Pakistan highly values brotherly ties with Turkey: COAS
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday, in his meeting with Commander Turkish Land Forces, said Pakistan highly valued its brotherly relations with Turkey which were deeply rooted in history and entrenched in bilateral cultural and religious affinities.
Commander Turkish Land Forces General Unit DUNDAR called on Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, here at GHQ, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) media release.
During the meeting, matters of mutual and professional interest with special emphasis on defence and security collaboration between the two brotherly countries were discussed. Both sides agreed to further optimize military-to-military ties particularly in training and counter-terrorism domains.
The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan Army’s role for regional peace and stability and contributions towards defeating terrorism.
Earlier on arrival, Commander Turkish Land Forces was also presented with a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned out military contingent.
How the diplomats are trapped into wrongdoing (2)
Few years ago, an ambassador of a country was recalled after his involvement was proved in misuse of his house rent facility; another was recalled because of immoral activities
Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
There are some other European missions as well, which have witnessed such kind of thefts or visa scandals. Investigations in above mentioned cases proved that without the involvement of the locals and the embassy staff, especially dealing with the visa affairs, such incidents would have not been possible. Apart from visa thing, certain diplomats, as soon as they arrive in Pakistan, get themselves involved in various other illegal practices such as misuse of liquor quotas; import of duty free cars and in some cases misuse of house rent facility and having illicit affairs with local ladies, to mention a few.
Few years ago, an ambassador was recalled after his involvement was proved in misuse of his house rent facility. The said ambassador got a lavish and spacious house on the Margalla Road on a cheaper rent but he charged double rent from his headquarters. The extra amount went to his and his Pakistani facilitator’s pocket. The Pakistani facilitator, in that case, happened to be a lady who is still around.
Similarly quite recently the Bulgarian ambassador’s services were terminated after he was found guilty of misusing his diplomatic status. The said ambassador imported duty free cars by availing diplomatic status but actually he had bought those cars for Pakistani people and accepted huge bribe from them. This is in addition to his misuse of liquor quotas. By the way, when it comes to misuse of liquor quotas, both Muslim and non-Muslim embassies have equally benefited, of course with the help of officials from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, some of them are now serving their term behind the bars.
Prime Minister Imran Khan recently rebuked the Foreign Office officials for what he called sluggish approach towards various issues. The MOFA bosses, after this statement showed a strong reaction. But Prime Minister was partially right in his criticism of the MOFA administration. Frankly, for last so many years, I have not heard any goods words about our MOFA officers. Most of the complaints pertain to the Protocol Division that still continues to take heavy toll on the foreign missions.
Moreover, there have also been instances where local liquor importers used residences of diplomats to store their consignments. Since the diplomatic residences have immunity from being searched or raided therefore some people benefited a lot and made optimum use of their close links with their diplomatic friends. An ambassador of an Asian country, in the recent past, was recalled after it was proved he had facilitated storage of liquor caches at his official residence. Moral turpitude was yet another reason of recalling of that particular top diplomat.
So much so, there are many examples of diplomats and defence attaches being called back or investigated for having illicit relations with Pakistani females. In the past, a very senior military officer who was posted in Pakistan as his country’s defence adviser was proceeded against back home for having relations with a Pakistani lady and sharing secret information. Interestingly, that lady is still around and continues to lure attention of all and sundry with her ‘remaining’ charm.
Let us play as the devil’s advocate. The officers who fall prey to temptations here in Pakistan otherwise may be honest officers back home. Let us admit that corruption in Pakistan is deep-rooted and systematic. One needs extra-ordinary guts and will power to resist such temptations. It is often said that even angels would fall prey to such temptations if they are posted on a post that involves money!!
Summing up, there is no dearth of honest, credible and men of character within the diplomatic community and even in our Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I personally know many diplomats, Pakistani and foreigners, who had the opportunity of making their fortunes through illegal practices but they never did it simply because their dignity and sense of duty never allowed them to do that. Corruption is perhaps the biggest challenge the government of the day is faced with. The Prime Minister has a clear understanding of what this menace has done to this country. The will to nip this malady in the bud is there. The only thing needed is an honest team that could translate prime minister’s vision into reality.
Pakistan is on its way to become great
The premier addressed an event at Gwadar, says he is considering speaking to the insurgents in Balochistan
GWADAR: Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday Pakistan is on its way to becoming a great country, PM Imran Khan said, as he shared his vision for the country’s future.
Addressing an event in Gwadar, he said that some areas in the country are developed, while several others, including Balochistan, have remained underdeveloped.
“I dream of Pakistan’s future — and I have grown up with Pakistan. This nation is headed towards becoming a great country,” he said, adding: “Gwadar is becoming a focal point for Pakistan, which will benefit the country, especially Balochistan.”
The premier said he was mulling over speaking to the insurgents in Balochistan, as the situation in the province had changed, and Pakistan was moving towards a better future.
The premier, addressing an event in Gwadar, said the insurgents might be upset with the state due to some past grievances or India might have used them to spread terror in Pakistan.
“But now, the situation has changed,” he said.
PM Imran Khan inaugurated Gwadar Free Zone, Expo Center, Agriculture Industrial Park, and three factories; he also witnessed the signing of various MOUs aimed at constructing a state-of-the-art hospital, airport, and vocational institute.
PM Imran Khan said his sole aim was not only to win the elections but also to develop Balochistan after becoming the prime minister.
The premier said former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had visited London 24 times, but he never came to Balochistan, while former president Asif Ali Zardari visited Dubai 51 times, but he never had the time to visit Gwadar.
“A person who thinks about Pakistan will think about Balochistan as well, but if a person wants to win elections, they will focus on Faisalabad division, which has more seats in the Parliament than Balochistan,” he said.
The premier said he had come to visit Gwadar for two reasons — inaugurate the Gwadar Free Zone Phase 2 and for the development of Balochistan.
The prime minister mentioned that Gwadar International Airport would encourage regional trade and boost economic activity.
The prime minister said works on energy and water supplies to the city were underway, and this would help Gwadar grow. “These projects were moving at a slow pace before […] but now they are developing at a better pace.”
The premier, shedding light on why the country should expedite China Pakistan Economic Corridor and remove hurdles in businesses related to it, said Chinese exporters were aiming to install such industries that would help Pakistan increase its exports.
“Unfortunately, we have never focused on exports. And if we do, it will help bring in dollars,” he said, adding that Pakistan has always been at the mercy of the International Monetary Fund as export-led growth.
The prime minister thanked the government of China for launching water and solar projects in Balochsitan, particularly Gwadar.
“Pakistan can benefit from its strategic location and also from the expertise of its friend China which is the becoming an economic power in the region,” he said.
He also mentioned the technical education provided by China to the locals of Gwadar, which he said, would prove greatly helpful as the foreign investment grew in future.
“Gwadar will connect with Central Asia […] We have already signed contracts with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan,” he said, as he announced he would soon visit Uzbekistan.
The prime minister said countries in the region had expressed interest in reaping the benefits offered by the Gwadar port.
In this scenario, he expressed concern over the law and situation in Afghanistan, which he said, was extremely important for the continuity of development.
“We all want peace and stability to prevail in Afghanistan […] I spoke to Iran’s president, and I told him that Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries should push for a political settlement in the [war-torn] nation.”
The premier highlighted that war would hurt Afghanistan the most, he said, adding that a civil war in Afghanistan would also have effects on its neighbouring countries.
Nurses stage protest against removal in Quetta
QUETTA, JUL 05 (DNA) – Nurses of the Civil Hospital, Quetta protested on Monday over the termination of their services.
Talking to the media on the occasion, Young Nurses Association President Malik Aziz Kakar said unfortunately 260 of his colleagues, who had been given jobs on six-year contract, had been fired despite the fact that they had performed their duties even during the coronavirus pandemic.
He said there were scores of nurses from various parts of Balochistan who had not received their salaries for the last six months. He regretted that every year contracts of these employees were renewed, but now all of a sudden, they had been shown the door.
Kakar added senior nurses were also among those who had been removed from their jobs. Towards the end, he demanded renewal of nurses’ contracts. = DNA
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Chile installs historic constitutional convention amid protests
Chile has installed a new 155-member body charged with writing a new constitution meant to spread power more equitably in the country.
The body includes lawyers, teachers, a housewife, scientists, social workers and journalists. Half are women, and 17 represent indigenous groups.
The decision to create the new body to draft a new constitution was taken following protests in October 2019.
Ministers from OPEC and non-OPEC members to hold virtual conference today
The ministers from Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-OPEC members will hold virtual conference today (Monday) to decide output policy.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said there is consensus among member countries on extending OPEC+ pact except UAE.
He said that Saudi Arabia and Russia are partners in the proposal to increase production.
Saudi Arabia approves SOPs against COVID-19 for upcoming Hajj
MAKKA: Saudi Arabia has approved the SOPs 2021 Hajj season that takes into account precautions against COVID-19.
According to the Saudi interior ministry, the plans aims to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals will be imposed on anyone who attempts to enter the ritual sites without permission.
The ministry calls on all citizens and residents to obey the special regulations of this year’s Hajj season.
Saudi Arabia announced last month that the 2021 Hajj would be limited to domestic pilgrims only and allows a maximum of sixty thousand individuals.
Govt planning to reach out to estranged Baloch youth for sake of peace in Balochistan: PM
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the government is planning to reach out to the estranged Baloch youth for the sake of peace in Balochistan.
Addressing elders and notables of Gwadar today (Monday), he said foes of Pakistan had used these elements in the past, but now the situation has entirely changed.
Imran Khan said the development of Balochistan is the top priority of the government and it has announced historical package for the area.
The Prime Minister said that 10 billion rupees of loan have been allocated for up-gradation of fishing boats and other tools to safeguard fishermen’s rights. He said that illegal fishing has now been strictly banned.
Imran Khan said that 4000 applications have so far been received from Gwadar for low-cost housing scheme and the government will construct 2,500 housing units on 200 acres of land. He said 4698 youth will be given scholarships under Ehsaas Program.
He announced to provide 3-G and 4-G internet connectivity across the province as communication plays a vital role in the development process.
HSHM JOINS HANDS WITH BLUESKY STUDENTS CONSULTANCY SERVICES
DNA
ISLAMABAD – Hashoo School of Hospitality Management (HSHM) has collaborated BlueskyStudents Consultancy Services to promote its premium hospitality school in Pakistan.
In this connection, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Maj(Retd) Faisal Naeem Khan, Director Education, Hashoo School of Hospitality Management and Mr. Mumtaz Khan, Country Head BlueskyStudents Consultancy Services in PC Hotel, Lahore.
HSHM is Pakistan’s first premier hospitality and tourism management school in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University, UK, and in partnership with Construction Technology Training Institute (CTTI). HSHM’s first campus is located on IJP Road Islamabad, and is now accepting admissions for fall semester 2021.
Bluesky Students Consultancy Services is a leading consultancy firm providing educational guidance and consultancy services to students wishing to study abroad. They have their presence across Pakistan and in Australia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Hashoo Group owns and operates the largest chain of hotels in Pakistan and are expanding aggressively. There will be a huge demand of specialized hospitality professionals in Pakistan. Hashoo Group will prefer graduates from its own school andwill offer themguaranteed job placements.HSHMalso plans to expand its campuses to Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar very soon.
After having studied for two years at HSHM, qualifying students will have the option to study the third academic year at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK to complete their BSc Hons degree. This is a golden opportunity for students who want to save a substantial cost while obtaining an international hospitality degree that is recognised worldwide along with landing a confirmed job as soon as they graduate.
Mr. Mumtaz Khan added, “We are very glad to join hands with the largest hospitality group of Pakistan. HSHM is offering a golden opportunity for students who can’t afford to study three years from UK but can afford the final years study at a prestigious university like Sheffield Hallam University who have been teaching hospitality and tourism for past 25 years”.
