ISLAMABAD, Apr 25 (APP): Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed
Chaudhry on Monday said that Pakistan and Afghanistan should maintain trust and cooperate with each other for promoting long term peace and stability in Afghanistan.
“Pakistan is sincere in its efforts to bring peace to the war ravaged country but responsibility for instability in Afghanistan cannot be put on Pakistan as such kind of things will not resolve the issue,” he said while talking to a
private television channel.
He said Pakistan wanted peace in Afghanistan as
history had proved that peace in Afghanistan was vital for
peace in the region.
Pakistan, Afghanistan should maintain trust for promoting peace in Afghanistan: Aizaz
Shaukat Khanum's charity funds being used in politics: Khawaja Asif
ISLAMABAD, Apr 25 (APP): Minister for Defence, Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif Monday said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan was using Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital’s charity funds in politics.
Talking to a news channel, he said that he would present evidences of corruption in the wake Shaukat Khanum charity funds to the judicial commission formed on Panama Papers.
The minister said that Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had presented himself and his family for accountability, adding the commission has discretionary power to carry out accountability of the Prime Minister.
UN Security Council slams North Korean missile test
UNITED NATIONS, April 25 (APP): The United Nations Security Council has condemned North Korea for its submarine launched ballistic missile test Saturday, calling it “another serious violation” of existing UN resolutions.
The Council, in a statement issued here at UN Headquarters,
said the missile activities “contribute to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s development of nuclear weapons delivery systems,” while increasing global tensions.
The statement also warned that the Security Council would “take further significant measures” against the North, just weeks after imposing tough new sanctions to pressure Pyongyang to comply with existing UN mandates.
PKF hopes Pakistan would repeat its heroics in Asian Kabaddi
ISLAMABAD, Apr 25 (APP): Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) on Monday said it is hopeful that Pakistan would repeat their heroics to emerge victorious once again in the Asian Kabaddi Championship (circle style) scheduled
to be held from May 2 to 6 in Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Wah Cantt.
Addressing a press conference here at a local hotel on Monday, PKF secretary Rana Mohammad Sarwar said the Kabaddi Championship will be telecasted on PTV Sports.
“Besides Pakistan, teams from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Iran would vie for the trophy in the third edition of the championship,” he said.
Opposition running away from judicial commission: Pervaiz
ISLAMABAD, April 25 (APP): Federal Minister for Information,
Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid Monday said opposition parties knew that the hands of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif were clean and corruption allegations against him would be exposed.
Those running away from judicial commission wanted to save their cronies, who were involved in corruption, he said while talking to newsmen here at Hunarkadda.
The minister said in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Bank of Khyber scandal had emerged but Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan did not form any commission. Rather Sikander Sherpao, whom Imran himself had sacked on the allegations of corruption, would investigate the matter, he added.
Commission to investigate all whose names mentioned in Panama Papers: Dar
ISLAMABAD, April 25 (APP): Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar Monday said the commission announced by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on the demand of opposition, would investigate all the persons whose names had been mentioned in the Panama Papers Leaks.
Talking to a news channel, he said the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and other federal and provincial institutions were bound to assist the commission.
The minister said after the Panama Papers Leaks, the Prime Minister addressed the nation and announced to constitute an inquiry commission on Panama Papers headed by a retired judge. Later, he decided the form a judicial commission headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) on the demand of opposition parties, he added.
Resham not interested in stage dramas
LAHORE, Apr 25 (APP): Famous film star Resham Monday said that she was not interested to perform in stage dramas and the rumours in this connection were wrong.
Talking to APP here, she said that due to Pakistan Television (PTV) and films, she was being recognized as an artist throughout the world.
She said that she earned name and money from Pakistani films, while the PTV was like her mother institution.
Munawar Zareef's death anniversary on April 29
LAHORE, April 25 (APP): The 40th death anniversary of legendary comedian Munawar Zareef will be observed on April 29.
Munawar Zareef was born on February 2, 1940 at Gujranwala.
His first film was ‘Hath Jori’. Later he performed in about 300
Pakistani films as comedian till the time of his death.
CPEC to realize dreams of Pakistan's founders: President
ISLAMABAD, Apr 25 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain Monday said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would be a game changer in the entire region and would help realize the dreams of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
He was speaking at a ceremony arranged here by Khubaib
Foundation in connection with Orphan Day.
The President said corruption was a curse which could erode a society and urged the people to eradicate the menace through collaborated efforts.
All terrorist groups targeted without distinction: Fatemi
ISLAMABAD, Apr 25 (APP): Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi Monday said that under the National Action Plan, Pakistan has targeted all terrorist groups without distinction.
He was talking to Cheng Guoping, State Commissioner for
Counter-Terrorism and Security of China who called on him here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Fatemi highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices and significant
contribution to the global fight against terrorism.
Dar reviews preparations for ADB Meeting
ISLAMABAD, Apr 25 (APP): Finance Minister, Senator Muhammmad Ishaq Dar here on Monday chaired a meeting which reviewed preparations regarding participation of Pakistan’s delegation in the forthcoming 49th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Finance Minister who represents Pakistan on the Board of Governors of the Bank, would lead Pakistan’s delegation at the meeting which would be held at Frankfurt, Germany from May 2-5, 2016, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance here Monday.
During his stay at Frankfurt, besides participating in the
scheduled events including meetings with senior ADB officials, the Minister would also have interaction with finance ministers/delegations of other countries on the sidelines of the main event.
Orange train to be safe, fast transport for masses: Ayaz
LAHORE, April 25 (APP): National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said on Monday that Orange Line Metro Train project (OLMT) would ensure provision of safe, fast, respectable and comfortable transport facility to the masses.
Addressing a seminar regarding the OLMT project here at Samanabad, the NA Speaker said that orange line train project was being executed purely for provision of best travelling facility to the citizens of Punjab metropolitan city.
The OLMT, he added, was the low-cost and effective project in the history of Pakistan that would benefit directly to the people only.
Canadian High Commissioner pays farewell call on Finance Minister
ISLAMABAD, Apr 25 (APP): Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms. Heather Cruden paid a farewell call on Finance Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar here on Monday and discussed the current profile of Pak-Canada economic cooperation.
Other development projects financed from Canadian assistance and undertaken through local and international NGOs, UN, World Bank and local governments in the areas of sustainable economic growth, basic education, gender equality and different other fields also came under discussion, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance here.
The Minister on the occasion acknowledged the Canadian
assistance for different development projects and appreciated the contribution of the High Commissioner for strengthening Pak-Canada economic cooperation.
All set to organize national cycling championship
LAHORE, April 25 (APP)- Country’s top riders will be seen in action during the 2nd edition of the national cycling championship which goes into action here from tomorrow, Tuesday at cycling velodrome.
“All the participating teams are in good practice and a keen competition is likely to be witnessed in a number of track and road events,” said Idris Haider Khawaja, President, Pakistan Cycling Federation on Monday.
Usman Anwar Director General Sports Board Punjab will inaugurate the event and Sheikh Ruhail Asghar MNA will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony on April 29.
Proposal to lay Havelian-Khunjrab railway line under consideration
ISLAMABAD, April 25 (APP): A proposal to lay railway line
between from Havelian to Khunjrab (Pak-China border) is under consideration as part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
According to official documents, the length of the proposed
is approximately 682 kilometres. The estimated cost of the
project as per pre-feasibility study carried in 2007-2008 is
$10.5 billion. However, the actual cost will be worked out after the detailed feasibility study and design of the project.
The project is likely to commence upon finalization of the
feasibility study and approval of PC-I.
Brazil, Pakistan to increase existing trade volume of $370 mln
ISLAMABAD, Apr 25 (APP): Brazil’s Ambassador to Pakistan
Claudio Raja Gabaglia Lins on Monday said Brazil and Pakistan should make efforts to increase the existing trade volume of 370 million dollars.
Speaking at the “Meet the Press” held at National Press
Club, he said there are vast opportunities of trade, cultural
exchange and mutual cooperation among both the countries.
Brazil-Pakistan Business Council was established to enhance
the trade volume between the two countries, he added.
COAS awarded Jordanian Medal of Merit
ISLAMABAD, April 25 (APP): Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Monday was awarded the most prestegious Jordanian Medal of Merit at an exclusive ceremoney held in Jordan.
The COAS, who is currently on an official visit to the brotherly country, was decorated with the medal for displaying remarkable courage in leading Pakistan Army in the face of multiple threats, especially the menace of terrorism, and above all for his great efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
In additition to Jordanian Medal of Merit, the COAS had recieved International awards by different countries, including Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi Arabia), Legion of Merit (United States), Order of Military Merit (Brazil) and Legion of Merit (Turkey).
Setting up of solar projects in Punjab discussed
ISLAMABAD, Apr 25 (APP): Minister of State for Board of
Investment Dr Mifta Ismail met here Monday with the Ex Chairman Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Mushtaq Malik along with the CEO of a French Company ENGIE Raphael Colas and discussed the prospects of setting up solar projects/plants in Punjab.
Minister of State Mifta Ismail said that government is
planning to set up a 1000MW capacity of Solar plants in Quaid e Azam Solar Park, 300MW has already been installed in that.
Sindh also has some similar plans regarding alternative
energy.
Dar-ul-Tarjuma to be set up for promotion of Urdu
ISLAMABAD, April 25 (APP): The government on Monday decided to establish ‘Dar-ul-Tarjuma’ for the promotion of national language and translation of selected international literature in Urdu.
The decision was taken in a meeting held here at National
History and Literary Heritage (NH&LG) Division with Advisor
to Prime Minister on NH&LG Irfan Siddiqui in the chair.
Senior officials of NH&LH and Pakistan Academy of Letters
(PAL) briefed the Advisor on the legal and technical issues of
the Dar-ul-Tarjuma.
Panama leaks issue aimed at disturbing economic agenda :Ahsan Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, April 25 (APP): Federal Minister Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal on Monday said that Panama Papers leak aimed at disturbing the economic agenda of the country after present government steered the country out of economic crisis to move towards economic stability during the last two and a half years.
In a statement, Ahsan Iqbal said PTI Chief Imran Khan was
creating hurdles in the way of this economic agenda without realizing the heavy price country might pay in terms of economic losses.
He noted that Imran Khan’s protest against present government carries no weight after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wrote to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) for constitution of judicial commission to probe into Panama leaks.