Day: July 8, 2021

Islamabad, July 08, 2021 (PPI-OT):Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment and Mr. Nisar Ahmad Faizi Ghoryani, Afghan Minister for Industry and Commerce, chaired today a virtual ceremony organized for signing of Protocol-VI of APTTA 2010 to extend the agreement for six (06) months beyond 11-05-2021. The Secretary Commerce of Pakistan and Deputy Commerce Minister of Afghanistan also attended the ceremony. Ambassador of Pakistan along with Trade and Investment Counsellor in Kabul represented Government of Pakistan in the ceremony at Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Kabul, says a press release received here today from Kabul.

The extension was essential to facilitate uninterrupted flow of transit trade between the two countries and to provide sufficient time to technical teams to conclude negotiations on the new APTTA 2021. The Ministers appreciated the work of technical teams for the progress attained so far in the negotiations. They directed the technical teams to forge consensus on the outstanding issues in the new APTTA 2021, to ensure its conclusion, signing and notification at the earliest for the benefit of trade, transit, investment and connectivity between the two brotherly countries. The Ministers also agreed to meet in Kabul on the sidelines of 9th APTTCA meeting to push forward the negotiations on APTTA 2021 and also to hold business and investment conference in August, 2021.

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

The post Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment and Mr. Nisar Ahmad Faizi Ghoryan appeared first on Official News Pakistan.

Islamabad, July 08, 2021 (PPI-OT):On the fifth martyrdom anniversary of prominent Kashmiri youth leader Burhan Muzaffar Wani, we pay tribute to his selfless contribution to the just struggle for right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people, and through him to the oppressed people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Burhan Wani, through his sacrifice, has come to rightly symbolize the indigenous Kashmiri struggle against the illegal Indian occupation. Since his martyrdom in 2016, hundreds of Kashmiri youth have lost their lives at the hands of Indian occupation forces in IIOJK. Despite violating every single right of the Kashmiri people, India has, to this day, failed to subjugate the Kashmiris and break their will in their just struggle.

On its part, Pakistan will continue to stand by the Kashmiris till the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is resolved in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. This day should also serve as a reminder to India to end its egregious human rights violations in IIOJK, and take concrete steps towards the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per the UNSC resolutions. We also call upon the international community to play its due role in this regard.

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

The post Fifth martyrdom anniversary of Kashmiri leader Burhan Wani appeared first on Official News Pakistan.

Islamabad, July 08, 2021 (PPI-OT):The United States Institute of Peace hosted Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan for a discussion on “The Next Chapter in US-Pakistan Relations”. Ambassador Richard Oslon, former Ambassador of the United States to Pakistan, moderated the event, says a press release received here today from Washington DC. During the discussion, Ambassador Khan highlighted that Afghanistan is an area of convergence between Pakistan and the United States because both countries wanted to see a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan. Ambassador Khan said that an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan would best serve Pakistan and the United States’ shared security interests in the region. This is why it was important to invest in the Afghan peace process at this critical time.

He noted that the Extended Troika declarations issued by Pakistan, China, Russia, and the United States could serve as a template for coordinated messaging by the key regional and international stakeholders on the need for a negotiated settlement in Afghanistan. Ambassador Khan said that the peace in Afghanistan is winnable and the peace process is a shared responsibility. Commenting on Pakistan’s focus on geo-economics, Ambassador Khan said that the Government wanted to leverage Pakistan’s location and connectivity infrastructure to promote regional integration and growth. He noted that the United States remained the largest market for Pakistan exports, and underlined Pakistan’s desire to enhance bilateral cooperation in energy, agriculture, and technology sectors.

He pointed out that Pakistan is well-placed in the region to be an important part of the global supply chain. On India-Pakistan relations, Ambassador said that the Prime Minister of Pakistan is desirous of good relations with India but the BJP government led by Prime Minister Modi has pursued the extremist and anti-Pakistan agenda that has made the normalization of relations very difficult. On Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Ambassador responded that the question of Kashmir should be resolved according to the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir as promised to them by the International community through the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

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

The post Ambassador Dr Asad Majeed Khan in conversation with United States Institute for Peace on ‘The Next Chapter in Pakistan- US relations’ appeared first on Official News Pakistan.

Islamabad, July 08, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Universal Service Fund (USF) has awarded contract worth approximately PKR 154 Million to Jazz for providing High Speed Mobile Broadband services in Multan and Khanewal Districts of Southern Punjab. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque and Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi witnessed the contract signing ceremony here on Thursday. The contracts was signed by Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, CEO, and USF with Aamir Ibrahim, CEO, Jazz. The Federal Secretary for IT and Telecommunication and Chairman USF Board, Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput and Parliamentary Secretary, Zain Qureshi, Member Telecom Muhammad Umar Malik, Member IC Ajmal Awan and other senior officers of MoITT were also present at the ceremony.

While addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque said that, MoITT through USF has contracted projects worth approximately PKR 6.5 billion to provide high speed internet to 3.8 million people in Southern Punjab. These include six high speed mobile broadband projects and three optic fiber cable projects. According to Syed Amin Ul Haque, under these projects, we are spending a total of PKR 708 million for provision of high speed broadband services in three districts of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalnagar. About 2.6 million people living in 846 villages will benefit from this. Similarly, in Dera Ghazi Khan Division, four districts DG Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur, PKR 141 million is being spent. While PKR 4.47 billion is being spent on three projects related to the laying of optical fiber cable.

With the completion of these projects, an area of about 2, 000 sq. km will be connected with OFC. More than 25% work has been done on broadband services projects. Completion of these projects will provide the fastest broadband services to 393 villages with a population of over 0.85 million.” While addressing the ceremony, Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that he was pleasantly surprised to hear the performance of the MoITT which is working day and night for the fulfilment of the Prime Minister’s Digital Pakistan vision.

He thanked the Federal Minister, Syed Amin Ul Haque for initiating the development projects in Southern Punjab and said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would provide all possible assistance and support for the promotion of IT industry and showcasing of Pakistani IT products around the world because Ministry of IT is at the forefront of those sectors through which numerous job opportunities and the country’s economy can be strengthened. Sharing his views on the development, CEO-Jazz, Aamir Ibrahim said, “Jazz has invested US$ 462 million during the last two years mainly to expand its 4G footprint in rural and semi-urban areas.

This is in line with our mission to bridge the digital divide and to collaborate with the Government of Pakistan in helping realize the Digital Pakistan vision. Today’s contract signing is a testament of our commitment to create ICT-led socioeconomic opportunities for the masses.” Earlier on his welcome address, CEO-USF, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary said: “The USF is committed in its resolve to empower the marginalized communities of Pakistan. This project will benefit an unserved population of 0.48 million in 170 unserved mauzas, thereby covering an unserved area of 1,323 sq. km. of Multan and Khanewal districts. The project will be completed in 12 months.”

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

The post PKR 6.5 Billion being spent on broadband services, optic Fiber projects in southern Punjab: it minister Syed Amin Ul Haque USF awards contract worth PKR 154 million to jazz for providing broadband services in Multan, Khanewal districts appeared first on Official News Pakistan.

Islamabad, July 08, 2021 (PPI-OT):Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar held a meeting with Mr. Atique Ahmad Khan, Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director of Ghani Chemical Industries in his office today. Ghani Chemicals is the largest producer of medical and industrial Gases mainly oxygen, nitrogen, argon in the country. During the meeting, the CEO briefed on the firm’s latest investment for installation of additional 275 MT/day capacity of medical and industrial gases at Hattar Economic Zone, District Haripur.

He informed that construction of said plant would be completed in this financial year. He highlighted that this additional plant would not only fulfill the oxygen requirement of the country, but also, able to supply oxygen in region in case of COVID emergency. The Minister appreciated and acknowledged the efforts of Ghani Chemical Industry for increasing their production in the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that as the world braces for an overwhelming number of coronavirus cases, the government had taken some drastic measures to contain the spread of the virus through effective anti-corona strategy.

The Minister remarked that the government and the industry would work in unison for synergy and coordination to deal with COVID challenge as AI-based disease modelling analysis shows that the danger of next wave of COVID-19 isn’t over yet. During the interaction, Mr. Antique, CEO, lauded the role of Minister Industries for supporting the industry and personally overseeing the measures to expand the infrastructure to meet the oxygen supply amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

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

The post Minister industries lauds Ghani chemicals for expansion of oxygen production plant appeared first on Official News Pakistan.

Islamabad, July 08, 2021 (PPI-OT):Coca-Cola Pakistan and Ministry of Foreign Affairs commemorated Pakistan’s leading music brand, Coke Studio and launched a book called, Beyond the Wave — transcending boundaries. This event was held in the Foreign office open-air lawns as part of the Foreign Minister’s Public Diplomacy Initiative to showcase Pakistan’s culture and arts. Several foreign dignitaries, government officials, business leaders, celebrities, and socialites attended.

This collaboration seeks to promote cross-cultural understanding, an exchange of ideas, and a respect for traditions as a tool to strengthen international relationships.

The book, Beyond the Wave, traces the journey of Coke Studio from its genesis with the first season in 2008 to 2021’s Season 14. The book is a powerful narrative of how Coke defined music as a passionate ode to the #Sound Of Pakistan. On YouTube alone, the Coke Studio channel has over 10 million subscribers and about 2.8 billion total views, making it the most loved Pakistani music identity.

The Honourable Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi said, “History tells us that the subtle forces of cultural diplomacy have impact and can create understanding among peoples from different backgrounds. I am therefore delighted to collaborate with Coke Studio, to bring Pakistan’s true image to the world: one of optimism, youth, unity and peace.” He also added that the book will be sent to each of the Pakistani embassies across the globe.

Fahad Ashraf, VP and General Manager at The Coca-Cola Export Corporation for Pakistan and Afghanistan region said, “We are honoured to receive this recognition from The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and be able to collaborate on Coke Studio’s musical journey. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the arts and culture of our nation and to Coke Studio’s bridge-building legacy in the past 14 years.”

At the launch, the book was formally presented to the Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi by Coca-Cola. The event also included a panel hosted by Ahmed Wahab Shah, the Director Marketing at Coca-Cola Pakistan and Afghanistan. He spoke with Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan, more popularly known as Xulfi, who will be taking over as the producer of Coke Studio Season 14 and to journalist Fifi Haroon who talked about the inclusion and diversity that Coke Studio always represents.

The event ended with a signature Coke Studio performance by maestro Qawals, Farid Ayaz and Abu Muhammad.

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

The post Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledges Coke Studio’s role in promoting Pakistani culture appeared first on Official News Pakistan.

Srinagar, July 08, 2021 (PPI-OT):In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian troops during a cordon and search operation martyred one more youth in Rajouri, raising the toll to five in one day in the territory. The troops killed the fifth youth in Sunderbani area of Rajouri district during an ongoing operation which entered its 10 day, today. Indian army claimed that the youth was killed during an encounter, which also left an Indian soldier dead and two others including a JCO injured. It said, the slain soldier has been identified as Sepoy Yashwant Reddy while the injured as Naib Subedar Srijith of 17 Madras and Nk Santosh of 9 Para. Earlier, Indian troops martyred four Kashmiri youth in Pulwama and Kulgam districts of South Kashmir, today.

For more information, contact:
Kashmir Media Service
Phone: +92-51-4435548, +92-51-4435549
Fax: +92-51-4861736
Email: info@kmsnews.org
Website: www.kmsnews.org

The post Five youth martyred, Indian soldier killed, JCO injured in IIOJK appeared first on Official News Pakistan.