ISLAMABAD, AUG 08 (DNA) – Ambassador Kjell-Gunnar Eriksen received the final report on Pakistan-Norway Institution Program from Dr Mohammed Jehazev Deputy Chairman of Pakistan’s Planning Commission.The dissemination ceremony took place in the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform. with representatives from a wide range of Pakistani institutions present.The program was implemented in the years 2005-2018 and has initiated fruitful cooperation between Norwegian and Pakistani institutions.Among them are universities, research institutes and hospitals. The program is now completed, but the contacts and cooperation are continuing.The Norwegian funding over the years amounts to 40 million NOK.=DNA

ISLAMABAD, AUG 8 (DNA) -The British High Commission has announced to open Applications for Chevening Scholarships   between 5 August and 5 November 2019.  Applications should be submitted via www.chevening.org/apply.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential who also have strong academic backgrounds. The scholarship offers full financial support for future leaders to study for a eligible master’s degree at any UK university whilst also giving them access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

ISLAMABAD (DNA) –The Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad has stressed abiding of UN resolutions on Kashmir.He hoped that both Pakistan and India will exercise restraint.He said dialogue and consultations are the best route to peaceful and amicable solution. DNA

ISLAMABAD, AUG 08 (DNA) – NAB has arrested Vice President of PML-N, Maryam Nawaz, on Thursday.The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had summoned Vice President of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Maryam Nawaz Sharif today, in relation to a corruption probe involving Chaudhry Sugar Mills.In the last appearance before the accountability body, Maryam failed to
satisfy the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

NEW DELHI, AUG 8 (DNA) . India on Thursday gave its reaction on Pakistan’s decision to downgrade bilateral relations and suspend trade activities.According to Indian officials Pakistan decided to take certain “unilateral” actions in respect to its bilateral relations with India. This includes the downgrading of diplomatic relations. The intention behind these measures is to present an alarming picture to the world of our bilateral ties.The reasons cited by Pakistan are not supported by facts on the ground, the Indian officials claimed.On Kashmir issue the officials said recent decisions by the Government and Parliament of India are driven by a commitment to spur development activities in the area.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 07 (DNA) – Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability Barrister Shahzad Akbar on Wednesday claimed that a recovery of around Rs9-10 billion is expected after Eidul Azha.Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said that incarcerated former prime minister Nawaz Sharif received US$15 million loan in Bahrain and got subsidy through offshore company, adding that the sugar mill was built before the money was transferred to Pakistan.The special assistant said that machinery for the sugar mill had to be bought with the debt money.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 07 (DNA) – Prime Minister Imran Khan informed of his decision to constitute a seven-member committee to deliberate Pakistan’s diplomatic, legal and political response to the India’s illegal decision of scraping away the special constitutional rights of Indian-occupied Jammu & Kashmir.A notification issued in this regard states, “The Prime Minister has been pleased to constitute, with immediate effect, a seven (07) member team who shall make recommendations to formulate the legal/political/diplomatic response on the latest developments related to Indian occupied Kashmir.”

ISLAMABAD, August 07 (DNA): Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed on Wednesday  termed the move to end the special status of occupied Kashmir as the  darkest day in the history of region since 1971.Addressing a joint session of Parliament, Senator Mushahid Hussain  expressed that August 5, when India ended the special status of Kashmir  and deployed thousands of its troops in the valley, is the darkest day  in the history of the region as the geography of the region was changed  forcefully.Mushahid Hussain said the government should learn from its mistakes. “No  country has supported Pakistan except China”, he added. He suggested  that diplomatic emergency should be implemented for the next 100 days.

LAHORE, August 07 (DNA): The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned Vice President of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday (tomorrow), in relation to a corruption probe involving Chaudhry Sugar Mills. In this regard, reliable sources said a questionnaire has also been sent to the PML-N leader seeking details in the case. The Bureau has inquired about how and where the shares were divided since the inception of the mill in 1985. The PML-N leader has also been directed to provide details of contacts with four foreigners in relation to money matters of the Mills.