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Commander Iraqi air force visits air headquarters

DNA

ISLAMABAD, OCT 13 –  Major General (Pilot) Shihab Jahid Ali Shakarchi, Commander Iraqi Air Force, along with his delegation visited Air Headquarters, Islamabad today.

Upon arrival, the distinguished guest was received by Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. A smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force presented Guard of Honour. The visiting dignitary paid homage to PAF martyrs by laying a floral wreath at Yadgar-i-Shuhada (martyrs’ monument).

The General also had a detailed meeting with Chief of the Air Staff.  Both Commanders discussed various matters pertaining to security and mutual cooperation. Commander Iraqi Air Force lauded the professionalism of PAF personnel and the exceptional progress made by PAF over the years, through indigenization.

The Air Chief highlighted the brotherly relations and collaboration between the two sides. Both the dignitaries agreed to further augment the already existing cordial relations between the two air forces.

Later in the day, Commander Iraqi Air Force also called on General Nadeem Raza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi. Matters of bilateral professional interest and further strengthening of security and defence cooperation between the two countries were discussed during the meeting.

Climate change becoming a complex gamble to win: Dr. Steffen Kudella

Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad and Hanns Seidel Foundation, Pakistan jointly organized a Roundtable Discussion on “Water Security Challenges and Conservation Strategy

Staff Report/DNA

ISLAMABAD:  Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad and Hanns Seidel Foundation, Pakistan jointly organized a Roundtable Discussion on “Water Security Challenges and Conservation Strategy for Pakistan” at Islamabad Club.

The discussion commenced with the opening remarks of Major General Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery HI(M), (Retd), President CGSS. He welcomed the participants of the session and stated that water management is a significant issue from defence point of view also that needs to be addressed.

Dr. Steffen Kudella, Resident Representative, Hanns Seidel Foundation, Pakistan in his welcome remarks stated that climate change is becoming a complex gamble to win. Pakistan is one of the most significant country of South Asia and relying on one river system would be risky.

Furthermore, he stated that water needs to become a topic of regional dialogue and in collaboration of CGSS, we plan to organize broader events to discuss this issue with a broader regional audience.

Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Chairman, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) stated that Pakistan has abundant water but the problem lies with efficient absorption and retaining mechanism. One major problem is development of water resources.

Currently, we are storing only 9-10% of the water, which must be stored atleast 40% according to the international standards. Second most important issue is water resource management, 60% of water is lost due to improper storage system. Thirdly, is the governance aspect. The water is provided free of cost and there is no incentive for saving water. We must emphasize on efficient utilization of water.

Mr. Ahmed Kamal, Chairman, Federal Flood Commission, Ministry of Water Resources, Govt of Pakistan stated that Pakistan has good resources of water but we are not managing it to the optimal level. Water scarcity is going to effect Pakistan by our own follies. Pakistan has been severely impacted in the last 5 years by the virtue of viable climate change. He recommended that small water conservation strategies must be adopted in various parts across the country which will enable to retain water in adequate amount.

Dr. Yusuf Zaraf, TI, Former Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) stated that unfortunately, in Pakistan, water has always been linked with power. On 4th August 2017, the Government decided to have a separate Ministry for water issues. Agriculture consumes 95% of water. In the recent times, due to bad governance, we have increased the crops that consume more water. However, we have not opted for low delta water crops.

Dr. Hassan Abbas – Chairman Forte, Integrated Water Resources Management stated that to treat the problems, the cause must also be identified. He stated that the best cooperation related to water is in terms of navigation. The issue of storage is important and must be highlighted.

Other panelists of the Discussion deliberated upon water security challenges and conservation strategy for Pakistan in a concise manner to find applicable solutions and appropriate policy options and actions.

 The panelists discussed the prevailing water challenges to Pakistan and its conservation strategy. The loopholes in current water policy were also highlighted while presenting suggestions regarding restructuring the existing water policy for constructive outcomes. Other panelists of the Discussion included:

  • Brigadier Muhammad Aslam Khan (Retd) – Chairman Gomal Damaan Area Water Partnership Pakistan
  • Dr. Bashir Ahmad, Director Climate Change, Alternate Energy and Water Resources Institute, National Agriculture Research Council
  • Engr. Dr. Basharat Hasan Bashir, Expert in Alternative Energy
  • Dr. Muhammad Zia ur Rahman Hashmi, Head, Water Resources and Glaciology Section of Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC)
  • Mr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal, Lead Researcher, National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA)

The event was attended by approximately 27 participants and was moderated by Lt Col Khalid Taimur Akram (Retd), Executive Director, CGSS.

Sudan Charge d’ Affaires visits RCCI

DNA

Rawalpindi: Sudan offers promising investment opportunities and Pakistani businessmen should explore Sudan for making direct investment and joint ventures to earn attractive returns. This was stated by Sudan’s Charge d’ Affaires Muhammad Bashir during his visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Trade and Commercial Counselor’s M. Nooruddin and Abu Bakr Hussain.

Muhammad Bashir said that there are very close friendly relations between Pakistan and Sudan. The exchange of delegations is needed for the promotion of bilateral trade. There are many opportunities to explore trade in agriculture and minerals sectors, he added. He said that this was his first visit to any chamber. He appreciated the role of the Rawalpindi Chamber in promoting trade and business activities. He also invited RCCI to attend the International Trade Fair Khartoum which will be held in January 2021.

On this occasion, the President of the Chamber Nasir Mirza said that the Chamber is ready for all kinds of cooperation for the exchange of delegations and holding of bilateral business conferences.

There is a huge opportunity for joint ventures in different sectors mainly, agriculture, IT and pharmaceuticals, he added.

The trade relations between the two countries need to be strengthened at the level of the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has also launched a series of webinars to promote trade with African countries through the Business Africa Forum, despite the Corona epidemic. Nasir Mirza further added that the ease of doing business ranking of Pakistan has improved. Sudanese investors can take advantage of investment opportunities in Pakistan, he added.

Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A Malik, members of the executive committee and members were also present on the occasion.

PPP submits resolution in Senate over Islands Ordinance

ISLAMABAD : Pakistan People’s Party has decided to raise the islands ordinance issue in Senate and submitted a resolution against it in the secretariat of the upper house.

PPP Senator Sassui Palijo submitted the resolution in Senate Secretariat. “We reject the ordinance on islands,” the resolution said.

The PPP resolution has also signed by the members of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) and Balochistan National Party Mengal (BNP-M).

However, the resolution was not signed by the members from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI).
The Sindh government on Monday refused to hold talks with the federal government over the matter of Islands ownership until revoking of Pakistan Islands Development Authority Ordinance 2020.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had directed Governor Sindh Imran Ismail to hold talks with the PPP’s Sindh government over the matter after reservations.

“No talks will be held with the federal government until revoking of the ordinance”, the Sindh government has categorically said, adding that the federal government deceived the provincial government of Sindh by issuing an ordinance over the ownership of the Bundal and Buddo Islands.

On August 30, the president had promulgated the ordinance for establishing the Pakistan Islands Development Authority for the “development and management of islands in internal and territorial waters of Pakistan.”

However, the Sindh government on Tuesday withdrew its July 6, 2020 letter in which the Land Utilization Department had consented to the federal government to take custody of both islands.

Indonesia to host Trade Expo 2020 Virtually

DNA

KARACHI, OCT 13 (DNA) – The Government of Indonesia is once again hosting its biggest annual international business exhibition, the Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) on 10 – 16 November 2020.

The 35th TEI will now be held virtually, and can be participated by visitors from around the world, including Pakistan.

For the past few years, Indonesia has achieved positive trend of export growth in a variety of products and services on the global market.In order to maintain and improve Indonesia’s trade performance, the Government of Indonesia has been proactive in inviting and bringing in buyers and investors for a direct deal with Indonesian providers of export products and services at this annual trade show.

To accommodate the current global situation, the format of this year’s exhibition has been changed into Trade Expo Indonesia – Virtual Exhibition (TEI-VE).

TEI-VE is an international B2B-focused tradeshow that is designed to boost export growth and market expansion. The 35th TEI-VE in 2020 brings up the theme “Sustainable Trade in The Digital Era” to promote quality products made in Indonesia via virtual exhibition platforms for the global market, develop business networks, investment and present showcases of Indonesian premium and best products.

Along with the exhibition, TEI-VE also presents a series of side events such as Trade, Tourism and Investment (TTI) Forum, Business Matching, Business Counseling and Regional Discussions.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Karachi, invites all members of Pakistan-based Chamber of Commerce, Associations, as well as private business communities to participate in TEI-VE 2020 by scanning the QR code below, visiting this link, or fill out the offline form attached.

LHC suspends PEMRA ban over Lahore motorway rape case coverage

LAHORE : A bench of Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday suspended PEMRA ban over media coverage of Lahore motorway rape case.

A division bench of the high court headed by Chief Justice Qasim Khan heard a petition of Advocate Abuzar Salman Niazi against the ban on media coverage of the incident.

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had imposed ban on media coverage on directives of an anti-terrorism court hearing the case.The bench while suspending the ban summoned reply from the parties on October 22.

Chief Justice Qasim Khan said that under the right of information, the people could not be barred  from being aware of the matter. “Why the speeches of ministers and advisers (over the case) were telecast when PEMRA had banned the media coverage”, the chief justice questioned.

“The time has gone when all sins of a government were pardoned, while the opposition had to be punished without any crime,” Justice Qasim Khan said.

The bench ordered that the media would not release the photos of the accused and the affected family. However, the media coverage of the case would have no curbs, according to the court order.

The bench also summoned record of the press conferences of ministers and advisers on media with regard to arrest of the accused.

YFK, OIC Youth Indonesia jointly organized webinar on Azerbaijan

DNA

ISLAMABAD, OCT 13 – YFK–International Kashmir Lobby Group and OIC Youth Indonesia jointly organized a Zoom conference on the topic of Azerbaijan Conflict: Role of Political Elite and Civil Society on Sunday. Analysts, researchers, representatives of Youth and journalists from Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Indonesia took part in the event.

Mr. Syafii Efendi, President of OIC Youth Indonesia, in his inaugural remarks said that as young people and future leaders we must think much bolder and broader and outside the box.

The elections in the US have much significance in the near future because whatever will be the final results it will have an impact on the region, Islamic world and across the globe. Islamic countries must unite and collaborate with each other especially for the conflict of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Apart from this Muslims in Burma and Kashmir are also victims of the aggressions. The best way to address these issues is to lie in unity and joint collaboration.

Mr. Tantan Taufiq Lubis – Chairman of Indonesia National Youth Council stated that I would like to tell you how Armenia and Azerbaijan can benefit from the Indonesian experience regarding the conflicts. While addressing the conflicts rather it will be Kashmir or international relations that have importance to resolve the issue and that are the experience of Indonesia.

One will have to see the Indonesian fo     reign policy based on free and active relations with all countries including Azerbaijan and Armenia. Tantan Taufiq Lubis said that we believe in peace and social justice and are pleased that the international community has started taking interest to solve the problem whether it will be from Azerbaijan or Kashmir. We hope diplomacy will finally solve the problem of Nagorno Karabakh through negotiations.

Mr. Ahmed Quraishi, Executive Director of Youth Forum for Kashmir in his address said that I would like to appreciate Azerbaijan; they handled the issue very sensibly and proved that they are the ambassadors of peace stability in the region.  As we are as YFK – International Kashmir Lobby Group which is working on Kashmir conflict, we have been watching and monitoring how Azerbaijan conducted and managed the Nagorno Karabakh issue in an impressive way through diplomacy. Qureshi added that the Azerbaijan’s diplomacy has played a very positive diplomatic role in the region.  The way Azerbaijan leadership handles the issue right from the first day was really appreciable. If we go into the details of the near history of Azerbaijan since 1991 the country has managed its role as a peacemaker in the central Asia and region.

Especially their diplomats, raised the issue internationally, resultantly the Organization of Islamic cooperation (OIC) is fully and strongly backed by Azerbaijan. Apart from diplomacy they wrote letters to international forums to clarify Azerbaijan and Arminian position on grounds, Ahmed Qureshi added.

Ahmed Qureshi said that the way Azerbaijan ambassador to Pakistan Ali Alizada briefed the Pakistani media in Islamabad was really remarkable, he said we do not want war with Armenian but we demand Justice, Armenia should abide the United Nations Security council resolutions (UNSC) regarding Nagorno Karabakh. No doubt Turkey and Pakistan fully backed the Azerbaijan position in the conflict.

Mr. Sultan Zahidov – Senior Lecturer at Baku State University highlighted the historical background and developments of this Issue during (1991-1994). He explained in detail about the violations of Armenians forces during these years. He said In 2018, a new regime came into power in Armenia and everyone was expecting that they would take up the issue in a more constructive way, but unfortunately they started with baseless statements that Nagorno Karabakh belong to Armenia.  And last September a sabotage group or invaders were launched by Armenia forces which later captured by Azerbaijan forces showed their design. But despite all these aggressions by Armenia, Azerbaijan responded through international laws and UNSC resolutions.

Mr. Intigam Huseynov – Embassy of Azerbaijan to Indonesia while addressing the zoom conference said The recent aggressions from Armenia started in last September which was very well defended by Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan got great success during the war and has liberated many occupied areas from Armenian forces. And credit goes to Azerbaijan media which highlighted the issue at domestic and international level in an excellent way. We are defending the internationally recognized territory of Azerbaijan under the United Nation Security resolutions.

Miss. Astrid Nadya Rizqita – Secretary General of OIC Youth Indonesia said that we have heard from the speakers regarding the background and stance of other countries, what Azerbaijan has achieved at diplomatic level.  As afellow members of it was our duty to support our brothers at the hour of need. As representative of Indonesian youth, young leaders as Secretary General of OIC Youth Indonesia which have representatives of more than twenty youth originations firmly stand with Azerbaijan. The least we can do, we should stand with Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh is Azerbaijan.

Astrid Nadya Rizqita stated that we are also saddened and regret the lack of firm stand demonstrated by Indonesia regarding Azerbaijan issue, but appreciate the stance of Turkey and Pakistan.  There is a hard need for Indonesia to have a more supporting role regarding conflicts.

Mr. Zaman Bajwa, Lobbyist at Youth Forum for Kashmir in his concluding remarks said that the purpose of this webinar was to just know about the Azerbaijan recent conflict and defeat the rumors on social media.  We have highlighted the different aspects of this issue accordingly. It was the effort to contribute to the just cause of Azerbaijan.

YFK–International Kashmir Lobby Group (Youth Forum For Kashmir) is a non-partisan, international non-governmental organization, working for the peaceful resolution of Kashmir Conflict in accordance with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions.

Ambassadors of various countries present credentials to President Arif Alvi

DNA

ISLAMABAD, OCT 13 – Residents Ambassadors-designate of Brazil, Denmark, Sweden, Greece, Hungary and Ukraine presented their credentials to President Dr. Arif Alvi in a credentials ceremony, at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Felicitating the newly appointed Residents Ambassadors-designate to Pakistan, the President expressed the hope that the bilateral relations of their respective countries with Pakistan would further improve in all areas of mutual trust including the economic, political, cultural and diplomatic relations.

Mr. Olyntho Vieira, Ambassador-Designate of Brazil, Ms. Lis Rosenholm, Ambassador-designate of Denmark, Mr. Henrik Persson, Ambassador-designate of Sweden, Mr. Andreas Papastavrou, Ambassador-designate of Greece, Mr. Bela Fazekas, Ambassador-designate of Hungary and Mr. Markian Chuchuk Ambassador-designate of Ukraine presented their credentials to the President.

Later, the Residents Ambassadors separately called on the President. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Pakistan was keen to promote relations with all friendly countries in the areas of mutual interest. The President apprised the Ambassadors about the smart lock-down policy of the Government which successfully contained the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

He remarked that Pakistan was making efforts for promoting peace and stability in the region. The President also highlighted the gross human rights violations being committed by India against the Muslims of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He said that India had unleashed a reign of terror by persecuting the minorities. He urged the international community to take note of atrocities being perpetrated by the Indian security forces against Muslims and other minority groups.

Logical conclusion of mega corruption cases top priority of NAB: Chairman

DNA

ISLAMABAD, Oct 13, 2020: Justice (RETD) Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB chaired a meeting to review overall performance of NAB at NAB Headquarters. During the meeting, it was informed that Operation and Prosecution Divisions of NAB are working closely in order to have legal assistance to NAB’s Operations Division and all Regional Bureaus of NAB in conduct of complaint verifications, inquires, investigations as per law and pleading cases of NAB in respected Courts.

During the meeting, it was informed that the directions of the Chairman NAB, Prosecution Division have been revamped by inducting experienced legal consultants/special prosecutors. Due to constant deliberations, monitoring and performance analysis of Operations and Prosecution Division, the overall conviction ratio is approximately 68.8 percent in the respected Accountability Courts which is one of the best conviction ratios as compared to other anti corruption organizations in Pakistan. NAB has not only recovered Rs. 466 billion since its inception but deposited in the national exchequer as per law.

NAB is an apex national anti corruption organization which has no affiliation with any party, group or individual. NAB’s only affiliation is with the state of Pakistan. NAB will not come under any pressure/criticism of any accused person and will continue to work transparently, fairly, professionally and independently on the basis of solid evidence against the accused persons as per law. As per a report of the Gillani and Gallop survey, 59 people have shown confidence upon NAB.

Pakistan is considered as a role model for SAARC Countries in eradication of Corruption due to NAB’s efforts. The World Economic Forum and Transparency International Pakistan have appreciated NAB’s efforts against corruption. Pakistan is the first Chairman of SAARC Anti Corruption Forum which is a great achievement for Pakistan due to NAB efforts. He said that NAB is the focal organization of Pakistan under United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) which is pride for Pakistan due to NAB efforts. NAB is the only Organization in the world to which China has signed an MOU to oversee CEPC projects in Pakistan.

NAB has introduced a Combine Investigation Team (CIT) system in order to benefit from the collective wisdom of senior supervisory officers.

This system is not only lending quality. NAB has established its own forensic science Laboratory in NAB Rawalpindi which is helping in improving the quality of investigations on a scientific basis. NAB has received more complaints in 2020 as compared to the same period of 2019 which shows that people have shown trust upon NAB.

NAB has established more 50 thousands character building societies in Universities and Colleges in collaboration with HEC in order to aware youth about the ill effects of corruption at an early age besides establishing prevention committees in order to identify and to plug loopholes. The Chairman NAB directed all bureaus of NAB to use all available resources to nab corrupt and arrest of proclaimed offenders and absconders so that they could be brought to justice and to recover looted money and deposit in national exchequer which is our national duty.

CM Buzdar announces Rs5 million reward for Punjab IG, team

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Tuesday announced a Rs5 million reward for the provincial police chief and his team for arresting Abid Malhi, the prime suspect in the motorway rape case.

He felicitated IG Punjab police Inam Ghani and the investigation team for tracing the suspect.

Earlier today, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore sent Abid Malhi to jail on 14-judicial remand. Police produced the suspect before the court amid tight security. SP CIA Asim Iftikhar submitted an initial report regarding the arrest of the suspect to the court.

The Punjab police arrested Abid Malhi during a raid at Manga Mandi, some 111 kilometers away from Faisalabad. Sources had said the police initially conducted a raid at Tandlianwala Tehsil of Faisalabad to arrest the key suspect but he managed to escape moments before the police party reached there.

Later, acting on information about the presence of Malhi at his relative’s house in Manga Mandi, the police conducted a raid at the house and finally apprehend him.

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