LAHORE, May 01 (APP):A delegation of Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) led by its president Zia Shahid called on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here Tuesday.
The delegation appreciated the performance of Punjab Information Department over the release of government advertisements and provision of their dues.
CPNE President Zia Shahid said distribution of advertisements in the province was being carried out in a transparent manner as the Information Department had adopted a foolproof mechanism in that regard. “Your team is proactively working,” he added.
The CPNE delegation appreciated the performance of Shehbaz Sharif for the speedy development of the province and added that everyone was fond of his hard work. They said a number of development works had been carried out in Punjab during the last ten years, but no work was done during the last ten years in Sindh; rather it had been put in reverse gear. Therefore, there should be a Shehbaz Sharif in Sindh as well, they said.
Speaking on the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif said the nation was going towards elections and it was hoped that free and fair elections would be held. “The future of democracy and that of the country lies in it,” he added.
He said elections would be held on the basis of performance and the voters would give votes on the basis of performance.
He said the role of media was very important in that regard. He said, “Facts should be brought out as facts because national interest lies in it. Baseless allegations are not in the interest of the country,” he opined.
He said appreciation of Information Department by the CPNE was praiseworthy and congratulated the whole team of the department.
Shehbaz Sharif said future of country would be bright by giving equal opportunities to all in the elections.
He said Imran Khan was given a wonderful opportunity to implement the 11 points in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but he did not take benefit of it. “We have taken wonderful steps for the improvement of every sector in Punjab,” he added.
He said Pakistan was swirling for the last 70 years and now it should be moved forward with joint consultations. There was no need to worry about as the country’s future was bright, he added.
He said, “We will run a vigorous election campaign in Punjab and in other provinces.”
Shehbaz Sharif said development in other provinces was also necessary along side the Punjab. Unique steps had been taken for the development of Southern Punjab during the last ten years. About 42 percent development funds were provided for 31 percent population of Southern Punjab, with 10 percent additional quota in every development programme, he added.
He said he was sorry if anyone was hurt over the statement of Rana Sanaullah.
ProvincialmMinisters Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, Rana Mashhood Ahmad, Zaeem Qadri, spokesman Punjab government Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and others were also present on the occasion.
CPNE delegation calls on Shehbaz
Bajaur Zalmi upset Bajaur Levies in Super League Twenty20 Cricket
BAJAUR AGENCY, May 1 (APP)::Bajaur Zalmi on Tuesday
crushed Bajaur Levies, by three wickets in their second match in the ongoing
Bajaur Super League (BSL) cricket tournament being played here at Bajaur Sports
Complex.
Bajaur Zalmi batsman Maz Khan who helped the Zalmi to win
the important match was awarded man of the match for his sure-footed innings of
74 off just 35 balls.
Earlier, batting first Bajaur Levies Team scored 149 runs
for the loss of seven wickets in the 20 over match. Bajaur Levies team which
said to be the most favorite and strong
team of the tournament due to its strong batting line, however, Bajaur
Zalmi bowlers have restricted it to only 149 runs.
In reply, the Bajaur Zalmi successfully chased the 150
runs target with the loss of six wickets in the final over.
Though all batsmen of Bajaur Zalmi have showed brilliant
performance in the match, however Maz Khan and Said Khan have played fantastic
innings by secured 74 and 30 respectively. The 16 year old Maz Khan was
declared Man of the Mach for his remarkable performance.
Once a time in Bajaur Zalmi innings when its five top
batsmen were out for just 53 runs in eight over, Maz Khan and Saeed Khan have
made a wonderful partnership of 96 runs of just 42 balls to rescue their team.
Speaking to reporters in the post-match ceremony, Maz
Khan said that he was very glad of his brilliant performance against a strong
team like Bajaur Levies in an important match. “I didn’t feel any pressure and
played his natural game throughout his inning despite four reliable batsmen
have already been departure to the dressing room and certainly sensing the responsibility
played the innings,” he added.
“I’m very happy that Zalmi won the match by defeating one
of the strong team of the tournament and will try my best to continue this
magnificent performance in next matches to make the Zalmi the winner of the
BSL,” he added. To a question, the Bajaur Zalmi hero Maz Khan said that he wishes
to be part of Pakistan National Team in future.
Meanwhile talking to reporters after winning the tough
match, Bajaur Zalmi’s skipper Zahid Shah Zalmi said that he was very excited to
win the today match. He was the view that almost all spectators were believed
that Bajaur Zalmi was not in the position to beat a team like Bajaur Levies as
it’s have great and experience players, but, they hopeful to defeat the Bajaur
Levies.
“Almost spectators sitting at the stadium believed that
we are not in the position to win from Bajaur Levies team, but we are
determined for the win and today win has proved that Bajaur Zalmi is a team of
committed players who can defeat any team in the BSL,” he added.
Commerce Minister, Governor discuss promotion of textile industry
KARACHI, May 01 (APP):Federal Minister for Commerce and Textile
Pervez Malik met Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair at the Governor House
here.
The two leaders discussed in detail economic development and
promotion of the fields of textile and commerce as well as the steps
taken for encouraging textile industry, investment in new textile
industries and other matters, said a press release issued here on
Tuesday.
The Sindh Governor said Pakistan is rich in natural resources and
human resource, and there is need for maximum utilization of these resources.
He stressed the need for encouraging the people associated with
the textile industry as well as investors to achieve the required
results.
The federal minister told the Governor Sindh that steps for
promoting and encouraging textile industry at every level and
attracting local and foreign investors towards this field are
drawing positive results.
He said both local and foreign investors are investing in
textile industry which is helping in eradication of poverty and unemployment.
Two thirds of world’s workers are in informal sector: UN report
UNITED NATIONS, May 01 (APP)::More than 61 per cent of the world’s employed population – two billion people – earn their livelihoods in the informal sector, the United Nations labour agency has said, stressing that a transition to the formal economy is critical to ensure rights’ protection and decent working conditions.
“The high incidence of informality in all its forms has multiple adverse consequences for workers, enterprises and societies and is a major challenge for the realization of decent work for all,” Rafael Diez de Medina, the Director of the Department of Statistics at the UN International Labour Organization (ILO), said in a statement.
The findings are revealed in ILO’s latest report, “Women and men in the informal economy: A statistical picture.” The study also provides comparable estimates on the size of the informal economy and a statistical profile of the sector, using criteria from more than 100 countries.
“Having managed to measure this important dimension, now included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators framework, this can be seen as an excellent step towards acting on it, particularly thanks to more available comparable data from countries,” Diez de Medina added.
The geographic distribution of employment in the informal sector presents a striking picture.
The report also found that informal employment is a greater source of jobs for men (63 per cent) than for women (58.1 per cent).
“Out of the two billion workers in informal employment worldwide, just over 740 million are women,” ILO said, noting that they are mostly in informal employment in most low- and lower-middle income countries and are more often found to be the most vulnerable.
Education is a major factor affecting the level of informality, the study has shown, noting that as the level of education increases, the level of informality decreases.
“People, who have completed secondary and tertiary education, are less likely to be in informal employment compared to workers who have either no education or completed primary education,” ILO said.
In addition, people living in rural areas are almost twice as likely to be in informal employment as those in urban areas, it added.
According to Florence Bonnet, one of the authors of the report, data on these issues are crucial to design effective policies.
“For hundreds of millions of workers, informality means a lack of social protection, rights at work and decent working conditions, and for enterprises it means low productivity and lack of access to finance,” she said.
PM inaugurates country’s largest airport – Islamabad International Airport – to cater to 9 million passengers annually
Shafek Koreshe
ISLAMABAD, May 1 (APP): Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Tuesday inaugurated the country’s largest new multi-billion Islamabad International Airport designed to cater to nine million passengers annually.
Addressing a gathering here at the spacious international departure lounge of the new airport building the Prime Minister said the PML-N achieved in mere five years which was unprecedented in the past 65 years since country’s existence. He challenged all previous governments to come up with their projects and said none can barely come close to what the PML-N government has achieved.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi attributed the success of the project to a strong democracy, respect for the Constitution and determination of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz govt in serving the masses.
He said the country did not make any progress in the past as it deviated from the democratic system of governance. He said no country has ever achieved any success in the past without democracy and said the era of dictatorship has not given the country anything substantial.
“Pakistan can only progress if there is; democracy, supremacy of constitution, parliament is supreme and institutions work within their ambit. There is no other way forward to progress and development,” the prime minister said.
Pakistan can only progress if there is; democracy, supremacy of constitution
He said similar development projects can strengthen the economy and bring about massive development. He said the present airport was the outcome of the policies of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. He said his government would have completed the new airport from scratch in only two years, but owing to the legacy of past it took a long time.
He mentioned the six percent growth and other positive economic indicators that spoke of the success of the policies of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. He said the new airport would open up a world of new opportunities and create new employment and boost the private sector.
He said apart from1700 km new motorways, the entire country was being linked with interconnecting road network of thousands of kilometers, 10,400 MW added, Gwadar Port and Special Economic Zones were operational, and the end of demand and supply gap in provision of electricity and gas has been achieved, not only for today but also for future. He said the Thar coal deposits were also being optimally utilized and contributes to development of Pakistan.
He said aviation was very close to his heart and said he was appreciative of Sardar Mehtab, Secretary Aviation Ehsan Ilahi who recently retired, Air Marshal Asim Suleman, the CAA team and all others who worked very hard to make this project a success, which seemed impossible in 2013.
The Prime Minister commended the Civil Aviation Authority on completion of the gigantic task and making it a reality. He asked it to gear up efforts for provision of service of international standards to the passengers.
He said Pakistan has the most liberal aviation policy with its open sky scheme. He said this policy has been criticized but the policy builds upon the fact that the passenger must have a choice. He said added protectionism was not a solution and aviation must be open. He said rational regulation and not the protectionism were the solution.
Prime Minister Abbasi asked the CAA to look after the aviation in an open manner as it was very challenging and open field and there was a need to further improve it to encourage new local and foreign carriers. Otherwise, he warned, the country would be left far behind and cited the example of the national flag carrier. He said PIA did not rise to the market needs, the challenges and the opportunities and fell behind, despite being a leader in its class.
Shahid Khaqan said aviation today was a necessity and not a luxury and there was a need to ensure provision of best services that encourage the aviation sector. He said aviation not only provides a gateway to economic development, but also reflects on economic development of the country. He said the new airport was reflective of the successful policies of the previous five years of the PML-N government.
Abbasi said any country that supports the aviation industry has good airports and allows the airline industry to thrive. He urged the CAA to adapt to new requirements and allow the passengers to have a choice, provides rational regulation and which allows the aviation to grow.
He regretted that a country with 207 million population only has less than 50 modern aircraft registered and said there should be at least a thousand airliners registered. He said the aviation world was changing and today airlines need to be allowed to hub and go to their destinations.
He said this government was about starting projects, taking up new initiatives and completing them as well. He said this year airports at Multan and Faisalabad have already been inaugurated, Peshawar and Quetta about to be completed soon, to be followed by the Lahore airport.
He said Gwadar was in design stage, while the Sialkot was one of the success stories of the private sector that not only developed it, but was also improving it. He also asked the CAA to ensure that the issues that might crop up in the early phases of the new project be dealt with on priority. He said all new projects have issues that need to be addressed, to avoid inconvenience to the people and complaints.
He said the project would serve not only the Capital Islamabad, but also the people from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu Kashmir. He said with quality management and international standard services it would serve as an example for other airports.
He directed the Mayor and the concerned ministries to urgently ensure provision of quality public transport system for the passengers and the staff. The airport is around 30 kms from Zero Point Islamabad and the construction work on the Rawalpindi Islamabad Metro project is under process.
He hoped new airlines would be attracted to the new airport and the existing ones would increase their frequency of flights.
Earlier the Prime Minister formally inaugurated the plaque and later posed for a photograph with the senior officials of the Civil Aviation Authority and others. The ceremony coincided with the arrival and departure of PK-300 and PK-301 from and to Karachi.
The energy efficient airport has also a 50 bed trauma centre, cinema, restaurants, several lounges and a duty free shop, besides a huge parking for 2200 cars and two runways. The airport can be expanded to 25 million passengers annually.
Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for CADD Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb, Advisor to PM on Aviation Sardar Mehtab, Governors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Parliamentarians and diplomats attended the event.
Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan, Advisor to PM on Aviation termed it another milestone for the PML-N government, under the vision of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. He said the 20 year old project since inception of idea has underwent several changes owing to new technological changes.
He said work on upgradation of several other airports in the country including the airports at Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta etc was also underway. He said the CAA also needs to upgrade it’s services to meet the challenges of the modern aviation services.
Nasir Shafiq Dar Director Planning and Development in a brief on the project said the airport with a spacious feel and modular design can later cater up to 12 million passengers annually.
The airport would have 15 boarding Gates and was the only airport in the country to accommodate two Airbus A380. The new four-level airport building would house five conveyer belts for passengers baggage, cargo terminal, fuel farm, air traffic control complex besides a fully-functional modern firefighting station and rescue facilities.
CM congratulates Sajid Javid over becoming UK’s home secretary
LAHORE, May 01 (APP):PML-N president and Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated expatriate Pakistani Sajid
Javid over becoming UK’s home secretary and expressed good wishes for him.
Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over becoming of an expatriate Pakistani Muslim as home secretary for the first time in UK’s history and said that it is a matter of pride for Pakistan. His elevation is the result of hard work and dedication, Shehbaz Sharif said and added that it would help further improve the image of Pakistanis at the global level.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the Pakistani community living in the UK.
Over 12 mln people benefiting from CMSES: Shehbaz
LAHORE, May 01 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that loans worth Rs 46.020 billion had been distributed under Chief Minister’s Self Employment Scheme (CMSES) benefiting directly or indirectly 12 million most needy people and loans return ratio was 99.9 percent.
Addressing the CMSES cheques distribution ceremony here at Aiwan-e-Iqbal, he said that on one side, there were brave sons and daughters of the nation who had returned every penny of interest-free loans and on the contrary, the elite had got its mega loans worth billions of rupees waived off which was a great cruelty with the poor nation. Those, who got their loans waived off, had committed the crime with this nation and due to their crime, social divide between the poor and the rich had widened, while poverty and joblessness increased, he added.
Shehbaz Sharif said, “We have worked hard for public service while the performance of political opponents in their provinces is evident before the people. The elections are nearer and therefore, political opponents are showing their political jugglery to the people. The motto of Imran Niazi is to stage sit-ins and do not do any work while the purpose of Zardari is to perform no work at all. Those who have looted the hard-earned money of the poor nation are giving lectures against corruption. The nation has not forgotten their scandals till today. I have already said that if the corruption of even a single penny is proved against me with regard to my last ten years in government, then I shall be fully accountable before you. I also add this that I should be posthumously hanged by bringing my corpse out of the grave if any corruption is proved against me after my death. We have saved billions of rupees of the poor nation in development projects and there is no other example of such savings in development projects during the last 70 years.”
He said that today’s ceremony was very important as it was the happy occasion of Shab-e-Barat and Labour Day, adding that Labour Day was observed throughout the world in recognition of hard work of labourers, and ceremonies were held in Pakistan to pay homage to the labourers. He said that when he came back from a journey of Europe in 2010, a ceremony was held in the Mosque of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) to initiate this programme for those needy people who had education and skills but lack necessary resources with a purpose to enable such impecunious people to become self-reliant.
Under the CMSES, Rs 46.020 billion loans had so far been distributed transparently and this was the story of hard work, honesty and trust which was moving forward without any lust, profit or show-off. Due to this program, he opined, the needy people had emerged as builders of the nation instead of ending up as beggars.
Shehbaz Sharif said the elite had got their mega loans waived off while needy people who got loans under this scheme had returned every penny of it. The elite enjoyed every worldly boon while the poor were even deprived of basic necessities of life and this could not be called a Pakistan of Quaid and Allama Iqbal in any way, he added.
Millions of people, he recalled, had come to Pakistan after giving great sacrifices and gone through rivers of blood with the prime hope that honesty, truth and hard work would rule here and hard work would be given respect, as there would be no corruption, gratification or extortion in Pakistan. He said, but unluckily a culture of recommendations ruled and the principles of hard work, honesty and trust were ignored. Now, the time had come to change this culture and nation should stand up to change this outdated system, he added.
The chief minister said whenever Allah Almighty gave them an opportunity, they had served the people selflessly. The National Accountability was proactively working in Punjab and the Supreme Court was also taking notice of several issues. If the corruption of even a single penny was proved against him in the development projects launched during last ten year, then he would be fully accountable to the people, he added.
He said those who had got waived off loans worth billions of rupees and the politicians, who themselves were involved in corrupt practices, were giving statements against corruption and giving the nation lessons about honesty.
He said he welcomed the institutions, who were active against corruption. They should, however, give attention to the recovery of looted public money as accountability of the corrupt should be held without any discrimination, he added.
Shehbaz Sharif said through hard work, they had saved hundreds of billions rupees in development projects. The Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) was a project of China and there was a G2G (government to government) agreement about that scheme under which tendering process was not undertaken. “I wrote a letter to the Chinese government that we want to initiate tendering in this project. The company gave the lowest bidding of Rs 210 billion in the tendering process. We negotiated with this company and the project cost was further decreased to Rs 165 billion and this way, Rs 45 billion was saved and after it, the civil works was awarded to Pakistani companies and Rs 9 billion more was saved as a result of negotiations with them. Total Rs. 65 billion was saved in this project,” he added..
The chief minister said the Pakistan Tehrrek-i-Insaf (PTI) got the OLMT project delayed for 22 months and in revenge, the people of Lahore did not show up in the PTI meeting two days back. “Our political opponents got an opportunity of public service in their provinces but they did nothing there. Even a single penny was not disbursed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as interest-free loan while billions of rupees were usurped in Sindh instead of giving interest-free loans to the needy there.” Despite all that, they were making claims about elimination of poverty, unemployment and corruption, he asserted.
Shehbaz Sharif said Imran Niazi called the Metro Bus Service of Lahore a ‘Jangla Bus’ and used to say that he would build educational institutions and hospitals instead of Metro Bus projects if he got funds. He had neither built educational institutions nor hospitals in KP province and the entire city of Peshawar had been dug up in the name of Metro Bus project, the CM added.
“I have stated during my recent visit to Peshawar that if the people of KP given an opportunity to us then this project will be completed in just five months,” he said and added that the PML-N government had set up 5,000 megawatt electricity projects from its own resources along with initiation of the gigantic CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) projects.
He elaborated that the Punjab government installed 1150 megawatt Bhikki Power Plant, 1250 megawatt power plant at Haweli Bahadar Shah and 1200 megawatt Balloki Power Plant.
He said it also went to the PML-N’s federal government which completed the Neelum Jhelum Power Plant at the cost of Rs 500 billion, which had been ignored by successive governments for the last 20 years. The Guddu Power Plant was set up during tenure of Asif Zardari and “we have set up a similar plant at the half price after eight years, and saved Rs 150 billion of the nation,” he added.
Shehbaz Sharif said if given an opportunity again, the PML-N would make Pakistan a country of Quaid-i-Azam and Allama Iqbal in the real sense.
Akhuwat (NGO) Executive Director Dr Amjad Saqib also spoke on the occasion. The chief minster distributed cheques of interest-free loans among the needy persons.
Punjab Assembly Speaker, provincial ministers, MPAs, chief secretary, intellectuals, columnists and a large number of people attended the ceremony.
World Labour Day observed with pledge to make workers prosperous
ISLAMABAD, May 1 (APP):The World Labour Day was observed in Pakistan Tuesday realizing importance of a vibrant and prosperous workforce to move the country forward on sustainable path of progress and economic uplift.
The day was marked across the country to commemorate the workers who laid down their lives in the American industrial town of Chicago some 132 years ago in May 1886 while demanding an eight-hour workday.
In all the major cities of the country, a number of labour organizations held seminars, conferences and rallies to highlight the problems of the labour community, and to ensure ways and means to establish a cordial relationship between the employer and employee.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, in his message on the Labour Day, reiterated to protect the rights of workers, saying the government believed that only a healthy, happy, well-educated and well-paid workforce could enable Pakistan to attain its full social and economic potential.
“The government’s goal of rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth is only being realized because of our hardworking, dedicated and committed workforce,” he said.
The prime minister said the federal government was fully committed to taking all measures, in cooperation with the provincial governments, to ensure the welfare of workers and their families as well as to raise their standards of living.
President Mamnoon Hussain, in his message, said the policies of incumbent government were aimed at protecting the rights of labourers in accordance with the Islamic teachings and international laws.
He said the government had proposed a reasonable increase in the wages of workers in the recent budget, which manifested its passion for their development and well-being.
Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani said the dream of attaining national progress could not be materialized without ensuring prosperity of the workforce.
He said all institutions, including the Parliament, would not only have to ensure implementation of labour laws with regard to protecting their rights but also accelerating joint efforts for social and economic uplift of the workers.
Founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he said, had struggled for workers’ rights and got approved initial legislations in that regard.
Although, the later parliaments also continued making legislation for the workers’ welfare, but the real challenge remained their implementation in letter and spirit, he added.
He expressed the resolve that the Upper House of the Parliament always played an active role for the workers’ well-being and would continue with the renewed resolve for their betterment in future too.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said observing the Labour Day was an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of working men and women, who were an indispensable pillar for the national development.
While remembering the Chicago Martyrs on this day for their valiant struggle against oppression, exploitation and injustice, he said, “We also pay tribute to the labour community for its valuable contribution to the nation building.”
PML-N govt makes unprecedented development to clinch next poll on basis of performance: Khurram
ISLAMABAD, May 1 (APP):Minister for Defence Engr Khurram Dastagir Khan has said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, after coming into power in 2013 elections had made unprecedented development besides overcome the issues of energy and terrorism.
Talking to a private news channel, he said Punjab under the dynamic leadership of Shehbaz Sharif had presented exemplary performance in the province.
He said credit goes to Nawaz Sharif who resolved many challenges confronted the nation and put the country on path of speedy progress.
Lamenting over the performance of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, he said Imran Khan was hiding his failure while running the government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The PTI chief had followed the agenda of paralyzing the country through sit-ins and demonstration, he said. The minister said PTI chief should show any infrastructure development or human resources development in KPK area.
In the contrary, he said PML-N government following the vision and policies of Nawaz Sharif, had brought down the inflation, loadshedding, and terrorism.
To a question he said Nawaz Sharif was creating awareness among the masses about sanctity of vote.
PPP’s criticism on petroleum prices unjustified: Miftah
ISLAMABAD, May 1 (APP):Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Dr Miftah Ismail Tuesday said the criticism by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leadership on the petroleum prices was unjustified.
The minister, in a statement here, said the prices of petroleum products, even after the recent raise, were still lower than those during the PPP regime. The level of taxation of the products in most cases was also lower than that prevalent in the Pakistan Peoples Party days, he added.
He said the petrol price in March 2013 was Rs 106.60, diesel Rs 113.56, superior Kerosene oil Rs 103.69 and light diesel oil Rs 98.26. However, despite the consistent increase in international oil prices during the last year, the prices in Pakistan were still considerably less than those levels set in the PPP days, he added.
The minister said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government had brought about a huge change in the economic conditions of the country and if the opposition, including the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and the PPP had cooperated instead of creating hurdles in the way of economic development of the country, things would have been even more better for the common man.
Only a well-paid, well-educated work force can take Pakistan forward : PM
ISLAMABAD, May 01 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Tuesday while reiterating to protect rights of the workers said the government believes that only a healthy, happy, well-educated and well-paid workforce could enable Pakistan to attain its full social and economic potential.
In a message on the Labour Day, the Prime Minister said Pakistan’s dynamic workforce was the real momentum behind the country’s progress.
“The government’s goal of rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth is only being realised because of our hardworking, dedicated and committed workforce.”
He assureed the Pakistan’s workers that the Federal Government was fully committed to taking all measures, in cooperation with the provincial governments, to enhance the welfare of workers and their families as well as to raise their standards of living.
“We understand very well that only a healthy, happy, well-educated and well-paid workforce will enable Pakistan to attain its full social and economic potential, and this is what we are working towards with complete sincerity of purpose,” the Prime Minister said.
Describing the workers and employers partners in the effort for national development, the Prime Minister urged them to work in concert to equip themselves with the most modern technologies of production to keep pace with global challenges and successfully face the ever-increasing competition in the world market.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan joins the international community in honouring the heroic struggle of the workers of Chicago who gave up their lives for a fair and just working environment that would guarantee the fundamental rights of labour.
“Today, we pay tribute to the valiant workers of Pakistan and around the world, and reaffirm our commitment to the dignity of labour.”
He said, the first day of May provides an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices and invaluable contributions of workers to the development, progress and prosperity of their nations across the globe.
“I convey my heartfelt felicitations and earnest wishes to Pakistan’s entire workforce, and reiterate the government’s resolve to protect the rights of all our people and to work for their collective wellbeing, for only then will Pakistan take its rightful position in the comity of nations,” the Prime Minister said.
Capital Witnesses significant growth of Chinese restaurants
ISLAMABAD, May 1 (APP):The number of Chinese restaurants is growing significantly in federal
capital and post CPEC scenario has also forced local eateries to offer
Chinese dishes after an influx of Chinese nationals here.
The Capital Development Authority’s data revealed that there are
around 15 Chinese restaurants in total in the city while 12 among them
have been opened after 2013.
Talking to APP, a Chinese Restaurant’s Manager said Mei Kong
was the first restaurant introduced back in 1970s and second facility
known as China Town was establish after ten years in the federal capital.
The restaurants’ growth, he said, is not only associated with the
China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) but a large number of Chinese
traders and tourists are potential customers who do not have direct
link with the project.
He however said after CPEC’s launching the inflow of the Chinese
nationals has increased manifold which has helped grow hotels and
restaurants industry. He said earlier Chinese workforce was
confined to mining and energy projects areas such as Saindak energy
plants etc. adding, “You can see they are in large number now in major
cities like Islamabad , Karachi and Lahore.”
Another Chinese Restaurant Kim Mun’s Manager Andrew said his
restaurant receives a large number of locals and foreign customers
which means our food lovers are not only confined to Chinese
nationals.
An owner of a Pakistani hotel, said Chinese customers visit to his
restaurant for Pakistani cuisine and enjoy local dishes especially
Biryani which is among their favourite.
In addition to Chinese increased number of restaurants some small
setups at homes are also offering Sino foods to their potential
customers.
A Chinese running his own small setup in a rented apartment said that
“Pakistan’s spicy food for a long time does not suit us we have to get
back to our traditional food for which we are accustomed”.
The Chinese nationals working in big business outlets like ZTE and
Huawei were his potential clients and they were enjoying their local
taste at affordable rates.
Another Chinese restaurant Jade’s Operational Manager negating the
impression that the only Chinese were potential clients of these
restaurants said majority of their customers were Pakistanis and
foreign nationals. “Chinese eateries for being hygienic and
abdominal friendly are now popular across the glob” he remarked.
“We are no more restricted to our traditional dishes and besides Asian,
fast foods like Pizza and Burger are also being offered here in
Chinese eating houses which was not expected in the near past”, he
informed.
He however admitted that the Chinese dishes are a bit expensive in
comparison with locals that is why these facilities are established in the well
paying areas. “A good Chinese restaurant costs over Rs30 million to
establish while some Rs15 million money is extra required to run the
future affairs” he said.
The official data reveals that 43 projects that directly fall under
the CPEC banner have seen a tripling of the number of Chinese
nationals in Pakistan to more than 30,000.
National development not possible without prosperous workforce: Sanjrani
ISLAMABAD, May 1 (APP):Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani Tuesday said the dream of attaining national progress could not be materialized without ensuring prosperity to workforce.
In a message on the World Labour Day, he said all institutions including Parliament would not only have to ensure implementation on labour laws with regard to protecting their rights but also accelerating joint efforts for social and economic uplift of the workers.
Founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he said, had struggled for workers’ rights and got approved initial legislation from the Parliament to protect rights of the laborers.
Although, the later parliaments also continued making legislation for welfare of the workforce, but real challenge remained the laws implementation in letter and spirit.
He said Upper House of the Parliament always played an active role for well-being of workers and expressed firm resolve to continue with the renewed resolve for their betterment in future too.
AJK President urges for inter sectarian harmony
Mirpur,AJK, May 01 (APP):AJK President Sardar Masood Khan has emphasized that the Muslim Ummah must unite through
conscious efforts by promoting harmony, tolerance and social integrity.
Islam, he said, is a universal religion that promotes peace, love for humanity and unity.
The President made these remarks while addressing the Jammu and Kashmir National
Coordination Council seminar organized by the Council of Islamic Ideology, Azad
Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. The President was the chief guest at the event
while the Honourable Chief Justice AJK Supreme Court Muhammad Ibrahim Zia,
Chairman AJK Council of Islamic Ideology presided the ceremony.
The President commended the AJK Council of Islamic Ideology on organizing this very important
seminar aimed at promoting inter-sect harmony by uniting the Scholars and Ulema
of various schools of thought. He added that we must focus on the similarities
and not be obsessed with differences between the various schools of thought
practicing Islam in AJK and Pakistan.
The President emphasizing the role of the religious leaders in promoting peace and
tolerance in the society said that our leaders must set an example of
respecting varied religious opinions and preach brotherhood and tolerance. He
said Islam is a religion that promotes humanity and righteous virtues that we
need to unconditionally imbibe in order to progress.
The President said that AJK like Pakistan is a product of an ideology based on the
teachings of Islam, where the people will be free to practice their religion
without prejudice and discrimination. This ideology, he said, defines our
national outlook and the very structure of our society.
He said that our salvation lies in following the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH),adding the Prophet (PBUH) blessed us with a complete religion
which encompasses all the aspects of our lives and the Prophet (PBUH) is a
guiding principle for all of humanity.
The President asserted the prominence of Mosque (Masjid), he said that our Mosque
is not just a place of worship but a complete institution for collective social
reform. He said that our Ulema must use their influence to promote inter-sect
and inter-faith harmony by shaping public opinion. He urged them to fight
against the evils dividing our society on the sectarian lines and make
conscious efforts to bring our society closer.
Masood said that we need to teach our children the lessons of humanity and tolerance by
making it a part of our academic syllabus. He said that the children of today
are our future and we need to indoctrinate them with these values to ensure
unity and progress of our nation.
The President informed audience that by the Grace of Allah, Azad Jammu and
Kashmir has no recorded sectarian violence. This he said was due to the efforts
of the religious leaders who have always promoted inter-sect harmony.
He said that we need to work on researching and developing Islamic Philosophy (Fiqh) in
collaboration with other Muslim nations. He said that Muslims all over the
globe are facing political, social and sectarian hurdles, which can only be
addressed if we fully imbibe the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) based on
tolerance, love, patience and most important the respect for our fellow human.
We must promote our Islamic culture gifted to us by Allah Almighty and preach
Islam in its true spirit.
By promoting unity in our society, he said, we can achieve economic prosperity and make
Pakistan a sovereign and powerful nation. He added that then only Pakistan will
be able to effectively take up the Kashmir issue and resolve this long pending
issue in accordance to the United Nation Security Council Resolutions.
Speaking on the abhorrent human right situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir, the President
said that our innocent brothers and sisters are being subjected to unimaginable
torture. He said that the Kashmiris in IOK are being mercilessly killed,
maimed, illegally incarcerated and their women folk dishonored with impunity.
He said that Hurriyat Leaders are under constant surveillance and their
political freedom like that of the people has been curtailed.
The President praised the efforts of the Council of Islamic Ideology both in
Pakistan and AJK saying that they have acted as a rudder in ensuring we follow
the ideology on which this nation is based.
A resolution was also unanimously passed by the participants to work in unison towards
promoting religious and inter-sect harmony throughout the country. The
resolution also strongly condemned the atrocities perpetrated by India in IOK
and asked for the just and sustainable resolution to the conflict.
The event was also addressed by Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology,
Pakistan, Honourable Chief Justice AJK Supreme Court Muhammad Ibrahim Zia,
Chairman AJK Council of Islamic Ideology, Maulana Ubaid-ur-Rehman Farooqi,
Chairman Ulema and Mashaikh Council AJK, Maulana Imtiaz Siddiqui and Kifayat
Hussain Naqvi. The event was attended by a large number of religious scholars,
theologists and religious leaders from all schools of thought from all over
Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Govt policies aimed at protecting laborers’ rights: President
ISLAMABAD, Apr 30 (APP):President Mamnoon Hussain has said that the policies of the incumbent government were aimed at protecting the rights of labourers in accordance with the Islamic teachings and international laws.
In his message to the nation on International Labour Day observed globally on May 1, the president said the government has proposed a reasonable increase in the wages of the workers in the recent budget, which manifested government’s passion for the development and well-being of this sector.
He said the day is observed as symbol of protecting workers’ rights throughout the world. It is
also a day to pledge that the workers would perform their duties for national development and prosperity with sincerity and the employer will also ensure payment of wages on time both at state and non-state levels.
In the Pakistani society, he said the relation between the employer and the worker is based on the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) which calls for paying the wages to the worker well on time which is considered as a golden principle for an agreement to protect workers’ rights.
He said that he felt delighted to tell his countrymen as well as the the world community that all the policies of the Pakistan’s government are based on the very golden rule, which is also protected by the country’s constitution.
President Mamnoon said the government is also executing various projects for welfare of the local as well as the overseas workers for the development and stability of the country as their remittances contribute to the economic stability.
He also lauded the role of brave workers who play a fundamental role in the struggle for the national development.
The president hoped that that Pakistani workers would continue contributing to the development of the country.
Entrepreneurs asked to be more conscious towards amicable working relationship
PESHAWAR, Apr 30 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Engr. Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has appealed to the labourers and
entrepreneurs to be more conscious towards ensuring best utilization of the available resources
as well as maintain unity and amicable working relationships in making the output of the work and investments of the desired standards.
In his message on the eve of 1st May, the governor said, “the 1st of May reminds us of the
sacrifices which the labourers of Chicago had offered for up-holding their rights and dignity of their
work. Their justified action impressed the world community so much that we have decided to observe
the day internationally with the basic aim to promote realization about the importance of labour and protection of the rights of workers.”
He said the difference in quality and level of facilities which prevails presently between the developed and egalitarian societies and the developing societies is in fact the result of the state of realization which they carry forward with regard to importance of labour and the volume of
investments which they make in this respect.
“We, as responsible members of the world community, are not only signatory to all international pacts and obligations for up-holding the rights of workers but being citizens of a Muslim state feel ourselves duty bound to fulfill all the responsibilities which we owe in this respect as well.
The core message which we derive from the Islamic teachings in this connection binds us to pay the dues of labour to workers before their sweat is dried up,” he added.
He said in wake of technological advancements, the situation demands extra and constant
efforts to ensure capacity building of workers; train them and up-date their knowledge and skills to
better utilize their potential for the progress of the nation. This is also an efficient way of ensuring
their well being and that of their families.
Labour Day an opportunity to acknowledge contributions of working class: Ayaz Sadiq
ISLAMABAD, Apr 30 (APP):Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Monday said that Labour Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of working men and women who are an indispensible pillar of the country.
While remembering Chicago Martyrs on this day for their valiant struggle against oppression, exploitation and injustice, we also pay tribute to the labour community for its valuable contribution in nation building, he said this in a message on Labour Day being commemorated on Tuesday.
He said this day symbolizes the strength and character of the Pakistani workforce and its devotion and commitment towards making our country a prosperous and progressive nation in the world.
Ayaz Sadiq said that the labour class plays a vital role in the development and progress of a country; therefore, it is essential to ensure their welfare and payment of proper and timely remuneration for their services.
The Speaker said that Islam lays a great emphasis on the welfare and proper award of labour. He said that all the civilized societies in the world have legislated to ensure the rights and welfare of their labour force.
He said that the present democratic government is pursuing labour friendly policies and have legislated for ensuring welfare of the labour class in the country.
The Speaker said that rights and duties go side by side and urged the labour class of the country to work hard with devotion to harness the country’s immense resources for the prosperity and development of the country and its people.
The Deputy Speaker National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi in his message also paid tribute to workforce worldwide.
He said that workforce is extremely significant for the socio-economic development of any country.
He said that present setup in the country is taking various steps for the welfare of labourers and their families.
He reiterated the Government firm commitment to safe guard dignity and status of the workforce.
Nadeem for attractive stories to make films successful
LAHORE, Apr 30 (APP):Veteran film actor and director
Nadeem Baig has urged the film producers and directors to find
new writers for attractive stories to make films successful.
Talking to APP here on Monday, he said that when a lot of
film writers were serving in film industry over one hundred films
were being produced annually by Pakistan film industry, adding
that now only 25 to 30 are being produced.
He said that if new film writers join film industry and write
stories on new and unique subjects the industry can make fast
progress towards its past glory.
Pak Army wins handball championship
FAISALABAD, Apr 30 (APP)-:Pakistan Army lifted the title of 28th
national handball championship here Monday.
Pakistan Army beat WAPDA by 35-24 points. Higher Education Commission
stood third while Pakistan Railways remained on forth position.
District Sports Officer Rana Hamad Iqbal and others gave away
trophies and medals to position holder teams.
The championship was played under the aegis of district sports committee.
PNCA to organize Madiha Gohar condolence reference on May 3
ISLAMABAD, Apr 30 (APP):Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) to organize a reference to remember founder of
Ajoka Theatre Madiha Gauhr on May 3.
Renowned writers, actors, directors and human activists including Kishwar Naheed ,Shahid Mehmood Nadeem , Kanwal Naseer,Faryal Gohar, Indu Mitha Tahira Abdullah, Dr.Fozia Saeed , Zaheer Bhatti, Dr. Inamul Haq Jawed Nargis Rasheed and Director General PNCA Syed Jamal Shah will shed
light on the life of Madiha Gauhar and her role for promotion of serious theatre and human dignity at
home and abroad.