RAHIM YAR KHAN Oct 14 (APP):Minister of State and
Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme Marvi Memon said on Saturday that the BISP is taking lead in war
against stunting.
During her visit to Rahim Yar Khan, she was briefed on
research on the effectiveness of a nutrition programme here.
Talking on the occasion, she said that this research
would provide a sustainable model for integrating nutrition
specific and sensitive approaches to BISP, the premier
national social safety net of the country, thus furthering
the gains in curbing malnutrition.
Marvi while speaking to the officials of WFP, Punjab Health
Department, Agha Khan University and BISP beneficiaries, stated
that food insecurity is a matter of high concern as 44% of children
in Pakistan, 39% in Punjab and 42% in Rahim Yar Khan, less than
five years of age, are stunted. This alarming situation needs to
be tackled at the earliest.
Shahzada Rashid, WFP Head Punjab and Salma Yaqub, Programme
Officer WFP, briefed the participants that the project is being
implemented through IRMNCH programme Punjab, in coordination with Department of Health at district level and in close coordination
with Agha Khan University. “Wawamum” and “Maamta” are being
provided to children between 6-24 months and pregnant and
lactating mothers, respectively.
The chairperson held meetings with all four groups of BISP beneficiaries enrolled in this research, where she was briefed
by the field team on process of identification of beneficiaries
for research. The beneficiaries have been divided into four
groups.
The first group receives cash grant only, the second is
provided with cash grant along with SNF, the third one is
getting cash assistance along with enhanced BCC and the fourth
group is being provided cash assistance, SNF and Enhanced BCC.
She also visited the homes of enrolled BISP beneficiaries where
she inspected the follow-up and data recording mechanism.
The chairperson reiterated that the results of this research
would highlight the best nutrition sensitive approach that can
then be replicated all across Pakistan and eventually the world
to address malnutrition, stunting and low IQ levels. Better
nutrition would improve the IQ levels and thus guarantee a better
future for Pakistan.
BISP taking lead in war against stunting: Marvi
PML-N govt. determined to end energy issues: PM
KARACHI, Oct 14 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Saturday said the PML-N government had promised to mitigate energy crisis in the country when it came to power.
“Today, our endeavors are not only leading the country towards energy self-sufficiency but also towards efficient energy self- sufficiency,” he observed with satisfaction during a briefing at Fauji Oil Terminal & Distribution Company Limited (FOTCO) about the progress on the second LNG terminal at Port Qasim Authority.
It was informed that the second LNG terminal will be operative in the third week of November this year.
The Prime Minister appreciated the role of Port Qasim Authority for extending support in completion of the LNG terminals, PM office media wing said in a press release.
Governor Sindh Mohammad Zubair, Minister of State Chaudhry Jafar Iqbal were also present during the meeting.
GSP for lump sum release of Rs415.8 mln drilling rigs acquisition budget
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): The Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) needs lump sum release of Rs 415.8 million budget allocated for acquisition of drilling rigs in the Public Sector Development Programme 2017-18.
“Last year the GSP had surrendered the budget as it was not able to acquire the rigs due to quarterly releases. The budget has been re-allocated for the current year, but we need it in lump sum to meet requirements for tender floating and making payments for the rigs,” official sources told APP.
They said the latest drilling rigs would help increase minerals identification and exploration activities in potential areas of the country and achieve self-reliance in the energy sector.
The rigs would be in use of the GSP to map existing hydrocarbon resources in different potential areas of the country, they added.
Answering a question, the sources informed that the state-owned Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) had around nine own rigs with the capacity to drill up to 5,500 meters deep.
“The company-owned rigs’ drilling capacity is from 2,500 to 5,500 meters, which are almost 35 to 40 years old,” they added.
They said Pakistan was facing a huge gap between demand and supply of energy.
Currently, the sources said, its total gas production was four billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) against the demand of eight bcfd of gas, and the oil production stood at around 10,000 barrels per day, while its requirement was seven to eight times higher than the production.
They expressed confidence that oil and gas exploration production would increase with arrival of new drilling rigs and geological survey equipment.
PM arrives Karachi on day long visit
KARACHI, Oct 14 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Saturday arrived here on a day-long visit.
Upon his arrival, the prime minister was received by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. PML-N leaders and high authorities were also present on the occasion.
The prime minister will inaugurate Pakistan International Bulk Terminal at the Port Qasim.
Energy shortage, end load shedding to fully overcome in near future: Ahsan
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP):Minister for Interior, Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday said that energy projects will add 10,000 MW to the national energy supply that will help overcome the energy shortages and end load-shedding in the country in a few months.
He said while addressing a gathering at the Embassy Forum, organized by the Pakistan Embassy, at Washington DC on October 14, said a press release.
The Minister highlighted the economic gains and the security successes of Pakistan achieved in the last four years.
He also shared the various measures taken by the government including energy projects that will add 10,000 MW to the national energy supply. He was hopeful that power shortages could be fully overcome in the near future. By redressing the energy shortfall, the Government was keen to boost economic productivity.
In his remarks, the Minister shared the remarkable progress made by Pakistan in the macroeconomic sector through prudent fiscal policies which have resulted in economic growth rate of over 5.3 percent per annum. Major economic projects were under way, such as the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), that would generate business opportunities for foreign investors in coming years.
The Minister said that security situation has improved considerably after successful military operations in the tribal areas as well as other parts of the country through the valiant efforts of Pakistan’s security forces and the determination of the entire nation, the country had reversed the tide of terrorism which had gripped it five years ago.
The Minister also shared initiatives taken by the government to enhance education, empower women, improve healthcare and reduce poverty in Pakistan. He also sought support for the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor.
On Pak-US relations, the Minister expressed the hope that both countries would continue to work together in future as they had been strategic partners over the last seven decades.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry to U.S thanked the Minister for sharing his views on the occasion and helping to promote Pakistan’s positive image in the US.
The Forum was well attended with participants from US State Department, academia and members of the Pakistani American diaspora.
UN chief hopes Iran nuclear deal will survive
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 14 (APP): A United Nations Spokesman on Friday said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly hoped the Iran nuclear deal would remain in place, after US President Donald Trump’s decision to “decertify” the 2015 accord.
“The Secretary-General has repeatedly said that the adoption of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a very important breakthrough to consolidate nuclear non-proliferation and advance global peace and security,” Spokesman StÃphane Dujarric said in a statement, adding that the UN chief strongly hoped that it would remain in place.
The international deal, reached between Iran and the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the European Union (EU), saw Tehran curtailing its nuclear programme in exchange for the easing of crippling economic sanctions.
In a White House address on Friday, Trump struck a blow to the accord in defiance of other world powers, and despite the UN nuclear watchdog’s repeated confirmations that Iran was complying with its obligations it.
Trump’s move does not amount to a withdrawal from the deal, but put its future squarely in the hands of the US Congress, which will now have to decide whether to attach new conditions to the agreement or reimpose sanctions on Iran with regard to the country’s nuclear programme.
He threatened, however, that if a deal could not be reached with Congress or US allies, he would walk away from the accord.
Trump’s speech put him at odds with US allies in Europe, as well as Iran and Russia, with leaders saying they would stick by the landmark pact.
In related news Yukiya Amano, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a statement saying that the IAEA, a specialized agency of the UN, has been, since 2016, verifying and monitoring Iran’s implementation of its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA, as requested by the UN Security Council and authorized by the IAEA’s Board of Governors.
“As I have reported to the Board of Governors, the nuclear-related commitments undertaken by Iran under the JCPOA are being implemented,” he said, explaining that Iran is now provisionally implementing the Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA, a powerful verification tool which gives our inspectors broader access to information and locations in Iran.
“So far, the IAEA has had access to all locations it needed to visit’ Amano said, adding “At present, Iran is subject to the world’s most robust nuclear verification regime.”
Government efforts to boost power supply will end load-shedding in few months: Ahsan Iqbal
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (APP): Energy projects will add 10,000 MW to the national grid that will help overcome the energy shortages and end load-shedding in the country in a few months, Minister for Interior, Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal said here on Friday.
Talking to APP before leaving for New York at the end of his visit here, the Minister said that the government made conscious efforts during the past four years to end the energy crisis that hurt every sector of the economy and affected the country’s exports.
“When we came into power after winning the general elections, the country was facing the worst energy crisis of its history with power outages of as long as 20 hours a day,” the Minister said but added that today, the load-shedding had been drastically reduced to just few hours a day.
He said that various measures taken by the government, including energy projects that would add 10,000 MG to the national energy supply, would end the energy crisis in the country.
By redressing the energy shortfall, the government was keen to boost economic productivity, he added.
The Minister said that under the China Pakistan Economic Power Corridor (CEPC), private sector had invested $36 billion into the energy sector and it was not loan. He said as a result of this massive investment, Pakistan would soon be free of load-shedding.
He particularly mentioned about the Chinese investment in the coal sector and said that Pakistan had coal reserves that were sufficient for 400 years.
Responding to a question about the trade imbalance, the Minister said that import bill rose mainly on account of importing machinery that was needed for various projects. After completion of these projects, Pakistan would be able to increase its productivity which would boost exports.
He also added that as a result of energy deficiency, many factories were forced to close and negatively impacted the country’s exports. However, he hoped, after the addition of mower supply to the national grid, these factories would work full hours and help boost exports.
The Minister said that the PML-N government had taken several initiatives in the education sector.
He said that Pakistan had the fewer number of Ph.Ds compared to its peer.
He said that in the United States, there were more than 250,000 Chinese studying for Ph.D degrees and a country like Iran, which was facing American sanctions, had more than 15,000 Ph.D students. As compared to that, he added, there were only between 5000-6000 Pakistani Ph.D students here.
Earlier, while addressing a gathering at the Embassy Forum, organized by the Pakistan Embassy, Washington DC, the Minister said highlighted the economic gains and the security successes of Pakistan achieved in the last four years.
He shared the remarkable progress made by Pakistan in the macroeconomic sector through prudent fiscal policies which have resulted in economic growth rate of over 5.3 percent per annum. Major economic projects were under way, such as CPEC that would generate business opportunities for foreign investors in coming years.
The Minister said that the security situation had improved considerably after successful military operations in the tribal areas as well as other parts of the country. Through the valiant efforts of Pakistan’s security forces and the determination of the entire nation, the country had reversed the tide of terrorism which had gripped it five years ago, he added.
Ahsan Iqbal also shared initiatives taken by the government to enhance education, empower women, improve healthcare and reduce poverty in Pakistan. He also sought support for the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor.
On Pak-US relations, the Minister expressed the hope that both countries would continue to work together in future as they had been strategic partners over the last seven decades.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry thanked the Minister for sharing his views on the occasion and helping to promote Pakistan’s positive image in the US.
The Forum was well attended with participants from US State Department, academia and members of the Pakistani American diaspora.
BISP taking lead in war against stunting: Marvi
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP):Minister of State and Chairperson BISP Marvi Memon has said BISP is taking lead in war against stunting as this research would provide a scalable sustainable model for integrating nutrition specific and sensitive approaches to BISP.
The minister said while speaking to the officials of World Food Programme (WFP), Punjab Health Department, BISP beneficiaries and Agha Khan University at Rahim Yar Khan, said a press release issued here on Saturday.
During her visit she was briefed on research on the effectiveness of a nutrition programme involving Specialized Nutritious Foods (SNF), Cash Based Transfers and Behavior Change Communication (BCC) to prevent stunting among children in district Rahim Yar Khan being carried out by World Food Programme( WFP) in collaboration with BISP, Integrated Reproductive Mother Neonatal Child Health (IRMNCH) Programme Punjab and Agha Khan University.
The research which will be concluded in 2019 would be showcased to the world for best practices and is thus the focus of much international attention.
This research is being done under the Letter of Understanding (LOU) signed between WFP, BISP and Punjab Health Department to build evidence base of different nutrition sensitive mechanisms that can contribute to the reduction of chronic malnutrition amongst under 2 years of age children in Pakistan.
The study is being conducted within BISP beneficiaries having pregnant and lactating women and 6-23 months old children in BISP households.
The Chairperson BISP stated that food insecurity is matter of high concern as 44% of children in Pakistan, 39% in Punjab and 42% in Rahim Yar Khan less than 5 years of age are stunted. This alarming situation needs to be tackled at the earliest.
She added that BISP is taking lead in war against stunting as this research would provide a scalable sustainable model for integrating nutrition specific and sensitive approaches to BISP, the premier national social safety net of the country, thus furthering the gains in curbing malnutrition.
The Chairperson added that as these children belong to the poorest segment of society being facilitated by BISP through its Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT), BISP’s role is pivotal in this fight against malnutrition.
She said that financial assistance through BISP is effectively helping the downtrodden in meeting their basic needs particularly food and health.
BISP Impact Evaluation Studies highlight the positive impact of BISP in reducing malnutrition rates as BISP stipend has increased the monthly food consumption driven by high protein intake in BISP families.
Shahzada Rashid WFP Head Punjab and Salma Yaqub Programme Officer WFP briefed that that the project is being implemented through IRMNCH programme Punjab in coordination with Department of Health at district level and in close coordination with Agha Khan University. “Wawamum” and “Maamta” are being provided to children between 6-24 months and pregnant and lactating mothers respectively.
The identified BISP beneficiaries would also be provided with behavior change communication. The research would follow three pathways that include cash transfer within a national social protection programme, women empowerment design and implementation of well structured behavioral change communication interventions to come up with an innovative model to prevent malnutrition.
The Chairperson BISP also held meetings with all the four groups of BISP beneficiaries enrolled in this research, where she was briefed by the field team on process of identification of beneficiaries for research.
The beneficiaries have been divided into four groups. The first group receives cash grant only, the second is provided with cash grant along with SNF, the third one is getting cash assistance along with enhanced BCC and the fourth group is being provided cash assistance, SNF and Enhanced BCC .
She also visited the homes of enrolled BISP beneficiaries where she inspected the follow up and data recording mechanism.
The Chairperson BISP reiterated that the results of this research would highlight the best nutrition sensitive approach that can then be replicated all across Pakistan and eventually the world to address malnutrition, stunting and low IQs. Better nutrition would improve IQ levels and thus guarantee a better future for Pakistan.
At U.N., Pakistan says exceptions to non-proliferation rules endangers regional strategic stability
UNITED NATIONS Oct 14 (APP):Pakistan has called for promoting global nuclear disarmament by building a rules-based, equitable and non-discriminatory order
that, among other elements, barred exceptions driven by strategic, political or commercial considerations.
Speaking in the General Assembly’s main committee, Ambassador Farukh Amil, who is Pakistan’s permanent
representative to the United Nations in Geneva, said that double standards in the application of non-proliferation norms for
the sake of political expedience and economic benefits endangered strategic stability in the South Asia region and beyond.
Ambassador Amil, who was speaking in a thematic debate on nuclear weapons, said that amid a worsening international
and regional security environment, the goal of nuclear disarmament seemed ever more elusive. That lack of progress was
primarily due to nuclear ‘weapon States in fulfilling their disarmament obligations, while constantly shifting the goal posts
towards additional non-proliferation measures that were cost-free for their own strategic gains.
Turning to the Conference on Disarmament (CD), he expressed regret that it had fallen short of expectations in fulfilling
its raison detre of nuclear disarmament. The frustration, brewing over the slow progress, had boiled over, giving rise to an
initiative launched outside the Conference on Disarmament to ban nuclear weapons, which had subsequently faltered by
ignoring the fundamental security considerations that underpinned nuclear disarmament.
While his Government empathized with the sense of disappointment that propelled the proponents of such a ban, the
Pakistani envoy said such initiatives would not lead to any real change on the ground.
For its part, any treaty that failed to improve security for all States was a non-starter, as evidenced by the failure of
the fissile material cut-off treaty negotiations to begin. Similarly, a treaty that only resulted in a cut-off in the future
production of fissile material would jeopardize Pakistan’s security and bring no added value to the cause of
disarmament.
Pakistan, he said, stands ready to consider a treaty that covers the past production of fissile material, and has put
forward a detailed Working Paper in this regard in the CD.
popular leader disqualified without any reason: Talal
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Friday said without any reason a popular leader had been disqualified and now he was facing a speedy trials in the accountability court.
.
Talking to a private news channel, he said that the Accountability Court was an open court and lawyers could witness the proceedings of the case.
The state minister said it was the responsibility of the government to provide the security to the court.
He said Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan was declared as absconder yet he was criticising the national institutions.
Pakistan offers help for peace in Afghanistan: FM
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Friday said Pakistan had offered help for peace in
Afghanistan.
“Pakistani Armed Forces to take action against the terrorists if credible ‘intelligence’ is given
to us,” he said talking to a private news channel.
Taliban was controlling over 40 percent territory in Afghanistan, he said.
Pakistan did not have sanctuaries or hideouts, he said, adding “Just blaming or
leveling allegations would not help resolve the problems, ” he said.
Pakistan had apprised the United States about playing role for peace in Afghanistan, he said.
PML-N govt believes in public service: State Minister
FAISALABAD, Oct 13 (APP): State Minister for Water and Power Chaudhry Abid Sher Ali on Friday said the PML-N government believed in service and welfare of the masses.
All basic amenities were being provided at doorsteps of the people by completing development projects speedily including CPEC and power plants, he added.
Inaugurating branch of Hilal-e-Ahmar Hospital at Allama Iqbal Colony, he said that first phase of the hospital was completed with an estimated cost of Rs 220 million whereas this hospital would be expanded up to 250 beds in its second phase with Rs 300 million.
He said the government had specially focused on provision of health facilities, adding that new branch of Hilal-e-Ahmar Hospital would help provide latest healthcare to the people of Allama Iqbal Colony and its peripheral areas.
He also announced construction of an under-pass and an overhead bridge near Allama Iqbal Colony to facilitate people of this area.
The State Minister said that Nawaz Sharif family believed in rule of law, adding that despite reservations, they not only accepted court decision but also implemented it.
He said the people of Pakistan were well aware of the services of the PML-N, therefore, they would once again vote for this party in General Elections 2018.
Parliamentarians Rana Afzal, Mian Tahir Jameel, Deputy Commissioner Salman Ghani and others also spoke on the occasion.
Saudi Ambassador calls on COAS
RAWALPINDI, Oct 13 (APP):Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at General Headquarters (GHQ) on Friday.
Issues of bilateral relations including defence and training cooperation remained focus of the discussion, said a statement issued here by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
FBR ropes in more banks, organizations in drive to boost filing of returns
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):An FBR team led by Member Facilitation and Taxpayer Education (FATE) Wing Friday continued meeting heads of leading banks and organizations on second consecutive day in Karachi as part of the taxpayer outreach and awareness programme.
The programme, started by Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), is aimed at creating understanding and awareness about tax obligations and offer facilitation to taxpayers to boost filing of Income Tax returns before the deadline of October 31, 2017, said a press release issued here.
The team led by Member FATE FBR Nausheen Javaid Amjad, Chief FATE FBR Tehmina Aamer and other senior officials of FBR held separate meetings with UBL President Seema Kamil, President and CEO of Faysal Bank Yousuf Hussain and Vice-president HR at Agha Khan Medical College Carol Ariano to explain main features of the taxpayer outreach programme of FBR with a focus on creating awareness and offering facilitation to taxpayers regarding their tax obligations.
During the meetings, Member FATE Nausheen Javaid Amjad stressed proper filing of Income Tax returns by employees of large organizations and offered to organize training workshops for educating the employees of the benefits of being on the Active Taxpayer List (ATL).
She informed the participants of the ease of e-filing and how the employees needed to be educated in respect of discharging their tax obligations.
The Member also called for educating the employees regarding the consequences of being a non-filer after the implementation of the differential tax scheme, whereby non filers are charged a higher rate of tax on various transactions such as bank withdrawals, purchase of cars and property.
During the meetings, it was felt that there was a lack of awareness regarding actions consequent to return filing and initiative taken by the FBR to create the requisite awareness was appreciated.
It was also felt that mostly middle management employees were non compliant in filing tax returns, and the situation could be rectified through an awareness campaign and hands-on training in coordination with the management of these organizations and the local tax offices.
The FBR team was assured that directives to all employees of the organizations visited regarding their return filing obligation would be circulated and training sessions conducted on the premises with the help of local tax authorities.
Pakistan suffered economic damages worth $2941 billion due to disasters, Mushahidullah
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah Khan Friday said that Pakistan had suffered 133 climate change-induced disasters from year 1996 to 2015, which caused economic damages to the tune of US$ 2,941.
Talking to media persons here in connection with the International Day for Disaster Reduction being marked today across the world, he said that protecting lives and livelihoods of the people, particularly in the country’s disaster-prone areas such as mountainous and coastal, through public awareness programmes and integrating disaster-resilience in public infrastructure development policies must for achieving sustainable economic development and poverty elimination.
He said, that the day offered a great opportunity to sensitise public about viable techniques today and everyday to reduce their vulnerabilities to climate change-induced disasters, particularly, land and river erosions, forest fires,, riverine and glacial lake outburst floods in the country.
“Role of the government, nongovernmental organizations and media is key to highlight importance of disaster risk reeducation in the disaster-prone Paksitan, which is ranked among the top ten most vulnerable countries to climate change-caused disasters, which have shown increase in frequency and intensity since 2010,” Mushahidullah Khan underlined.
The International Day for Disaster Reduction is marked every year on 13th October across the world under the ageis of the United Nations and countries including Pakistan celebrate the day. This year the Day is being marked under the theme ‘Home Safe Home: Reducing Exposure, Reducing Displacement and key focus is to highlight unprecedented importance of reducing the number of affected people by disasters by 2030.
Mushahidullah Khan said that the country had been ranked the 7th most affected country in the world because of climate change-related disasters, which had become more frequent intense and warned that the country’s ranking about vulnerability to disasters could worsen if all relevant federal and provincial government organizations failed to implement disaster risk reduction programmes , particularly in agriculture, energy, water, health, education, transport, infrastructure and energy sectors.
Quoting figures from the German Watch Index-2017 report, the minister said that as many as 133 climate change-induced disasters have occurred in the country between 1996 to 2015, which have caused economic damages of several billion dollars over these years.
“The climate change-related disasters, particularly riverine and flash floods, cause around four billion dollars of losses annually in economic damages, most of them related to agriculture, water, irrigation, health, education, energy and public infrastructure sectors,” he said.
Mushahidullah Khan pointed out, “Addressing these climate change-induced challenges and boosting countries resilience through local and national adaptation plans require an annual investment of around 40 billion dollars in renewable energy, transport, waste management and forestry sectors for mitigating 20 percent of its national carbon emissions by 2030 and seven 14 billion dollars annually for adapting to shifting climatic patterns.”
He stressed that ranked extremely vulnerable country to extreme climate events, Pakistan is in a state of forced adaptation to strengthen its resilience through these hefty investments projects that help protect the country from exacerbating fall outs of climate change on people, their lives and livelihoods, country’s economic sectors, mainly agriculture, water, energy and transport.
There is a huge potential for adaptation in Pakistan, particularly in strengthening and fortifying the flood infrastructure including water reservoirs and irrigation network. This would involve enhancing resilience of local communities to the adverse impacts of climate change.
Govt makes investment for generating 10,000 MW electricity: Ahsan Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Federal Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal Friday said that present government had made heavy
investment for generating 10,000 mega watt electricity.
The heavy investment for producing electricity was made during the period of three years, he said while talking to a private news channel.
The provinces were getting sufficient funds due to better collection of tax in the country launched by the Pakistan Muslim League (N) government after coming into power, he added.
The economic condition of Pakistan was improving as compared to the fiscal year 2013, he said.
To a question he said there was an economic war in the entire world and Pakistan’s economy was
improving gradually, he added.
Imran has no patience to tolerate criticism: Muqam
PESHAWAR, Oct 13 (APP):Advisor to Prime Minister
Amir Muqam Friday said Imran Khan becomes happy when any national institute
takes action against Nawaz Sharif but turns aggressive when a similar course of
action is taken against him.
Reacting on the speech of
PTI chairman here, he said that Imran Khan has not patience to tolerate criticism
and even targets the national institutions for taking action against him.
He said Imran Khan is
making tall claim of change in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where the people are witness of
the so-called change, adding that PTI’s struggle was only for power and when
they were given mandate the disappointed the people.
Muqam said that Imran Khan
should have to start accountability from himself before criticizing others. He
said that Imran has forgotten that PTI government took billions of rupees loans
for Peshawar Metro and ignored FWO for Swat Motorway project.
Marriyum condemns murder of senior journalist in Swabi
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb Friday strongly condemned the murder of a senior journalist Haroon Khan in Swabi. In a statement issued here Friday she expressed her heart-felt sympathies and condolence for the bereaved family and prayed for elevation of the ranks of the departed soul.
She urged the KPK government to arrest the culprits immediately and arraign them before the court for justice. The minister said journalism and democracy were sine quo non for each other and the government was taking appropriate measures for the safety and security of the journalists with a view to create a congenial working environment for them.
Oil, gas reserves discovered in Attock a national asset: Shehbaz
LAHORE, Oct 13 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Friday said we are thankful to Allah Almighty that new reserves of oil and gas have been discovered in Punjab after a long period of time.
These national resources, which have been discovered in Attock area of Punjab, are national assets and the property of 21 crore people of the country.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government got a stay order from the high court when gas was discovered in that province. But we won’t do it because the resource is property of the whole
nation, said the chief minister.
He said Pakistan consists of federating units including
Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan, and other territories including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata). He said the country would become prosperous only when all the federating units and other territories would be developed.
He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural
ceremony of Jhandial-I Project of oil and gas at Attock on
Friday. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was the chief guest
at the ceremony.
In his address, the chief minister said the discovery
of oil and gas reserves in Attock is a good news and for that,
the prime minister, people of Pakistan, especially Punjab, as
well as the Attock Oil Company deserve congratulations. It is
definitely the result of untiring efforts of engineers, executives, technicians and laborers that new reserves have been discovered
in Attock.
The CM said that 2,500-barrel oil would be pumped out from these
oil wells daily which will help strengthen the national economy.
It will increase the natural gas reserves as well, he added.
High-quality gas and oil has been found from this well and its
pressure is also good, the CM said.
It is our responsibility to bring about a revolution and change
lives of the common people through efficient and just utilization
of these resources so that Pakistan could emerge as a vibrant
economic power on the global map, he added.
He said Pakistan is a strong country as far as its defence
is concerned. It is a nuclear power as well, but we also need
to be self-reliant economically. It is against the honor of a
nuclear power to hold a begging bowl in its hands. Begging bowl
is not our destiny, and it was placed in out hands due to bad
policies of the past rulers. If the nation decides with consistency
to move further with collective vision and efforts, then no worldly obstacle can hinder our path, and all difficulties will die down
automatically.
He said the efforts for overcoming energy crisis, made under the leadership of PML-N Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, are bearing fruit and energy programs are being furthered successfully under the
leadership of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. He said that
the federal and Punjab governments have installed 3600MW gas power
plants in the province which are providing electricity to the whole of Pakistan. 1200MW gas power plant has been set up by the Punjab government with its own resources, while 2400MW gas power plants have been set up by the federal government, he added.
The CM said that Rs 112 billion have been saved in these gas-based projects and added that it is not a proverbial love story but a reality. The consumer is getting cheap electricity from these projects which is a big success. The Punjab government has also decided to set up another gas power plant of 1263MW capacity; agreement has been signed and the foundation stone of this project will be laid down at the end of this month. This is the biggest as well as the cheapest project in the history of the country which will provide 800MW electricity in 14 months, while 1263MW electricity will be included in the national grid in 26 months due to this project.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the Jhandial-I Project and prayed for its success.
NAB court an open court, anyone can go there: Rana Sana
LAHORE, Oct 13 (APP):Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan said on Friday National Accountability Bureau court was an open court and everybody should be allowed to attend the proceedings there.
However, he termed the incident, took place at the accountability court, unfortunate and condemnable.
Speaking to media at the Punjab Assembly cafeteria, he said
a very important case was being heard by the court and obviously politicians and lawyers would go there to attend it. He suggested
that hearing could be shifted to any other place in the face of
less space there. He said every lawyer had the right to go to
any open court. He claimed that the situation took serious turn when lawyers were barred from attending proceedings at the NAB court.
Answering a question, Sana said, “True, the government is ours,
but not NAB.”
About his controversial statement, the minister made it clear
that the baseless statement was attributed to him, saying that
Khatam-e-Nabuwwat was basic part of our religion and the one
who did not believe in the finality of Prophethood was out of
Islam. He said the Constiution of Pakistan guaranteed rights
to all minorities but, he said the same constitution had declared Qadianis non-Muslims.
Lambasting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, Rana Sana said
he (Imran) would quit politics once and for all after seeing results
of elections 2018. “Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz is a single popular
party of the country and it will win the next general elections
with a thumping majority,” he added.