KARACHI: September 27 –
APP43-270924
KARACHI: September 27 – President Asif Ali Zardari offering condolences to the family members of Deputy Commissioner Zakir Baloch Shaheed.
President Asif Ali Zardari offering condolences to the family members of Deputy Commissioner Zakir Baloch Shaheed.
KARACHI: September 27 –
Ahsan Iqbal hails Pakistan-China friendship, urges following Chinese model of development
ISLAMABAD, Sep 27 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal has lauded all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China, stressing the need to follow the Chinese model of national development.
“Peace, consistency of policies and implementing reforms in all sectors are prerequisites for progress and development of any country and we can learn this from China,” he said while addressing a ceremony held to mark the National Day of China, a news release said on Friday.
The ceremony was organized by China Global Television Network and featured folk performances by cultural troupes from Pakistan and China.
Acknowledging China’s role in Pakistan’s national development, the minister said China brought investment in Pakistan when no country was willing to make investment in the country.
He said a number of projects were started in the country under the banner of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Reflecting on China’s remarkable rise over the past few decades, Ahsan Iqbal praised the country’s ability to lift 800 million people out of poverty in just three to four decades—an achievement unprecedented in human history.
He emphasized that China’s success lies not only in its modernization but also in its preservation of a unique cultural identity.
“China’s success has shown that modernization does not have to come at the cost of losing one’s cultural roots,” he remarked.
China’s distinctive approach—what the minister called the “Chinese style of development”—has allowed it to forge its own path, independent of Western models of democracy and capitalism.
This, he suggested, offered a powerful lesson for Pakistan, adding”every country can find its own way to prosperity, shaped by its unique culture, history, and circumstances.”
Central to Ahsan Iqbal’s speech was his role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship initiative under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
He reflected on his pride in transforming CPEC from a concept on paper into a $25 billion reality within just three years.
The impact of CPEC has been profound: from building thousands of megawatts of electricity-generating capacity that helped end Pakistan’s chronic power shortages to creating modern motorways, fiber optic networks, and transforming Gwadar into a bustling port city.
However, he cautioned against complacency, recalling the damaging consequences of political instability and policy reversals in Pakistan.
He recounted how irresponsible statements and scandalizing of Chinese investments led to a loss of investor confidence, with many opting to invest in other countries like Cambodia instead.
At UNGA, PM reiterates call for Afghan Govt’s action against terrorist groups
NEW YORK, Sep 27 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday asked the Afghan Interim Government to take effective action to neutralize all terrorist groups on its soil, especially those responsible for cross-border terrorism against neighbouring countries.
“These include ISIL-K (Daesh), the Al-Qaeda-affiliated TTP/Fitna al-Khawarij, Majeed Birgade, BLA and others”, the prime minister said in his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
At the same time, he said,”We endorse and share the international expectation, that the Afghan Interim Government would respect human rights, including the rights of women and girls, and promote political inclusion.”
He emphasized that Pakistan sought the earliest possible normalization of the situation in Afghanistan and it also joined the UN’s appeal for $3 billion in humanitarian assistance to the millions of suffering Afghans.
Celebrating Peace through Tourism: 1st National Tourism Awards 2024 held
ISLAMABAD, Sep 27 (APP):The 1st National Tourism Awards of Excellence celebrated with full zest in Islamabad with theme “Celebrating Peace through Tourism” was organized by Discover Pakistan and Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation(PTDC) on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2024.
The National Tourism Awards seek to recognize and encourage the remarkable endeavours of those who are contributing to the growth and development of tourism and hospitality sector in Pakistan.
The event was attended by over 300 participants including Diplomats, Senior Government Officials and Private Sector Stakeholders of tourism and hospitality sector.
In the event, awards were distributed among the individuals and organization who make remarkable contribution in independent jury of top professionals of tourism and hospitality sector through an extremely fair and transparent procedure.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest of the event Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal stated that, “The National Tourism Awards of Excellence highlight the remarkable progress of Pakistan is making in the tourism and hospitality sectors. As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2024, under the theme ‘Tourism & Peace,’ we recognize the power of tourism in promoting peace, understanding, and economic growth.I congratulate all the winners for their outstanding contributions and encourage further efforts to showcase Pakistan’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality to the world.”
He said we are mutual of several rich civilizations, including Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Gandhara, and beautiful landscaping like mountains, deserts, lush green areas, rivers, etc. Due to discontinuity in policies we cannot make tourism a good industry, he said adding that we have moved Pakistan towards a stable, developed and prosperous country, from defaulting threats.
He said economy is improving, continuity of policies is need of the hour as in this way we will be a top country of the world.
“Pakistan with a positive and soft image is rising in the world speedily. Without taking difficult decisions, Pakistan would not be developed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had taken several difficult decisions due to which Pakistan started progressing”.
He assured that government would support Tourism industry, and it’s relevant stakeholders like travels and tours operators and other areas. He said that after 18th amendment provinces did nothing in tourism sector.
Ministry of Planning is making National Brand of Pakistan and would also make tourism as brand at international level. We will ensure provision of missing facilities in tourism industry. The government is building new roads and motorways and we will bring tourists on these roads to promote tourism across the country especially in less developed areas.
He underlined the need of promoting tolerance in society so that international tourists would come to Pakistan freely and happily.
Managing Director of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) while congratulating Discover Pakistan HD TV for their initiative of 1st National Tourism Awards of Excellence which will held on the annual basis, expressed that “these National Tourism Awards not only celebrate individual and organizational success but also reflect the overall growth of Pakistan’s tourism industry. On World Tourism Day, we renew our commitment to making tourism a key part of Pakistan’s development. These awards recognize the hard work of those ensuring our country becomes a top destination for both local and international tourists, while also promoting peace, sustainability, and cultural exchange.”
MD PTDC Aftab Rana further said that Pakistan has been facing many challenges in past specially after 9/11 due to which the tourism industry could not grow as no tourist wanted to come here due to the circumstances of Pakistan. But now time has come when tourists are coming to Pakistan with huge numbers.
He said Tourism Industry plays a key role in GDP of any country. It is very important day for us as all tourism industry relevant stakeholders have joined this award ceremony. The other purpose behind this award show is to improve the quality of services in the industry to attract maximum international tourists. “We can kick out terrorism from Pakistan by promoting tourism” he added.
Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said that since 2017 there was no direct investment came in Pakistan.
After seven years now in 2023-24 several countries like KSA, China, UAE, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, are now started investing in the Pakistan, he added. “We are bringing new initiatives for youth of the country. We have to portray the soft image of Pakistans at World level to attract the international tourists in our beautiful country. Pakistani foods, art and culture are also part of tourism and gaining momentum at World level, he added.
“Discover Pakistan is proud to host the 1st National Tourism Awards of Excellence. This event recognizes the outstanding efforts of those transforming Pakistan’s tourism industry and aligns with the global celebration of World Tourism Day. As we honour these individuals and organizations, we also renew our mission to showcase Pakistan’s beauty, diversity, and hospitality to the world, using tourism as a bridge for peace and understanding”said the CEO Discover Pakistan HD TV.
He congratulated all the winners and thanked all the supporting partners of 1st National Tourism Awards of Excellence.
World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27th, highlights the importance of tourism in driving economic growth, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting sustainability.
In his closing remarks, former Governor Punjab Baligh Ur Rehman said that we have a huge potential, and the government is now focusing on the tourism industry. “Our potential is unparalleled and we will enhance tourism opportunities speedily”.
He lauded the efforts of Dr Qaiser Rafiq CEO of Discover Pakistan for promoting Pakistan at international level.
This year’s theme,”Tourism & Peace,” emphasizes tourism’s role in encouraging mutual respect, reducing tensions,and building global harmony by connecting people across borders.
The day also underscores tourism’s contributions to job creation, cultural preservation, and responsible travel, all while promoting international cooperation and sustainable development.
The event was organized by Discover Pakistan TV with the support of PTDC, Green Tourism Pvt.Ltd, and provincial tourism departments.
PM Shehbaz exposes India’s ‘classical settler-colonial project’ in IIOJK
UNITED NATIONS, Sep 27 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday slammed India’s ‘classical settler-colonial project’ in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by seizing land, settling non-Kashmiris, and threatening the Muslim-majority population’s autonomy and cultural identity.
Such hackneyed Indian tactics employed by all occupying powers, had historically failed and would fail again in Jammu and Kashmir, he said in his address to the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The prime minister emphasized the need for India to uphold its commitments and work toward a peaceful resolution, ensuring the people of IIoJK can exercise their fundamental right to self-determination.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kashmiri people, praising their unwavering resolve against India’s imposed identity and oppression. He emphasized that Burhan Wani’s legacy ignited the struggle, reminding that every statistic represented a “life affected, a dream delayed, and hope lost”.
Similar to the people of Palestine, he said, the people of Jammu and Kashmir had been striving to attain their freedom and right to self-determination.
“Instead of moving towards peace, India has backtracked from commitments to implement the Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, adding that the resolutions mandated a plebiscite to enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their fundamental right to self-determination.
Condemning India’s actions in IIOJK, the prime minister stated that since August 5, 2019, India had taken unilateral and illegal steps to impose a so-called “Final Solution” on the region.
“This has led to a surge in human rights abuses, with 900,000 Indian troops terrorizing the population, imposing prolonged curfews, and engaging in extra-judicial killings and abductions of young Kashmiris.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed concern over India’s escalating military buildup, targeted at Pakistan, emphasizing its aggressive war doctrines that entail surprise attacks and limited wars under the nuclear umbrella.
He said that India had rejected Pakistan’s proposals for a mutual Strategic Restraint Regime, and its leadership had repeatedly threatened to cross the Line of Control and seize Azad Kashmir.
He categorically warned that Pakistan would respond “vigorously and decisively” to any Indian aggression, utilizing all its capabilities.
He emphasized that for durable peace, India must reverse its unilateral measures taken since August 5, 2019, and engage in dialogue to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per the UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
He said the illegal occupation created a fresh hell, every day, in the killing fields of Palestine, and in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Governor Balochistan, SAFRON minister visit Ziarat
QUETTA, Sep 27 (APP):Governor of Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Federal Minister for SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam, and Provincial Minister Noor Muhammad Dummar visited Ziarat district on Friday.
Upon their arrival, Deputy Commissioner Ziarat, Liaqat Ali Kakar, welcomed them.
They visited the final resting place of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, at Quaid-e-Azam Residency, where they paid tribute and planted saplings in the residency’s courtyard.
They also met with members of Pakistan Muslim League-N from the Ziarat district.
ISSI-HSF Int’l conference on Climate Change fosters meaningful dialogue
ISLAMABAD, Sep 27 (APP):The ISSI-HSF International Conference on “Navigating Pakistan’s Climate Action Path: Adaptation, Finance, and Technology” featured a keynote address by Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov and a special address by Chief Guest Senator Sherry Rehman.
The event drew a significant gathering of diplomats, climate practitioners, and academics, reflecting strong interest in addressing Pakistan’s climate challenges, said a press release on Friday.
The Inaugural Session was followed by two insightful panel discussions that explored key drivers of climate adaptation, financing mechanisms, and the role of green technology in shaping Pakistan’s climate response.
Experts emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions, global cooperation, and strategic investments in climate resilience, stressing that Pakistan must lead by example as it approaches COP29.
The discussions highlighted Pakistan’s unique vulnerability to climate impacts and its potential to serve as a regional leader in sustainable climate action, setting the stage for continued engagement on the global stage.
Session I: Navigating Pakistan’s Climate Action Path: Adaptation, Finance, and Technology. Moderated by Ms. Aisha Khan, Executive Director for the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change, this session explored innovative ways to adapt to climate change, governance mechanisms to enhance adaptability, and cooperation between various stakeholders, with a focus on the financial aspects of climate action.
In her introductory remarks, Aisha Khan emphasized the urgency of climate action, particularly as the 2030 deadline for adaptation looms closer. She highlighted the increased risks faced by developing countries like Pakistan due to their vulnerability and limited resources.
Mr Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative of UN Development Programme, Pakistan addressed the need for indigenized strategies to tackle climate challenges in Pakistan, emphasizing the role of capacity building, technology transfer, and concessional financing. He noted the developed world’s limited contributions in addressing the costs of climate disasters and called for depoliticizing climate issues to foster regional cooperation.
Providing an overview of Pakistan’s preparations for COP29, Dr Mazhar Hayat, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), discussed the government’s coordinated efforts to foster public-private partnerships, attract investments in climate projects, and enhance Pakistan’s commitment to global climate action. He noted that Pakistan would present itself at COP29 as a responsible nation, ready to participate in global climate efforts.
Jamil Ahmed from the UN Environment Programme(UNEP) reassured of the UN’s continued support to Pakistan in addressing climate-driven disasters. He emphasized the need for immediate action to address the agricultural sector’s vulnerability due to floods, droughts, and water scarcity.
Session II: Leveraging Global Climate Finance and the Need for Renewable Energy Transition and Green Technology. Moderated by Director CSP, Dr Neelum Nigar, this session focused on the financial strategies and technologies needed to address Pakistan’s climate challenges.
Ms Kashmala Kakakhel, an eminent Climate Finance expert emphasized that while Pakistan’s climate action plans are often shaped by obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, they must also focus on mitigation. She stressed the importance of tapping into global climate funds for adaptation and mitigation and called for dynamic strategies to develop bankable projects.
In the concluding session, Mr. Muhammad Bilal, Senior Program Manager at Hanns Seidel Foundation Pakistan, expressed appreciation for the insightful discussions and emphasized that the ideas generated would shape policy-making ahead of COP29. He reiterated that climate change is an existential threat for Pakistan, requiring urgent attention and global cooperation.
Pakistan wins membership of ASOSAI Governing Board
ISLAMABAD, Sep 27 (APP): Pakistan’s Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) on Friday elected as a member of the Governing Board of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) (2024-27) at the latest assembly in New Delhi India.
On the final day of the 16th ASOSAI Assembly held in New Delhi from 21 – 27 September, the country’s SAI, the Office of the Auditor General of Pakistan, became a member of the governing board for the organisation.
Despite not a single member of the office being allowed to participate in the assembly, Pakistan managed to secure the membership due to the efforts of Auditor General of Pakistan Muhammad Ajmal Gondal as he continued to lobby hard for the coveted position. For months, the Audit team of AGP remained in close contact with other Asian countries’ Supreme Audi Institutions. The election stands as proof of the global standing of Pakistan’s SAI.
Ensuring public accountability and fiscal transparency in regards to governmental operations is the organisations directive. This is done in order to minimize the possibility of waste and fraud.
The ASOSAI, which consists of 48 SAIs, is one of the regional sub groups of the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).
It may be mentioned here that Pakistan failed to secure the membership in 2018.
The Governing Board is an important component of the organisation that draws policies of the institution in accordance with the rules and regulations.
The organisation acts as a centre of information as well as a regional link providing members with the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences in the field of public audit.
Conferences and seminars become the site of collaboration for members, promoting understanding and cooperation between the various institutes. Members also undertake the publication of research papers in the realm of auditing and related fields.
Govt’s tough decisions bearing fruits as Pakistan’s economy stabilizes, inflation drops to single digit: PM
NEW YORK, Sep 27 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that Pakistan’s economy had shown significant signs of recovery, with inflation dropped to a single digit due to the government’s tough but necessary actions.
“We have taken difficult but necessary decisions that have rescued our economy from collapse; restored macroeconomic stability; controlled fiscal deficits; strengthened our reserves. As a result, inflation has come to a single digit,” the prime minister said in his address to the United Nations General Assembly (pm at).
He emphasized that since assuming his office in March this year, the progress and prosperity of the country’s 240 million people had been his singular focus.
Owing to the fact that Pakistan was situated at the crossroads of South and Central Asia, and the Middle East, it had prioritized geo-economics and regional connectivity to secure win-win outcomes for the people, he added.
As regards progress on the landmark China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), PM Shehbaz said that its second phase had been successfully launched.
Through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), “we are mobilizing investments in resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, minerals, sustainable agriculture and technology. This will herald a new era of development and modernization,” he added.
Syedaal urges senators to effectively highlight issues of their respective areas
ISLAMABAD, Sep 27 (APP):Deputy Chairman Senate, Syedaal Khan Friday urged senators to effectively highlight the issues of their respective areas and work with relevant ministries to find solutions.
During a meeting with various senators, including Senator Naseema Ehsan, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation, Senator Bilal Ahmed Khan Mandokhel, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, and Senator Fawzia Arshad, he emphasized the importance of the Senate as the House of Federation, where all units of the country receive equal representation.
He said that it is the responsibility and duty of the senators to bring the problems of their constituencies to the forefront.
Syedaal Khan added that with representation from all provinces and political parties, the Upper House of Parliament plays a crucial role in legislating for the benefit of the regions the senators represent.
He said that the current government is taking concrete steps to provide relief to the people of Pakistan. Both houses of parliament are actively working on measures to address the public’s concerns.
He said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is committed to offering maximum relief to the people.
Syedaal Khan highlighted that efforts to boost investment and promote commercial activities in the country would not only increase employment opportunities but also improve the standard of living for ordinary citizens, ultimately steering the country towards prosperity.