DNA
A farewell dinner in the honour of H.E Mr Yao Jing, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan was hosted by General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), today.During the interaction matters of mutual interest, regional security and enhanced bilateral cooperation came under discussion. COAS thanked Ambassador for his services and appreciated his contributions for fostering strong ties between the two countries and support towards defence/ security cooperation, handling of COVID Pandemic and stance on Kashmir.Ambassador appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan’s positive role in the region and pledged to play his role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation between both countries.
Army Chief lauds services of Ambassador Yao Jing
Jordan-Pakistan ties poised for quantum leap
EXCLUSIVE
Ansar M Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: Ibrahim Almadani, Ambassador of Jordan has said both Jordan and Pakistan enjoy brotherly relations within the Islamic sphere based on solid foundation of mutual respect.
He added, continuous political consultation and constant meetings between the leadership of the two states have also held focusing on coordinating political views and efforts, bilaterally and multilaterally, in respect of major regional and international developments and issues.
The Ambassador of Jordan expressed these views in an interview with Daily Islamabad POST, CENTRELINE magazine and DNA News Agency.
Ambassador Almadani further said both countries have also been cooperating with each other on the issues of International Terrorism, the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict according to International legitimacy and the Two State solution, and the adoption of political and peaceful solutions to regional crisis including the Syrian crisis.
He said this close cooperation demonstrates the important roles played by the two countries to support efforts to achieve peace and stability. Besides, the two governments work to upgrade and develop their bilateral relations in the parliamentary, economic and commercial fields and develop these relations to reach the desired level of cooperation.
While talking about the history of bilateral diplomatic relations the ambassador said, diplomatic relations began after Pakistan’s independence in 1947, where Jordan was the fifth country in the world to recognize the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Primarily Jordan Embassy was opened in Karachi and then moved to Islamabad after becoming the capital of the country.
He said Diplomatic Representation is on the level “Resident Ambassador”.
The ambassador said he presented his credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on 26 November 2018.
While Rahmat Junaid Ambassador of Pakistan to Jordan is there since 11/12/2017- December 2019.
When asked to tell some details of political cooperation Ambassador Almadani saidbilateral political relations are considered deep and solid. HM King Abdullah II on his recent visit to Islamabad in February 2018 praised the deep and strong relations between the two countries, HM also affirmed Jordan’s keenness to strengthen its relations with Pakistan.
‘It is worth mentioning that the Jordanian and Pakistani leaderships are in constant contact and exchange of views on regional and international issues, especially with regards to the Middle East issues. Both leaderships express their satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations in various fields’.
Ambassador Almadani further said, the Jordanian Senate formed the Jordanian-Pakistani Fraternity Committee on (22/1/2017) under the chairmanship of H.E. Eng. Atef Al-Tal.
Likewise, reconstitution of Pakistan-Jordan Parliamentary Friendship Group in the National Assembly was done on 7/3/2019 under MNA Ms. Shagufta Jumani, as its Convener.
Besides, reconstitution of Pakistan-Jordan Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Senate of Pakistan on 8/3/2020 under Senator Sussui Palijo, as its Convener.
While sharing details about military cooperation the ambassador said two sides regularly participate in the reciprocal sessions, exercises and intensive training courses, where memorandum of understanding for cooperation between King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) and the Ministry of Defense Production of Pakistan was signed on (14/2/2012).
In November 2019 Special Forces Units from Jordan, Egypt and Pakistan concluded a joint drill called “Fajr Al Sharq 1” (Dawn of the East 1) in Pakistan.
To yet another question about economic cooperation he said Joint Jordanian-Pakistani Ministerial Committee was established in 1975, and a trade cooperation agreement was signed in 2000 to enhance trade and economic relations, but does not include any preferential treatment between the two sides.
The ninth meeting of the Joint Jordanian-Pakistani Committee was held in Amman during the period (29-30 April 2015), and four agreements were signed in trade cooperation, investment, specifications and standards and the recognition of maritime certificates between the two countries.
The main Jordanian exports to Pakistan are: fertilizers, metals, pharmaceuticals and drugs, plastics organic and chemical raw materials, seeds, agricultural products and industrial equipment and machinery.
Main Jordanian imports from Pakistan are: textiles and their accessories, seeds and agricultural products, electrical machinery and spare parts, essential oils, pharmaceutical products, juices and spices, cotton, plastics, fiber optics, fish and advertising materials.
Sharing some details of high level visits ambassadorsaid the last visit of His Majesty King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein took place during the period from 8-9/2/2018.
While visits by Pakistani side includevisit of the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi to Jordan during (22-25/1/2019), Visit of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javid Bajwa to Jordan during the period (1-4/10/2018), Visit of the Chairman of Joint Staff of the Pakistani Armed Forces, Zubair Mahmoud Hayat to the Kingdom in April 2018, Visit of the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan to the Kingdom in December 2017, The visit of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz during the period (18-19/5/2007), Visit of President Pervez Musharraf during the period (22-23/1/2007), Visit of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in 2006.
Detailed interview shall be published in CENTRELINE magazine.
Pakistan, Iraq vow to give pilgrims best facilities
ISLAMABAD (DNA): The Ambassador of Iraq Hamid Abbas Lafta met with minister of Religious Affairs Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri on Thursday at Iraqi Embassy to review ways to send pilgrims to Iraq for Arbaeen.
“The government of Baghdad will announce a comprehensive policy in the coming days about the travel of Pakistani pilgrims to Iraq to mark the 40th day of martyrdom of Imam Hossein (AS),” the statement said.
The two sides discussed the facilities for Pakistani citizens to travel to Iraq and other necessary measures.
The Iraqi ambassador also briefed the Pakistani Minister on the pilgrimage policy and safety measures. The future policy of the Iraqi government regarding the pilgrimage of Arbaeen will be in accordance with the health protocols and the healthcare of the pilgrims.
Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs called for effective measures to protect the health of Pakistanis at Iraqi airports, especially in Baghdad and Najaf Ashraf.
Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri added that the Pakistani government is also finalizing a new pilgrimage policy to facilitate the pilgrimage of its citizens.
Every year, more than 120,000 Pakistanis travel to the two countries by land to visit the holy sites in Iran and the holy shrines in Iraq.
Sistan and Baluchestan Province is the only way for Pakistan to connect to Central Asia and Europe, as well as to Iraq.
Despite the Corona epidemic, the great Arbaeen procession without the presence of foreign pilgrims, including the pilgrims of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has started in southern Iraq a few days ago.
Saudi Arabia to further deepen trade ties with Pakistan: Ambassador
Saudi envoy said that Pakistan has great potential for tourism and it needed to improve its infrastructure to attract foreign tourists adding said that consistency in policies and conducive environment would further promote local and foreign investment as earlier, in his visit to Pakistan his Excellency Prince Muhammad Bin Salman had announced to become Ambassador of Pakistan and he was playing that role
FIAZ CH.
ISLAMABAD, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Nawaf Saeed Al-Malkiy here on Thursday said that his country wanted to further deepen and strengthen its trade ties with Pakistan as both countries have great potential to promote bilateral trade in many areas.
He said Pakistan possessed everything for growth and has great potential for business and economic growth that needed to be highlighted more effectively to attract foreign investors.
He said that Pakistan was a very important country for the whole Muslim Ummah as it was a nuclear power and Saudi Arabia would stand with it in every critical situation.
He said this while addressing the business community during his visit to Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).
Muhammad Ahmed Asiri, Commercial Attaché of Saudi Embassy was also present at the occasion.
The Saudi envoy said that Pakistan has great potential for tourism and it needed to improve its infrastructure to attract foreign tourists adding said that consistency in policies and conducive environment would further promote local and foreign investment as earlier, in his visit to Pakistan his Excellency Prince Muhammad Bin Salman had announced to become Ambassador of Pakistan and he was playing that role.
He said that wrong and negative perception about Pakistan in foreign world needed to be changed to unlock its real economic potential.
He said that from January 2021, the process of exchange of trade delegations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would be restored that would further improve bilateral trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Speaking at the occasion, Muhammad Ahmed Waheed, President ICCI said that Saudi Arabia’s investors should explore JVs and investment in CPEC that would also provide them easy access to Central Asian markets.
He said that the cordial relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia should be transformed into growing trade and economic relations as the current volume of bilateral trade between the two countries was not reflective of their actual potential.
He said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were doing trade in limited items and they should focus on direct trade with diversification of trade items to further enhance trade volume.
Turkey offers running Tram Service in Karachi
KARACHI : Turkey offered to launch tram service in the port city, in a meeting of Turkish Consul General with the Administrator of Karachi.
Turkish Consul General Mr. Tolga Ucak called on Administrator Iftikhar Shalwani today and discussed with him the matters of mutual interest and cooperation.
Consul General Tolga Ucak said that his country was ready to extend cooperation for running a tram service in Karachi on M.A. Jinnah Road from Mereweather Tower to Numaish roundabout.Turkey could also help the metropolis for a tram service at I.I. Chundrigar Road of the city, Turkish diplomat said.
Mr. Tolga Ucak while felicitating Administrator Shalwani over his posting, also offered his country’s cooperation for improvement and modernization of libraries in the city.
Karachi administrator said that Pakistan has an ideal bilateral relationship with Turkey. He also thanked Turkish Consul General for the offer of cooperation and said that re-launching of a tram service in Karachi will restore the past historic prestige of the city.
“Steps are being taken to transform Karachi into a tourist hub like Istanbul,” he added.
Lahore motorway gang-rape victim has identified both perpetrators: Chohan
LAHORE : Punjab information minister Fayyaz-ul-Hasan Chohan on Thursday announced that the Lahore motorway gang-rape victim has identified both perpetrators of the crime.
“The lady has identified both Abid and Shafqat,” Chohan told a press conference in Lahore.
“It was due to Waqar-ul-Hasan’s arrest that we were able to reach Shafqat,” he added.
Abid Ali, the prime suspect in the case, remains at large, while Shafqat Ali was arrested on Monday for his alleged involvement in the case.
The next day, he was remanded into police custody for 14 days by an accountability court.
The incident has drawn nationwide condemnation from human rights activists, politicians and the public in general over a lack of safety over the route as well as the attitude of the lead investigator, Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Umar Sheikh.
Sheikh had blamed the victim for going through the route that she chose and said that she should have checked her petrol tank before getting on the said route. He was served a show-cause notice by the Punjab government for what the chief minister termed an “irrelevant” statement.
There have also been protests across the country calling for extreme punishments for rapists.
Furthermore, the incident has laid bare the “failed” police patrolling system of the province, as observed by Lahore High Court Chief Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan.
The incident
The two suspects had allegedly robbed and gang-raped a woman in front of her children on September 9 in an area falling within Gujjarpura police station’s jurisdiction.
The woman was driving to Gujranwala along with her two children when she was forced to stop at around 1:30am at the Gujjarpura section of the motorway after reportedly running out of fuel.
She immediately called a relative and sent him her location. He asked her to dial the Motorway Police helpline 130 in the meanwhile.
In the meantime, the two robbers reportedly approached the car, broke the window, and took the woman and her children to nearby bushes where they allegedly raped her in front of the children.
They also allegedly snatched her purse carrying Rs100,000 in cash, one bracelet, car registration papers, and three ATM cards.
‘Govt finalises location, design of South Punjab Secretariat’
MULTAN : Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has announced to establish South Punjab Secretariat on Mattital Road in Multan.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister has visited Circuit House in Multan to chair the first session of secretaries of South Punjab Secretariat.
Usman Buzdar directed secretaries to facilitate citizens raising complaints of their issues. He also ordered concerned officers to inspect the issues by going into the field instead of restricting themselves in their offices.The chief minister said that the provincial government adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and no compromise will be made on the transparency in performing duties.
Moreover, parliamentarians have also called on Punjab CM Usman Buzdar at Circuit House Multan where he apprised him regarding the issues of their respective constituencies.
He vowed that recommendations forwarded by the lawmakers will be implemented by the provincial government besides fulfilling all legal requirements on a priority basis.
Buzdar criticised that the funds allocated for South Punjab had been transferred by the past governments and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is restoring the citizens’ rights in the region.
Later, the chief minister announced for the construction site of South Punjab Secretariat on Mattital Road of Multan on 500 Kanal wide land. A five-storey building will be constructed for the South Punjab Secretariat besides establishing an urban forest.
He said that the issues of the citizens of South Punjab will be resolved on a local basis. The provincial government made the final decision for the construction site and design for the South Punjab Secretariat’s building in Multan.
Moreover, Buzdar also approved the construction of Multan Gymkhana besides releasing orders for making Nishtar Hospital Phase II operational at earliest.
He detailed that a 500-bed hospital will be established in its first phase with the cost of Rs5 billion.
Ambassador Jing calls on Adviser Finance
Mr. Yao Jing, Ambassador of People’s Republic of China made a farewell call on the Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh here at the Finance Division.
The Adviser appreciated the commitment with which Mr. Jing worked for the progress of the Pak- China relationship. The Adviser acknowledged the contributions of Ambassador Jing and China’s leadership for Pakistan and expressed hope that his predecessor will work on the same lines.
Ambassador Jing thanked the Adviser for his support and expressed desire to further strengthen the two country’s relationship.. He said that CPEC is a project that is an inspiration for the rest of the world. The Ambassador also appreciated the strategy adopted by the government of Pakistan during the covid-19 crisis and said that the rest of the world could follow and learn from Pakistan’s experience.
The Ambassador expressed his confidence that FATF’s October review will go well for Pakistan. At the end the Adviser presented a shield to the outgoing Ambassador as a token of Finance Division’s acknowledgement for his valuable services and said that his successor will be welcomed with the same spirit.
Karot Hydropower station spillway open to traffic: Gwadar Pro
Islamabad, September 17 : After 867 days of construction, the spillway road bridge for Karot Hydropower Station was completed and officially open to traffic, Gwadar Pro reported on Thursday.
Karot Hydropower Station, one of the flagship projects under CPEC, has been contracted to build by China Gezhouba Group Co., (CGGC). According to CGGC, the opening of the spillway road bridge is a milestone in the construction of Karot Hydropower station.
It was formally opened on last Sunday (Sep 13th).
Qian Tu, a Chinese staff of Karot project, has recorded the process of construction. He said, the Karot Hydropower Station embodies the profound friendship between Pakistan and China. Since the start of the project, both Pakistani and Chinese personnel have adhered to construct it with high standards, high requirements and high quality.
“It was a difficult and long journey,” Qian recalled, “in past two years, we have faced the challenge of frequent and fierce flood. During the rainy season, the project site is often suddenly heavy rain. It brought huge difficulties for the construction of the project.”
However, the greater difficulty lies in February 2020. The outbreak of COVID-19 caused a severe dearth of personnel and equipment idled. Therefore, the production schedule of the whole project laged far behind.
In order to finish the construction on time, Pakistani and Chinese staff united, 24 hours to stick to their posts.The project team also continued to optimize the construction plan and use advanced technology and equipment.
Qian said, finally, the Spillway of Karot Hydropower Station was opened successfully, “we are ready to move on to the next stage. And the target of brake reservoir of Karot will be achieved in 2021.”
