WASHINGTON, March 31 (APP) Pakistan is following a policy of minimum nuclear deterrence to preserve strategic stability in South Asia, Foreign Secreatry Syed Aizaz Chaudhry said on Thursday, underscoring steps Islamabad has taken for nuclear security that has been duly recognized by the United States and IAEA. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Nuclear Security Summit being hosted by President Barack Obama in Washington, the Secretary said that Pakistan has an active involvement in Summit and its input is fully reflected in all Summit documents. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi will represent Pakistan at the Summit after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif cancelled his visit after a terrorist attack in Lahore that killed more than 71 people.
Pakistan has achieved irreversible economic stability: PM
ISLAMABAD, March 31 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Thursday said that Pakistan had achieved irreversible economic stability and doubled the developmental budget in past three years. The Prime Minister, who visited the Planning Commission, was briefed by Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal on the progress of various development projects in the country. “Our focus is on implementing energy and other infrastructure projects at the earliest,” the Prime Minister said, according to a statement from the PM House.
Islam stands for peace, security; does not allow lawlessness: President
ISLAMABAD, Mar 31 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain Thursday said religion Islam stands for peace, security, progress and stability and does not allow chaos and permission to anyone to engage in any sort of lawlessness and terrorism. Addressing the fifth convocation of the Air University here, the President said the international scenario has changed considerably over the years and today politics has gained an upper hand than economy, while the priorities of the governments have also changed. He said the government desires that the new Pakistani generation was able to lead the way in economy, education, defence and all other sectors, without being reliant on anyone else.
Govt focusing on achieving GDP growth rate of over 5 pc in 2015-16:Dar
ISLAMABAD, Mar 30 (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 the otherday evening. 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.
US lawmaker expresses solidarity with Pakistan at condolence meeting for Lahore attack victims
Ten year plan of Comstech to improve living standards of people: President
ISLAMABAD, Mar 30 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain Wednesday said the “Ten Year Plan” developed by COMSTECH for development of science and technology in Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states will help improve general living standards of the common people. This was stated by President in a meeting with the Coordinator General of the OIC’s Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation Dr. Shaukat Hameed Khan at the Aiwan e Sadr. President Mamnoon Hussain said Pakistan was playing a leading role in science and technology in the Muslim world and much needed attention in all relevant areas was essential for further improvement.
President confers Nishan-i-Imtiaz on Turkish armed forces Commander
ISLAMABAD, Mar 30 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (military) on General Hulusi Akar, Commander of the Turkish Armed Forces at a special ceremony held here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. The President decorated General Hulusi Akar in recognition of his outstanding services and contributions in deepening and strengthening relations between the armed forces of Pakistan and Turkey and for enhancing strategic cooperation between the two countries.
D Chowk protest ends after successful negotiations
ISLAMABAD, March 30 (APP): Followers and members of different religio political organizations Wednesday ended their four day protest sit in here at the D Chowk after successful talks with the authorities. “Our team finally succeeded in resolving issues via dialogue,” Minister of Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq tweeted soon after conclusion of talks with the protesting leaders. The district administration had given an ultimatum to protestors to end their sit in themselves or face stringent action. A handful of protestors carrying sticks, had camped out at the Constitution Avenue close to key government buildings in the Red Zone, including the presidency and Parliament House.
Pervaiz urges media to launch pensive Zarb e Azb against terrorism
ISLAMABAD, March 30 (APP): Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid Wednesday urged media and journalists to launch a pensive Zarb e Azb for getting rid of the menaces of extremism and terrorism permanently. “A successful military operation Zarb e Azb is underway against terrorists, in which their (terrorists) infrastructure, factories and training centers are being destroyed, besides making arrests of their handlers and financers. But, on the front of conflict reporting, there is a need of launching a pensive Zarb e Azb against the extremist elements,” he said.
Protesting religious leaders call off sit-in at D-Chowk: Nisar
ISLAMABAD, Mar 30 (APP): The negotiations between protestors and government proved successful on Wednesday as protesting religious leaders called off sit‑in at the D‑Chowk, Minister for Interior, Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan said. The protestors would vacate the D‑Chowk and go back to their homes peacefully. No written agreement was made with the protesting religious leaders, he categorically said while addressing a press conference here. Nisar said no government’s minister visited D‑Chowk for talks, rather protesters came over themselves. Strict action would be taken against those involved in ransacking of Metro Bus stations, CCTV cameras of Islamabad safe city project and manhandling of government officials.