CHINESE ENVOY CALLS ON GEN BAJWA
Staff Report
RAWALPINDI: Nong Rong, Ambassador of China to Pakistan called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ, today.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, progress on CPEC and regional security were discussed. Visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s sincere efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region, especially the Afghan Peace Process. COAS thanked the dignitary for China’s contribution towards fight against COVID-19 in Pakistan and said that Pakistan Army greatly values its friendly relations with the China. Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid, Director General Inter Services Intelligence was also present during the meeting.
HASHOO GROUP TO OPEN ANOTHER HOTEL ONE IN THE CITY OF NAWABS
DNA
ISLAMABAD, MAR 30 – The new hotel will attract both leisure and business travellers to explore the historical city of Bahawalpur Islamabad, Tuesday, 30th March 2021 – For Immediate Release To recreate the charm of travelling to a contemporary city with a royal past, the new Hotel One will be opening its doors soon to travellers in Bahawalpur, the City of Nawabs.In this connection, a ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Mr. Haseeb Gardezi, Chief Operating Officer – Hashoo Group Hospitality Division, Mr. Waqar Qureshi, Director Development – Hotel One, and Mr. Makhdoom Murtala Muhammad, the franchisee of Hotel One in Bahawalpur.
Hashoo Group is the leading and largest chain of hotels in Pakistan who own and operate the five-star Pearl-Continental, Marriott and the select-service Hotel One brands in Pakistan.Located on Ahmedpur Road, this will be the second Hotel One in the City of Nawabs and will feature 50 elegant rooms, offer all-day dining at an in-house restaurant and cater to banquet and conference facilities at multi-purpose halls. Moreover, the upcoming hotel will be located in the business district of Bahawalpur.
Upon construction, the hotel will reflect the historic architectural heritage that the iconic city of Bahawalpur is famous for.Bahawalpur was once a princely state of Pakistan located in Punjab, famous for its timeless grandeur and was the city of residence for the royal families. Bahawalpur is now known for its monuments dating back from that glorious era. The city lies at the edge of the Cholistan Desert and serves as the gateway to the nearby Lal Suhanra National Park and to various desert motor sports events such as the famous Cholistan Rally.
History buffs, adventure enthusiasts, and travellers can explore the city for its rich heritage, comprising royal palaces such as Noor Mahal and Darbar Mahal, Derawar Fort, Tomb of Bibi Jawindi, and Abbasi Jamia Masjid Qila Derawar, and much more. The launch of this hotel will not only contribute to domestic employment but will also provide tourists’ quality lodging facilities within their reach.
COAS GEN. BAJWA VISITS LOGISTIC INSTALLATION IN RAWALPINDI
DNA
RAWALPINDI, MAR 30 – General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) visited a Logistic Installation in Rawalpindi, today. COAS was briefed regarding various facilities being developed, construction of new sheds and up gradation of existing infrastructure.
COAS appreciated the capacity enhancement of depot, adopting modern procedures and performance/commitment of the depot in provision of rations and other commodities at Rawalpindi station and complete Corps Area of Responsibilities (AOR). Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Azhar Saleh Abbasi, Chief of Logistic Staff.
CDA CHAIRMAN CHAIRS DWP MEETING AT CDA SECRETARIAT
ISLAMABAD, MAR 30: Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) chaired the meeting of the Development Working Party (DWP) at CDA secretariat in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The project of Khayaban-e-Iqbal service road and expansion of roundabout beside F-10 road approved during the meeting. The project of Rs 205.102 million will resolve the traffic issues and control the intensity of road accidents.
The development of residential apartments for at the cost of Rs 15184 million for the residents of slums and people have low income in Frash Town was also approved during the meeting.
Under this project, 1560 apartments will be constructed in the first phase. They would be auctioned by CDA to get the developmental cost.
In the next phase, 400 apartments will be constructed which will be allotted to the residents of slums of other areas. In the third phase, 2000 apartments will be constructed which would be registered with Naya Pakistan Housing Authority to give them to low salaried people.
The project of expansion and upgradation of signalized intersection connecting Murre road to Serinagar Highway with the cost of Rs 361.60 million was also approved during the session. PC1 of the developmental work of sector D 12 with the cost of Rs 2628.990 million was also approved during the meeting.
Diplomats laud Pakistan’s role in Afghan Peace Process
RAWALPINDI, MAR 30 (DNA) – Androulla Kaminara, Ambassador of European Union (EU), Ms Wendy Gilmour – Canadian High Commissioner & Ms. Lis Rosenholm, Ambassador of Denmark called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security and enhanced bilateral cooperation with European Union (EU) and Canada came under discussion.
COAS said that Pakistan values its relations with EU countries & Canada and we earnestly look forward to enhance mutually beneficial multi-domain relations based on common interests.
The visiting dignitaries also appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional stability, especially the Afghan Peace Process. All sides pledged to play their role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation at all levels.
MET OFFICE FORECAST FIRST HEATWAVE OF SEASON THIS WEEK
KARACHI, MAR 30 (DNA) – The Met Office has forecast the first Heat Wave of the season likely during this week. Pakistan Meteorological Department has informed that mainly hot and dry weather is expected during the ongoing week due to which heat wave conditions are likely in most plain areas of the country.
Hot to very hot weather is likely to persist in Karachi during 30th March (today) to 03rd April, with maximum temperature to range between 38 Celsius to 40 degree Celsius, according to the report.
Sindh, Southern Punjab, Eastern and Southern Balochistan will remain in the grip of very hot and dry weather from Tuesday to to Saturday. Temperatures are also likely to rise in most sub mountainous areas of the country.
Dust raising winds are expected in Sindh and Balochistan during the hot spell. The daytime temperatures are expected to remain above normal by 04 to 06°Celsius in most plain areas of the country.
Met office in an earlier weather report said that due to change of winds direction from southwest to north or northwest, hot to very hot and dry weather will prevail in Karachi during next four to five days with the maximum temperature likely to reach 40 ºCelsius.
PMD had also predicted suspension of the sea breeze in daytime, which will add to further soaring of the temperature in the port city. The change comes because of dry and hot northwestern winds blowing towards Karachi, according to the weather report. = DNA
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PAKISTAN, AZERBAIJAN AGREE TO PROMOTE BILATERAL COOPERATION
DUSHANBE, MAR 30 (DNA) – Pakistan and Azerbaijan have agreed to continue the process of mutual consultations to promote bilateral cooperation.
The understanding came at a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Azeri Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Dushanbe on Tuesday.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi emphasized the need for undertaking joint efforts to achieve the targets set for promotion of trade and economic relations between the two countries.
The foreign minister noted that the beginning of direct flights between the two countries will supplement efforts to promote cooperation in diverse fields including tourism.
The two foreign ministers also held detailed discussion on the Afghan peace process, situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the regional situation in the wake of border areas recovered by Azerbaijan. = DNA
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QURESHI MEETS FOREIGN MINISTER OF IRAN IN DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN
ISLAMABAD, MAR 30 (DNA) – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met with Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Javad Zarif, on the sidelines of the 9thMinisterial Conference of the Heart of Asia–Istanbul Process in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
During the meeting, the two Foreign Ministers reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional issues, particularly the Afghan peace process.
Foreign Minister Qureshi emphasized the importance of enhanced bilateral economic cooperation. Referring to the Prime Minister’s initiative to develop joint border markets, the two Foreign Ministersagreed on the need to expeditiously finalize the arrangement to facilitate legal trade and improve livelihood in the border region. The two Foreign Ministers also reviewed progress on the opening of new border crossing point.
Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed the hope that the Afghan parties would seize the historic opportunity to work out an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned political settlement. He underlined the need to consolidate progress achieved in Doha process and take the process forward.Expressing concern on high level of violence, he underscored the importance of reduction in violence leading to ceasefire.
Foreign Minister Qureshi also underlined the need to be cognisant of “spoilers”, who did not wish to see return of peace and stability in the region. The Foreign Minister added that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan would help in improving connectivity and promote infrastructure development in the region.
Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed thanks for Iran’s steadfast support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and Prime Minister Imran Khan’s efforts to counter Islamophobia and promote inter-faith harmony.
The two Foreign Minister agreed to remain in close contact and maintain bilateral political exchanges.=DNA
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PAKISTAN, KAZAKHSTAN DISCUSS BILATERAL RELATIONS
ISLAMABAD, MAR 30 (DNA) – On the sidelines of 9th Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Mr. Mukhtar Tileuberdi Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, in Dushanbe.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional issues.
Foreign Minister Qureshi noted that there was immense potential to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields — including trade, aviation, railways and connectivity. It was agreed between the two sides to optimally utilize the bilateral institutional mechanisms to promote practical cooperation, particularly through the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC), Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC), and Joint Working Groups (JWG) in relevant fields.
Highlighting that Pakistan provided the shortest route to Central Asian States through the Gwadar port, the Foreign Minister invited Kazakhstan to utilise the opportunity for mutual benefit.The importance of reinforcing road connectivity through QTTA (Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement) was also emphasized.
The Foreign Minister shared his perspective on the regional situation, particularly Pakistan’s positive contributions to the Afghan peace process. He added that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan would give impetus to connectivity, leading to overall trade enhancement, facilitation of business travel, and people-to-people exchanges.
The two sides also affirmed their resolve to enhance mutual collaboration in the multi-lateral fora including the UN, SCO, ECO, and CICA.
The two sides agreed to maintain close contact and advance bilateral cooperation in all areas of common interest.
