Islamabad, October 13, (APP):Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who is on an official visit to the United States, Friday took strong notice of the incident of mismanagement outside the Judicial Complex building and sought a report from the Secretary Interior.
According to a message received here, the minister directed the Secretary Interior to submit a comprehensive report of the incident at the earliest, saying “There will be no compromise on respect of the court. “
He said advocates involved in misconduct and violating laws could not be considered as the guardian of Law.
Ahsan Iqbal said court entry passes were issued keeping in view the limited space, adding that the court safety would be ensured at every cost.
Ahsan takes notice of mismanagement at Judicial Complex, seeks report
PM to inaugurate first coal, cement terminal at Port Qasim on Oct.14
KARACHI, Oct 13 (APP): Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will inaugurate Pakistan’s first coal, clinker and cement terminal at Port Qasim established by the sponsors of Marine Group on October 14.
The project has been completed this year and has successfully berthed 12 coal ships at the terminal, says PIBTL release here on Friday.
The company, Pakistan International Berth Terminal Limited has invested around 285 million dollars in the establishment of this unique project, said PIBTL Chief Executive Officer, Sharique Siddiqui.
The terminal is capable of handling twelve million tons of coal in bulk per annum and with an average discharge rate of over 30,000 tons per day.
The terminal handles cargo very efficiently at international standard, he said.
” We have currently over 20,000 shareholders. We work round-the-clock to add value to our shareholders across the society,” he said.
PIBTL, under 30-year built, operate and transfer (BOT) agreement with Port Qasim Authority, has built its own jetty and was equipped with two coal ship unloading cranes and one cement/clinker loading crane, he said.
The state-of-the-art infrastructure at terminal not only reduced cargo handling time but will decrease wastage of coal and cement during handling and their amalgamation with external particles during storage.
The dedicated terminal was dredged to 13.0 meters deep and was capable of handling ships of up to 65,000 tons. The terminal operates more speedily, efficiently and reliably than the coal operation was being done by stevedores at Karachi Port, he claimed.
He said a coal cargo ship with similar tonnage of cargo currently took around five days at KPT and at PIBT it could be handled within two days due to modern and mechanized handling system.
The terminal jetty had been built to handle deeper draft vessels of 15.5 metres and PIBT will be able to handle larger vessels once Port Qasim dredges the channel deeper beyond 13 metres draft.
Siddiqui said PIBTL’s vision was to transform the port infrastructure through investment in the latest technologies and according to the best global standards for cargo handling.
Its goal was to strive for excellence and to build world-class port infrastructure in the country, he said.
PIBTL was a public limited company listed at Pakistan Stock Exchange and was sponsored by the Marine Group of Companies. It was partly financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC); the private sector arm of the World Bank Group.
Pakistan, Russia cooperation in various sectors a step towards strengthening of bilateral ties: PM
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday said that Pakistan–Russia cooperation
in various sectors was a step towards strengthening of bilateral relations.
The prime minister was talking to Yury P. Sentyurin, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation, who called on him at the PM Office.
The prime minister stated that the government was focusing on meeting the country’s energy requirements with particular focus on a balanced mix of energy sources. The prime minister appreciated the delegation’s fruitful interaction with Ministry of Energy.
The prime minister expressed the hope that members of the Russian delegation would have a productive visit in the backdrop of briefing by various ministries about immense potential for investment in Pakistan’s infrastructure development, energy and communication sectors.
The prime minister said that the economic outlook of Pakistan had altogether changed in the last four years, which was being acknowledged globally.
“Our investment policy has been designed to provide a comprehensive framework for creating a conducive business environment for the attraction of FDI, the prime minister said and added that Pakistan’s policy trends had been consistent, with liberalization, deregulation, privatization, and facilitation being its foremost cornerstone.
Minister In-Charge for Power Owais Legahri, Minister of State for Petroleum, Jam Kamal Khan
and Alexey Y. Dedov, Ambassador of Russia to Pakistan were also present during the meeting.
Later, the prime minister also witnessed signing of Inter-Governmental Agreement between Pakistan and Russia for supply of gas.
CJP forms special bench to hear petition of IHC judge accused of misconduct
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar has formed a special Supreme Court bench to hear a petition of a serving Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge, accused of misconduct, seeking direction that he be given an open trial before the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC).
Headed by Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh, the three-judge bench, comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, will take up the case on October 18.
It is to mention that one week ago IHC judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui approached the apex court to request that he be given an open trial before the SJC.
Siddiqui filed a constitutional petition in the apex court on October 5 under Article 184 (3), making the council and the federation respondents.
Mismanagement incident took place outside judicial complex building, not in court premises: Dr Tariq
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Divisiion (CADD) Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Friday said the incident of mismanagement took place outside the building of Judicial Complex, not in the court premises, where several courts were functioning.
He said a number of lawyers daily visit the complex to attend the courts dealing with customs, banking, FIA. Accountability and Anti-Terrorism cases were operating and conducting hearings simultaneously.
“The unfortunate incident occurred at a picket outside the court premises when lawyers tried to enter the building at once, which caused some mismanagement,” he said while addressing a news conference here.
“I categorically say that the mismanagement took place outside the complex building, not in the court premises, near a picket where a number of lawyers attempted to enter the compound to appear in different cases as per their routine practice,” he said.
He said Mariyam Nawaz, daughter of former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, and her spouse Captain (r) Muhammed Safdar appeared before Accountability Court as per schedule, rejecting the impression that PML-N workers tried to interrupt the court proceeding.
“There are two security points, one is the picket under SSP (Operations) outside the complex and the other is at the building under SSP (Security),” he said and added that an inquiry into the incident had already been ordered.
Earlier, he said, Nawaz Sharif, Mariyam Nawaz, Captain ® Safdar and Ishaq Dar had been appearing before the accountability court, but no such mismanagement occurred.
Dr Tariq said PTI chief Imran Khan and PPP leaders were doing propaganda on the incident and trying to malign the PML-N, regretting that Imran Khan was leveling allegations who himself was not abiding by court orders in different cases and was a declared absconder.
He said the PML-N leadership always respected the judiciary and had been appearing in Supreme Court, before the Joint Investigation Team on Panama Papers and Accountability Courts, despite having reservations.
“Respect to judiciary and not agreeing with court decisions are two different things,” he said citing an example that if a litigant was not satisfied with a court verdict, usually he approached the higher forum for remedy. It is a legal right of every citizen to not agree with any decision, if he is not satisfied with any verdict,” he said.
The Minister said the PML-N leadership was not in confrontation with judiciary, it was just exercising its legitimate and legal right, as former prime minister was tried in the Panama Papers case, but was ousted on ‘Aqama’ and not getting salary from his son.
Answering a question, Dr Fazal said earlier opponents had been doing propaganda that Nawaz Sharif and his family members would not appear in the accountability courts, but they appeared and the former prime minister would attend the court in next hearing.
Govt committed to create enabling environment for businesses to grow: PM
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Friday reiterated the government’s commitment to continue undertaking all possible measures including policy initiatives to create an enabling environment for the businesses to grow and making the country’s products more competitive in the international market.
The prime minister expressed these views in a meeting with a delegation of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) here at the PM’s Office.
Finance Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Commerce Minister Pervaiz Malik, Special Assistant to PM (SAPM) Haroon Akhter, SAPM Miftah Ismail and senior officers of the relevant divisions were also present during the meeting.
The delegation thanked the prime minister for revision and enhancement of Prime Minister’s Export Package which aimed at facilitating exporters to explore traditional as well as non-traditional markets around the world.
The delegation lauded the efforts of the government for ensuring energy security in the country especially for the industrial consumers. The delegation also presented various proposals aimed at increasing exports and thereby reducing trade deficit of the country.
While responding to the proposals, the Prime Minister observed that the government was prepared to work on any proposal which can ensure a tangible increase in exports and which provides for twin advantages of reducing trade deficit and increasing employment.
The prime minister directed the minister of commerce to sit with the exporters and come back to him with firm recommendations based on empirical evidence.
PM inaugurates large reservoir of oil and gas at Jhandial
JHANDIAL, (Fatehjang) Oct 13 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Friday inaugurated one of the largest oil and gas reserves from Jhandial well, which according to preliminary estimates indicates recoverable reserves of at least 292 billion standard cubic feet of gas and 23 million barrels of oil per annum.
Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Minister for Defence Khurrum Dastgir Khan, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab and Minister of State for Petroleum Jam Kamal were present during the occasion.
It is the first major discovery by the Pakistan Oil fields Limited (POL) in the last five years. Jhandial well is located in Ikhlas Block in Northern Potohar, about 83 kilometers Southwest of Islamabad in District Attock. The Jhandial discovery is expected to contribute to the country’s energy sustainability while also having a positive impact on the future of exploratory efforts in the block and surrounding areas. The well will be connected to the production line in around a fortnight and will gradually attain full potential.
The POL holds 80% share in the block whereas the Attock Oil Company (AOC) has a 20% share. The experts say the block from where the discovery has been made was located in a prospective but geologically complex area surrounded by a number of significant oil discoveries. The drilling of the deep exploratory well Jhandial-1 was proposed after acquisition and interpretation of 3D seismic data.
The Prime Minister was briefed about the new discovery. He was informed that the well was drilled to a total depth of 18,497 feet to test the Eocene and Paleocene carbonate reservoirs. During tests, significant amount of hydrocarbons (oil and gas) were discovered with flow rates of 21 million cubic feet of gas and 2,520 barrels of oil per day at choke size of 40/64 at well head flowing pressure of 3,768 psi, besides 50 tonnes of Liquified Petroleum Gas.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity of the oil is around 40ø and the gas has a rich calorific value of 1,161 British Thermal Units per standard cubic feet of gas. The gas composition analysis indicates that it contains about 86% methane, 7.2% ethane and 2.9% propane. The LPG content of the gas is about 2.5 metric tons per million cubic feet of gas.
CGS UK Army calls on COAS
RAWALPINDI, Oct 13 (APP):Chief of General Staff (CGS) UK Army, General Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter arrived on a
two-day official visit to Pakistan and called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General
Qamar Javed Bajwa here at General Headquarters (GHQ). Matters of mutual interest
including strengthening of bilateral security and defence cooperation between
the two armies were discussed during the meeting, said a statement issued
by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan
Army’s achievements in the fight against terrorism and continued efforts for
peace and stability in the region. He said that UK greatly appreciated
Pakistan’s sacrifices in this regard.
Earlier on arrival at GHQ, the CGS UK Army, laid floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. A
smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Army presented the guard of honour to
him.
The visiting dignitary will address participants of National Security and War
Course
India’s role in Afghanistan not in regional intrest: FO
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):India’s controversial role in Afghanistan is not in the interest of regional stability and not acceptable to Pakistan.
During the weekly press briefing, Spokesperson foreign office Nafees Zakriya here on Thursday said Indian role in Afghan’s conflict can endanger regional stability, Pakistan takes this issue very seriously and has raised it on several international fora.
He said Pakistan has also taken up this issue in high level US delegation visit to Pakistan which was a follow-up of the meeting between our Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and US Vice President Mike Pence in Washington.
“We have provided proofs of Indian interference in Afghanistan “,he added.
He said that both sides have agreed to remain engage in regional cooperation at all levels especially with regard to terrorism. “US delegation has also been briefed on HR violations in IoK during the meeting”, he added.
Nafees said the essence of the meeting with US delegation was to focus on finding the solution of terrorism and Afghan conflict.
Replying to a query he said, Pakistan has always showed consent to participate in any initiative that aimed to find settlement of Afghan issue. “We have to move forward, Pakistan has always supported all the initiatives including Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG).
He said Pakistan wants an ‘Afghan-led’ solution of the issue.
He informed that Foreign Secretary also visited Russia to lead the Pakistan delegation to the meeting of Shenghai Corporation Organization (SCO) Contact Group on Afghanistan. She also held bilateral meetings with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Igor Morgulov and Russian President’s Special Representative on Afghanistan Ambassador Zamir Kabulov.
Replying to a question about India hosting the 14th EU-India summit last week, he said being a custodian of Human Rights, European Union should take a clear stance on Indian atrocities in Indian occupied Kashmir.
He informed that in Indian occupied Kashmir, brutal killing of Kashmiris by Indian armed forces continues unchecked. “In last four days, reportedly seven Kashmiri youth have been martyred. We condemn Indian atrocities in IoK against innocent Kashmiris and urge International Community to act now to stop Kashmiris’ bloodshed and India to hold accountable for the heinous crimes being committed by its forces in IoK”.
He said Pakistan has been effectively raising the issue of Kashmir at International Forums and calls for immediate halt of bloodshed in the valley. “Our representatives in in UN New York and UN Geneva have constantly been raising this issue”,he added.
He said OIC contact groups on Kashmir have also urged sending of a Fact-Finding Mission to IoK which is also demanded by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Council, OIC’s IPHRC and Parliamentarians and members of civil society from across the globe.
He said our permanent representatives in UN have emphasized that human rights violations in IOK must not go unnoticed and silence on account of political and economic expediency is a manifestation of double standards. They underlined that it would also damage the credibility of the proponents of human rights and defeats the purpose for which Human Rights bodies were created.
Replying to another question he said, “We have been engaging with Iranian authorities over border management and there has been no miscommunication between the two countries”.
He said Kashmir dispute is among the oldest items on the UN agenda. Non-resolution of this dispute by the UN has encouraged India to prevent the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, through force and fraud, from ‘exercising their fundamental and inalienable right to self-determination’.
The spokesperson said Indian deployment of 700,000 Indian troops in occupied Kashmir to suppress the legitimate freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people, is a blatant violation of the UNSC Resolutions on Kashmir.
PM inaugurates large reservoir of oil and gas at Jhandial
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Friday inaugurated one of the largest oil and gas reserves from Jhandial well, which according to preliminary estimates indicates recoverable reserves of at least 292 billion standard cubic feet of gas and 23 million barrels of oil.
Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Minister for Defence Khurrum Dastgir Khan, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab and Minister of State for Petroleum Jam Kamal were present during the occasion.
It is the first major discovery by the Pakistan Oil fields Limited (POL) in the last five years. Jhandial well is located in Ikhlas Block in Northern Potohar, about 83 kilometers Southwest of Islamabad in District Attock. The Jhandial discovery is expected to contribute to the country’s energy sustainability while also having a positive impact on the future of exploratory efforts in the block and surrounding areas. The well will be connected to the production line in around a fortnight and will gradually attain full potential.
The POL holds 80% share in the block whereas the Attock Oil Company (AOC) has a 20% share. The experts say the block from where the discovery has been made was located in a prospective but geologically complex area surrounded by a number of significant oil discoveries. The drilling of the deep exploratory well Jhandial-1 was proposed after acquisition and interpretation of 3D seismic data.
The Prime Minister was briefed about the new discovery. He was informed that the well was drilled to a total depth of 18,497 feet to test the Eocene and Paleocene carbonate reservoirs. During tests, significant amount of hydrocarbons (oil and gas) were discovered with flow rates of 21 million cubic feet of gas and 2,520 barrels of oil per day at choke size of 40/64 at well head flowing pressure of 3,768 psi.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity of the oil is around 40ø and the gas has a rich calorific value of 1,161 British Thermal Units per standard cubic feet of gas. The gas composition analysis indicates that it contains about 86% methane, 7.2% ethane and 2.9% propane. The LPG content of the gas is about 2.5 metric tons per million cubic feet of gas.
69th birth anniversary of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan observed
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):The 69th birth anniversary of magical voice of the sub-continent, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is being observed today (Friday).
According to PTV news channel, he is popularly known as “Shahenshah-e-Qawwali”.
The legend Qawwal, born in Faisalabad on October 13, 1948 in a classical family of singers.
He was also awarded Pride of Performance.
President stresses effective national security strategy to address internal, external threats
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):President Mamnoon Hussain on Friday said that region’s situation had cast deep impact on the country’s political, social and economic matters and called for devising effective strategies on national security to address internal and external threats.
Addressing at the certificate distribution ceremony of National Security War Course-19 here at the National Defence University (NDU), the President said in current scenario, the concepts of national security had changed and serious efforts were required to counter the anti-state narrative.
The five-week programme gathered 69 participants including four Senators, 10 Members of National Assembly, 11 Members of Provincial Assemblies, two members each from Legislative Assemblies of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, four army personnel and 30 members of civil society.
President Mamnoon said that Pakistan suffered great loss at the hands of militancy and paid tributes to the government and armed forces for rendering immense sacrifices in this regard.
He mentioned that the situation in Kashmir, India, Afghanistan, Iran and Middle East had direct impact on Pakistan.
He said swift steps were required for the effective implementation of National Action Plan (NAP).
Terming Pakistanis a great nation, the President expressed confidence that it would play a significant role in bringing peace at global front.
He said instability in the recent past caused many problems to national security and emphasized on improving the dialogue among different segments of society to find a common solution.
He expressed confidence that NDU was focusing on preparing the opinion leaders and intelligentsia to work out policies on national security and proposed that appropriate legislation in this regard could also be done.
He said media should also play a role in promoting peace narrative against extremism.
The President called for bringing improvement in the country’s health, education and human resource sectors and said capacity-building of law enforcement personnel was essential to eradicate militancy.
He said there was a need to inculcate a sense of ownership for the country among people particularly youth.
The President gave away certificates among the participants of the National Security Workshop.
Earlier, Acting President NDU Major General Samrez Salik in his welcome address briefed the audience about the features of the Workshop, which he said provided the participants, representing different segments of society, a platform to discuss security and economic challenges facing the country.
The course participants including Senator Rubina Khalid, Member Punjab Assembly Sheharyar Malik and Amir Durrani gave a presentation titled ‘Exercise Pakistan Zindabad’ including recommendations on lifting of death moratorium, military courts and criminal justice system.
PM launches commemorative stamp in honour of Maulana Mufti Mahmood
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Friday launched a commemorative postage stamp in recognition of the great services of late Maulana Mufti Mahmood for the religion and politics in the country.
Addressing an event here at the PM Office, the Prime Minister mentioned his contributions to Pakistan and the religion Islam and said the life of the late Maulana was of a struggle. He stood for principles and gave a new direction to the politics by bringing in decency and tolerance.
The Prime Minister said the launch of the postage stamp today was a recognition of the services of the late Maulana officially and pointed that it was important that all such towering personalities who have served the nation were acknowledged. He said all similar personalities who rendered valuable services for the country also need to given due recognition.
The Prime Minister said his valuable contributions for the 1973 Constitution, democracy and the country would long be remembered. He said his role in the movement of 1977 for Khatam-e-Nabawwat (PBUH) was laudable.
Prime Minister Abbasi said his contributions in the field of religion were highly appreciable and said today his son Maulana Fazalur Rehman was carrying forward his legacy of creating consensus and avoiding the divide.
He said the country cannot progress without democracy. He said parliamentary form of governance does have its ills, but these need to be rectified with time. He said the politicians in Pakistan have learnt a lot from the style of politics of these great leaders and hoped the coming generations too would continue to benefit.
The event was attended by Minister for Postal Services Maulana Amir Zaman, Maulana Ghafoor Haidri, Akram Durrani and senior officials of the Pakistan Post.
Maulana Fazalur Rehman lauded the launch of the postage stamp in honour of Maulana Mufti Mahmood and highlighted his role for Islam. He said Maulana Mufti Mahmood was a renowned religious scholar and one of the founding members of the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam. He was appreciative of the government and the Postal Services for honouring Maulana Mufti Mahmood.
Late Mufti Mahmood participated in the elections for the National Assembly in 1962 and won a landslide victory in Dera Ismail Khan constituency in the 1970 General Election. He served as Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and introduced several reforms:; including Urdu as official language in Government offices, ban on interest in financial transactions and Friday as the official holiday in his province.
China wins 2nd PN In’tl Nautical Competition
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):China
has won the 2nd PN International Nautical Competition by securing four gold
medals whereas UAE remained runner up.
Commander Karachi Rear Admiral Ather Mukhtar distributed the trophies
and prizes amongst the winners, stated a news release issued here by media
directorate of Pakistan Navy.
The 2nd PN International
Nautical Competition concluded Friday with a prize distribution ceremony at
Pakistan Naval Academy. Commander Karachi Rear Admiral Ather Mukhtar was the
chief guest on the occasion.
In the three-day long competition a
total of six teams from China, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Pakistan Naval
Academy and Pakistan Marines Academy participated. The competitions were
conducted in various categories of swimming and lifesaving races in Naval
Physical Training and Sports Complex PNS Karsaz as well as seamanship race and
sailing competitions at Karachi Harbour.
The Chinese Naval Academy team displayed
marvelous performance throughout the event and stood overall winner of the
competition.
Detailed results of the Competition
are as under:
Event:
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Life Saving Race:
China
Sri Lanka
PNA
200m Individual Medley
Sri
Lanka
China
PNA
100 m Breast Stroke
China
Sri Lanka
UAE
100 m Free Style Relay
China
Sri Lanka
UAE
4X100m Free Style Relay
China
Sri Lanka
UAE
Seamanship race
UAE
China
PNA
Sailing Race
KSA
UAE
China
World acknowledges Pakistan’s efforts in war against terror: Khawaja Asif
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said the world had acknowledged the
Pakistan’s efforts in war against terrorism.
Pakistan Armed Forces had played a vital role and achieved many successes in fighting war against
terror, he said while talking to a private news channel.
He said Armed Forces role in war against terrorism was commendable.
All the institutions including judiciary and media were working independently in the country, he added.
The democratic system was strengthening day by day, he said.
To a question he said that there was no threat to democratic system in the country. He said that all
the national institutional were working under their domain.
To another question, he said the difference of opinion was the essence of democracy.
Minister of Power made special invitee of ECNEC
Islamabad, October 13, (APP):The Prime Minister has included Minister of Power, in the composition of Special Invitees of Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
The cabinet division has issued the notification to this effect in continuation of Cabinet Division’s notification dated August 17, 2017 and in terms of rule 17(2) of the Rules of Business, 1973.
Ahsan Iqbal emphasizes importance of Pakistan-US partnership in achieving common goals
WASHINGTON, Oct 13 (APP): Minister of Interior Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday emphasized over the importance of Pakistan-U.S. partnership in achieving common regional objectives and the promotion of mutual interests.
He was speaking at a round table discussion of U.S. scholars and think-tank analysts at the Middle East Institute in Washington. The Minister also noted the successful rescue by Pakistani security forces of American national Caitlan Coleman and her family, who had been held captive in Afghanistan since 2012.
He said the release in an operation based on intelligence shared by the U.S. was testament to the value of close cooperation between the two countries.
Minister Iqbal also briefed the audience about the improved security environment in Pakistan while alluding to the significant decline in the incidence of terrorist attacks in Pakistan since 2013, which had restored foreign investor confidence in the country.
The Minister called Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy, based on the 20-point National Action Plan, a rare example of success in the fight against terrorism in the region.
The Minister, who also holds the portfolio for Planning, Development and Reform, said his government had turned around the country’s economy in the past four years, through policies of economic reform and infrastructure development.
He termed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor a trans-formative project, which could be an engine for growth and prosperity in South and Central Asia.
Football exhibition match on Saturday
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):A football exhibition match will be played between Iswa Academy and Gladiator Academy on Saturday here at Pakistan Sports Complex.
Muhammad Saad Quershi of Saad Builders will be the chief guest on the occasion and will distribute prizes among the winners.
Chairman Iswa football academy Sharafat Hussain Bukhari said all arrangements of the match has been finalized. “The match will be played between Under-15 players and our aim to promote youth through this match,” he said.
New int’l Test, ODI leagues agreed in principle by ICC members
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):The International Cricket Council (ICC) Friday gave green signal to the nine-team Test and 13-team ODI leagues aimed at bringing context and meaning to bilateral cricket.
The schedules of the leagues, due to start in 2019 and 2020 respectively, will now be finalized, said an ICC press release issued here.
The Test series league will see nine teams play six series over two years – three home and three away – with each having a minimum of two Tests and a maximum of five and all matches being played over five days culminating in a World Test League Championship Final.
The ODI league will be a direct qualification pathway towards the ICC Cricket World Cup and will be contested by the 12 Full Members plus the winners of the current ICC World Cricket League Championship. In the first edition of the league, each side will play four home and four away series each comprising of three ODIs moving to all teams playing each other from the second cycle onwards.
ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar congratulated the members on reaching this agreement and putting the interests of the development of the game first.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said the approval of both leagues is the conclusion of two years of work from the Members who have explored a whole range of options to bring context to every game.
The ICC Board approved a trial of four-day Tests matches to run through until the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Members will be able to schedule four-day games by bilateral agreement and a set of standardised playing conditions will now be finalised.
Richardson said our priority was to develop an international cricket structure that gave context and meaning across international cricket and particularly in the Test arena. This has been delivered and every Test in the new League will be a five-day Test format.
A number of decisions around event hosts were taken by the ICC Board in Auckland. The ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier will be held in Zimbabwe in March 2018.
Namibia have been confirmed as the host of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 in February 2018 whilst the Netherlands have been approved as the host of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier 2018.
The process for the appointment of the ICC female independent director was confirmed and the recruitment will get underway in the coming week.
The Board approved a revised draft of Player Eligibility Regulations which will come into effect in due course.
Continuity in policies to help strengthen democratic system: Musadik
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Media Affairs Dr Musadik Malik has said that
continuity in the policies of the present government would help strengthen
democratic system in the country.
The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) led government should complete its constitutional tenure,
he said while talking to a private news channel.
The next elections should be held in time, he added.
The people would give vote to PML-N in the next general elections on the basis of performance, he said, adding
They would not select those political parties which could not deliver to the
them.
To a question, he said that political parties should learn from their mistakes.
He said that democracy was imperative to streamline the system.