Month: January 2019

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PM: (PM directs to further expedite progress on various projects under CPEC)

ISLAMABAD:Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting in Islamabad on Friday to review progress on CPEC projects.

The meeting reviewed progress on Pak-China cooperation in the areas of Industrial development, Special Economic Zones, ML-1 project, Agriculture Development, Socio-economic Development, Infrastructure Development and Gwadar development.

The meeting decided to form a CPEC Business Advisory Council.

The Prime Minister directed Chairman Board of Investment to present comprehensive recommendations within four weeks’ time on speedy development of SEZs.

He said Pak-China cooperation in industrial development and agriculture sector would help realizing country’s potential in these sectors.

He stressed upon the need to further expedite progress on various projects Under CPEC.

He said early completion of CPEC related project is in Pakistan’s interest as it would bring huge socio-economic opportunities to the people.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan can greatly benefit from Chinese experience of extricating its people from poverty traps.

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One killed, other hospitalized as wire falls

KARACHI:A man was electrocuted and his colleague received electric shocks in Gulberg area of the city on Friday.

According to rescue sources, two workers, Hanifullah, son of Dilawar, and Tajuddin, were digging a well near Cafe Pila in Gulberg area of Karachi when a wire fell on them. As a result, Hanifullah died on the spot while Tajuddin received severe electric shocks. The body and injured were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for an autopsy and treatment, respectively.

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PM (PM reviews progress on CPEC projects)

ISLAMABAD:Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting in Islamabad today (Friday) to review progress on China Pakistan Economic Corridor and set targets for short to mid-term phase, focusing on cooperation in industrial, socio-economic, agriculture and Gwadar.

Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar briefed the participants on the outcome of the 8th CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee meeting and progress on the projects.

It was decided to make the period as a phase of industrial cooperation, socioeconomic and agriculture sector development. Timelines for the development of prioritized SEZs were finalized to ensure ground breaking in 1st half of 2019.

The Prime Minister directed to make full use of Chinese investors’ visits this year, promote awareness amongst investors on Pakistan’s tax policies, market SEZs aligned with its development and ensure ease of doing business.

It was directed that a timeline base policy on provision of utilities to SEZs be prepared at the earliest. It was decided to promote joint ventures in petrochemicals, iron and steel, food and agriculture.

The Prime Minister instructed to form a CPEC Business Advisory Council consisting of leading Pakistani business executives to create an interface with the private sector.

The Prime Minister instructed that development of the corridor should continue with priority to the development of Western Route.

It was emphasized that infrastructure development needs a policy of pragmatism and due financial diligence. In the same spirit, a high level committee comprising of Ministers for Planning, Railway and Finance was formed to finalize modalities on Pakistan Railways ML-1-the strategic project of CPEC.

Prime Minister directed that Pakistan side should finalize road map for promoting agriculture sector, inviting Chinese companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan and leverage agro value chains.

He also directed that the development of Gwadar should be planned as a smart port city to make it a transshipment and petrochemical hub.

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SHC seeks reply on case against arrest of Dr Asim

KARACHI:The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday sought a reply from Sindh government on a petition filed against arrest of former petroleum minister Dr Asim Hussain in 2015 by the Rangers.

The court heard the petition filed by Dr Zareen, wife of Dr Asim Hussain, which said that Dr Asim’s arrest by the Rangers was illegal. It challenged the ranger’s law to keep an accused in custody for three months.

Abid Zubeir, counsel of the applicant told the court that arresting Hussain in a case regarding providing treatment to criminals was wrong.

However, the rangers had submitted its reply on previous hearing which claimed that it had arrested the Dr Asim on the charges of treating and harbouring militants and gangsters in his hospital.

The court, later, adjourned the hearing till 13th February.

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FO: (FM Qureshi, President UNGA discuss regional, int’l issues including Kashmir)

ISLAMABAD:Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi says a vibrant and strengthened United Nations can help to resolve issues through collected efforts.

He said this while talking to President UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa who met him at Foreign Office in Islamabad on Friday. This is her first visit to any Asian country after assuming charge as President of UN General Assembly.

During the meeting, both sides discussed regional and international issues including Kashmir.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi expressed grave concern over the human rights violations in occupied Kashmir by Indian security forces. He stressed to implement the UN Security Council’s Resolutions for the early settlement of Kashmir dispute.

During the visit, Ms Espinosa will also call on the President Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan.

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Robotic surgery procedure expensive but effective: Experts

KARACHI:Three-day multidisciplinary workshop on robotic surgery organized by Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) entered on the second day.

Prominent Surgeons from SIUT and abroad who are taking part in the workshop today discussed the use of robotic surgery in the field of urology. Those who presented their findings in the morning session included Dr Rehan Mohsin from SIUT, Dr Matin Sharif, Dr Shamim Khan and Dr Faiz Mumtaz all from Britain.

The opening session was followed by an exercise of case presentation, live operations from theaters and discussion which was moderated by Dr Altaf Hashmi and Dr Faiz Mumtaz.

The workshop first of its kind in the country is discussing the impact and benefit of robotic surgery in three important branches of surgery including urology, general surgery and gynecology.

Surgeons were of the view that robotic surgery like any other cutting edge technology may be an expensive endeavor but this surgery cause less pain, less scars, minimum loss of blood and faster recovery of patient as compared to traditional surgery. They have underscored the need to set up more robotic surgical units in order to reduce the cost factor.

Tomorrow on the third and concluding day the workshop will discuss use of technology in the field gynecology while general surgery was the topic of discussion yesterday.

Director SIUT Prof Adib Rizvi inaugurated the workshop.

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PM: (Member of American Republican party call on PM)

ISLAMABAD:Member of American Republican party Sajid Tarar and Jessy Singh called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Friday.

On the occasion, Jessy Singh expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister regarding opening of Kartarpur Corridor on behalf of Singh community.

The role of Muslim community in United States also came under discussion during the meeting.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Naeemul Haq and Governor Sindh Imran Ismail were also present on the occasion.