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Govt expedites relief activities in flood hit Chitral district

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Guards, protocol withdrawn from President, PM during electioneering on CEC directives

CHITRAL, July 8 (APP): The Government has expedited relief operations and activities in flood hit Chitral district besides accelerating pace on work for restoration of damaged communication infrastructure including water supply schemes to provide quick support to the affected people.

Prime Minister’s Focal Person for relief activities in Chitral, Engr Amir Muqam and Chairman National Disasters Management Authority (NDMA) Major General Asghar Nawaz visited flood hit areas including Urson village here Friday and inspected relief activities/operations besides distributing food items among the affected people.

They were briefed by Deputy Commissioner Chitral about ongoing relief activities and pace of work on the damaged infrastructure in the affected areas. They also met with flood affectees and assured full support to them. Muqam directed the DC to further speed up relief activities in the flood hit areas.

According to PDMA KP, 1200 tents, 6000 quilts have been provided to district administration Chitral at the onset of monsoon season 2016. As many as 500 tents, 100 kitchen sets, 400 plastic mats, 1000 hampers and 1200 blankets have been dispatched for the affected areas from PDMA warehouse.

The DC Chitral was authorized to utilize the relief funds to the tune of Rs.15 million for relief activities.

The General Manager, Utility Corporation Pakistan has been requested to ensure the provision of food items to District Administration, Chitral in the wake of Urson valley flood incident.

Pakistan Red Crescent Society has distributed relief goods including plastic buckets, water filters and other necessary items among the flood affectees. Cooked foods (rice) and thousands of bottles of drinking water and other items were also distributed.

The affected people have been provided food items and compensation  cheques besides free treatment facilities to the injured at District Headquarters Hospital, Chitral.

District Health Officer Chitral along with Paramedical staff had
visited the affected area and provided medical treatment and medicines to the affected population.

In addition to distribution of food and other necessary items among the affectees, the Civil and Works Department had restored the roads for light traffic and routine activities was moving towards normalcy in the affected areas due to effective measures of the government.

The Irrigation and PHE departments are engaged in assessing the damages to irrigation channels and water supply schemes respectively whereas Irrigation Department has been given the task to dismantle the artificial damming at Chitral river.

NDMA establishes NEOC to facilitate Chitral relief operation

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NDMA

ISLAMABAD, July 8 (APP): National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has established National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) for effective monitoring and coordination of the ongoing relief operation in flood hit areas of Chitral.

According to NDMA spokesman, the NEOC could be contacted through Universal Access Number (UAN): 051 111-157-157; 051-9205037 for support and assistance. District administration and army troops were busy in relief and rescue operation. Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was managing the situation in disaster hit areas of Chitral.

According to latest figures released by NDMA, a total of 16 persons were perished, 13 missing and four received injuries due to flood in Chitral. As many as 55 houses were affected including 20 fully destroyed and 35 partially damaged.

Meanwhile, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PMDA), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has sent ten trucks loaded with relief goods for rain and flood affected people of Drosh area of Chitral district.

PDMA KP spokesman told that the relief goods include 300 tents, 1,000 blankets, 300 plastic mats and 1,000 baskets of food items.

Sartaj for global unity to combat terrorism

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ISLAMABAD, July 8 (APP): Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said that terrorism could only be defeated with unity and cooperation of the international community and stressed upon coordinated global efforts.

He was responding to media questions regarding the forthcoming North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in Warsaw, Poland, said a press release of the Foreign Office on Friday.

The Advisor said that the Summit was taking place under the long shadows of terrorism, turmoil and continuing conflicts worldwide.

Within last week alone, the world witnessed major terrorist attacks in  Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, he added.

Sartaj said in Pakistan, operation Zarb-i-Azb in North Waziristan and concerted operations in other parts of the country against terrorists had been very successful and as a result, dividends started reaching the people of Pakistan.

“We appreciate acknowledgement of our contributions by the international community. We expect that as we intensify our efforts to facilitate the peace process in Afghanistan, they will also capitalize on the dividends of these counter-terrorism operations to facilitate this process,” the press release quoted the PM’s Advisor as saying.

PCB should utilize Wasim Akram more: Waqar Younis

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 8 (APP): Former head coach Waqar Younis has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to utilize Wasim Akram more as his suggestions and ideas can help Pakistan cricket to move forward.

Waqar said the key decision-makers advising the Chairman should be former cricketers. “I have stated this fact in my recommendation reports to the Pakistan Cricket Board.”

“You need a cricket committee who make the cricketing decisions. What’s happening is that all of the decisions are coming from the Board of Governors and there are no cricketers amongst them,” he told Pakpassion.net.

“We need to give responsibility to cricketers such as Wasim Akram, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq and Ramiz Raja. Wasim needs to be utilised more by the Board for suggestions and ideas and to help Pakistan cricket move forward,” he said.

Waqar said we have to make sure our domestic structure is improved and is of a better standard. “Look at the example of South Africa who was out of international cricket for many years but I remember going to South Africa for the first time in 1994 and when playing against them I felt like this nation had never been away from international cricket. This was due to their strong domestic cricket structure that produced excellent cricketers”.

He said our stadiums are empty, nobody is watching domestic cricket apart from the major twenty-over tournaments. “Our cricket committee needs to have eight to ten top quality cricketers as their ideas can be beneficial to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan cricket’s future.”

“I gave PCB the names of people who should be on the cricket committee, but instead they have brought in Iqbal Qasim and Nadeem Khan who played cricket so long ago and are not really in touch with modern day cricket. I have nothing against these people but we need to move forward,” he said.

Speaking about the new head coach Mickey Arthur, Waqar advised Mickey to be patient and honest. “He is an experienced coach and he has coached around the world and that will be beneficial. I think the Pakistan team will blossom under Mickey.”

“Things are moving forward, Mudassar Nazar is there now and he will do a good job with the academies and we have to be patient. Everyone has to give Mickey some time and not expect too much, too soon,” he said.

People have wrong perception about me, says Shoaib Akthar

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ISLAMABAD, July 8 (APP): Former pacer Shoaib Akthar believes people have a wrong perception about him that he is a playboy or a party guy, saying, “I am a very down to earth person”.

Shoaib, who is nicknamed as the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ said the people has misjudged about me a lot. “I am a simple guy and I am not a party guy or anything like that,” he said while talking to a private news channel.

Shoaib, who made his Test debut in November 1997 as an opening fast bowler, said he understood about relations after his retirement.

“I never missed my family on Eid or any such festivals as I came to know about relations after I got retired,” he said.

Shoaib, who took the retirement decision during the 2011 World Cup, said he cannot live anywhere else but Islamabad.

“I have never made anything in my whole life. I just have two t-shirts, a jeans and a pair of slippers in which I roam,” he said.

Shoaib is regarded as the fastest bowler ever in the history of cricket and has bowled the fastest delivery officially recorded at a speed of 161.3 km/h.

His fastest was against England in the 2003 Cricket World Cup, the ball was recorded at 161.3 km/h. He is the first bowler in the history of cricket to have been recorded to bowl over 100 mph.

PIA to dedicate aircraft for PM’s return

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PIA assures public of uninterrupted operations despite salary payment concerns

ISLAMABAD, July 8 (APP): Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Friday stated that an airliner has been dedicated for the return of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif from London.

With reference to media reports regarding a PIA aircraft being deputed for Prime Minister’s return to Pakistan, a PIA Spokesperson clarified that “due to Prime Minister’s health issues, PM Office had partly been shifted to London, where a Camp Office had been set up.

“Now that the Prime Minister has recovered after surgery and is allowed to travel, the whole Camp Office has to be shifted back to Pakistan.

“On PIA’s regular flights so many seats were not available due to which the only option was to dedicate an aircraft”, he added.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson said there would not be any
significant delay in other flights due to the PM’s special flight, as alternate arrangements had been made by PIA.

Referring to media reports about the flight’s financial impact on PIA, the airline’s spokesperson has clarified that the figures are “totally baseless and grossly exaggerated”.

Govt. to continue efforts till rehabilitation of all flood victims of Chitral: Muqam

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CHITRAL July 8 (APP): The Prime Minister’s Focal Person for relief activities in flood-hit areas of Chitral, Engr Amir Muqam said here Friday that Federal Government was well aware of the problems of flood victims of Chitral and would continue efforts till their complete rehabilitation and resettlement.

Presiding over a high-level meeting to review the ongoing relief, rehabilitation activities besides assessing damages caused by the recent heavy torrential rains and floods in Upper Chitral, Engr Amir Muqam said the Government standby with flood victims of Chitral in this hour of need and every effort would be made for their speedy and early rehabilitation.

“I came here on the directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif who phoned me from London about my personal input and supervision of relief activities in Chitral,” he said.

Muqam said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was taking keen interest in developmental of Chitral. Muqam assured that all available resources would be provided to flood victims.

Muqam who is also adviser to the Prime Minister said federal government was taking practical measures for development of Chitral and would restore electricity in flood hit areas on priority basis. He said PMLN Government strongly believed in uniformed development of the country and record developmental projects have been completed irrespective of political affiliations in Chitral district.

“The people of Chitral are very close to my heart as they are peace loving, patriotic and highly educated and are playing key role in development of the country,” Muqam said.

He expressed the hope that they would bear the pain of huge floods losses with steadfastness and patience like the past.

Muqam said early completion of multi-faceted Lawari Tunnel project would change destiny of people of Chitral, adding it was a lifeline project for people of entire Malakand division that would make a very positive impact on the social economic conditions of people besides expediting pace of development in this remote northern district of KPK.

Muqam said he would meet Prime Minister soon upon his return to the country and would appraise him about Chitral’s situation.

Muqam offered special prayers (dua) for eternal peace of the departed souls of those who lost their lives during floods and early recovery of the injured.

Earlier, the deputy commissioner Chitral briefed him about the ongoing relief and rehabilitation activities besides devastation caused by the recent floods in Upper Chitral.

He said that a summary of Rs 50 million has been sent to the concerned authorities for construction of nine bridges and 22 roads while Rs 10 million have been released by PDMA for the flood victims.

The DC said 500 temporarily houses were immediately required for the flood victims for accommodation besides huge funds for restoration of water pipes, bridges, roads and
others infrastructure.

The Deputy Commissioner lauded the efforts of Pak Army personnel besides officials of district administration, NDMA and PDMA who actively took part in the relief and rescue
operations in the flood hit areas.

Later, Muqam visited flood hit Urson valley and inspected relief activities there. He directed the authorities concerned to expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts and completed
restoration of civic facilities as quickly as possible.

It may be recalled that at least 29 people had lost their lives besides several others injured and scores of houses were damaged due to heavy-floods at Urson valley in Chitral
occurred on June 2 last.

Pakistan calls for boosting international cooperation to fight intensifying terrorism

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Drivers of recent upsurge in violence lie within Afghanistan, not outside: Pakistani diplomat

UNITED NATIONS, July 8 (APP): Pakistan has called for strengthening international cooperation to combat intensifying terrorism, saying no country alone can defeat this menace.

“While our resolve remains firm, our mission remains unaccomplished,” Nabeel Munir, Pakistan’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday, while reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to eliminate terrorism “regardless of the cost”.

“The sad events of the past few days in Turkey, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia have served as a harrowing reminder of the challenge we face today –a reminder that our task does not finish with the adoption of the resolution,” he said, referring to the text adopted last week by the 193-member Assembly that gave a clarion call to member states to unite in fighting terrorism.

The only way forward in this fight was to strengthen international cooperation, and that the United Nations was the best vehicle to accomplish that objective, the Pakistan delegate said as the Assembly concluded its debate on the U.N. Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy on Thursday.

By the terms of the resolution, which was adopted at the start of the debate, the Assembly affirmed the importance of integrated and balanced implementation of all four pillars of the Strategy: addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism; preventing and combating terrorism; building the capacity of States and strengthening the role of the United Nations; and ensuring respect for human rights and
compliance with the rule of law.

Condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, Munir said Pakistan had made huge sacrifices in this battle, “yet we persevere – our resolve and determination continues to strengthen”.

Since the Global Strategy’s adoption 10 years ago, he said, Pakistan had accorded high importance to its implementation. Few countries could match its efforts
for counter-terrorism or its sacrifices.

The law enforcement operation, Zarb-e-Azb, one of the largest national counter-terrorism operations in the world, had resulted in significant successes, th Pakistani delegate said.

He pointed to the creation of special courts for terrorist offenders, arms control measures and the strengthening of the National Counter Terrorism Authority and the Financial Monitoring Unit. Last year, the United Nations Financial Action Task Force had acknowledged that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism financing steps were in line with United Nations recommendations.

Pakistan’s 20-point national action plan to counter terrorism, Munir said, had focused on prevention and included measures to end hate speech and sectarian violence, protect minorities, prevent exploitation of the media and Internet by terrorists and violent extremists, develop an effective counter-narrative campaign against terrorist propaganda, reform the education system and register and regularize madrasas.

The plan also included political reconciliation and economic
revitalization programmes for targeted areas, criminal justice sector reform and the registration of refugees. In line with a “whole of society” approach, he aid the Government had taken steps to promote and protect women rights, enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies and harness youth’s potential.

Pakistan was also working with the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force on youth skills development and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate to enhance the criminal justice sector’s capacity.

“Let me assure you of Pakistan’s continued and tireless efforts to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism nationally, regionally and internationally, as well as our constructive engagement with other member states at the United Nations to build a consensual and normative framework to counter terrorism and violent extremism,” Munir told the General Assembly.

President, PM condole with Chinese leadership over flood devastation, loss of precious lives

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 7 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain and
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif have expressed deep grief
and sorrow over the loss of lives and property caused by the
devastating floods in South China.
The President and the Prime Minister, in their separate
messages addressed to the Chinese President and Premier, respectively, conveyed their condolences to the Chinese leadership.
According to a Foreign Office press release issued here
on Thursday, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in his message
addressed to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said:-
“On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, and
on my own behalf, I wish to convey heartfelt condolences over
the loss of precious lives and property due to severe flooding
and thunderstorms in South China.
At this difficult time, I would like to assure the
brotherly people of China that the Government and people of
Pakistan share their grief and sorrow.
We are confident that under your leadership, the brave
and resilient people of China will be able to overcome this
disaster with courage and fortitude.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest
consideration.”
President Mamnoon Hussain in his message addressed to
President Xi Jinping said, “I am deeply saddened and grieved
at the loss of precious lives and damage to property because
of severe flooding and thunderstorms in South China.
On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, and
on my own behalf, I would like to convey our deep sympathies
to the bereaved families and to the affectees of the calamity.
At this difficult time, we assure our Chinese brothers
that the Government and people of Pakistan share their grief.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest
esteem and consideration.”

Turkish PM calls President; extends Eid greetings

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 7 (APP): Prime Minister of Turkey Binali
Yildirim on Thursday called President Mamnoon Hussain and
extended Eid greetings.
During the telephonic conversation, the President also
conveyed Eid greetings to the Turkish leadership and masses.
The two leaders said that Pakistan and Turkey were true
brothers and intimate friends; shared perception on different
issues and fully supported each other’s stance on all international
fora, a press statement issued from the President’s media office
here said.
President Mamnoon Hussain said Pakistan and Turkey were
cooperating for the elimination of terrorism, adding, since
terrorism was a global phenomenon, the Muslim world would have
to adopt a joint strategy to tackle it.
Prime Minister Yildirim said Turkey supported Pakistan
on the issue of membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group with
open heart and would continue to back Pakistan at international
fora in future as well.
He said the friendly and brotherly relations between
Pakistan and Turkey were getting further strength and depth
with the passage of time.
The Turkish Prime Minister also thanked Pakistan for
expressing solidarity with the government and people of Turkey
over the recent incident of terrorism.

Sartaj Aziz felicitates Kashmiris on Eid, expresses concern over detention of Kashmiri leaders

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ISLAMABAD, July 7 (APP): Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz Thursday expressed deep concern over the detention of Kashmiri leaders on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, in violation of their fundamental right of religious freedom.

“We call upon the international community to take note and urge the
Indian Government to respect the basic rights of Kashmiris in IOK (Indian Occupied Kashmir),” Sartaj Aziz said in a statement issued by Foreign Office here.

The Advisor on Foreign Affairs said, “Muslims are celebrating Eid ul
Fitr across the globe, the most festive of Islamic traditions.”

He said, “The celebration of Eid this year is specially significant
because it is being observed all over the globe on the same day – from Pakistan to the Middle East and Europe to the Americas, and by Kashmiris in Azad Kashmir as well as Indian Occupied Kashmir.”

“On this auspicious occasion, I extend to the Muslim Community all
over the world, including our Kashmiri brothers and sisters and their leadership, my heartiest felicitations,” Sartaj Aziz added.

People throng parks to celebrate Eid

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Relief goods arrive In Chitral

RAWALPINDI, July 7 (APP):- The residents of Rawalpindi city and
adjoining areas thronged different parks to enjoy the second day of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Families along with children were seen at the city parks and picnic
spots. There was also rush at restaurants to enjoy dishes of different kinds.

On Thursday, a large number of families and children were enjoying free
time at Nawaz Sharif Park, Roomi Park, Play Land, Children Park Satellite Town, Wild Life Park Lohi Bher, Jinnah Park and Ayub National Park having a small place called jungle kingdom which is a children park where there are many different rides in jungle kingdom. There is a place for skating and remote control boating and jumping jack. There is also a zoo in the park where they have kept a few tigers, cheetahs, lions, bears and peacock. The rest of Ayub Park is mainly used for walking.

There is also a small lake in the Ayub Park wher e people can do boating.

Meanwhile, the city traffic police had made special arrangements
to facilitate the motorists in Murree. The traffic police have stopped movement of heavy vehicles on the roads leading to Murree to avoid any untoward incident. The additional traffic wardens were deployed in Murree and to ensure smooth flow of traffic at the hill station during the Eid holidays, an official told APP.

PWHA lauds PHF for promoting women hockey

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ISLAMABAD, July 7 (APP): Punjab Women Hockey Association (PWHA)
has lauded the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for doing all-out
efforts for the promotion of women players in the country.

According to PWHA Secretary Rahat Khan the PHF is doing
maximum efforts for the promotion of women hockey in the country.

“A training camp is being organized for the women players in
August after a gap of three to four years,” she said.

She said that the previous federation was not working on women
hockey as compared to the current federation.

“The current PHF management wants to promote gender equality
in the game,” she said.

She said this year the women players will also participate in the Asian qualifying round. “A national championship for women will also be held in Karachi in August,” she said.

Met office predicts hot,humid weatehr with rain in some parts next 24 hours

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ISLAMABAD, July 7 (APP): The Metereological Department of Pakistan on Thursday has predicted mainly hot & humid weather in most parts of the country during the day time while rain in some parts next 24 hours.

According to Met office , eid celebrations on second day (Thursday) were enhanced after rainfall in cities of Punjab and Karachi.

However, in night/evening rain-thundershowers with isolated heavy falls accompanied by windstorm are expected at scattered places in Islamabad,Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Malakand, Hazara, Mardan, Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, D.I. Khan, divisions, FATA, Gilgil-Baltistan and Kashmir while at isolated places in Multan, D.G. Khan, Bahawalpur divisions during the next twelve hours.

Light rain/drizzle is also expected along Sindh coast.

Temperature of some major cities recorded this morning was : Islamabad 25øC, Lahore and Peshawar 27øC, Karachi 29øC, Quetta 28øC, Gilgit and Murree 19øC and Muzaffarabad 22øC.

Highest maximum temperatures at various places were as : Dalbandin 47øC, Nokkundi 45øC, Pajgur, Sh. Benazirabad and Rohri 44øC.

Relief goods arrive In Chitral

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PN actively participating in population census

ISLAMABAD, July 7 (APP): As many as ten trucks loaded with relief goods have arrived in Chitral from Lahore.

The relief goods were sent by Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) following the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for the rain and flood affected people of Drosh, Chitral district, PTV reported on Thursday.

According to a spokesman of PDMA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the relief goods include three hundred tents, one thousand blankets, three hundred plastic mats and one thousand baskets of food items.

Pak family drowns, 6 others survive in Nile incident

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Pak family drowns, 6 others survive in Nile incident

ISLAMABAD, July 7 (APP): An ill fated Pakistani family
drowned in the river Nile in Cairo, Egypt while six others on board survived when their boat capsized after an accident.

“A Pakistani, Faisal Afaq Khan, his wife Sana Urooj and
2 daughters Rumaisa and Amenah, aged 5 and 2, respectively were drowned in an accident when their boat collided with a pillar of bridge over river Nile in Cairo and sunk in early hours on 6 July,” Foreign office spokesman said in a press release on Thursday.

Faisal’s body had been retrieved while other bodies were
yet to be found.

While six other Pakistanis luckily survived without
major injury. Owner of the boat was taken into custody by the local authorities for investigations.

As soon as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Egypt was informed,
the embassy was constantly in touch with the local authorities. The Embassy was actively pursuing the matter.

Arrangements were being made to search the missing
bodies and transport body of deceased Faisal, the spokesman said.

OIC to work out useful strategy to curb menace of terrorism: Leaders

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ISLAMABAD, July 7 (APP): Former Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi has suggested that the Organization of Islamic Countries should organize a meeting to work out a policy to curtail terrorism from all the muslim world.

Talking in a Radio Pakistan’s Current Affair program, he said in view of recent wave of terrorism in muslim world , the muslim world need to join hand together in the fight against terrorism and we appeal to the OIC to come forward and work out some useful strategy to curb the menace of terrorism everywhere.

International Relations Expert Dr. Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema has said that the Muslim countries should call a meeting to discuss anti terrorism policy and Pakistan can be very helpful in guiding other countries in their anti terror drive. Pakistan has sacrificed a lot, and we were finally becoming successful in our fight. So our experience in war can be very useful to other Muslim countries.

PML N Leader Rohail Asghar said that our Ulama should play a part to change militant fundamentalists mindset and should do efforts to bring it to an end as” Islam spreads the message of peace, it directs the believer to stay united and shatter disunity”, Ulama should also remain organized in countering the terrorist propaganda, he maintained.

Second phase of Hajj training to commence from Monday

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ISLAMABAD, July 7 (APP): The second phase of Hajj training would
commence from Monday (July 11), to enable intending pilgrims to perform the sacred religious obligation in accordance with the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has chalked out a comprehensive strategy to train intending pilgrims in over 250 cities of the country. The ministry has already completed hajj training in 138 cities from May to June.

The training covers how to wear `Ahram’ and observe sanctity of
the holy places besides performing rituals at Madina and manners of
offering prayers at Masjid e Nabvi and `Salam’ at `Roza e Rasool
(Peace Be Upon Him).”

On July 11, the Hajj ritual training would start from Haji camp Sukkur
including Tehsil Thari Mirwah; Khaipur; Gambat; Faiz Ganj; Sobhodero; Kingri; Nara and Kot Diji; Kahuta; Kallar Sayyedan; Qasimabad; Hyderabad Rural; Latifabad and Hyderabad City.

On July 12, intending pilgrims from Moro; Kandiaro; Naushero Feroz;
Mehrab Pur; Bhirya; Ghazi; Haripur; Gujranwala city; Faisalabad; Hussain Bux Marri; Jhuddo; Kot Ghulam Muhammad; Sindhri; Digri and Turbat would be trained in their respective Haji Camps.

On July 13, the intending pilgrims from Nawabshah; Dolatpur; Skrand,
Daur; Havelian; Abbottabad; Faisalabad city; Faisalabad Saddar; Chak Jhumra; Gujranwala city; Gujranwala Saddar; Noshera Virkan; Kamoke; Chamber and Jhando Mari would be imparted hajj ritual trainings in their nearby haji camps.

On July 14, the pilgrims from Rohri; New Sukkur; Sukkur;
Alpurn; Shangla; Busham; Martung;Chakesar; Pattan; Oghi; Palas;Alai;
Mansehra; Batgram; Balakot; Dassu;Kala Dhaka; jaranwala; Chunian;
Pattoki; Khairpur Nathan Shah; Mehar; Johi;Gwadar; Jiwani; Pasni and
Orma will be trained how to perform hajj rituals.

On July 15, the intending pilgrims from Puran; Paharpur; Dera
Ismal Khan; Samundri; Tandlianwala; Saeedabad and Hala would be
trained.

On July 16, the pilgrims from Daraban; Paroa; Kulachi;
Ghorabari; Mirpur Sakro; Multan City and Multan Saddar will get
training about Hajj rituals.

On July 17, the intending pilgrims from Kalur Kot; Darya Khan;
Mankhera; Golarchi; Talhar; Tando Baghu; Matli;Multan City and
Multan Saddar will be trained.

On July 18, pilgrims from Barawal; Dir, Mianwali; Piplan;
Okara; Renala Khurd; Jhang; Mirpur Bathoro; Jati;Chaman; Killa
Abdullah; Multan City and Multan Saddar will get training.

On July 19, pilgrims from Peshawar;Essa Khel;Jhang; Shore Kot;
Ahmedpur Sial; Hazari Nankana sahib; Shah Kot; Sangala Hill;
Safdarabad; Sehwan; Kotri; Manjhand; Hurramzai; Pishin; Jatoi;
Alipur and Muzaffarfarh will be trained.

On July 20, the pilgrims from Bannu; Quaidabad;Khushab; Noorpur;Toba Tek Singh; Kamalia; Pir Mahal; Narowal; Shakar Garh; Zafarwal; Bulri Shah Karim; Muslim Bagh; Killa Saifullah; Kot Addu and Kot Chatta will be trained.

On July 21, the pilgrims from Naurang; Chitral, Mastung;
Chakwal;Kallar Kahar; Chia Saidan Shah; Sheikhupura; Ferozewala;
Muridkay; Sharaqpur; Jam Nawaz Ali; Khipro; Sinjhoro; Shahdahpour;
Tando Adam; Zhob; Qamar Din Karez; Sherani; Layyah; Chaubara; Rajan Pur; Jampur and Rojhan will be trained.

On July 22 , pilgrims from Rawalkot; Hajeera;Dhir Kot;Hari
Gehal; Thorar; Lodhran; Bagh;Pithoro; Kunri; Duki; MusaKhel; Drug;
Loralai; Karoro Lal Esan; Dunya Pur and Kahror Pakka will be
trained.

On July 23, intending pilgrims from South Waziristan Agency;
Takht Bhai; Katlang; Tall; Attock;; Hangu; Tank; Nagar Parkar;
Dilpo; Chachro; Taunsa Sharif; Ziarat;Sharigh;Harnan; Jalalpur
Pirwala and Shujaabad will be trained.

On July 24, the pilgrims from Kurram Agency; Orakzai Agency;
Tarar Khal; Baloch;Muzaffarabad; Hattian Bala; Chikar; Lipa; Atth
Muqam; Palandari and Patekha (Nasirabad) will be trained.

On July 25, extensive training has been arranged for pilgrims
of Mohmand Agency; Shab Qadar; Takht e Nashrati; Banda Daud Shah;
Khuiratta; Kotli; Nakayal;Sehnsa;Charoai; Lahore City; Karachi West
and Quetta.

On July 26, pilgrims from Islamabad; Bajour Agency; Karak;
Lahore City; Kot Radha Kishan; Kasur; Karachi East and Quetta will
be trained.

On July 27, the pilgrims from Islamabad; Lahore city will be
trained.

On July 28, pilgrims hailing from Rawalpindi; Khyber Agency;
Lahore City; Laahore Cantt,Karachi Central and Karachi South will be
trained.

On July 29 the pilgrims from Murree; Kotli Sattian; Rawalpindi
Peshawar; Bajour Agency;Munda; Samar Bagh;Lahore Cantt and Karachi Malir will get training.

On July 30, the pilgrims from Mardan; Lahore Cantt; Model
Town; Shalimar; Raiwind and Karachi Korangi will be imparted hajj
ritual trainings. Jehangira, Pabbi pilgrims will be trained on July
31.

The pilgrims from Shounter, Astore;Ishkoman; Punial;Juglot;
Danyour;Darail; Gojal and Tangir will be trained on August 1 and
Tangir;Mashabrum;Kharmang;Skardu;Chilas;Khaplu;Shigar pilgrims on
August 3.

Global food prices rose in June; wheat harvest outlook robust UN agency

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New Syria peace talks could resume in late August: UN

UNITED NATIONS, July 7 (APP): Global food commodity prices rose 4.2 per
cent in June, their steepest monthly increase of the past four years, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said Thursday, also noting improved production prospects for the year ahead.
The FAO Food Price Index a trade-weighted index tracking international
market prices for the cereals, vegetable oils, dairy, meat and sugar commodity groups averaged 163.4 points in June and is now one per cent below the level reached a year earlier.
The June rise, which affected all commodity categories except vegetable
oils, was the fifth consecutive monthly increase. The price movement reflects FAO’s updating of its cereal supply and demand forecasts for the 2016/17 marketing season.
Sugar prices rose 14.8 per cent from May, as Brazil – the world’s
largest sugar producer and exporter endured heavy rains that hindered harvesting and dented yields.
Cereal prices rose 2.9 per cent in the month and are now 3.9 per cent
below their June 2015 level. The increase was driven by maize prices, primarily due to tightening spot export supplies from Brazil. Ample wheat supplies and reports of record yields in the United States held down wheat prices, FAO said.
Dairy prices rose 7.8 per cent from May, spurred by an uncertain outlook
in Oceania and slower production growth in the European Union (EU). Nonetheless, the index remained 14 per cent below its level of a year ago, according to the agency.
Meat prices rose 2.4 per cent from the revised May value, as average
quotations for pork, beef and poultry all rose for the third consecutive month, while vegetable oil prices declined 0.8 per cent from May.
FAO’s Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, also released Thursday, pointed to
improved production prospects, primarily for wheat.
Global wheat production is now pegged at 732 million tonnes, more than
one per cent higher than anticipated in June, mainly due to improved prospects in the EU, the Russian Federation and the United States, as a result of better weather conditions.
The forecast for world maize production in 2016 was, however, cut down,
as prospects for the second crop in Brazil have dimmed and as reduced government support in China led to lower planting. Overall, coarse grain production for this year is now expected to be 1,316.4 million tonnes, some 0.6 per cent lower than last month’s forecast, FAO said.
World total cereal utilization in the 2016/17 marketing year, meanwhile,
is now projected at 2,555.6 million tonnes, 1.3 per cent higher than the estimate for 2015/16.
As a result, global cereal stocks by the end of the farming season in
2017 are expected to stand at 635 million tonnes, 1.5 per cent below their opening level. The resulting world stocks-to-use ratio for cereals would stand at 24.2 per cent in 2016/17, compared with the 2007/08 historical low of 20.5 per cent, the agency noted.

APP/ia/adn
ð 20:48/21:01/21:01

President Obama assures protection to American Muslims on Eid

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Obama casts Trump as threat to American democracy at Democratic Party's convention

WASHINGTON, July 7 (APP): US President Barack Obama on Wednesday assured the Muslim Americans on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr that they should never feel afraid or unsafe in their place of worship, saying they were part of the American family since the birth of the country.

Greeting Muslim Americans and those around the world on the auspicious occasion, President Obama said that there had been rise in attacks against Muslim Americans but said they should never feel afraid.

“In the face of hate, it’s our American values and strength that bring
us together to stand in solidarity and protect one another thereby, making our Nation stronger and safer,” he said in his Eid message.

He said the celebrations on Eid remind us of our proud history as a
nation built by people of all backgrounds; our history of religious freedom and civil liberties, and our history of innovation and strength. “These legacies would not be possible without the contributions of Muslim Americans that make our country even stronger.”

Referring to the recent terrorist attacks in several countries during
the holy month of Ramzan, including Madina Munawara, he expressed his grief over the senseless violence that claimed lives of innocent people.

He reminded that Muslim Americans have been part of our American family since its founding. “This Eid, we recommit to protecting Muslim Americans against bigotry and xenophobia, while celebrating the contributions of Muslim Americans around the country, including one of our finest, the People’s Champion Muhammad Ali, to whom we bade farewell this Ramadan.”

He said, later this month, he and the First Lay will host an Eid
celebration at the White House and they looked forward to welcoming Americans from around the country to celebrate the holiday.

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