Cabinet directs to keep Para 10 secret

Shahzad Akbar. Photo: File

ISLAMABAD: What is in Para 10 of a “Note”, presented before the cabinet by the Asset Recovery Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office? The cabinet approved the Para 10 early this month but with a direction to keep the “Note” secret?

Official minutes of the cabinet meeting while conveying cabinet’s approval to a “Note” submitted by the Shahzad Akbar led ARU says, “In order to maintain secrecy, the Cabinet directed Cabinet Secretary to see the Note and authorised him to de-seal it if required to be presented before any court of law”. The Note pertains to the money that was sent from abroad.

According to the minutes, special assistant to the prime minister on accountability and interior brief the cabinet in camera due to discourse/ confidentiality clause. The cabinet considered the note and approved Para 10 thereof.

According to sources, the “Note”, presented before the cabinet in camera, was neither shared with the cabinet ministers before the cabinet meeting nor was included in the regular agenda of the cabinet. It came up for discussion as an additional agenda.

According to a cabinet source, the ministers were also sketchily briefed on the subject and were not shared the details, arguing that the government can’t share the details owing to its understanding with the government of another country. However, as per the cabinet decision if the matter is brought up before the judiciary the “Note” could be un-sealed and shared with the court if so directed by the judiciary.

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PTI activists block KKH in support of Pervez Musharraf

MANSEHRA: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged a rally on Monday to express solidarity with the armed forces and former president General (r) Pervez Musharraf. The PTI workers blocked Karakoram Highway to traffic for about an hour here.

“We are with our armed forces and Pervez Musharraf, who is a great hero of the Kargil war and could never be a traitor,” Kamal Khan Swati, the nephew of a local PTI MPA Babar Saleem Swati, told the rally here at Ghazikot. The protesters, holding banners and placards, criticised special court’s death sentence for General (r) Pervez Musharraf, and raised slogans in his support and that of the armed forces.

The passengers travelling between Mansehra and Abbottabad and rest of the country remained stranded in their vehicles. Swati said that people of the entire Mansehra district wanted the apex court to take a suo moto notice in the Pervez Musharraf case. “People have taken to the streets to express solidarity with Musharraf,” said Gulfaraz Qureshi, the former naib nazim.

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Finance Division supports proposal of injecting Rs12 bn into SSGC

ISLAMABAD: In a major development to strengthen the struggling Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL), the Finance Division has supported a proposal of injecting Rs12 billion into the company, the amount which the company has claimed on account of higher unaccounted for gas (UFG) it faced following transporting the imported RLNG to the consumers.

In its comments on a summary moved by Petroleum Division to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet, the Finance Division said that it is of the view that partial implementation of the decision of the ECC taken on May 11, 2018 till date, and differing positions taken by the SSGC and Ogra have negative financial implications for the company being unable to finalise its financial statements for fiscal year 2017-18 as well as to recover the costs associated with the handling of RLNG in its system, official documents exclusively available with The News say.

“It is therefore imperative to address the issue holistically to ensure that the SSGCL remain financially viable and sustainable,” the Finance Division said by commenting on proposal moved by the Petroleum Division to the ECC. The Petroleum Division has approached the ECC to direct Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) to allow SSGCL recover the said amount due to higher UFG following injection of imported RLNG in the system.

“M/s SSGC may be allowed UFG based on RLNG handling basis (volumetric basis) in the sale of price of RLNG in the form of distribution loss due to swapping arrangements and consumption of RLNG in its franchise area in partial modification of para-3 (viii) of the summary approved by ECC vide ECC-72/12/2016 dated 14-06-2016.” The Finance Division said, adding, “Distribution loss to be determined and charged at actual including the losses due to swapping arrangements and consumption of RLNG in SSGC franchise area (determined on volume handled basis i.e. metered system gas in and metered system gas out).”

Before the commissioning of dedicated RLNG pipeline, M/s SSGCL was fully consuming all RLNG into its distribution network at Karachi and was diverting indigenous to M/S SNGPL in life therefore. Due to difference of gross calorific value (GCV)/heating value and specific gravity of the RLNG and indigenous gas, the comingled utilisation of gas within the M/S SSGCL system had resulted into higher UFG specifically in Karachi region and this inflicted financial burden on the SSGC due to non-recovery of the impact, revealed the summary.

It is important to highlight that M/S SSGCL’s financial statements for the year 2017-18 are yet to be finalised which are contingent upon the determination of final revenue requirement (FRR) for the same year by Ogra. Non-finalisation of financial statements has led to the issuance of show cause notice by the SECP to SSGCL board of directors.

The SSGCL has claimed an amount of Rs12 billion up to financial year 2017-18 in the determination of estimated revenue requirement (ERR) of 2017-18, petroleum division informed in a summary tabled before ECC.

On the other hand, the SSGCL has so far offered Rs15 billion by the end of 2017-18 to its indigenous gas customers tariff as an additional revenue it earned by selling comingled higher GCV gas to its customers, Petroleum Division said, adding that but due to the ring-fenced nature of both indigenous gas pricing and RLNG pricing, Ogra could not account for the additional revenue of SSGCL against the impact of UFG due to injection of RNLG.

The flow of RLNG from first LNG terminal of M/s EETPL commenced in end March 2015 and however necessary infrastructure was non-existent at that time to transmit the RLNG from Port Qasim Karachi to Lahore where intended consumption centres are located. Accordingly, keeping in view this operational constraint at that time, it was decided that for the time being utilise the exiting volume swapping capacity of the transmission and distribution network of both the Sui companies whereby imported RLNG is to be utilised within Sindh and equivalent energy units of indigenous gas are transferred to M/S SNGPL by SSGCL from various indigenous gas fields.

Currently, both LNG terminals are operational with the government contracted total terminal capacity of 1200 mmcfd.

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No hurry to lift ban on student unions: Punjab governor Chaudhry Sarwar

Punjab governor says govt committed to strengthening institutions; vows to purge varsities of political interference; PIC attackers to be brought to book by all means

LAHORE: Punjab Governor Ch Muhammad Sarwar said on Sunday the government was mulling over allowing student union activities in educational institutions but it did not want to take a decision in haste.

In an interview with APP, he hinted at the need of debate involving all stakeholders including public and the media, adding that the issue was currently being discussed within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) folds while the recommendations would be submitted to the party leadership.

To a question, the Governor said the government would devise a mechanism in which no political interference in the working of student unions would be ensured.

He said the students unions would be bound to work under their given mandate of student welfare as per international practices.

"I am determined to purge all universities of all kind of political interference in all matters relating to teachers and students; raise academic standards and ensure discipline", Sarwar expressed his resolve as Chancellor of universities in the province.

To a query, he said the PTI government was committed to strengthening institutions in the country, adding that the doctors-lawyers fiasco was regrettable and it had brought a bad name to the professions and the country.

However, he said the culprits of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) attack would be brought to book by all means.

About his Europe visit to pave the way for extension in GSP Plus status to Pakistan, the Punjab Governor said he had met 36 members of European Parliament, including Vice President European Parliament Fabio Massimo, Chairman of Committee on Foreign Affairs David Macallister, Chairperson Committee on Human Right besides other members to press for the grant of extension in GSP Plus status to Pakistan.

"I informed the Members European Parliament on Pakistan’s progress on various fronts including strengthening democracy, improved internal security, economic reforms, minority and human right protection and efforts for regional peace", he added.

About the good of GSP Plus status to Pakistan, he said the GSP Plus status had helped in strengthening democracy, creation of jobs for women in the textile sector and partial implantation of labour laws.

To a query, he said Indian lobbyists had launched an aggressive mud-slinging campaign against Pakistan in the European Parliament, adding that he had defended Pakistan’s case successfully how India was committing human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and posed constant threat to regional peace through its war-mongering in the region.

He said the members European Parliament were also reminded how Pakistan had suffered due to war in Afghanistan, adding more than 50,000 Pakistanis lost their lives, ''Kalashnikov culture'' and drugs were a result of Afghan war while 8 million Afghan refugees were still in Pakistan. To another query, Sarwar said the European Parliament members were told that Pakistan opened Kartarpur Corridor as a good-will gesture to minorities in the country despite Indian human rights violations in held Kashmir against the hapless Kashmiri Muslims, adding that ''Founder of Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision provided freedom to the minorities in Pakistan and the PTI government was implementing all those golden principles of rights to minorities''.

About economic challenges to the PTI government, he said the country’s economy was improving with every passing day and Pakistan’s ranking among economic watchdogs had improved considerably, adding that the common man was not aware of the facts that the current account deficit had decreased to 1.5 billion dollars from 18 billion dollars.

On the election of 15 Pakistani-British nationals to the House of Commons in UK general elections, Ch Sarwar hailed the success, but regretted the fact that the Labour Party lost badly in Scotland due to intrinsic weaknesses, adding Labour won 45 of 59 seats in Scotland during his days in UK politics.

Governor Punjab Sarwar expressed the hope their presence in the UK parliament will help highlight the sorry plight of Muslims in Kashmir and Palestine.

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Patients’ influx with respiratory issues on rise at PIMS

Islamabad: The federal capital facing air pollution for the last two months had increased the number of patients visiting the hospitals with respiratory ailments.

Talking to APP, official of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) said around 700-800 patients per day were visiting the hospital with sore throat, flu, cough and inflammation in the respiratory track.

He said that increased smoke and dust due to chilly weather, humidity and less rainfall was making it difficult for the allergic patients to move outdoors in critical hours.

He said that people should avoid outdoor walks in peak traffic hours as vehicular emissions were the main source of pollution along with open garbage burning done in certain sectors of the federal capital.

Every citizen particularly motorbike users should wear pollution mask and sun glasses to avoid serious impacts of air pollution causing red eyes, irritation in the respiratory tract and other health complications, he added.

The air quality data by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had also reported unhealthy ambience in the federal capital.

EPA officials told that due increasing number of vehicles in the federal capital and dry weather the air pollution was exacerbating whereas proper maintenance of vehicles and abstinence from open garbage burning could help reduce the risk whereas the industrial pollution and brick kilns in the vicinity of the metropolis were already under control.

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Polio vaccination: 99pc children vaccinated during campaign, NEOC claims

Islamabad: The nationwide polio vaccination campaign launched on December 16 is achieving the desired objectives; its success will set the tone for turning tide against the crippling virus that has paralysed 111 children in Pakistan so far during 2019.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza expressed these views while updating progress on the ongoing campaign wherein 265,000 frontline polio workers are going door-to-door to vaccinate 39.52 million children under the age of five.

According to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), though data from remote union councils of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhunkhwa is yet to be added for yesterday, polio workers have successfully vaccinated almost 39.1 million (99%) of the targeted children across Pakistan in four days of the campaign already. Catch-up activities to cover missed children will continue in core reservoirs of Karachi, Peshawar, Khyber, Quetta, Pishin and Killa Abdullah, till December 22.

The campaign was inaugurated by Prime Minister Imran Khan in the federal capital and all Chief Ministers in the respective provinces as a mark of national commitment. “We are mindful of the serious challenges posed by the virus and its implications on health and economy. A transformation process has begun; besides de-politicization of the programme, it aims to integrate routine immunization, revive the One Team approach with stringent accountability; and broaden partnerships to deliver an integrated package of services to the most deprived communities living in super-high risk union councils within the core reservoirs,” stated Dr. Zafar.

We are encouraged by the campaign progress so far, shared Dr. Rana Muhammad Safdar who was reassigned last month to lead the country’s fight back against the raging virus assault. “Our engagement with communities and efforts to tackle negative propaganda are bearing fruits as we observe parents responsibly immunizing their children to keep them protected against polio,” he claimed.

Pakistan remains one of the last two countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan, where poliovirus continues to circulate actively. It is a collective responsibility of every Pakistani to ensure all children are protected. The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative has also initiated ‘Sehat Tahhafuz Helpline’ to assist reporting of missed children during the national immunization campaign. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to dial the Helpline 1166 and register their concerns regarding missed children.

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Safe City Project for Peshawar put in cold storage

PESHAWAR: Despite holding several meetings and doing homework for years, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities have failed to launch the Safe City Project in the provincial capital to keep check on the criminal elements.

After the completion of the project in Islamabad and Lahore, the Punjab government had announced the Safe City Project for seven other cities in the province. A special Safe Cities Authority has also been set up in Punjab since 2015.

Nothing, however, has been done in Peshawar during the last many years to practically kick off the project, mostly due to wrangling between the government departments. A huge amount was allocated for the project in the budget of 2013-14, but no progress could be made.

In August, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan chaired a meeting and decided to accelerate work on Safe City Project for Peshawar. The meeting decided that the project will be based on four major components, including integrated emergency response system, integrated surveillance system, intelligent traffic management system and electronic evidence managements system.

Former chief minister Pervez Khattak during a meeting in February last year had directed all the departments to expedite work on the project to help secure the lives and properties of the residents of Peshawar.

The major part of the Safe City Project is the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at key points in the city to keep check on the movement of suspicious and criminal elements. One of the plans was to install around 6,000 cameras and 800 points in parts of urban areas of Peshawar.

Nothing has been done to execute the much needed project aimed at securing Peshawar and improving the law and order situation in the provincial capital.

The project coordination unit of the KP Police was tasked to complete the project to secure Peshawar, which has suffered the most number of terrorist attacks in the country during the last many years.

A number of other government departments were tasked to support the project coordination unit.

After many years of theoretical work on the project, the government has done nothing practical to materialise it, which shows either its lack of interest or the incompetence of the officials concerned.

Under the Safe City Project, over 6,000 CCTVs will help the police keep check on the movement of suspicious elements and maintain record of any untoward incident to help the cops in investigating and regulating the flow of traffic.

The CCTV cameras will be monitored from a modern control centre equipped with the latest technology. An official said the CCTV cameras will also improve the public dealing of police at checkpoints and other places as they will be under constant watch.

The installation of the CCTV cameras will also help the police check street crimes that have recorded an increase in recent years.

The Safe City Project for Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar were proposed almost a decade back. The projects in Lahore and Islamabad have been completed, but work on the project in Peshawar hasn't even started in Peshawar, which needed it the most as it faced countless terror attacks in recent past.

Thousands of people, including policemen, soldiers and civilians, lost their lives in suicide attacks, bomb blasts, rocket barrages, target killings and other kind of attacks in Peshawar. Schools, trade centres, hospitals, offices and other buildings were attacked, causing billions of rupees losses to the city and its dwellers.

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Lok Virsa to observe Quaid’s Day in befitting manner

Islamabad: The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) has planned various activities to celebrate 144th birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on December 25 (Wednesday).

According to an official of Lok Virsa, the main events would be held at Pakistan Monument Museum and Lok Virsa to observe the birth anniversary of founder of nation Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

He said these events would be arranged with an aim to educate the youth about the Quaid’s vision and Pakistan’s ideology.

He said special events would be arranged on the day to highlight and promote ideas and views of the father of the nation, particularly with regards to rule of law, supremacy of constitution and upholding of democracy.

He said special programs have been planned including launching of Quaid’s Vintage Car in Pakistan Monument Museum and Quaid’s birthday cake cutting ceremony.

Minister for National History and Literary Heritage Shafqat Mahmood would be chief guest of the cake cutting ceremony, he informed adding, the ceremony would be followed by Photographic Exhibition besides exhibition of books in collaboration with National Library of Pakistan, displaying national songs on large screen multimedia projector in Museum Hall, screening of documentaries on Quaid’s life in Pakistan Monument and Heritage Museum, performance of patriotic songs by folk singers while a group of traditional drummers would also mesmerize audience.

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CM Punjab Buzdar reviews hospital expansion project

LAHORE: Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar visited Taunsa Tehsil Headquarters Hospital and inquired after the patients in the cardiac unit and other wards of the hospital. The chief minister expressed displeasure over complaints from the patients about getting medical tests from outside the hospital and ordered that free medicines and the facility of medical tests be provided to the patients in the hospital at any cost.

He said that strict action would be taken against the officials responsible in case of any future complaint by any patient.

The chief minister talked to the patients and their attendants and inquired about the facilities being provided in the hospital.

He reviewed the expansion project of the hospital. He was given a briefing about the hospital expansion project. He ordered completion of the project as soon as possible. People told the chief minister earlier cardiac patients had to go to other cities for treatment, now they were being provided with treatment in Taunsa due to his efforts.

The chief minister said that the PTI government had increased the health budget by 27 per cent in the current financial year.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Sunday sought a report from the commissioner, deputy commissioner and authorities of the Lahore Waste Management Company over poor cleanliness situation in the city.

The chief minister directed the officials concerned to improve cleanliness condition and all-out resources should be utilised to remove garbage.

He said that no negligence would be tolerated in this regard, adding it was the duty of departments concerned to ensure cleanliness.

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Winter festival commences from Dec 27

Islamabad: Seven production will hold a the three-day event Biggest Winter Festival on December 27,28,29 at Art and Craft Village Shakarparian.

In collaboration with Capital Development Authority (CDA), the event was aimed to feature a Fashion Show, Cultural Dances, Musical Concerts, Food Corner, Stalls, Fun activities and Much More.

An organizer of the event said it would be the biggest festival of the year to enthral people of twin cities with enjoyment and pleasure.

He said it was a family event has specifically been arranged to enhance the culture activities and provide healthy entertainment to citizens of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

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PN shoring power for goodwill

Africa was the first continent Islam spread out of Arabia and the first African converted to Muslims were the inhabitants of the Sahara-the Berbers, an ethnicity of several nations mostly indigenous to North Africa and some parts of West Africa. And it was by the second half of tenth century that Sahara had become known as Dar al Islam. Islam cut across the ethnic, family and clan loyalties and stressed Islamic principles of fraternity and brotherhood. Pakistan’s relations with numerous African nations traced back to their particular freedom movements. Pakistan bolstered both ethically and tangibly the nations as Algeria, Kenya, Sudan, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, Namibia, Morocco, Libya, Egypt and Nigeria. Pakistan in pursuance of its foreign policy objectives had always remained committed to maintain stability and curb terrorism in all its forms. Pakistan Navy therefore on a support role and as an instrument of Government Policy, has a mission to safeguard freedom of seas and trade and secure Sea Lanes of Communication emanating from the Strait of Hormuz and straddling across the Horn of Africa.

Pakistan Navy Ships, PNS MOAWIN and PNS ASLAT recently visited Lagos, Nigeria as part of Overseas Deployment to the African Countries. This was Pakistan Navy’s maiden footprint at Nigeria; therefore held significant strategic importance and expected to pave way for future collaboration among the two nations in a plethora of avenues alongside the military. The following port visit was the fourth port of call by Pakistan Navy Ships, prior visiting Lagos the ships had visited Casablanca (Morocco), Nouakchott (Mauritania) and Takoradi (Ghana). The ongoing generous, goodwill and Humanitarian Assistance Deployment of Pakistan Navy ships is aimed to further strengthening the existing friendly ties with African countries besides generating strong goodwill amongst the locals by establishing Medical Camps and providing humanitarian assistance. The other pertinent feature of the aforesaid deployment is to highlight the atrocities being committed by the Indian troops over the unarmed innocent Kashmiris, who still remain under the lock down to which the world has turned blind eye cold heartedly.

And as the dirt has yet to settle the fascist regime of Modi has again shown its true colour, shunning the pretence of already faded shades of the tri colour in the name of Citizen Amendment Act; which according to them will save religious minorities such as Hindus and Christians from persecution in neighbouring Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan by offering them a path to Indian citizenship. But critics say otherwise, for the law does not make the same provisions for the Muslims, subsequently weakening the secular foundations of India. More or less with the same vantage point, similar concerns were also raised during all high level interactions of Pakistan Navy Mission Commander and his delegation.

African maritime security is severely affected by maritime piracy and armed robbery at sea. Maritime piracy is not a new phenomenon; it has existed for as long as people and commodities have traversed the oceans. However, two maritime regions are chiefly troubled by maritime piracy: the Gulf of Aden to the East of Africa and the Gulf of Guinea to the West. The most common form of modern-day piracy and armed robbery at sea in both Gulfs is the hijacking of ships, with a focus on kidnapping and ransom payments. Aside from national and regional effects, maritime piracy and armed robbery at sea are considered a threat to the global economy. Thus fighting piracy in the Gulf of Guinea requires a broad understanding of maritime security and collaborative efforts both from the regional governments and the external partners.

Pakistan Navy Ships’ port call to Lagos, Nigeria was fully capitalized in terms of professional and social interactions with host country. Apart from discussions on topics of mutual interests, the senior Officers of Nigerian Navy were also apprised regarding the rapidly deteriorating regional peace and its serious implications in the Maritime domain. Nigerian Naval authorities also briefed the Pakistani counterparts on Nigeria’s peculiar maritime environment and its efforts in collaborative maritime security. The Pakistani delegation appreciated the collective efforts of African Nations to counter traditional as well as non-traditional security threats. Furthermore, during interactions, lessons and experiences learnt from Terrorism were also shared to develop effective strategies in maritime domain. Nigerian Navy appreciated the sacrifices of PN and strategy on ground to mitigate this menace. Likewise, Pakistan Navy’s role in combating Counter Piracy and Maritime Security Operations to maintain peace and stability in Indian Ocean Region were duly acknowledged. Nigerian authorities pledged further cooperation in Maritime Security Operations to reinvigorate Navy to Navy relations.

Besides deliberating maritime security and diplomacy and conduct of Naval drills at sea; Pakistan Navy Ships also established a Medical Camp which provided free check-up, treatment and medicines to patients, by the embarked Medical Specialist Team. During the two days medical camp, thousands of patients were provided free initial and follow up treatment including minor surgeries and dental treatments. Pakistan Navy Ships’ visit to Lagos thus remained instrumental in re-engaging ties between Pakistan and Nigeria, as well as forging strong people to people relationships through the humanitarian assistance.

It was also strongly desired and stressed by both sides to see these relations to grow leaps and bounds. Same in perspective, matters of mutual interests, for instance Pakistan Navy training exchange programmes, ship construction and breaking, intelligence sharing mechanisms, procedures to update Maritime Domain Awareness, mitigate Sea Blindness and efficacy of Pakistan Navy’s regional initiatives such as Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP), came under deliberations. In a nutshell, it is believed that the goodwill generated through Pakistan Navy Ships visit to Nigeria will pave the way for future collaboration and enduring friendship between the two Navies. Moreover, the positive impact generated through establishment of free medical camp will go a long way in developing deep rooted relationship between the people of both countries.

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Rs300m released for Oghi Tehsil

MANSEHRA: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has released an amount of Rs300 million for the development projects of Oghi tehsil of Mansehra district.

"The provincial government has released an amount of Rs300 on chief minister's order and soon the construction work on these schemes will be initiated," MPA Nawabzada Fareed, the chairman district development advisory committee, told reporters in Oghi on Sunday. He said that the tendering process for development schemes was completed and execution process would soon be started. Fareed said that 16 roads schemes including Oghi-Battle road would be completed from released funds, bringing relief to people of not only Oghi but also the rest of the district. "The main artery, Oghi-Battle which links Oghi tehsil with upper parts of Mansehra would be completed with an estimated cost of Rs200 million," he added.

Fareed said chief minister would soon approve another development package for health and education sectors in Oghi tehsil. "We want better health care services for the people in Oghi and time is not all existing health facilities would be equipped with modern facilities," he said.

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UoS works out formalities for Confucius Institute with Chinese counterparts

SARGODHA: Following the signing of MoU between University of Sargodha and Hanban (Confucius Institute Headquarters) in Beijing in the presence of PM Imran Khan and Chinese premier Le Keqiang on October 8, 2019, Vice Chancellor Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad and Pakistan Institute of China Studies Director Dr Fazlur Rahman participated in the 2019 International Chinese Language Conference held at Changsha, China.

On the sidelines of the conference, Hanban organised a meeting among the three stakeholders of CI at Sargodha University to work out the details of Implementing Agreement between SU and Hanban.

The high level meeting was attended by Prof Ma Jianfei, Deputy Chief Executive of Hanban, Prof Zhao Guoxiang, Chairman of the Council at HNU, Vice Chancellor SU, Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad, Mr Zhong Heqing and officials of the Provincial Education Ministry of Henan Province and the International Department of the Henan Normal University.

Prof Jianfei welcomed the SU entry into the community of global CIs. He explained the key objectives of the CI and hoped that the fifth CI in Pakistan would play a pivotal role in developing deeper understanding of Chinese language and culture in Pakistan to bring the people of two brotherly countries closer.

Dr Ahmad thanked Hanban, HNU and the Chinese Embassy for creating this exceptionally significant opportunity for SU, which would help Pakistani youth to acquire language skills, develop deep understanding of Chinese culture and civilisation to become useful partners in development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative.

He explained the crucial role of SU for being located in the agricultural hub of Punjab and how he envisaged to built this opportunity to benefit the youth and local community.

The Chinese counterparts assured the Vice Chancellor of their full support and hoped the CI at SU would be a milestone in the development of Pakistan and China-Pakistan relations.

The meeting at Changsha was followed by a visit to HNU, which being a partner university, would share the management of the CI at SU.

During the formal meeting, the leaders and officials of the two universities shared their vision and discussed the processes to be undertaken for finalisation of the implementation agreement.

The meeting was attended by Prof Chang Junbiao, President of HNU, Prof Cheng Yunxiang, Dean of College of International Education, Prof Li Yongxian, Dean of School of Chinese and Literature, Prof Liang Xiaodong, Dean of Faculty of International Studies, Prof Liu Xianguo, Dean of College of Physical Education, Prof DuanXu, Dean of College of Music and Dance, Prof Ding Xiaosheng, Party Secretary of Life Sciences, and Prof Du Xuguang, Vice Dean of Academy of Fine Arts.

The meeting concluded by agreeing that the two sides would make preparations in line with Hanban’s policies for establishing the CI and signing of the Implementation Agreement as soon as possible.

The CI would be used as a platform for cooperation in the other areas of common interest and resources available in the two universities.

They would exchange of short academic visits of faculty and students. Both sides would create opportunities for split degree programmes and scholarships on reciprocal basis.

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Bilawal Bhutto Zardari selected through a chit: Firdous Ashiq Awan

SIALKOT: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that the PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari only remembers Benazir Bhutto when there is her anniversary or any election.Addressing a press conference here Sunday, Dr Firdous said that Bilawal Bhutto was selected through a chit and he entered Pakistani politics like Skylab and criticising an elected prime minister.

She asked Bilawal to bring democracy in Sindh first by giving freedom to the chief minister. She said Bilawal should appear before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and present the money trail.

Dr Firdous said that federal cabinet has received application of PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz for going abroad and it will be decided tomorrow (Tuesday). She said the cabinet will review the application in detail and decide according to the Constitution and law.

The special assistant said the PML-N leadership has now started fleeing abroad after leaving its voters in the country.

Dr Firdous said India is spreading wrong information to the world after carrying out provocative actions along the Line of Control (LoC) in order to divert attention from its internal situation. She said Pakistani armed forces are alert and masses are standing behind the armed forces.

Dr Firdous said that on the directions of the prime minister, the authorities concerned have been directed to ensure the supply of gas to people’s households even if it means curbing the supply to CNG stations. Awan maintained that there are false claims being perpetuated regarding the hike in gas prices.

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Amjad Islam Amjad receives prestigious Turkish award

ISTANBUL: Renowned Pakistani writer and poet Amjad Islam Amjad received the prestigious Necip Fazil International Culture and Art Award at a ceremony in Istanbul on Saturday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as well as leading literary figures attended the event. The annual award ceremony is organised by leading Turkish newspaper Star in collaboration with the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The ceremony is organised to honour the cultural and literary heritage of Turkish poet Necip Fazil.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Turkish president said: "Amjad Islam Amjad is one of the most important poets in modern Urdu literature and a prominent figure in Pakistan."

He said, "Pakistan is a cherished friend of Turkey. Typically relationships are based on mutual benefit. But the Turkey-Pakistan friendship is based on sincerity and solidarity."

In his acceptance speech, Amjad thanked the jury for bestowing the accolade upon him.

"Turkey is close to every Pakistani's heart," he said, adding that receiving the award in the presence of the Turkish president was a huge honour.

Amjad was the only foreign recipient of the award in 2019. Dr Mehmet Akif Ayd n and Co kun Y lmaz won the award for knowledge research and Prof U ur Derman won the Necip Faz l Award of Respect.

Congratulating Amjad, Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkey Syrus Qazi stated: "The award is an acknowledgement of Amjad's outstanding contributions to literature."

Qazi also highlighted the love, affection and respect among the Turkish people and its leadership for Pakistan and its people.

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Rescue 1122 responded to 75,729 emergency calls in 2019

MULTAN: The Rescue 1122 responded to 75,729 calls and shifted 78,719 patients during the ongoing year 2019, according to official sources.

The average responded calls per day stood at 217.61 emergencies. District Emergency Officer Dr Kaleemullah told here on Sunday that the emergency service received total 1,071,835 calls, out of which 75,729 were genuine calls. He said that 161,071 calls were made for seeking information while 91,679 were wrong calls. He said that the average response time remained 6.81 minutes while average response time for fire emergencies remained seven minutes and 10 seconds.

Rescue 1122 spokesman Ahsan Shahid said that the Safety and Community Wing of the service conducted awareness sessions at various schools, colleges and industries to sensitise people on how to handle any emergency like situation.

He said that first aid emergency training was imparted to about 60,000 Rescue volunteers.

He said that rescue volunteers were registered with Rescue 1122 and helped rescuers during major emergencies.

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Irrigation workers’ union holds token hunger strike in Khairpur

SUKKUR: The workers’ union of Irrigation Scrap, Workshop Division, observed a token hunger strike in Khairpur that entered into the fifth day to press the authorities to accept their demands.

The workers union, led by chairman Shahbaz Ali, president Baderuddin and general secretary comrade Shahbaz Ali Phulpoto along with hundreds employees, was observing a token hunger strike in Khairpur for the last five days. They demanded to utilise the department's workforce rather than hiring third party contractors.

They claimed to initiate a probe into corruption cases, including the destruction of machinery worth billions of rupees, and said all the officials involved in the matter should be punished. They urged to cancel the deputations and reverse the cancellation orders of promoted employees.

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Motorcyclist killed, three hurt in Nankana accident

NANKANA SAHIB: A man died while three others sustained injuries in a road accident near Hasal Mir Stop on Sunday. Reportedly, a motorcycle collided with a motorcycle -rickshaw on Mor Khunda-Head Baloki Road. As a result, Muhammad Rizwan was killed on the spot while three others, including Bilal, were seriously injured.

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Youth commits suicide in Okara

OKARA: A youth committed suicide at Mohallah Seyadanwala Hujra Shah Moqeem on Sunday.

Ali Sher ended his life by taking poisonous pills. The motive behind the incident is said to be that he wanted to marry with his cousin but the girl’s parents refused to accept his proposal as he was jobless.

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Every household in Pakistan consumes 200 polythene bags per month

Islamabad: Every household in Pakistan that comprises six persons consumed around one kilogram approximately 200 polythene bags in a month that were dumped in solid waste.

These remarks were made by the founder of Zero Plastic Dr Ansir A Rajput, a programme striving to reverse damages caused by plastic products to the environment in the country, told APP in his exclusive interview.

He said the plastic bags of 15 microns size was the most used bag for purchasing domestic items in the markets.

“People do not bother to properly dispose of those bags in solid waste that never decomposes rather remains into the system destroying ecology and human health,” Dr Ansir said.

He said that plastic waste hazard was an alarming global threat; not only does it directly endanger the environment, marine life and human beings, rather, it is the 8th largest contributor to global warming.

Plastic bags used for shopping purposes makeup 30 percent of the plastic waste produced globally.

Pakistan, as a developing country does not have proper recycling means, worst, is one of the largest plastic waste contributors.

“Zero Plastic is a philanthropic movement to save ourselves and the generations to come,” he added.

To a question, he said Zero Plastic had offered alternate jute bags for plastic bags and were locally produced by an industry established in Muzaffargarh.

“The jute bag varies in cost from Rs70, Rs100 and Rs140 with regards to its size that could be used up to two years,” he added.

He said that the Ministry of Climate Change was approached to promote these jute bags as an alternate where the Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul had directed to present a business plan.

This would help to get the project flagged under the Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan Programme as green entrepreneurship scheme, which would provide an opportunity to house wives and destitute women to earn decent livelihood, he added.

He said that there was a proposal at the ministry to develop starch bags from hemp leaves and other goods.

The technology was inexpensive and would be implemented easily with the patronage of the government whereas the project was under consideration, he said.

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