ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):President Dr Arif Alvi Monday urged the political leadership to stand united and make concerted efforts to strengthen the accountability system, counter corruption and address the serious economic challenges by enforcing austerity and playing their part in providing social justice, health and education to the masses.
The president, in his maiden address to the joint sitting of the parliament after assuming the office, termed corruption an ill that had badly affected the national economy and plunged the country in a serious debt trap.
The joint session, co-chaired by Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, was attended by members from both the houses of the parliament, including Prime Minister Imran Khan.
In the galleries, Azad Jammu and Kashmir president and prime minister, governors, chief ministers, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi and diplomats were present.
The president said Pakistan was facing gigantic challenges, both at the domestic and international fronts and the biggest was a very weak economy. The country had been spending a major share of its resources on debt repayment.
“The balance of trade is also unfavourable. There is a huge gap in the quantum of our imports and exports. The circular debt has increased to Rs1,100 billion over the past few years and the value of rupee has depreciated sharply in recent months.”
The present government, he said, had resolved to make a ‘New Pakistan’. “In my view, the concept of New Pakistan lies in promoting simplicity, discontinuation of unnecessary protocols and a corruption free system. We should keep in mind that we are a nation which is under the burden of debt,” he added.

.:President Arif Alvi said the recent general election had proved that the people wanted a corruption-free Pakistan. For that there was a need to strengthen accountability institutions, along with a transparent system, so that they could perform their duties honestly and without any discrimination, he added.
Highlighting the issues of inflation and consequent problems faced by the salaried class, the president said the concept of ‘New Pakistan’ lay in promoting simplicity, discontinuation of unnecessary protocols and a corruption free system.
He said according to the established economic principles and Pakistani laws, the debt-to-GDP ratio should not exceed 60 percent but the country had been violating the law for long.
The external and internal debts, he said, had crossed the critical levels which required immediate attention and simplicity in lives, avoiding extravagance and limiting needs by the people.
He said throughout his association with the parliament, he had tried to fulfill all the responsibilities assigned to him and thanked the parliamentarians for electing him to the highest constitutional office of the country.
Assuring them to perform his constitutional responsibilities to the best of his abilities, President Alvi hoped that the parliamentarians would cooperate with him for the betterment of the country.
He said the present government had embarked upon a programme to ensure maximum employment and housing facilities for the masses, which would bring about a real change and build a New Pakistan.
He said Pakistan’s 60 percent population consisted of youth for whom employment opportunities needed to be created on the basis of merit, qualification and capacity to help them earn their livelihood.
He told the House that the physical and mental growth of many of Pakistani children was much below international standards with a number of them facing stunted growth as the mothers and children could not get adequate nutrition.
“Most of our problems are related to social inequality and poverty. We have to eliminate regional, economic and social inequality, and disparity,” he said.
The president said Balochistan and other far flung areas needed attention and hoped that the new government would fully implement the social contract to translate the concept of “New Pakistan” into reality.

.:The president urged the government and leaders of all the political parties to guide the nation in the right direction, in accordance with its sentiments. He was confident that the government would chart out a clear road map in all sectors and at the same time ensure transparency in governance.
He said the construction of new water reservoirs was among the top government priorities and he earnestly believed that both residents and overseas Pakistanis would respond positively to the donations appeal of the Chief Justice of Pakistan and the Prime Minister. This would not only raise capital for the construction of new dams but would also help enhance the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
The president said Pakistan was one of the countries facing a severe water crisis. Due to scarcity and reckless use of water, its underground resources had depleted to a dangerous level as several areas of Balochistan and Sindh were facing drought.
The climate change, he observed, was also having a hazardous impact on the country, with temperatures rising and glaciers melting rapidly due to global warming.
“The atmosphere in cities is deteriorating due to air and industrial pollution. In this regard, we will have to pay special attention on tree plantation and construction of new dams,” he added.
The president stressed upon controlling wastage of water and highlighted two measures, which were inevitable, including making irrigation system more efficient and adoption of a comprehensive strategy to control seepage of water in canals and water courses.
The drip irrigation, he said, needed to be adopted rather than relying solely on flood irrigation. “Besides, we should adjust our lifestyles to avoid unnecessary usage of water,” he said, and cited that the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) had advised to adopt moderation in life and avoid wasteful use of the scarce water, even for ablution.
The president mentioned the need to tackle power, energy and electricity related issues. The power transmission system needed to be made more efficient, line losses reduced and theft of electricity should be eliminated.
He observed that the Northern Areas, Kashmir and other parts of the country were blessed with vast water resources and the climate and environment of those regions was naturally conducive for power generation, therefore, the relevant ministries and departments needed to work for the promotion of “Run of the River” projects along with strengthening the transmission infrastructure so that the generated power could be fed into the national grid and the transmission system across the country made more robust.
The president said agriculture was the backbone of Pakistan’s economy as more than half of its population was employed in that sector.
The development of agri sector, he said, was also dependent on the construction of new water reservoirs. The new PTI government had promised the development of the sector in its manifesto.
“An effective and comprehensive strategy needs to be adopted to provide pesticides, fertilizers and other agricultural instruments to farmers and associated people in this sector. In this regard, a mechanism for consultation with experts and farmers should be evolved,” he suggested.
Dr Alvi said the general populace was concerned about the improvement in education and health sectors. In that regard, he observed, encouraging and good examples had been set in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country.
He, however, observed that the pressure of population growth was huge while resources were limited, so there was a need for developing a balance between the two.
The president underlined the need to improve the quality of education, besides enhancing the number of educational institutions.
He urged the parliamentarians and media to raise awareness regarding mother and child health, and benefits of a small family.
“For women development, policies be devised for their education and employment for all segments of the society. No country can progress without women empowerment. Our women are very hard working and their contribution is significant in all walks of life,” he added.
The president said it was the need of hour that women should be provided more opportunities and were mainstreamed in the national affairs.
It should be ensured that women played their due role in the economy and society without any fear because the religion and Father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had also stressed on it, he added.
The president said nations faced challenges, which sometimes became so complicated that even setting of priorities became difficult.
“Pakistan is also grappled with such a situation. However, resilient and valiant nations do not get scared of challenges but cope with them courageously. I am gratified that as a nation we are aware of the situation and challenges confronting us. Be it farmers, judiciary, army personnel, civil servants, writers, residents of far-flung areas or the overseas Pakistanis, everyone is ready to share this responsibility,” he added.

.:President Alvi said good relations with all the countries, particularly with neighbours, constituted the basis for a country’s foreign policy.
Expressing the hope about improvement in the foreign policy, he said as a nation, it was the government’s priority to have good ties with all the countries in general and with the Muslim world in particular.
The establishment of a new government was a watershed moment in the foreign relations, he said, adding bilateral relations had improved with the recent visits of foreign ministers of China, the United States, Iran and Turkey, and Saudi Arabia’s information minister to Pakistan, followed by Foreign Minister Qureshi’s visit to Afghanistan.
He said Pakistan’s friendship with China was exemplary based on mutual trust, which had stood the test of time as the two countries backed each other through thick and thin.
“Our bilateral relations are further strengthening with every passing day. The government fully supports the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is boosting economic activity in the region. I hope that the government completes CPEC projects expeditiously, which will help in further strengthening our relations. It will mark beginning of a new era in the region,” he added.
The president was confident over strengthening of the energy and trade relations with Central Asian states as they would help in achieving the economic growth targets.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s ties with Russia and said the country accorded utmost importance to those relations. He hoped that the bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, defence and culture would enhance further.

The president said close relations with Turkey were very special as the same were an important factor in the stability and progress of the entire region.
“Peace and stability in Afghanistan is vital for the prosperity and progress in Pakistan. Lasting peace in that country will open new trade corridors for us and for the region as well. We shall continue our endeavours in this regard with full sincerity,” he added.
President Alvi said Pakistan desired good relations with all its neighbours. It wanted a peaceful and good neighbourly relationship with India, based on mutual co-existence and would welcome every positive step in that direction.
“Resolution of the Kashmir dispute is essential to have an enduring relationship between the two countries. Blame game brings no solution to any dispute,” he emphasized.
Dr Alvi assured that the Government of Pakistan would continue its moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people.
“Pakistan will keep on endeavouring at every level to resolve this dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions. The people of Kashmir have given historic sacrifices in the quest for their right of self-determination,” he added.
The president also condemned denial of right to self-determination to the Kashmiris and cited the recent report by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which had clearly highlighted the gross human rights violations of the Kashmiri people.
He called upon the international community as well as other human rights organizations to also play their role to bring an end to the grave human rights violations in the Indian-occupied Kashmir.

.:The president expressed his pleasure over completion of tenures by the last three assemblies and observed that the parochial interests and rampant corruption were the biggest reasons behind the current challenges.
He said the youth needed to be equipped with vocational training to help them find suitable jobs. He also called for easing the small loans process and taking measures for exporting the skilled labour.
He also emphasized the promotion of sports and arts for physical and mental growth of the youth by taking input from the scholars.
He said investment in the human capital was possible through a uniform curriculum and educational system and related facilities.
He called for revamping education system in the country, particularly in its backward areas. He believed that there was no harm in replicating the KP model because public sector institutions could provide qualitative education to all.
President Arif said more than three million students were currently studying in religious seminaries. In order to bring them into the mainstream, the curriculum in the seminaries needed to be made compatible with the modern day requirements to enable them play a positive and proactive role in different walks of life.
In this regard, he said the government needed to devise a strategy in consultation with the religious scholars.
The president said after FATA’s merger with the KP, the government would have to formulate relevant policies and take prompt decisions, keeping in view the hopes, expectations and aspirations of the people of the region.
He was confident that the government would be able to reduce fiscal deficit, redress the issues of state owned enterprises, formulate investment friendly policies, and simplify the investment processes.
For the purpose, the government would have to reduce the role of departments and put a restraint on their discretionary powers. Banks and investors would also have to be proactive in that regard, he added.
The president also called for attracting the overseas Pakistanis to invest in the country and urged all the chambers of commerce and industry to play their positive roles in that context.
He said terrorism had been overcome consequent to the nation’s resilience and sacrifices of the law-enforcement agencies.
“On behalf of the entire nation, I would like to pay tribute to all the martyrs in this struggle. They have put in the greatest sacrifices for the motherland,” he remarked.
Earlier, the House offered Fateha for the departed soul of Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, the wife of former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Prime Minister Imran Khan expressing satisfaction on the current direction of bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Monday hoped that the two countries would further strengthen them into a multi-faceted strategic partnership.
The prime minister was talking to British Home Secretary Sajid Javid who paid a courtesy call on him here.
The prime minister acknowledged the United Kingdom’s development assistance that had positively impacted Pakistan’s socio-economic sectors.
They also discussed a wide range of issues of common interest, including counter terrorism, organized crime, human trafficking, money-laundering and asset recovery.
The British Home Secretary stated that his government was willing to support and extend full cooperation to the Government of Pakistan in these areas. He also underscored the need to enhance cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
British Home Secretary Sajid Javid was on a two-day visit to Islamabad and Lahore.

ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and British Home Secretary Sajid Javid met here at the Foreign Office on Monday and discussed areas including regional security, counter-terrorism, organized crime, migration, human trafficking, money laundering and asset recovery.

Foreign Minister Qureshi stressed the need to expand Pakistan-UK cooperation and translate the existing ties into a tangible and multi-faceted strategic partnership. He appreciated DFID’s contribution towards the development of socio-economic sectors in Pakistan.

The British Home Secretary conveyed his government’s desire to support and work closely with the new government in all areas of mutual interest.

The two countries closely cooperate under the institutional framework of the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue.

ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Prime Minister Imran Khan will undertake a two-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, from September 18 to 19, on the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.
The prime minister will be accompanied by foreign minister, finance minister and adviser to the prime minister on commerce, a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here Monday said.
The prime minister will call on King Salman and hold a bilateral meeting with the Crown Prince. The king will also host a state banquet for the prime minister at the Royal Court. Accompanying ministers will also meet their counterparts to discuss bilateral cooperation.
During the visit, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen will call on the prime minister.
The prime minister will also do Ziarat at Madinah and perform Umra.
The prime minister along with the delegation will arrive in Abu Dhabi in the evening on September 19. He will be received by Mohammaed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
He is visiting the UAE on the invitation of the Crown Prince. The two leaders will discuss issues of bilateral interest.

ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Ambassador of Japan Takashi Kurai Monday assured of his government’s continued support to Pakistan for exploring new avenues of mutual collaboration.
He called on Federal Minister for Defence, Pervez Khattak, at Ministry of Defence and felicitated him for assuming the office of the defence minister. The defence minister highlighted the historical close ties between Pakistan and Japan.
He appreciated Japanese support for prosperity and development in Pakistan over the years. He expressed hope that Japan would help create economic activities in Pakistan through mutually beneficial participation in CPEC as well as considering investment in maritime and industrial manufacturing sectors.
The defence minister also appreciated the role of Japan in the promotion of peace and stability in Afghanistan and South Asian Region.
He highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate terrorism especially the success of Operations Zarb-e-Azab, Radd-ul-Fasad and Khyber-IV.
The minister also commended the efforts of Japanese Government for regular holding of Pakistan-Japan Politico-Military and Military to Military Dialogues, adding that such interactions are a concrete expression of the desire of both the countries to enhance mutual defence collaboration.
He mentioned the potential to cooperate in the defence field and need to strengthen the existing level of defence collaboration.

RAWALPINDI, Sep 17 (APP):Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday visited Headquarters of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Beijing and met PLA Chief, Gen Han Weiguo. Both the commanders discussed regional security environment, security of China Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) and bilateral security cooperation, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Asif Ghafoor said on his official Ttwitter handle.
The PLA Chief appreciated and acknowledged high professional standing of Pakistan Army displayed while combating terrorism. He also appreciated high degree of security being provided to CPEC by Pakistan Army.
The Chinese General expressed his keen desire to benefit from Pakistan Army’s combat experience and
also expand bilateral cooperation.
The COAS thanked his counterpart for hosting him. He said that both armies had history of cooperation and there were vast avenues for further enhancing the same.
Earlier, upon arrival at PLA Headquarters, General Qamar Javed Bajwa was presented guard of honour. On
Tuesday, the COAS is scheduled to meet Vice Chairman Central Military Commission(CMC), Gen Zhang Youxia.

ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):The governments of Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Monday jointly launched a partnership on repatriation of illicit finances, recovery of stolen assets and putting a check on money-laundering.
Law Minister Barrister Farogh Nasim and British Home Secretary Sajid Javid at a joint press conference here at the PM Office announced that the declaration titled ‘UK-Pakistan Justice and Accountability Partnership’ would track corruption and also restart the bilateral prisoner transfer that was on a halt for last several years.
British Secretary Sajid Javid said the United Kingdom would ensure that no person could escape accountability. He, however, clarified that the initiative would be broad-based and was not meant to target individual cases only.
He said the new partnership would be headed by a special envoy to expand cooperation between the two sides in curbing corruption. The Director of Economic Crime Unit would be representing the British side, he added.
The British Home Secretary, who is the first from his government to visit Pakistan after Prime Minister Imran Khan assumed the office, said the UK was committed to strengthen ties with the new government and reaffirm their partnership.
Sajid Javid termed his talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan as constructive and said he fully endorsed his vision of building a prosperous Pakistan.
To a question, the Home Secretary rejected the impression that the UK was reluctant on issues of extradition-related matters with Pakistan and said he was mindful of respecting the domain of British law enforcement agencies. However, he stressed that the responsible would be brought to justice whenever there was some evidence.
Asked about the quantum of money laundering, the British Secretary said both the sides reviewed their commitments on sharing evidence to prosecute the criminals.
As regards the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Sajid Javid said Pakistan was already working on the matter and the UK would extend all support to it in that regard.
He said his country would deepen cooperation with Pakistan to counter illicit finances and corruption.
About the role and sacrifices of Pakistan against counter-terrorism, he said Pakistan had suffered more than any other country on that count.
He said Pakistan and the United Kingdom had deep ties in many areas. Some 120 British companies were already working here. Being a major trading partner, the UK would like its more companies to enter Pakistan as it was preparing to leave the European Union, he added.
Law Minister Farogh Naseem said both the sides also deliberated on the formation of a joint fund on civil recovery of stolen assets, and appointment of a prosecution service at the British High Commission.
He said it was also agreed upon to ensure capacity-building of Pakistani law enforcement officials with the assistance of the United Kingdom.
When questioned on the issue of confiscation of Avenfield apartments of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, the Law Minister said, “No individual cases or any specific matter was discussed.”
When about deliberations on the extradition of two sons of the former prime minister, Farogh Naseem said he was unable to share more details.
Shahzad Akbar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability, on the same issue said the matter was already with the National Accountability Bureau. Individual cases would not be commented upon, he added.
Minister of State for Interior Shahryar Khan Afridi and British High Commissioner to Pakistan Thomas Drew were also present on the occasion.

ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Expressing concern over the global decline in peace index and the impact of deterioration of peace on global economy, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Zubair Mahmood Hayat on Monday asked the world powers to focus on the unresolved Kashmir issue.
“In South Asia due to the volatile nature of Line of Control and Working Boundary and the unresolved Kashmir issue the whole global powers should be focused on conflict resolution,” he said while addressing the inaugural session of a two-day “International Conference on Global Peace Amidst War and Conflict” as chief guest.
The conference has been organized by Center for Peace, Security and Development (CPSD).
The CJCSC said at places like Syria, Palestine and Kashmir life was on hold for their people. The unresolved and frozen conflicts tended to affect the neighbouring countries.
“As a military man I say that military solutions to conflicts are never enduring. There is a need for political solutions for enduring peace to prevail.
“To defuse the growing tension and threat of military conflict there is a need to have arms control agreement between various stakeholders,” he added.
He said in Afghanistan, reconciliation and peace must be supported by all for its desired objectives. “We need to cut binding issues. Our quest for peace must be based on equality for mankind and we should find peace with pluralistic and peaceful means,” he added.
Gen Zubair said there was a need to find peace with pluralistic and peaceful means amid the consistently rising alarming and disturbing world military expenditure, particularly in Pakistan’s neighbourhood.
Stressing the need to give “cooperation over competition” a priority, he said: “We need to revitalize common values,” in the backdrop of world’s failure to limit conflicts arising from disillusionment in particular, and non-contiguous powers in promoting regional hegemons.
In a strategic environment of unshielded rising violent extremism where terrorism dominates the scene, the CJCSC recommended reexamining of the narratives, old camp model, and that advocacy be grounded in reality.
He said peace was an idealistic notion adding that it was a cessation of war and negation of violence. He, however, said mere absence of war was not peace as it (peace) was more dynamic and long term process based on universal values. He said by nature humans were non-violent and hence lasting peace in its absolute form was attainable.
He underlined the need to give preference to conflict resolution and cooperation for enhancing trust and confidence among states, especially those who are weak and small. He said conflicts pertained to freedom movements.
Talking about Pakistan’s commitment for achieving sustainable peace, Senator Sherry Rehman, in her keynote address at the seminar, said Pakistan was looking to protect its interest but was also “interested to be a problem solver.” She said amid new security challenges where Pakistan was seen through the prism of Afghanistan there was a need to rethink and reconsider policies.
Chairing the session on Evolving Global Order, President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan said there was a need to resolve the longstanding Kashmir issue.
He said Pakistan had survived many crises because of strong institutions. “I would say don’t dismantle the institutions.”
He said Pakistan should present itself on all forums adding, “We must continue to invest in peace and education.”
Earlier, in his welcome address President CPSD, Lt. Gen. Agha M. Umer Farooq (Retd) highlighted the objective of the conference in the emerging world order and subsequent changing statecraft amid the rising China and brewing rivalry in Southeast Asia and India Ocean. He said the evolving geo-economic environment had paved way for new alliances and opportunities but had also created new challenges.
Dr. Natalia Piskunova, senior faculty and researcher at Moscow State University spoke on “Russian foreign policy in a post-1990 world: New world order and its discontents.”
The other speaker on the panel Andrew Small, Senior Transatlantic Fellow, German Marshall Fund, USA highlighted “The Indo-pacific and Belt and Road 2.0 in his presentation. The third panelist Dr. Wei Zongyou, Professor at Fudan University China gave an analysis of Trump administration’s policy towards China.
The final session of the first day of the conference, geo-politics and transforming statecraft, was led by Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Chairman of Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)’. It was participated by Eminent Professor Dr. Marvin Weinbaum, Director for Pakistan Studies at the Middle East Institute, Washington DC; Parvin Sawnhey, Editor at Force magazine, India and Ambassador Sarwar Naqvi, Executive Director CISS.
On an optimistic note Sawnhey commented that peace talks between India and Pakistan were possible in contemporary time. While Dr Weinbaum said decisive military victory was unachievable in Afghanistan and parties to the conflict must envision a shared set of values. The choice between constitutional democracy and Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan was incompatible while commercial and energy interdependence could bring the region together.