by Ansar Mahmood Bhatti

ISLAMABAD, NOV 19 (DNA)- Ambassador of Indonesia Iwan S Amri has said defnece ties between the two countries have significantly increased after the signing of defnece cooperation agreement in 2010 adding we have now more institutionalized mechanism to reinforce our defence cooperation.The Indonesian ambassador made these remarks on the occasion of 74^th Armed Forces Day of Indonesia. Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ahmad Saeed was the chief guest while a large number of civil and military officers attended the reception besides members of the diplomatic corps.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 19 (DNA) – President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan have felicitated the Sultan of Oman His Majesty Qaboos bin Said Al Said on the auspicious occasion of 49th National Day of Sultanate of Oman.In their congratulatory messages, the President and the Prime Minister have lauded the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, leading to immense progress and prosperity of the people of Oman.The President and the Prime Minister have also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen fraternal ties between the two countries and to raise brotherly relationship to a new level.=DNA

ISLAMABAD (DNA) – Accountability court on Tuesday has extended judicial remand of former premier and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and ex-finance minister Miftah Ismail till December 3 in liquefied natural gas (LNG) scandal.During the hearing, the court has directed the authorities to file reference against the accused as early as possible.It is to be mentioned here that the apex court on September 10, 2018 directed the NAB to complete the inquiry against Abbasi and others for the alleged corruption in the LNG contract.

ISLAMABAD (DNA) – Trial court on Tuesday has reserved verdict of high treason case against former president and military ruler retired General Pervez Musharraf, however, the decision will be announced on November 28.During the hearing, the court has remarked that Musharraf’s lawyers can submit their written arguments regarding the case till November 26.It is to be mentioned here that ex-president is facing treason trial under Article 6 of the Constitution as well as Section 2 of the High Treason Act for clamping the state of emergency on Nov 3, 2007.

“The State of Palestine condemns the strongest terms the US administration’s lawless position on Israel’s illegal settlements in occupied territory of the State of Palestine, as announced by the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.This position violates international law, decades-long international consensus over the issue and determinations of the International Court of Justice, the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions and United Nations resolutions, including Security Council resolutions.The current US Administration has adopted an anti-Palestinian agenda and endeavored to empower and legitimize the Israeli colonial settler agenda.

The Year of Tolerance reflects the approach adopted since UAE’s establishment: to be a bridge of communication and convergence between the world’s peoples and cultures in an environment based on respect and acceptance,writes Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Alzaabi – The ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in Islamabad.Since my appointment here in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, I have deeply enjoyed the warm welcome and hospitality of this brotherly nation, with its rich history of different civilizations and great potentials in all fields.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 18 (DNA)- Indonesian artists presented a spell binding performance at PNCA during music show titled “ Java to Indus” held at PNCA.The Indonesian artists got huge applause from the audience for mesmerizing dance performance. The dance performance was jointly organized by PNCA and the Indonesian embassy.

ISLAMABAD (DNA) – The immigration officials on Monday have said that ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif will be able to travel London after showing copy of court order as his name is still included in the Exit Control List (ECL).According to the officials, ailing Nawaz Sharif has been allowed to fly abroad only for one time for the medical treatment.It is to be mentioned here that the former premier will leave for London on November 19 in an air ambulance from Qatar and will be shifted to the Harley Street Clinic immediately after landing.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 17 (DNA) –German Ambassador to Pakistan Bernhard Schlagheck has underlined the importance of people-to-people contacts and exchange between the civil societies of Germany and Pakistan for enhanced bilateral relations.

He expressed these views while welcoming the German alumni during a function at his residence.

The cultural section of the German Embassy organised the German Pakistan Alumni Network at the residence of German ambassador to strengthen ties between former German scholarship holders from Pakistan and the German Embassy.