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Upper Punjab, KP received moderate to heavy rain

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): Various parts of upper Punjab and
Khaber Pakhunkhwa (KP) received heavy to moderate showers last night while scattered to light rain reported elsewhere during last 24 hours.

An official of Met office told APP that heavy down pour lashed at several divisions of upper Punjab including Lahore, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and Gujranwal while three divisions of KP, D I Khan, Hazara, Malakand and in Kashmir at Para Chanar.

He stated that light to moderate rain was recorded in FATA,
in Balochistan at Zhob, Sibbi and Quetta, besides that light rain in Sindh at Mithi, Badin, Karachi and Gilgit Baltistan.

He informed that new rain spell is expected from Friday night
which is likely to continue till Sunday with moderate to heavy rains in upper Punjab, KP and Kashmir while light to moderate rain likely in lower KP.

In next 24 hours rain-thunderstorm is expected at isolated
places in Kashmir, Islamabad, upper Punjab (Sargodha, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore divisions), upper KP (Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat divisions), FATA and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Hot and humid weather is expected in elsewhere in the country.

Seasonal low lies over north Balochistan with its trough
extending north-eastwards. Monsoon currents are also penetrating upper and central parts of the country. A westerly wave is also affecting upper parts of the country and likely to persist during 36 to 48 hours.

During last 24 hours rain-thunderstorm occurred at a number of places in Islamabad, upper/central Punjab while at scattered places in KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and northeast Balochistan and Hyderabad division.

Rainfall recorded during this time span remained Punjab
(Sargodha city 103mm, A.P 68mm), Okara 75mm, Sahiwal 50mm, Toba Tek Singh 32mm, Kamra 27mm, Rawalpindi (Chaklala 29mm, Shamasabad 11mm), Sialkot (A/P 25mm, Cantt 03mm), Faisalabad 25mm, Gujrat 22mm,
Murree 21mm, Islamabad (Bokra 15mm, Golra, Z.P 05mm, Saidpur 03mm), Bhakkar 11mm, Noorpurthal 10mm, Joharabad 08mm, Jhang, Mandibahauddin 05mm, K.P: D.I khan 53mm, Abootabad 29mm, Balakot 15mm, Malamjabba 13, Cherat09, Mirkhani, Drosh,Kohat08, Pattan 05, Kalam 04mm, Banu, Chitral 01mm, FATA: Parachinar 30mm, Kashmir:

Garhiduppata 06mm, Rawalakot 04mm, Muzaffarabad 02mm, Kotli 01mm,
Balochistan: Zhob 12mm, Sibbi 07mm, Barkhan 01mm, Gilgit-Baltistan:

Bagrote 04mm, Bunji 03mm, Gupis, Gilgit, Hunza 02mm, Astore 01mm, Balochistan: Zhob 12mm, Sibbi 07mm, Barkhan 01mm, Sindh: Mithi 02mm, Badin 01mm.

Maximum temperatures recorded on Monday were Dalbandin, Nokkundi 44øC, Panjgur 43øC, Dadu, Turbat, R.Y. Khan 42øC, Multan, Hyderabad 38øC, Quetta 37øC, Karachi, Faisalabad 35øC, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, Chitral 34øC, Kalat, Lahore, Peshawar 33øC, Islamabad 32øC, Dir 30øC, Hunza 28øC, Skardu 27øC and Murree 22øC.

Thai-Pakistan FTA on cards: Envoy

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LAHORE, July 18 (APP): Thailand and Pakistan are holding talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is likely to be signed by the end of this year.

Thailand Ambassador Suchart Liengsaengthong disclosed this in a meeting with LCCI Vice President Nasir Saeed here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Former LCCI Senior Vice President Mian Nauman Kabir, Executive Committee Members Amjad Ali Jawa, Mian Abdul Razzaq, Raja Adeel Ashfaq, Asad Noor Paganwala, Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim, Shahzad Ahmed, Tariq Mahmood and others were also present.

The Ambassador said that trade would flourish after signing of the FTA between the two countries. He said that such tools are important in today’s world as these bring down cost of doing business and remove the non-tariff barriers. He said that Thailand is already investing in Pakistan while more Thai companies are keen to start their operations here.

He said that a high-level business delegation from Thailand would visit Pakistan in the first week of August. The delegation would have people from cosmetics, construction, automobile, plastic, consumer goods, furniture, seafood and private hospitals in its fold.

He invited the LCCI to arrange a trade delegation for Thailand to explore trade, investment and joint venture opportunities.

He said that textile and tourism sectors of Pakistan are vibrant. He said that Pakistan could learn a lot from Thailand in tourism sector.

He said that Pakistani products should be introduced in Thai market more effectively. He said that Thailand and Pakistan should join hands to give new strengths to their trade and economic ties. Both countries with dynamic consumer markets, have unlimited scope for the businessmen of the two countries.

LCCI Vice President Nasir Saeed said that Thailand and Pakistan established diplomatic ties back in 1951 and both countries have been enjoying steady economic and trade relations. Although, Pakistan faces unfavourable balance of trade with Thailand but consistent rise in bilateral trade is a positive sign.

He said that among the top exporting countries for Pakistan, Thailand comes at 34th place and with regard to top importing countries, the same is ranked at 12th place.

The LCCI vice president said that at present, there is an increasing trend in imports and exports between the two countries but we would like to enhance the volume of our exports to Thailand.

He said that from 2013 to 2015, our bilateral trade increased from $833 million to 973 million. This expansion was largely caused due to considerable change in imports which swelled from $716 million to $853 million. However, Pakistan’s export could only scaled up from $117 million to $120 million in this period.

“We would like to see the possibilities as to how we can give boost to our exports to Thailand with the help and support of Thai embassy,” he said.

The LCCI vice president said that Pakistan is already exporting frozen fish, woven cotton fabrics, crustaceans, cotton yarns, leather, medicament mixtures and electro-medical apparatus etc. to Thailand but our potential to export to Thailand is far more diversified and sizeable than the current one. He said that this objective can be achieved through bridging communication gap between respective private sectors.

The VP said that business community want to develop close linkages among the business support organizations for ensuring continuity in our mutual efforts to increase the volume of trade between two countries. Trade fairs & single country exhibitions can also be arranged on reciprocal basis to achieve this goal.

Nasir Saeed said that Pakistan also offers lot of opportunities for foreign investors through 100 enterprises of their own or in the form of joint ventures with Pakistani counterparts. It is a gateway to the oil and mineral resources rich Central Asian Republics and also a member of SAARC which together make up a market of 1.5 billion people. It is also close to the Gulf countries and African horn. Any investment made in Pakistan will find market in these countries, he concluded.

Kashmiris to reject politics of agitation, sit-ins on July 21: Pervaiz

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Meeting held to review progress on draft companies bill

DHIRKOT (AJK), July 18 (APP): Minister for Information,
Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid Monday said the Kashmiris would vote for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidates in July 21 elections by rejecting politics of agitation and sit-ins.

This would show that they wanted to continue march towards progress and prosperity under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, he added.

Addressing a party workers rally organized here by PML-N
candidate from LA-13 Raja Iftikhar Ayub here, the minister said change in the country would come only through the ballot, and not through sit-ins and conspiracies. The PML-N would come to power in the AJK through the power of the ballot, he added.

He said the Kashmir issue could be resolved under the vision
of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who also had the vision to resolve the issues of loadshedding and unemployment in AJK.

The minister said the people of Dhirkot had flooded the
roads and streets of Dhirkot and they had blocked the way of looters and plunderers. Today’s big and historic rally could
be termed a revenge of the people. Through the mammoth gathering, the PML-N workers and supporters expressed their love and support for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N, he added.

He said the people of Pakistan loved Nawaz Sharif for his
landmark achievements as Prime Minister. Since 1947 to 1998, no other leader could make the Indian leadership to admit reality about Kashmir.

He said it was Nawaz Sharif who invited Indian Prime
Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Lahore where he admitted that Kashmir was a disputed territory and its peaceful resolution was imperative for durable peace in the region.

The minister said the coming three days were very important.

On July 19 Accession to Pakistan Day would be observed while on July 20 ‘Black Day’ would be observed to convey Pakistanis anguish and dismay to India over the killings of innocent Kashmiris in the held Valley.

July 21 would be the day to vote for the PML-N and ensure
Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan and pressurize India to stop
human rights abuses in Occupied Kashmir and resolve the long-standing issue as per aspirations of the Kashmiris, he added.

“The people of Azad Kashmir should vote for the PML-N on July 21 for accession of Kashmir to Pakistan and stoppage of Indian atrocities in Indian occupied Kashmir,” he reiterated.

Pervaiz Rashid said the PML-N’s victory in AJK elections
would give a message to the politicians of sit-ins and conspiracies that the people of both Pakistan and Azad Kashmir would not tolerate plots against their favourite leader Nawaz Sharif.

He said the Neelam-Jhelum hydro power project, which could not be completed during 10 years of Musharraf and five years of the Pakistan People’s Party rule, was now nearing completion thanks to the priority given by the present government.

He said efforts were made to stop the country’s march towards progress and prosperity under Nawaz Sharif as the enemies of the country were against construction of motorways and expressways from Khunjerab to Gawadar and Karachi.

He said an electricity generation project utilizing the
Thar coal would start producing cheap power by next year.

He said education, health, roads, power and gas were the
major issues, which would be resolved by the PML-N after coming to power.

The minister said it was strange that during Pervez Musharraf
regime, when terrorism and loadshedding were order of the day no sit-ins were held. But sit-ins were staged against Nawaz Sharif to stop him from working on his agenda of progress and development.

The PPP, he said, was also disturbed as Nawaz Sharif lived in
the hearts of people. His popularity could be gauged from the big election rallies of the Kashmiri people, he added.

Earlier, Pervaiz Rashid and Special Assistant to the Prime
Minister Dr Asif Kirmani felicitated Dr Aleem, former advisor to AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed, for joining the PML-N.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the PML-N always fulfilled its promises.

He said executing development projects was the hallmark
PML-N governments. The PML-N had the manifesto to improve living standards of the people.

The PML-N after winning the elections, he said, would serve
the AJK people, who desired development in their area on the pattern of Rawalpindi and Lahore. They did not like the progress on the pattern of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, he added.

Dr Asif Kirmani said he did not witness any election campaign
of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, PPP and Muslim Conference in AJK as they had no manifesto.

Lahore Qalander to honour spinner Yasir Shah

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Name of cricketer Yasir Shah dropped from FIR
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LAHORE, July 18 (APP): Pakistan Super league participating team, Lahore Qalandar will honour leg spinner Yasir Shah at a reception for his sterling performance in the Lords test which Pakistan won by convincing margin of 75 runs against England.

“On the return of Pak team to home, we will host a reception to acknowledge the outstanding performance of him by awarding excellent award,” said Rana Fawad, owner of Lahore Qalandar here on Monday.

He said Yasir played a pivotal role in Pakistan teams victory success and got the award of man of the match by claiming altogether ten wickets in a test match to become world’s sixth spinner to accomplish such a feat.

“Yasir put up all round show to play his due role in team’s historic victory and we are confident that he will exhibit similar performance in coming matches,” he stated.

Imran’s statement about welcoming martial law is shameful: Saad Rafique

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ISLAMABAD July 18 (APP): Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique on Monday said statement of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chairman Imran Khan about nation’s welcoming martial laws in the country is shameful.

In a reaction to Imran Khan’s statement on Sunday at public gathering in AJK, the minister said, his statement is a conspiracy against national cohesion and solidarity. “It shows his ill wishes against democracy as he has violated article six of the Constitution by issuing this statement.”

“Pakistani nation never welcomed dictators and those who distributed sweats after October 1999 coup by Pervez Musharraf were a few of his cronies to create an impression that people had welcomed his martial law,” he added.

He said political parties and people of Pakistan rendered unforgettable sacrifices for democracy and Imran Khan was either ignorant of the history or he was not comfortable with democracy.

He said only the continuity of democracy can ensure transparency, merit and rule of law in the country as four martial laws of the past had dragged the country to the verge of destruction.

RAC arranges variety programme

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RAWALPINDI, July 18 (APP): Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) arranged a variety programme in connection with National Action Plan with the collaboration of Cultural Theatre.

MPA Raja Hanif Advocate accompanied by Resident Director RAC Waqar Ahmed was chief guest at event held on Sunday night.

The artists Masud Khawaja, Arshad Khan, Naeem Bubba, Pomy Qureshi, Naeem Tota and others performed on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Raja Hanif said that Pakistanis were pacifist and patriotic no matter what religion they have.

He said, “We should not forget those soldiers who are fighting against terrorism and saved our generation.”

Waqar Ahmed also paid tribute to security forces and said a number of artists were present at the auditorium which was a good effort of Munawar Afridi.

PHF conveys gratitude to German embassy

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LAHORE, July 18 (APP): Pakistan Hockey Federation has conveyed its gratitude to the German Embassy in Islamabad for processing the visas of the Pakistan junior hockey squad in a very short time.

Pakistan will be participating in a 4- Nation under 21 tournament in the German city of Hannover, starting from July 21.

“We are thankful to the Germany Embassy for facilitating us in short span of time to ensure the participation of our team in the event,” said a official of PHF while talking to APP here on Monday.

Pak Jr hockey team leaves for Germany on Tuesday

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LAHORE, July 18 (APP): Pakistan under-21 team will leave for Germany on Tuesday to participate in Four-Nation Junior Hockey tournament being played from July 21 in Hannover.

The other participating nations of the singles league event are Europe’s three top-ranking teams: Germany (reigning World Junior Champions), Netherlands and Belgium.

Pakistan plays Germany on July 21, Belgium on July 23 and Netherlands on July 24.

The national team members include Dilber Hassan (captain), Azfar Yaqoob (vice-captain), Usman Ghani, Atif Mushtaq, Mubashar Ali, Abu Bakar, M.Qasim, Junaid Kamal, Shan Irshad, Atiq Arshad, Bilal Qadir, Rana Suhail, Samiullah, M.Rizwan, Hassan Anwar and Faizan.

Officials names include Tahir Zaman (manager) & Zeeshan Ashraf (coach).

Federal Minister Riaz greets boxer Waseem

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LAHORE, July 18 (APP): Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada Monday congratulated the national boxer Waseem Khan for winning the World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Flyweight title in Seoul, South Korea.

While terming Waseem’s win over Philipino boxer “a historic moment” in Pakistan boxing history, he said the national boxing had reached new heights of glory making the entire nation proud.

He wrote official letters to Doda Khan Bhutto, President Pakistan Boxing Federation and Waseem Khan besides congratulating his coaching staff for this outstanding performance.

“I hope that Waseem will win more laurels for his country by putting up hard work and commitment in his future bouts as well,” he added.

Abdul Sattar Edhi Memorial Jr Age Group Squash Championship begins

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PESHAWAR, July 18 (APP): Abdul Sattar Edhi Memorial Squash Championship started here at PAF Hashim Khan Squash Complex on Monday.

KP Junior Age Group Squash Championship named after great humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi are orgnized by Late Abdul Sattar Edhi Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Squash Association.

Dr. Mehmood of the Edhi Foundation Pakistan Peshawar Chapter was the chief guest on this occasion who formally inaugurated the Championship in which a total of 96 players are taking part in three different categories Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15.

Former World Championship while welcoming the guest and players, said that he has special love for late Abdul Sattar Edhi. “I am greatly inspired from the struggle and work for the humanity late Abdul Sattar Edhi made,” Qamar Zaman added.

“I always follow him the way, he struggle with just one cause to serve the humanity,” Qamar Zaman said while paying tribute to Abdul Sattar Edhi. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Squash Association is very vibrant unite
of Pakistan Squash Federation and that is why it consecutive winning the President trophy for the third consecutive years.

He said naming the Championship after Abdul Sattar Edhi is only to pay tribute to him and his services he had rendered during his whole life.

Qamar Zaman said his name would always be in our memories. He expressed the hope that Abdul Sattar Edhi mission to serve the humanity would be continued without any break.

In his speech, Dr. Mehmood lauded the efforts being put in by KP Squash Association by naming the Championship after Abdul Sattar Edhi. He assured that Edhi Foundation Pakistan in the supervision of Faisal Edhi would continue to serve the people without any discrimination.

He termed the Championship a key to aware the younger generation about late Abdul Sattar Edhi struggle, services for the humanity and love for the poor people. He expressed the hope that people would follow the footprint of late Abdul Sattar Edhi in loving the ailing humanity. He said late Edhi would always be remembered in our heart and we would continue following his struggle.

Earlier, Dr. Mehmood Khan hit a short by formally inaugurating the Championship. On this occasion one minute silence was also observed by all the players, guests and spectators to pay great homage to late Abdul Sattar Edhi.

In the opening match top seed of the Under-13 category Asad Ullah beat Noor Zaman by 3-2 after a tough battle lasted for 49 minutes, the score was 10-12, 12-10, 9-11, 11-8 and 11-9.

At the end, Qamar Zaman awarded Championship shield to Dr. Mehmood while Dr. Mehmood presented a book title biography of late Abdul Sattar Edhi to former World Champion Qamar Zaman.

Squash Coach of Pakistan Sports Board Shehzad Mohib, Chief Referee Munawar Zaman, former squash player Dr. Abid, players, officials and large number of spectators were also present. The finals of the all the age group categories of the Championship will be played on Thursday.

President for innovative approach towards science

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President for innovative approach towards science

ISLAMABAD July 18 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain Monday called for changing the traditional mode of thinking for a creative and innovative approach towards science to come at par with developed countries.

The President made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 41st International Nathiagali Summer College on Physics and Contemporary Needs.

President Mamnoon called for immediate measures for
changing the curriculum to attain scientific progress.

The President lauded the efforts of Pakistan Atomic
Energy Commission (PAEC) over the past four decades for
hosting the Nathiagali Summer College for the development of science and technology in the country.

The President said that PAEC and similar institutions
should present viable recommendations to the Government in the light of their experiences to encourage the children to pursue education in these disciplines from their early academic life.

He said nations have excelled in the fields of industry,
trade, defence and economy on the basis of science and
technology and creative thinking.

“In this respect, private and government educational
institutions need to pay attention toward the field of
science,” the President said.

The President said that young generation was intelligent
and talented but there was a need to guide them in the right
direction. He said if they were imparted proper training then
they can play a distinctive role in the development of
country.

President Mamnoon said that it was everyone’s
responsibility to revitalize country’s academic and research
institutions by inculcating scientific thinking in the new
generation.

He called for providing them with all required resources
and facilities to enable them pursue research activities in
true academic spirit.

The President stressed upon the need to further improve
the condition of existing libraries in Pakistan. He called for
establishing new libraries while linking existing ones with
leading libraries of the world to help young scientists and
researchers access information from around the world.
The President noted that the youngsters were often able
to generate new and useful ideas while working on various
research projects but due to financial limitations and lack of
opportunities, they were unable to introduce these inventions at industrial level.

“If we can establish strong linkages between our
academic and scientific institutions with the industrial
sector then we can make further progress in the scientific
field,” the President said.

President Mamnoon said Summer College and other such
research institutions should come forward and present
suggestions to the government and educational institutions so as to put the country on the path to progress.

The President noted with appreciation that a large number of institutions affiliated with education and research were attending the event.

Director General Strategic Plans Division Lt. General Mazhar Jamil, Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
(PAEC) Muhammad Naeem and senior officials were present.

Anti-people elements isolated in Kashmir: Kirmani

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DHIRKOT (AJK), July 18 (APP): Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Dr Asif Kirmani Monday said those who had denied rights to the AJK people had now become ‘isolated’ as the ‘lion’ was roaring across Azad Kashmir.

Addressing a meeting of PML-N workers here, he said the
‘seasonal birds’ of other parties had vanished from the political scene.

The arrogant politician from Dhirkot, he said, had compromised on the rights of AJK people and his politics would end on July 21.

Today’s huge gathering was proof of the ensuing PML-N success on the polling day. The elements scared of PML-N’s popularity in AJk were firing on its rallies, he added.

He said there was no difference between Modi and Chaudhry Abdul Majeed as Indian occupation forces were killing innocent Kashmiris across the Line of Control while the Majeed government had martyred PML-N workers here in the AJK.

Referring to joining of Sardar Abrar, nephew of Sardar Qayyum Khan, to the PML-N, he said even the close relatives of that person had left him.

Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan was a great leader like Sardar
Ibrahim and Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas but his son had failed to come up to the expectations of the Kashmiris, who had rejected him, he added.

He said on July 21, the AJK people would bury his politics
forever by voting for the PML-N candidates, including Iftikhar
Ayub.

He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was a symbol of
progress and prosperity, who had brought $ 46 billion Chinese investment to Pakistan, whose benefits would also reach the AJK.

He said the PML-N believed in rule of law and the
Constitution and this was also the vision of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

He said the opponents of PML-N opened firing on its workers
in Haveli district martyring its two activists and injuring its
candidate Chaudhry Abdul Aziz seriously, a PML-N rally in
Bagh district was attacked while its candidate Mushtaq Minhas survived an assassination attempt. In Nakial, houses of PML-N workers were attacked and their property damaged, he added.

He said the PML-N had rejected the Judicial Commission
constituted by the AJK government and would investigate the matter in a transparent manner after coming to power.

He asked the AJK Chief ElectioN Commissioner to take notice of use of official protocol by the AJK President in election rallies.

He said ‘Tiger’, the PML-N’s election symbol was a symbol of
progress and prosperity.

Kirmani said on July 9, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly
condemned the Indian excesses in the Occupied Kashmir and Pakistani representative in the United Nations raised the issue at the UN.

Moreover, a special meeting of federal cabinet was held in
Lahore to condemn Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir and a decisionwas made to observe July 20 as Black Day.

He said a strong message should go across the LoC and the only way for the purpose was to vote for the PML-N candidates on July 21 Legislative Assembly elections. When like the Federal Government, the PML-N would be in power in the AJK, the Kashmir issue would be highlighted and resolved as per the vision of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, he added.

He said time was not far off when a Kohala-like bridge
would be built to link the people of Azad and Occupied Kashmir so that they could meet their brethren across the LOC.

He hoped that the people of Kashmir would vote for the PML-N to transform the AJK into a paradise on earth.

Kirmani said he went all across the Kashmir and saw that
both the PPP and PTI could not even begin their election campaign.

The two parties could not survive without being in power, but they did not have an election manifesto or record of service to the people, he added.

He warned that those who were conspiring to rig the elections on July 21 would face dire consequences.

After the victory in elections, he said, the PML-N workers from across the AJK would gather at Kohala bridge and then march towards Muzaffarabad to celebrate their victory.

Kirmani said at a time when the Modi government was killing
Kashmiris in held valley, Abdul Majeed government was doing the same in Azad Kashmir.

They killed workers of PML-N and injured the party candidate
Chaudhry Aziz with bullets, he added.

ADB forecasts economic boost in Pakistan in 2016 17

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ISLAMABAD, July 18 (APP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has forecast further boost in Pakistan’s economic growth during 2016 and 2017 due to high investment in infrastructure, improved security environment and energy supply.

“In Pakistan, further improvements in energy supply, higher
infrastructure investments, and an improved security environment will help push up growth in 2016 and 2017,” said an ADP report released on Monday.

Growth in Asia and the Pacific’s developing economies for 2016 and 2017 will remain solid as firm performances from South Asia, East Asia and Southeast Asia help offset softness from the US economy, and near term market shocks from the Brexit vote.

In a supplement to its Asian Development Outlook 2016 (ADO 2016) report, released last March, ADB now forecasts 2016 growth for the developing economies at 5.6%, below its previous projection of 5.7%. For 2017, growth is seen unchanged at 5.7%.

“Although the Brexit vote has affected developing Asia’s
currency and stock markets, its impact on the real economy in the short term is expected to be small,” said Shang Jin Wei ADB’s Chief Economist.

“However, in light of the tepid growth prospects in the major
industrial economies, policy makers should remain vigilant and be prepared to respond to external shocks to ensure growth in the region remains robust.”

Growth in 2016 and 2017, the report notes, is led by South
Asia, and India in particular, which continues to expand strongly,while the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is on track to meet earlier growth projections.

In East Asia, despite muted activity in Hong Kong, China and
the Republic of Korea, growth forecasts are unchanged at 5.7% in 2016 and 5.6% in 2017, with the world’s second largest economy, the PRC, on track to meet projected growth of 6.5% in 2016 and 6.3% in 2017.

To support its targets, the Chinese government is expected to continue using fiscal and monetary stimulus measures.
South Asia, meanwhile, is expected to be the fastest growing
subregion, where India’s economy is projected to grow at 7.4%.

While the Bangladesh economy will remain robust on the
strength of its garments sector.

In Southeast Asia, growth projections for the subregion in
2016 and 2017 remain unchanged at 4.5% and 4.8%, with solid performances by most economies in the first half of 2016 driven by private consumption.

The exception was Vietnam where the economy came under
pressure from a worsening drought that caused a contraction in the agriculture sector.

Continued soft commodity prices and the recession in the
Russian Federation have further dampened the growth outlook for Central Asia, with the earlier 2016 forecast of 2.1% trimmed to 1.7%, and 2017 cut to 2.7% from 2.8%.

The slump in revenues from hydrocarbon exports are affecting fiscal consolidation efforts in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, while lower remittances, particularly from the Russian Federation, continue to hurt domestic consumption in the subregion.

In the Pacific, growth for 2016 is expected to moderate to
3.9% in 2016 from 7.1% in 2015, with the Fijian economy reeling from Cyclone Winston. However there are some bright spots with stronger than expected tourism receipts aiding the Cook Islands and Samoa, while Vanuatu’s economy is being boosted by the rollout of post cyclone reconstruction work and other major infrastructure projects.

The report now projects inflation for developing Asia to come in at 2.8% for 2016 and 3.0% for 2017 a 0.3 percentage point rise for each year from the previous forecasts.

The rise is due largely to a recovery in oil and food prices.
Oil prices rebounded from early year lows and food prices rose nearly 9% in June 2016 from the year earlier, marking the fifth consecutive month the index has risen in value.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia
and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, ADB in December 2016 will mark 50 years of development partnership in the region.

It is owned by 67 members 48 from the region. In 2015, ADB assistance totaled $27.2 billion, including cofinancing of $10.7 billion.

Ministries, divisions, provincial govts to observe Black Day on July 20

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ISLAMABAD, July 18 (APP): To express solidarity with the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), all the ministries/divisions and the provincial governments on Monday were directed to observe ‘Black Day’ on July 20.

The Cabinet Secretariat/Division through a circular has
directed the authorities concerned to comply with the directive of the Prime Minister and the decision of the Federal Cabinet on July 15 to observe the ‘Black Day’ (on Wednesday) in order to express solidarity and lodge protests against grave human rights violations in the IOK.

According to a circular, all officers/officials of the federal and provincial governments shall wear black arm bands while performing their duties to express political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris.

Arrangements should be made to offer special prayers (after
Zhohar prayer) for the Shuhada of Kashmir.

Ministry of Foreign office was required to issue necessary
instructions to all Pakistan Missions abroad to highlight the Indian atrocities in IOK through media and mobilize Pakistani diaspora to lodge strong protests in front of the parliaments of their respective countries and the UN organizations.

They are required to mobilize human rights organizations in
their respective countries to take notice of the human rights
violations in IOK and to sensitize various caucuses in the different regions.

Meeting held to review progress on draft companies bill

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Meeting held to review progress on draft companies bill

ISLAMABAD, July 18 (APP): Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a meeting with Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and other SECP officials here on Monday to review progress made in the draft Companies Bill, 2016.

The Chairman SECP on the occasion said a detailed
consultative process has been undertaken with respect to the draft Companies Bill, 2016 in the light of Finance Minister’s direction.

Subsequently keeping in view valuable comments by
stakeholders, the draft Companies Bill has been duly amended.

Certain new concepts were also discussed including the
provisions to ensure corporate transparency and facilitate
meaningful due diligence whereby key officers and beneficial owner of the company will be required to disclose their Beneficial Ownership in local and foreign companies.

Such information as reported by the company will be
maintained in the companies’ Global Register. Furthermore, for prevention of fraud and money laundering every officer of the company shall be required to take necessary measures to prevent the commission of fraud and money laundering in the respective company.

Any failure on the part of such officer shall be an offence.
The SECP, it may be mentioned is also proposing to introduce provisions regarding certain specialized companies including Free Zone companies and Agricultural Promotion Companies.

The free zone companies will cater to carrying out business
in Export Processing Zones notified by the Federal Government.

The introduction of Free Zone Companies will cater for
Pakistan’s future export needs especially in the wake of CPEC which will potentially change the economic landscape of the country.

The Agriculture Promotion Company shall provide impetus and support to the rural economy and induce increase in agricultural produce and its management through facilitation of warehousing, issuance of credible warehouse receipts for agricultural commodity, stock and audit verification.

The minister advised that the draft bill may be formally
submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Law for legal vetting and initiating the legislative process with the respect to the bill.

The minister directed that the new concepts should be shared with the stakeholders and only after exhaustive and broad based consultation the same may be included in the proposed companies’ bill at a later stage.

Dar for completing formalities for launching of PDF, PMIC

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Dar for completing formalities for launching of PDF, PMIC

ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): Finance Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Monday asked for completing the formalities of operationalisation and launching of Pakistan Development Fund (PDF) and Pakistan Micro finance Investment Company (PMIC) at the earliest to make them functional within the first quarter of the fiscal year.

The minister held a meeting with senior officials of the
Ministry of Finance to review progress on operationalization of PDF and PMIC.

The meeting also discussed other initiatives introduced in
Budget 2016-17, said a statement.

The minister was briefed on the progress made to-date for the initiation of various schemes.

He said the government is pursuing the objective of economic growth and these initiatives can contribute in achieving this objective.

The minister was also briefed about the visit of CEO of
Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), who is currently visiting Pakistan and will be meeting the Finance Minister on Tuesday.

APP MD visits Abdul Sattar Edhi’s residence, offers condolence

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APP MD visits Abdul Sattar Edhi's residence, offers condolence

KARACHI, July 18 (APP): Abdul Sattar Edhi was a real asset of Pakistan and the country was deprived of a great service giver to humanity, said Managing Director of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) Masood Malik on Monday.

Masood Malik went to the residence of late renowned
social worker in Kharadar here and condoled with his
son Faisal Edhi.

He said the death of Abdul Sattar Edhi was an irreparable loss for the Pakistani nation.

Those who work in the field of social services would feel
proud to follow the footsteps of Edhi, he added.

The APP MD said the vacuum left by Abdul Sattar Edhi would
not be filled for a long time.

“Edhi was a benefactor of needy people and the biggest ray of hope for Pakistanis in their hours of grief. Nobody else can achieve the status for Pakistan, which was obtained due to social and welfare work of Edhi at the national and international level.”

Masood Malik said Abdul Sattar Edhi took upon himself the
responsibility to serve the people of Pakistan without any
discrimination.

Edhi was a simple person who loved the poor and took care of helpless and penniless people, he said adding that his life story should be made a part of national curriculum, so that the new generations could be made aware of the bright aspects of his life.

Edhi overcame all difficulties and courageously faced
difficult situations and raised an exemplary world class welfare institution, he said.

Masood Malik assured Faisal Edhi that APP would extend all out cooperation to Edhi Foundation for carrying forward the mission of Abdul Sattar Edhi. He said APP staff would donate a one day salary to the Edhi Foundation.

He also told Faisal Edhi that APP would arrange a programme in Islamabad in memory of his father and requested him to attend it.

PM postpones travel to Islamabad due to infection in incisions

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will not be able to travel from Lahore to Islamabad on Tuesday morning due to infection in incisions in his leg.

A statement issued by the PM’s Office said that due to
infection, the Prime Minister was suffering from fever.

“The doctors are treating him and he will travel to Islamabad
as soon as the fever subsides,” the PM’s Office said.

The Prime Minister is in Lahore since July 9 after he returned
from London where he underwent a heart surgery.

President lauds cricket team, boxer for bringing laurels to country

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ISLAMABAD, July 18 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain on Monday congratulated the Pakistan cricket team over its historic win at the famous Lords cricket ground against England in the first test match.

The President said the hard work of team had led to success
and expressed hope that they would keep it up.
He also felicitated boxer Muhammad Waseem for winning the International Silver title and termed it a moment of pride for the nation.

Over 2.6 mln to cast votes in AJK polls on Thursday

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PML N wins LA 39, LA 40 seats

MUZAFFARABAD Jul 18: Over 2.6 million people will exercise their right to vote in Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s elections, taking place on Thursday.

A total of 2,674,586 people 1,483,747 men and 1,190,839 women will be moving towards polling stations on the Election Day (July 21) from AJK’s nine districts and 12 constituencies of Kashmiri refugees, spreading over four provinces of Pakistan to cost their votes, according to data released by Election Commission of AJK.

District Kotli surpasses AJK’s all districts in number of voters with 442,839 people 246,230 male and 196,609 female voters to cast their votes from its five constituencies where in total 47 candidates are vying. Though the total number of political parties in AJK stands at 42, the major contest in different constituencies of Kotli and other districts as well as the constituencies reserved for refugees is expected among AJK’s top political parties, including Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf and All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference.

Kotli is followed by AJK’s Capital Muzaffarabad in voters list. Around 429,276 voters, including 191,112 females set to cast their votes from its six constituencies where in total 67 candidates are in the run.

Vote wise district Poonch is the third largest district of AJK with a total of 310,968 registered voters, which include 141,334 female voters. A total of 51 candidates from four constituencies of this district will be trying their luck on the polling day.

The total number of registered voters in district Mirpur is 233,518, which includes 127,274 male and 106,244 female voters. Here a total of 48 contenders will be challenging each other from the four constituencies.

A total of 45 contestants will be facing each other from district Bhimber’s three constituencies, which has 243,165 voters 133,727 male and 109,438 female voters.

From district Sudhnoti, which has two constituencies around 166,143 people 91,283 men and 74,860 women will exercise their right to vote, whereas from district Bagh, which has three constituencies for its 232,572 voters 126,326 male and 106,246 female voters, a total
of 25 candidates are competing. District Neelam and district Havelli (Kahuta) have one constituency each for their 96,584 (52,479 male, 44,105 female) and 80,637 (43,813 male, 36,824 female) voters, respectively. From Neelam eight candidates are competing, while the same number of candidates is also in the run from Havelli.

A total of 99 contestants are contending for the 12 constituencies, spreading over four provinces of Pakistan where 438,884 people 254,817 men and 184,067 women will use their voting right.