KARACHI, Aug 09 (APP): Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, hailed the 2nd FoodAg 2024 exhibition as a resounding success, citing the participation of a large number of delegations and companies from 70 countries.
He made these remarks while speaking to media after meeting with international delegations on the event’s first day at the Expo Center.
The minister attributed the success of the event to the collective efforts of the government, highlighting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s personal interest in the exhibition. “This is an unprecedented achievement in the history of Pakistan’s trade programs,” he remarked, noting the scale of international participation.
According to Jam Kamal Khan, the event drew between 600 to 700 delegations from 65 to 70 countries, encompassing a wide array of companies, business owners, and traders. He emphasized the significance of FoodAg for Pakistan’s agriculture sector, stating, “This exhibition is crucial for farmers, agri-businessmen, and everyone involved in agriculture.”
The minister also praised the Ministry of Commerce, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and the officers stationed abroad for their hard work in making the exhibition a success. He noted that delegations from countries such as Malaysia, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and various African nations attended the event, with participation surpassing last year’s levels.
“Delegates informed me that in some cases, the number of participating companies has tripled compared to last year,” Jam Kamal Khan said. He further mentioned that the influx of visitors has led to a shortage of hotel rooms in Karachi, underscoring the event’s impact on domestic trade.
The minister concluded by expressing optimism that the exhibition will foster stronger trade relations between Pakistan and the participating countries, with foreign delegations reportedly satisfied with the event’s organization and potential for boosting bilateral trade.
PESHAWAR, Aug 09 (APP): Opposition members in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Friday protested over indifferent attitude and continuous absence of ministers from the assembly proceedings.
During day proceeding that were chaired by Speaker KP Assembly, Babar Salim Swati, the parliamentary leader of PPP, Ahmad Kundi expressed concern over continuous absence of provincial minsters.
He said that all the questions were being answered by law minister, concerned ministers do not bother to attend the session and face the opposition. He said the most of the questions are deferred due to absence of ministers that speaks of their lack of interest and indifference towards assembly proceedings. Opposition member, Nilofar Babar also expressed concern over absence of ministers from the assembly.
Revenue minister, Nazir Abbasi said it is our collective responsibility to answer a question related to a department if someone is absent due to a reason.
On the occasion, Speaker directed assembly secretary to compile a report of ministers and treasury members’ attendance in all the sessions of KP assembly.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 9 (APP): The China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organised a seminar on Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), a key pillar in President Xi Jinping’s vision for a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.
The seminar featured distinguished speakers from Pakistan and China who highlighted the significance of the GCI in fostering global peace, cooperation, and mutual respect and dialogue among civilizations, said a press release issued here on Friday.
Director General ISSI Sohail Mahmood, stated that President Xi’s three successive initiatives – namely Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) – represented an alternative vision for global governance and human progress. Inspired by Chinese wisdom and principles of peaceful coexistence, the GCI, introduced by President Xi Jinping in March 2023, focuses on respect for diversity, mutual learning, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. These initiatives aim to foster lasting peace, stability, and development, with Pakistan being an early supporter, he added.
Sohail Mahmood reiterated the significance of cultural integration and social bonding for global progress, and quoted President Xi Jinping as saying “A single flower does not make spring, while one hundred flowers in full bloom bring spring to the garden.”
The keynote speaker, Masood Khalid, Pakistan’s former Ambassador to China, reflected on China’s integrated approach to global governance through the GDI, GSI, and GCI. He highlighted how these initiatives offer strategic guidance for building a global community with a shared future, embracing changes, and addressing challenges faced by humanity.
He also emphasized Pakistan’s steadfast support for China’s initiatives, acknowledging the deep-rooted and mutually beneficial relationship between the two nations.
Ms. Xiang Yang, Director of the China Study Centre at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), shared insights into the practical application of the GCI principles. She discussed the collaborative efforts between China and Pakistan in cultural exchange and innovation, highlighting initiatives such as the establishment of Zhenghe College at NUST, which symbolizes the historical and ongoing cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan, Director of the China Study Centre at COMSATS University, focused on the significance of the GCI from the perspectives of China, Pakistan, and the broader region. He emphasized the need for Pakistan to align with the global narrative of peaceful development and leverage the GCI to deepen its relationship with China.
He called for enhanced cultural diplomacy, media collaborations, and educational exchanges to strengthen the bilateral ties between Pakistan and China.
Dr. Yasir Masood, Senior Research Fellow at China Global Television Network (CGTN), shared his insights on the GCI as an extension of China’s vision for a harmonious and multipolar world order. He highlighted the importance of the GCI in fostering mutual respect and learning among civilizations, while moving away from the zero-sum tactics of the past.
Yang Nuo, Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, praised the Institute of Strategic Studies for organizing the seminar on the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). He emphasized the significance of Xi Jinping’s initiatives, including the GCI, Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Development Initiative (GDI), amidst global challenges like economic struggles and cultural clashes.
Yang highlighted China’s commitment to promoting cultural exchanges, fostering harmony, and supporting joint efforts with Pakistan in cultural heritage conservation. He stressed the importance of civilizational exchanges for global harmony and noted that the Chinese Embassy is working to build a China-Pakistan community as a model for the region and the world.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director of the China-Pakistan Study Centre at ISSI, highlighted the GCI as a call for a more inclusive and connected global community. He outlined its four key principles: respect for diverse civilizations, common human values, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges.
He emphasized that the GCI promotes a global environment where modernization is a collective goal, respecting and supporting each country’s unique path.
MIRPUR-AJK, Aug 09 (APP): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq has congratulated Pakistani Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem on his historic success at the Paris Olympics.
In a statement issued on Friday, the PM congratulated Arshad Nadeem for winning the gold medal and making Pakistan proud after a gap of 40 years.
“I, on behalf of the Kashmiri nation, congratulate Arshad Nadeem for this historic achievement,” he said, adding that the athlete deserves praise and appreciation for breaking an 118-year-old record with his 92.97m throw in the final round.
The prime minister highlighted that Arshad Nadeem’s success was a result of his hard work and perseverance.
He further said that the Javelin thrower’s triumph has brought great honor to Pakistan.
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UNITED NATIONS, Aug 09 (APP): The UN human rights chief strongly condemned recent statements by Israel’s finance minister Bezalel Smotrich suggesting letting Palestinian in war-ravaged Gaza starve to death, his spokesperson said Friday.
“The high commissioner (Volker Turk) is shocked and appalled by the words of (Israeli) minister, according to whom, letting two million Palestinians in Gaza starve to death could be justified and moral in order to free hostages,” Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence told a UN briefing in Geneva.
“He condemns these words in the strongest terms, which also incite hatred against innocent civilians,” Laurence said, noting that the starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is a war crime.
“The collective punishment of the Palestinian population is also a war crime,” he said and warned: “This direct and public statement risks inciting other atrocity crimes.”
“This direct and public statement risks inciting other atrocity crimes,” he said. “Such statements, especially by public officials, must cease immediately. They must be investigated and if found to amount to a crime, must be prosecuted and punished.”
Laurence also reiterated UN human rights office, OHCHR’s long-standing appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and increased humanitarian aid flows into the enclave.
“This is an immediate call to the Israeli authorities that it is their responsibility to monitor this behaviour,” he said. “Beyond that, let’s take it one step at a time. That is the first stage. It is the Israelis’ responsibility.”
PESHAWAR, Aug 09 (APP): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly was briefed on the financial operations of the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, revealing an annual operational cost of approximately Rs. 5.32 billion. Despite a daily revenue of Rs. 5.49 million, the Assembly was informed that the expenses of the BRT system surpass its income, raising concerns about its financial sustainability.
These details were provided by the Transport Department in response to a question raised by MPA Ahmed Kundi during the question hour.
A question by MP Muhammad Amin regarding alleged irregularities in communication schemes in District Dir was referred to the Standing Committee for further investigation.
The Assembly also witnessed the submission of a privilege motion by MPA Pir Musawir. He recounted an incident where he was stopped by Motorway Police officer while urgently transporting his mother to Shaukat Khanum Hospital for cancer treatment.
He expressed distress over the officer’s refusal to let them pass despite his repeated requests. The motion was subsequently referred to the Privilege Committee for review.
Additionally, MPA Abdul Ghani raised a calling attention notice about the decade-long closure of 70 crush plants in Bara, Khyber, a situation that has affected 15,000 jobs in his constituency. He highlighted that public protests and previous government assurances had failed to resolve the issue.
Minister for Industry and Commerce Abdul Karim responded by citing a Supreme Court directive, which prevents the issuance of further no objection certificates (NOCs) for the plants. He stated that no action would be taken until the detailed court verdict is announced.
He said that the Supreme Court’s directive only applied to plants near residential areas, schools, or hospitals, which was not relevant to his constituency.
He advised members to review the court order and collaborate on a solution.
The Assembly’s discussions underscored the ongoing challenges facing the province, from financial concerns with public transport to employment issues in local industries.
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