for civil rights, and devoted struggle in Pakistan Movement.`

KARACHI, July 9 (APP): Chief Minister of Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif attended the Namaz i Janaza of eminent social worker Abdul Sattar Edhi on Saturday. He represented Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

He embraced the son of the deceased, Faisal Edhi, and offered condolences.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Sattar Edhi was an asset of the country and identity of Pakistan.

He said that Edhi Saheb laid the foundation of social service and added a new chapter by serving the cause of humanity.
Shahbaz Sharif wished Faisal well for carrying forward the
mission of his father.

Earlier, on arrival here, the Punjab Chief Minister said that he
was very much inspired by the work and personality of Sattar Edhi.

He further stated that Sattar Edhi was the hero of the entire
nation who has served the cause of humanity for several decades.

Shahbaz Sharif pointed out that one of the main thorough fares of Lahore would be named after Sattar Edhi in recognition of his immense services.

Earlier, on arrival at Karachi Airport, Shahbaz Sharif was
received by provincial minister Jam Khan Shoro, Senator Nihal Hashmi, president of PML N Sindh, Ismail Rahu, Shah Muhammad Shah and others.

The Punjab Chief Minister was accompanied by federal minister Ahsen Iqbal.