ISLAMABAD, July 18 (APP): Minister for Commerce Engineer
Khurram Dastgir Khan has urged the developed nations to pursue more inclusive policies so that the prosperity gap between the developing and developed nations may be bridged in the foreseeable future.

He was delivering the Asia-Pacific Group statement at the
Group of 77 and China Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the 14th session of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Nairobi, Kenya, said a message received here Monday.

The minister said unequal participation of developing
countries in international economic and financial decision making, commodity dependence, debt overhangs and lack of access to required technologies was resulting in the rising inequality among countries.

The unilateral coercive measures were some of the long
standing challenges which continued to impede developing countries’ efforts to embark on a sustained growth trajectory, he added.

Commenting on the introduction of more complex technologies in the production methods such as 3-D printing, robotics and artificial intelligence, the minister said that the implications of such technologies for manufacturing, trade and employment patterns were quite uncertain and could have a profoundly negative impact on the organization of global value chains, trade flows and employment
prospects in many developing countries.

Khurram said UNCTAD should focus to reaffirm certain
key principles which should underpin principles of policy space, special and differential treatment, and common but differentiated responsibilities.

He was of the view that UNCTAD should ensure to continue its work in all three areas of its mandate, which were consensus building, policy advice and technical assistance.

He also urged the participants to establish new and
specialized Working Groups of UNCTAD to agree on initiating work on certain emerging issues which could benefit the cause of developing countries.

The minister emphasized the importance for the G-77 and China to jointly strive for a balanced action-oriented outcome from the meeting and bring out collective initiatives that may be taken by the Group to strengthen the capacity of developing counties to negotiate more effectively on trade and economic issues.

He proposed that the Group members might consider taking
measures to enhance UNCTAD’s analytical output by establishing a Trust Fund which would be earmarked for research and analysis on issues of urgent concern to developing countries.

He emphasized that the participants of the conference should also recognize the fundamental role of SDGs-focused investment policy, corresponding private-sector investment and a need for international investment reform in achieving SDGs.

He urged the G-77 to redouble its efforts to empower UNCTAD to effectively carry out its broad mandate on economic and trade issues.

MULTAN, July 18 (APP): Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Bosan said that Pakistan had successfully explored new markets for mango exports.

He said this at a two-day Mango Festival held at Mango Research Institute (MRI) hosted by Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture and Agriculture department Multan.

He said the country was now exporting mangoes to Australia, Japan and South Korea besides other countries of Middle East and Europe.

Bosan informed that there was a remarkable increase in export of mangoes. He stated the country had exported 10 to 12 thousand tonnes more mangoes as compared to the same period of last year.

“We are focusing on small farmers as other progressive farmers have enough resources to enhance their income,” he added. He expressed the pleasure that there was no rejection of any consignment.

Agriculture is mainstay of Pakistan’s economy and it is of 21 percent of GDP, he said and added that nearly 67 percent of our population was directly or indirectly linked to agriculture sector. “We are surplus in four crops including wheat, maize, sugarcane and rice,” he added.

He also appreciated the cooperation extended by the Australian government for improving mango quality and quantity. He said that Pakistani mangoes are termed best due to its aroma and best quality.

The work on establishment of disease free nursery is appreciable, he added.

Australian High Commissioner Margaret Adamson, MNA Muhammad Khan Daha, VC Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture Dr Asif  and others were also present on the occasion.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): The newly appointed Ambassador of Argentina, Ivan Ivanissevich called on Finance Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar here on Monday.

Finance Minister welcomed Ivan Ivanissevich on assuming his
responsibilities as Ambassador to Pakistan, said a statement.

The visiting envoy shared with the Finance Minister, the
current profile of Argentinean economy and the challenges faced by the government, particularly those relating to the economic situation.

He said the challenges were similar to the ones faced by
Pakistan a few years ago. He lauded Pakistan Government’s economic achievements in the last three years and said that achieving an economic turnaround was a remarkable feat.

Ishaq Dar said that it was with dedication and continued
process of reforms in different sectors that Pakistan has achieved macro-economic stability and was now treading on the path of growth, infrastructure development and employment generation.

He said Pakistan would be happy to share its experience in
economic and financial management with Argentina.

He also assured the Argentine Ambassador of his full support
and cooperation in the latter’s efforts for development of economic and trade relations between the two countries.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Finance attended the meeting.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Minister for Science and Technology Rana Tanveer Hussein Monday said that the development and upgradation of National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) institutions were important for promoting harmonization of standards at
international and regional level.

Addressing the inaugurative session of a three day UNIDO-ECO Expert Group Meeting here, he said Ministry of Science and Technology has formulated a National Quality Policy.
The first step towards establishing an internationally recognized NQI is to ensure good governance and create institutions that are free from conflicts of interest.

He hoped such meetings would lead to a positive exchange of views and a better understanding on the concept of quality infrastructure in the ECO region.

He said region would benefit comprehensively through this
commonly validated Regional Quality Policy, help enhance the regional trade by framing of Technical regulations supporting each other yet keeping the WTO regime’s requirements intact.

The relevant institutions need to be established or
restructured on the principles of transparency,consensus,
impartiality, and technical credibility.

Establishment and up gradation of quality infrastructure
takes years of efforts and requires a significant financial
investment and commitment before getting any international
recognition.

In many countries same institution is responsible for
developing standard, carrying out certifications, inspections and accreditation activities.

“We have a strong infrastructure including an accreditation
body with the name of Pakistan National Accreditation Council, Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority as standards body and metrology institute named as National Physical and Standards Laboratory, all having international recognition and traceability.”

The latter is in process of being further graded and transformed into the Metrology Institute of Pakistan.

Federal Cabinet in its very recent meeting has accorded
approval for signing the RISCAM Statute by the Government of Pakistan. Ratification will follow that.

Similarly, the Cabinet has also conveyed its approval for
establishment of RISCAMs TMB on Metrology at National Physical and Standards Laboratories at Islamabad.

Another recent development is the creation of the Pakistan
Halal Authority. This Authority would be mandated to interface with international bodies working in this field and be the bearer of Halal logo on behalf of the Govt of Pakistan.

Therefore forums like this, which provide an opportunity for
the exchange of ideas between regional countries are a useful medium. It may be added here that PNAC has already granted accreditation to four halal certification bodies so far and others are in the queue.

These countries could utilize the services available in
neighboring countries with whom collaborations can be established such as in ECO region. Pakistan would be more than happy to provide technical assistance to any country in the ECO region to support their Quality Infrastructure, he said.

He thanked UNIDO for the financial support in the organization of this expert group meeting and appreciate the efforts of my Ministry and our organizations including PSQCA, PNAC PCSIR and NPSL for their support in organizing this three day session.

LAHORE, July 18 (APP): Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said on Monday that maintenance of coaches should be ensured to provide maximum facilities to rail passengers.

Presiding over special meetings here at Railways Headquarters, he directed the authorities concerned to devise a plan for the upgradation of washing lines which, he added, would help in improving the cleanliness of trains.

He also directed to ensure the presence of sanitary staff in all trains for cleanliness.

A six-member delegation of Pakistan Railways (PR) will visit China from July 24 to 29. The meeting finalized the agenda regarding the visit of the delegation to China. The aim of its visit to China was to discuss the upgradation of Main Line-One from Karachi to Peshawar, Taxila to Havelian
Dry Port and to improve the present design of railways.

The delegation would comprise Railways Chairperson Parveen Agha, Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Javed Anwar, Railways Advisor Anjum Pervaiz, CPEC Head Muhammad Ishfaq Khattak, Additional General Manager Humayun Rasheed and Director General Planning Mazhar Ali Shah.

In another meeting, a committee has been constituted to look into a matter of overhauling of 480 coaches and the committee would be headed by Additional General Manager Mechanical Liaqat Ali Chughtai, which would present its report by July 31.

The meeting also discussed matters related to overhauling, upgradation of POH 420 German coaches which have been standing for overhauling for last five years and their 60 to 70 percent life has been completed.

ISLAMABAD, July 18 (APP): Senators each to donate Rs.20,000 for purchasing four ambulance which would be handed over to Edhi Centres in all four provincial capitals of the country in recognition of late Maulana Abdul Sattar Edhi for his great service to the humanity.

This was stated by Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani while chairing the 250th Session here Monday.

He said it was decided in the business advisory meeting that each senator would contribute Rs.20,000 from their salaries for procuring four ambulances which would be handed over to the Edhi Centres in provincial capitals of the country.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz in its parliamentary party meeting also endorsed the decision.

ISLAMABAD, July 18 (APP): Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Anwar Zaheer Jamali on Monday presided over high power security meeting in Supreme Court to review the security measures taken so far for the Courts in general and Judges of superior courts in particular and safe recovery of Barrister Owais Ali Shah son of Chief Justice of Sindh High Court.

The meeting was attended by Senior Most Judges of Supreme Court, Chief Justice of Federal Shariat Court, Chief Justices of all High Courts, Federal Secretary Interior, Ministry of Interior, All Chief Secretaries and IGPs of Provinces, Chief Commissioner and IGP, Islamabad.

Federal Secretary Interior, All Chief Secretaries and IGPs of Provinces, Chief Commissioner and IGP, Islamabad individually briefed the chair about the security measures, arrangements and force deployed for the security of Judges and their families in all Provinces as well as at Islamabad and discussed in detailed different ways and means to enhance the security of Judges and capacity building of Police Force to deal with such security issues, said a press release.

Judges of Supreme Court, Chief Justice of Federal Shariat Court and High Courts also put forward their suggestions and reservations and underlined the need to take precautionary measures to beef up the security of Judges and employ all the resources to enhance the capacity of the police to cope with the emerging security challenges in the country. Police must be equipped with modern technologies and techniques to ensure security.

The Chief Justice directed the Federal Secretary Interior to bring the outcome of this meeting to the knowledge of Federal Government and formulate short term and long term policies to take concerted efforts to deal with the issue.

Chief Justice also directed all Chief Secretaries and IGPs of
Provinces, Chief Commissioner and IGP, Islamabad to take measures to devise effective security system so that Judges and their families could be provided foolproof security. He also directed them to take steps for the safe recovery of Barrister Owais Ali Shah.

ISLAMABAD, July 18 (APP): The Senate on Monday paid rich tribute to late Abdul Sattar Edhi through a unanimously resolution and recommended that July 8, the day on which Mr left the world, may be observed as ‘Edhi Day’ to commemorate his services and encourage the youth to follow his footsteps.

Leader of the House Raja Zafarul Haq on behalf of whole House moved the resolution in the Senate.

The Senate also expressed deep sorrow on the sad demise of Abdul Sattar Edhi, the national hero and hero of humanity.

“It is a great loss not only to the Pakistani nation but also to the whole world and humanity. May Allah rest the departed soul in eternal peace and give the courage to the nation and his family members to bear this irreparable loss,” the resolution said.

This House paid tribute to Mr Edhi for his selfless services to the humanity particularly to the neglected and marginalized segment of society. He was a great legend, ambassador of humanity, a selfless soul who devoted his life for serving the humanity, sheltering orphans and serving helpless people. His countless services to humanity would be remembered forever, it further said.

The resolution said said Abdul Sattar Edhi was a prominent philanthropist, social activist, ascetic and humanitarian. He was the founder and head of the Ehdi Foundation in Pakistan and ran the organization for the better part of six decades.

Abdul Sattar Edhi was born in 1928 in a small village of Bantva near Joona Garh, Gujrat (India). The seeds of compassion for the suffering humanity were sown were in his soul by his mother’s infirmity. When Edhi
was at the tender age of eleven, his mother became paralysed and later got mentally ill. Young Abdul Sattar devoted himself for looking after all
her needs, cleaning, bathing, changing clothes and feeding.
Even at this early age, he felt personally responsible for taking on the challenge of developing a system of services to reduce human miseries. The task was huge and he had no resources. But it was something that he
had to do even if he had to walk to the streets, if he had to beg for this purpose, the resolution added.

Edhi and his family migrated to Pakistan in 1947. In order to earn his living, Abdul Sattar Edhi initially started as peddler, later became a commission agent and selling cloth in the wholesale market in Karachi.

Despite his enormous fame and the vast sums of money that passes through his hands, the resolution said, Edhi adhered to a very simple and modest life style. Although M. Edhi had a traditional Islamic background yet he had an open and progressive mind on a number of sensitive social issues. He strongly supported the notion of working women which can be reflected from the fact that out of total 2,000 paid workers of the Edhi Foundation around 500 are women.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): Secretary General of the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN
specialized agency for Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs), Houlin Zhao called on Special Assistant
to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq
Fatemi here on Monday.

The SAPM recalled his most cordial and fruitful meeting
with Mr. Houlin Zhao on May 18, 2016 during his visit to
Geneva to attend Conference on Disarmament, a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.

Commending the important role of ITU on standardization
and regulation of international telecommunications, the SAPM highlighted the steps taken by the Government to harness the immense potential of the ICTs in spurring socio-economic development in the country and achieving a knowledge-based society.

He added that the robust institutional and regulatory
framework of the Government has promoted the ICTs as one of the most vibrant sectors of the economy, attracting large-scale foreign investment.

Acknowledging the active role being played by Pakistan
in support of the organization, the ITU Secretary General
expressed his strong desire to further strengthen these
collaborative ties.

He also appreciated the Government’s vision to provide
universal, affordable and quality telecommunication services
through open, competitive and well-managed markets.

It may be recalled that Pakistan is a member of the ITU
since 1947, and presently serves on the ITU Council, the apex body of the organization, for the term 2015-18.

ISLAMABAD, JULY 18(APP): Senators on Monday paid rich tribute to the great Abdul Sattar Edhi, saying there was a dire need to teach students about his services for humanity.

Paying tribute to the philanthropist, Khush Bakht Shjaat said Abdul Sattar Edhi helped out the poor people and orphans who were expelled from their houses.

Azam Swati said Abdul Sattar Edhi worked for the entire humanity and his works should be promoted, adding, he set example for all of usl to follow.

Saeed Ghani paying tribute to Abdul Sattar Edhi said his organization should be strengthened and expanded to work for the destitute people more vigorously.

Muhahid Hussain said he raised voice for the poor people and his services would be remembered in the history for ever.

Ilyas Bilour said Edhi was very simple person and he raised funds for the poor persons who were expelled from houses. He did excellent job for the service of humanity.

Nihal Hashmi said Abdul Sattar projected true picture of a social welfare state and similarly presented true picture of Islam which put high value on serving humanity.

He said Abdul Sattar Edhi was a great management master and he should be introduced as subject as a management expert for students in educational institutions.

He said the great philanthropist also set a good lesson for the NGOs as he did not lend foreign funds, adding these organizations should follow his foot prints to serve humanity.

He said Abdul Sattar set example for the rulers that people could also be served and extended relief within limited resources as well.

Senator Col® Tahir Hussain Mashahdi said Abdul Sattar Edhi worked for the humanity, adding we got education but did not become good human and the message should be promoted as to how he become a great human who served people selflessly while getting lesson from life of Abdul Sattar Edhi.

He was of the view that Abdul Sattar’s institution should not be brought under government control as the measure could made vulnerable to instance of corruption.

Since, he added promoted message of love and peace, thus noble peace prize be announced for him.

Hasil Khan Bazenjo said children should be taught about Abdul Sattar Edhid who was a role model and worked for humanity throughout his life.

He served humanity without discrimination, adding secularism approach should also be adopted by us all which was a need of hour and served humanity without any discrimination.

Senator Usaman Kakar said Abdul Sattar performed such a great job for serving the poor people and the rulers should learn lesson from it.

Khalida Parveen said she also endorsed to include Abdul Sattar name in syllabus for students.

Senator Hafiz Hamdullah said Allah Almighty would reward those who worked for welfare of people and humanity without any discrimination.

He said Abdul Sattar Edhi transparently spent funds and did not erected palaces which was an example for rulers.

Senator Mir Kabir said he saluted him for his supreme services. He said he led simple life and did not travel in luxurious cars but in ambulances.

Shahi Sayed also paid rich tribute to late Abdul Sattar Edhi saying he helped out helpless people despite difficulties in his life.

Sardar Azam Musa Khel also highlighted services of Abdul Sattar Edhi.

Perveen Kalsum said he faced hardships during his life but he showed patience. She prayed May Allah almighty born such more people in our country.

Sajid Mir also paid tribute to Abdul Sattar Edhi sayin his services were matchless for humanity.

Sherry Rehman said he was the most deserved person for rewards. She said other than PPP, no other government worked for a social welfare state.

But she said Abudl Sattar Edhi worked for social welfare state, adding his services should be promoted.

She said community service should be taught to our children and Abdul Sattar Edhi set a bet example in this regard, she added.

Raheela Magsi said Abdul Sattar said Abdul Sattar Edhi services should also be taught to students in educational institutions.

Barrister Saif said there was a need to implement messages and work of Abdul Sattar Edhi in our practice otherwise all these narrations would prove to be lip service only.
Senator Mohsin Laghari said he helped out needy people and these people were leading comfortable life.

Farooq H Naek was of the view dossier should be prepared to tell
entire world including the US and the United Nations about work of Abdul Sattar Edhi whose services were example for all.

Senotor Mushadullah said Abdul Sattar Edhi did not beg money from any
NGO and always worked for poor people.

He said he was so simple person that he spent his entire life just in two suits. He said his services should be inculcated among students.

The Chairman senate also constitute a committee to pursue for noble peace prize for late Abdul Sattar Edhi.

The special committee include former chairmen senate- Wasim Sajaad, Nayar Bukhari, Mian Muhammad Soomro, Farooq H. Naik beside the present Leader of the House and leader of opposition.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Minister of State for Capital
Administration and Development Division (CAAD) Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Monday distrusted Rs 0.5 million cheques among the heirs of the persons died last month in a powerful storm.

Talking to media, he said, the cheques have been distributed
among storm victim families on behalf of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

He said there is no price of any life the cheques were only
solace to victims families. All possible measures were being adopted to counter any untoward situation to protect human lives.

He said the Prime Minister has paid his heartfelt condolences
with the affected families of storm victims.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): The Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Senate on Monday given formal approval to the amendments in the Rules of Procedure in Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012 for constitution of a Public Accounts Committee of the Upper House of the Parliament.

However, the BAC decided that the proposed amendments would be laid before the House for soliciting final approval, said a press release.

The Committee hoped that in two weeks the Government will respond on the issue of joint Public Accounts Committee.
The Committee was presided over by Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani and was attended among others by Leader of the House Raja Muhammad Zafar ul Haq, Senators Saeed Ghani, Col r, Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Ilyas Ahmad Bilour, Nauman Wazir Khattak, Muhammad
Talha Mehmood, Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar, Mir Israrullah Khan Zehri, Hidayatullah and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Aftab Ahmad Shaikh.

Secretary Senate Mr. Amjed Pervez Malik also attended the meeting and briefed the Committee about the compliance report regarding earlier decisions of the BAC.

The Committee paid glowing tributes to renowned social worker Mr. Abdul Sattar Edhi for his services. The BAC also condemned the brutal murder of famous Qawal Mr. Amjad Sabri and eulogized his contributions. It condemned the state oppression in occupied Kashmir.

The current session would continue for two weeks in which the matters pertaining to national and international significance besides calling attentions notices, Adjournment Motions and other important legislative matters would be taken up.