Pakistan evacuates 7,629 people from Afghanistan since August 15

An image shared by the Afghan Shamshad News showed injured being rushed to safety on handcarts.

Updated: 1130 hrs Aug 27

ISLAMABAD, Aug 27 (APP): At least 90 people including 13 US Marines were killed in a suspected ISIS bomb attack at the Kabul airport, that targeted US troops, foreigners and Afghans trying to leave the capital Kabul, Thursday evening.

The BBC quoting Afghan health officials said the number of dead in the twin bomb blasts has risen to 90, while the number of injured was over 150. The Pentagon confirmed that 13 US Servicemen were among those killed in the deadly blasts.

Dozens were killed when two powerful bomb blasts hit the perimeter of the airport in Kabul on Thursday

Here's what we know about the attack https://t.co/wUn28rh68R

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) August 27, 2021

A statement from the US Central Command said another US service member died following the attack at the Kabul airport Thursday raising the total to 13 US service members while the number of injured were now 18. According to Capt. Bill Urban, a spokesperson for CENTCOM:

“I can confirm that subsequent to Gen. [Kenneth “Frank” ] McKenzie’s remarks, a thirteenth US service member has died from his wounds suffered as a result of the attack on Abbey Gate,” Urban said. “The latest number of injured is now 18.”

President Joe Biden in an address to the nation warned the terrorists behind the Kabul airport attack: “We will hunt you down and make you pay.”

“We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay,” Biden said in early evening remarks from the White House.

President Biden warns terrorists behind the Kabul airport attack: "We will hunt you down and make you pay" https://t.co/PdzgK9mH6B

— CNN (@CNN) August 26, 2021

President Joe Biden said he has asked the US military for options to respond to the explosions, which he said had been carried out by the Islamic State affiliate operating in Afghanistan.

“We will respond with force and precision at our time, at the place we choose and the moment of our choosing,” Biden said. “Here’s what you need to know: These ISIS terrorists will not win,” the CNN said.

Earlier the US CENTCOM Commander Gen. McKenzie in a press briefing said the ISIS-K suicide bombers detonated at Kabul airport’s Abbey Gate, killing 12 US service members & injuring 15 more. He said the US was still assessing the number of of Afghans killed and pointed that there were still “active threats” at the airport, while 1000 Americans will still in Afghanistan.

He said the United States was sharing some security intel with the Taliban in order to help them hunt down potential threats to the airport.

The blasts that occurred after repeated warnings issued by the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Australia occured in the area under the control of the US forces, managing the evacuations of foreign citizens from the Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International airport.

Images and videos shared on social media showed scenes of chaos at the Kabul airport with men, women and children rushing to safety. An image shared by the Afghan Shamshad News showed injured being rushed to safety on handcarts.

According to Christiaan Triebert, who works for Visual Investigations at the New York Times the suicide bomber, identified as Abdul Rahman al-Loghari by Amaq News Agency, came as close as five meters from the U.S. forces before blowing himself up.

The suicide bomber, identified as Abdul Rahman al-Loghari by Amaq News Agency, came as close as five meters from U.S. forces before blowing himself up. Worth pointing out: this is a claim for a single suicide bomber. There's a lot of unclarity about the other reported explosions.

— Christiaan Triebert (@trbrtc) August 26, 2021

Meanwhile the NATO spokesman said the evacuations from Kabul would not stop.

According to the Pentagon press secretary John Kirby a number of US service members were killed. He said the explosion occurred at Abbey Gate, which was being used by the U.S. personnel to help evacuate American citizens and board the flights, and the Baron Hotel, around 300 meters from the site of the first blast. British troops had been using the hotel as a base for evacuating UK personnel.

Statement on this morning's attack at #HKIA: pic.twitter.com/Qb1DIAJQJU

— John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) August 26, 2021

The spokespersons of the Taliban condemned the attack and said the Islamic Emirate was focusing to provide security and protection of its people. He vowed that the evil doers will be dealt with strictly.

ISIS attack on Kabul airport kills atleast 90; including 13 US servicemen; 150 injured — Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemns Kabul attack – Pashto tweet translated by Google in English

The US State department immediately after the blast in an alert said a large explosion at the airport, and said there were reports of gunfire. It advised the U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to the airport and avoid airport gates. Those at the Abbey Gate, East Gate, or North Gate now should leave immediately.

#Afghanistan: There has been a large explosion at the airport, and there are reports of gunfire. U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to the airport and avoid airport gates. Those at the Abbey Gate, East Gate, or North Gate now should leave immediately. https://t.co/q216Qs8GuB pic.twitter.com/wdd3Rtdbse

— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) August 26, 2021

Pakistan strongly condemned what it called was a “heinous terrorist attack” at Kabul airport, which reportedly resulted in loss of precious lives, incl. children.

“We condemn terrorism in all forms & manifestations, convey our condolences to bereaved families & pray for early recovery of the injured,” a statement from the Foreign Office said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a message said “the barbaric terrorist attack in Kabul shows the importance of continuing Operation PITTING to the end. The majority of those eligible have been evacuated and our teams are getting through to people as fast as they can. We will keep going until the last moment.”

The barbaric terrorist attack in Kabul shows the importance of continuing Operation PITTING to the end.

The majority of those eligible have been evacuated and our teams are getting through to people as fast as they can.

We will keep going until the last moment. pic.twitter.com/JefqWIncnJ

— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) August 26, 2021

The Afghan Tolo News shared a video showing the injured being shifted to hospitals in ambulances.

Video: Casualties from bombing attacks at the Kabul airport have been transferred to Emergency Hospital. Reuters quoted a Taliban official saying at least 13 people have been killed. The US Pentagon is reporting at least 2 blasts, one near Abbey Gate & the other near Baron Hotel. pic.twitter.com/vgs7pudEcA

— TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) August 26, 2021

Report Compilation for APP Digital by Shafek Koreshe

UN migration agency launches $24 million appeal for Afghanistan to help displaced people

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UN migration agency launches $24 million appeal for Afghanistan to help displaced people

UNITED NATIONS, Aug 26 (APP):The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a Geneva-based UN agency, on Thursday launched a $24 million urgent appeal to assist hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the conflict and drought in the country over the past two months.

Stuart Simpson, IOM Afghanistan Chief of Mission, said the agency is working to scale up operations to meet the most pressing, life-saving needs.

Priorities include shelter and non-food aid; water, sanitation and hygiene, collectively known as WASH; health, protection, and humanitarian assistance in border areas, as well as emergency livelihood support and social cohesion.

“Our humanitarian activities continue where possible, depending on access and security,” Simpson said.

“Large-scale displacement driven by conflict and drought, and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, are increasing poverty and food insecurity, generating massive humanitarian and protection needs in the country.”

Currently, some 5.5 million Afghans are internally displaced, including more than 550,000 who were newly displaced this year, almost half of whom fled their homes since July.

“Inadequate shelter and insufficient access to sanitation and health facilities have resulted in extremely precarious living conditions for affected families,” Simpson said, adding “our response is dependent on unimpeded access and guarantees for the safety of all staff.”

The IOM appeal is based on data and assessments by its rapid response teams and protection monitors.

It comes on top of an overall $1.3 billion funding requirement for all aid partners under the Afghanistan Humanitarian Response Plan, which is ongoing.

More than 18 million Afghans, or nearly half the population, already required humanitarian assistance, including 10 million children, with needs expected to rise.

Diamer Bhasha Dam to generate 4,500mw power: Report

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Diamer Bhasha Dam to generate 4,500mw power: Report

ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):The installed capacity of Diamer Bhasha Dam will be 4,500 Mega Watt (MW), which will generate 18,100 Gigawatt hours (GWh) power annually.

The gross storage capacity of the project will be 8.1 Million Acre Feet (MAF) with live storage capacity of 6.4 MAF.

The Information revealed in three years performance report of ministry of Water Resources launched by Prime Minister Imran Khan here on Thursday. The Diamer Basha Dam project is expected to be completed by April, 2029.

Diamer Basha Dam is being constructed on River Indus – 40 kilometer downstream of Chilas town. The project is of paramount importance for water, food and energy security of the country.

The total estimated cost of Diamer Basha Dam project is Rs.1406, 122 million which includes PC-I (acquisition of land & resettlement Rs. 175,436 million, PC-I (Dam Part Rs. 479,686 million while cost for PC-I (Power Generation Facilities yet to be approved) is Rs. 751,000 million.

Similarly, the amount spent by previous governments on the Dam is Rs. 86,685 million under acquisition of land & resettlement (AL&R) since 2009-10 while present government has spent Rs. Rs. 30273 million under AL&R and Rs. 51555 million under dam part.The total amount of Rs. 116,158 million has been spent under AL&R and Rs. 51,555 million under dam part.

The information further revealed that present government which is giving priority to completion of mega power projects and had earmarked Rs. 15,500 million for Dam Part and Rs. 7,000 million for AL&R during fiscal year 2020-21.

AJK PM lauds PTI’s 3 years performance

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AJK PM lauded Pakistan Army role for AJK security, development

MUZAFFARABAD, Aug 26 (APP):Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi has paid rich tributes to the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan for effectively highlighting the Kashmir issue in its true perspective at United Nations, introducing health insurance scheme and launching of a successful Ehsaas programme in Pakistan.

In a statement on the completion of the three year of Pakistan Tehreek –e-Insaf the AJK Prime Minister expressed the hope that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister of Pakistan a new era of progress and development will begin in Azad Kashmir and long awaited issues of the people will be addressed.

‘PM Imran Khan took epoch-making decisions during three-year government’; says governor

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Democracy calls for right to vote to overseas Pakistanis’: Governor Punjab

LAHORE, Aug 26 (APP):Governor Punjab Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken epoch-making steps in the health, education, commerce, industry, public welfare, and development sectors during the three-year period in power.

Addressing Fakhr-e-Pakistan (Pride of Pakistan) award ceremony at the Governor’s House here on Thursday, he said Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government has created employment opportunities and strengthened the security of the country, adding that the government has rooted out corruption and ensured transparency.

Provincial Minister Higher Education Raja Yasir Humayun, Wife of Governor Punjab Begum Perveen Sarwar, Rector Superior University Sameera Rehman and Vice Chancellor Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza were also present on the occasion.

Governor Punjab Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar said, “Due to transparency and merit world rankings of Punjab universities are improving and we have not only appointed vice chancellors on merit, but also ensured full merit for other posts in the universities.”

Paying tribute to Prime Minister Imran Khan for his three-years of good governance, Governor Punjab Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar said the premier has taken the historic steps in order to get country out of crises and for country’s development and prosperity, adding that all out resources are being utilized for public welfare.

Sarwar said when PTI came to power, there were rumors of Pakistan going bankrupt but the government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan not only saved the country from economic bankruptcy by taking tough decisions but also provided financial assistance to deserving families during Covid-19 pandemic on their doorsteps.

“I have completely eliminated political interference in the institutions because political meddling destroys institutions”, he said, adding that eradication of political interference in public institutions is vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Meanwhile, Governor Punjab Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar conferred awards on Vice Chancellor Punjab University Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed, Vice Chancellor Quaid-e-Azam University Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah, Vice Chancellor Government College (GC) University Lahore Dr. Asghar Zaidi, Vice Chancellor King Edward Medical University (KEMU) Prof.

Khalid Masood, Director General (DG) Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Mian Imran Masood, Owais Rauf and Haider Amin among others for outstanding services in the field of higher education. In acknowledgement of services for the uplift of higher education sector in the province, Superior University announced a posthumous award in the form of five million rupees scholarship for the children of Deputy Secretary Punjab Higher Education Department (PHED) (Late) Sheikh Tanzeel Rehman.

Taliban assures business community for peace, security restoration in Afghanistan: ACCI president

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APP61-260821Kabul — APP61-260821 KABUL: August 26 - President Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries Muhammad Younas Khan Momand talking to APP correspondent Muhammad Ilyas Khan. APP

By Muhammad Ilyas Khan

KABUL, Aug.26 (APP):Afghanistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) President Muhammad Younas Khan Momand Thursday said the Taliban leadership had assured the business community for the restoration of peace and security and they were hopeful of fulfillment of their pledges.

In an exclusive interview with APP, he said there was vast potential of increasing bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan and after restoration of peace and stability this bilateral trade would be increased manifold.

He said in 2012 the bilateral trade between the two countries had reached to $3 billion but later due to security and political reasons it dropped to $1 billion, but now it was again on the rise.

He said Afghanistan was a landlocked country and maximum of its imports come through Pakistan’s Karachi and Gwader ports, adding Pakistan was also a major beneficiary of the bilateral trade as maximum of our imports come from Pakistan.

Afghanistan imports electrical goods, steel, cement, bricks, clothes, Kino, banana and other edible items from Pakistan while Afghanistan exports fresh and dry fruits to Pakistan.

He added that tax on perishable items between the two countries should be zero or bring it down to its maximum level.

Momand said trade and politics should be separated from each other as both countries could take great benefit from its geographical location, adding that there should be smooth trade among the two countries.

Lauding the efforts of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for focusing on regional connectivity with Afghanistan and five landlocked Central Asian countries – Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, he said, these were the efforts to witness a major economic upturn for these countries.

He, however, termed peace in Afghanistan as the “foremost factor” to materialize such a vision of prosperity.

To a question about declining trend in Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA), he said, after remaining in trouble for some time it was now heading in positive direction and expressed the hope that in the coming time it would be further increased.

ACCI President Younus Momand said an International Joint Border Market was need of the hour as it would provide maximum investment opportunities to business community of the two countries and foreign investors.

He said there was great scope for joint investment in marble sector and mining, adding the Taliban leadership had guaranteed them that fool-proof security to be provided to the businessmen and foreign investors, adding in the new government there would be no security issue.

To a question about price-hike of edible items in Afghanistan, he said, after taking over Kabul by the Taliban, around 2,000 containers, most of them were of edible items, had been stuck at Karachi port, adding now all banks in Afghanistan had been opened and now these containers would reach Kabul in two days.

Meanwhile, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan from Torkham and Chaman borders have shown sign of improvement in the wake of pro-commerce measures taken by the Taliban soon after taking over Kabul.

“During the last ten days after taking over control of affairs by Taliban in Afghanistan, the Pak-Afghan trade started showing increase from both sides of borders,” said Zia ul Haq Sarhadi, prominent businessman of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and former vice president of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Law Ministry introduces various legislations to provide speedy access to justice

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):The ministry of Law and Justice had introduced various legislations to change the status quo in legal and judicial system, to ensure efficiency and improvement in the accountability process and to provide speedy access to justice.

According to the three-year performance report of the Ministry of Law and Justice, the baseline to change status quo was by giving full autonomy to the accountability institutions.

For the purpose, the capacity of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and other accountability institutions were strengthened to pursue all major corruption scandals regardless of political affiliations.

In addition, to achieve the goals set out in the manifesto of the PTI Government, various legislations were drafted including comprehensive civil and criminal law reforms to provide speedy access to justice.

Likewise for the welfare of the common segments of the country, the Ministry introduced various legislations such as the Letter of Administration and Succession Certificate Act, 2020 and the Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act, 2020.

To reform the criminal judicial system of the country and to provide speedy access to justice to the citizens, the Ministry of Law and Justice drafted/vetted, the new laws/amendments and the Acts/ Ordinances including Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) (Ordinance No. VI of 2019); The National Counter Terrorism Authority (Amendment) Ordinance 2019 (VII of 2019): The Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) (Ordinance No. XXV of 2019): The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance (XXVII of 2019): The Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Ordinance (XXVI of 2020): The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance (XXVII of 2020): The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance 2020, (Rape): The West Pakistan Juvenile Smoking (Repeal) Act, 2018. (Act No. XXXIX of 2018): The Pakistan Prohibition of Smoking Cinema House (Repeal) Act, 2019 (Act No. I of 2019): The Anti-Money Laundering (Amendment) Act, 2020 (Act No. XII of 2020): The National Counter Terrorism Authority (Amendment) Act, 2020 (Act No. XIV of 2020): The Zainab Alert, Response and Recover Act, 2020 (Act No. XV of 2020): The Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, 2020 (Act No. XX of 2020): The Anti-Terrorism (Second Amendment) Act, 2020 (XXIII of 2020): The Control of Narcotics Substance (Amendment) Act, 2020 (XXIV of 2020): The Anti-Money Laundering (Second Amendment) Act, 2020 (XXX of 2020): The Anti-Terrorism (Third Amendment) Act, 2020 (XXXII of 2020).

In the domain of Civil Judicial System, to ensure speedy justice and to address and minimize the backlog of pending cases, the new laws/amendments were made including the Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2020, the Legal Aid and Justice Authority act, 2020 and Protection of Parents Ordinance, 2021.

As the COVID-19 Pandemic was wracking havoc globally and health care system had came under immense pressure, the incumbent government introduced laws including COVID-19 (Prevention of Smuggling) Ordinance, 2020 and COVID-19 (Prevention of Hoarding) Ordinance, 2020.

Ministry of Law and Justice, being a service ministry, had received more than one hundred references per day from other Ministries/Divisions/Departments including President’s Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Office and Provincial Governments.

It is important to highlight that in last three years, the Ministry received 101,805 references and more than 101,684 were addressed resulting in an overall disposal rate of 99.88 performance.

To deliver justice to the masses at door steps, the Ministry of Law and Justice has undertaken 15 development projects for construction of courts and tribunals at Islamabad, Karachi and Peshawar.

These development projects inter-alia, were aimed at improvement of Governance, Automation, Upgradation and expansion of online Complaint Management Information System (CMIS), Archiving and Digitization of Legislations and legal record of Law and Justice.

Moreover, to facilitate the litigants, Minister for Law and Justice inaugurated Federal Judicial Complex at Islamabad on July 15 and for effective and timely legislative proposals, the incumbent government has constituted a Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Law and Justice.

All the Federal Government’s legislative proposals, amendments etc. were firstly examined by the committee thoroughly and later sent to Federal Cabinet for its consideration/approval.

The pre-legislative scrutiny by the CCLC contributes towards quality decision made by the Federal Cabinet.

One of the remarkable pieces of legislation was the enactment of the Letters of Administration and Succession Certificate Act, 2020 and after its enactment, legal heirs of a deceased, were getting Letters of Administration and Succession Certificate within15 days from National Data Base and Registration Authority (NADRA).

Prior to this Act, the legal heir of the deceased had to run from pillar to post to obtain Inheritance Certificate. As per NADRA record more than 310 applicants had been issued Letters of Administration and Succession Certificate to-date and the facility was also available in Province of Punjab and Government of Sindh also had adopted the law and rules made thereunder, whereas soon the facility should also be available in province of Sindh.

The Ministry of Law and Justice, with the assistance of NADRA and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was working to provide the facility to the overseas Pakistanis which help those residing in UK, Middle East, USA, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada and Europe etc.

The ministry also successfully defended the government in International disputes such as Karkey which was a great pride for the Ministry of Law and Justice.

India discriminating against Afghan refugees

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Munir Hussain

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https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/afghan-refugees-in-india-face-an-uncertain-future-49343

ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP): There are around 10,000 Afghan refugees in Delhi, 90% of whom belong to Hindu and Sikh community. Indian government had been showing discrimination to Afghans by only allowing the Hindu and Sikh refugees while discouraging other religions and ethnicities. This indicated the discriminatory and Hindutva mindset of Indian leadership.

In addition to that refugees from Afghanistan were on two years asylum visa. After the expiry of the visa they have to return to Afghanistan. There is a need to highlight India’s discriminatory role and on the other hand highlight Pakistan’s role in giving facilities to refugees.

Most Afghan refugees face problems in accessing facilities in India because they lack citizenship. India discriminates and poorly treats the Afghan refugees.

Afghan refugees in India face uncertain future because of the discriminatory attitude of Indian government. Afghan nationals first migrated to India during the Soviet war in late 1970s. Afghan refugees have to struggle for basic amenities like a SIM card and gas cylinder.

India is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Convention on Refugees, nor does the country have its own specific law on refugees. Therefore, it badly treats the Afghan refugees.

Afghans never get citizenship but continue to live in India on long-term visas provided by the Indian government for two years term and after two years expiry they have to return to Afghanistan and renew their visa.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/afghanistan-crisis-shows-why-caa-is- neededhardeep-singh-puri/articleshow/85549052.cms

It is clear indication of discriminatory attitude of Modi led BJP government in India that promotes the Hindutva ideology. By publicly declaring a policy of religious discrimination, New Delhi has not only abandoned millions of Muslims seeking to flee Taliban rule; it has also put a target on Hindus and Sikhs who are still trapped in the country.

https://thediplomat.com/2021/08/india-must-champion-the-cause-of- afghan-refugees-moreinclusivelv/

According to India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, those seeking citizenship will additionally have to prove that they have been in India on or before December 31, 2014. So there is no question of anyone obtaining Indian citizenship.

India also doesn’t allow dual citizenship. Many western countries give Afghan nationals an opportunity to remain an Afghan citizen even if they resettle in that country.

https://www.npr.org/2021/08/17 /1 028542798/afghans-refugees-in- neighboring-India-painfully:-follow-news-of-their-home-country

Afghan students who get education from Indian universities on student visa have an ambiguous legal status in India and an uncertain future.

Despite the UNHCR’s operations in Delhi, India has not signed the U.N. refugee agreements. The government has granted temporary protection to certain groups, including Tibetans and Sri Lankans. But it lacks an overall asylum framework. Even with U.N. refugee status, many Afghans struggle to make long-term plans in India.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees operates an office in New Delhi, which grants refugee status to many Afghans and others, and issues them identification cards. The office has been closed since March 2020.

Afghan asylum seekers cannot work in India, neither can they study. Afghans are unsafe in India.

Afghan refugees are lesser in India than other countries in the region such as Pakistan and Iran and even the United States. India’s CCA law is clear indication of discriminatory attitude of Modi led BJP government in India that promotes the Hindutva ideology. Afghan refugees lack basic rights in India. India protects only the Sikh and Hindu minorities of Afghan refugees. Afghan refugees who do not have the UNHCR card cannot study in private educational institutions.

MoDP gets unprecedented boost in Defence Exports worth Rs 60 bln: Report

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MoDP gets unprecedented boost in Defence Exports worth Rs 60 bln: Report

ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):The Ministry of Defence Production in line with the Prime Minister’s vision, started a focused campaign for a self-reliant and self-sustained defence production industry through massive modernisation and development measures.

An unprecedented boost in the Defence Exports of around Rs 60 billion and Inland Sales of some Rs 70 billion was accomplished due to dedicated and synergic efforts of the MoDP and respective Services Headquarters during three years period where Rs 6 billion taxes and duties were paid annually, said the Three Years Performance Report launched by the Prime Minister here on Thursday.

The Ministry has ensured modernisation of Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) where the POF has spent substantially on upgrading of its infrastructure and machinery thus increasing its output and reducing the cost effect.

The POF established two Directorates of Production Directorate and Commercial Directorate during 2019 which have proved extremely useful in enhancing the production as well as commercial activities.

However, acquisition for the latest arms and ammunition technologies and phased modernization production units is under process.

The corporatization of Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) was also part of the self-reliance and export growth vision of the Ministry. The commercial window of HIT was established after amendment in the HIT Act in order to enhance its inland and foreign sales. “Rolling out of indigenously manufactured Al-Khalid Tanks also completed at the 1/3rd cost of the international market,” it highlighted.

The National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) has become a role model being self-sustainable enterprise. “NRTC is venturing into new and diversified products like RFID number plates, safe city projects and Artificial Intelligence solutions,” it added.

Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW) was transformed from a sick to thriving unit. The Ministry has managed full financial sustainability of KS&EW achieved after settlement of all previous liabilities. Massive upgradation of shipyard through PSDP has been completed where transfer of technology (ToT) worth millions of US dollars was acquired for submarine and ship manufacturing.

The Ministry also ensured that ToT was now being made part of all big-ticket items in order to ensure self-reliance whereas special attention was paid in the recent past for indigenous development of state of the art defence equipment in future.

MoDP and its allied departments made substantial contributions to national exchequer by huge savings through import substitution, procurement negotiations, exports and taxes and duties.

A substantial amount was also spent annually on quality education, medical facilities, respectable living and welfare of over 50,000 employees.

Around 8,000 jobs were provided to unemployed youth in Defence Production Sector during past three years where quota system was strictly adhered in all the enrolments.

Clean and Green Pakistan drive was undertaken with full zeal and enthusiasm at MoDP and all allied setups. Around one million trees were planted during the campaign.

Capabilities of indigenous production of ventilators as well as production of 25,000 surgical masks, 400 liters of sanitizer and 500 personal protective equipment or PPEs per day production were attained.

MoDP steered a massive defence production and export promotion campaign both inland and abroad. Two Seminars and 5 exhibitions including IDEAS were organized to promote the defence industry of Pakistan.

Govt prioritizes to boost national economy by trade-led growth: Report

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Govt prioritizes to boost national economy by trade-led growth: Report

ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) government has prioritized for boosting the national economy through trade-led growth by trade liberalization and facilitation, improving export competitiveness.

The government has adopted comprehensive policies for reducing the cost of doing business in the country.

The government has achieved higher market access for Pakistani products in existing markets as well as in new markets, said a ‘Three Years Performance Report “August 2018-21 issued here on Thursday.

The report said that ‘Making Pakistan Strategy’ has transformed Pakistan into a manufacturing and trading hub for the region.

The government will strive to place Pakistan in the top 100 economies of the world, according to the World Bank’s Doing Business rankings in five years.

The government would implement structural changes to the existing and outdated system to create a comprehensive and integrated approach to improve our balance of payment, drive innovation and diversify our exports.

The government will make Pakistan’s textile industry more competitive to boost exports and regain its position in the international markets.

Pakistan’s exports have relied on traditional export sectors and without a proper Strategy the trade deficit has always remained a problem and now the government has searched the new trading avenues of non-traditional potential markets at global level.

There were increasing counter claims on Pakistani origin products like Basmati Rice, Pink Salt etc and now after the consultation of stakeholders’ consultations for many years to approve Geographical Indicator (GI) Law.

The government has mainly focused on export marketing, better commercial intelligence, and trade diplomacy/market access through the diversification of export products and markets.

According to the report, the key objective is to diversify Pakistan’s exports, in terms of product diversification as well as geographical diversification.

The report said that Value-addition to exports is another objective, particularly in the textile sector and food processing.

In addition, the Ministry of Commerce, through tariff rationalization and budgetary intervention is promoting “Make in Pakistan”, which aims to reduce the import bill and boost export, managing the problem of balance of trade.

The government has augmented e-Commerce and digital industry’s growth to make it one of the key drivers of Pakistan’s economy.

According to the report, the government has signed different trade agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for increasing multilateral trade with different trading destinations.

The establishment of Pak-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group on Trade and Economic Affairs was signed on10th September, 2020 and its 1st meeting was held on 1st February, 2021 in Tashkent.

The negotiations have resumed with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for Trade Agreement (FTA) after 13 years, report said.

The 3rd Session of the Joint Working Group on Trade between Azerbaijan and Pakistan was held on 24th December, 2020.

The MoU on establishment of Border Sustenance Marketplaces with Iran was signed on 21st April, 2021 in Tehran, the report said.

The government has signed and implemented the Phase-II of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (PC-FTA) from 1st January 2020 followed by awareness campaign through ten seminars to apprise the business community of Pakistan about the benefits of this agreement.

As a result of successful negotiations, Indonesia agreed to grant a unilateral concession on 20 tariff lines to Pakistan which became operational on 1st March, 2019.

The incumbent government has initiated the trade diplomacy with different potential markets of the world including Europeon Union (EU).

The 3rd Biennial Review of EU,Generalized Schemes of Preferences (GSP-Plus) (2018-19) has been successfully concluded in March 2020 and the facility is to continue for Pakistan.

During last year’s diplomatic engagements were made with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on UK GSP Scheme.

First virtual Pakistan-Hungary Business Forum was held on 25th March, 2021 and moreover, an MoU between Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and
The Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA) has also been signed.

The first ever Pakistan Turkey Business and Investment Forum was held on February13-14th, 2020 to promote trade and investment opportunities in Pakistan for the Turkish side.
Around 40 Turkish companies participated and around 450 meetings were held for possible Joint Ventures and to explore avenues of cooperation.

Pakistan-Italy Footwear Technology Center was established in Lahore in October 2020 and Pak-Italy Textile Technology Center was established in Faisalabad in December 2020.

Pakistan export of Services Mode IV in the Italian labor market was revived after exclusion of Pakistan from the list of countries that are eligible to export labor services to Italy.

The Geographical Indications (Protection and Registration) Act, 2020 was passed by the Parliament in March, 2020.

Kamayab Jawan programme paves way for socio-economic uplift of youth

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Kamayab Jawan programme paves way for socio-economic uplift of youth

ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):Gainful employment and meaningful engagement to the youth has become a new normal in the country due to successful implementation of the Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan Programme (KJP) across the country.

According to the three-year performance report launched here by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the government had disbursed soft loans amounting to Rs 22 billion among over 18,000 entrepreneurs under the KJP’s Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) so that they could set up new businesses and expand the existing ones.

More than 25,000 jobs have been created through new startups and upgraded businesses under the YES.

The YES was launched under the banner of Kamyab Jawan Programme in October last year under which Rs100 billion allocated for the youth.

It is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among youth by providing business loans of minimum 100,000 to 2.5 million rupees on simple terms and with only 3 to 5 per cent markup through 21 commercial, Islamic and SME banks.

The report said 170,000 young learners have been professionally trained in conventional and high end technology under Skills Scholarship program which was launched last year.

Under the scheme, curriculum of 90 TEVT courses has been standardized, while 364 vocational and technical training were accredited at national level.

It also include establishment of 75 High Tech Skills centers and National Employment Exchange Tool (NEXT) with national job portal.

The government also set up National Youth Council (NYC) to provide an official platform to the young people with exceptional performance and achievements so that they could play their role for the development of youth.

The NYC is recently reconstituted with 33 high achiever and vibrant young volunteers including 50% women, a transgender and an especially abled person to engage them in policy formation and decision making at government level and youth-focused initiatives/activities country wide.

Prime Minister Imran Khan is the Patron in Chief of NYC while Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Muhammad Usman Dar is its chairperson.

A volunteer taskforce with more than one million young volunteers on board was created for social good, surveillance and betterment of public service.

During pandemic, the Prime Minister’s Tiger Force volunteers have helped district administrations implement coronavirus standard operating procedures like social distancing in mosques and public places, distributed food and other essentials among the poor and ensured that ‘smart lockdowns’ in coronavirus hotspots were followed.

The volunteers are also actively performing their duties for ensuring price control, maintenance of Panagahs, administrative support in health and Ehsaas centers and tree plantation drives.

The KJP has recently launched 5 new youth engagement projects with Higher Education Commission for fiscal years 2021-2022. It included Kamyab Jawan Sports Academies, Green Youth Movement, Kamyab Jawan Innovation League, Kamyab Jawan Talent Hunt Youth Sports League and Kamyab Jawan Markaz.

As regards to policy interventions, the report said National Youth Development Framework for Kamyab Jawan program was formed after in-depth consultation with national and international experts including civil service officials, UN agencies, INGOs & youth representatives, Federal and Provincial Youth Ministers and other relevant government departments.

PM stresses vitality of peace, humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan

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Ishtiaq Rao

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday received a telephone call from the President European Council Charles Michel wherein the former called for stabilizing the security situation in Afghanistan to preserve peace and effectively respond to any humanitarian challenges.

Calling an inclusive political settlement the best course forward, the prime minister also underlined the need for efforts to ensure economic well being of the Afghan people in their country.

He highlighted the positive role of Pakistan in facilitating evacuation of diplomatic personnel and staff of international organizations and others from Afghanistan.

President of European Council Charles Michel thanked the prime minister for hosting evacuees in transit.

The prime minister shared Pakistan’s perspective, stressing that a stable and peaceful Afghanistan was in the vital interest of Pakistan and the region.

He underscored the importance of ensuring safety and security as well as protection of the rights of all Afghans.

The prime minister expressed the hope that the Afghan leaders would continue to work together to achieve that end. He reaffirmed that Pakistan would steadfastly support all efforts in this direction.

Imran Khan added that the current situation in Afghanistan required sustained engagement of the international community. It was vitally important to remain in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, and support them to ward off any humanitarian challenges and ensure economic sustenance, he added.

The prime minister added that Pakistan would continue to remain in close contact with regional and international partners to promote shared objectives of peace, stability and development in Afghanistan, which would benefit the region and beyond.

The prime minister and president of the European Council agreed that both sides remain in contact and coordinate closely on the situation in Afghanistan.

The prime minister also extended an invitation to the European Council president to visit Pakistan.

People selecting used shoes from a road side vendor at Boharwalal Chowk

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APP63-260821 LAHORE: August 26 - People selecting used shoes from a road side vendor at Boharwalal Chowk. APP photo by Rana Imran

President Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries Muhammad Younas Khan Momand talking to APP correspondent Muhammad Ilyas Khan

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APP61-260821 KABUL: August 26 - President Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries Muhammad Younas Khan Momand talking to APP correspondent Muhammad Ilyas Khan. APP

President for enhancing Pak-Swiss commercial ties for mutual benefit

By

Ishtiaq Rao

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):President Dr Arif Alvi Thursday said that Switzerland was an important trade and investment partner of Pakistan and underlined the need for further enhancing the commercial relations between the two countries for mutual benefits of the two sides.
The president, in a meeting with Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Switzerland Aamir Shouket, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr, said that Pakistan highly valued its relations with Switzerland which were based on mutual trust and cooperation.
He said that the growing investment of Swiss multinational companies reinforced bilateral ties and reflected their confidence in Pakistan.
Underscoring the need for enhanced economic relations, the president urged the ambassador-designate to encourage Swiss businessmen to make more investment in Pakistan as the environment for investment was very conducive due to the improved security situation and the investment-friendly policy of the government.
The president also stressed the need for increased engagements at the political level and asked the ambassador designate to work for further improving bilateral cooperation with Switzerland.
He stressed the need for actively engaging the Pakistani community in Switzerland to play their role in improving the image of the country.
He urged Aamir Shouket to work for image building of the country and highlight Pakistan’s success stories, particularly its role in the promotion of peace and reconstruction of Afghanistan, hosting of three million Afghan refugees for four decades and its successes against the war on terror.
He congratulated the ambassador-designate on his appointment to Switzerland and expressed the hope that he would make concerted efforts to further cementing and expand bilateral relations.

DG FIA Sanaullah Abbasi is visiting the Pak Afghan border

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APP60-260821 CHAMAN: August 26 - DG FIA Sanaullah Abbasi is visiting the Pak Afghan border. APP photo by Saeed Ali

PTI worker capturing the live speech of Prime Minister Imran Khan on three years performance of PTI government by his mobile phone in a local hall

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APP57-260821 HYDERABAD: August 26 – PTI worker capturing the live speech of Prime Minister Imran Khan on three years performance of PTI government by his mobile phone in a local hall. APP photo by Farhan Khan

President for early implementation of free education policy for students with disabilities

By

Ishtiaq Rao

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):President Dr Arif Alvi Thursday directed the management of universities to ensure early implementation of the policies for providing free education to the students with disabilities as well as prevent drug abuse from their respective institutions.
The president, who was chairing a follow-up meeting with the Vice Chancellors Committee on Drug Abuse and Welfare of Differently-abled people, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, was told that Policy for Students with Disabilities (SWDs) provided them age relaxation up to 10 years for taking admission in any educational, technical institutions and universities.
Moreover, in order to encourage students with disabilities to continue their higher studies, the policy also provided for waiving off all institutional charges, including tuition fees, hostel fees and utility bills.
Vice-Chancellor Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) informed the meeting that university had already implemented the policy and had started facilitating the SWDs.
The president emphasized the need for implementing both policies with regard to drug abuse and the welfare of students with disabilities at the earliest to prevent the proliferation of drugs and facilitate the SWDs.
He also underlined the need for making the higher educational institutions of the country free from drug and tobacco abuse to save the young generation from the menace of drugs.
He urged the management of universities to focus on drug prevention in their respective institutions to provide the students with a healthy and enabling environment for their studies.
He said that educational institutions played a central role in shaping the destiny of the nation and it was imperative to provide the students with a drug-free environment.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) briefed the meeting on the implementation of the decisions made in the Vice Chancellors Committee Meetings in November 2020 and April 2021 to address the issues related to the use of drugs in the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and students with disabilities.
The HEC informed that the draft Policy of Drug and Tobacco Abuse had been finalized in the light of the guidance provided by President Alvi in the meetings held with the Vice-Chancellors Committee.
It was informed that the Policy had been approved by HEC on July 28, 2021 which had also been shared with HEIs.
Highlighting the main features of the policy, it was informed that each university would be required to constitute Anti-Drug and Tobacco Committee to prevent drug abuse in universities.
The HEC informed that QAU, through its National Institute of Psychology in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, would train counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists to provide counselling services to the students.
The Ministry of Narcotics Control informed the participants that the ministry had designed a mobile application, “Zindagi” to provide information about the prevention
and treatment of drug abuse.
He also appreciated the work done by the Vice-Chancellors Committee and other stakeholders in formulating the policies on drug abuse and expressed the hope that it would help in containing the proliferation of drugs in educational institutions.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Narcotics Control, Ijaz Ahmad Shah, Secretary Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, Farah Hamid Khan, Secretary Human Rights Inamullah Khan, Executive Director HEC Dr Shaista Sohail, DG ANF Major General Ghulam Shabeer Narejo, Director Enforcement ANF Brig Jehanzaib Akhtar, Director General National Health Services Regulation & Coordination, Dr Rana Muhammad Safdar and Vice-Chancellors of various universities and senior officials of the Government.

National media transformed with digital interventions: Report

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