ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP):American Ambassador to Pakistan, David Hale was honored to accept, on behalf of the entire United States Mission to Pakistan, an award from the Global Entrepreneurship Network – Pakistan in recognition of the American Mission’s strong and concerted efforts to energize and expand Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Speaking at a reception celebrating National Entrepreneurship Month and Global Entrepreneurship Week here Friday, Ambassador Hale lauded the strong entrepreneurial traditions shared by Pakistan and America. He emphasized that economic growth and vitality – with all members of society participating freely and fairly – are the foundation of security, stability, and prosperity.
Ambassador Hale noted, “Pakistan can be a knowledge hub in the region,” and said he was pleased to recognize Pakistan’s delegates to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Hyderabad, India, November 28-30.
The 2018 GES theme is “Women First, Prosperity for All.” The American Mission promotes women’s entrepreneurship through a variety of programs such as the WECREATE Center in Islamabad, Pakistan’s first and only co-working space; “Women Can Do,” a series of skill-building seminars for over 4,000 young Pakistani women; and exchange programs such as TechWomen, which 10 Pakistani women attended in San Francisco, California, this year.
U.S. Ambassador Celebrates Global Entrepreneurship
UN urges Myanmar to end Rakhine military operations
UNITED NATIONS, Nov 17 (APP):A United Nations committee has endorsed a resolution calling on Myanmar to put an end to its military operations that have caused more than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh since late August.
The General Assembly’s Third Committee, which focuses on human rights, on Thursday passed the resolution, drafted by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, with 135 votes in favour to 10 against (Myanmar, China, Russia, Belarus, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Philippines, Syria, Vietnam, Zimbabwe) with 26, including India, abstaining.
The resolution also called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to appoint a special envoy on Myanmar.
More than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims have so far fled the predominantly-Buddhist Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh since August 25, when a crackdown on the Rohingya intensified in Rakhine.
The United Nations has already described the Rohingya as the most persecuted community in the world, calling the situation in Rakhine similar to a textbook example of ethnic cleansingEstimates as to how many Muslims have been killed vary from 1,000 to 3,000.
At the root of the crisis is the refusal by Myanmar to grant citizenship to the Muslim minority. The government says the Rohingya should go to Bangladesh, where they are originally from, while Bangladesh says that they are from Myanmar and that Dhaka has accepted Rohingya refugees only on humanitarian grounds.
Thursday’s resolution also called on Myanmar’s authorities to grant access to a UN panel tasked with investigating allegations of abuse after the eruption of a wave of violence in October 2016.
It also urged full and unhindered access of humanitarian aid to the violence-hit region and called on Myanmar to grant full citizenship rights to Rohingya Muslims.
The resolution, which will now be formally adopted by the 193-member General Assembly in December, deepens international pressure on the government of Myanmar but is not legally binding.
For 15 years the UN Committee annually adopted a resolution denouncing Myanmar’s human rights record, but last year the European Union did not put forward a draft text due to reported progress in how Myanmar’s government has been dealing with the issue of the Rohingya under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Meanwhile, Myanmar’s representative also voiced objections to the resolution and asked for a vote to be called. In some cases, such as the recently adopted resolution on North Korea’s human rights abuses, the measure is adopted by consensus, although North Korea and a handful of other countries disassociated themselves from it.
“The draft resolution is, to say the least, flawed in its substance and dubious and questionable in intent,” the Myanmar representative said.
“It is based on one-sided accusations, and falsely claimed evidence, using controversial and self-designated nomenclature throughout…(The) draft resolution also undermines the sovereignty of a nation and is tantamount to insulting its people.”
Among those who abstained or voted against it, there are those that object to singling out countries when other U.N. mechanisms, such as the Human Rights Council, already exist.
On Thursday, Human Rights Watch on Thursday released a new 37-page report documenting rapes committed by Myanmar’s security forces based on interviews with 52 Rohingya women and girls who fled to Bangladesh. The organization has found that the abuses were violations of international law and amounted to crimes against humanity.
China, Russia to stage joint anti-missile computerized exercise
BEIJING, Nov 17 (APP):The Chinese and Russian militaries will hold the second “Aerospace Security – 2017” computerized staff-command exercise in Beijing from Dec. 11 to 16.
The two sides will carry out joint drills on the preparation, command and firepower coordination of the air-defense and anti-missile operations, according to a statement of China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Friday.
“The main goal of the exercise aims at protecting the two countries’ territories from accidental or provocative strikes by ballistic and guided missiles,” the MND said.
Govt not to accept any illegal demand of protestors: Talal
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry Friday said the present government would not accept any illegal demand of protestors holding a sit-in at the Faizabad interchange of the federal capital.
.Talking to a private news channel, he claimed that according to reports, some anti-state elements were present in the sit-in at Faizabad, who wanted to create unrest in the country.
The minister said it was a group of religious extremists who had faced bad defeat. in the bye elections and now they were playing with the religious sentiments of the people.
He said the government apologized to the people who were facing lot of difficulties from two weeks due to this illogical protest but the government would not provide any chance to the protesters to fulfill the negative designs of the protesting groups/sit in .
Talal said the protesters and their leadership were using abusive and derogatory language against others but clamming that they were followers of Islam , adding Islam is the name of a peaceful religion and do not give permission to anyone for creating problems for others.
Cabinet body seeks proposal on electricity import from Iran to meet Gwadar needs: Malik
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP):The Cabinet Committee on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Friday assigned the ministry concerned to submit a detailed proposal regarding the import of electricity from Iran to specifically meet the future needs of Gwadar.
Briefing the media about the proceedings of the meeting of the cabinet committee held under the chair of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Special Assistant and Spokesperson to Prime Minister Musadik Malik said the participants discussed the CEPC projects in detail including power and water supply, construction of Gwadar airport, free port, extension of the port and development of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
He said the committee had asked the ministry concerned to furnish the proposal by coming weeks for import of the electricity from Iran for Gwadar.
He said though Pakistan had already been importing a minor chunk of electricity from Iran, but on barter basis, to avoid the violations of the international sanctions imposed on Iran.
To a question, he said Pakistan was ready to complete the gas pipeline project with Iran propvided the international sanctions on Iran were lifted.
He said the government had tackled the power crisis efficiently and the country would become power surplus shortly.
Malik said China had provided a grant worth Rs22.25 billion for construction of Gwadar International Airport and the preliminary design of the project had been completed. The work on the project would start by mid next year and would take another three years for completion.
He said the government would also hold first global expo in Gwadar to promote investment in the country.
He said the government was also strategizing to end the dependence on rainwater in Gwadar and had sought proposals in this regard to execute long term project to cope with water needs.
He told media that nine SEZs would be established representing all federating units including Gilgit Baltistan and AJK.
He said the government had announced five-year exemption from custom duty for the parties developing the SEZs and ten year exemption for the industries to operate there provided they start functioning before June 2020.
He said the government had installed gasification plant of 600 million cubic feet within 11 months and second one would be inaugurated within a couple of days.
To a question, Malik said finance minister was under treatment abroad, the prime minister was looking after the affairs of his ministry.
The spokesperson said the government would continue taking stringent measures to ensure security of the CPEC as various elements were poised to foil this gigantic project.
He said the Joint Cooperation Committee on CPEC was scheduled to meet on November 21, that would take up the long term projects under the CPEC besides discussing all relevant issues.
He said Gwadar Port was being extended and three multipurpose berths would be added to the facility.
He said after the National Assembly had passed the electoral reforms bill, a constitutional crisis had been averted besides putting to rest the rumors of the national and technocrat government.
Apprising the media about the prime minister’s engagements during this week, the spokesperson said the National Security Committee had discussed in details about the security situation of the country with particular focus on CPEC and the aftermath of recent terror wave in Quetta and Bajaur.
He said the prime minister had initiated a series of meetings with the youngsters as he had recently interacted with the delegations of the students realizing them an asset for the country.
Malik said in another meeting with all the chief ministers, the prime minister had also resolved the longstanding issue of net hydel profit.
UN rushes medical supplies for thousands wounded in Iran-Iraq earthquake
UNITED NATIONS, Nov 17 (APP):United Nations agencies have delivered medical supplies to the areas of Iran and Iraq struck by a devastating earthquake, and are urging vigilance against the possible outbreaks of infectious and waterborne diseases, the U.N. said Friday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has airlifted trauma kits and medical supplies to Iran to support treatment for thousands of people injured as a result of the 12 November quake, it said.
“Additional trauma kits are available in WHO’s emergency logistical centre in Dubai and will be delivered as needed to health facilities reporting shortages,†Michel Thieren, WHO Regional Emergency Director, said in a statement.
“While there is no direct link between earthquakes and disease outbreaks, close monitoring for cases of infectious diseases, especially waterborne diseases, is also required,†he added.
The supplies, enough to provide surgical care for up to 4,000 trauma patients, were transported from WHO’s emergency logistical centre in Dubai to Kermanshah province in western Iran on Thursday. They were immediately delivered to hospitals and other health facilities receiving the injured.
Almost 9,400 people in Iran were injured as a result of the earthquake, including more than 1,000 people hospitalized in Kermanshah province with serious injuries, and 340 more who were transferred to hospitals in neighbouring provinces, including Tehran.
The two cities of Sar Pol Zahab and Ghasr Shirin in Kermanshah province, with a total population of almost 115,000 people, are reported to have suffered considerable damage, with almost 80 per cent of infrastructure destroyed. One main hospital in the province was forced to close, and 49 more health facilities were damaged, but remain open.
In Iraq, WHO’s country office deployed a medical team and three ambulances, and delivered four tents and emergency lifesaving supplies sufficient for 200 surgical operations, to hospitals in Sulaimaniyah governorate receiving critical cases.
The earthquake was felt in the major cities of Sulaimaniyah, Halabja, Erbil and Duhok, with a total of eight fatalities and 525 people injured. Darbandikhan in northern Sulaimaniyah was most affected, with damages to Darbandikhan hospital and Sharazoor maternity hospital.
WHO continues to work closely with national health authorities in Iran and Iraq to monitor the health impact of the earthquake and respond to urgent needs.
Earlier in the week, a Mobile Medical Team from the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Iraq arrived in Kani Bardina village, Warmawa district, to provide medical assistance to families, following the earthquake.
Approximately half of the 40 homes in Kani Bardina village were damaged or destroyed in the earthquake, according to IOM.
The IOM Mobile Medical Team is providing assistance in response to a request from the Joint Crisis Coordination Centre of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, for medical support in the area to assist those who were injured in the earthquake. The team is receiving guidance from local health authorities.
The IOM Mobile Medical Team visited Halabja Hospital, which during the earthquake sustained damage to the ceiling, floor, and walls, with blocks falling onto empty hospital beds.
The hospital’s director Dr. Ranj Zangana explained that they continued to provide services for visiting patients, but those who needed longer-term care were transferred or referred to Sulaymaniyah hospital.
Naeem Y. Zamindar joins as new BOI Chief
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP):The Cabinet Friday approved the decision to have Naeem Y. Zamindar report to the Prime Minister as the new Chairman of the Board of Investment.
He is a results-driven CEO with experience in venture capital and building businesses in public and private companies, a press release said.
He is coming from Acumen Pakistan, where as the CEO he led a team that successfully set up the Pakistan Fund initiative and made investments in social enterprises and leaders.
He has been invited to join the Global Advisory Board of Acumen.
Naeem was previously the CEO of Wateen Telecom, CSO of Mobilink (now Jazz), and a Senior Investment Manager at Intel Capital in Silicon Valley where he was involved in over 20 investments in high tech firms.
Naeem Y. Zamindar was certified by the State of Washington as a CPA and has an MBA from the prestigious INSEAD Business School.
He stated that “my vision is to promote and enable Pakistan as an attractive investment destinations. I will work towards catalyzing investments into priority areas that will fundamentally enable a happier life for its citizens, especially sectors where technology can play a disruptive role, like in education, healthcare, energy and agriculture. I strongly believe that Pakistan has the opportunity to leapfrog the development cycle because of the technology revolution and entrepreneurship.“
Polo in Pink 2017: Day 5
LAHORE, Nov 17 (APP):Remington Polo toppled Edezell 8-4 to qualify for the main final while Guard Group defeated Artema Medical/Black Horse Paints 6-5½ to move into the subsidiary final here at the Lahore Polo Club (LPC) ground on Friday.
Agha Musa Ali Khan and Bilal Haye were the joint heroes for Remington Polo as both hammered four goals each in their team’s triumph. From the losing side, Abdul Rehman Monnoo scored a brace while Ahmed Zubair Butt and Atif Yar Tiwana hit one goal apiece.
Taimur Mawaz Khan excelled in Guard Group 6-5½ victory over Artema Medical/Black Horse Paints. Taimur Mawaz pumped in fabulous four goals while M Samir Malik scored a brace while from the losing side, which had one and half goal handicap advantage, Hamza Mawaz Khan struck all the four goals but despite having one and half goal advantage, he couldn’t help his team register victory.
Three remaining matches, which were rained out earlier, were decided on penalty shootouts. Terra Energy emerged as winners after defeating both of their opponents while in the second match, Newage edged past Rijas on penalty shootouts to advance to next round.
Today (Saturday), the winning teams will vie against each other at 3:00 pm for the main final while losing sides will play against each other to book berth in the subsidiary final at 1:30 pm.
Kuwait CG calls on Sindh Governor
KARACHI, Nov 17 (APP):Consul General of Kuwait Mohammed Abdullah Al-Khalidi called on Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair at Governor House here on Friday.
According to a statement issued here, they discussed mutual trade
between Pakistan-Kawait, opportunities of investments in Sindh, the pivotal role of Pakistan in war against terrorism and other issues of mutual interests.
Governor Muhammad Zubair said that Pakistan and Kuwait have a long
history of relations which were based on respect, mutual interests and brotherhood.
He said that Karachi is an economic and trade hub of the country and an
important city in the region.
He said that after the restoration of law and order in Karachi the
atmosphere of investment in the city is appealing. Adding that the investors of Kuwait should also benefit from these avenues.
Zubair stressed the need for enhancement in economic cooperation between
the two countries, terming it as a need of the hour. He said that in the era of present government every field has witnessed economic boost.
The consul general said that Kuwait would continue to support the
development of the province and no any international company could ignore market like Pakistan.
Karachi White beat Rawalpindi by 14 runs
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP):Karachi Region White Friday beat Rawalpindi Region by 14 runs in the match of the National Twenty20 Cup 2017-18 at Pindi Stadium Rawalpindi.
Rawalpindi won the toss and invited Karachi White to bat first where they scored 178 runs for six in 20 overs. Asad Shafiq 72, Sarfraz Ahmed 30 not out, Shahid Yousaf 21 batted well.
For Rawalpindi, Muhammad Irfan Jr 2 for 33, Shadab Khan 1 for 30, Muhammad Abbas 1 for 34 and Sohail Tanveer 1 for 35 took wickets.
In reply, Rawalpindi Region made 164 runs for 9 in 20 overs. Umar Amin 28, Iftikhar Ahmed 25, Sohail Tanvir 24, Umair Masood 24 were the main contributors.
For Karachi White, Anwar Ali 4 for 30, Ruman Raees 2 for 25 and Azam Hussain 2 for 33 took wickets. Man of the match was Asad Shafiq (Karachi Region White).
Summarized scores:
Karachi Region White 178-6 in 20 overs: (Asad Shafiq 72, 49 balls, 9x4s, 1×6, Sarfraz Ahmed 30*, 20 balls, 3x4s, 1×6, Shahid Yousaf 21, 20 balls, 1×4, 1×6, Muhammad Irfan Jr. 2-33, Shadab Khan 1-30, Muhammad Abbas 1-34, Sohail Tanveer 1-35).
Rawalpindi Region 164-9 in 20 overs: (Umar Amin 28, 14 balls, 3x4s, 2x6s, Iftikhar Ahmed 25, 24 ball, 1×4, 1×6, Sohail Tanvir 24, 12 balls, 3x6s, Umair Masood 24, 17 balls, 2x4s, 1×6, Anwar Ali 4-30, Ruman Raees 2-25, Azam Hussain 2-33).
Australian, Canadian high commissioners call on Ayaz Sadiq
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP):High Commissioner of Australia and Canada Friday called on National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and wide range of issues including enhancing parliamentary and economic ties between Pakistan and their respective countries came under discussion.
Talking to the High Commissioner of Australia Margaret Adamson, the speaker remarked that Pakistan’s political leadership was committed to cementing Pak-Australian political engagement for strengthening democratic governance, a press release said.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace of political and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq underlined the need for expansion of economic relations through sustained engagement of chambers of commerce and other business forums.
He urged the need for substantial and concrete engagement on pressing issues prevalent in the region and beyond.
He said Pakistani political and military leadership had demonstrated an unflinching commitment to eliminate terrorism from its soil. Referring to cementing cooperation with Australia, he remarked that parliamentary engagement between the two nations was the bedrock of robust relation between the two nations and further urged the need for regular exchange of parliamentary delegations.
Margaret Adamson endorsed Ayaz Sadiq’s proposal for regular exchange of parliamentary delegations and cementing people-to-people contacts.
She acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in global war on terror and added that Australia would continue to support Pakistan at the regional as well as international level in its endeavors for promoting peace, democracy and economic development.
Talking to the Canadian High Commissioner Perry John Calderwood, the speaker said Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Canada and keen to further strengthen them through parliamentary cooperation and people-to-people and economic contacts.
He underlined the need for enhanced interaction between the parliamentarians of the two countries.
He said relations between Pakistan and Canada were based on mutual goodwill and understanding as well as converging views on important global issues.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said mutual understanding and cooperation would further strengthen relations between both the countries. Democracy in Pakistan was fully entrenched and the present government was committed to the welfare of its people, he added. The speaker said the present parliament comprised of progressive forces and were on the same page on issues concerning masses.
Canadian High Commissioner Perry John Calderwood appreciated speaker’s remarks and said his country also attached importance to its relations with Pakistan and wanted to further strengthen it though diversification of economic and parliamentary ties.
He assured the speaker that engagement between parliamentarians would actively continue in the days ahead.
He appreciated the contributions of Pakistani expatriates residing in Canada in strengthening the economy and development of Canada.
Special Chinese Envoy on Afghan Affairs calls on COAS
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP):Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Republic of China Deng Xijun Friday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Matters of mutual interest including regional security issues with particular emphasis on Pak-Afghan border management and CT efforts were discussed during the meeting, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.
Visiting dignitary appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan Army’s contributions and Pakistan’s sacrifices in war against terrorism.
FC Balochistan kills BLF commander during operation
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP):Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan Friday killed one of top eight Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) commanders during exchange of fire with terrorists.
On presence of the terrorists, FC Balochistan conducted an important intelligence based operation near Alandur, Abdul Rehman village, Turbat, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.
As soon as the troops cordoned suspected area terrorists opened fire and during exchange of fire terrorist Younas Taukali identified as one of top 8 BLF commanders was killed 20 Km West of Bulada, 25 Km North of incident site from where 15 bodies were recovered.
Terrorist Younas was involved in killing 15 innocent people belonging to Punjab on November 15. He was also involved in laying improvised explosive devices ambushing FC convoys and killing many civilians including killings of Rehmat Ullah Shohaz (founding member of BNM; later surrendered), Akram Hayathuk and Habib Ullah s/o Taher and execution of Ghulam Jan (Lala Nazir cousin) and Saddam .
Quality education to be accessible for all: Masood Khan
MIRPUR (AJK), Nov 17 (APP):Terming access to quality education as the right of every citizen the President Azad
Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan has said that ‘we will ensure that the
best education facilities are provided in AJK’.
President made these remarks while addressing a gathering at
the inauguration ceremony of Poonch University’s sub-campus at Haveli, Kahuta
late Thursday.
The ceremony was also attended by Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman HEC, Prof. Dr. Rasul Jan, VC
Poonch University, Chaudhry Muhammad Aziz, Minister for Communications, AJK,
senior political leaders and members of the civil society.
President AJK on the occasion commended the management of
Poonch University and HEC for timely and effectively completing the
establishment of the Haveli sub-campus. He said that University of Poonch has
played a pivotal role in providing quality education in Poonch District and
now the same opportunities will be provided to the people of Haveli.
Masood Khan said that the timely completion of
the Haveli sub-campus proves that the government does not believe in making
hallow promises and delivers on what it says. He added that soon Haveli will
have its own University and groundwork has been initiated in this regard. This
sub-campus, he said was the first of many educational and development projects
to be introduced in Haveli.
Addressing the youth, the President said, “You are the future leaders of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan. With quality education, we can shape the destiny of AJK and Pakistan”.
Along with quality educational facilities, we
will focus on inducting capable teachers and admitting students purely on
merit, he said. Masood said that with the help of HEC we will ensure highest
standards of higher education is provided at all Public Sector Universities.
Masood Khan said that we need to develop our knowledge based economy in order
to compete with global powers.
The Haveli sub-campus in its first year has
initiated intakes in two disciples namely Computer Sciences and Education.
Additional disciples are said to be added in the coming academic year. The
President said that present government is committed to the development and
serving the masses.
The President announced that sub-campuses of
University of Poonch and Mirpur University of Science Technology will soon be
inaugurated in Abbaspur and Palandri respectively. Access to quality education
is a priority and we will establish Universities in all districts and
sub-campuses in sub-divisions of AJK, said the President.
Masood Khan said that brave people of Haveli
have incurred huge human and financial losses due to India’s unprovoked
shelling on the LOC. The AJK Government is in the process of preparing
compensation package for the citizens living on the LOC, said the President.
President Masood Khan said that India is
committing massive human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir and using
illegal tactics in suppressing the freedom movement. Since 1947, over 600,000 Kashmiris
have been murdered mercilessly, thousands of women have been dishonored,
countless young Kashmiris have been arrested and unmarked mass graves have been
discovered.
“Our diplomatic, political and moral support
will continue till our Kashmiri brothers and sisters are free”, said the
President. He said that the right to self-determination is a fundamental human
right and the UN resolutions calling for a free and fair plebiscite must be
implemented in letter and spirit.
Chairman Senate gives ruling regarding delay in NFC award, sends copies to Presidnent, PM
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP):Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani on Friday gave ruling regarding delay in National Finance Commission (NFC) award and directed Secretariat to send a copy of this ruling to the President of Pakistan, Prime Minister and other relevant ministers, Provincial Chief Ministers and Speakers of Provincial Assemblies for necessary action.
The text of his Ruling during first sitting of 270th is as under” his Ruling flows from the following, amongst other, facts:-
(i) In the Senate sitting held on 12th May, 2015, Senator Sassui Palijo drew attention of the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs and Privatization towards delay in the announcement of 8th NFC Award. Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan, Minister for Commerce, on behalf of the Minister for Finance made a statement in the following terms:-
“Article 160 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan provides for setting of the National Finance Commission at intervals, not exceeding five years and the last NFC which was the 8th Award, was constituted on 21st of July, 2010. Therefore, it was a legal obligation of this Government to constitute the 9th National Finance Commission Award on or before 21st of July, 2015. I am with some humility wish to report to the House that this Government fulfils its responsibility well ahead of time and in pursuance of Article 160 of the Constitution, the President of Pakistan constituted the 9th National Finance Commission on the 24th of April, which was eighteen days ago. Therefore, the question of delay in announcement of the NFC Award does not arise, it’s only been eighteen days. ”
I restrained from giving a Ruling on the matter, however, I did inform the Government that traditionally NFC Award is supposed to be finalized and announced within five years.
(ii) Again, in the Senate sitting held on 14th May, 2015, Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bazinjo raised the matter of non-issuance of NFC Award by the Federal Government prior to the announcement of Budget. He demanded a Ruling from the Chair on the issue.
(iii) In the Senate sitting held on 12th November, 2015, during discussion on the report of the 1st Biannual Monitoring on the Implementation of National Finance Commission (NFC) Award (July-December, 2014), Members raised the issue of non-announcement of the Award within the constitutional timeline of five years.
(iv) In the Senate sitting held on 13th November, 2015, Minister for Finance, during his winding up speech, stated that “the previous Award which was technically stricto senso was valid till 30th June, 2015, has been extended and that has been happening. The impression that it is unconstitutional, no this extension is constitutional.”
(v) In the Senate sitting held on 19th April, 2016, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, through a Calling Attention Notice, drew attention of the Minister for Finance towards non-convening of meeting of the National Finance Commission for the new NFC Award. Minister for Law and Justice, on behalf of the Minister for Finance, made a statement that, “sub-Article (1) of Article 160 of the Constitution provides that the National Finance Commission will be constituted at intervals not exceeding five years. Now, the last NFC that is the 8th NFC was constituted on the 21st July of 2010. We were, of course, required to constitute the 9th NFC before the 21st July, 2015. In fact, it was constituted on the 24th of April, 2015.”
(vi) Again, in the Senate sitting held on 22nd July, 2016, Senator Sassui Palijo moved a Calling Attention Notice to draw attention of the Minister for Finance towards the continuous delay in the 8th NFC Award. Minister for Law and Justice, on behalf of the Minister for Finance, stated that 7th NFC Award is still in the field as it has a legal cover vide President’s Order No. 5 of 2010. I, once again, brought it to the notice of the Government that, “this is the second Budget which has been passed without the announcement of the Award. It is correct that President of Pakistan has given new life to the old NFC, however, new NFC Award should come after five years.”
(vii) In the Senate sitting held on 20th January, 2017, during discussion on the 2nd Biannual Monitoring Report on the Implementation of National Finance Commission (NFC) Award (January-June, 2016), Members raised concerns regarding non-announcement of the new NFC Award. Mr. Baligh-ur-Rehman, Minister of State for Interior, on behalf of Minister for Finance, made a statement. While replying to the concerns raised by Members, he stated that, “when it has been said that an Award shall come after every years then there should also be a consensus that when to take up the new Award”.
(viii) In the Senate sitting held on 21st March, 2017, Senator Sassui Palijo on her behalf and on behalf of Senator Mukhtiar Ahmed Dhamrah, through a Calling Attention Notice, drew attention of the Minister for Finance, towards the continuous delay in finalization of NFC Award. Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Minister for Finance, made a statement, wherein he stated that, “it is not necessary that there should be an Award of every NFC” and made reference to previous NFCs in this regard. He further stated that, “it has a five years’ life. It is deliberating the issue and it will come up with the Award if a consensus is reached. That is the situation, the Commission has a five years’ life; it will deliberate it. Hopefully, it will reach a consensus.”
– Senator Aitzaz Ahsan, Leader of the Opposition, objected to this stance of the Government and stated that, “National Finance Commission is the basic component of the federal structure of the Constitution; the Commission is under obligation to give an Award. Commission is not constituted to only sit, have tea and TA/DA, it has to give an Award under which a smooth and adequate of financial and resources distribution between the Provinces will take place”.
– I made an observation in the following terms:-
“Article 160 is very clear. NFC is the basis of federalism; if Award is not being announced, each day that it is not coming, it is an unconstitutional step. For this reason we have talked about increase in powers of the Senate and passed a unanimous Resolution that the Constitution should be amended to provide that if NFC Award is not announced within five years then the Government should take permission from the Senate for extension of the Award and Senate should have power to increase the share of provinces to one precent.”
(ix) In the Senate sitting held on 9th June, 2017, Senator Taj Haider raised the issue of non-issuance of NFC Award and under transfer of funds to the Provinces.
(x) Finally, in the Senate sitting held on 23rd October, 2017, Senator Mukhtiar Ahmed Dhamrah @ Aajiz moved that the House may discuss the situation arising out of non-announcement of NFC Award and if this situation continuous the Budget for 2017-18, will also be without the Award. Members raised concerns as to the constitutional violation and demanded that a Committee of the Whole be constituted to take up this matter. I reserved my ruling on this point.
2. On 31st October, 2017, I asked the Minister for Law and Justice to assist the Chair as to how the Government interprets clause (1) of Article 160, Constitution, 1973. Whether National Finance Commission is to be constituted within five years or the Award should be announced within five years. In the Senate sitting held on 7th November, 2017, Minister for Law and Justice made a statement (verbatim annexed). The gist of his statement is as under:-
i) Two most important aspects of clause (1) of Article 160, Constitution, 1973, are, – the constitution of a National Finance Commission at intervals not exceeding five years and that the Federal Minister for Finance, the Ministers for Finance for the Provincial Governments and the other persons to be appointed by the President.
ii) Wording of the Constitution does not bind the National Finance Commission to finalize an award every five years; the requirement is that a National Finance Commission be constituted every five years.
iii) The first, fourth, fifth and seventh National Finance Commissions have given Awards; first National Finance Commission Award enforced for 16 years, fourth award enforced for 6 years, fifth award enforced for 13 years and now the seventh award has been enforced since 2010 onwards.
iv) In the Presidential Orders there is a commencement date, but there is no thought of a validity date; it remains enforced till the next Award comes. Every new Award or rather every new Order that is issued after the Award is made, repeals the earlier Order. This is an indication that it remains enforced till such time as the new Order is issued. Every Order repeals the earlier Order.
v) Amending Orders have been issued by the President; previously modifications of Awards were made mainly because of the census and due to the failure of the Commission to give recommendations.
After hearing the arguments of Minister for Law and Justice, I reserved my Ruling.
3. In terms of the aforementioned facts and queries raised, the question which needs to be answered is,-
“In terms of clause (1) of Article 160, Constitution, 1973, whether the National Finance Commission is to be constituted every five years or the Award should also be announced every five years?”
4. In order to examine and answer the question framed herein, it will help us in understanding the delays in the announcement of the awards if we travel through the pages of history. Prior to the Constitution, 1973, the position was as under;
(i) After the independence, Sir Jeremy Raisman was asked to formulate a feasible revenue sharing formula between the Federation and federating units of the country. The Raisman formula was presented in December, 1947 and subsequently adopted on April 1, 1952.
(ii) After the 1952, Award, there were three NFC Awards of 1961, 1964 and 1970.
After the Constitution, 1973, came into existence, the following position emerged:
(i) The 1974 National Finance Commission gave the First Award, the same year, after the promulgation of the Constitution, 1973, and a new Award was due in 1979.
(ii) The Second National Finance Commission was constituted in 1979, during Martial Law. It never held any meeting and consequently made no recommendations. Therefore, for resources distribution in the interim period, the 1974 Award was followed. After the new census conducted in 1981, the population proportion changed and the resources shares were adjusted accordingly.
(iii) The Third National Finance Commission was constituted in 1985, during the tenure of General Ziaul Haq. The Commission held 9 meetings in 3 years but was unable to finalize its recommendations. The resources distribution from the Divisible Pool remained as of the 1974 Award, and it continued till 1990.
(iv) After almost 16 years, the Fourth National Finance Commission constituted in 1990, under civilian rule gave recommendations in April, 1991.
(v) The Fifth National Finance Commission was constituted in December, 1996. The Commission announced the Award in February 1997.
(vi) The Sixth National Finance Commission was constituted on 22nd July, 2000, under General Musharaf. It held 11 meetings but could not finalize its recommendations.
(vii) Another National Finance Commission was constituted on 21st July, 2005, under General Musharaf, it also failed to give its recommendations. This gave rise to a deadlock, as a consequence of which the Provincial Chief Ministers vested the authority to the President (General Musharaf) to announce the Award. As a result, the President under Article 160(6) of the Constitution, 1973, through Ordinance No.1 of 2006, made amendment in the “Distribution of Revenues and Grants in Aid, Order 1997. The new Award was announced to take effect from 1st July, 2006.
(viii) The Seventh National Finance Commission was constituted by the President of Pakistan on 21st July 2009. The Award was announced vide Presidential Order No.4 of 2010 on 18th March, 2010. On 10th May, 2010, the Presidential Order No.5 of 2010, made an amendment to the Presidential Order No.4 of 2010. The Award became effective from the 1st July, 2010, and still in force because the Eighth National Finance Commission constituted on 21st July 2010, failed to make recommendations.
(ix) The Ninth National Finance Commission was constituted on 24th of April, 2015 which, till date, is effective.
5. After walking through the pages of historical facts on the composition of the National Finance Commissions and the Awards they were able to announce or not announce, one glaring fact that should not be lost sight of it, is a tossed up period where the Constitution has been held in abeyance or restrained. I will now take up the legal position and examine Article 160, Constitution, 1973, the said Article is are reproduced as under;
(i) Article 160, Constitution, 1973;
“160. National Finance Commission.—(1) Within six months of the commencing day and thereafter at intervals not exceeding five years, the President shall constitute a National Finance Commission consisting of the Minister of Finance of the Federal Government, the Ministers of Finance of the Provincial Governments, and such other persons as may be appointed by the President after consultation with the Governors of the Provinces.
(2) It shall be the duty of the National Finance Commission to make recommendations to the President as to–
(a) the distribution between the Federation and the Provinces of the net proceeds of the taxes mentioned in clause (3);
(b) the making of grants-in-aid by the Federal Government to the Provincial Governments;
(c) the exercise by the Federal Government and the Provincial Governments of the borrowing powers conferred by the Constitution; and
(d) any other matter relating to finance referred to the Commission by the President.
(3) The taxes referred to in paragraph (a) of clause (2) are the following taxes raised under the authority of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament)], namely:–
(i) taxes on income, including corporation tax, but not including taxes on income consisting of remuneration paid out of the Federal Consolidated Fund;
(ii) taxes on the sales and purchases of goods imported, exported, produced, manufactured or consumed;]
(iii) export duties on cotton, and such other export duties as may be specified by the President;
(iv) such duties of excise as may be specified by the President; and
(v) such other taxes as may be specified by the President.
(3A) The share of the Provinces in each Award of National Finance Commission shall not be less than the share given to the Provinces in the previous Award.
(3B) The Federal Finance Minister and Provincial Finance Ministers shall monitor the implementation of the Award biannually and lay their reports before both Houses of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) and the Provincial Assemblies.]
(4) As soon as may be after receiving the recommendations of the National Finance Commission, the president shall, by Order, specify, in accordance with the recommendations of the Commission under paragraph (a) of clause (2), the share of the net proceeds of the taxes mentioned in clause (3) which is to be allocated to each Province, and that share shall be paid to the Government of the Province concerned, and, notwithstanding the provision of Article 78 shall not form part of the Federal Consolidated Fund.
(5) The recommendations of the National Finance Commission, together with an explanatory memorandum as to the action taken thereon, shall be laid before both Houses and the Provincial Assemblies.
(6) At any time before an Order under clause (4) is made, the President may, by Order, make such amendments or modifications in the law relating to the distribution of revenues between the Federal Government and the Provincial Governments as he may deem necessary or expedient.
(7) The President may, by Order, make grants-in-aid of the revenues of the Provinces in need of assistance and such grants shall be charged upon the Federal Consolidated Fund.”
(ii) Clause (1) of Article 160, Constitution, 1973, provides that “at intervals not exceeding five years, the President shall constitute a National Finance Commission consisting of……”. the words “shall” and “not exceeding five years”, makes it mandatory to constitute a National Finance Commission within five years, this is the maximum outer time limit as a Commission can be constituted within one year or as early as the previous Finance Commission finalizes an Award.
(iii) Clause (1) of Article 160, Constitution, 1973, cannot be read in isolation, it has to be linked with the remaining clauses of the said Article in order to ascertain the intention of the legislature and understand the modus operendi for fiscal decentralization.
(iv) Clause (2) of Article 160, Constitution, 1973, provides that, “it shall be the duty of the National Finance Commission to make recommendations to the President as to…”(emphasis provided). The words ‘shall’ and “duty” have been defined in Black’s Law Dictionary, Ninth Edition, at pages 580 and 1499 respectively, as;
Duty
“A legal obligation that is owed or due to another and that needs to be satisfied; an obligation for which somebody else has a corresponding right.”
Shall
“Has a duty to; more broadly, is required to <the requester shall send notice> <notice shall be sent>. This is the mandatory sense that drafters typically intend and that courts typically uphold.”
(v) The legal definition, of the two words when read in the said clause, enunciates that the National Finance Commission, constituted under clause (1) of Article 160, Constitution, 1973, will have to give recommendations before its conclusion. In terms of the definition of the term ‘duty’ it is an obligation of the NFC to give recommendations and Provinces have a corresponding right to have distribution of net proceeds of the taxes mentioned in clause (3) of Article 160, Constitution, 1973, after every five years. It becomes all the more important in terms of sub-Article (3A) of the said Article which provides that the, “share of the Provinces, in each award of National Finance Commission shall not be less than the share given to the provinces in the previous Award”.
(vi) Clause (4) of Article 160, Constitution, 1973, provides that “As soon as may be after receiving the recommendations of the National Finance Commission, , the president shall, by Order, specify, in accordance with the recommendations of the Commission under paragraph (a) of clause (2)……..” (emphasis provided) the use of the words “after receiving the recommendations”, “the President shall”, shows the intent of the legislature that the recommendations of the NFC shall be given affect by a Presidential Order, as soon as possible.
(vii) The legal position as stated above is corroborated with the intent of the legislature, which can be gathered from the debates of the Constitution making Assembly in 1973. Reference is made to the statement of the then Minister for Law, Mr. Abdul Hafeez Pirzada (Late), who while responding to an amendment moved in clause 160, made the following statement:-
The National Assembly of Pakistan Debates (Vol. II No. 27-36) 1973 (Page – 1971)
“I would say that we have worked, as admitted by him, in the spirit of co-operation and particularly the larger provinces in Pakistan have shown some magnanimity to create institution which will inspire confidence of the smaller provinces. We have tried to strike at the root of the problem. The problem has existed in this country is the lack of the faith and confidence in each other. Unnecessarily, people have been taking blame for something which they never did. People have been excused but that has always been a limited group responsible for exploitation. The institution that we have suggested is more or less on the line of the council of common interest. The Federal Finance Minister and the Provincial Finance Ministers and such other number of persons as President may decide shall form the National Finance Commission. Every five years it will give a report, and in this all the Provinces will have participation as well as sense of participation, and when five Finance Ministers of the Federation and of Provinces sit together with the help of such other members as the President may be pleased to appoint, and the President shall do so under the advice of the Prime Minister”.
(viii) It is evident from the statement made by the then Minister for Law that the Commission is obligated to submit its report before or at the expiration of five years.
(ix) This intent is further provided in the Distribution of Revenues and Grants-in-Aid (Amendment) Order, 2006, wherein the provincial Chief Ministers vested the authority to the President to announce an Award due to the failure of the NFC to give recommendations, as a result the President under clause (6) of Article 160 of the Constitution, 1973, through Ordinance No. 1 of 2006, made amendment in the “Distribution of Revenues and Grants in-Aid Order, 1997. Preamble to the said Order provides as under:-
“And whereas the Commission could not submit its recommendations with regard to the said distribution and the matter being of urgent and national importance cannot be further delayed;”
The Preamble is testimonial to the fact that the NFC was under obligation to give recommendations.
(x) Another recent example establishing that a fresh Award needs to be given every five years, is the Seventh NFC Award itself. Clause (3) of Article 4 of the Presidential Order No. 5 of 2010, while laying down special arrangement for Balochistan, provided that “this arrangement for Balochistan shall remain protected throughout the remaining four years of the Award based on annual budgetary projections” (emphasis provided). The drafters of the Presidential Order were conscious of the fact that this Award will remain enforced only for five years and after the expiration of five years a new Award will have to be announced. As the new Award could not be announced within the stipulated time, therefore, vide Presidential Order No. 6 of 2015, the above mentioned words of Clause (3) of Article 4 of P.O. No. 5 of 2010, were substituted with the words that, “this arrangement for Balochistan shall remain protected throughout the Award period based on annual budgetary projections”.
(xi) Provisions of Article 160, Constitution, 1973, are not unique as such like provisions are provided in Constitutions of other countries. It is imperative to make reference to the Indian Constitution in this regard as clause (1) of Article 160, Constitution, 1973, is para materia to Article 280 of the Constitution of India, which is reproduced as under:-
“280. Finance Commission
(1) The President shall, within two years from the commencement of this Constitution and thereafter at the expiration of every fifth year or at such earlier time as the President considers necessary, by order constitute a Finance Commission which shall consist of a Chairman and four other members to be appointed by the President
(2) It shall be the duty of the Commission to make recommendations to the President as to
(a) the distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes which are to be, or may be, divided between them under this Chapter and the allocation between the States of the respective shares of such proceeds;
(b) the principles which should govern the grants in aid of the revenues of the States out of the Consolidated Fund of India;
(c) any other matter referred to the Commission by the President in the interests of sound finance.
(4) The Commission shall determine their procedure and shall have such powers in the performance of their functions as Parliament may by law confer on them”
(xii) Clause (1) of Article 280, Constitution of India, also provides a Constitutional obligation to constitute a Finance Commission at the expiration of every fifth year or at such earlier time as the President considers necessary. Clause (2) of the said Article provides that “It shall be the duty of the Commission to make recommendations to the President as to” (emphasis provided). In essence, clauses (1) and (2) of Article 280, Constitution of India, with slight variation, are identical to clauses (1) and (2) of Article 160, Constitution of Pakistan, 1973. In order to give effect to the spirit of this Constitutional provision, the Indian Finance Commission is set up every five years to suggest principles governing the distribution of tax proceeds among the Centre, states and local bodies. The Commission gets two years to submit its report after consultations with central and state bodies and a cross-section of society; it becomes functus officio after completing its assigned work. A chronological order of the Indian Finance Commissions and Awards is as under:-
Finance Commission Constituted Year Report Submitted
First Finance Commission 1951 1953
Second Finance Commission 1956 1957
Third Finance Commission 1960 1962
Fourth Finance Commission 1964 1965
Fifth Finance Commission 1968 1969
Sixth Finance Commission 1972 1973
Seventh Finance Commission 1977 1978
Eight Finance Commission 1982 1984
Ninth Finance Commission 1987 1989
Tenth Finance Commission 1992 1994
Eleventh Finance Commission 1998 2000
Twelfth Finance Commission 2002 2004
Thirteenth Finance Commission 2007 2009
Fourteenth Finance Commission 2014 2015
6. In view of the Constitutional, legal, factual and international position explained above, the question at para 2 hereinabove is answered in the following terms:-
(i) In terms of clause (1) of Article 160, Constitution, 1973, the President of Pakistan shall constitute a National Finance Commission within five years.
(ii) In terms of clause (1) read with clause (2) of Article 160, Constitution, 1973, the National Finance Commission shall give its recommendations to the President of Pakistan before the expiration of its tenure i.e. five years.
(iii) In order to give effect to paragraphs (i) and (ii), the following procedure may be adopted:-
a. Immediately after the announcement of an Award, the President shall constitute the next NFC to give recommendations within its tenure;
b. NFC shall give its recommendations to the President well before the expiration of its tenure;
c. The recommendations shall be given effect vide a Presidential Order, in terms of clause (4) of Article 160, Constitution, 1973, hence, completing the entire procedure within five years.
7. I agree with the contention of the Minister for Law and Justice that historically the NFC Awards have remained effective for more than five years, sometimes till sixteen years. However, I am also conscious of the fact that the constitutional derailments and discontinuity of the Parliament has also remained a factor in this regard. Therefore, without touching upon the merits of previous NFCs and their Awards and disturbing the scheme of the present Award, which remains effective, position reflected at para 6 above will play a pivotal role in ensuring fiscal decentralization and participatory federalism through enforcement of constitutional rights of the Provinces.
8. The Secretariat is directed to send a copy of this ruling to the President of Pakistan, Prime Minister, Minister for Law and Justice, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Provincial Chief Ministers and Speakers of Provincial Assemblies for necessary action”.
Students spend day with army at Panu Aqil Garrison
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP):A group of 250 students and faculty members of Institute of Business Administration Sukkur, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur and Degree College Pano Aqil Friday spent a day with Army at Panu Aqil Garrison.
The visit was aimed at letting students know about routine functioning of Pakistan Army formation and its capabilities, an Inter Services Public Relations statement said.
The students witnessed arms and equipment display, small arms firing at ranges and a demonstration on action by Quick Reaction Force.
The students applauded the state of morale, commitment and professional competence of the formation and expressed their gratitude for being provided a life time experience and opportunity.
Govt trying to improve PIA, Steel Mills: Bosan
MULTAN, Nov 17 (APP):Federal Minister for Food, Security & Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan said on Friday the incumbent government was trying its level best to improve Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Pakistan Steel Mills.
Talking to the media after inaugurating executive
passport office here, the minister said that matters
of PIA were not satisfactory and only few people were
responsible for it.
He said that two million extra cotton bales were
produced this year as compare to last year. Bosan said
that Pakistan was facing 15 percent water shortage
which could be met by Punjab and Sindh altogether.
Replying a question, he said, “We have not imported
tomato and onion from India which benefited farmers of
Sindh and Balochistan provinces”.
He said that onions were being sold at a very cheap
price in Sindh for last four days.
To another question, he said that support price of
wheat in 2007 was Rs 400 per mound while it rose to
Rs 1300 in 2013.
Bosan said the country was not facing food scarcity,
adding that surplus stock was available.
Final round of PHF U-16 schools hockey championship
LAHORE, Nov 17 (APP):The final round of the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s Under-16 Boys’ Schools National Hockey Championships will be played from November 19 to 28 at Bakht Ali Dahot Hockey Stadium, Khairpur.
After conducting the championships at district, regional and
provincial levels, the final national round is being organised
to revive the game at grass-roots level, said a spokesman for the PHF, here on Friday.
He said the participating sides are:
Punjab- 4 teams, Sindh- 3 teams, KhyberPakhtunkhwa- 3 teams, and Balochistan- 2 teams.
One team each from Islamabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K), Gilgit-Baltistan & FATA also participated.
Olympian Naveed Alam, PHF Director Development & Domestic, is the chief coordinator of the event, he added.
He said that for smooth conduct of the championship, the PHF had appointed the following panel of officials:
Organising Secretary: Ramzan Jamali (Secretary Sindh Hockey Association) Tournament Director: Syed Abdullah Talat Assistant Tournament Director: Aijaz Akhtar & Khalid Munir. Tournament Officers:
Abdul Rashid Janwari, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Zahid, Mohammad Saqib, Naseer Ahmed, Allah Dad, Zaheerul Haque, Haroon Saeed, Amjad Afridi, Awais Khan, Hassan Askari, Abdul Azeem Khan, Moeed Ahmed & Ghufran Bukhari.
Umpires Manager: Kamran Sharif
Assistant Umpires Manager: Mohammad Asghar
Umpires:
Abdul Mannan, Irfan Dahot, Shahid Pervez, Mohammad Faisal,
Mohammad Wali, Waqar Ahmed Butt, Farhan Raza, Mohammad Awais,
Ghulam Mohiuddin, Shah Faisal, Moazzam Ali, Mohammad Pervez and
Qurban Ali.
The tournament director will hold a meeting to brief the
officials on Saturday (tomorrow).
Age Scrutiny Committee (also the selection committee to select probables for the national under-16 camp):
Chairman: Olympian Qamar Zia
Members: Olympian Naveed Alam & Olympian Aleem Raza.
ECP to observe National Voters Day on Dec 7
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP):Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday decided to observe ‘National Voters Day’ on December 7 in a befitting manner in the country.
The decision was made in the 14th planning Committee meeting of the commission, which was chaired by Secretary ECP Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad and attended by chief election commissioners and other senior ECP officials of four provinces.
It was decided that all provincial chief secretaries will be invited to ECP for arrangements of de-limitations.
The committee also decided to start special drive in 79 districts for registration of women voters from December. It will be ensured to register all eligible women to register as voters with the ECP before general elections 2018.
The ECP will get help from national database and registration authority (NADRA) and civil society in this regard while NADRA’s mobile vans will be sent to all these districts particularly where women voters are less than the male voters.
It was decided that the main National Voters Day ceremony will be held in the federal capital which will attend by Chief Election Commissioner Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza and 700 senior officials of different government departments.
Similarly, at provincial level ceremonies will be be held at Governor Houses, in which provincial Election commoners and other officials will attend the events.
It was decided that rallies will be organized at district level to mark the day and create awareness in public about the importance of vote and voters. Representatives of media, civil society and women organizations will be invited in these activities.
The meeting was informed that by holding these events, people will be informed about the importance of vote and registering them as voters and that country’s people particularly women will be asked to come forward and register them as voters.
Secretary ECP directed the provincial election commissioners to make proper arrangements for successful holding of these events at provincial and district level to mark the day.
The meeting was informed that the commission was efficiently working on computerized registration of electoral rolls in all districts throughout the country while the work has been completed in Balochistan.
It was informed that the data-feeding system of computerized electoral rolls in FATA and all other districts will be completed in December. This system will help new voters to easily register them as voters at district offices of district election commissioners.
This will be a great facility for people as earlier this facility was only available in the district offices of national database and registration authority (NADRA).
The meeting decided that the training programme for 900,000 polling staff will be started in last week of November. In first phase ECP’s 85 lead trainers will be trained while in second phase 3000 master trainers will be trained and the whole polling staff will be trained in third phase. The whole training programme will be completed by May, 2018.
Commander Bajwa visits girls school, meets students, faculty members
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP):Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa Friday visited Awaran district and reviewed operational aspects.
According to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release, Lt Gen Asim Bajwa also visited newly renovated Government Girls High School, Gajjar, which was destroyed due to earthquake and met with students and faculty members.
The commander urged the students to acquire quality education and professional skills.
Pakistan Army has provided furniture, two vans, established Physics, Chemistry and Biology labs and re-built two primary schools to provide quality education facility.
Army has also established a mini market, vocational training Centre and has donated an ambulance, complete medical equipment and medicines for the Rural Health Centre.