ISLAMABAD, MAY 26 (DNA) – Minister for science and technology, Shibli Faraz visited COMSTECH secretariat on May 26. Coordinator General COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary extended him a warm reception, along with his team.

The Coordinator General gave him a detailed presentation on COMSTECH establishment, aims and objectives, past achievements, present programmes and future initiatives, including preparation of science profiles of OIC member states, COMSTECH research publication program, research fellowships, technician training program, COMSTECH initiative for health and innovation in Africa, and OIC technology innovation portal.

The Minister appreciated the current achievements of COMSTECH and future plans devised for the socio-economic development of Ummah through the application of science and technology.

COMSTECH was established in 1981, in Makkah during 3rd OIC Summit. It is chaired by the President of Pakistan and co-chaired by the Prime Minister. It was established with the commitment of OIC leadership to achieve an inter-Islamic cooperation for science and technology based development of the Ummah.

COMSTECH takes follow up action for implementation of relevant resolutions of Islamic Summit Conference, collaborate with International, Regional and national organizations, and develop linkages.

It reviews the work of expert groups and the tasks assigned to subsidiary organs and affiliated institutions of OIC working in different fields of S&T and submits progress report of COMSTECH and new proposals for consideration of the Summit through chairman COMSTECH. COMSTECH Apprise Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of COMSTECH activities through Secretary General OIC.=DNA

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 26 (DNA) – RINSTRA, Pakistan’s first short-form digital media platform has honoured Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director China Pakistan Study Centre with “Champion of Change” gold medal. This distinction for Dr. Talat Shabbir was in recognition for his commitment to change and improving perception and ensuring better understanding between Pakistan-China relationship. His efforts also included better understanding of the Pakistan China relationship at Policy, business and citizens’ level.

The gold medal “Champion of Change” was presented by Amir Jahangir, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of RINSTRA at a ceremony held in Islamabad. The event was jointly organized by RINSTRA and (ISSI) Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Amir Jahangir said, “We are pleased to recognize Dr Talat’s services towards building the strong knowledge base and enabling perception change which is more fact based for better understanding the relationship between China and Pakistan. He is a true champion of change, who has done so much with selfless service and dedication.” He further said, “this gold medal also puts the burden of responsibility on the shoulders of Dr. Talat to push his efforts an extra mile”.

Dr. Talat Shabbir Director China Pakistan Study Centre, in his acceptance speech said that, “this is a great honour and responsibility and I am humbled by this Award. China Pakistan Study Centre provides a platform for quality policy input through informed research, objective analysis and dialogue on regional and international issues affecting peace, security and development of Pakistan. I will keep working to create knowledge resources among the youth and the business community alike while providing strategic direction for policy makers.”

Diplomatic relation between Peoples Republic of China and Pakistan was established on 21 May 1951. Although people to people understanding between the two countries is exemplary hoverer cultural understanding between businesses and people can be improved. More than 60,000 Chinese expats live in Pakistan and more than 20,000 Pakistani students are studying in Chinese universities. Pakistan exports to China stood at US$1.87 Billion during 2020. Multibillion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor has strengthened China Pakistan partnership yet there is much more work required in People to People Relationship Building in Knowledge Development.

Dr. Talat Shabbir is Director China Pakistan study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, where he oversees research and advocacy on all facets of Pakistan-China relations. He holds a PhD in International Relations from the Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. He has M. Phil in International Relations from University of Karachi, Masters in International Relations from University of Balochistan and Masters in Political Science from University of Punjab. His research areas include Pakistan, South Asia, Belt and Road Initiative, CPEC and Pakistan-China relations. Dr. Shabbir has been a visiting scholar at Sigur Centre for Asian Studies, George Washington University, USA. He has been on the faculty of Institute of Strategic Studies Research and Analysis (ISSRA), National Defence University (NDU) where he was responsible to conduct national security and national media workshops. Besides editing a quarterly magazine for China Pakistan Study Centre, he regularly contributes to newspapers on domestic, regional and global politics and participates in panel discussions on various TV channels to address issues impacting Pakistan. He has diverse experience of management, administration, public relations, advocacy, HR and media. Dr. Talat also has literary interests and has two books to his credit, a book of short stories and a collection of selected poetry.

RINSTRA is the outcome of the thought leadership of Dice Foundation USA’s Creative Arts and Media Initiative (DICE CAM). It is part of Dice Foundation’s National Innovation Basket (NIB) program, which aims to create media as a corner stones of Pakistan’s growth strategy.

RINSTRA is Pakistan’s first short-form digital media platform for on-demand streaming and for creation of user generated original content on iRINSTRA. The organization provides entrepreneurship opportunities to emerging and established content creators and film makers in Pakistan and beyond. RINSTRA gives content creators access to a large Pakistani community around the globe, and it has been able to create a unique platform that offers dramas and films, while enabling users to generate their own content on the same platform. It also has a feature for Content Competition where, more than 100 academic institutions in Pakistan are competing on various thematic areas. The Fest feature of the application has provided some of the leading Film Festivals to partner with RINSTRA for digital viewing of their films and documentaries. This has created an unprecedented experience for viewers in the country. 

DNA

BEIJING, May 26 – Former Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Zhou Gang said that friendly cooperation has been the mainstream of the past 70 years, which is of great significance for the two countries.

He told China Economic Net (CEN) that he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in 1962 and successively served as Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Pakistan, Indonesia, and India from 1988 to 2001.

Recalling his working experience in Pakistan from 1991 to 1995, Zhou was particularly excited, saying that he will never forget the profound friendship between China and Pakistan.

The Sino-Pak friendship, which derives from close contact between the people, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. The friendship between local people and the Chinese still moved Zhou to date.

On April 25, 1992, Ambassador Zhou Gang went north along the Karakoram Highway on a visit to Gilgit. Since the highway, also called the “China-Pakistan Friendship Highway”, was built with the help of China in the 1960s and 1970s, the residents along the road always give Chinese people warm and friendly reception.

“On our way back to the embassy the next day, we had a short rest on a hillside, where a group of children saw us and pointed in our direction. When they walked near and found the Chinese national flag flying on our car, they immediately cheered and shouted in Chinese: “Chairman Mao! Zhou Enlai!” Zhou recalled.

Despite these children may had never walked out of the mountainous area or received school education, they knew great Chinese leader Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai. The seeds of Pakistan-China friendship had been deeply planted in their young hearts, Zhou said with his eyes reddening.

“It was getting dark as we continued on our way. Unfortunately, we encountered a landslide which hindered our way forward.

At this moment, a Pakistani sergeant came and gave a salute to us suddenly, saying ‘your excellency, this road was built for us by Chinese friends. Whenever you take this road, you are welcome. This road is always open to you!”

The fallen earth and stones were quickly cleared up that night. Zhou held his hands tightly, saying in Urdu “ brother, thank you very much!”

Although the diplomatic work looks glamorous, it is also full of challenges. During his tenure as Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Zhou Gang experienced three incidents of kidnapping Chinese citizens, among which one happened in October 1992, leaving him a deep impression.

On October 19 six Chinese experts working in Shandak Gold-Copper Mine in Baluchistan were on their way to Karachi to purchase living supplies. However, they were unexpectedly hijacked by a group of long-waiting armed personnel in a corner. After being taken into a car, they were sent to Afghanistan.

Upon learning of the incident, Zhou promptly reported it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, who directed that every possible means be made to rescue the Chinese compatriots as soon as possible. Zhou made an urgent appointment with important Pakistani officials.

When Zhou met with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the PM expressed his unease and regret over the abduction of Chinese experts, saying that he fully understood the feelings of his Chinese friends, and would do everything possible to rescue Chinese friends!

Fortunately, the six Chinese experts were unharmed. These Afghan people told the experts that they knew China was a friend of Afghanistan and that they had no choice but to do so. They treated these Chinese experts very well, and sometimes even slaughtered chickens and sheep and bought fruits for them.

People from all walks of life in Pakistan were very concerned about the incident. The central and local governments of Pakistan had made every effort to contact the Afghan government and received its active cooperation. Thanks to the efforts of all parties, the six Chinese experts were released safely and returned to Pakistan after 11 days.

At noon on March 22, 1995 when Ambassador Zhou Gang was about to leave his post and return to China, a grand ceremony was held in the hall of the Presidential Palace, where Pakistani President Farooq Leghari met with Zhou Gang and awarded him the Hilal-i-Pakistan Medal for his contributions to Pakistan-China relations and the economic and social development of Pakistan.

At the subsequent luncheon attended by the ambassadors of many countries to Pakistan, President Leghari said to Ambassador Zhou’s wife Deng Junbing, “Professor Deng, you have done a lot in Pakistan for the friendship between Pakistan and China. Ambassador Zhou’s medal half belongs to you!”

As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan, Zhou Gang believes that China-Pakistan friendship is deepening and bilateral cooperation has been greatly expanded, adding that this friendly cooperation is not only beneficial to the two peoples but also conducive to peace and stability in South Asia.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAY 26 – Justice (RETD) Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB chaired a meeting. The meeting reviewed the performance of NAB-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially convictions made under Section 10 and under Section 25(B) of NAO-1999 during the year 2018 to 2021 at NAB Headquarter. Brig (R) Farooq Naser Awan, DG NAB-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attended the meeting through video link.

1.      Sate Vs Muhammad Azam Hoti and others accused Muhammad Azam Hoti was convicted by the Accountability Court and property of worth Rs. 1400 million was confiscated in the said Reference, Under Section 10 (a) of NAO, 1999.

2.      State VsYousaf Ali assets beyond means, accused Yousaf Ali were convicted by the Accountability Court on 27-2-2020 with a fine of Rs.17.7 Million. Properties worth 177 million were also confiscated/ recovered from the accused person under section 10 (a) of NAO, 1999 in the said Reference.

3.      In Reference “State Vs Zahir Shah and others” properties worth Rs. 110 million was recovered from accused under section 10 (a) of NAO, 1999.

4.      In Reference “Shah Wali Khan Vs State” properties worth Rs. 65 million were recovered from accused under section 10 (a) of NAO, 1999.

5.      In Reference “Nuzhat BeghumVs State ” properties worth Rs. 102.2 million were recovered from the accused under section 10 (a) of NAO, 1999.

6.      In Reference “Ikram ShahVs State” properties worth Rs. 46.515 million were recovered from the accused under section 10 (a) of NAO, 1999.

8.      State Vs Allauddin embezzlement, accused Allauddin was convicted by the Accountability Court on 21-12-2020  with a fine of Rs.16.708809 Million

9.      State Vs Gul Hameed assets beyond means, accused Gul Hameed was convicted by the Accountability Court on 19-03-2020 with a fine of Rs.10 Million

10.  State Vs Rafiq Khan Bangash Ex SDO C&W Deptt accused Rafique Bangash was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 1.6 million was recovered from the accused under section 10 of NAO-1999. Furthermore, 1 kanal bungalow worth Rs. 60 million was recovered under section 10 (a) of NAO, 1999.

11.  State Vs Safdar Khan & others Pakistan Post Peshawar accused Sajid Ali was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 0.46 million was recovered from the accused under section 10 of NAO-1999

During the meeting Brig (R) Farooq Naser Awan, DG NAB-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa informed that during the year 2019, under the dynamic leadership of Honorable Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal, an amount of Rs. 56.67 million has been recovered from 5x convicted persons under section 10 of NAO-1999.The details are as under:-

2.      State Vs Muhammad Sheraz Embezzlement, accused Muhammd Sheraz and Nadeem Shad were convicted by the Accountability Court on 09-08-2019 with a fine of Rs.45.8234       Million

3.      State Vs Khalid Saleem misuse of authority, accused Fazal Qadeem was convicted by the Accountability Court on 13-12-2019 with a fine of Rs.1.3 million

4.      State Vs Murid Kazim& others misuse of authority, accused Murid Kazim, Ahsan Ullah, Qayyum Nawaz, Riaz Muhammad, Gul Hassan, Malik Abdul Rashid and Mulazim Hussain were convicted by the Accountability Court on 20-02-2019.

5.      State Vs Farid Khan, Ex Post Master, Sub Post officer Gujar Garhi, Distt Mardan accused Farid Khan was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 0.182 million was recovered from the accused under section 10 of NAO-1999

Similarly in the year 2018, 16 persons were convicted by different Accountability Courts under section 10 of NAO-1999 an amount of Rs. 315.909 million has been recovered. The details of the 16 convicted personnel under section 10 of NAO-1999 are as under:-

1.      State Vs Mumtaz Ali Khan, Cheating public at large, accused Mumtaz Ali Khan, Munir, Asad Javed Akhbar and Jamshed were convicted by the Accountability Court on 06-11-2018 with a fine of Rs. 24.018 Million

2.      State Vs Mehmoodul Hassan & others cheating public at large, accused Usman and Roshan Din were convicted by the Accountability Court on 16-02-2018  with a fine of Rs.3.84875 Million

3.      State Vs Muhammad Irfan, Embezzlement of Govt Funds, accused Muhammad Irfan and Qazi Wajidullah were convicted by the Accountability Court on 08-06-2018            with a fine of Rs.52.060222 million

4.      State Vs Abdul Nasir & others embezzlement, accused       Abdul Nasir, Zarawar and Faiz Rasheed were convicted by the Accountability Court on 12-01-2018 with a fine of Rs.8.1028 million

5.      State Vs Farhad Sajid& others misuse of authority, accused Farhad Said, Ghulam Muhammad, Shoukat Ali and Abdullah Jan were convicted by the Accountability Court on 12-05-2018 with a fine of Rs.1.6          million

6.      State Vs Muhammad Saeed Assets beyond means, accused Muhammd Saeed was were convicted by the Accountability Court on 15-09-2018 with a fine of Rs.10 million.

8.      State Vs Qazi Abu Bakr & others cheating public at large, accused Qazi Abu Bakar and Abul Basit were convicted by the Accountability Court on 18-09-2018 with a fine of Rs.9.809      million

9.      State Vs Noor Muhammad Misuse of authority, accused Noor Muhammad was convicted by the Accountability Court on      20-10-2018.

10.  State Vs Neelam pari cheating public at large, accused Neelam Pari and Iftikhar Hussain were convicted by the Accountability Court on 21-7-2018 with a fine of Rs.   2.607 million

11.  State Vs Gulzhar Ali embezzlement in Govt funds, accused Gulzar Ali was convicted by the Accountability Court on 21-12-2018 with a fine of Rs.0.286 million

12.  State Vs Waqas& others cheating public at large, accused Waqas and Abullah       were convicted by the Accountability Court on 23-04-2018 with a fine of Rs 8.843333 million

13.  State Vs Naimat  Khan and Naeemullah embezzlement, accused Naimt Khan and Naeemullah were convicted by the Accountability Court on 14-03-2018 with a fine of Rs. 7.333916 million

14.  State Vs Adil Khan and another cheating public at large, accused Adil Khan and Akthar Nawaz were convicted by the Accountability Court on 27-09-2018 with a fine of Rs.169.55 million

15.  State Vs Muhammad Usman and another cheating public at large, accused Muhammad Usman was convicted by the Accountability Court on 31-07-2018 with a fine of Rs.        2 Million

16.  State VsHameed Gul Ex Postmaster Shakardara Kohat accused Hameed s/o Safee Gul was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 0.85 million was recovered from the accused under section 10 of NAO-1999.

During the meeting DG NAB-Khyber Pakhtukhwa informed that during the year 2020, due to the efforts of NAB- Khyber Pakhtuykhwa 03persons were convicted by different Accountability Courts under section 25(B) of NAO-1999, an amount of Rs. 1.0715 million has been recovered in investigation against officers / officials of FATA Secretariat and others regarding embezzlement of funds in Development Projects of C&W Deptt FR Tank and PHE Deptt FR D.I.Khan accused Ali Bat Khan, M. Ayub Khan and Mashad Gul were convicted by the Accountability Court in the year 2020, an amount of Rs. 1.0715 million was recovered from the accused under section 25 (B) of NAO-1999.

1.      Investigation against Olas Khan, PD Officers / officials of Project titled “Water conservation & Productivity Enhancement through High Efficiency Irrigation System (HEIS) in Pakistan accused Hamad Khan was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 1.33 Million was recovered from the accused under section 25 (b) of NAO-1999.

2.      Investigation against Nusrat Ullah Proprietor of World Travel Agency, Islamabad & Others accused Hafiz Muhammad Jameel was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 1.8 Million was recovered from the accused under section 25 (b) of NAO-1999.

3.      Investigation against officers / officials of FATA Secretariat and others regarding embezzlement of funds in Development Projects of C&W Deptt FR Tank and PHE Deptt FR D.I.Khan accused Mir Alam Shah was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 0.172 million was recovered from the accused under section 25 (b) of NAO-1999.

DG NAB-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also informed the meeting that during the year 2018, due to the efforts of NAB-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 08persons were convicted by different Accountability Courts under section 25(B) of NAO-1999, an amount of Rs. 206.542 million has been recovered. The details of the 08 convicted personnel under are as under:-

1.      Investigation against Muhammad Saeed Patwari, Revenue Deptt Charsadda regarding assets beyond means accused Muhammad Saeed was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 10 million was recovered from the accused under section 25 (b) of NAO-1999.

2.      Investigation against Muhammad Ayaz Qureshi Distt Accounts Officer Battagram & others regarding misuse of authority accused Nazia Hassan d/o Taj Muhammad was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 0.263 million was recovered from the accused under section 25 (b) of NAO-1999.

3.      Investigation against Tariq Hayat Khan Ex DG GDA, Officials of GDA & others accused Israrud Din Shinwari was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 6.9 million was recovered from the accused under section 25 (b) of NAO-1999.

4.      State Vs Juma Sher & others accused Jamsher Khan s/o Jamat Khan was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 39.810 million was recovered from the accused under section 25 (b) of NAO-1999.

5.      State Vs Fazal Ahad Managing Director Blue City & others- cheating public at large on pretext  of investment in blue city Housing scheme accused Fazal Ahad was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 2.814 million was recovered from the accused under section 25 (b) of NAO-1999.

6.      Investigation against officers/officials of FATA Secretariat and others regarding embezzlement of funds in Development Projects of C&W Deptt FR Tank and PHE Deptt FR D.I.Khan accused Muhammad Aslam Khan and Ainud Din were convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 1.38 million was recovered from the accused under section 25 (b) of NAO-1999.

7.      Investigation against Hamad Awais Agha, Ex-Secretary Local Govt. Deptt KP, Hifz-ur-Rehman, Ex-Secretary Local Govt Deptt KP, Officers / Officials of Local Govt Deptt KP, CEO/Directors of M/S Ideal Hydrotech Systems Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd (IHSPL) and others regarding embezzlement in of funds allocated for “clean drinking water for All” project to install 1159 Water filtration plants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accused Muhammad Ramzan Sheikh was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 145.375 million was recovered from the accused under section 25 (B) of NAO-1999.

1.      Illegal gains in Inquiry into misappropriation / embezzlement of government funds by Officials of Agriculture Deptt, Peshawar & others accused Malik M. Sohni was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 64.471 million was recovered from the accused under section 26 of NAO-1999(2019).

2.      Investigation against Abdur Rauf, Ex Zilla Nazim D.I. Khan & others regarding Embezzlement of Public funds allocated for Zilla Nazim Office D.I. Khan accused Fazlur Rehman was convicted by the Accountability Court, an amount of Rs. 0.133 million was recovered from the accused under section 26 of NAO-1999 (2018).

Islamabad : Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Layyah today to inaugurate and perform groundbreaking of various development projects.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will launch Insaf Sehat Sahulat Card for Punjab and the project of switching Basic Health Units on solar energy in the province.

The Prime Minister will also perform groundbreaking of 200-bed mother and child hospital.

Imran Khan will also address on the occasion.