February 2018 – Page 5 – PPI News Agency

February 28, 2018

Standing Committee on Narcotics Control meets

Islamabad, February 28, 2018 (PPI-OT): A meeting of the Standing Committee on Narcotics Control on held today in the Committee Room of Ministry of Narcotics Control, Emigration Tower, Mauve Area, G-8/1, Islamabad, under the Chairmanship of Malik Shakir Bashir Awan, MNA to scrutinize budgetary proposals relating to PSDP in respect of the Ministry of Narcotics Control and its attached departments for the next financial year 2018-19.

The Secretary, Ministry of Narcotics Control apprised the Committee that there are 3 on-going projects costing Rs.128.857 million, 3 extended/revised projects of Rs.2894.012 million and 15 new projects costing Rs.2578.855 million were put before the Committee for its approval. The total budgetary proposals regarding PSDP for the Financial Year 2018-19 were Rs.5601.724 million including Rs.2193.284 million foreign aid. After detailed discussion and certain observations of the Committee, the budgetary proposals were unanimously approved. The Committee showed their reservations over the un-due cuts made in the projects approved by the Standing Committee by Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms.

The Director General, Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) briefed the Committee that during 2017 ANF approached the Press Information Department for publication of ANF Awareness Message “Say No to Drugs” on all public sector advertisements and PEMRA was also approached for furnishing ANF video clips/messages to air the ANF Awareness Messages in all electronic media sources as a national cause. The Chairman, Higher Education Commission apprised the Committee that the HEC has advised the Higher Educational Institutions in Pakistan to undertake the task by arranging awareness raising programs in order to create awareness against the drug abuse for students, teaching faculty and parents through lectures, seminars, debates, workshops, sports and cultural events etc.

The Committee recommended that the proper infrastructure facilities including accommodation buildings, scanners etc. may be provided to the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) for their efficient working. Moreover, the Committee also recommended that the ANF should be given access in WEBOC Scanning System of Custom Department on the import and export at Port Qasim for having enough grip over the un-wanted items bringing bad name to the country.

The meeting was attended by Sahibzada Faiz-ul-Hassan, Rana Umer Nazir Khan, Mian Shahid Hussain Khan Bhatti, Dr. Muhammad Azhar Khan Jadoon, Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, and Mr. Sher Akbar Khan MNAs, Federal Minister for Narcotics Control and Senior Officers from Ministry of Narcotics Control and Chairman, HEC.

For more information, contact:
Secretary
National Assembly of Pakistan
Automation Centre,
National Assembly Secretariat,
Parliament House,
Islamabad – Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9221082-83
Fax: +92-51-9221106
Email: assembly@na.gov.pk
Website: www.na.gov.pk

February 28, 2018

Pakistan and Jordan enjoy close friendly and brotherly relations: President Mamnoon Hussain

Islamabad, February 28, 2018 (PPI-OT): President Mamnoon Hussain has said that Pakistan and Jordan enjoy close friendly and brotherly relations and the scope of their relationship is enhancing day by day. The President said this while talking to the outgoing Ambassador of Jordan Nawaf Khalifa Saraireh who paid a farewell call on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Wednesday. The President stated that King Hussein Bin Talal of Jordan was a very popular figure in Pakistan and was also considered as a true friend of Pakistan. He underlined that King Abdullah–II of Jordan is also following his footsteps towards further strengthening the relations of the two countries.

The President underscored the significance of increasing trade between the both countries and emphasized that regular exchange of trade delegations was very important in this regard. He also stressed to further enhance the people-to-people contact between the two countries in order to deepen the educational, cultural and trade relations. On the occasion, the President also appreciated the services of outgoing ambassador of Jordan towards strengthening the relations of the two countries.

For more information, contact:
Principal Information Officer,
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323, +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325, +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com
Website: www.pid.gov.pk

February 28, 2018

10th Round of Pakistan-Switzerland Bilateral Political Consultations held

Islamabad, February 28, 2018 (PPI-OT): The 10th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Switzerland was held in Berne on 26-27 February 2018. Ambassador Zaheer A. Janjua, Additional Secretary (Europe), led the Pakistan delegation, while the Swiss side was headed by Ambassador Johannes Matyassy, Assistant State of Secretary for Asia and Pacific Division, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

The two sides reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations, including political, economic, trade, investment and cooperation in the fields of education, science and technology, agriculture and defence. They also discussed multilateral cooperation on key areas of interest and exchanged views on important global and regional developments.

Additional Secretary (Europe) briefed the Swiss side on the progress made by the government on strengthening democracy, reviving the economy and improvement in law and order situation in the country. The successes achieved in the fight against terrorism were also highlighted.

Both sides recognised the vast potential of the two economies for mutually beneficial cooperation. They agreed to take concrete steps, including exchange of business delegations and supporting SMEs, to further enhance and expand bilateral economic and commercial interaction. Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Switzerland crossed US$ 500 million in 2017.

Pakistan and Switzerland enjoy close and friendly relations, and cooperate closely at multilateral fora. Switzerland is an important development partner of Pakistan. The mechanism of Bilateral Political Consultations provides a useful platform to review bilateral relations and discusses future areas of cooperation. The next session of the Consultations will be held in Islamabad at mutually convenient dates in 2019.

For more information, contact:
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: +92-51-9205494
Fax: +92-51-9204202
Cell: +92-336-5644459
Website: www.mofa.gov.pk

February 28, 2018

Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs of National Assembly meets

Islamabad, February 28, 2018 (PPI-OT): 68th meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs of the National Assembly was held today i.e February 28, 2018 in Conference Room of Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Parliament House Islamabad, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, MNA. The Committee approved the minutes of the last meeting held on 14th February, 2018.

While considering the implementation status of the recommendations made by the Committee with regard to the criteria under the State Bank of Pakistan, fit and proper test for appointment of President NBP and qualifying of present incumbent against the fit and proper test. The Committee expressed its displeasure for not receiving the reply from SBP in this regard, however the Committee was informed by the Director, State Bank of Pakistan that present incumbent (President NBP) was fulfilled the criteria of said post.

The Committee decided that in writing reply may be provided to the Committee at the earliest. The Director, SBP ensured the Committee that reply on the said recommendation would be furnished in next week. The Committee discussed the Banks (Nationalization) (Amendment) Bill, 2018 and unanimously recommended that the same Bill may be passed by the National Assembly with some amendments.

The Committee discussed the remaining projects of Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) of Finance Division and recommended that required funds may be provided according to the projects details presented by the Finance Division. While considering the Higher Education Commission (HEC) PSDP projects the Committee recommended that allocation for FATA university should be enhanced upto Rs. 250 million instead of Rs. 150 million. The Committee further recommended that HEC should give priority to KPK, southern Punjab, interior Sindh and Balochistan, when considering the proposals for new projects and early completion of ongoing projects in said areas.

The Additional Secretary Ministry of Finance briefed the Committee regarding current account deficit, debt servicing and financial strategy of the Government. The Committee recommended that financial plan presented by the Ministry of Finance and Revenue should be revisited at the earliest. The Committee also recommended that short term borrowing should be eliminated within next five months to control the current account deficit in the country.

The Committee decided that Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) would be called in the next meeting to discuss the status/registration of China Overseas Ports Holding Company Pakistan (COPHC-Pakistan). The Committee further recommended that Ministry of Finance should be asked to give a comprehensive briefing on the issue of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), decision with regard to Pakistan in the same meeting.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Arifa Khalid Parvez, Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharral, Sheikh Fayyaz-ud-Din, Syed Mustafa Mehmud, Mr. Asad Umar and Mr. Muhammad Ali Rashid, MNAs, besides the senior officers from Ministry of Finance and Revenue, SBP and HEC.

February 28, 2018

Nations fostering cultural heritage remain successful: President

Islamabad, February 28, 2018 (PPI-OT): President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday said the nations promoting their cultural heritage remained successful in all fields of life. Addressing here at the closing ceremony of Abdul Majeed Parveen Raqam Youth Calligraphy Competition, he said severing ties with heritage leads to lagging behind among comity of nations. The president said the exhibition of different forms of calligraphy by young calligraphers showed that cultural legacy of Muslims was being transferred from one generation to the other and the artistic expressions by the young Pakistani practitioners was a reflection of this bright cultural heritage.

The president appreciated the strenuous efforts of National History and Literary Division under the inspiring leadership of Adviser to the Prime Minister Irfan Siddiqui for revival of this art. He said attributing this activity to renowned calligrapher Abdul Majeed Raqam was itself commendable and provided an opportunity to pay tribute to the people who contributed significantly in the field of calligraphy. He said there was a time when the art of calligraphy like oriental medicine, classical music and other fine arts was transferred from one generation to another in specific families.

He mentioned Masjid-e-Nabvi in Medina where Ustaad Shafiq uz Zaman from Pakistan demonstrated his true love and dedication in the form of his remarkable artistic designs. The president said the nations that followed the path of development by neglecting their cultural heritage ultimately failed as compared to those which remained connected to their cultural heritage. He said cultural values created such a depth and beauty in the conduct and lifestyle of the culturally rich nations like Pakistan which became a guarantee of their success and development. He said cultural values provided basis for educational, cultural and economic development besides enhancing the passion for progress among the people.

The president said the work of young calligraphers was not limited to pen and paper but was a national service, adding that manifestation of calligraphy could also be found in all Muslim countries including Turkey and Iran. He emphasized that instead of becoming indifferent towards fine arts due to invention of modern era, focus should be given to promotion of the art and culture because it was the course followed by the developed nations. On the occasion, Advisor to the Prime Minister Irfan Siddiqui highlighted the importance of calligraphy competition. He also said that such exhibition will also be organized in other parts of the country to promote this art and next exhibition will be held in Faisalabad.

February 28, 2018

Federal Minister for Defence Engr. Khurram Dastagir Khan visits office of Military Accountant General Rawalpindi

Islamabad, February 28, 2018 (PPI-OT): Federal Minister for Defence Engr. Khurram Dastagir Khan visited office of Military Accountant General, Rawalpindi today. He was received by Dr. Waheed Ahmad, Military Accountant General. Federal Minister was given a detailed briefing about the Department, its functions, and achievements. He was further informed regarding the well established audit offices functioning under the controller of local audit and also about the various initiatives taken by Military Accountant General in order to increase the efficiency of the Department nationwide.

Defence Minister lauded the efforts of the team headed by the Accountant General and appreciated the steps taken by the Military Accountant General for the computerization of the system, to increase efficiency and minimize loopholes. Defence Minister directed MAG to insure speedy disbursal and efficient handling of accounts of deployed units, widows of Martyrs, and retired personnel of the Armed Forces.

February 28, 2018

Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir meets Federal Minister for Climate Change

Islamabad, February 28, 2018 (PPI-OT): Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Haider Khan meets Federal minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah Khan at Ministry of Climate Change. Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah khan highlighted during meeting that Azad Jammu Kashmir Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pukhtoonkhawa has majority of forest cover of Pakistan.

According to United Nations any country must have 25% of forest cover on its area. Pakistan has less than 5% forest cover on its land. He further added deforestation in Pakistan is not only from wood used for fuel but also from timbre mafias as well. He further floated this idea that Pakistan must import wood from countries having large forest cover.

We can reduce import duty on wood so we can import cheap wood and save our own forest. The Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Mr.Farooq Haider also told that after earthquake pressure on woods for construction has been reduced. He also highlighted that we got support from Green Pakistan Program and Neelum Power Hydro Project to increase our forest cover. We are also working on man-made forests. He also offered federal Minister for Climate Change to visit Kashmir and see forests.

Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah Khan also told the Prime Minister that Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is facing the music of development projects that he initiated like CEPC .He made Pakistan nuclear power. The meeting was attended Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change Ms.Romina Khursheed Alam and representatives from government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.