Islamabad, 29 jan 2021 : The United States is deeply concerned by the Pakistani Supreme Court’s decision to acquit those involved in Daniel Pearl’s kidnapping and murder and any proposed action to release them.Ahmad Omar Saeed Sheikh was indicted in the United States in 2002 for hostage-taking and conspiracy to commit hostage-taking, resulting in the murder of Pearl, the South Asia Bureau Chief for the Wall Street Journal, as well as the 1994 kidnapping of another United States citizen in India. The court’s decision is an affront to terrorism victims everywhere, including in Pakistan. The United States recognizes past Pakistani actions to hold Omar Sheikh accountable and notes that Sheikh currently remains detained under Pakistani law. We expect the Pakistani government to expeditiously review its legal options to ensure justice is served. We take note of the Attorney General’s statement that he intends to seek review and recall of the decision. We are also prepared to prosecute Sheikh in the United States for his horrific crimes against an American citizen. We are committed to securing justice for Daniel Pearl’s family and holding terrorists accountable.
Pakistan to send plane to China
DNA
ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said Thursday that the government would soon send a plane to China to get the first coronavirus vaccine contingent.
The development came after a meeting was held at the National Command Operation Center (NCOC) with Dr Sultan in the chair. The provinces shared their plans regarding the vaccine.
“We are ready for this important step and are united for this mission,” the special assistant vowed, adding that the government has “come a long way through cooperation.”
Don’t try to please others, PM tells nation
Don’t try to
please others,
PM tells nation
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said that Pakistan must always aim to be self reliant and not be afraid to have lofty dreams.
“People talk about projecting a soft image for Pakistan. What does a soft image even mean? […] Will the world begin to think very highly of us then?” said the premier.
He said that Pakistan must not fall for this misconception. “This is having an inferiority complex. When a country loses self-confidence, it begins to think of how to please others,” the prime minister said.
He was addressing a gathering in Islamabad held to showcase a docu-drama “Paani ke pankh” that highlights the importance of Pakistan harnessing its hydropower capabilities.
“We must never think of doing something that the West wants. Like when Musharraf spoke of ‘enlightened moderation’. […] No one knew what it was. People thought the more they look like people from the West, the more they will seem moderate,” PM Imran Khan said, adding that a nation only does such things when it lacks confidence.
He said that Pakistan need only project one image — that it is an independent nation, one that is standing on its own feet, has confidence, and believes in its future and does not rely on any other nation. “It is only then that the world respects such a nation.”
Earlier, PM claimed that his government will be victorious in the coming Senate elections.
Addressing a meeting of the government spokespersons in Islamabad on Thursday, Imran Khan said “We want that the Senate elections should be transparent.”
The prime minister said the federal government will continue efforts for holding Senate elections through the open ballot. He said the government has decided to make amendments in the Constitution for holding the Senate polls through the open ballot because it wants to ensure transparency in the voting process.
He said the government land worth billions was recovered by the relevant authorities. Imran Khan praised the Punjab government’s efforts against the ‘qabza mafia’, saying the operation against the mafia will continue. The participants have been given briefings on important matters including the report of Transparency International, the Broadsheet scandal, ongoing actions against land grabbing mafia and others.
Assets case: NAB moves LHC to take up Rana Sanaullah’s bail plea
LAHORE : The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has moved to the Lahore High Court (LHC) to take up Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah’s bail petition in assets beyond income case.
In its plea to LHC, the anti-corruption watchdog stated that Rana Sanaullah is currently on interim bail in the case. The accused had been granted interim bail in March last year in the assets case.It further stated that the hearing was not fixed due to non-availability of a bench. The bureau pleaded the LHC for early hearing of Sanaullah’s bail plea and give a verdict after hearing the arguments from both sides.
It is pertinent to mention here that NAB had launched assets beyond income and money laundering probe against Rana Sanaullah. After getting a notice from NAB, the PML-N leader got interim bail from LHC.
In December last year, the Lahore High Court (LHC) had also approved the bail petition of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) central leader Rana Sanaullah in drugs possession case. He had been directed to submit two surety bonds worth Rs1 million each to the court.
Multinational Naval Drill Aman – Manifestation Of Pursuit For Peace
By Muhammad Akhtar
Indian Ocean is the world’s third largest ocean its geographical location and strategic waterways provide the shortest and most economical lines of communication to Atlantic and Pacific Oceans The World today is becoming more and more dependent upon the seas as up to 90 percent of the Worlds trade is ship borne Pakistan is a major littoral state of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and world’s major energy supplies towards east and west transit through close to its coastline. In recent years, the IOR has become a stage for many Extra Regional Force in addition to regional players. In view of the same, it is paramount that peace and stability prevails over high seas particularly in IOR at all times. Pakistan Navy (PN) has always been an avid supporter of the principle of peaceful coexistence and greater regional harmony. This support has been manifested by PN efforts to contribute towards regional and extra-regional peace efforts. This include participation in United Nations (UN) mandated Combined Maritime Task Forces 150 &151, as well as Pakistan’s own Regional Maritime Security Patrol. These are some examples of PN resolve for a secure maritime environment in the region. The seas and oceans of the World are a shared commodity. Therefore ensuring maintenance of law and order as well as safety of life at sea is the combined responsibility of all states. In pursuit of the same, PN took an initiative of conducting Multinational Naval Exercise AMAN in 2007 with the purpose of enhancing cooperation and interoperability between regional and extra regional navies. Since 2007,Exercise AMAN has become a biennial feature that has over the years drawn more and more International attention and became a recognizedmultinational naval exercise.During AMAN-07, a total of 28 countries participated with 14 ships and 29 observers from different countries from across the globe. Participants included regional players such as Bangladesh as well as extra regional forces like USA, UK, China and France etc subsequently; participation of such extra regional forces became a permanent feature owing to strategic interests in the region. Similarly, in AMAN-09, 24 countriesparticipated in the exercise with 14 warships, 02 aircrafts and 09 Special Operation Forces (SOF) teams. AMAN-11 witnessed participation by 28 countries with 11 warships, 03 SOF teams and 43 observers. During AMAN-13, participation grew to 29 countries with 12 warships, 02 aircrafts, 06 SOF teams and 43 observers.During AMAN-17 the number of participants surged to 34 countries with 12 ships, SOF teams and 67 observers. Last exercise of the series, AMAN-19 saw the greatest turn out ever with participation of 46 countries with 12 warships, 02 P3C Orion aircrafts, 15 SOF teams and 113 observers. PN is committed to carry the momentum of success of previous Ex-AMAN through AMAN-21 and beyond. Overwhelming response by the international navies has proved not only PN commitment to ensuring a successful event as well as eagerness of other countries to participate in whatever capacity they can in this new yet challenging order of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic may pose some limitations with regards to participation due to SOPs invoked.
Ex-AMAN fulfills a wide variety of objectives. These include operational objectives such as exercising naval drills, increasing security cooperation and enhancing tactical interoperability etc. However, the said exercise affords PN an opportunity to project a positive image of Pakistan as a key player in regional peace and stability. It affirms Pakistan’s resolve of cooperation against terrorism and crimes out at sea. The Exercise also sets the stage for cultural exchange between participating countries and the host country In addition to naval drills, one of the highlights of the event is the conduct of International Maritime Conference (IMC) in tandem with AMAN. IMC is a 3 day maritime conference that features eminent speakers and delegates from across the globe. It is the arena for intellectual discourse regarding matters of current regional maritime challenges and opportunities. The conference consists of various sessions on security, maritime economy, maritime technology, maritime laws and policies and hosts of other topics related to maritime sector The international/national guest speakers’ present recommendations that may form the basis for future cooperation between the states.
The two prominent regional players in IOR are Pakistan and India. While both states adopt a policy of proportionality in most matters, there is a large discrepancy when it comes to the matter of naval exercises Pakistan hosts Exercise AMAN and India is the host of Exercise MALABAR. The scales of both exercises as well as the objectives arevery different as discussed earlier, Ex-AMAN is a multilateral exercise that aims to incorporate as much regional and extra-regional participation as possible to increase cooperation and interoperability. On the other hand, Ex-MALABAR is an exclusive affair between India and big powers including USA, Japan and Australia. Maiden edition of Ex-MALABAR was conducted between India and USA in 1992. It was then a bilateral naval drill in the Indian Ocean Australia and Japan became partners later on but Australia drifted away in 2007 and Japan became a permanent member of the exercise in 2015. However Australia has returned and participated in the MALABAR naval exercise in 2020 after 13 years. This is evidence of Indian designs of creating hegemony in IOR. It is also considered that Ex-MALABAR aims to contain Chinese presence in the region and threatening Chinese development projects in various countries that fall under the umbrella of Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It is evident from the above that India seeks a policy of competition rather than cooperation undermining the principles of peace and stability at high seas.
To conclude, synergy rather than hegemony is the way forward in the 2151 century. The world we live in today has become a global village. Cooperation and harmony are vital for progress. Militaries are crucial as deterrents and countering common threats at sea However the case of IOR is particularly peculiar in nature. As all the nuclear powers of the World have interests in the region, it has the potential to turn into a nuclear flashpoint very quickly. Therefore, cooperation is crucial in the region. India’s policy of challenging Chinas progress and seeking Western aid to do so will only have adverse effects on the region and will induce instability. This would not only inhibit progress but also poses a threat to all the littoral states of IOR. In contrast Pakistan’s’ efforts to bring maximum stakeholders of IOR together through series of AMAN exercises is a clear message that cooperation amongst states is the only way forward and maritime security and stability can be obtained through cooperation and developing interoperability with the navies of littoral states. This will go a long way in securing a better and brighter future for all stakeholders
Transparency International appreciates NAB’s extraordinary efforts
Islamabad, January 28, 2021 : Transparency International has released its report of 2020 today on January 28, 2021 from Karachi and Berlin, Germany. Sohail Muzaffar, Chairman Transparency International (TI) Pakistan has stated that due to extraordinary efforts of NAB under the leadership of Honorable Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB has recovered Rs. 363 billion in the last two years.
NAB has welcomed the appreciation of Transparency International Pakistan and stated that NAB under the dynamic leadership of Honorable Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB strongly believes in eradication of corruption and brought big fish to justice so that looted money from corrupt elements should be recovered and deposit in the national exchequer. NAB has recovered Rs. 487 billion in the last three years and Rs. 714 billion since its inception directly and indirectly which is a remarkable achievement as compared to other anti corruption organizations with an overall conviction ratio of 68.8 percent.
NAB is the focal organization of Pakistan under United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) as Pakistan has ratified and is signatory of UNCAC. Pakistan is the only country in the world to which China has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for overseeing CEPC projects and sharing of best practices/experiences in order to eradicate corruption. NAB is the chairman of SAARC Anti Corruption Forum. This was a reorganization of NAB’s excellent work as NAB is considered as a role model among SAARC countries. NAB’s efforts have been appreciated by other reputed international and national organizations like World Economic Forum, PILDAT, Mishal Pakistan besides. As per Gillani and Gallup Survey, 59 percent people have shown trust upon NAB.
PSL 2021: Spectators will be allowed in limited numbers, say sources
LAHORE : The authorities will allow a limited number of spectators during the sixth edition of Pakistan Super League, it emerged Thursday.
Preliminary talks have also been held with several companies for the sale of PSL 2021 tickets.
The management of PSL had earlier sought permission from the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) to allow fans to watch the sixth edition in the stadium.
It was reported that the cricket authorities will make the final decision on allowing crowds to watch the matches in stadiums after the NCOC gives its verdict.
If allowed, the board will ensure strict compliance to coronavirus SOPs.
The sixth edition of the league will be played between February and March in Karachi and Lahore.
Initially, the PCB had planned to extend the 2021 venue list by including Peshawar but owing to COVID-19 pandemic, the management decided to restrict locations to two cities.
In the opening match on February 20, defending champions Karachi Kings will face 2019 winners Quetta Gladiators.
The matches will continue in Karachi till March 7 before the action shifts to Lahore for the second phase from March 10 when Peshawar Zalmi will face Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Will Pakistan-Turkey-Iran form a new bloc?
By Muhammad Omar Iftikhar
The geopolitical alliances are always in a state of flux. While alliances are created between countries, new blocs are also formed. This depends on the mutual interests the countries are pursuing. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an example where China is collaborating with Pakistan and other regional nations to pursue joint economic objectives. Analysts opine that a new alliance between five countries, Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and China, can be forged. Linking with this alliance is the Istanbul–Tehran–Islamabad railway (ITI Train). It is a project under the umbrella of the Economic Cooperation Organization. This international cargo train service is expected to enhance economic activities between Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan while fortifying their relationships. Analysts expect that China can become a part of the ITI Train service under CPEC’s One Belt One Road Initiative. While some will welcome the formation of this new bloc, the US, India, and Saudi Arabia may have some reservations. The US, under Joe Biden’s administration, will try to create a new chapter of relationships with China and Russia as the US had differences with these two countries under Trump’s era. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia will see Iran’s action with skepticism for obvious reasons. India, on the other hand, will continue to have a tussle with Pakistan and will pursue opposite actions as taken by Islamabad.
Pakistan and China agreed to multiply agricultural and industrial cooperation
BEIJING, Jan. 28 : Pakistan and China agreed to multiply the agricultural and industrial cooperation as they launched an Agricultural and Industrial Cooperation Information Platform.
Speaking at the online launching ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong said the platform jointly initiated by China Economic Net and China Machinery Engineering Corporation could not be more timely and will serve as the bridge for two sides to expand cooperation on agriculture, industry and other sectors.
“With the introduction of the platform, the government departments, research institutions, associations and chambers, and enterprises of the two countries could carry out all-round, multi-sector, and in-depth communication and cooperation,” he said.
“By using the platform, the information of agricultural and industrial cooperation will be collected and displayed on the platform; business activities such as forums, seminars and delegation visits could be organized; in-depth agricultural and industrial B2B cooperation will also be effectively promoted,” he added.
Ambassador Rong said, “Taking advantage of the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relationship, we would like to work more closely with the Pakistani government and people, make all efforts to enrich the all-weather strategic partnership and benefit people of two countries by continuously advancing the progress of CPEC.”
Chairman of the CPEC Authority Asim Saleem Bajwa said that the agro-industrial cooperation between Pakistan and China under CPEC will play a vital role in expanding and multiplying bilateral economic relations.
The CPEC Authority chief said agriculture was the mainstay of Pakistan’s economy which contributes some 18 percent of the country’s GDP, employs a very large number of people, and is highly essential for the country’s food security and export potential.
He said the Chinese experience, which is massively acknowledged worldwide, will be very helpful in adding value to Pakistan’s agriculture and contribute to the prosperity of the people.
On the industrial cooperation, he said that multiple preferred special economic zones under CPEC were being set up in all the provinces to give impetus to industrialization in the country.
Pakistani Ambassador Moin-ul Haque sought support of the Chinese government and enterprises to improve agriculture sector in Pakistan and expressed the confidence that both countries could turn a new page in agriculture and industrial modernization for shared benefits.
For enhancing yield of crops, modernization of irrigation system, value addition with agricultural and attracting foreign investments, Chinese investments are especially important. “Ever-increasing economic and trade integration between Pakistan and China has made our two economies, increasingly
Chinese investment to play key-role in Pakistan’s agricultural & industrial modernization: Moin ul Haque
BEIJING, Jan.28 : The Chinese investment is important for enhancing the yield of crops, modernization of irrigation system, value addition with agricultural and attracting foreign investments in Pakistan said Pakistan Ambassador, Moin ul Haque, reports China Economic Net (CEN).
Addressing with the launching of the China-Pakistan Agricultural and Industrial Cooperation Information Platform, he said that this platform has become more important, and momentous as Pakistan and China as celebrating the 70 years of establishment of diplomatic ties. The launching also marks one of the many activities that the two countries have planned this year.
“The support of the Chinese government and enterprises to improve agriculture sector in Pakistan and both Pakistan and China could turn a new page in agriculture and industrial modernization for shared benefits”, Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque mentioned during his speech.
He further said that “We are confident that the support of the Chinese government, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China and the Chinese enterprises, We can turn a new page in agriculture and industrial modernization for shared benefits,” he said while addressing the launching ceremony of China-Pakistan Agricultural and Industrial Cooperation Information Platform held online.
The ambassador stated that Pakistan and China are all-weather strategic partners and both countries have deepened their engagements in recent years, and expanded bilateral ties in diverse fields of cooperation.
Moin informed that the Pakistani government has made agriculture and industrial revitalization a linchpin for its broad-based efforts for the socio-economic development, mitigation of climate change, management of urbanization, and national growth and development.
“So in order to achieve this objective, we look forward to the win-win cooperation with China, and ever-increasing economic and trade integration between Pakistan and China has made our two economies, increasingly interdependent,” he further said.
Ambassador added that as the pilot and high-quality demonstration project, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) plays a pivotal position in the development agenda of Pakistan.
“After the success of its first phase, both sides have mutually agreed that the second phase of CPEC would focus on social-economic development, industrialization, and modernization of agriculture with shared benefits.
During the visit of President Dr. Arif Aliv to Beijing in March last year, the two countries agreed that agricultural cooperation would be included in the framework of CPEC. While during the Second Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue held in Hainan in August last year, it was further decided to pay special attention to the production of high yield seed varieties, increase using crops productivity besides the addition of agro-based industry, agricultural technology, fast pest control, and setting up of cold chain network.
He expressed the pleasure that the relevant ministries and the two embassies are working very closely to meet these goals set up by the respective leadership
Moin informed that agriculture contributes almost 18% of GDP, provides employment for about 38% of the total labor force in Pakistan
“Pakistan is among top producers of wheat, sugarcane, rice, and a variety of foods and one of the world’s largest sources of livestock offers great potential for major industries of Pakistan, he added.
He stated that China’s rapid rise as the world leader in agricultural modernization, he said the last 40 years of reform and opening up enabled it to unleash a green revolution by reinvigorating its farmlands for increased productivity and ensuring the well being of its farmers.
The ambassador said that the Chinese miracle is worth emulating for developing countries like Pakistan as it also endowed with fertile land abundant water resources as well as four seasons allowing it to grow a variety of crops.
He extended the heartiest congratulations to the China Economic Net and the China Machinery Engineering Corporation for taking important initiative for the establishment of this important platform.
