RAWALPINDI, Jul 20 (APP): Commander Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan General John Nicholson here on Wednesday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif.

According to ISPR, during the meeting, regional security
issues and matters of mutual interest including border management mechanism along Pak-Afghanistan border and way forward for lasting peace in Afghanistan were discussed.

The visiting dignitary lauded the role of Pakistan Armed
Forces in breaking the nexus of terrorists and efforts for bringing peace in the region.

MIRPUR (AJK), July 20 (APP): A total of 423 candidates are in the run to contest elections, on direct adult franchise basis, on all 41 seats of the 49-seat AJK Legislative Assembly being held on July 21 Thursday (today), it was officially declared by the AJK EC.

AJK Election Commission has declared this while releasing the list of validly nominated candidates, belonging to various political parties as well as independent candidates for the Election -2016 – polling to which is being held on Thursday (today).

Following the constituency-wise breakup of the candidates
contesting the polls:- Constituency LA-I (Mirpur -I) 15 candidates, LA-II (Mirpur – II) 16 candidates, LA-III (Mirpur – III) 07 candidates, LA-IV (Mirpur – IV) 10 candidates, LA-V ( Bhimber-I) 13 candidates, LA-VI ( Bhimber-II) 17 candidates, LA-VII ( Bhimber-III) 15 candidates, LA-VIII ( Kotli-I) 09 candidates, LA-IX ( Kotli- II) 06 candidates, LA-X ( Kotli-III) 06 candidates, LA-XI ( Kotli-IV) 14 candidates, LA-XII ( Kotli- V) 12 candidates, LA-XIII (Bagh – I) 11 candidates, LA-XIV (Bagh – II) 08 candidates, LA-XV (Mirpur -III) 06 candidates, LA-XVI (Bagh/Haveli -IV) 08 candidates, LA-XVI
(Bagh/Haveli -IV) 8 candidates, LA-XVII (Sudhanoti and Poonch -I) 14 candidates, LA-XVIII (Sudhanoti and Poonch -II) 10 candidates, LA-XIX (Sudhanoti and Poonch -II) 14 candidates, LA-XX (Sudhanoti and Poonch -III) 13 candidates, LA-XXI (Sudhanoti and Poonch -V)
16 candidates LA-XXII (Sudhanoti and Poonch -VI) 09 candidates, LA- XXIII (Neelam Valley -I) 08 candidates, LA-XXIV (Muzaffarabad -I) 15 candidates, LA-XXV (Muzaffarabad -II) 10 candidates, LA-XXVI
(Muzaffarabad -III) 14 candidates, LA-XXVII (Muzaffarabad -IV) 06 candidates, LA-XXVIII (Muzaffarabad – V) 13 candidates, LA-XXIX (Muzaffarabad -VI) 09 candidates, LA-XXX (Jammu & Others-I) 13 candidates, LA-XXXI (Jammu & Others-II) 17 candidates, LA-XXXII (Jammu & Others-III) 06 candidates, LA-XXXIII (Jammu & Others-IV)
06 candidates, LA-XXXIV (Jammu & Others-V) 08 candidates, LA-XXXV (Jammu & Others-VI) 13 candidates, LA-XXXVI (Kashmir Valley-I) 09 candidates, LA-XXXVII (Kashmir Valley-II) 06 candidates, LA-XXXVIII
(Kashmir Valley-III) 04 candidates, LA-XXXIX (Kashmir Valley-IV) 05 candidates, LA-XI (Kashmir Valley-V) 08 candidates and LA-XII (Kashmir Valley-VI) 04 candidates.
Rest of eight reserved seats of the 49-seat AJK Legislative
Assembly, including five meant for women folk and one each for technocrats, ulema mashaikh and overseas Kashmiris will be held by the electoral college comprising 41 members to be elected on direct-adult franchise basis in July 21 (Thursday – today) AJK general

LAHORE, July 20 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday said that Black Day against Indian brutalities against unarmed Kashmiris was observed enthusiastically throughout Pakistan.

In a press statement, he said that Pakistani people had expressed their complete solidarity with Kashmiris and by observing Black Day had exposed Indian aggression and atrocities of occupational forces.

He said by observing Black Day, Pakistani nation had proved that it was with its Kashmiri brethren.

Shehbaz Sharif said that Kashmiris could not be denied their right of self-determination through oppression and Indian forces could not silence the voice of Kashmiris through the use of brutal force.

He said that Pakistan would continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 20 (APP): The Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara, Turkey organized an event to observe “Black day” to protest against the atrocities committed in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

All officers and staff wore black arm bands. Quran Khawani was held for the Kashmiris who were recently martyred by the security forces in the IOK, said a message received here Wednesday.

In his remarks, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted the
significance of the observance of Black Day.

He underscored the deep concern of the Government and people of Pakistan over the human sufferings in Kashmir due to the excessive use of force by the occupying forces.

The Ambassador underlined the need for the world community to play its role in facilitating a just, peaceful and durable solution of the Kashmir dispute.

He also thanked the Government and people of Turkey for their consistent support for the cause of Kashmir.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 20 (APP): Afghanistan’s Minister of Refugees
and Repatriation (MoRR) Sayed Hossein Alimi Balkhi has said that Afghanistan would provide free of charge house or plot to each refugee on returning home land.

Addressing at the “Grand Jirga” of registered Afghan refugees here Wednesday, organized by Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON).

Balkhi stressed the importance of reinvigorated efforts to
create an environment conducive for voluntary repatriation and sustainable reintegration in Afghanistan, including improved access to basic services and livelihood opportunities, and land tenure reform.

He noted that a detailed action plan will be finalized by
early September this year. “We pay gratitude to the Government and people of Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees and economic migrants for more than three decades amidst economic challenges and significant strain on the infrastructure and resources,” he said.

Speaking at the occasion, Federal Minister for SAFRON Abdul
Qadir Baloch reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to continue working closely with the Government of Afghanistan and UNHCR to ensure sustainable voluntary returns in safety and dignity,
as evidenced by the recent constitution of an Inter-Ministerial
Committee, headed by Secretary SAFRON, and tasked with devising a voluntary repatriation plan.

While acknowledging and commending the Comprehensive Voluntary Repatriation and Reintegration Strategy of the Government of Afghanistan, the Minister urged and encouraged the Government of Afghanistan to work on immediate, concrete and tangible plans for receiving and reintegrating Afghan returnees in view of the
implementation of the enhanced voluntary repatriation and
reintegration grant and the Government of Pakistan’s voluntary repatriation plan.

He urged the international community to support the Government of Afghanistan in the implementation of this strategy with tangible results.

UNHCR’s Representative in Pakistan Indrika Ratwatte while
lauding the decision of the Government of Pakistan to extend the validity of the Proof of Registration cards until 31 December 2016, said that UNHCR recognizes Pakistan’s generosity for hosting millions of Afghan refugees on its soil. This hospitality contributes an immense contribution to the global public good.

He said that the enhanced repatriation grant announced by the High Commissioner will help facilitate the immediate reintegration of returnees in Afghanistan, however, he stressed the need for robust support of the development actors in ensuring the sustainability of voluntary returns in Afghanistan and in providing tangible support to host communities in Pakistan, pending return.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 20 (APP): The Senate on Wednesday adopted a resolution unanimously to expressed solidarity with democratic government and great people of Turkey.

Senator Azam Khan Swati on behalf of all members of the house moved the resolution.

“The Senate admires, congratulates and pays its tribute to the brave people of Turkey who displayed an uncommon courage by upholding democratic norms and defeated military coup and save their country from anarchy and civil war,” the resolution said.

“It was so moving to see common Turk took to street and world witnessed that human flash stopped steel Tanks on just a single call of its leader, President Rajjap Tayyab Erdogan. We admire all opposition political parties for their historic and unprecedented resolve to protect democracy.

We stand by our brotherly country in this very define moment of their political history and pray for those who lost their lives for a just cause of defending the future of their country”, the resolution further said.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 20 (APP): Showing solidarity and condemning Indian atrocities in Indian Held Kashmir (IHK), Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah on Wednesday said entire Pakistani nation and Pakistan Navy stand with Kashmiri brethren and will never let them alone.

This was stated by him while chairing Command and Staff
Conference of Pakistan Navy which offered Fateha for innocent Kashmiris martyred by Indian Forces.

Later, matters related to operational preparedness,
developmental plans of Pakistan Navy and prevailing security
situation were reviewed, news release of PN here stated.

Detailed briefings on various ongoing and future Pakistan
Navy projects and plans as well as operational activities and
security aspects at Gwadar Port particularly with respect of
CPEC Project were also given to Chief of the Naval Staff.

Making an overall assessment of the prevalent security
environment, Chief of the Naval Staff expressed satisfaction
over operational preparedness of Pakistan Navy in the face
of prevalent maritime challenges.

The Naval Chief while expressing Pakistan Navy’s
resolve to ensure seaward defence of vital maritime infrastructure and protection of the maritime interests of Pakistan against all threats, reiterated that development of Gwadar Port will be a lynchpin for the overall success of CPEC Project.

The Naval Chief reiterated to conduct Coastal security
exercises regularly in coordination with other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and Organizations to acquire the highest degree of professionalism and interoperability.

The Naval Chief was also briefed that in anticipation of
probable devastation likely to be caused due monsoon rains, highest priority will be accorded to Flood Relief and Rescue Operations by Pakistan Navy.

All possible men, material and assets are ready for deployment to provide all out support to meet any exigency.

The Naval Chief urged all to continue monitor the situation,
remain vigilant and judiciously utilize all the assets once the
situation so arises.

Command and Staff Conference is the apex decision making body of Pakistan Navy in which all Principal Staff Officers and Field Commanders undertake strategic review of Pakistan Navy’s Policies and Plans at least once in each quarter.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 20 (APP): Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique Wednesday advised PTI Chief Imran to improve governance in the province of his party’s government instead of mocking others on non-issues.

Talking to a private news channel, he said Imran Khan is oblivious to the corruption in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but is playing to the galleries by targeting the governments that are busy day and night in alleviating masses suffering.

He said it is not for the first time that PTI chief Imran Khan
announced to come on roads as his politics is all about the roads, streets, black mailing and pressure tactics.

Earlier he surrounded Election Commission, then he surrounded the Parliament and now he is planning for NAB.

“Who knows to which direction he will move in days to come as he lacks clarity of thought and dimension.”

He said it was better if Imran Khan improves governance in
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) because he always keeps clambering about corruption but he never told people why corruption was rampant in KP during three years tenure of PTI.

If his party had curtailed corruption in KP then why it is not visible to masses as people in KP themselves say openly that they are not seeing any visible change in the province.

He said Imran Khan has the right to criticize the government, oppose its policies in the Parliament and go to the courts if he deems it fit, but when he would politick on roads then he would be playing with national integrity and democracy.

Imran Khan dose not want accountability in the country, if he had wanted so, there could have been many ways. But, he was suffering from Nawaz Sharif phobia.

He said Imran Khan’s one point agenda is to send the
democratic elected government home before completing its term.

Saad Rafique said that all impartial political parties in the Parliament can call a jirga to resolve the matter of Terms of
Reference on Panama Papers.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 20 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has convened a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Friday.

It was stated in a PM Office Media Wing’s press release here on Wednesday.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 20 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz
Sharif will be returning to Islamabad Thursday, following his
cardiac surgery in London and recovery at Lahore, PM House said.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had a successful open heart
surgery on May 31 in London. He was discharged from the hospital five days later and returned to Lahore on July 9.

The doctors had advised him rest after his long journey
back to Pakistan. He later developed some infection in his leg and had to undergo treatment, daughter Maryam Nawaz said in a tweet.

The Prime Minister prior to his hospitalisation chaired
a meeting of federal cabinet from Pakistan High Commission in London, via video link, the first in country’s history.

The Spokesman of the Prime Minister House said Prime
Minister would be returning to Islamabad on July 21.

ISLAMABAD, July 20 (APP): Advisor to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui on Wednesday inaugurated children summer book club here at National Book Foundation (NBF).

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Advisor to Prime Minister
said that books inculcate habits of tolerance, education, literacy and enhance high power of thinking in human beings.

He said that annual summer book club was a good activity by the Foundation to promote book reading among the children.

He said that advance technology produced new world for the
people and book reading was reduced among our students and people. It is prime responsibility of the parents to bring their children towards books, he added.

The Advisor said that once book reading was very popular activity, adding that parents and teachers could play their role in bringing children towards books.

He expressed hope that NBF would expand this scheme to other parts of the country aimed at facilitating more students for promoting book reading habits among children.

Earlier, Managing Director Prof. Dr. Inamul Haq Javeid
welcomed Advisor to Prime Minister for gracing the
inaugural session of the summer book club.

He said that Foundation was making efforts to promote book reading habits among the children, adding that gifts would also be given to participants for their performance during the summer book club.

Students of 4 to 12 years from different
schools of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are participating in the club, he said.

“The classes daily start from 10:30 am to 1 p.m in the main
auditorium of the Foundation,” he said.

Renowned artists, literary figures and famous personalities
from all walks of life would participate and attend the book reading and storytelling sessions.

Prof. Qaisra Alvi, Chairman Green Task Force Prof. Dr. Jamal
Nasir were also present on the occasion.

RAWALPINDI, July 20(APP): To express solidarity with people of Indian Held Kashmir (IHK), officials of the federal and provincial government observed ‘Black Day” here Wednesday on the call of Prime Minister Muhammed Nawaz Sharif.

All officials wore black armbands to express political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiri’s struggling for their right of self- determination.

Special prayers were offered in all city mosques for Shuhada of Kashmir.

Meanwhile addressing “Kashmir Carvan” here at Committee Chowk ,Speakers including Ameer Jamat U Dawa Hafiz Saeed, Ameer Jamaat Islami Siraj Ul Haq and Malauna Fazl Ur Rehman Khalil strongly condemned the brutalities committed by Indian forces in Occupied Kashmir and urged the United Nations to take steps for holding of plebiscite as per its resolutions.

In their message on the occasion, they said Kashmir was the unfinished agenda of the United Nations.

They said the people of Pakistan would continue political, diplomatic and moral support to the struggle of Kashmiris for their right to self- determination.

The Kashmir Carvan rally started from Muridkay and passing through GT road and Rawalpindi oncluded in the federal capital.

The traders of the city also wore black armbands and expressed their solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

A function was also held at Rawalpindi Arts Council to express solidarity with struggling people of Occupied Kashmir.

ISLAMABAD, July 20 (APP): A special ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday to express solidarity with the oppressed people of Indian Held Kashmir (IHK).

The event was organized in connection with the observance of the ‘Black Day’ to condemn brutalities of the Indian armed forces against innocent and unarmed civilians in IHK.

The officers of the Ministry participated in the ceremony,
which was addressed by Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi, said a press release.

In their statements, they strongly condemned the inhuman and oppressive measures of the Indian armed forces.

They said Pakistan was a party to the Kashmir dispute in
accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions and demanded that those resolutions should be implemented by India.

All the participants, who were wearing black bands as a
gesture of solidarity with the Kashmiri people, expressed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of IHK and prayed for the early recovery of the injured.