Moldovan President Maia Sandu said on Tuesday she was nominating Igor Grosu, who leads Sandu’s party in parliament, to become the new prime minister.
U.S. to work on denuclearization of North Korea with allies
WASHINGTON, MAR 16 – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday the United States would continue to work with allies towards the denuclearization of North Korea.
Blinken made the remarks at a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi in Tokyo, saying that his visit was meant to reaffirm the U.S.-Japan alliance, Blinken said.
He said democratic values were under threat in places like Myanmar and China.
Economic cooperation, development Key to peace: Balkh Governor
KABUL, MAR 16 (DNA) – Farhad Azeemi, Governor of Afghanistan’s northern Balkh province said the durable peace can open many doors to trade and economic development but it should not be the primary condition.
“Our northern neighbours are pursuing peace in Afghanistan via economic activity. They have told us we will not wait for peace to return but instead will incentivize it through economic projects in Afghanistan,” Azeemi told a Pakistani TrackII delegation including four parliamentarians at his office in Mazare Sharif, the provincial capital.
Azeemi thanked Pakistan’s new liberal visa policy and said this offers new opportunities for transit and bilateral trade. “We wish this could happen with Mazare Sharif as the conduit for Pakistan’s trade to and from Afghanistan”, the governor told the delegates visiting as part of Center for Research and Security Studies’ track II initiative Beyond Boundaries.
“This also creates demand for direct flights between Mazare Sharif, Islamabad and Peshawar”, Azeemi said in a strong recognition of the new visa regulations under which all Afghans are getting one-year multiple entry visas – a move that has begun rehabilitating Pakistan’s image in Afghanistan.
Dr.Mohammad Afzal Hadeed, the chairman of the Balkh provincial parliament, also received the delegation at his office and expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for the visa relaxation as well as Islamabad’s support to the peace process.
Hadeed also thanked the Pak-Afghan Parliamentary Friendship Group (PAPFG) led by Speaker Asad Qaisar for having played a key role in resolving lingering bilateral and transit issues as well as pushing for visa relaxation. This has been greatly beneficial particularly for patients who find it more convenient and cheaper to get treatment in Pakistani hospitals instead of going elsewhere.
Both leaders also expressed their gratitude to Pakistan for having established a full-fledged engineering faculty at the Balkh University, something other countries emulated later, they said.
Ms.Shandana Gulzar and Ms.NafisaKhattak, who are both active members of the PAPFG, informed governor Azeemi and Chairman Hadeed of the strong desire within the Pakistani parliament of friendly and friction-free relations with Afghanistan through economic cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, health and education.Both explained that the PAPFG draws its strength from the fact that is led by , and largely comprises Pakhtoons.
“We belong to a province that has suffered the consequences of war and conflict as much as Afghanistan itself, and hence our unequivocal desire for peace and economic development. Let us put the past behind us to be able to chart a new path for a better and shared future,” they said.
Pakistani parliamentarians, which also included Gul Dad Khan and Shaikh Yaqoob, extended an invitation on behalf of speaker Asad Qaisar to both Azeemi and Hadeed to visit Pakistan.
The delegation also met with male and female students of the university at the ministry of information and culture. Unlike in the past, most students resonated positivity and hoped Pakistan would help them benefit from its general and specialised education facilities through more scholarships.=DNA
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Water supply in various sectors will remain suspended from March 18 to 20
ISLAMABAD, MAR 16 (DNA) – Capital Development Authority (CDA) told the citizens that water supply in various sectors will remain partially suspended from March 18 to March 20 due to work of repairing and changing of 36 inch dia water pipeline.
The sectors which will face the suspension of water supply include sector G-6, G-7, G-8, G-9, F-7, and F-8. However, supply will remain open with break of one day during the said period. CDA will give its best to complete work as soon as possible, so that citizens may get smooth water supply.
The residents of said sectors are requested to store water for using during the days of no water supply. Water should be used carefully. Citizens should cooperate with CDA in this regard.=DNA
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CDA’s anti-encroachment drive continues
ISLAMABAD, MAR 16 (DNA) – Anti encroachment campaign of Capital Development Authority (CDA) is underway. Various illegal constructions were demolished during operations on Tuesday.
The Enforcement department of CDA demolished a boundary wall while conducting an operation in Dhoke Tahli Bari Imam.
Similarly, a sale point of construction material was demolished at IJP road near Pindora Chungi. Heavy machinery of RWO which was deployed at Sangjani toll plaza GT road was removed.
According to the administration of CDA, the operations against encroachments and illegal constructions will be continued. Encroachments and illegal constructions will not be allowed anywhere in the city.=DNA
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Zafar Bakhtawari, Ambassador of Egypt discuss matters of mutual interest
ISLAMABAD, MAR 16 (DNA) – The last visit of Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi to Egypt was fruitful to enhance bilateral ties between the two countries.
There is a need for more such visits to further expand cooperation .The Ambassador of Arab Republic Egypt, Tarek Dahroug expressed these views while a meeting with Chairman of Pakistan Cultural Forum Zafar Bakhtawari, Ahsan Bakhtawari and Waqar Bakhtawari at his residence in Egyptian embassy.
He further said that Gen. Nadim Raza the Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee would also visit Egypt this month to promote the defence cooperation between two countries.
Zafar Bakhtawari discussed the matter of mutual benefit and cooperation with Ambassador of Egypt including the establishment of Direct Airlink between Egypt and Pakistan.
Ambassador hoped that direct airlink would enhance the relation between two countries including Tourism industry and Egyptian Airlink would start its working in Pakistan very soon.
Ahsan Bakhtawari & Waqar Bakhtawari showed keen interest to develop economic ties and further added that the Direct Airlink and more visits of Businessmen would be benefitial to boost trade and investment opportunities.
Deputy Head of mission of Egypt and commercial counselor of Egypt embassy were also present at the meeting.=DNA
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Cultural Cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus discussed
MINSK, MAR 16 (DNA) – Ambassador of Pakistan to Belarus Sajjad Haider Khan accompanied by the Deputy Head of Mission Abdullah Amin visited Creative Center in Borisov. The centre is almost 90 years old with around 6000 students.
The Head of the Education Department of Borisov region Ms Sadovskaya Irina, Director of the Creative center Ms. Luzhkovskaya Galina, Deputy Director Ms. Kaminskaya Svetlana also attended the event.
Ms Marina Laikova, Head of the Literature project “Oktava” together with “Vir” ensemble performed the song about the friendship of Belarus and Pakistan as well as the poem of a Pakistani poet translated into Belarusian, the young poets represented their verses that were translated into English, the students of the Center also prepared a dancing, vocal and musical program, the Fashion theatre demonstrated the stylized Belarusian costumes.
The Ambassador also visited the exhibition of the Decorative and Applied Arts, created by the members of the center.
The two sides agreed to develop bilateral cultural ties through series of activities in the fields of music, dance, painting, poetry and fashion shows.
Pakistan purchases coronavirus vaccine from China
ISLAMABAD, MAR 16 (DNA) – Pakistan on Tuesday has purchased coronavirus vaccine from China for the first time. According to the health ministry sources, the Pakistani authorities have signed an agreement with Chinese company Sinopharm for vaccines.
The company will provide the vaccine to Pakistan in phases, however, the first batch of five million coronavirus doses from China is expected to be landed in Islamabad today. The sources told that frontline health workers and elderly people will get vaccinated on priority basis.
It is to be mentioned here that the campaign to vaccinate people above sixty years and health workers against coronavirus is already underway.
On the other hand, Pakistan has reported 58 deaths in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of positive cases has surged to 609,964. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 13,595.
According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) 2,511 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. Sindh remains the worst-hit province by the pandemic in terms of cases followed by Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad.
Till now 261,582 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 188,225 in Punjab 76,379 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 48,495 in Islamabad, 19,233 in Balochistan, 11,089 in Azad Kashmir and 4,961 in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Furthermore 5,812 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Punjab 4,461 in Sindh, 2,169 in KP, 526 in Islamabad, 322 in Azad Kashmir, 202 in Balochistan, and 103 in GB.
Pakistan has so far conducted 9,565,066 coronavirus tests and 35,303 in the last 24 hours. 573,014 coronavirus patients have recovered in the country whereas 1,895 patients are in critical condition. = DNA
Renowned Industrialist Tariq Sadiq elected as New President of IIA
DNA
ISLAMABAD, MAR 16 – The out-going President of Islamabad Industrial Association Mian Akram Farid’s services for industrial development are unforgettable. Establishment of Industrial Estate under his leadership is a historic achievement. Tariq Sadiq, new President of Islamabad Industrial Association (IIA) vowed he will take forward the mission of Mian Akram Farid to solve the problems.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Islamabad Industrial Association (IIA) was held at its office at Islamabad Industrial Association. Industrial Association’s sub-trade bodies from manufacturing, Automobiles, Pharmaceutical, Oil, Marble, and Flour commended the tireless efforts of M Akram Farid. Islamabad Industrial Association is the sole representative of the Industrialists in the Capital Area and the neighboring Industrial Estates including Kahuta Industrial Triangle.
Leading industrialist and social figure of Islamabad Mian Akram Farid as the President of Islamabad Industrial Association has worked tirelessly to bring industry and trade of Islamabad in line with the requirements of construction and development and modern times.He has always worked day and night to solve the problems of the industrialists on priority basis. The Islamabad Industrial Association, led by its senior vice president Nasir Qureshi and vice president Mirza Muhammad Ali, has played a significant role in highlighting the industrial identity of Islamabad.It is worth mentioning that the various Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with the major defense establishments in various respects, today Islamabad’s industry is one of the most important in Pakistan.
A graceful event in the honor of M. AkramFarid, the outgoing President of the Association held in which changeover ceremony take place. During his address, the President IIA paid tribute to the services of lateFaridoonKhatak (late), the Senior Vice President (SVP) and underlined his meritorious services for Industry.
AkramFarid threw light on evolution of Industry in Islamabad and the Industrial Association itself. He highlighted main problems of Industry and briefed on efforts made to resolve them. Farid briefed the house on achievements made so far and acknowledged the cooperation of CDA and CBR in this regard. The achievements regarding included improving security, tax matters, corporate social responsibilities (CSR) and welfare of people associated with Industry, he said.
The President IIA apprised that apart from solving Industry problems the main objective of the Association was to develop a soft image of industry. The Association kept liaison with Trade Bodies, Chambers of Commerce and other Industrial Associations. There was a great potential for Business community to join hands for indigenous production for defense organizations. The Association has done a lot for environment as well. Installation of pollution control plants in steel industry and plantation of 50,000 saplings are worth mentioning.
Khalid Javed, Chairman of New Industrial Zone Committee apprised the members about current developments on the project. He said that land for the new Industrial Zone has already been marked near the new Islamabad Airport. The industrialists from Islamabad and nearing areas can benefit, he said. Khalid Javed also briefed on functioning of Islamabad Industrial Association and stressed the need to establish a separate and independent office to enhance its effectiveness.
Newly elected President Tariq Sadiq said that the achievements made so far owe to the unity among industrialists and nothing would have been achieved without unity. We have a strong desire to develop Islamabad Industrial Association as an Institution, Tariq Sadiq said. The newly elected president said that Industry had many issues with CDA and FBR and hoped that both the Government Departments will cooperate for solving Industry problems. The new elected president of Islamabad Industrial Association, Tariq Sadiq vowed that all out efforts would be made in order to make industrial area an ideal one. It is hoped that he will make further progress in the mission and vision of Mian Akram Farid and under his leadership Islamabad’s industry will continue this journey of success.
The new president of the association, Tariq Sadiq, is experienced and always seems determined to bring industry and commerce in line with the requirements of the modern age. The new president of the association, TariqSadiq, is experienced and has always been committed to adapting industry and commerce to the requirements of the modern age. It is hoped that TariqSadiq and his team will continue to play a positive role in understanding and resolving issues and issues related to the industry. Having worked with former President Mian Akram Farid for a long time, it is hoped that he will play a significant role in leading Islamabad’s industry and trade to betterment and development, and to the industry-related business community. They will take concrete and positive steps to resolve all kind of problems.
OmaisKhattak, who was elected as Senior Vice President, thanked the house for entrusting him as SVP and said that no stone will be left unturned for betterment of Industry. He said that the senior members of the Association are the torch bearer for the newly elected body and full use of their experience will be made.The election of Senior Vice President OmaisKhattak and Vice President (VP) Shaukat Hayat, who are part of his team, will be a milestone in the development of the industry located in the capital and adapting it to modern requirements. It has played an important role in the industrial development of Islamabad and has always been active and proactive in solving the problems of the industrialists as a result of which the industry and commerce sector located in the federal capital today occupies an important place in Pakistan.
Among the participants wereFormer chairman All Pakistan Pipe Manufacturing Association Ch. Waheed-ud-Deen, former President ICCI MianShaukatMasud, Sheikh Muneer, Mian Abdul Sami, former President ICCI Sheikh Amir Waheed, former President ICCI MehfoozElahi, Ch. Mukhtair,Chairman Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association Sheikh Abdul Waheed, Fahad Waheed Muhammad Saleem Mughal, Former Vice President FPCCI,Karim Aziz Malik, MianWaqasMasud,MehmoodWariach, Fida Butt, Zakria A Zia, Mirza M Ali,President All Pakistan Marble Industry Association (APMIA) Sheikh Rizwan, Dawood Khan,SohailSadiqui, JavedIqbal, Mian Irfan, ,former Senior Vice President ICCI Rafat Farid, Vice President ICCI Abdul Rehman Khan, Former President ICCI Nasir khan, Former President ICCI Mohasin Khalid, Muhammad Shakir, Hafiz Bilal Muner, Muhammad Umar, Senior Vice President ICCI Ms. Fatima Azim, Former President ICCI Muhammad Ahmed, Muhammad Tahir, KashifFarid, Iftikhar A Sethi and others were also present on the occasion.
Zardari asks Nawaz to come back
Says PPP will not go for resignations; calls for collective movement against the sitting government
Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: Former President and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari has called upon the PML leader Nawaz Sharif to come back to the country and add a new force to the PDM movement. During the PDM session on Tuesday everybody was taken aback when former President made this demand.
Sources privy to the meeting confided that Maryam Nawaz was almost stunned when she heard Asif Zardari asking Nawaz Sharif to come back. Upon this demand she retorted “ Zardari sahib will you ensure safety of Mian sahib if he returns to Pakistan?
Asif Zardari according to sources further said resignations from the assemblies was not a viable option. His contention was that government can be given tough time while remaining part of the system.
Asif Zardari was of the view that leaders should not be afraid of jails. He said he himself had spent 14 years in jail. Leaders should lead from the front therefore Nawaz Sharif should come back to lead the movement.
Zardari’s demand went viral immediately leaving the participants nonplused. Everybody present in the meeting wanted to know that who leaked this information to the media.
Maryam Nawaz seemed quite uneasy with the statement and tried to convince the parties and especially Asif Zardari that Nawaz Sharif life was in danger in Pakistan.
This development appears to have caused serious dents in the already fragile PDM, which was still in a state of shock after defeat in the Senate chairman election.
PDM chief Fazalur Rehman also raised issue of deputy chairman election in which his candidate Ghafoor Haideri got seven less votes. He asked the PDM parties why their candidate could not win despite having majority in the Senate.
Analysts believe Asif Zardari’s demand is well calculated and timely. PPP has more stakes in the system rather than PML N therefore it wants to move cautiously especially on the issue of resignations. PPP insiders told that party is quite wary of the statements of Nawaz Sharif against the establishment particularly.
They are of the view that Nawaz delivers hard-hitting tirade against the establishment while sitting abroad and the opposition parties on ground have to face the consequences. The PPP therefore wants him to come back to Pakistan and then say whatever he wants and PDM will be with him.
