MS Gwadar Newsbooks 2013-2014

GWADAR NEWSBOOK 2013 www.alnoorgwadar.com/newsbook2013

I n a ssoc ia t ion w it h

AL-NOOR CARGO CITY GWADAR NEWS & UPDATES From January 2013 to December 2013

GWADAR NEWSBOOK 2013

January 7, 2013 Mon All Day

Gwadar port vital for economy -- DAWN NEWS Gwadar port vital for economy From the Newspaper | 7th January, 2013 5

THIS refers to completion of Gwadar deep sea project that has immense strategic and socio-economic value. It is sad that such a high value project is a victim of government’s negligence as the completed part of port project has enabled it to be used only for transportation of bulk cargo like wheat and urea.

The construction of Gwadar port was embarked upon by the government with Chinese assistance in March 2002. Its first phase was completed in December 2006 at a cost of $248 million.

However the port, which was to become one of the world’s largest deep sea ports, came to a standstill due to traditionally lethargic and unprofessional approach of ministry concerned and associates.

Sadly, like PIA, railways, power and energy sector, Steel Mills, the port project is yet another victim of apathy of the government.

It is high time development is started at the Gwadar port in the face of major regional and economic challenges. The port, once fully operational would serve as hub of trade and economic activities in the whole region enabling high volume cargo movement to and from the landlocked Central Asian states, up lift of the impoverished people of Balochistan by providing thousands of employment opportunities.

It will also serve as an alternative deep water port as it is situated 470km away from Karachi making it less vulnerable to the Indian naval blockade. So in the best national interest, there is a need that the government should adopt corrective measures and appoint sincere leadership which could amicably resolve the extraneous issues (including any political considerations or pressure from any political groups) standing in the way of this project of unparalleled significance.

SHAMSA ASHFAQ Islamabad

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January 8, 2013 Tue All Day

Lecture on Chinese New Leadership And Future of Pak-China Relations -- APP

Lecture on Chinese New Leadership And Future of Pak-China Relations January 8, 2013 at 9:48 AM The Department of International Relations, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur organized a lecture on Chinese New Leadership And Future Of Pak-China Relations. The lecture was delivered by Prof Zhou Rong, Chief of Gaung Ming Daily South Asia Bureau. At the outset of the lecture Prof Dr. Abdul Majeed Chandio Chairman Department of International Relations cordially welcomed the guest speaker. Dr. Chandio said that Pak-China relations are cordial and dispute free.

China is the most developed country who's economic growth is 25%. Pak-China relations are time tested and proved helpful during the day of trail. Prof. Zhou Rong said in his lecture that China-Pakistan Relations began in 1950 when Pakistan was among the first countries to break relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan and recognize the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). Relations between Pakistan and China are very brotherly. Following the 1962 Sino-Indian War, both countries have placed considerable importance on the maintenance of an extremely close and supportive relationship. Since then, the two countries have regularly exchanged high-level visits resulting in a variety of agreements. The PRC has provided economic, military and technical assistance to Pakistan and each considers the other a close strategic ally. China is reliable friend first than Russia. Prof. Rong relieved that with the help of Pakistan the relations with USA remained normal and Pakistan deserves the respect. He said that Pak-China relations are strongest like wise the relations between Israel and USA and the relations between two countries (Pak-China) are tension free. Late. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was the pioneer of Pak-China relations on the principal of bilateralism. The other leaders also played a pivotal role in the maintenance of friendly relationship like wise Mr. Mohammad Khan Junejo, Mr. Nawaz Shareef and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He said that in future relations China sees Pakistan as strong and viable country. The priority of China is to support Pakistan in energy sector and to control on load shedding problem. The Chinese language courses are being conducted in Pakistan. He promised that efforts will be made for establishing the Centre of Chinese Language Course in the Department of International Relations and China and Pakistan trying to remove misconceptions about rise of militancy in the Sinkiyang province of China. Prof Dr. Syed Ahmed Hussain Shah Dean Faculty of Social Sciences & Arts delivered the presidential speech and said that with the efforts of China the regional balance had been maintained and Indian hegemony had been minimized. The Pak-China relations are based on mutual guarantee and assurance against war and aggression. Prof Dr. Lutufullah Mangi Director Shikarpur Campus, Prof Dr. Amir Ahmed Khuhro, Mr. Imdad Chandio, Mr. Liaquat Ali Chandio, Mr. Sarfaraz Korejo, Mr. Ishrat Ali Mirani and large number of Teachers and Students attended the Lecture program. The lecture was followed by questions answers sessions. The students and participants participated in question answer session with enthusiasm.

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January 9, 2013 Wed All Day

Gwadar Port: An opportunity in waiting! -- FRONTIER POST Gwadar Port: An opportunity in waiting!

Zia Siddiqui Our visionary founding leaders saw through an opportunity of great benefits in this small Omani town of Gwadar as early as 1954. For the purpose, newly born state of Pakistan purchased this small fishing town, which was geographically contiguous anyway, for a partly $3 million in 1958.

This small costal town located on the mouth of the strategic Persian Gulf was seen as a major trading and energy hub on the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. For Pakistan, it was to be an alternate to Karachi Port which was located some 460 Km to its south east, and for landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics (CARs), the nearest to warm waters of the Arabian Sea for trade and energy supplies. In fact, the centuries old Great Game of the Russian Empire envisaged its landings to the warm waters of Arabian Sea around the same areas. However, the dream of our founding leaders of making Gwadar, a truly regional hub was kept pending until the turn of the new millennium; “for strategic reasons.”

In any case, the construction of Phase-I of Gwadar Deep Sea Port commenced on 22 March 2002, at a cost of some $248 million by the Chinese firm. President Musharraf takes the credit of finally launching the project of Gwadar Deep Sea Port and predicted it to be a beginning of an era of economic progress for Pakistan as well as the coastal belt of Balochistan.

He then inaugurated the Gwadar Port on 20 March, 2007. The completion of the Phase-I of Gwadar Port meant that the Bulk carries of 30,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) and container vessels of 25,000 DWT could be berthed and do business on the port. Musharraf government saw the completion of Phase-I of Gwadar port as an opportunity to boast its valued strategic location to engage any renowned international port operators.

Finally, the contract of Gwadar Port operations was awarded to the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) on 1 February, 2007. According to the terms of contract, the PSA was to invest some $550 million over the next 5-10 years, however, the dream to see Gwadar Port as the regional energy and trade hub remains unfulfilled till to-date.

The construction of Phase-II started in 2007 at a cost of $932 million with an aim of establishing a Bulk Cargo Terminal with the capacity of 100,000 DWT, a Grain Terminal and two oil terminals. The work continued at snails pace while the government contemplates withdrawing the port from PSA’s control due to its failure to operationlize the port with promised investment. Reportedly, PSA has agreed to hand over the ports administration after the Government of Pakistan terminated its contract on technical grounds as well as for violation of contractual obligations.

Pakistan now plans to hand over the Gwadar Port operations to Chinese firms so that its development and functioning could be expedited. There is no denying that till to-date, Gwadar Port has not been able to make any significant contribution in Balochistan or Pakistan’s economy, in spite of its invaluable strategic location and immense potential of being a gateway for trade and energy corridor for China, Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics (CARs).

I believe, only we are to blame ourselves for the painstaking lethargy and complacency that nearly all the stakeholders have shown towards the development of Gwadar Port. Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with this golden port named Gwadar and we, unfortunately have miserably failed to exploit it true potential. The delayed development of the Gwadar Port is denying the people of the area of employment opportunities and related economic benefits.

I would sincerely urge upon all stakeholders including Ministry of Ports and Shipping, Gwadar Port Authority, the provincial Government of Balochistan to shun their differences and work together to remove the impediments related to land issues, and control of administration and authority.

This would certainly help realize the dream of our founding leader by making Gwadar Port, a truly trade and energy hub of the region, bringing peace, progress and prosperity for the people of Pakistan in general and people of Makran and Balochistan in particular.

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January 18, 2013 Fri All Day

Pak-China friendship to further deepen in coming years: Masood Khalid -- APP Pak-China friendship to further deepen in coming years: Masood Khalid

Friday, 18 January 2013 20:43 Posted by Shoaib-ur-Rehman Siddiqui BEIJING: Pakistan's Ambassador to China Masood Khalid said here on Friday, that all-weather, time-tested friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries will further deepen in coming years.

We have strong cooperative relations in all dimensions spread over the past sixty years, and it is now up to the youths of both the countries to carry forward this torch of friendship to new heights, said Ambassador Khalid while addressing a large group of students from the China Foreign Affairs University.

The reception was arranged at the Pakistan Embassy to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival taking place on February 10.

The Ambassador, who arrived in Beijing two weeks ago, to assume his new responsibilities, said he is delighted to meet and welcome the Chinese students at the Pakistan Embassy.

While addressing the students he said "You belong to one of the prestigious higher learning institutions and you are the future of your country to shoulder important responsibilities as country's diplomats."

"Youths are the real asset of both the countries," he said, adding the young generation of both the sides has the responsibility to carry forward the legacy of our friendship.

"In this evergreen and unique relationship we have seen many highs but no lows," he said adding that our most lasting bond is based on the mutual trust that we have between our two countries.

Referring to the performances from the university students and Pakistani diplomats who presented songs, music and skits to mark the occasion, Ambassador Khalid expressed his delight and said he was exceptionally impressed with the Chinese girl who sang popular Pakistani song -- Jeevay jeevay Pakistan.

During the Q&A session, Ambassador Khalid said that people of Pakistan are learning Chinese language with keen interest and there are number of educational institutions including private schools offering the Chinese language courses.

The Confucius institutes, he said, are also a big source for the Pakistanis to learn Chinese language and understand the country's culture. Earlier, Vice-President of Current Affairs Students Association, Ms. Huang Hu thanked the Ambassador for inviting the students to share joy in celebrating the Chinese Spring Festival.

Highlighting the history of the University, she said that it was established in 1955.

She mentioned that a number of diplomats from various countries including Pakistan are getting training in this higher learning institution that is affiliated with the Foreign Ministry of China.

Later, the guests were served with Pakistani foods.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2013 Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on bloggerShare on stumbleuponShare on deliciousShare on diggMore Sharing ServicesShare

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January 18, 2013 Continued Fri All Day

PSQCA to open office in Gwadar -- APP PSQCA to open office in Gwadar

KARACHI: Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) would open office in Gwadar, said Mir Changez Khan Jamali, federal minister for science and technology.

Chairing the seventh meeting of the board of directors of PSQCA, he said, there is a dire need to promote quantity standards in the country.

PSQCA director general proposed amendments and inclusion of new clauses in the PSQCA Act-VI of 1996, which were accepted by the board of directors.

The minister said that there must be only one national authority to check quality control, ie, PSQCA. He also said that after approval by the federal cabinet, the capital punishment will be enhanced from Rs50,000 to Rs200,000 and be punishable with imprisonment of either description for terms, which may extend to one year or with both for the manufacturers of counterfeit and unregistered products.

He categorically rejected any compromise on quality control issue in the country, adding that special attention has been given in reference to the improvement for the industrial standardisation.

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January 19, 2013 Sat All Day

SABIC urea import through Gwadar: First shipment to arrive later this month -- THE NEWS SABIC urea import through Gwadar: First shipment to arrive later this month

KARACHI: Urea import from Saudi Arabia Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) against $100 million credit facility will be made through Gwadar port and the first shipment will reach Pakistan in the last week of January this year.

Sources told Business Recorder on Friday that a commercial agreement had already been signed between Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and SABIC for the import of over 200,000 tons of urea against $100 million credit facility being provided by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).

After signing the commercial agreement, SABIC also provided a tentative schedule for the supply of the commodity. As per the schedule, the full quantity of urea will be supplied during the calendar year 2013. According to SABIC, out of the total supply, some 115,000 tons of urea will be supplied during first quarter (Jan-March) of 2013.

Sources said that SABIC authorities had also confirmed first urea shipment would reach Pakistan by the end of this month. “A vessel namely M/s Poavosa Wisdon-VI has been nominated by SABIC. This will load urea from Al-Jubail port of Saudi Arabia on January 27-30, 2013 and accordingly will reach Pakistan on January 31 or February 1, 2013.

The consignment will be offloaded at Gwadar port, as the federal government has already asked TCP that the import under SABIC agreement should be made through Gwadar port, they added.

Sources said that M/s Poavosa Wisdon-VI will carry some 25,000-30,000 tons of urea as first shipment under credit facility. While the second consignment of some 40,000 tons of urea is likely to arrive in February and the third consignment of 45,000 tons of urea in mid March 2013.

After arrival of urea shipments, the distribution, transportation and bagging of commodity would be handled by M/s. National Fertilizer Marketing Limited (NFML) to ensure timely availability of the commodity in the domestic market, they informed.

“Current import will be sufficient for the ongoing crop season and there will be no need to importer further during CY13, if regular gas supply restore to the fertilizer sector,” they added.

They said that despite the fact that Pakistan’s fertilizer industry have urea production capacity of over 6.5 million ton annually as against domestic demand of 6 million tons, the local market is witnessing urea shortage from last two years as fertilizer plants are unable to produce urea due to gas curtailment. Therefore, with an aim to avoid urea shortage, Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet has decided to import urea through open tenders and as well as from SABIC under credit facility.

It may be mentioned here that from the last three years SABIC is providing urea under SFD credit facility and during the last calendar year 2012 some 223,597 tons of urea was supplied by SABIC under SFD credit facility.

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January 20, 2013 Sun All Day

Pak-China agrees to cultivate medicinal and aromatic plants -- By Business Recorder

Pak-China agrees to cultivate medicinal and aromatic plants

By Business Recorder - Pakistan | Published January 20, 2013 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China has agreed to undertake experimental cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants in appropiate ecological zones in order to get qualitative and quantitative improvement. It wold help improve the quality of herbs by genetic and plant breeding methods. In this regard,Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese Academy of Sciences to help Medicinal Botanic Centre,PCSIR Peshawar to acquire the status of a World Health Organization (WHO) recognized Centre for Herbal Medicine. The aims and objectives of centre are to carry out botanical and chemical survey of medicinal plants for various uses, studies on the isolation techniques in order to develop better methods of isolation and indigenous technology. According to offcial sources, main aim of this center is to set up quality control standards in order to standardize the indigenous herbal pharmaceutical industry, to develop new processes and products based on indigenous raw materials. Plan is to introduce new plants Stevia sp, to undertake any development and promotion on medicinal and aromatic plants, official said.

Official said technical training, capacity building and exchange of expert visits component is facing financial constraint.

All Day

Pakistan approves transfer of Gwadar port to China -- APP Pakistan approves transfer of Gwadar port to China

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government on Wednesday approved the transfer of the management of the strategic Gwadar deep sea port from Singapore to China, a move that could raise concerns in India.

A meeting of the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf gave its permission for transferring the concession agreement for Gwadar from the Port of Singapore Authority to China Overseas Port Holdings Limited, information minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said.

The Chinese developer had played a key role in the construction of the facility in the Arabian Sea. "The cabinet today gave approval to transfer the operation of Gwadar port from Port of Singapore to China Overseas Port Holdings Limited," Kaira told a news conference.

"Both the companies have settled their deal," he said, without giving a timetable for the transfer.

He said the concession agreement and related government notification would be amended accordingly.

China provided about 75 per cent of the initial funding of USD 250 million for building the strategic port in the southwestern province of Baluchistan.

It is currently being operated by Singapore's PSA International but needs further development to become fully operational. Kaira said PSA International could not develop or operate Gwadar "as desired".

The Chinese will make "more investment" to make the port operational, he said.

Kaira hoped the port would soon contribute to Pakistan's economy under the new management.

Earlier this month, PSA International had indicated that it would withdraw from its contract to manage and develop Gwadar port for a period of 40 years.

China, which is Pakistan's closest ally, had for long been a front-runner for taking 869

January 20, 2013 Continued Sun over the port.

China recently said it would construct another 20 berths at Gwadar if it was given the rights to operate the port.

Beijing has been working to develop a string of harbours in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, a region traditionally considered an Indian backyard.

China has funded ports in Sri Lanka and has been approached to help build a port in Bangladesh.

Pakistan's former defence minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar had said in 2011 that Islamabad would be "grateful" to the Chinese government if naval base was built at Gwadar.

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‫‪January 25, 2013‬‬ ‫‪Fri‬‬ ‫ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺴﺘﻘﺒﻞ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺘﻌﻠﻖ ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎﻥ ‪ ،‬ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﺮﻁﺎﻧﻴہ ﮐﯽ ﻋﺴﮑﺮ ی ﻭ ﺳﻴﺎﺳﯽ‬ ‫‪ -- Nawa-e-waqat‬ﻗﻴﺎﺩﺕ ﮐﯽ ﻟﻨﺪﻥ ﻣﻴﮟ ﺍﮨﻢ ﻣﻼﻗﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺗﻌﻠﻖ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ‪ ،‬ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﺭﻁﺎﻧﻳہ ﮐﯽ ﻋﺳﮑﺭ ی ﻭ ﺳﻳﺎﺳﯽ ﻗﻳﺎﺩﺕ ﮐﯽ ﻟﻧﺩﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺍﮨﻡ‬ ‫ﻣﻼﻗﺎﺕ ﻣﺗﻭﻗﻊ‬ ‫)‪ (16:23‬ﺟﻧﻭﺭی ‪25 2013‬‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ)ﻣﺎﻧﻳﭨﺭﻧﮓ ڈﻳﺳﮏ( ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺗﻌﻠﻖ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ‪ ،‬ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﺭﻁﺎﻧﻳہ ﮐﯽ ﻋﺳﮑﺭی ﻭ ﺳﻭﻝ‬ ‫ﻗﻳﺎﺩﺕ ﻟﻧﺩﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺧﺻﻭﺻﯽ ﻣﻼﻗﺎﺕ ﮐﺭے ﮔﯽ ﺟﺱ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺧﻁﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺳﻳﮑﻳﻭﺭﭨﯽ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺗﻌﻠﻖ ﺍﮨﻡ ﻓﻳﺻﻠﻭں‬ ‫ﮐﺎ ﺍﻣﮑﺎﻥ ﮨﮯ ۔ ﻧﺟﯽ ﭼﻳﻧﻝ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﺗﻳﻥ ﻓﺭﻭﺭی ﮐﻭ ﻟﻧﺩﻥ ﻣﻳں ﮨﻭﻧﻳﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﻣﻼﻗﺎﺕ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ‪ ،‬ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﺑﺭﻁﺎﻧﻳہ ﮐﮯ ﻓﻭﺟﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺧﻔﻳہ ﺍﺩﺍﺭﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺳﺭﺑﺭﺍﮨﺎں ﻣﻼﻗﺎﺕ ﮐﺭﻳں ﮔﮯ ﺟﺱ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻁﺭﻑ ﺳﮯ ﭼﻳﻑ ﺁﻑ‬ ‫ﺁﺭﻣﯽ ﺳﭨﺎﻑ ﺟﻧﺭﻝ ﺍﺷﻔﺎﻕ ﭘﺭﻭﻳﺯ ﮐﻳﺎﻧﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻟﻳﻔﭨﻳﻧﻧٹ ﺟﻧﺭﻝ ﻅﮩﻳﺭﺍﻻﺳﻼﻡ ﺷﺭﮐﺕ ﮐﺭﻳں ﮔﮯ ۔ ﻣﻼﻗﺎﺕ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﻁﺭﻑ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ ﮐﮯ ﺭﻭڈ ﻣﻳپ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺗﻌﻠﻖ ﺳﭨﺭﻳﭨﺟﯽ ﭘﻳﭘﺭ ﭘﻳﺵ ﮐﻳﺎﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ ﺟﺱ ﭘﺭ ﺍﮨﻡ ﻓﻳﺻﻠﻭں ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ﺍﻣﮑﺎﻥ ﮨﮯ ۔ ڈﺍﻥ ﻧﻳﻭﺯ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﻋﺳﮑﺭی ﺳﺭﺑﺭﺍﮨﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻼﻗﺎﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺩﻥ ﺑﻌﺩ ﭼﻳﮑﻭﺭﺯ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺻﺩﺭ‬ ‫ﺁﺻﻑ ﻋﻠﯽ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی‪ ،‬ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻥ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺣﺎﻣﺩ ﮐﺭﺯﺋﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﺭﻁﺎﻧﻳہ ﮐﮯ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﻼﻗﺎﺕ ﮐﺭﻳں ﮔﮯ ۔‬

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‫‪All Day‬‬

January 28, 2013 Mon All Day

Pak-China bilateral trade crosses $12 billion mark for first time -- APP Pak-China bilateral trade crosses $12 billion mark for first time

Monday, 28 January 2013 19:25 Posted by Shoaib-ur-Rehman Siddiqui BEIJING: The overall bilateral trade of Pakistan and China last year crossed the figure of US$ 12 billion for the first time, according to the latest data released by the China Customs.

This puts us firmly on track to achieve the target of US$ 15 billion in the next two to three years, said Pakistan Ambassador to China Masood Khalid.

He said the leadership of the two countries has paid special attention to augmenting and cementing trade relations between our two countries and bring them at par with strategic partnership and political relations.

The data shows that Pakistan-China trade increased by 17.6pc to a total of US$ 12.4 billion in 2012. In a welcome development, Pakistan's exports to China increased by 48.2pc to US$ 3.14 billion.

Imports from China increased by 9.9pc to US$ 9.2 billion. The two way trade in 2011 was US$ 10.6 billion.

The biggest increase in Pakistan exports to China in 2012 has been in textiles and textile articles, vegetable products, ores and mineral products, leather goods and base metals.

Similarly, major imports from China include machinery and mechanical appliances, textiles and textile products, metals, chemical products, mineral ores, plastic scrap and transport equipment. Ambassador Masood Khalid praised the role played by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the Pakistan Federation of Chambers and Commerce in boosting the trade between the two countries.

Pakistan also actively participated in a number of fairs/EXPOs last year such as the Eurasia Expo, Canton Fair and Kunming Fair.

This provided exhibitors from Pakistan to display products and helped boost the exports. Pakistan traders have been especially focusing on textiles, leather, sports goods, precious stones and handicrafts.

The Ambassador said we hope to build on this momentum and further increase our trade in future.

More trade delegations from Pakistan would be encouraged to visit China and participate in the fairs and EXPOs, said the Ambassador.

We have an excellent and broad economic architecture in place between our two countries, Ambassador Masood Khalid said.

In order to exploit it to the full, it is vital to diversify export basket, introduce value addition and provide better quality of goods and services, he added.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2013

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January 30, 2013 Wed All Day

Gwadar port transfer to China approved -- The News Gwadar port transfer to China approved

ISLAMABAD: Federal Cabinet on Wednesday approved a deal transferring from Singapore to China the management of the strategically located deep-sea Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea. China provided about 75 percent of the initial $250 million in funding for the construction of the port in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan.

It is currently being operated by Singapore's PSA International, but needs further development work to become fully operational.

According to PSA's Gwadar website, there has been no ship in the port since November.

"The cabinet today gave approval to transfer Gwadar port operations from Port of Singapore to Chinese Overseas Port Holdings Limited," Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira told reporters.

"Both the companies have settled their deal," he said, without giving a timetable for the transfer.

Kaira said that Singapore's PSA International could not develop or operate Gwadar "as desired" and said he hoped that under new management the port would soon contribute to Pakistan's flagging economy.

"The Chinese will make more investment to make the project operational," Kaira said.

China, one of Pakistan's closest allies and its main arms supplier, has also funded ports in Sri Lanka and has been approached to help build a port in Bangladesh.

Pakistan's former defence minister Ahmad Mukhtar said in May 2011 that China had agreed to take over port operations at Gwadar.

He also said Islamabad would be "more grateful to the Chinese government if a naval base was being constructed at the site of Gwadar for Pakistan". At the time, China's foreign ministry said it was unaware of any such request.

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Gwadar port transfer to China approved -- Pak Observer Gwadar port transfer to China approved

Thursday, January 31, 2013 - Islamabad—Cabinet on Wednesday approved a deal transferring from Singapore to China the management of the deep-sea Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea. China provided about 75 per cent of the initial $250 million in funding for the construction of the port in Balochistan.

It is currently being operated by Singapore’s PSA International, but needs further development work to become fully operational. According to PSA’s Gwadar website, there has been no ship in the port since November.

“The cabinet Wednesday gave approval to transfer Gwadar port operations from Port of Singapore to Chinese Overseas Port Holdings Limited,” Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira told reporters.

“Both the companies have settled their deal,” he said, without giving a timetable for the transfer.

Kaira said that Singapore’s PSA International could not develop or operate Gwadar 873

January 30, 2013 Continued Wed “as desired” and said he hoped that under new management the port would soon contribute to Pakistan’s flagging economy.

“The Chinese will make more investment to make the project operational,” Kaira said.

The minister said that work on the construction of the Pakistani side of the pipeline will be undertaken soon at a cost of one point five billion dollars.

He said that work is continuing on the proposed Turkmenistan-AfghanistanPakistan-India gas pipeline project.

Qamar Zaman Kaira said that the cabinet also gave approval to Strategic Trade Policy whose details will be announced tomorrow (Thursday). He said that the cabinet was informed that during July-December 2012, inflation remained seven point nine, which is the lowest in recent history of the country.

Information Minister said that the cabinet decided to empower the office of Ombudsman to institutionalize the process of accountability and provide speedy justice to the people.

He said that the cabinet decided to give administrative and financial autonomy to the office of Ombudsman.

He said that previously eleven different departments were carrying out accountability while now all these departments have been streamlined under the office of the Ombudsman. He said that departments will be bound to provide relevant information to the office of the Ombudsman within fifteen days failing which disciplinary action will be taken against them.

The Minister said that the office of the Ombudsman will decide appeals within fortyfive days and it will also be authorised to review its decisions.

He said that appeal against the Ombudsman’s decisions can only be made to the President within one hunded and twenty days. Qamar Zaman Kaira said that the tenure of the office of the ombudsman will be four years and the method for his removal will be the same as that of the judges of senior judiciary.

Qamar Zamnan Kaira said that Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf appreciated performance of the present assemblies and said that there is no precedence of what these assemblies have done.

He said that the assemblies have provided a basis for handling any threat to the system.

Answering a question, the Information Minister said that Pakistani exports have double due to the effective steps of the present government. He said that the present government has also increased salaries of government employees upto one hundred and fifty percent.

To another question, Qamar Zamnan Kaira said that democratization process has stepped up and credit for this goes to the democratic forces. The cabinet approved to start talks with Tunisia to establish sister cities relations between Islamabad and Tunis besides signing of MoU with South Korea for cooperation in environmental protection. The cabinet also approved starting talks with Philippines for defence cooperation.

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January 31, 2013 Thu All Day

Cabinet hands over Gwadar Port to China -- Daily Times Cabinet hands over Gwadar Port to China

By Sajid Chaudhry ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Wednesday approved a deal transferring control of Gwadar Port from Singapore to China.

Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira told newsmen that Singapore’s Port Singapore Authority (PSA) International could not develop the Gwadar Port, and expressed the hope that after its transfer to China it would better contribute to Pakistan’s deteriorating economy. Singapore’s PSA International began running the port five years ago under a contract valid for up to 40 years, but has decided to withdraw from it.

According to detailed reports, the government of Pakistan reached a decision to hand over the Gwadar Port to China when the PSA decided to leave it due to nonhanding over of allocated land required by the Authority for making the port fully operational. However, Kaira said that the PSA International could not operate Gwadar port, therefore the government had to transfer it from Singapore to China.

“The Chinese will make more investments to make the project operational,” Kaira said, adding that the “cabinet has approved transferring port from PSA to a Chinese company, whereas PSA have decided to leave the port at Gwadar”. The minister said that both the companies have settled their deal, but did not give a timetable for the transfer. Gwadar Port, for which China provided about 75 percent of the initial $250 million, is close to the Pakistan-Iran border and the Strait of Hormuz.

The cabinet also approved government-to-government cooperation agreement with Iran on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) work along with financing for the Pakistan segment of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. A committee consisting of ministers for finance, law and justice, petroleum and national resources and State Bank of Pakistan governor was formed to further analyse the project.

The committee would explore possibilities to arrange funding for the project. The information minister said that the cabinet considered, discussed and accorded approval to the Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2012-15 (STPF-2012-15) and the Commerce Ministry would hold a briefing on Thursday (today) about the various aspects of the policy.

The cabinet also approved Ombudsman Institutional Reforms Bill 2013 subject to vetting by the Ministry of Law to provide speedy justice to the people. The law will now be placed before parliament for approval. The tenure of the office of federal ombudsmen would be four years, and all the public sector organisations would be bound to reply to it within fifteen days.

The cabinet granted approval, in principle, to start negotiations on an MoU to establish sister cities relationship between Tunis and Islamabad. It also okayed signing of an MoU on cooperation for environmental protection with the government of Republic of Korea. Negotiations for an MoU between the governments of Philippines and Pakistan for Defence cooperation were also approved. The cabinet sanctioned signing of negotiated draft visa abolition agreement between the governments of Pakistan and Jordan for the holders of diplomatic and official passports. It also accorded its approval, in principle, to start negotiations for visa abolition agreement between the governments of Pakistan and Tanzania for the holders of diplomatic and official passports.

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Gwadar Port to be handed over to China Overseas Holding Ltd -- APP Gwadar Port to be handed over to China Overseas Holding Ltd

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira said that the Federal Cabinet has approved to hand over Gwadar Deep Sea Port to China Overseas Holdings Limited (COHL).

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January 31, 2013 Continued Thu He said this during media briefing after cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the information minister said that earlier the port was handed over to a Singapore company, which could not operationalize it effectively.

He said that previously the contract had been awarded to Singapore Port Authority but there were proposals to change the company.

Kaira said that now the Singaporean company will share the task of operationalizing the port with China Overseas Port Holding Limited and transfer the responsibility to it.

Information Minister has said that the federal cabinet has given final approval to Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project as four-member committee has been constituted under Finance Minister to monitor work on the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project.

The minister said that work on the construction of the Pakistani side of the pipeline will be undertaken soon at a cost of one point five billion dollars. He said that work is continuing on the proposed Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project.

Qamar Zaman Kaira said that the cabinet also gave approval to Strategic Trade Policy whose details will be announced tomorrow (Thursday).

He said that the cabinet was informed that during July-December 2012‚ inflation remained 7.9‚ which is the lowest in recent history of the country.

Information Minister said that the cabinet decided to empower the office of Ombudsman to institutionalize the process of accountability and provide speedy justice to the people.

He said that the cabinet decided to give administrative and financial autonomy to the office of Ombudsman.

He said that previously eleven different departments were carrying out accountability while now all these departments have been streamlined under the office of the Ombudsman.

He said that departments will be bound to provide relevant information to the office of the Ombudsman within fifteen days failing which disciplinary action will be taken against them.

The Minister said that the office of the Ombudsman will decide appeals within fortyfive days and it will also be authorized to review its decisions. He said that appeal against the Ombudsman s decisions can only be made to the President within one hundred and twenty days.

Qamar Zaman Kaira said that the tenure of the office of the ombudsman will be four years and the method for his removal will be the same as that of the judges of senior judiciary.

He said that Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf appreciated performance of the present assemblies and said that there is no precedence of what these assemblies have done.

The assemblies have provided a basis for handling any threat to the system, he added.

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Pakistan hands strategic Gwadar port’s operation to China -NationalTurk Pakistan News Pakistan hands strategic Gwadar port’s operation to China 31 January, 2013 | 11:53 876

January 31, 2013 Continued Thu In a major decision Pakistan, key ally of US, has handed over operations of country’s key and strategic Gwadar port on Arabian sea to China.

Islamabad, Jan 31/Nationalturk – In what may be not a good news for United States, Pakistan, its key ally, has handed over operations of country’s key and strategic Gwadar port on Arabian sea to its trusted friend and ally China.

“The cabinet gave approval to transfer of Gwadar port operations from Singapore’s Port of Singapore International to Chinese Overseas Port Holdings Limited,” Pakistan’s Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira told reporters.

Referring to Singapore’s company, he said Port of Singapore International could not develop or operate Gwadar as was desired.

He said the decision was taken to meet country’s soaring energy requirements.

“Both the companies have settled their deal,” he said.

He, however, did not give any specific date by which the port will be handed over to China.

Gwadar port is strategically very important Gwadar port lies in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province and is strategically very important. China provided about 75% of initial $250 million in funding to Pakistan for construction of the port.

Kaira said Pakistan hopes that under the new management, the strategically located deep-sea port would soon contribute to country’s flagging economy. “The Chinese will make more investment to make the project operational,” he added.

Gwadar Port is located at the apex of the Arabian Sea and at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, approximately 460 km (290 mi) west of Karachi, 75 km (47 mi) east of Pakistan’s border with Iran and 380 km (240 mi) km northeast of the nearest point in Oman across the Arabian Sea. It is situated on the eastern bay of a natural hammerhead-shaped peninsula protruding into the Arabian Sea from the coastline.

Gwadar Port is situated near the strategic Strait of Hormuz and its busy trading and oil shipping lanes. The surrounding region is home to around two-thirds of the world’s oil reserves. It is also the nearest warm-water seaport to the landlocked, but energy rich, Central Asian Republics and landlocked Afghanistan.

Faiz Ahmad / NationalTurk Pakistan News

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Pakistan to transfer Gwadar Port to China -- Business Recorder Pakistan to transfer Gwadar Port to China

Thursday, 31 January 2013 18:01 Posted by Fakir Syed Iqtidaruddin KARACHI: Pakistan will transfer the strategically located deep-sea Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea to China, the media reported on Thursday.

Primary funding has been provided by China with $250 million for construction of the port in the province of Balochistan.

The port, currently being operated by Singapore's PSA International, is in need of dire developmental work to become fully operational.

In May 2011, former defence minister Ahmad Mukhtar said that China had agreed to take over port operations at Gwadar.

He also said Islamabad wants China to a construct a naval base in Gwadar for Pakistan.

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January 31, 2013 Continued Thu However, China said it was unaware of any such request.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2013

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February 1, 2013 Fri All Day

Pakistan to transfer port of Gwadar's management to China -- China Daily Pakistan to transfer port of Gwadar's management to China

Pakistan will transfer the management of the strategically located Gwadar port from Singapore to China.

Analysts said the move aims to give a badly needed boost to bilateral trade and regional development and does not target any country.

Because Singapore's PSA International has not developed the deep-sea port on the Arabian Sea "as desired", Pakistan's Cabinet agreed to transfer the port's management to Chinese Overseas Port Holdings Ltd, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira told reporters in Islamabad on Wednesday.

"We hope that the Chinese company will invest to make the port operations help Pakistan support its economy," said the minister, adding that both companies have finalized the deal and that the transfer will happen soon.

Beijing on Thursday underlined its support to the development of the neighboring country, saying that Chinese companies have been engaging in international programs in many sectors.

"China will actively support any program that benefits China-Pakistan relations and the prosperity of Pakistan," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular news conference.

China provided about 75 percent of the initial $250 million in funding for the construction of the port in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan, a province dogged by security problems.

The port is close to the Pakistan-Iran border and the Strait of Hormuz. About 60 percent of China's energy requirements are shipped through the strait.

Wang Weihua, a researcher on South Asia at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, said the Gwadar project as a port, and not as a naval base, may provide supplies for Chinese merchant ships and escort vessels, as well as serving China's energy interests in the Middle East.

He said that the transfer of the port management does not represent a threat to any country.

Meanwhile, Chinese investment can help Islamabad to better develop the Baluchistan province and help boost Islamabad's influence in the Muslim world, said Wang.

The sparsely populated province is rich in natural resources, but violence, sectarianism and separatist insurgencies have stymied its development and probably the Singaporean company's business, observers said.

According to PSA's Gwadar website, no ship has called on the port since November.

Pakistan expects the port to be a hub for trade and economic activities in the region, to enable high-volume cargo to and from landlocked Central Asian states, and to create jobs for impoverished local people, Indian newspaper Dawn reported.

Liu Xiaoxue, a researcher on South Asia at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the port can stimulate the development of the bilateral free trade agreement, which was signed in 2006 but has not achieved as much as Islamabad expected.

"Still, it's a little early to talk about the energy corridor as the cost of land energy 879

February 1, 2013 Continued Fri transportation and risk of insecurity is still higher than maritime transportation," Liu said.

AFP contributed to this story. zhaoshengnan@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily 02/01/2013 page11

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Steps for Gwadar, IP gas projects lauded -- THE NATIONS Steps for Gwadar, IP gas projects lauded

ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Thursday said some recent steps taken by the government including ratification of Iran pipeline agreement by the Federal Cabinet and handing over Gwadar port to a Chinese firm are highly promising.

These steps will go a long way in reviving economy which is in tailspin since some time leaving millions jobless and threatening growth, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW. He said that Chinese cooperation in the pipeline project will make it a reality in less than expected time which will be a great service to the country and people of Pakistan reeling under energy crisis.

Mughal lauded the patience of Tehran as the project was delayed for long due to uncalled for US pressure on Islamabad to dump the venture essential for our survival.

Allowing transfer of concession agreement for Gwadar Port from the Port of Singapore Authority to the China Overseas Port Holding will attract further investment, provide opportunities to people of Balochistan and bring Islamabad and Beijing closer which are already like a family, he said.

He noted that announcement of long-awaited three-year Strategic Trade Policy Framework in which an export target of $95 billion has been set backed by steps to support the plan will help improve confidence in the business community.

The government should ensure that the recent Trade Policy does not meet the fate of trade policy framework for 2009-12 which failed due to want of funds. The plan of the Ministry of Water and Power to generate 3,000MW electricity from sugarcane bagasse on fast track basis is equally encouraging, he observed.

He demanded that all the necessary amendments in the existing policies should be ensured in time to attract investments to make plan of using 10 million tonnes of bagasse for power generation a reality as soon as possible.

Lauding the US assistance for water and power projects and her cooperation for optimum use of hydropower resources, Murtaza Mughal said that US should stop opposing Iran gas pipeline project otherwise anti-US feeling will run high among masses braving energy crisis.

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February 7, 2013 Thu All Day

China to continue assist Pakistan’s development, prosperity -- APP

Gwadar Port: China to continue assist Pakistan’s development, prosperity: Spokeswoman BEIJING, FEB 7 (APP): China made it clear on Thursday that it will continue to assist Pakistan for its development and prosperity. The spokeswoman of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hua Chunying expressed these views while responding to a couple of questions here with regard to transfer of operation of Gwadar port to a Chinese company.

She said that China and Pakistan are friendly neighbors and over a long period of time Chinese companies have been actively participating in various projects across Pakistan.

The spokesperson said as these projects are conducive in promoting friendship between the two countries and for Pakistan’s development and prosperity, therefore China will actively support Pakistan.

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February 14, 2013 Thu All Day

Chinese co given NOC on Gwadar Port concession lease, SC told -- Pak Trubine Chinese co given NOC on Gwadar Port concession lease, SC told

ISLAMABAD: Attorney General (AG) of Pakistan Irfan Qadir on Wednesday apprised the Supreme Court the government had given a no objection certificate (NOC) to assigning of concession lease by the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) to a Chinese company.

ISLAMABAD: Attorney General (AG) of Pakistan Irfan Qadir on Wednesday apprised the Supreme Court the government had given a no objection certificate (NOC) to assigning of concession lease by the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) to a Chinese company.

Appearing before the three-member bench of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Sh Azmat Saeed in response to a constitutional plea moved by Barrister Zafrullah of Watan Party, the AG recorded his statement.

The bench disposed of the petition for the time being with the observation that no further action was called for.

The petitioner had sought a directive against awarding of concession lease to a foreign company for a period of 40 years and said the lease might be given to a Pakistani company capable of completing the project.

During the course of proceedings, the Chief Justice inquired from the AG whether the leasing contract with Singapore company was intact to which he replied that it had now been assigned to a Chinese company.

End.

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Gwadar seaport holds key in China's energy search Gwadar seaport holds key in China's energy search Syed Fazl-e-Haider says the Gwadar seaport will play a key role in its joint projects with Pakistan A Pakistani soldier at the newly built Gwadar port. -- Pakistan Affaires Gwadar seaport holds key in China's energy search

China is expected to take operational control of the strategically located Gwadar port on Pakistan's southwestern coast this month. The state-run Chinese Overseas Port Holdings has bought the shares of Singapore's PSA International, the concession holder and operator of the port, under a deal approved by the Pakistan government.

China had contributed US$220 million to the construction of the seaport.

PSA was initially contracted to manage and develop the port for 40 years but decided to quit it last year after Pakistan failed to transfer 236 hectares of land in the Pakistan navy's hands for development. The port has so far remained a commercial failure, as it still lacks road and rail connectivity to the rest of the country.

Now China has become the builder and operator of an Arabian Sea port, near the Strait of Hormuz. By virtue of its strategic location, the port can become a major outlet for trade between China, Central Asia and the Gulf region.

Furthermore, energy-hungry China can achieve its strategic objectives associated with energy security through its presence in Gwadar. The port is China's favourable choice for oil trade: oil imports from Iran, the Gulf states and Africa can be transported overland to northwestern China through the port.

Previously planned projects, such as the development of a Pakistan-China energy 882

February 14, 2013 Continued Thu corridor, may also materialise. China has already proposed to develop a petrochemical city with an oil refinery in Gwadar. In 2007, the Chinese company Great United Petroleum Holdings carried out a feasibility study of the US$13 billion petrochemical city.

The establishment of a dry port at Sost, near the Pakistan-China border, the oil refinery in Gwadar, the proposed rail and road projects, and the expansion of the Karakoram Highway - these are all moves over the past decade towards building an energy corridor.

Gwadar has the potential to play a major role in serving as a corridor for energy, cargo and services between Central Asia, the Gulf and other surrounding regions.

Western China can benefit from the port through the Sost dry port, which will also boost economic activity along the proposed highway linking Gwadar with the Karakoram Highway in the north.

The movement of oil and trade between Pakistan and China will obviously gain momentum when Gwadar is linked with the highway.

The Chinese have already built the railway to Tibet and its extension to Pakistan will lead to a faster movement of cargo between the two countries.

However, despite the progress, China will face a daunting security challenge due to increasing lawlessness in the insurgency-hit Baluchistan province.

Syed Fazl-e-Haider is a development analyst in Pakistan Gwadar seaport holds key in China's energy search | South China Morning Post

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February 15, 2013 Fri All Day

India should keep its nose out of Gwadar issue: FO -- Pakistan Today

ISLAMABAD - The Foreign Office (FO) has stated that Pakistan and China have not yet reached an agreement on Gwadar Port, and that India’s concerns in this regard are unwarranted. While replying to a question during the weekly briefing on Thursday, FO Spokesman Muazzam Khan dismissed Indian concerns regarding Pakistan’s decision to transfer the management of Gwadar Port to China, saying a procedure was being considered to hand over the deep sea port to China. He said it was a matter between Pakistan and China, and no other country needed to be involved in it. To another query, he said that Pakistan had released 28 Taliban militants, and it was making sincere efforts to resolve the Afghan problem. He hoped that the Ulema Conference due to be held in Kabul on March 10 would lead to the resolution of all the problems between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The spokesman clarified that the FO had no connection with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Fazlur Rehman’s recent visit to Qatar, reportedly for a meeting with the Afghan Taliban. Fazlur Rehman travelled to Doha of his own accord, he said.

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February 16, 2013 Sat All Day

Pakistan-China Gwadar Port agreement to be ratified on Feb 18 -- Pak News Desk

KARACHI: The operations of deep sea Gwadar harbor will be handed over to China Overseas Port Holding Authority (COPH) under an agreement set to be ratified on February 18, Dispatch News Desk (DND) reported on Saturday.

The accord signing ceremony will be undertaken at Aiwan-e-Sadr (Presidency), the sources in the Prime Minister House said.

According to sources, the transition of the control from the Port of Singapore Authority International (PSA) to COPH would complete within a week after the pact was inked. On a side note it was also revealed that the terms and conditions of the deal remain unchanged.

Gwadar Port is a warm-water, deep-sea port situated on the Arabian Sea at Gwadar in Balochistan province of Pakistan. It is located at the apex of the Arabian Sea and at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, approximately 460 km west of Karachi, 75km east of Pakistan’s border with Iran and 380km northeast of the nearest point in Oman across the Arabian Sea. It is situated on the eastern bay of a natural hammerhead-shaped peninsula protruding into the Arabian Sea from the coastline. The harbour is owned by the state-run Gwadar Port Authority and operated by PSA (2007-2012). Following the completion of Phase I, the Government of Pakistan on 1 February 2007 signed a 40-year agreement with PSA for the development and operation of the tax-free port and duty-free trade zone. PSA was the highest bidder for the Gwadar port after DP World backed out of the bidding process.

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‫ ﻓﺮﻭﺭی ﮐﻮﮨﻮﮔﺎ‬18 ‫ ﭼﻴﻦ ﮐﻮ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﺣﻮﺍﻟﮯ ﮐﺮﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺪﻩ‬-- Nawa-i-waqat ‫ …ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ‬،‫ ﻓﺭﻭﺭی ﮐﻭﮨﻭﮔﺎ‬18 ‫ﮨﺎﻭﺱ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﻭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻩ‬ ٔ ‫ﺫﺭﺍﺋﻊ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ‬ ‫ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﭘﺭ ﺩﺳﺕ ﺧﻁ ﺍﻳﻭﺍﻥ ﺻﺩﺭﻣﻳں ﮨﻭﻧﮕﮯ۔ ﺫﺭﺍﺋﻊ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺁﻑ ﺳﻧﮕﺎﭘﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﺎ ﮐﻧﭨﺭﻭﻝ ﺍﻳﮏ ﮨﻔﺗﮯ‬ ‫ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﯽ ﺷﺭﺍﺋﻁ ﻣﻳں ﮐﻭﺋﯽ ﺗﺑﺩﻳﻠﯽ ﻧﮩﻳں ﺁﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ‬،‫ﻣﻳں ﭼﺎﺋﻧﺎﮨﺎﺭﺑﺭﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﮐﻭﺩﻳﮕﯽ‬

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February 17, 2013 Sun All Day

Gwadar integral to China’s maritime expansion -- Daily Times Gwadar integral to China’s maritime expansion

ISLAMABAD: China’s acquisition of a strategic port in Pakistan is the latest addition to its drive to secure energy and maritime routes and gives it a potential naval base in the Arabian Sea, unsettling India.

The Pakistani cabinet on January 30 approved the transfer of Gwadar port, a commercial failure cut off from the national road network, from Singapore’s PSA International to the state-owned China Overseas Port Holdings Limited.

The Pakistanis pitched the deal as an energy and trade corridor that would connect China to the Arabian Sea and Strait of Hormuz, a gateway for a third of the world’s traded oil, overland through an expanded Karakoram Highway.

Experts say it would slash thousands of kilometres off the distance oil and gas imports from Africa and the Middle East have to be transported to reach China, making Gwadar a potentially vital link in its supply chain.

China paid about 75 percent of the initial $250 million used to build the port, but in 2007 PSA International won a 40-year lease with then-ruler Pervez Musharraf who was reportedly unwilling to upset Washington by giving it to the Chinese.

Although it may take up to a year for the deal to be signed, Gwadar would be the most westerly in a string of Chinese-funded ports encircling its big regional rival, India, which was quick to express concern over the impending transfer.

In Nepal, China is building a $14 million “dry port” at Larcha, near the Tibet border, along with five other ports and and is upgrading transport links with an eye to the huge Indian market.

In Bangladesh, China is one of four countries, including India, Japan and the United States, interested in building a $5-billion deep-sea port at Sonadia island in the Bay of Bengal, according to the shipping ministry.

Sri Lanka in June 2012 opened a new $450 million deep-sea port at Hambantota, close to the vital east-west sea route used by around 300 ships a day, built with Chinese loans and construction expertise.

Although China has no equity stake in Hambantota, they have taken up an 85 percent slice of Colombo International Container Terminals Limited, which is building a new container port adjoining the existing Colombo harbour.

Beijing is also a key backer of a port and energy pipeline in Myanmar that will transport gas pumped offshore and oil shipped from Africa and the Middle East to China’s Yunnan province, due to be finished by the end of May. The ports were dubbed China’s “string of pearls” — or potential naval bases similar to those of the United States — in a 2004 report for the Pentagon.

But some analysts now pour cold water on suggestions that Beijing is scouting for naval bases in the Indian Ocean.

Andrew Small, an expert on China-Pakistan relations, believes that most of Beijing’s concerns can be resolved through cooperation, as seen in anti-piracy exercises in the Gulf of Aden that last year included drills with the US. “In the near-to-medium term, it appears that China’s interests in this part of the world lean far more towards developing capacities to deal with threats to sea lanes of communication, Chinese citizens overseas and so on,” he told AFP. “Plenty of Indian naval strategists are highly sceptical of the likelihood of many of the locations... actually being used as military facilities by China.”

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February 17, 2013 Continued Sun But Small does believe that Gwadar is the most mostly likely port to be developed

by China for use by the Pakistan Navy, and potentially their own.

“Pakistan is probably the only government where the level of trust between the two militaries is high enough to make that a completely reliable prospect,” he said.

When asked about Gwadar, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Beijing supports “jointly undertaken matters which are conducive to ChinesePakistani friendship and to the development and prosperity of Pakistan”.

Other Pakistani experts suggest that Islamabad is more likely to give the Chinese navy access to its existing naval bases of Karachi or Qasim.

“China can always use those. So they do not have to build another naval base at this stage,” said Hamayoun Khan, who teaches at the National Defence University in Islamabad.

Fazul-ul-Rehman, former director of the China Studies Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, dismisses the prospect of China going to war in the Indian Ocean and calls Indian concern “propaganda”.

But he says China has become more cautious about big investment projects in Pakistan due to security concerns. Taliban, sectarian and separatist violence blight Baluchistan, the southwestern province around Gwadar. In 2004, three Chinese engineers helping to build Gwadar were killed in a car bombing. The same year, two Chinese engineers working on a hydroelectric dam project in South Waziristan were kidnapped, and one of them died.

As a result, Rehman says there is a long way to go on China-Pakistan economic cooperation and emphasises that Gwadar will be a long-term project with Beijing looking for future alternatives to shipping routes for its oil and gas imports. afp

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February 18, 2013 Mon All Day

China takes over Pakistan's Gwadar port from Singapore -- APP China takes over Pakistan's Gwadar port from Singapore

"The award of this contract opens new opportunities for our people... It gives new impetus to Pakistan-China relations," added Zardari. (Pic by AFP) ISLAMABAD: China took control of Pakistan's Gwadar port on Monday as part of its drive to secure energy and maritime routes that also gives it a potential Arabian Sea naval base, sparking Indian concern.

"The contract of operation of Gwadar port is formally given to China. Today, the agreement is transferred from the Port of Singapore Authority to China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited," President Asif Ali Zardari announced.

"The award of this contract opens new opportunities for our people... It gives new impetus to Pakistan-China relations," added Zardari in a speech broadcast live on television.

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Gwadar goes to China -- Dunya News Gwadar goes to China

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Pakistan Monday inked agreement to hand over Gwadar Port to Chinese company.

Under the agreement the Chinese company will assume the responsibility of Gwadar Port from immediately. The port will remain property of Pakistan and the Chinese company will share the profit.

Chairman Gwadar Port Authority Dr Syed Pervez Abbas‚ Major General Asghar Nawaz of National Logistics Cell‚ Chairman AKD Security Aqeel Karim Dhedi and Leo Fong of China Overseas Port Holdings Limited and Singapore Authority representative Faisal Javed signed on the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.

According to the agreement China besides establishing a Free Economic Zone will construct a road from Gwadar to Ratho Dhero.

China will use the port for trade with Middle East.

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Gwadar Port handed over to China -- Tribune Gwadar Port handed over to China

GWADAR: President Asif Ali Zardari and the government have officially transferred administrative control of the Gwadar port to Chinese authorities.

While addressing the official event where the transfer took place, the president remarked that this occasion marked the start of new chapter in the lives of the people of Balochistan and the Pak-China friendship.

He further added that this project was the dream of former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. However, it was Benazir Bhutto, under whose leadership work on the project commenced.

“It was Benazir Bhutto’s decision to develop Gwadar into a deep sea-port,” the president said.

“It was in her second government that an authority was set up to complete the project in two phases,” he further added.

The Gwadar port is of great importance to China as it will give the Chinese Navy extra-strategic depth. Presence at the port would also enable China to gain easy access to oil from the Middle East and African countries, which would then be shipped to its northern and western provinces through Pakistan.

Last week, the Indian government claimed that the Chinese would use the Gwadar port for demonstrating political power in the region and would use their influence in Afghanistan. These allegations have been rejected by Pakistani authorities.

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February 18, 2013 Continued Mon All Day

Pak signs deal to handover Gwadar port to Chinese firm -- rediff.com Pak signs deal to handover Gwadar port to Chinese firm

Pakistan and China on Monday signed an agreement to hand over control of the strategic Gwadar deep sea port to a Chinese company, with President Asif Ali Zardari [ Images ] saying the move would give new impetus to bilateral relations and economic cooperation.

Under the agreement for transfer of concession rights, the port will remain the property of Pakistan while the Chinese company will share profits from its operation.

China Overseas Port Holdings Limited will fully assume responsibility for Gwadar port in Balochistan province.

Speaking on the occasion‚ President Zardari said the agreement would give new impetus to Pakistan-China relations and take bilateral political cooperation into the realm of economic cooperation.

The handing over of the operations of Gwadar port to China is a manifestation of growing ties and shows the trust that Pakistan has in the Chinese ability to deliver on infrastructure projects, he said.

The development of a trade corridor linking Xinjiang to the Middle East through Gwadar port will enhance trade between the two countries and in the region, Zardari said.

Gwadar has strategic importance for China as around 60 per cent of its crude oil comes from Gulf countries that are close to Gwadar, he said.

The agreement was signed by Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Syed Pervez Abbas‚ Major General Asghar Nawaz of the army-run National Logistics Cell‚ AKD Security chairman Aqeel Karim Dhedi, Leo Fong of China Overseas Port Holdings and Port of Singapore Authority representative Faisal Javed.

Beijing [ Images ] provided about 75 per cent of the initial funding of USD 250 million for building the port.

On January 30, the Pakistan government had approved the transfer of the management of Gwadar port from Singapore to China, which played a key role in its construction.

It was being operated by Singapore's PSA International and needs further development to become fully operational.

Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira had said last month that PSA International could not develop or operate Gwadar "as desired".

The Chinese will make "more investments" to make the port operational, he said.

PSA International had signed a contract to manage and develop Gwadar for 40 years.

China, which is Pakistan's closest ally, had for long been a front-runner for taking over the port.

Beijing has been working to develop a string of harbours in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. It has funded ports in Sri Lanka [ Images ] and has been approached to help build a port in Bangladesh.

Pakistan's former defence minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar had said in 2011 that Islamabad [ Images ] would be "grateful" to the Chinese government if a naval base 889

February 18, 2013 Continued Mon was built at Gwadar.

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Pakistan hands over Gwadar Port operation to China -- By: APP Pakistan hands over Gwadar Port operation to China

Pakistan formally awarded the contract for the operation of Gawadar Deep Seaport to China at an impressive ceremony here in Islamabad on Monday.

An impressive signing ceremony was held in this connection at Presidency that was witnessed by President Asif Ali Zardari, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Liu Jian, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, some federal ministers, members of parliament and senior government officials.

Spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the ceremony actually marked the transfer of Concession Agreement from the Port of Singapore Authority to the China Overseas Port Holding Company.

President Asif Ali Zardari while addressing this signing ceremony said it is an auspicious development in Pak-China relations as well as for the people of Pakistan particularly Balochistan and it will open an era of "new opportunities".

The President said Gawadar will soon be a hub of trade and commerce in the region and it holds the key to bring together the countries of Central Asia and lending a new impetus to Pak-China relations.

The President traced the history of development of Gawadar and how it was envisioned by the PPP leaders Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the obstacles created in its way.

President Zardari also highlighted the strategic significance of the port for China and Central Asian Republics and its potential of integrating the economies of the countries in the region.

He said the Chinese provinces of Xinjiang and Tibet are closer to Pakistani ports as compared to the ports in China adding that the development of a trade corridor linking Xinjiang to the Middle East via Gwadar Port held "huge promise".

President Asif Ali Zardari said the Gwadar project had very significant and strategic importance for China adding that nearly 60% of China's crude oil was imported from the Gulf countries which would increase in the next decade.

He said because of the proximity of the Gulf countries to Gwadar the oil flow from the Gulf to China would be greatly facilitated by the operation of this port.

The President said, "Handing over of the operation of Gwadar Port to China is manifestation of our growing ties and also shows the trust Pakistan has in the Chinese ability to deliver on our infrastructure projects."

He said development of a trade corridor linking Xinjiang to the Middle East through Gwadar Port will enhance trade and commerce not only between the two countries but also in the region.

He said it is an auspicious day in Pakistan-China relations and also an auspicious day for the people of Gawadar and Balochistan.

The President said the Gwadar Port will take another leap forward in Pak-China relations.

He said during the PPP government, a Fish Harbor cum Mini Port was built at Gawadar and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto visited Gawadar on December 14, 1989 to lay the foundation stone of Fish Harbor Project.

He said this became the stepping stone for the Gawadar Deep Sea Port.

He said Pakistan enjoys very cordial and brotherly relations with China adding that it has made extraordinary progress over the past decades.

He said China has remarkable rise in the region which is a testimony to the wisdom of its leaders.

The President said China is a source of inspiration for the peoples of developing countries around the world.

Referring to strong Pak-China ties, the President said, "Our friendship has stood the test of time and it is a relationship that is without parallel."

He said the foundations of this relationship were laid by visionary leaders of the time of the two countries and these leaders were Chairman Mao Zedong, Premier Zhou Enlai and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He said since then the friendship between Pakistan and China has been growing.

The President said Pak-china friendship has been growing from strength to strength adding that in recent years, "our two governments have injected new energy into our relationship."

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February 18, 2013 Continued Mon He said, "I have personally visited China nine times in the past four years and these visits have helped deepen the strategic cooperation."

The President said his frequent visit to China demonstrates two countries' commitment to forging even stronger ties.

"We are seeking to expand our existing areas of cooperation and exploring new avenues for fruitful collaboration," he added.

The President said the handing over of the operation of Gwadar Port to China is a manifestation of growing ties adding that it shows the trust in the Chinese ability to deliver on infrastructure projects in Pakistan.

President Zardari said, "We also need to build infrastructure around the Gwadar Port to promote regional trade and commerce."

The President also appreciated the Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghori, who could not attend the ceremony, for efforts in finalizing the arrangements for this signing ceremony.

The President, however, lauded Babar Ghori's efforts in facilitating the transfer of port operations to China.

Earlier, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Liu Jian speaking on the occasion said the transfer of Gwadar Port to China will bring tangible benefits to the two countries and contribute to peace, stability and development of the region.

He said Gwadar Port is part of greater framework of economic cooperation between Pakistan and China.

Four agreements were signed on this occasion to finally hand over all the operations of Gwadar Deep Seaport to China Overseas Port Holding Company.

Managing Director China Overseas Port Holding Company signed the agreements on behalf of his company with Syed Parvez Abbas Chairman Gwadar Port Authority, Aqeel Karim Dhedhi Chairman AKD Securities, representatives of National Logistics Cell and Singapore Port Authority which were the share holders when the Gwadar Port was handed over to Singapore Authority.

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‫‪February 19, 2013‬‬ ‫‪Tue‬‬ ‫‪Gwadar Port Management Part of China-Pakistan Cooperation:‬‬ ‫‪Spokesman -- CRL English‬‬

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‫‪Gwadar Port Management Part of China-Pakistan Cooperation: Spokesman‬‬

‫‪Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Tuesday that a Chinese company's‬‬ ‫‪takeover of the management of the Gwadar Port in Pakistan is part of the two‬‬ ‫‪countries' cooperative efforts.‬‬ ‫‪Hong said the transfer of the managing rights is a business project that falls under‬‬ ‫‪trade and economic cooperation conducted between China and Pakistan.‬‬ ‫‪According to reports, the two sides officially signed an agreement on transferring‬‬ ‫‪the management rights of the Gwadar Port to a Chinese company at a ceremony‬‬ ‫‪held in the presidential residence in Islamabad on Monday.‬‬ ‫‪When asked to comment on the strategic significance of the deal, Hong said‬‬ ‫‪boosting China-Pakistan cooperation is not only in the interests of both countries,‬‬ ‫‪but also conducive to maintaining regional stability and development.‬‬ ‫‪"Chinese companies have long been actively cooperating with Pakistan in multiple‬‬ ‫‪areas," Hong said.‬‬ ‫‪Operating the Gwadar Port, a deep-water port located in southwest Pakistan and in‬‬ ‫‪the Arabian Sea, is regarded by international observers as a strategic move for‬‬ ‫‪China to attain energy security and expand sea channels.‬‬

‫ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﻧﮯ ﺑﻠﻮﭼﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﻣﻴﮟ ﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻨﺪﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻧﺘﻈﺎﻡ ﭘﮍﻭﺳﯽ ﺩﻭﺳﺖ ﻣﻠﮏ ﭼﻴﻦ ﮐﻮ‬ ‫ﺳﻮﻧﭗ ﺩﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ‪ --‬ﻭﺍﺷﻨﮕﭩﻦ‬

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‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻧﮯ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻧﺗﻅﺎﻡ ﭘڑﻭﺳﯽ ﺩﻭﺳﺕ ﻣﻠﮏ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺳﻭﻧپ ﺩﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻧﮯ ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻧﺗﻅﺎﻡ ﭘڑﻭﺳﯽ ﺩﻭﺳﺕ ﻣﻠﮏ ﭼﻳﻥ —ﻭﺍﺷﻧﮕﭨﻥ‬ ‫ﮐﻭ ﺳﻭﻧپ ﺩﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﮔﺯﺷﺗہ ﻣﺎﻩ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﮐﺎﺑﻳﻧہ ﻧﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻧﺗﻅﺎﻡ ﺳﻧﮕﺎﭘﻭﺭ ﮐﯽ 'ﭘﯽ ﺍﻳﺱ ﺍے ﺍﻧﭨﺭﻧﻳﺷﻧﻝ' ﺳﮯ ﻟﮯ ﮐﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫'ﺍﻭﻭﺭﺳﻳﺯ ﭘﻭﺭﭨﺱ ﮨﻭﻟڈﻧﮓ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﻟﻣﻳﭨڈ' ﮐﻭ ﺩﻳﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺩی ﺗﻬﯽ۔‬ ‫ﮐﺎﺑﻳﻧہ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﻧﺏ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﭘﻳﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﻣﻳں ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺗﻘﺭﻳﺏ ﻣﻳں ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﮯ ﻧﻅﻡ ﻭ ﻧﺳﻖ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺳﺭﮐﺎﺭی ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻧﺗﻘﻠﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﭘﺭ ﺩﺳﺗﺧﻁ ﮐﻳﮯ ﮔﺋﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺑﺣﻳﺭﻩ ﻋﺭﺏ ﭘﺭ ﻭﺍﻗﻊ ‪2007‬ء ﻣﻳں ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﺍﺱ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﭘﺭ ڈﻫﺎﺋﯽ ﺳﻭ ﻣﻠﻳﻥ ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﻻﮔﺕ ﺁﺋﯽ ﺗﻬﯽ ﺟﺱ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ‪ 80‬ﻓﯽ ﺻﺩ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﭼﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻬﯽ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﮐﺎ ﻣﻘﺻﺩ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺭﺍﺳﺗﮯ ﻣﻐﺭﺑﯽ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺧﻠﻳﺟﯽ ﻋﺭﺏ ﺭﻳﺎﺳﺗﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺕ ﺍﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﺍﻳﻧﺩﻫﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺳﭘﻼﺋﯽ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻗﺎﺋﻡ ﮐﺭﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ۔‬ ‫ﭘﻳﺭ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﭘﺭ ﺩﺳﺗﺧﻁﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺗﻘﺭﻳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﺎﺏ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺁﺻﻑ ﻋﻠﯽ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﻧﮯ ﺍﻣﻳﺩ‬ ‫ﻅﺎﮨﺭ ﮐﯽ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻧﺗﻅﺎﻡ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻧﺗﻘﻝ ﮐﻳﮯ ﺟﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﻳہ ﻋﻼﻗہ ﺟﻠﺩ ﮨﯽ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺕ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺳﺭﮔﺭﻣﻳﻭں ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ﻣﺭﮐﺯ ﺑﻥ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔‬ ‫ﺻﺩﺭ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻐﺭﺑﯽ ﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺗﺑﺕ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳﻧﮑﻳﺎﻧﮓ ﻣﺷﺭﻗﯽ ﭼﻳﻥ ﻣﻳں ﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﮨﻭں ﮐﮯ ﻣﻘﺎﺑﻠﮯ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻧﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﮨﻭں ﺳﮯ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﻧﺯﺩﻳﮏ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻥ ﻋﻼﻗﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺧﻠﻳﺟﯽ ﺭﻳﺎﺳﺗﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺕ ﻣﻳں ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ‬ ‫ﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﺭﺩﺍﺭ ﺍﺩﺍ ﮐﺭﺳﮑﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﮐﺎ ‪ 60‬ﻓﯽ ﺻﺩ ﺧﺎﻡ ﺗﻳﻝ ﺧﻠﻳﺟﯽ ﻋﺭﺏ ﻣﻣﺎﻟﮏ ﺳﮯ ﺩﺭﺁﻣﺩ ﮐﺭﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺟﻭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﺑﮩﺕ ﻧﺯﺩﻳﮏ ﮨﻳں۔ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﺎﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﻳہ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺧﻠﻳﺟﯽ ﺭﻳﺎﺳﺗﻭں ﺳﮯ ﻧﮑﻠﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺗﻳﻝ ﮐﯽ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﺗﺭﺳﻳﻝ ﻣﻳں ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﺭﺩﺍﺭ ﺍﺩﺍ ﮐﺭے ﮔﯽ۔‬

‫ﭼﻴﻨﯽ ﺳﻔﻴﺮ ﮐﺎ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻤﻴﺮ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻠہ ﻣﻴﮟ ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ﺳﻤﻴﺖ ﮐﺴﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﻴﻠﺌﮯ‬ ‫‪ -- nawa-i-waqt‬ﭘﺮﻳﺸﺎﻥ ﻧہ ﮨﻮﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻣﺸﻮﺭﻩ‬ ‫ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﺳﻔﻳﺭ ﮐﺎ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻠہ ﻣﻳں ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ﺳﻣﻳﺕ ﮐﺳﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﭘﺭﻳﺷﺎﻥ ﻧہ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ﻣﺷﻭﺭﻩ‬ ‫‪892‬‬

‫‪All Day‬‬

‫‪February 19, 2013 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Tue‬‬ ‫ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﮨﻣﺎﺭی ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻼﻭﻩ ﺩﻓﺎﻋﯽ ﺍﺳﺗﺣﮑﺎﻡ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺿﻣﺎﻧﺕ ﮨﮯ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﻔﻳﺭ ﻟﻳﻭﺟﻳﺎﻥ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﭘﺭ ﮐﺳﯽ ﮐﻭ ﭘﺭﻳﺷﺎﻧﯽ ﻳﺎ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﺧﺻﻭﺻﯽ ﮔﻔﺗﮕﻭ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ “ﻧﻭﺍﺋﮯ ﻭﻗﺕ”ﺗﮑﻠﻳﻑ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮨﻭﻧﯽ ﭼﺎﮨﻳﮯ۔ ﮔﺯﺷﺗہ ﺭﻭﺯ ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﮐﺳﯽ ﺗﻳﺳﺭے ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﻭ ﺍﺱ ﭘﺭ ‘ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﻭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﮐﺭﻧﺎ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﺎ ﺑﺎﮨﻣﯽ ﻓﻳﺻﻠہ‬ ‫ﭘﺭﻳﺷﺎﻥ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻗﻁﻌﺎ ً ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﻧﮩﻳں۔ ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﻣﻣﺎﻟﮏ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻔﺎﺩ ﻣﻳں ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﺍﺱ ﺗﺻﻭﺭ ﮐﻭ ﻣﺣﺽ ﻣﻔﺭﻭﺿہ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﮯ ﺑﻧﻳﺎﺩ ﻗﺭﺍﺭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﺱ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﻭ ﻋﺳﮑﺭی ﻣﻘﺎﺻﺩ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﺳﺗﻌﻣﺎﻝ ﮐﺭﻳﮕﺎ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺳﮑﻳﻭﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺫﻣہ ﺩﺍﺭی ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ ﭼﻳﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫‪ 120‬ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﭘﺭ ﮐﺎﻡ ﮐﺭ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮨﻣﻳں ﺍﻥ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺳﮑﻳﻭﺭﭨﯽ ﻓﺭﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﺭ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﺱ ﻟﺋﮯ‬ ‫ﮨﻡ ﺳﮑﻳﻭﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻠہ ﻣﻳں ﻓﮑﺭﻣﻧﺩ ﻧﮩﻳں۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺎﺑﻳﻥ ﺩﻭﺳﺗﯽ ﻭﻗﺕ ﮐﯽ ﮨﺭ‬ ‫ﻭﻩ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ‘ﺳﻼﻣﺗﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺧﻭﺍﮨﺎں ﮨﮯ ‘ﺁﺯﻣﺎﺋﺵ ﭘﺭ ﭘﻭﺭی ﺍﺗﺭی ﮨﮯ۔ ﭼﻳﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺁﺯﺍﺩی‬ ‫ﻣﺩﺩ ﮐﺭﺗﺎ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﻣﺷﻭﺭﻩ ﺩﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺳﮯ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﭘﺭ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺗﻭﺟہ ﺩﻳﻧﯽ ﭼﺎﮨﻳﮯ ﺟﺑﮑہ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﺭﺩﺍﺭ ﺍﺩﺍ ﮐﺭ ﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺎﺑﻳﻥ ﻁﮯ ﭘﺎﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﭘﺭ ﮔﺯﺷﺗہ ﺭﻭﺯ ﺍﻳﻭﺍﻥ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﻣﻳں ﺩﺳﺗﺧﻁ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺋﮯ ﭼﻧﺎﻧﭼہ ﺍﺏ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺳﻧﮕﺎﭘﻭﺭ ﺳﮯ ﻭﺍﭘﺱ ﻟﮯ ﮐﺭ ﺑﺎﺿﺎﺑﻁہ ﻁﻭﺭ ﭘﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﭼﮑﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻭﻭﺭﺳﻳﺯ‬ ‫ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮨﻭﻟڈﻧﮓ ﻟﻣﻳﭨڈ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﻧﮯ ﺍﺏ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻧﺗﻅﺎﻡ ﺳﻧﺑﻬﺎﻝ ﻟﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﻳہ‬ ‫ﺑﻧﮕﻠہ ﺩﻳﺵ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﺎ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺗﯽ ﺣﺏ ﺑﻥ ﺟﺎﺋﻳﮕﺎ ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﺑﺎﻟﺧﺻﻭﺹ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ‘ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ‘ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ‘ﺗﺭﮐﯽ ‘ﭼﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﮐﯽ ﺯﻧﺩﮔﻳﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺍﻧﻘﻼﺏ ﺑﺭﭘﺎ ﮨﻭ ﺟﺎﺋﻳﮕﺎ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﭨﺭﺍﻧﺯٹ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﻭﺟہ ﺳﮯ ﮐﺭﻭڑﻭں ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﺳﺎﻻﻧہ‬ ‫ﻣﻧﺎﻓﻊ ﻣﻠﮯ ﮔﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺭﻭﺯﮔﺎﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺑﮯ ﭘﻧﺎﻩ ﻣﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﭘﻳﺩﺍ ﮨﻭﻧﮕﮯ۔ ﺍے ﺍﻳﻑ ﭘﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺭﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﺎ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﺍﻳﮏ ﺳﭨﺭﭨﻳﺟﮏ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﮐﺭﻧﺎ ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳﻣﻧﺩﺭی ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺗﯽ ﺭﺍﺳﺗﮯ ﻣﺣﻔﻭﻅ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﮩﻡ ﮐﮯ ﺳﻠﺳﻠہ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﻭﺳﻁﯽ ﺳﮯ ﺗﻳﻝ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻳﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺩﺭﺁﻣﺩ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﺍﻳﮏ ﻧﻳﺎ ﻗﺩﻡ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﺱ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﮯ ﺣﺻﻭﻝ ﺳﮯ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺍﻓﺭﻳﻘہ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﺷﺭﻕ‬ ‫ٰ‬ ‫ﮨﺯﺍﺭﻭں ﮐﻠﻭ ﻣﻳﭨﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻓﺎﺻﻠہ ﻣﻳں ﮐﻣﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺳﮩﻭﻟﺕ ﻣﻠﮯ ﮔﯽ۔ ﺍﺱ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﭼﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ‪25‬‬ ‫ﮐﺭﻭڑ ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻓﺭﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﺋﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺟﺑﮑہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﭼﻳﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺑﺣﺭﻳہ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ‬ ‫ﻣﻌﺎﻭﻧﺕ ﮐﺭﻳﮕﺎ۔ ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ‪ 25‬ﺟﻧﻭﺭی ‪2015‬ءﺗﮏ ﭘﺎﻳہ؟ ﺗﮑﻣﻳﻝ ﮐﻭ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﻧﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﻳﻘﻳﻧﺎ ً ﺍﺱ ﺧﻁہ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﺎ ﻧﻳﺎ ﺳﻔﺭ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﺍﺱ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﺳﮯ ﻋﻼﻗﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﻣﻥ ﻭ ﺳﻼﻣﺗﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺿﻣﺎﻧﺕ ﻓﺭﺍﮨﻡ ﮨﻭ‬ ‫ﺳﮑﮯ ﮔﯽ۔ ﻳہ ﺧﻭﺵ ﺁﺋﻧﺩ ﺻﻭﺭﺗﺣﺎﻝ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻧﮯ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳﻼﻣﺗﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺗﻘﺎﺿﻭں ﮐﻭ ﭘﻳﺵ‬ ‫ﻧﻅﺭ ﺭﮐﻬ ﮐﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻩ ﮐﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺗﻭ ﺑﺭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘڑﻭﺳﯽ ﻣﻠﮏ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﮔﻳﺱ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺣﺗﻣﯽ ﺷﮑﻝ ﺩے ﺩی ﮨﮯ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﺍﻥ ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﺭے ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭘﺭ ﺳﺧﺕ‬ ‫ﺗﻬﺎ۔ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﻭ ﺭﮐﻭﺍﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺗﻭ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑہ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﻧﺏ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺅﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﯽ ﺩﺑﺎ‬ ‫ﮐﻭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﭘﺎﺑﻧﺩﻳﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺩﻫﻣﮑﻳﺎں ﺑﻬﯽ ﺩی ﮔﺋﻳں ﺟﺑﮑہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻠہ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑہ ﺳﮯ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﭘﺭﻳﺷﺎﻧﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺟﻭ ﮔﺯﺷﺗہ ﻣﺎﻩ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﮐﺎﺑﻳﻧہ ﻣﻳں ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﮐﮯ ﻭﻗﺕ ﺳﮯ ﮨﯽ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺍﺣﺗﺟﺎﺝ ﮐﺎ ﺳﻠﺳﻠہ ﺟﺎﺭی ﺭﮐﻬﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﻋﻼﻗﺎﺋﯽ ﺳﻼﻣﺗﯽ ﮐﻭ ﺧﻁﺭﻩ ﻻﺣﻖ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﭘﺭﻭﭘﻳﮕﻧڈﻩ‬ ‫ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﭘﮩﻠﯽ ﺑﺎﺕ ﺗﻭ ﻳہ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺧﺎﻟﺻﺗﺎ ً ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﮐﺎ ﻣﻔﺎﺩ ﻭﺍﺑﺳﺗہ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﻳہ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻩ ﺑﻬﯽ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻭں ﮐﯽ ﮨﯽ ﺍﻳﮏ ﮐڑی ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﮔﺭ‬ ‫ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺩﻓﺎﻋﯽ ﺻﻼﺣﻳﺗﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺍﺿﺎﻓہ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﻣﺩﻭﻣﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﮨﻭ ﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺗﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺳﭨﺭﭨﻳﺟﮏ ﺣﮑﻣﺕ‬ ‫ﻋﻣﻠﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﮨﻣﻳں ﺍﺳﮑﯽ ﺳﺧﺕ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﮨﮯ۔ ﮨﻣﺎﺭی ﺳﻼﻣﺗﯽ ﮐﻳﺧﻼﻑ ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺗﯽ ﻋﺯﺍﺋﻡ ﺗﻭ ﮐﺑﻬﯽ ڈﻫﮑﮯ ﭼﻬﭘﮯ ﻧﮩﻳں‬ ‫ﺭﮨﮯ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﮨﻣﻳں ﺍﺏ ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻥ ﺟﻧﮓ ﮐﯽ ﻭﺟہ ﺳﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺳﻼﻣﺗﯽ ﮐﻭ ﭼﺎﺭﻭں ﺟﺎﻧﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﺭﺍﺕ ﻻﺣﻖ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺱ‬ ‫ﺩﻓﺎﻋﯽ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﺭﻧﺎ ﺑﻬﯽ ‘ﺗﻧﺎﻅﺭ ﻣﻳں ﭼﻳﻥ ﺟﻳﺳﮯ ﻗﺎﺑﻝ ﺑﻬﺭﻭﺳہ ﭘڑﻭﺳﯽ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﮨﯽ ﻧﮩﻳں‬ ‫ﮨﻣﺎﺭی ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺑﻌﻳﻧہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺳﻼﻣﺗﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﻔﻅ ﮐﻭ ﻳﻘﻳﻧﯽ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺍﭘﻧﺎ ﺩﻓﺎﻉ ﻣﺿﺑﻭﻁ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﮨﮯ ﮐﻳﻭﻧﮑہ ‪ 60‬ﮐﯽ ﺩﮨﺎﺋﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺍﺭﻭﻧﺎﭼﻝ ﭘﺭﺩﻳﺵ ﮐﮯ ﺗﻧﺎﺯﻋہ ﻣﻳں ﭼﻳﻥ ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﻧﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺳﻼﻣﺗﯽ‬ ‫ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺧﻁﺭﺍﺕ ﻣﺣﺳﻭﺱ ﮐﺭ ﭼﮑﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﮔﺭﭼہ ﺍﺱ ﻭﻗﺕ ﺑﻬﯽ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺳﺭﺣﺩی ﺟﻬڑﭘﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻧہ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﮐﻬﺎﻧﯽ ﭘڑی ﺗﻬﯽ ﭘﻬﺭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﺩﻓﺎﻉ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻣﺳﺗﻌﺩ ﺭﮨﻧﺎ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﺎ ﺑﻧﻳﺎﺩی ﺍﺳﺗﺣﻘﺎﻕ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺳﯽ ﻁﺭﺡ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ‬ ‫ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﺩﻓﺎﻉ ﻭ ﺳﻼﻣﺗﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺧﺎﻁﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺩﻓﺎﻋﯽ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺣﻖ ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﮨﮯ ﮐﻳﻭﻧﮑہ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑہ‬ ‫ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻥ ﺟﻧﮓ ﻣﻳں ﮨﻣﻳں ﺍﭘﻧﺎ ﻓﺭﻧٹ ﻻﺋﻥ ﺍﺗﺣﺎﺩی ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﻋﻼﻗﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮨﻣﺎﺭی ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺳﻼﻣﺗﯽ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺳﻧﮕﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﺩﻓﺎﻋﯽ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﺭﮐﮯ ﺍﺳﮯ ﻋﻼﻗﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺗﻬﺎﻧﻳﺩﺍﺭ ‘ﺧﻁﺭﺍﺕ ﮐﺎ ﺑﺎﻋﺙ ﺑﻧﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺍﻳﭨﻣﯽ‬ ‫ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﮐﻭﺷﺷﻭں ﻣﻳں ﻣﺻﺭﻭﻑ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﺱ ﺗﻧﺎﻅﺭ ﻣﻳں ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﻭﺟہ ﺳﮯ ﮨﻣﻳں ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻼﻭﻩ‬ ‫ﺩﻓﺎﻋﯽ ﺍﺳﺗﺣﮑﺎﻡ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺿﻣﺎﻧﺕ ﻣﻠﮯ ﮔﯽ ﺗﻭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭼﻳﻥ ﻻﺯﻭﺍﻝ ﺩﻭﺳﺗﯽ ﮐﻭ ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﻣﺳﺗﺣﮑﻡ ﺑﻧﺎﺗﺎ ﮨﻭﺍ ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ‬ ‫ﮨﻣﺎﺭے ﻟﺋﮯ ﺍﻧﺗﮩﺎﺋﯽ ﺳﻭﺩﻣﻧﺩ ﺛﺎﺑﺕ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺩﻭﺳﺭی ﺟﺎﻧﺏ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﺍﻳﭨﻣﯽ ﭨﻳﮑﻧﺎﻟﻭﺟﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﻋﺙ‬ ‫ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑہ ﺳﮯ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺳﻼﻣﺗﯽ ﮐﻭ ﻻﺣﻖ ﮨﻭﻧﻳﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺧﻁﺭﺍﺕ ﮐﺎ ﺗﻭڑ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻧﯽ ﺳﺭﺣﺩ ﮐﮯ ﻗﺭﻳﺏ ﺧﻠﻳﺞ ﻋﻣﺎﻥ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﻧﺋﮯ ﺑﺣﺭی ﻓﻭﺟﯽ ﺍڈے ﮐﮯ ﻗﻳﺎﻡ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺩی ﮐﺭ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺗﻭ ﺍﺳﮑﮯ ﭘﻳﺵ ﻧﻅﺭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮨﻣﻳں ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ‬ ‫ﺳﺭﺣﺩ ﭘﺭ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﯽ ﺳﺎﻟﻣﻳﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻻﺣﻖ ﻣﻣﮑﻧہ ﺧﻁﺭﺍﺕ ﭘﺭ ﮐڑی ﻧﻅﺭ ﺭﮐﻬﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﮨﮯ ﺟﻭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﮨﯽ ﻣﻣﮑﻥ ﮨﮯ ﺍﺱ ﻟﺋﮯ ﮨﻣﺎﺭی ﺩﻓﺎﻋﯽ ﺣﮑﻣﺕ ﻋﻣﻠﯽ ﻣﻳں ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻗﻁﻌﺎ ً ﻧﻅﺭﺍﻧﺩﺍﺯ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﺗﺎ۔‬ ‫ﺍﮔﺭ ﮐﻝ ﮐﻭ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑہ ﻳﺎ ﺍﺱ ﮐﺎ ﮐﻭﺋﯽ ﻧﻳﭨﻭ ﺍﺗﺣﺎﺩی ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻳﭨﻣﯽ ﺗﻧﺻﻳﺑﺎﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻧﻘﺻﺎﻥ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺍﺱ ﮐﻳﺧﻼﻑ‬ ‫ﺟﺎﺭﺣﻳﺕ ﮐﺎ ﺍﺭﺗﮑﺎﺏ ﮐﺭﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺗﻭ ﻳﻘﻳﻧﺎ ً ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺳﺎﻟﻣﻳﺕ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺧﻁﺭﺍﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺯﺩ ﻣﻳں ﺁﺋﻳﮕﯽ۔ ﭼﻧﺎﻧﭼہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﺎ ﺩﻓﺎﻋﯽ ﺣﺻﺎﺭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺑﻥ ‘ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺟﻭ ﮨﻣﺎﺭی ﺑﺣﺭﻳہ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﻭ ﻣﺿﺑﻭﻁﯽ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﻣﺩﻭﻣﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ‬ ‫ﺟﺎﺋﻳﮕﺎ ۔ﺍﮔﺭ ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ﮐﻭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﭘﺭ ﺗﮑﻠﻳﻑ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﺭﻳﺷﺎﻧﯽ ﮨﻭ ﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺗﻭ ﺍﺱ ﮐﺎ ﻳﮩﯽ‬ ‫ﭘﺱ ﻣﻧﻅﺭ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺗﮑﻣﻳﻝ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﻧﺭﻡ ﭼﺎﺭﻩ ﺳﻣﺟﻬ ﮐﺭ ﮨڑپ ﮐﺭﻧﺎ ﺁﺳﺎﻥ‬ ‫ﻧﮩﻳں ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﺑﺣﺭﮨﻧﺩ ﻣﻳں ﺍﺳﮑﯽ ﺍﺟﺎﺭﻩ ﺩﺍﺭی ﺑﻬﯽ ﺧﺗﻡ ﮨﻭ ﺟﺎﺋﻳﮕﯽ۔ ﺍﮔﺭ ﮨﻡ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﺳﮯ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺻﻭﺭﺕ ﻣﻳں ﺧﻭﺩﺍﻧﺣﺻﺎﺭی ﮐﻭ ﻣﺳﺗﺣﮑﻡ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﭘﻭﺯﻳﺷﻥ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﺁﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺳﮑﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮨﻣﺎﺭی ﺳﻼﻣﺗﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﻔﻅ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺿﻣﺎﻧﺕ ﺑﻧﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺗﻭ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﺍﻥ ﺅﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﮨﻣﻳں ﺁﺝ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮐﺱ ﭼﻳﺯ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻳﻘﻳﻧﺎ ً ﺍﺳﯽ ﺗﻧﺎﻅﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﺳﺧﺕ ﺑﻳﺭﻭﻧﯽ ﺩﺑﺎ‬ ‫ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺗﮑﻣﻳﻝ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﭘﺭﻋﺯﻡ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺗﻭﻗﻊ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﻧﯽ ﭼﺎﮨﻳﮯ ﮐہ ﻣﻠﮑﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺿﺎﻣﻥ ﻳہ‬ ‫ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺍﺏ ﺑﻼﮐﺳﯽ ﺭﮐﺎﻭٹ ﺗﮑﻣﻳﻝ ﮐﮯ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﻣﺭﺍﺣﻝ ﻁﮯ ﮐﺭﻟﻳں ﮔﮯ۔ ﺗﺎﮨﻡ ﺍﺳﮑﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺳﺭﺣﺩ ﮐﮯ ﻗﺭﻳﺏ ﻧﺋﮯ ﺑﺣﺭی ﻓﻭﺟﯽ ﺍڈے ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺩی ﭘﺭ ﮨﻣﻳں ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﺗﺣﻔﻅﺎﺕ ﺳﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ‬ ‫ﺿﺭﻭﺭ ﺁﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﺭﻧﺎ ﭼﺎﮨﻳﮯ۔‬ ‫‪893‬‬

‫‪February 19, 2013 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Tue‬‬ ‫ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﺑﻨﺪﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﭼﻴﻦ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻮﺍﻟﮯ ﮐﺮﻧﻴﮑﺎ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺪﻩ‘ ﺑﻠﻮﭼﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﻣﻴﮟ ﻧﺌﮯ ﺩﻭﺭ ﮐﺎ ﺁﻏﺎﺯ ﮨﻮ ﮔﺎ‪ :‬ﺻﺪﺭ ‪--‬‬ ‫ﻧﻮﺍﺋﮯ ﻭﻗﺖ ﺭﭘﻮﺭٹ ‪ +‬ﺍے ﭘﯽ ﺍے‬ ‫ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﻧﺋﮯ ﺩﻭﺭ ﮐﺎ ﺁﻏﺎﺯ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ‪ :‬ﺻﺩﺭ ‘ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﮐﺭﻧﻳﮑﺎ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻩ‬ ‫ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ‪ +‬ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ )ﻧﻭﺍﺋﮯ ﻭﻗﺕ ﺭﭘﻭﺭٹ ‪ +‬ﺍے ﭘﯽ ﺍے( ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﭼﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺳﭘﺭﺩ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻩ ﻁﮯ ﭘﺎﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﭘﺭ ﺩﺳﺗﺧﻁ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻘﺭﻳﺏ ﺍﻳﻭﺍﻥ ﺻﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻧﻌﻘﺩ ﮨﻭﺋﯽ۔ ﭼﻳﺋﺭﻣﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﺗﻬﺎﺭﭨﯽ ڈﺍﮐﭨﺭ ﭘﺭﻭﻳﺯ ﻋﺑﺎﺱ‪ ،‬ﻧﻳﺷﻧﻝ ﻻﺟﺳﭨﮏ ﺳﻳﻝ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻳﺟﺭ ﺟﻧﺭﻝ ﺍﺻﻐﺭ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ‪ ،‬ﭼﻳﺋﺭﻣﻳﻥ ﺍے ﮐﮯ ڈی‬ ‫ﺳﮑﻳﻭﺭﭨﯽ ﻋﻘﻳﻝ ﮐﺭﻳﻡ ڈﻫﻳڈی‪ ،‬ﭼﺎﺋﻧﺎ ﺍﻭﻭﺭﺳﻳﺯ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮨﻭﻟڈﻧﮓ ﻟﻣﻳﭨڈ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﻭﻓﻭﻧﮓ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳﻧﮕﺎﭘﻭﺭ ﺍﺗﻬﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻧﻣﺎﺋﻧﺩے‬ ‫ﻓﻳﺻﻝ ﺟﺎﻭﻳﺩ ﻧﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﭘﺭ ﺩﺳﺗﺧﻁ ﮐﺋﮯ۔ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﺳﻧﮕﺎﭘﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺧﺎﻟﯽ ﮐﺭﺩے ﮔﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﭨﺭﻣﻳﻧﻝ ”ﮐﻭﺳﮑﻭ ﺷﭘﻧﮓ“ﮨﺎﺭﺑﺭ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﻓﻭﺭی ﻁﻭﺭ ﭘﺭ ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﺳﻧﺑﻬﺎﻝ ﻟﮯ ﮔﯽ۔ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﮐﯽ ﺑﮩﺕ ﺑڑی ﺷﭘﻧﮓ ﻻﺋﻥ‬ ‫ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﻣﻝ ﮐﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﻭ ﭼﻼﺋﻳں ﮔﯽ۔ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻭﻗﻊ ﭘﺭ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﻧﮯ ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﺧﻁﺎﺏ ﻣﻳں ”ﭼﺎﺋﻧﺎ ﻣﺭﭼﻧٹ”ﺁﭘﺭﻳﭨﺭ‬ ‫ﮐﮩﺎ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﺳﮯ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﺎ ﻧﻳﺎ ﺩﻭﺭﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ‪ ،‬ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺳﮯ ﻧہ ﺻﺭﻑ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺑﻠﮑہ‬ ‫ﭘﻭﺭے ﺧﻁﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺗﯽ ﺳﺭﮔﺭﻣﻳﺎں ﺑڑﻫﻳں ﮔﯽ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﺳﮯ ﻧہ‬ ‫ﺻﺭﻑ ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﻣﻣﺎﻟﮏ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺗﻌﻠﻘﺎﺕ ﮐﯽ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺟﮩﺕ ﮐﺎ ﺁﻏﺎﺯ ﮨﻭ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺑﻠﮑہ ﻳہ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻩ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﮑﺭﺍﻥ ﺳﻣﻳﺕ‬ ‫ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺑﻬﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺎﺭﻳﺦ ﮐﺎ ﻧﻳﺎ ﺑﺎﺏ ﺛﺎﺑﺕ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﻭ ﺧﻁﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺍﺱ ﮐﮯ ﺟﻐﺭﺍﻓﻳﺎﺋﯽ‬ ‫ﻣﺣﻝ ﻭﻗﻭﻉ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺣﺎﻅ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻧﺗﮩﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻳں ﺍﻣﻳﺩ ﮨﮯ ﺍﺱ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻠﮏ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻧﺋﮯ ﺑﺎﺏ‬ ‫ﮐﺎ ﺍﺿﺎﻓہ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﺱ ﺍﮨﻡ ﺳﻧﮓ ﻣﻳﻝ ﻣﻳں ﻭﻩ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻳﻧڈ ﺷﭘﻧﮓ ﺑﺎﺑﺭ ﻏﻭﺭی ﮐﯽ ﮐﻭﺷﺷﻭں ﮐﺎ ﺗﮩہ ﺩﻝ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﺷﮑﺭﻳہ ﺍﺩﺍ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں ﻟﻳﮑﻥ ﺑﺩﻗﺳﻣﺗﯽ ﺳﮯ ﻭﻩ ﺁﺝ ﮨﻣﺎﺭے ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺍﺱ ﺍﮨﻡ ﻣﻭﻗﻊ ﭘﺭ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﻧﮩﻳں۔ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ‬ ‫ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﮐﺋﯽ ﻋﻼﻗﻭں ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﮨﻭں ﺳﮯ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﻗﺭﻳﺏ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﻭﺳﻁ ﺍﻳﺷﻳﺎﺋﯽ ﻣﻣﺎﻟﮏ ﮐﮯﻟﺋﮯ‬ ‫ﺑﻬﯽ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺍﻧﺗﮩﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﮨﻡ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮔﻭ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻑ ﻋﻼﻗﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺍﻣﻥ ﻭ ﺍﻣﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺻﻭﺭﺗﺣﺎﻝ‬ ‫ﮐﻭ ﻣﺛﺎﻟﯽ ﻗﺭﺍﺭ ﻧﮩﻳں ﺟﺎﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﻟﻳﮑﻥ ﺟﻠﺩ ﮨﯽ ﺍﺱ ﭘﺭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻗﺎﺑﻭ ﭘﺎﻟﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﭘﻭﺭی ﺗﺭﻗﯽ‬ ‫ﭘﺫﻳﺭ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﻣﺷﻌﻝ ﺭﺍﻩ ﮨﮯ ‪ ،‬ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺩﻭﺳﺗﯽ ﻭﻗﺕ ﮔﺫﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﻣﺿﺑﻭﻁ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺿﺑﻭﻁ ﺗﺭ ﮨﻭﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﮯ‬ ‫ﮔﺯﺷﺗہ ﭼﻧﺩ ﺑﺭﺳﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﻣﻠﮑﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺗﻌﻠﻘﺎﺕ ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﻣﺳﺗﺣﮑﻡ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻳہ ﺩﻭﺳﺗﯽ ﮨﺭ ﺁﺯﻣﺎﺋﺵ ﭘﺭ ﭘﻭﺭی ﺍﺗﺭی‬ ‫ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﻥ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺑﻧﺩ ﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮨﺎﺭﺑﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﻭﻳژﻥ ﺫﻭﺍﻟﻔﻘﺎﺭ ﻋﻠﯽ ﺑﻬﭨﻭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﺣﺗﺭﻣہ ﺑﮯ ﻧﻅﻳﺭ ﺷﮩﻳﺩ‬ ‫ﮐﺎ ﻭﻳژﻥ ﺗﻬﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﮯ ﻧﻅﻳﺭ ﺷﮩﻳﺩ ﮐﮯ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﺩﻭﺭ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﻣﻳں ﮨﺎﺭﺑﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻗﺎﺋﻡ ﮐﯽ ﮔﺋﯽ ﺗﻬﯽ۔ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﺎ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﺍﻧﺗﻅﺎﻡ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﺳﻧﺑﻬﺎﻟﮯ ﮔﯽ ﺗﺎﮨﻡ ﺍﺱ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻠﮑﻳﺕ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮨﯽ ﮐﮯ ﭘﺎﺱ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮔﯽ‪،‬‬ ‫ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﯽ ﺭﻭ ﺳﮯ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﻓﺭی ﺍﮐﻧﺎﻣﮏ ﺯﻭﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺳﮯ ﺭﺗﻭ ڈﻳﺭﻭ ﺗﮏ ﺩﻭ ﺭﻭﻳہ ﺳڑک‬ ‫ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﺭے ﮔﯽ۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ﻧﮯ ﺷﺩﻳﺩ ﺍﻋﺗﺭﺍﺽ ﺍﭨﻬﺎﻳﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﺗﺎﮨﻡ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻧﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﺳﮯ ﺩﺍﺧﻠﯽ ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻠہ ﻗﺭﺍﺭ ﺩے ﮐﺭ ﻣﺳﺗﺭﺩ ﮐﺭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ۔ ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﺑﺭﺁں ڈی ﺟﯽ ﭘﻭﺭﭨﺱ ﺍﻳﻧڈ ﺷﭘﻧﮓ ﺍﻅﮩﺭ ﺷﻣﻳﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮨﮯ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﮯ ﺷﻳﺋﺭﺯ ﭼﺎﺋﻧﺎ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮨﻭﻟڈﻧﮓ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻧﺗﻘﻝ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺋﮯ‪ ،‬ﺫﺭﺍﺋﻊ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﺷﻳﺋﺭﺯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺎﻟﻳﺕ ‪ 3‬ﮐﺭﻭڑ ‪50‬‬ ‫ﻻﮐﻬ ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﮨﮯ۔ﺍے ﭘﯽ ﭘﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﺻﺩﺭ ﻧﮯ ﮐﻭﺋﭨہ ﻣﻳں ﺩﻫﻣﺎﮐہ ﭘﺭ ﺍﻓﺳﻭﺱ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻅﮩﺎﺭ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮨﻡ ﻋﺳﮑﺭﻳﺕ‬ ‫ﭘﺳﻧﺩی ﮐﯽ ﻟﻌﻧﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺧﻼﻑ ﻟڑ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﮨﻣﺎﺭﺍ ﺳﻔﺭ ﺟﺎﺭی ﺭﮨﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﻳﻥ ﺍﻳﻥ ﺁﺋﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں‬ ‫ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺗﻌﻠﻘﺎﺕ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻳﮏ ﺍﮨﻡ ﭘﻳﺷﺭﻓﺕ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﻧﺋﮯ ﻣﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﮐﺎ ﺩﻭﺭ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ‪ ،‬ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺟﻠﺩ ﮨﯽ ﺧﻁہ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺕ ﮐﺎ ﻣﺭﮐﺯ ﺑﻥ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ‪ ،‬ﻋﺳﮑﺭﻳﺕ ﭘﺳﻧﺩی ﮐﯽ ﻟﻌﻧﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺧﻼﻑ ﻟڑ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﮨﻣﺎﺭﺍ ﺳﻔﺭ‬ ‫ﺟﺎﺭی ﺭﮨﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﮯ ﻣﺗﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﺍﺏ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﻁﻭﺭ ﭘﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻧﺗﻅﺎﻡ ﺳﻧﺑﻬﺎﻟﮯ ﮔﮯ‬ ‫ﺗﺎﮨﻡ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻠﮑﻳﺕ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮔﯽ‪ ،‬ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﻣﻳں ﻁﮯ ﭘﺎﻳﺎ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﺳڑک ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﺭے ﮔﯽ۔‬

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February 20, 2013 Wed All Day

Iran agrees to build oil refinery at Gwadar -- The news Iran agrees to build oil refinery at Gwadar

After offering funds for gas pipeline Iran has now agreed to build an oil refinery at Gwadar.

Iranian Oil Minister Rustam Ghasemi has positively replied Pakistan's request for constructing oil refinery in Gwadar.

Iranian Oil Minister President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf separately on Wednesday.

PM Ashraf has called the Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline agreement and important development and he also thanked Iran for supplying power to Gwadar.

Iranian Oil Minister said that Iran has completed its share of the work on the gas pipeline and that Iran wants to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in the economic sector.

Iranian Minister has completed his one-day visit to Pakistan and the next round of talk over Pak-Iran gas pipeline and LPG import would be held in Tehran.

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Iran to set up oil refinery in Gwadar -- Khaleej Times Iran to set up oil refinery in Gwadar (Our Correspondent) / 25 February 2013 ISLAMABAD -President Asif Ali Zardari will visit Iran from February 27 to clinch the much delayed and controversial Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline agreement.

Adviser to Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain has said Iran has indicated to extend credit facility of $500 million for completion of Pakistani part of the pipeline. Pakistan will raise another $1 billion from its own resources.

No international financial institution is ready to provide credit for fear of American sanctions. Last week Pakistan said the signing of the agreement was delayed because of differences over pricing which have yet not been resolved.

Asim said that Iran, in cooperation with Pakistan State Oil (PSO) will also set up an oil refinery in Gwadar.

Talking to reporters after holding a meeting with Rostam Qassemi, Iran’s Minister of Oil, he said that the refinery would refine 400,000 barrels of oil per day.

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Spain eager to invest in Pakistan’s energy sector -- The News Spain eager to invest in Pakistan’s energy sector

Rawalpindi: Ambassador of Spain Javier Carbajosa Sanchez has said his country is keen to invest in energy sector in Pakistan, as the country is facing immense energy crisis.

He stated this while exchanging views with the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce an Industry (RCCI) President Manzar Khurshid Sheikh during his visit to the RCCI here on Tuesday.

Group Leader Najamul Haq Malik, Senior Vice President Pervaiz Ahmed Warriach, Vice President Nadeem Rauf, member executive committee and other member of the chamber were also present on the occasion.

The Spanish ambassador said that his country will focus to enhance import from Pakistan to uplift the economic situation of the country. He said that both countries 895

February 20, 2013 Continued Wed are enjoying good political relations with each other and it is need of the hour to promote bilateral trade relations as well. He stressed that trade volume between Pakistan and Spain will be enhanced and every possible step will be taken in this regard.

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February 21, 2013 Thu All Day

Iran to build oil refinery in Gwadar: Dr Asim -- APP Iran to build oil refinery in Gwadar: Dr Asim

ISLAMABAD: Iran in cooperation with Pakistan state oil (PSO) will build an oil refinery at Gwadar, Petroleum Advisor Dr Asim Hussain.

Talking to mediamen after holding a meeting with Iran's Minister of Oil Rostam Qassemi, Dr Asim said that the refinery would refine 400,000 barrels of oil per day.

He added that President Asif Ali Zardari would soon visit Iran to finalize the agreement in this regard.

To a question he said that a Pakistani delegation would visit Iran to finalize Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) agreement on Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.

Earlier Dr. Asim Hussain held a meeting with Iranian delegation led by Iran's Petroleum Minister Rostam Qassemi at a local hotel. During the meeting various expert groups were set up to discuss bilateral cooperation in energy sector.

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Sino-Pakistani ties endure despite challenges -- Global Times Sino-Pakistani ties endure despite challenges

China and Pakistan have established a diplomatic relationship for more than 60 years, and the river of their friendship has run a long course. However, there are increasingly doubts toward the friendship between China and Pakistan.

In 2010, the US provided Pakistan $690 million aid after the devastating floods in Pakistan, 28 percent of all the aid it received, while China's contribution was less.

Western media made an issue of this, and criticized that China should take more responsibilities.

In 2011, The Economist published an article questioned the China-Pakistan friendship under the headline, "Pakistan and China: Sweet as Can Be?" Also when China Overseas Holdings Limited took over operations of the Gwadar Port, Indian media said the takeover would face many challenges from within Pakistan.

So, is the relationship between China and Pakistan really as sweet as can be? The book A Model of State-to-State Relations: Retrospects and Prospects of the ChinaPakistan Ties since 1951, edited by Du Youkang, a professor of the Center for Pakistan Studies at Fudan University, believes that the relationship between the two countries is at a new starting point with broad prospects for future development.

Du analyzes the two countries' mutual links to each other. Geopolitically, Pakistan is China's closest friend in South Asia. Diplomatically, China constantly supports Pakistan's efforts to promote regional peace and stability and combat terrorism.

Pakistan has also always supported the one-China policy.

The relationship between China and Pakistan has been tested by many incidents, such as the sanctions on China imposed by Western countries in the 1980s and the sanctions on Pakistan by the US in 1990s.

Du also gives detailed analyses of the great strategic meaning of the relationship between the two countries.

China is the second largest global economy, while Pakistan is one of the cradles of the Islamic Revival Movement and the only Muslim country with nuclear weapons.

On the regional and international level, cooperation between China and Pakistan is 897

February 21, 2013 Continued Thu no longer a mere bilateral relationship, it also exerts influence on the economy, politics and security of the whole region.

China and Pakistan view each other as "all-weather strategic partner." After efforts by many generations of leaders, exchanges at all levels between the two are all developing rapidly.

The international situation is in a transitional period, and South Asian dynamics are undergoing many deep structural changes.

However, the relationship between China and Pakistan is established on the foundation of deep-rooted public opinion. Although there are some factors that may influence bilateral relations, for instance, the development of political relations lagging behind economic exchanges and Indian factors, there are no major differences or irreconcilable conflicts between the two.

China-Pakistan relationship will remain a model for countries with different social systems to communicate and interact with each other in the future.

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February 22, 2013 Fri All Day

Gwadar port a gateway for trade with Central Asia: Harvest Tradings -RECORDER REPORT Gwadar port a gateway for trade with Central Asia: Harvest Tradings

February 22, 2013 RECORDER REPORT 0 Comments Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Harvest Tradings Ahmad Jawad has said Gwadar Port could give the country an economic fillip. It could facilitate trade among at least two dozen countries, including those in the Persian Gulf, the Central Asian States, Iran, East Africa and so on.

Talking to INP on Thursday, Ahmed Jawad said that Gwadar port has the potential of becoming a very trade-friendly facility. He said under the new arrangement the Gwadar port would get a new status in the world and it would help remove the sense of deprivation among the people of Balochistan. He said that it would encourage local and foreign investment there. "We may create a business plan in detail that 'How to utilise Gwadar in future'. Ministry of Commerce may assign the task in this regard to TDAP and PHDEC accordingly." Jawad said that this port should be termed as an energy port. The gas and oil deposits of CARs will find their new storage destination at Gwadar, because of its natural flow direction. Even Iran can benefit from Gwadar by securing an opening to the world market for gas and oil.

Gwadar, one of the deepest ports, would promote massive economic activity in the region which would not only benefit local people but also cast positive impact on overall economy of the province and the country, he maintained. Ahmed Jawad said that it would help bring Balochistan's coastal areas into socio-economic mainstream and serve as a catalyst for fast-track development of the province. Recently the fishery industry is one of the most important economic activities in Gwadar district.

About one-fourth of the total catch of different varieties in Pakistan is produced in Gwadar.

On an annual basis there is potential for an additional catch of at least 70,000 tonnes. Fish processing at Gwadar is providing employment to many of the local educated and uneducated unemployed youth. "In case fish farming and shrimp farming are encouraged, it can double the quantity, besides improving the quality."

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Iran to build $4 billion refinery in Pakistan -- Economic Desk Iran to build $4 billion refinery in Pakistan Economic Desk On Line: 22 February 2013 17:41 In Print: Saturday 23 February 2013 Font Size TEHRAN - Iran has agreed to build an oil refinery in Pakistan at an estimated value of 4 billion dollars, a senior Pakistani official says.

Asim Hussain, an adviser to the Pakistani prime minister, said that the refinery will be constructed in the port city of Gwadar.

The plant will be able to refine 400,000 barrels a day.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between an Iranian delegation led by Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi and Pakistani Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf. “We had very good meetings and we had a lot of bilateral talks especially on IranPakistan gas pipeline project and setting up oil refinery at Gwadar with PSO (Pakistan State Oil)," IRNA quoted Asim Hussain as saying.

According to a Pakistani official, it is expected that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) be signed for building the refinery during President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Tehran on February 27.

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February 22, 2013 Continued Fri Oil Minister Qasemi visited Pakistan on Tuesday to discuss the gas pipeline project with officials in Islamabad.

Iran has agreed to complete Pakistan's part of the gas pipeline project.

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KESC to invest $500m in coal plants -- Reuters KESC to invest $500m in coal plants

ISLAMABAD: KESC would invest about $500 million for setting up of coal-based power plants, improvement in transmission and distribution systems in Karachi during the next five years, said Tabish Gohar, chairman, KESC board of directors here on Thursday.

A five-member KESC delegation briefed the Minister for Water and Power, Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, on plans to improve power supply situation in Karachi.

Mr Gohar said that the Bin Qasim power plant would be converted on imported and local coal to generate 400MW cheaper electricity with an investment of $300 million.

The conversion plan would take almost 20 months to complete.

The KESC would spend $80 million on conversion of gas-based plants on combined cycle, while $80 million would be spent on smart grid station that would help improvement and transmission system.

The KESC chairman said that due to investment plan, the power system in Karachi would improve, and power thefts and line losses would be checked.

He also briefed the minister on outsourcing of some of its feeders and future plans to meet the electricity requirements.

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Pakistan hails German cooperation in various sectors -- Daily Times Pakistan hails German cooperation in various sectors Staff Report ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has always welcomed the cooperation extended by Germany in various sectors of the economy said adviser to the Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain.

Meeting with Dr Cyrill Nunn Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan he apprised him about the ongoing projects of the oil and gas sector in Pakistan and informed the government was providing incentives to companies intending to invest in oil and gas sector of Pakistan.

Recent policy initiatives have made Pakistan an investment friendly country particularly for the petroleum sector.

He welcomed the interest of German companies in providing state of the art electronic equipment that could possibly be made useful in the oil exploration in Pakistan.

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Pakistan seeks more Chinese investment -- Daily Times Pakistan seeks more Chinese investment

Engineering entrepreneur Almas Hyder said the developed economies around the world shifted or outsourced their labor intensive industries to their low income neighbors. The United States, he added, targeted Latin American economies for bulk of its investment, Japanese promoted technology and skills in Far East Asia with its investment; and the Eastern European countries became target of investments from developed European Union economies.

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February 22, 2013 Continued Fri He said China is one Pakistani neighbour that has almost achieved the status of a developed nation. The country is now opting out of many low value labor intensive industries. Currently, China’s share in total FDI of Pakistan is small, he added. It peaked in $700 million in 2006-7 but like general trend in FDI from other countries it was reduced to $47 million by 2010-11, he said.

He said official statics 2009-10 showed that total Chinese FDI in Pakistan amounted to $1.37 billion, which was very low compared with the investments made by China in rest of Asia. “Pakistan actually needs Chinese investment in textiles particularly garment industry and in light engineering and car industry where Pakistan enjoys comparative advantage but lacks skills, technology and finances,� said S M Tanveer, chairman of Punjab Industrial Estates Management and Development Company. He said Chinese are well aware of this potential.

He said a number of Chinese companies approached the Punjab government in late 2009 for establishing exclusive industrial estates for Chinese manufacturers and companies. He said one company asked permission for an exclusive zone for Chinese industries, spreading over 100,000 acres of land.

He said the Chinese were offered to establish in first phase a special industrial zone on 20,000 acres. In fact, he added in the presence Punjab chief minister a memorandum of understanding between the Chinese investors and the Punjab government was signed on February 20, 2010.

He said the only hitch was that provinces were not authorised to allow special industrial estates to foreigners. Now, the federal government, he added, has through an act of parliament given this authority to the provinces.

He said special industrial zone authority is being formed in Punjab after which it is hoped a number of special industrial zones will be established by the Chinese. He said the Chinese company that offered to establish Chinese industrial zone in Punjab is already operating an industrial estate in China spread over an area of 20,000 acres under the banner of the Asian International Development Ltd.

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February 23, 2013 Sat All Day

Coal power in Pakistan gets $700 million investment -- Mining.com Coal power in Pakistan gets $700 million investment Michael Allan McCrae | February 23, 2013 China and the United Arab Emirates will help Pakistan boost its electricity output by expanding coal power in the country.

Burj Power, a development and advisory firm out of the UAE, inked an agreement with China's Harbin Electric International Co Ltd., which will be the technical lead.

The project's price tag will range somewhere between $650 million and $700 million.

The group is building four coal-based power plants all at the Port Qasim capable of 125 megawatts (MW) each. The power could be online as soon as 2016.

Pakistan's state-controlled power producer, Karachi Electric Supply Co, will purchase power from the plants. The purchase agreements are still being negotiated.

Burj Power is also developing some wind power projects in Pakistan.

Harbin has an established base of over 30,000 MWs of thermal power plants and was also the EPC contractor of recently completed Bin Qasim CCPP that is producing 560 MWs for KESC.-PR The agreement was was formalized during a signing ceremony at Karachi's Marriot Hotel. Photos are on Burj Power's Facebook page.

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February 25, 2013 Mon All Day

Gwadar - a port full of possibilities -- The News Gwadar - a port full of possibilities By: Imran Malik

As the US/Nato/Isaf combine prepares to egress the AfPak Region (APR), we find Pakistan and China manoeuvring decisively into strategically advantageous positions in the region. Their strategic interests are converging on a grand scale at Gwadar - the centre of gravity and future strategic and economic hub of the SouthCentral Asian Region (SCAR)-Greater Middle East Region (GMER) complex.

Gwadar sits literally at the mouth of the strategically vital Straits of Hormuz. The leverage it provides is priceless. Its strategic location makes it ideal for any power intending to secure its energy sources in the region or to dominate the SCARGMER complex, including all Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) to and from the Persian Gulf.

Furthermore, naval forces stationed at Gwadar or other Makran Coast ports could potentially foray deep into the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean too, even impacting east-west trade.

A sea-land trade route to and from western or southern Europe to Russia via the Mediterranean, Suez Canal, (North Africa and the Middle East), Red and Arabian seas, Gwadar (Pakistan), Afghanistan and the CARs could integrate regional economies and create mutually-beneficial interdependencies. From Gwadar, another link could be created with the Xinjiang province in western China, thus cutting by thousands the kilometres Chinese ships would have to travel to and from China through the Malacca Straits. India also could be accommodated at some appropriate stage. Gwadar could provide trans-shipment facilities for the entire region. An exhaustive network of roads and railways, therefore, needs to be developed in the Gwadar hinterland connecting it with Xinjiang, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, CARs and Russia.

It as a matter of fact could be a more cost effective, all-weather alternative to the New Silk Route Project (NSRP).

Thus, China’s imperatives to get to Gwadar are manifold.

The US is shifting pivot to the Asia Pacific as a part of its well known policy to manage China’s rise and to contain it. Sixty percent of its naval assets are likely to be deployed to the Asia Pacific by 2020. This would impact China’s ability to foray out of its geographical confines to play a proactive role in world politics and trade. It will contest being hemmed in or circumscribed by the US and its allies.

Further, China’s greatest vulnerability lies at the Malacca Straits, which is the biggest chokepoint in the SLOCs to and from the Asia Pacific region. Thus, any power (ostensibly, the US and its allies) controlling the Malacca Straits could use this leverage to devastating strategic effect on any country in Asia Pacific. By bringing the Straits of Hormuz within its strategic reach, China would acquire a corresponding and competing leverage.

India is expected to play a very important role in the manifestation of this US grand strategic design.

Pakistan and China will do well to operationalise a north-south trade corridor, emanating from the Xinjiang province and going down south to Port Qasim, Karachi and Gwadar. This trade corridor must comprise an expanded and improved KKH with a railway line running parallel to it.

Since New Delhi has opted out of the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline project under US pressure, therefore, it must now be converted into an Iran-Pakistan-China (IPC) gas pipeline. China could further secure its oil supplies (60 percent of its crude comes from Iran) by having an oil pipeline from Iran running parallel to the IPC gas pipeline.

India stands to lose enormously if it blindly follows the US lead in containing China.

It has already soiled its relations with Iran, to a great extent, by siding with the US on its nuclear programme issue and opting out of the IPI gas pipeline project.

(Ironically, it has not opted out of the TAPI project.) The Indian SLOCs to and from the Persian Gulf and CARs (via Chabahar-Herat) would lie within constant Chinese oversight and strategic reach. The Indians are already wary of the Chinese, who they feel are encircling them through a series of ports - a consequence of its ‘String of Pearls’ strategy.

By establishing the north-south trade corridor, the Chinese would literally outflank the Indo-US design of containing it to a great extent.

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February 25, 2013 Continued Mon Pakistan has done well to develop Gwadar into a meaningful port. Its strategic implications are quite apparent. China is making a massive investment in the Gwadar area, adding 20 more berths there and will also develop the road infrastructure in its hinterland (Road Gwadar-Ratodero). It also intends to create an Economic Zone in Gwadar, which should go a long way in boosting the local, national and regional economy.

Furthermore, Iran has shown readiness to establish a $4 billion oil refinery there.

The IP gas pipeline too would have an enormous economic impact in the region.

Pakistan and China must also develop a road-railways network from Port QasimKarachi along the west bank of the River Indus and take it right up to Torkham and beyond.

India, on the other hand, must understand the leverage that Pakistan is developing.

Good relations with Pakistan could ensure the provision of gas and oil through land routes from Iran and the CARs. India could possibly open land trade routes to the West and get access to Iran and Turkey, on the one hand, and Afghanistan, CARs, Russia and Europe, on the other, NSRP. Its energy needs could be met expeditiously and at much lower transportation costs. In return, it could make all-out efforts to genuinely resolve all outstanding issues with Pakistan. Kashmir and the water disputes rank the highest these days.

Pakistan, in return, could ensure that Indian energy requirements could be met through the fossil fuel pipelines from Iran and the CARs. More so, the NSRP could become a reality. However, if it turns into a gas and oil versus water war, then both sides are likely to suffer. We must seek a win-win solution.

Gwadar is truly a port of immense possibilities and will be the hub of most political, strategic and economic developments in the region for a very long time to come.

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Sweden for cooperation in energy, agriculture, waste management -Online Sweden for cooperation in energy, agriculture, waste management

LAHORE: A five member Swedish delegation, lead by Lars-Hjalmar Wide, Ambassador of Sweden to Pakistan, visited the Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT).

The delegation including Ms Charlotte Kalin, CEO, Chamber Trade Sweden, Yawar Mian, Capital Business Sweden/CSR Pakistan, Jonas Rottorp, Swedish Environmental Research Institute (IVL) and Johan Bergkvist, Second Secretary, Embassy of Sweden held talks with PBIT team lead by Javed Akbar, Chief Executive Office, regarding cooperation in various sectors especially energy, agriculture and waste management.

The Swedish delegates are in Pakistan to conduct seminars in Lahore and Sialkot chambers of commerce & industry to present Case Studies of key Swedish Greentech expertise areas, successful Greentech solutions in Sweden and how Swedish technologies have benefited other countries.

Charlotte Kalin, CEO, Chamber Trade Sweden, who is in Pakistan as a Follow up visit of her earlier 2010 visit, to oversee forward cooperation in energy sector between Pakistan & Sweden, shared the fact that most global renewable companies are focusing on investing in India and China; while it was her organization’s effort to divert similar Swedish companies to invest in Pakistan.

Javed Akbar, CEO, (PBIT) also highlighted the massive existent investment opportunities in the energy sector including renewable resources especially waste to energy and solar.

He also briefed the Swedish delegation about the initiatives taken by the Punjab Government to promote foreign investment in the province. Mr Jonas Rottorp representing the Swedish Environmental Research Institute (IVL) offered to solicit interest of Swedish energy companies for investment in the renewable energy sector.

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February 25, 2013 Continued Mon All Day

Two-day Pakistan-Iran talks start -- (Source: nation.com.pk) Two-day Pakistan-Iran talks start

ISLAMABAD - Ahead of President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Iran, a two-day long bilateral talk on the import of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from Iran to Pakistan and construction of oil refinery at Gwadar started Monday.

High-ups from both sides of the petroleum ministries participate in the said important talks with an aim to step forward to finalise strategically important deals which in result would reduce energy woes in energy-starved Pakistan, a senior official of Pakistan’s petroleum ministry said.

He said last week Iran had offered Pakistan to sell LPG at a discount of 30 dollars per ton during the visit of Iranian Petroleum Minister Rostam Ghasemi to Pakistan.

Rostam Ghasemi during his visit called off President, Prime Minister of Pakistan and Adviser to Prime Minister on petroleum & natural resources Dr Asim Hussain.

Initially, both sides agreed that at first stage Iran would provide 10,000 tonnes each day LPG to Pakistan at a rate of $30 per ton while the quantity will go up with the passage of time. Iranian LPG will be imported to Pakistan via road, the official added.

A Pakistani delegation, comprising official of petroleum ministry led by DG Gas Sher Khan, reached Tehran to materialise the deal and it is also likely that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed on February 27 during the expected visit of President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari to Iran. “Different MoUs including installation of oil refinery at Gwadar having refining capacity of 4-lac barrel per day, import of LPG and furnace oil etc are expected to be signed during Zardari’s Iran visit”, official sources said, adding, “Talks on Peace Pipeline (IranPakistan (IP) gas pipeline project) are near to bore fruits.”

So far both sides withstood tremendous pressure from U.S. but did not get deterred to back off from their stance. The two sides finally agreed to sign what many duly believe is a monumental agreement. The agreement between both brethren states would be functional for 20 years and there would be a five-year extension. Tadbir Energy has already shown its agreement to construct pipeline inside Pakistan. The IP gasline project that will be completed by December 2014 will first bring 750 million cubic feet gas per day through 781-kilometer-long pipeline with a diameter of 42 inches, and later on, the gas flow will increase to 1 billion cubic feet per day.

It merits mentioning here that two states (Iran-Pakistan) are determined to make the pipe dream a reality as both have expressed their affirmation with regard to bringing Iranian gas to Pakistan despite persistent U.S. pressure to stop the project. Both sides have already settled all technical issues while price of Iranian gas including few other legal points of the agreement pertaining laying of 781 km long gasline on Pakistani side are yet to be resolved. However, both Iran and Pakistan are so far determined to proceed with the implementation of a pipeline project carrying Iranian gas to Pakistan by December 2014 and a break through is possible during President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Iran.

Earlier, crucial talks between Iranian Tadbir Energy and Pakistan Inter State Gas System (ISGS) on $1.5 billion IP gasline was deferred due to Pakistan’s demand to reduce gas price for Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline to bring it at par with the rates finalised in Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline project.

Besides, the Inter-State Gas Systems and the Iranian firm had already reached on a unanimous consensus that state-owned SSGCL and SNGPL would initiate mechanical works while the FWO, a subsidiary of the armed forces, would carry out civil works of the project while laying the pipeline from Gabd to Nawabshah inside Pakistan. Cost of installing gas pipeline on a single kilometer and the interest rate have already been settled on fourth day of last week’s talks. The cost would stand at Rs190 milion and the interest rate 3 percent on $500 million loan. Iran had demanded four percent interest rate on $500 million loan and Pakistan had bargained for three percent interest rate over the committed loan.

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February 26, 2013 Tue All Day

President leaves for Iran today to ink gasline accord -- By: Online President leaves for Iran today to ink gasline accord

ISLAMABAD - President Asif Ali Zardari will leave for Iran on Tuesday (today) to sign Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline Project (PIGPP) agreement.

As per media reports, President Zardari will proceed to Tehran to sign the accord related to PIGPP despite mounting pressure from US against entering into such agreement with Iran.

In line with the agreement, Iran will extend loan amounting to 500 million dollars to Pakistan for laying pipeline within its boundaries. Availability of investors has also emerged a major issue with regard to this project for fear of imposition of economic restrictions by US. The Foreign Office (FO) spokesman during his weekly press briefing on Thursday had brushed aside US pressure saying that PIGPP was very critical to Pakistan.

Country was facing energy crisis at present and taking forward PIGPP was in the national interest, he added. President Asif Ali Zardari will not only sign agreement but Iran will also build an oil refinery in Gwadar. Refinery will refine 400000 barrel oil daily.

Both the countries will ink the formal agreement in regard to this project during this proposed visit of President Zardari to Iran.

US is likely to mount its pressure further on Pakistan in the face of growing ties between US and Iran. US state department said on Saturday Pakistan was having better option than PIGPP to meet its energy needs. However Pakistan has put up resistance to US pressure so far.

During last week Iranian oil minister had visited Islamabad and announced his country would start supplying gas to Pakistan from December, 2014. Sources said President Zardari prospective visit to Iran would play a crucial role in determining Iran role in meeting energy requirements of Pakistan.

As per minister for petroleum Dr Asim Hussain, President Zardari will ink gas pipeline project on February, 27. Besides it Pakistan will import Liquidated Petroleum Gas (LPG) and hold talks with Iran for building oil refinery in Gawadar.

Iran has hinted at providing 10000 ton LPG daily initially to Pakistan and the quantum of supply would increase in the days to come.

This development is taking place at such junction of time when US is reiterating its reservations and possible stern reaction on PIGPP. India has already pulled out of this project under US pressure. It seems as if assistance from Iran can offer partly solution to the energy problem facing Pakistan.

The existing energy landscape is not only a perpetual source of embarrassment for Pakistanis but also the US recipes designed for addressing energy crisis for Pakistan are time consuming and expensive.

US insist Pakistan to import gas from Turkmenistan and Qatar instead of Iran. US is extending cooperation to Pakistan in hydropower projects but it would take several years to generate power from these projects.

Economic advisor to previous government Dr Ashfaq Hassan says energy crisis is leaving negative impact on GDP growth rate of the country which remains on the lower side by 3 to 4 percent.

Analysts said lack of growth in GDP rate has led to proliferate unemployment rate and poverty incidence. Investment has come to stand still and the industries have either been closed down or they are operating below their capacity. Riots and demonstrations have become a common phenomenon due to prevailing energy crisis in the country.

Gas shortfall has touched the mark of 2 billion cubic feet daily at present and the country will be able to secure 750 to one billion cubic feet gas daily from Iran under this project. . The gas will be utilized for generation of electricity ranging between 4000 to 5000 megawatt daily. As soon as this project completes the supply-demand gap might have been widened.

Dr Ashfaq says the energy crisis is so deep that Pakistan should meet its requirements no matter it gets energy from anywhere. The PIGPP is viable and workable project at present.

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‫‪February 26, 2013 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Tue‬‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎﻥ‘ ﺍﻳﺮﺍﻥ ﮔﻴﺲ ﭘﺎﺋﭗ ﻻﺋﻦ ﻣﻨﺼﻮﺑﮯ ﭘﺮ ﺩﺳﺘﺨﻂ ﮐﻞ ﮨﻮﻧﮕﮯ‘ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﺁﺝ ﺗﮩﺮﺍﻥ ﺟﺎﺋﻴﻨﮕﮯ ‪--‬‬ ‫ﻧﻮﺍﺋﮯ ﻭﻗﺖ‬

‫‪All Day‬‬

‫ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﺁﺝ ﺗﮩﺭﺍﻥ ﺟﺎﺋﻳﻧﮕﮯ ‘ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺩﺳﺗﺧﻁ ﮐﻝ ﮨﻭﻧﮕﮯ ‘ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ )ﺳﭘﻳﺷﻝ ﺭﭘﻭﺭٹ( ﺻﺩﺭ ﺁﺻﻑ ﻋﻠﯽ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ‪ 26‬ﺍﻭﺭ ‪ 27‬ﻓﺭﻭﺭی ﮐﻭ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﺎ ﺩﻭ ﺭﻭﺯﻩ ﮐﺭﻳں ﮔﮯ۔ ﺍﺱ‬ ‫ﺩﻭﺭے ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎک ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﻠﺳﻠﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺣﺗﻣﯽ ﻣﺫﺍﮐﺭﺍﺕ ﮨﻭں ﮔﮯ۔ ﻣﻌﺗﺑﺭ ﺫﺭﺍﺋﻊ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﺻﺩﺭ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﭘﭨﺭﻭﻟﻳﻡ ﮐﮯ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺷﻳﺭ ڈﺍﮐﭨﺭ ﻋﺎﺻﻡ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺟﺎ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں۔ ﺗﮩﺭﺍﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺻﺩﺭ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻧﯽ ﮨﻡ‬ ‫ﻣﻧﺻﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺻﻭﺭﺗﺣﺎﻝ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﺎک ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻑ ﭘﮩﻠﻭ¶ں ﭘﺭ ﺻﻼﺡ ﻣﺷﻭﺭﻩ ﮐﺭﻳں ﮔﮯ۔ ﺍے ﭘﯽ‬ ‫ﺍے ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺣﺗﻣﯽ ﺩﺳﺗﺧﻁ ﮐﻝ ‪ 27‬ﻓﺭﻭﺭی ﮐﻭ ﮐﺋﮯ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ۔ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﯽ ﺍﻳﺱ ﺍﻭ ﮐﮯ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺁﺋﻝ ﺭﻳﻔﺎﺋﻧﺭی ﻗﺎﺋﻡ ﮐﺭے ﮔﺎ۔ ﺫﺭﺍﺋﻊ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺣﺩﻭﺩ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﻧﺩﺭ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﺑﭼﻬﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ‪ 50‬ﮐﺭﻭڑ ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﮐﺎ ﻗﺭﺿہ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺩے ﮔﺎ۔ ﺁﻥ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑہ ﮐﯽ ﻁﺭﻑ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﭘﺎﺑﻧﺩﻳﺎں ﻟﮕﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺧﻭﻑ ﺳﮯ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺩﺳﺗﻳﺎﺑﯽ ﮐﺎ ﻣﺳﺋﻠہ ﺩﺭﭘﻳﺵ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﮐﻭ ﻣﺳﺗﺭﺩ ﺅﻭﺍﺿﺢ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﺟﻣﻌﺭﺍﺕ ﮐﻭ ﮨﻔﺗہ ﻭﺍﺭ ﭘﺭﻳﺱ ﺑﺭﻳﻔﻧﮓ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺭﺟﻣﺎﻥ ﺩﻓﺗﺭ ﺧﺎﺭﺟہ ﻧﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﯽ ﺩﺑﺎ‬ ‫ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﭘﺎک ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺍﻧﺗﮩﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﮨﻡ ﮨﮯ۔ ‪ 4‬ﺍﺭﺏ ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ‬ ‫ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﺭﻳﻔﺎﺋﻧﺭی ﺳﮯ ﻳﻭﻣﻳہ ‪ 4‬ﻻﮐﻬ ﺑﻳﺭﻝ ﺗﻳﻝ ﺻﺎﻑ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺗﮩﺭﺍﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﺍﺿﺎﻓہ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻣﮑﺎﻥ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻧﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺗﻳﻝ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺅﺑڑﻫﻧﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑہ ﮐﯽ ﻁﺭﻑ ﺳﮯ ﺩﺑﺎ‬ ‫ﺩﺳﻣﺑﺭ ‪2014‬ءﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﮔﻳﺱ ﮐﯽ ﻓﺭﺍﮨﻣﯽ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮐﺭ ﺩے ﮔﺎ۔‬

‫ﮔﻴﺲ ﻣﻨﺼﻮﺑہ ﻓﻴﺼﻠہ ﮐﻦ ﻣﺮﺣﻠہ ﻣﻴﮟ ﺩﺍﺧﻞ ﻧﻈﺮﻳﮟ ﺻﺪﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﻩ ﺗﮩﺮﺍﻥ ﭘﺮ ﻟﮕﯽ ﮨﻴﮟ ‪ --‬ﻧﻮﺍﺋﮯ‬ ‫ﻭﻗﺖ‬ ‫ﮔﻳﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﻓﻳﺻﻠہ ﮐﻥ ﻣﺭﺣﻠہ ﻣﻳں ﺩﺍﺧﻝ ﻧﻅﺭﻳں ﺻﺩﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﻩ ﺗﮩﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺭ ﻟﮕﯽ ﮨﻳں‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ )ﺳﮩﻳﻝ ﻋﺑﺩﺍﻟﻧﺎﺻﺭ(ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﯽ ﺩﻳﮑﻬ ﺑﻬﺎﻝ ﮐﺎ ﺑﻧﺩﻭﺑﺳﺕ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﭘﺭﺩ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻧﯽ ﻓﻳﺻﻠﮯ‬ ‫ﮐﻭ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑہ ﮐﯽ ﺭﺿﺎﻣﻧﺩی ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﮨﮯ ﻟﻳﮑﻥ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻳﺱ ﺧﺭﻳﺩﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻓﻳﺻﻠﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺳﺧﺕ ﻣﺧﺎﻟﻔﺕ ﺑﺩﺳﺗﻭﺭ ﺟﺎﺭی‬ ‫ﮨﮯ۔ ﺩﻓﺗﺭ ﺧﺎﺭﺟہ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺫﺭﻳﻌﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﭘﺎک ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻠہ ﻓﻳﺻﻠہ ﮐﻥ ﻣﺭﺣﻠہ ﻣﻳں ﺩﺍﺧﻝ ﮨﻭ‬ ‫ﭼﮑﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐﻳﻭﻧﮑہ ﺍﮔﻠﮯ ﻣﺎﻩ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩﻩ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺩﺕ ﭘﻭﺭی ﮨﻭ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ‪ ،‬ﻧﮕﺭﺍﻥ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﻭ ﺍﺗﻧﮯ ﺍﮨﻡ ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻠہ ﭘﺭ‬ ‫ﻓﻳﺻﻠہ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻳﻧڈﻳٹ ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﻋﺎﻡ ﺍﻧﺗﺧﺎﺑﺎﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﻣﻌﺭﺽ ﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﻣﻳں ﺁﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺑﺎﺭے ﻣﻳں ﻭﺛﻭﻕ ﺳﮯ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮐﮩﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮐہ ﭘﺎک ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻠہ ﭘﺭ ﺍﺱ ﮐﺎ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺭﻭﻳہ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ؟ ﺍﺱ ﺳﻠﺳﻠہ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﻧﻅﺭﻳں ﺻﺩﺭ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﻩ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺭ ﺟﻣﯽ ﮨﻳں۔ﻣﺫﮐﻭﺭﻩ ﺫﺭﻳﻌﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻳﺱ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﺣﺽ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺗﯽ ﺍﻣﻭﺭ ﻧﮩﻳں‪ ،‬ﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻧﺗﻳﺟﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺑﺎﻟﺗﺭﺗﻳﺏ ﭼﻳﻥ ﻭ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﺎ ﺍﺱ ﺧﻁہ ﻣﻳں ﺳﻳﺎﺳﯽ ﻭ ﺳﻔﺎﺭﺗﯽ‬ ‫ﺍﺛﺭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺑڑﻫﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺑﺣﻳﺭﻩ ﻋﺭﺏ ﮐﮯ ﺍﺱ ﺧﻁہ ﻣﻳں ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩﮔﯽ ﺳﺭﺩﺳﺕ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑہ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺑﺎﻋﺙ ﺗﺷﻭﻳﺵ ﻧﮩﻳں ‪،‬‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﺗﺭ ﺗﻭﺟہ ﺍﻳﺷﻳﺎءﺑﺣﺭ ﺍﻟﮑﺎﮨﻝ ﮐﮯ ﺧﻁہ ﭘﺭ ﻣﺭﮐﻭﺯ ﮨﮯ ﺗﺎﮨﻡ ﭘﺎک ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻠہ ﭘﺭ ﻧہ‬ ‫ﺻﺭﻑ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑہ ﺑﻠﮑہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺩﻭﺳﺕ ﺧﻠﻳﺟﯽ ﺭﻳﺎﺳﺗﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺗﺣﻔﻅﺎﺕ ﮨﻳں ﻟﻳﮑﻥ ﺍﺻﻝ ﻣﺳﺋﻠہ ﻳہ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﮔﻳﺱ ﻧہ ﺧﺭﻳﺩﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺻﻭﺭﺕ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺑﺣﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﮔﺭﺩﺍﺏ ﺳﮯ ﮐﻭﻥ ﻧﮑﺎﻟﮯ ﮔﺎ؟ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑہ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﺱ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﮐﺎ ﮐﻭﺋﯽ ﻓﻭﺭی ﺣﻝ ﻧﮩﻳں۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﺎ ﺁﭘﺭﻳﺷﻥ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﭘﺭﺩ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﭘﺭ ﻋﺎﻟﻣﯽ ﺭﺩﻋﻣﻝ‬ ‫ﺁﺑﻧﺎﺋﮯ ”ﺍﺑﻬﯽ ﺗﮏ ﺳﺎﻣﻧﮯ ﺁ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﮐﯽ ﻭﺟہ ﻳہ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﻳہ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺗﻳﻝ ﮐﯽ ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺻﺭﻭﻑ ﺑﺣﺭی ﮔﺯﺭﮔﺎﻩ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﺻﺭﻑ ﭼﺎﺭ ﺳﻭ ﮐﻠﻭﻣﻳﭨﺭ ﭘﺭ ﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻗﺭﺍﻗﺭﻡ ﮨﺎﺋﯽ ﻭے ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﺎ ﺁﭘﺭﻳﺷﻧﻝ “ﮨﺭﻣﺯ‬ ‫ﮐﻧﭨﺭﻭﻝ ﺳﻧﺑﻬﺎﻟﻧﮯ ﮐﻭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺩﻭﺳﺭی ﺑڑی ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﻗﺭﺍﺭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ﻏﻳﺭ ﻣﻠﮑﯽ ﻣﺎﮨﺭﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻧﺗﻅﺎﻡ ‪،‬ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻣﻔﻳﺩ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻼﻭﻩ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺳﻳﮑﻭﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺿﺎﻣﻥ ﮨﻭ‬ ‫ﮔﺎ۔ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﺳﮯ ﮔﮩﺭے ﺳﻧﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺑﻧﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ ﺟﻭ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺍﻋﺗﺑﺎﺭ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺣﻘﻳﻘﯽ ﻁﻭﺭ ﭘﺭ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﻣﻧﺩ ﮨﻭ‬ ‫ﮔﯽ۔ ﻁﻭﻳﻝ ﺍﻟﻣﻳﻌﺎﺩ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﺱ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺣﻝ ﭘﺭ ﺗﻳﻝ ﮐﯽ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺍﺭﺍﺩﻩ‬ ‫ﺭﮐﻬﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺟﻭ ﻣﻐﺭﺑﯽ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺗﮏ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﭘﻭﺭی ﮐﺭ ﺳﮑﮯ ﮔﯽ۔ﮔﮩﺭے ﺳﻣﻧﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺳﮯ ﻭﺳﻁ ﺍﻳﺷﺎﺋﯽ‬ ‫ﺭﻳﺎﺳﺗﻳں ﺑﻬﺭﭘﻭﺭ ﺍﻧﺩﺍﺯ ﻣﻳں ﻣﺳﺗﻔﻳﺩ ﮨﻭ ﺳﮑﻳﻧﮕﯽ ۔ﺳﻼﻣﺗﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﻣﺎﺣﻭﻝ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺻﻭﺭﺕ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺳﺭﮔﺭﻣﻳﻭں ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﻓﺭﻭﻍ ﻣﻠﮯ ﮔﺎ‬

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‫‪All Day‬‬

February 27, 2013 Wed All Day

IP gas line project: Zardari heads to Iran to seal deal today -- The News IP gas line project: Zardari heads to Iran to seal deal today

Despite mounting US pressure, Presi-dent Asif Ali Zardari is leaving on Wednesday for Iran to seal a $1.5 billion gas pipeline deal, it is learnt. The President would meet his counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on February 27 and sign the agreement of multibillion dollar Pak-Iran gas pipeline project. Both the leaders would also discuss investment prospects in Gwadar Port, which is recently handed over to a Chinese company.

According to presidential spokesman Senator Farhatullah Babar, Asif Ali Zardari would undertake a two-day official visit to Islamic Republic of Iran on February 27, 2013. He said during the visit, the President will hold talks with Iranian leadership on a host of bilateral issues and the regional situation. He said the President has been urging for further strengthening of the bilateral relations and for early completion of the mega projects between the two countries and expressed the hope that the visit would lend further impetus to the efforts aimed at early completion of the bilateral projects. The President would return on Thursday, he said.

Under the agreement of Pak-Iran gas pipeline project, Iran would extend a loan of $500 million to Pakistan for laying the pipeline within its boundaries. Availability of investors for the project has also emerged as a major issue due to fear of economic restrictions by the US. Iran will also build an oil refinery in Gwadar. The installation will refine 400,000 barrels of oil per day.

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IP gas line project: Zardari heads to Iran to seal deal today -- Business Recorder IP gas line project: Zardari heads to Iran to seal deal today

Despite mounting US pressure, Asif Ali Zardari is leaving on Wednesday for Iran to seal a $1.5 billion gas pipeline deal, it is learnt. The President would meet his counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on February 27 and sign the agreement of multibillion dollar Pak-Iran gas pipeline project. Both the leaders would also discuss investment prospects in Gwadar Port, which is recently handed over to a Chinese company.

According to presidential spokesman Senator Farhatullah Babar, Asif Ali Zardari would undertake a two-day official visit to Islamic Republic of Iran on February 27, 2013.

Under the agreement of Pak-Iran gas pipeline project, Iran would extend a loan of $500 million to Pakistan for laying the pipeline within its boundaries. Availability of investors for the project has also emerged as a major issue due to fear of economic restrictions by the US. Iran will also build an oil refinery in Gwadar. The installation will refine 400,000 barrels of oil per day.

The sources said the President would also discuss the issue of LPG import from Iran and on building the oil refinery in Gwadar. Iran has hinted at providing 10,000 tons of LPG daily to Pakistan, with a pledge to increase the supply in future.

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‫ ۔ﭘﺎک ﺍﻳﺮﺍﻥ‬-- ‫ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﮐﻮ ﮔﻴﺲ ﮐﯽ ﻓﺮﺍﮨﻤﯽ ﺷﺮﻭﻉ ﮐﺮ ﺩے ﮔﺎ‬2014 ‫ﺍﻳﺮﺍﻥ ﺩﺳﻤﺒﺮ‬ ‫ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﮔﻳﺱ ﮐﯽ ﻓﺭﺍﮨﻣﯽ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮐﺭ ﺩے ﮔﺎ‬2014 ‫ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺩﺳﻣﺑﺭ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺩﻳﺭﻳﻧہ ﺑﺭﺍﺩﺭﺍﻧہ ﺗﻌﻠﻘﺎﺕ ﻣﻳں ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﮔﺭﻣﺟﻭﺷﯽ ﭘﻳﺩﺍ ﮨﻭ ﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﮯ ۔۔۔۔۔ﭘﺎک ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺗﻌﻠﻘﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﺗﺎﺭﻳﺦ ﺭﻗﻡ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﺁﺝ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺟﺎ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں‬ ‫ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺣﺩﻭﺩ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻧﺩﺭ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﺑﭼﻬﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﺋﮯ ﭘﭼﺎﺱ ﮐﺭﻭڑ ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﮐﺎ ﻗﺭﺿہ‬ ‫ﺑﻬﯽ ﺩے ﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﺎ ﮐﯽ ﻁﺭﻑ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﭘﺎﺑﻧﺩﻳﺎں ﻟﮕﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺧﻭﻑ ﺳﮯ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﺋﮯ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭﻭں‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﺩﺳﺗﻳﺎﺑﯽ ﮐﺎ ﻣﺳﺋﻠہ ﺩﺭﭘﻳﺵ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻳﮏ ﺁﺋﻝ ﺭﻳﻔﺎﺋﻧﺭی ﺑﻬﯽ ﻗﺎﺋﻡ ﮐﺭے ﮔﺎ۔ ﭼﺎﺭ‬ ‫ﺍﺭﺏ ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﻻﮔﺕ ﺳﮯ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﺭﻳﻔﺎﺋﻧﺭی ﺳﮯ ﻳﻭﻣﻳہ ﭼﺎﺭ ﻻﮐﻬ ﺑﻳﺭﻝ ﺗﻳﻝ ﺻﺎﻑ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﻭﻗﺕ ﭘﺭ ﺗﮑﻣﻳﻝ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺩﺳﻣﺑﺭ ﺩﻭ ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﭼﻭﺩﻩ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﮔﻳﺱ ﮐﯽ ﻓﺭﺍﮨﻣﯽ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮐﺭ ﺩے‬ ‫ﮔﺎ۔ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﻭ ﺁﺋﯽ ﭘﯽ ﻳﺎ ﭘﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮐﮩﺎ ﺟﺎﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ‬ 909

‫‪February 27, 2013 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Wed‬‬ ‫ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻧﯽ ﮔﻳﺱ ﮐﯽ ﻓﺭﺍﮨﻣﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﺋﮯ ﻣﺫﺍﮐﺭﺍﺕ ﮐﺎ ﺁﻏﺎﺯ ﺍﻧﻳﺱ ﺳﻭ ﭼﻭﺭﺍﻧﻭے ﻣﻳں ﮨﻭﺍ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻧﻳﺱ ﺳﻭ ﭘﭼﺎﻧﻭے ﻣﻳں ﮨﯽ ﺍﻳﮏ‬ ‫ﺍﺑﺗﺩﺍﺋﯽ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻩ ﻁﮯ ﭘﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ۔ ﺍﻧﻳﺱ ﺳﻭ ﻧﻧﺎﻧﻭے ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﻭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺳﮯ ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ﺗﮏ ﺗﻭﺳﻳﻊ ﺩﻳﻧﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﺗﻔﺎﻕ ﮐﺭ‬ ‫ﻟﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻩ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻁﮯ ﭘﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ۔ ﺩﻭ ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﺁﭨﻬ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﻣﻳں ﻣﺎﻟﯽ‬ ‫ﻣﻌﺎﻭﻧﺕ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﺋﮯ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺷﺎﻣﻝ ﮐﺭ ﻟﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ‪ ،‬ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﻧﮯ ﺍﮔﺳﺕ ﺩﻭ ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﺩﺱ ﻣﻳں ﺑﻧﮕﻠہ ﺩﻳﺵ ﮐﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﺷﺭﮐﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺩﻋﻭﺕ ﺩے ﺩی۔ ﺩﻭ ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﻧﻭ ﻣﻳں ﺳﻳﮑﻳﻭﺭﭨﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻗﻳﻣﺗﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺗﻌﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻭﺟہ ﺳﮯ ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﻋﻠﻳﺣﺩﻩ ﮨﻭ ﮔﻳﺎ۔ ﺗﻳﺱ ﺟﻧﻭﺭی ﺩﻭ ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﺗﻳﺭﻩ ﮐﻭ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺣﺻﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺑﭼﻬﺎﺋﯽ ﺟﺎﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﭘﺎﺋپ‬ ‫ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﺋﮯ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻩ ﻁﮯ ﮐﺭ ﻟﻳﺎ‬

‫‪ -‬ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺣﻮﺍﻟﮕﯽ‪ ،‬ﺍﻳﺮﺍﻥ ﮔﻴﺲ ﻣﻨﺼﻮﺑہ‪ :‬ﭘﻴﭙﻠﺰ ﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﺎ ﭘﻨﺠﺎﺏ ﺍﺳﻤﺒﻠﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺍﺣﺎﻁہ ﻣﻴﮟ ﺟﺸﻦ‬‫‪Nawa-e-waqat‬‬

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‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮕﯽ‪ ،‬ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ‪ :‬ﭘﻳﭘﻠﺯ ﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﺎ ﭘﻧﺟﺎﺏ ﺍﺳﻣﺑﻠﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺍﺣﺎﻁہ ﻣﻳں ﺟﺷﻥ‬ ‫ﻻﮨﻭﺭ )ﺧﺻﻭﺻﯽ ﻧﺎﻣہ ﻧﮕﺎﺭ ‪ +‬ﻟﻳڈی ﺭﭘﻭﺭﭨﺭ( ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﮔﻳﺱ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﺎ ﻧﻅﻡ ﻭ ﻧﺳﻖ ﭼﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﮐﻭ ﺩﻳﻧﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺍﻅﮩﺎﺭ ﺗﺷﮑﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻁﻭﺭ ﭘﺭ ﭘﻳﭘﻠﺯ ﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﻧﮯ ﭘﻧﺟﺎﺏ ﺍﺳﻣﺑﻠﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺍﺣﺎﻁہ ﻣﻳں ﺟﺷﻥ ﻣﻧﺎﻳﺎ‪ ،‬ﻣﭨﻬﺎﺋﻳﺎں ﺗﻘﺳﻳﻡ ﮐﻳں‬ ‫ﻣﺭﺗﺿﯽ‪ ،‬ﺳﺎﺟﺩﻩ ﻣﻳﺭ‪،‬‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺁﺻﻑ ﻋﻠﯽ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﻭ ﺧﺭﺍﺝ ﺗﺣﺳﻳﻥ ﭘﻳﺵ ﮐﻳﺎ۔ ﺭﺍﺟہ ﺭﻳﺎﺽ‪ ،‬ﺷﻭﮐﺕ ﺑﺳﺭﺍ‪ ،‬ﺣﺳﻥ‬ ‫ٰ‬ ‫ﻓﺎﺋﺯﻩ ﻣﻠﮏ‪ ،‬ﻓﻭﺯﻳہ ﺑﮩﺭﺍﻡ ﻭ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ ﺍﺭﮐﺎﻥ ﺍﺳﻣﺑﻠﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮐﺎﺭﮐﻧﻭں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺧﻭﺍﺗﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﺑﻬﻧﮕڑے ڈﺍﻟﮯ۔ ﺭﺍﺟہ ﺭﻳﺎﺽ ﻧﮯ ﻣﻳڈﻳﺎ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﮔﻔﺗﮕﻭ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺁﺻﻑ ﻋﻠﯽ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﻧﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﺎ ﺟﻭ ﭨﻬﻳﮑہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺟﻭ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻩ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﺟﺎ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں ﻳہ ﺗﺎﺭﻳﺧﯽ ﮐﺎﺭﻧﺎﻣﮯ ﮨﻳں‪ ،‬ﻗﻭﻡ ﺍﺱ ﭘﺭ ﺟﺷﻥ ﻣﻧﺎ ﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻭں ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﮔﻳﺱ ﮐﯽ ﮐﻣﯽ ﭘﻭﺭی ﮨﻭ ﮔﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻩ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻠﮏ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺍﻧﻘﻼﺏ ﺁﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﻧﮯ ﺑﮯ‬ ‫ﻧﻅﻳﺭ ﺑﻬﭨﻭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺫﻭﺍﻟﻔﻘﺎﺭ ﻋﻠﯽ ﺑﻬﭨﻭ ﮐﺎ ﺻﺣﻳﺢ ﺟﺎﻧﺷﻳﻥ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺛﺑﻭﺕ ﺩﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬

‫‪ -- Radio Pakistan‬ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭﺑﻨﺪﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻨﺼﻮﺑہ ﻗﻮﺍﻋﺪﻭﺿﻮﺍﺑﻂ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺤﺖ ﭼﻴﻦ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻮﺍﻟﮯ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﻗﻭﺍﻋﺩﻭﺿﻭﺍﺑﻁ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﺫﮨﺑﯽ ﺍﻣﻭﺭﮐﮯ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺳﻳﺩﺧﻭﺭﺷﻳﺩ ﺷﺎﻩ ﻧﮯ ﻭﻗﻔہ ﺳﻭﺍﻻﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﺍﻳﻭﺍﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ‪ 25‬ﮐﺭﻭڑ‪90‬ﻻﮐﻬ‬ ‫ﺭﻭﭘﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺑﭼﺕ ﺳﮯ ﺟﻭﻥ ‪ 2009‬ﻣﻳں ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﮐﺭ ﻟﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺟﻳﻭﺍﻧﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﻟﻧﮏ‬ ‫‪ 2‬ﮐﺭﻭڑ ‪60‬ﻻﮐﻬ ﺭﻭﭘﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻻﮔﺕ ﺳﮯ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﮐﺭ ﻟﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﺍﺳﻣﺑﻠﯽ ﮐﻭ ﺁﺝ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﮐﻳﭨﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭ‪،‬ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻗﺎﺳﻡ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﺳﮯ ﺟﻳﻭﺍﻧﯽ ﺗﮏ ﺁﭘﭨﻳﮑﻝ ﻓﺎﺋﺑﺭ ﭨﺭﺍﻧﺳﻣﻳﺷﻥ ﻟﻧﮏ‬ ‫ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﮐﺭ ﻟﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﭘﺭ ﭼﻬﺗﻳﺱ ﮐﺭﻭڑ ﺍﺳﯽ ﻻﮐﻬ ﺭﻭﭘﮯ ﻻﮔﺕ ﺁﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﺑﺎﺳﭨﻬ ﮐﺭﻭڑ ﺳﺗﺭ ﻻﮐﻬ ﺭﻭﭘﮯ ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ﺗﺧﻣﻳﻧہ ﺗﻬﺎ۔‬ ‫ﻣﺫﮨﺑﯽ ﺍﻣﻭﺭﮐﮯ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺳﻳﺩﺧﻭﺭﺷﻳﺩ ﺷﺎﻩ ﻧﮯ ﻭﻗﻔہ ﺳﻭﺍﻻﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﺍﻳﻭﺍﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ‪25‬‬ ‫ﮐﺭﻭڑ‪90‬ﻻﮐﻬ ﺭﻭﭘﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺑﭼﺕ ﺳﮯ ﺟﻭﻥ ‪ 2009‬ﻣﻳں ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﮐﺭ ﻟﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺟﻳﻭﺍﻧﯽ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﻟﻧﮏ ‪ 2‬ﮐﺭﻭڑ ‪60‬ﻻﮐﻬ ﺭﻭﭘﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻻﮔﺕ ﺳﮯ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﮐﺭ ﻟﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻳﮏ ﺿﻣﻧﯽ ﺳﻭﺍﻝ ﭘﺭ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﻧﮯ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﻗﻭﺍﻋﺩﻭﺿﻭﺍﺑﻁ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﮐﺭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻠﮏ ﺧﺻﻭﺻﺎ ً ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺧﻭﺷﺣﺎﻟﯽ ﻣﻳں ﻣﺩﺩ ﻣﻠﮯ ﮔﯽ ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺳﮯ ﮨﻡ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﺧﺻﻭﺻﺎ ً ﻭﺳﻁ ﺍﻳﺷﻳﺎﺋﯽ ﻣﻠﮑﻭں‬ ‫ﺗﮏ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻓﺭﻭﻍ ﺩﻳﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻗﺎﺑﻝ ﮨﻭں ﮔﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻳﮏ ﺳﻭﺍﻝ ﭘﺭ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺍﻁﻼﻋﺎﺕ ﻭﻧﺷﺭﻳﺎﺕ ﻗﻣﺭ ﺯﻣﺎﻥ ﮐﺎﺋﺭﻩ ﻧﮯ ﺍﻳﻭﺍﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﻭ ﭼﺎﺋﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻠﮯ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﺧﻭﺩﮐﻔﻳﻝ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﮐﻭﺷﺷﻳں ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎ ﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﻳں ﮐﻳﻭﻧﮑہ ﭼﺎﺋﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺩﺭﺁﻣﺩ ﭘﺭ ﮐﺛﻳﺭ ﺯﺭﻣﺑﺎﺩﻟہ ﺧﺭچ ﮨﻭ ﺟﺎﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ‬

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February 28, 2013 Thu All Day

NESPAK wins $500m Afghan dam project -- DAILY TIMES NESPAK wins $500m Afghan dam project

LAHORE: NESPAK a state organisation of consulting engineers has achieved a breakthrough by securing a dam project in Afghanistan. According to a press release on Wednesday, NESPAK is the first Pakistani firm, which would design the dam on the Farah River in Bakhshabad. The representatives of the Ministry of Water and Energy government of Afghanistan and NESPAK signed the contract agreement of the project. The $500 million Bakhshabad (Farah Rud) Dam Project consists of a dam, a powerhouse, appurtenant structures, a barrage 60 kilometers downstream of the Dam, left and right main irrigation canals and irrigation command area. NESPAK will provide services for detailed design, tender drawings and preparation of bidding documents. The Ministry of Water and Energy Afghanistan has termed the project as the first of its kind by a Pakistani company in Afghanistan.

The dam will be financed by the Afghan government funds, once completed the project is expected to meet all the irrigation and energy needs of Farah province.

The Dam’s storage capacity will be more than one billion cubic meters. At the same time, it can irrigate more than 68,000 acres of agricultural land and produce about 27 megawatts of electricity, which can meet the electricity needs of Farah province, said Muhammad Ismail Khan Minister of Energy and Water Afghanistan. It is a great honour for Pakistan NESPAK has won this mega project through an international open competition, which shows Company’s recognition as a worldclass consultant, not only in Pakistan but abroad as well. About 545 large, medium and small dams will be built or refurbished across Afghanistan. About 111 of these dams are a priority for the Ministry. staff report

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Russia, Pakistan to boost cooperation in diverse fields -- OBSERVER Russia, Pakistan to boost cooperation in diverse fields

Thursday, February 28, 2013 - Islamabad—The Acting President and Chairman Senate Nayyer Hussain Bokhari, Wednesday, said that Pakistan gave high importance to relations with Russia.

He also said that visit of Russian Parliamentary Delegation was a commendable gesture of good will and friendship, heralding a new dawn in our bilateral and interparliamentary relations.

“It will certainly go a long way towards strengthening people to people contacts and bringing our two countries closer for the common good of our people” Bokhari said while expressing his views in meeting with Russian parliamentary delegation headed by Valentina Matvienko, Chairperson of the Council of the Federal Assembly of Russian Federation here at Parliament House.

The Chairman said that Russian Federation is an important country particularly in our region and at the world stage. Russia can play crucial role in peace, stability and economic uplift of the region. We share our common objectives and have shared interests and we look forward for enhanced cooperation between the two countries in various fields like increasing our trade, economic, parliamentary and cultural relations. The Chairman said that we want to collaborate in technological fields particularly in the field of energy. The Chairman said that we understand the importance of Russian Parliamentary delegation’s visit to Pakistan.

Reciprocating similar sentiments the Russian counterpart Valentina said that Pakistan ranks among priority of Russian foreign policy as Pakistan plays an important role in region and Muslim world. Pakistan is also non-permanent member of UN Security Council and we definitely want increased engagement at international level as well. We look forward to enhance cooperation between the two countries in diversity of fields.

The Russian counterpart said that we are cognizant of Pakistan’s requirements regarding development of infrastructure like dams and power plants to meet their energy needs.

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February 28, 2013 Continued Thu She offered her all out assistance in this sector. She told the Chairman that Russian companies have huge experience in developing power plants and hydropower projects and increasing energy cooperation between the two sides can help Pakistan to address energy crisis.

She told the Chairman that we support signing of agreement between National Assembly of Pakistan and State Duma of Russia and we look forward to establish the similar mechanism between Senate of Pakistan and Council of Federal Assembly (upper house of Russian parliament).

She said that Pakistan Russian friendship group must also play proactive role in boosting our ties.

Talking about enhancing trade and economic ties she said that strong potential exists between the two countries to boost our cooperation in this capacity. She told the Chairman that there has been increase in trade volume but we must double our efforts and include wide range of goods for boosting our trade volume.

Valentina emphasized the need for enhancing people to people contacts and exchange of delegations at various levels. She said that enhancing cultural cooperation and also in the education sphere can help in strengthening our ties.

She told the Chairman that lots of Pakistani students are studying in Russia in various higher education institutes and we are providing grants and scholarships to them.—Online

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Swiss delegation to visit Pakistan to explore investment avenues: Envoy -- APP Swiss delegation to visit Pakistan to explore investment avenues: Envoy

HYDERABAD: The Ambassador of Switzerland at Islamabad Christophe Bubb has informed that a high level trade delegation of his country will soon visit Pakistan to review the possibility of investment in different sectors.

While addressing the members of Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry here at the Chamber's Secretariat on Wednesday evening, he said that relations between the two countries were being strengthened with the passage of time and the Swiss investors had made investments in different projects of Pakistan.

He however, said that industrial sector of Pakistan is being affected due to energy crisis and without energy, the industrial production could not be possible. The agrobased industry of the country is suitable for investment, he said.

President HCCI Goharullah in his welcome address said that due to satisfactory law and order situation, Hyderabad is the ideal city for foreign investment.

He said that trade relations between the two countries are being improved at a rapid pace and the trade quantum could be improved on a large scale if Pakistani products could receive relief in taxes in Switzerland.

He invited the trade delegation to visit Hyderabad where investment opportunities are available in different sectors including agro-based and power generation.

Among others, Senior Vice President HCCI Turab Ali Khoja, former vice- president Ziauddin, former president Emmad Siddiqui, members Maqsood Ahmed Khan, Syed Yawer Ali Shah, Masroor Iqbal Jaferi, Sikandar Dhandhuri, Zulfiqar Chohan, Dr. Zulfiqar Yousfani, Muhammad Shahid, Rehan Ahmed, Abdul Sattar Khan, Iqbal Baig, Dr. Farid, Haji Ikhtiar Ahmed, Yousuf Dada, Nawab Ahmed Khanzada, Salim A. Shaikh, Abdul Qayoom Nusrat and Zia Masroor were also present on the occasion.

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Tajik envoy announces completion of Pakistan-Tajikistan road link -PAKISTAN TODAY

Tajik envoy announces completion of Pakistan-Tajikistan road link ] ISLAMABAD - Newly appointed Tajik envoy to Islamabad Sherali Jononov on Wednesday said that Tajikistan was interested in Pakistan’s Gawadar port, adding 912

February 28, 2013 Continued Thu that Tajikistan government had completed Pakistan-Tajikistan road link work of their side.

Talking to journalists at the Tajikistan embassy, he urged the international community to establish peace in post-US Afghanistan through dialogue.

The newly appointed Tajik ambassador Sherali Jononov said that Tajikistan had always supported the option of dialogue to resolve the problems in Afghanistan and to maintain peace in the region.

Jononov said that the issue could not be redressed by use of force from any side and ultimate solution of the issue was possible only through dialogue.

To a question, the Tajik envoy said that Tajikistan was interested in the completion of the Pakistani port of Gawadar as it would prove the shortest way to trade with the international community. Responding a query, he said the Pakistan-Tajikistan road link development work had been completed. He expressed the hope that Pakistan would complete their side of the road as well.

Earlier, the ambassador of Tajikistan told journalists that his country took an initiative in December 2010, in support of other countries, following which United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring the current year as the International Year of Water Cooperation.

Elaborating further, Sherali Jononov was of the view that for the implementation of water-related internationally agreed development goals, and sharing of best practices on cooperation among various water users, the Tajik government was hosting a high-level international conference on water cooperation under auspices of the UN in Dushanbe by August this year.

He said that the conference would be a two-day event in which the high-level representatives from the member countries would participate.

The ambassador maintained that during the international conference two high-level plenary sessions and four round table discussions would be made amid promoting water cooperation as well as resettling the water issues.

He said that the construction of hydropower plants and the creation of reservoirs in narrow mountain valleys would have minimal impact on the climate, environment and would save water from evaporation, which was critical in account of global warming challenges.

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Trade corridor: Exports from Pakistan to Turkey -- The Express Tribune Trade corridor: Exports from Pakistan to Turkey

By APP Published: February 27, 2013

ISLAMABAD: The planned Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul trade corridor will help Pakistan export its trade goods to Turkey without any hindrance. The trade corridor, known as Economic Corporation Organization (ECO) trade corridor, will later be expanded to the European countries. This decision was taken in the fifth meeting of the ECO. At the Transit Transport Coordination Council meeting, held in Islamabad last year, a source in the Ministry of Communications said that ECO provided an opportunity of trade development as its member state borders are stretched from Europe to South Asia and from the shores of Arabian Sea to the Russian frontiers.

He also said that Pakistan has extended transit trade facilities to land-locked member states of ECO through its warm water seaports. The benefits of this facility can not be optimised without an efficient road and rail network, he said. The Ministry of Communications said that the National Trade Corridor would provide an efficient and economical road network for inter-regional connectivity, particularly an effective access to Pakistan’s seaports to ECO member states.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2013.

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March 1, 2013 Fri All Day

China’s takeover of Gwadar Port mutually beneficial -- The Nation China’s takeover of Gwadar Port mutually beneficial

Beijing - China’s takeover of the Gwadar Port represents an economic manoeuvre that is in line with the interests of the two countries, a military spokesman said Thursday, reported Xinhua. The handover led foreign media to speculate that the port could be used by the Chinese military. “These comments have distorted the facts and disturbed relations with surrounding countries,” Defence Ministry sokesman Geng Yansheng said.

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March 4, 2013 Mon All Day

Gas pipeline, Gwadar port mega projects praised -- APP Gas pipeline, Gwadar port mega projects praised

Lahore—People from all walks of life have hailed the PPP-led government decision to inaugurate Pak-Iran gas pipelineand develop Gwadar port, which will make the country self-sufficient in energy and strengthen its economy.

PPP MPA from Southern Punjab Iftikhar Ahmed Babur Khetran, talking to APP here Sunday, said that the revolutionary decision by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf will help the country in mitigating the gas and energy besides strengthening country’seconomy for the coming generations.

Eulogizing the vision and policy of the PPP, the MPA said that the recent foreign policy initiatives namely Pak- Iran gas pipeline and entrusting the Gwadar Port to China are true proof of PPP’s struggle for the glory of the masses and the country.

Vice President SAARC CCI and veteran businessman leader Iftikhar Ali Malik hailed the government decision of signing the historic agreement of laying the PakIran gas pipeline, adding that the gas pipeline would help overcome energy problems faced by the industry sector of the country.

He said the Gwadar port project was of great economic value for the country to become a hub of trade and commence activities in the region and beyond and bring progress and prosperity to the people of Balochistan.

Dr Sohail, a liberty market businessman, said that the decision to get gas from Iran despite US opposition had been a historic decision of the present PPP government, adding that the laying of the Pak-Iran gas pipeline would help overcome the energy crisis and boost businesses in the country.

He said the Gwadar port project would attract more foreign investment in the country and make Pakistan a business friendly country.

Mansab Ali, a rickshaw driver, said the PPP government has always worked for the betterment of the common man and the Pak-Iran gas pipeline would help improve their financial lot. He thanked President Asif Ali Zardari for helping the people earn their livelihood in a better way by resolving the energy crisis.

Prof Riaz Hanjra, of Dayal Singh College, said the recent decisions have been a great victory of the PPP government on the foreign policy as well as economic front and both projects would bring about a qualitative change in people’s quality of life.—APP

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March 5, 2013 Tue All Day

A step forward: Pakistan, Iran to sign MoU for oil refinery on March 11 -The Express Tribune A step forward: Pakistan, Iran to sign MoU for oil refinery on March 11

400,000 bpd will be the capacity of the refinery to be set up by Iran.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for setting up the country’s largest oil refinery costing $4 billion at the Gwadar Port on March 11, a project that will not only meet Pakistan’s refining needs but will also open avenues for China to get oil supplies. Iran will set up an oil complex at the Gwadar Port, which will have the oil refinery.

According to the original plan, Tehran will also lay an oil pipeline from its territory to Gwadar to transport crude oil for processing.

“If Pakistan and Iran succeed in completing the oil refinery and the pipeline, it may prompt China to revive its projects of establishing an oil refinery in Gwadar and laying an oil pipeline from Gwadar to western China to get oil supplies”, an official told The Express Tribune.

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Nadra installs new checking system at Pak-Iran border -- The News Nadra installs new checking system at Pak-Iran border

The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) successfully implemented the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) at Gwadar International Airport and a new land border, Gabadt, a Nadra official said on Monday.

“Securing Pakistan begins with securing international borders and this means all borders including international airports, land, rail and sea borders,” the chairman of Nadra Tariq Malik said on this occasion.

“We have built capacity of Federal Immigration Authority (FIA) and helped them so that they can help themselves by making use of state-of-the-art technology to do their core job – combating human trafficking and international terrorism,” he said.

The system is designed and tailored specifically as per immigration laws of Pakistan, which helps prevent illegal entry, use of counterfeit documents, human smuggling, and other travel fraud, the official of Nadra said.

The IBMS is now operational at the Pak-Iran border for the management of passengers of all entries/exits through these stations and effective from Tuesday (today) all passengers will be processed through the system, she added.

According to her, Nadra is the partner for the implementation of IBMS for FIA to replace the existing PISCES system at all the entry and exit points in Pakistan including the airport, railway stations and land routes.

Moreover, the IBMS is already operational on all major international airports including the Benazir International Airport Islamabad, Quaid-e-Azam International Airport Karachi, Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta, she mentioned.

“Nadra also implemented IBMS and land border between the Pak-Afghan border at Torkham, and rail route between Pakistan and India at Khokrapar, Sindh.”

Highlighting the IBMS features, she claimed that it has been designed to document and store the entire process starting from visa issuance till departure and arrivals from the country thus preventing illegal human trafficking as well as illegal immigrants to flee from the country.IBMS has been equipped with the latest technologies like advance fingerprint matching, digital facial recognition system, specialised handling for different categories of travellers, she said.

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March 6, 2013 Wed All Day

Rs13,527m spent on construction of Gwadar port link roads -- Observer Rs13,527m spent on construction of Gwadar port link roads

Wednesday, March 06, 2013 - Islamabad—The Government has spent a total of Rs 13527 million on the construction of link roads to Gwadar Port in last five years, Minister for Communication Dr Arbab Alamgir told Senate on Tuesday.

In a written reply to the question of Ms Nuzhat Sadiq, he said Rs 3854 million had been spent on the construction of N-10, N-85,and M-8 linking Gwadar with rest of the country in 2008-9, Rs 3738 million in 2009-10, Rs 1946 million in 2010-11, Rs 1630 million during 2011-12 and 2359 million during 2012-13. He said Rs 1 billion has been allocated for providing comprehensive foolproof security and creation of dedicated wing of Frontier Constabulary for providing security to contractors and labour.

National Highway Authority (NHA) has planned the construction of another 110 km long Baisma-Khuzdar road (N-30) for providing connectivity to Gwadar port. NHA has planned the construction of seven roads for providing connectivity to Gwadar Port, he said.

Three roads have already been completed including 653 km Lyari- OrmaraGwadar-Gabd road (N-10). Another 35 km M-8 from Khuzdar- Khori road has also been completed. Another 61 km (M-8) Quba Saeed Khan-Ratodero road. While 73 percent Khori-Quba Saeed Khan road has been completed.

Prime Minister has approved mobilization of Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) on Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab. 22 percent of 459 lm long Hoshab-Basima-Sorab (N-85) has also been completed. 196 km long Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab has been completed 68 percent.

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March 7, 2013 Thu All Day

Islamabad and Tehran are set to sign a deal for the refinery, -- APP

Islamabad and Tehran are set to sign a deal for the refinery, which will have a 400,000 barrels per day capacity, on March 11 [2013], the day two sides have announced they will begin the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project on their border.

Under the deal, Tehran will lay an oil pipeline from its territory to Gwadar to transport crude oil for processing. Visiting Iranian oil minister Rostam Ghasemi last month agreed in Islamabad to set up an oil complex with an oil refinery at the Gwadar Port in Balochistan. The proposed refinery in Gwadar is expected to give China an impetus to restart work on its Gwadar oil refinery after it was halted in 2009.

“If Pakistan and Iran succeed in completing the oil refinery and the pipeline, it may prompt China to revive its projects of establishing an oil refinery in Gwadar and laying an oil pipeline from Gwadar to western China to get oil supplies,” The Express Tribune reported an unnamed Pakistani official as saying. “The coastal oil refinery project may also create scores of employment opportunities for the local people.”

Iran’s plan to lay an oil pipeline and establish an oil refinery in Gwadar is likely to raise eyebrows in Washington, which is already opposed to the IP (Iran-Pakistan) gas pipeline. The addition of oil to the pipeline mix being planned by the authorities in Tehran and Islamabad comes at a time when the US is trying to block the Iran’s oil exports to the world and pressing Islamabad to abandon the IP project because of Tehran’s nuclear program. Gwadar is strategically located as a hub for South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia, and is likely to emerge as a free oil port serving as petro-chemical center for the region.

China last month took over operational control of Gwadar Port and agreed to put funding in place that will make it the biggest investor in the port city after simultaneously becoming the builder, financer and operator of the Arabian Sea port, which is located near the Strait of Hormuz, through which most of its oil imports transit. A major oil refinery could turn Gwadar into a transit terminal for Iranian and African crude oil imports.

The proposed oil complex project will be completed by Iran in a joint venture with Pakistan State Oil (PSO), the country’s oil marketing giant. The Gwadar refinery plan will replace those for UAE-assisted Khalifa refinery, a plan that has been in doldrums since 2007 and saw the UAE’s state-run International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) finally suspending the work on the project. A Chinafunded refinery project in Gwadar failed to make any headway due to financial constraints and concerns over the security situation in Balochistan.

The plan to lay an oil pipeline from Iran to Gwadar was discussed between Pakistan and Iran during the visit to Tehran of petroleum adviser Dr Asim Hussain in December 2012. Iran also offered 100,000 barrels per day of long-term crude supply to Pakistan on deferred payment.

China is expected to revive its earlier planned projects including establishment of an oil city in Gwadar. A petrochemical city and a major refinery along with petrochemical logistics and storage complexes were planned to be set up in the proposed Gwadar oil city.

Under a deal signed between Pakistan and the China in 2006, Great United Petroleum Holdings Company Limited (GUPC) of China agreed to conduct the feasibility study and preparation work for the petrochemical city project in Gwadar involving an initial investment of $12.5 billion. China had expressed interest in constructing an oil refinery in Gwadar with an output of refining 60,000 barrels crude oil per day, during former president Pervez Musharraf’s visit to China in February 2006. The refinery and the oil pipeline projects have been the part of the proposed Pakistan-China energy corridor.

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March 7, 2013 Continued Thu An oil pipeline from Gwadar to western China will reduce the time and distance for oil transport from the Gulf to China and a major oil refinery at Gwadar would further facilitate China’s oil imports.

Pakistan could function as an energy corridor linking the oil fields of Iran, and possibly even Iraq, with the Chinese market by means of a pipeline that would cross the Himalayas above Kashmir. Gwadar has greater scope as a free oil port in the Asian region and it can serve as a future petroleum hub, meeting oil transshipment requirements - not only of different countries, but of China in particular.

Imports of crude oil from Iran through the proposed pipeline would allow energydeficient Pakistan to meet its furnace oil requirements, which stand at nine million tons per year, and will also save on transportation costs.

Pakistan will import 750 million cubic feet of gas per day (mmcfd) through the proposed IP gas pipeline. The country however faces pressure in securing sufficient funding for the project from foreign countries and financial entities due to the US sanctions imposed against Iran because of its nuclear ambitions.

Tehran however agreed to provide $500 million loan to the country for laying the pipeline in its territory after seeking assurance from Islamabad that it will not back out under US pressure and complete the project on time. Construction of the pipeline is estimated to cost Islamabad $1.5 billion.

Last month, the US State Department issued Islamabad a fresh warning on the IP pipeline project after Pakistan’s federal cabinet on January 30 [2013] gave its final approval for building a pipeline in its territory with financial and technical assistance from Iran.

“The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline is an important example of Tehran-Islamabad cooperation, and despite hostilities towards the expansion of ties we must overcome this opposition decisively,” AFP reported Khamenei as saying to Zardari.

“Accessing safe energy source is the first priority for any country including Pakistan.

In this region, the Islamic republic is the only nation that has safe energy resources and we are ready to provide Pakistan its energy needs.”

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March 8, 2013 Fri All Day

Another shipment of 26,000 tons of urea arrives at Gwadar -RECORDER Another shipment of 26,000 tons of urea arrives at Gwadar

Another urea shipment of some 26,000 tons imported from Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) has arrived at Gwadar Port. This is the second urea consignment against $100 million credit facility being provided by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). Under this facility, first shipment of some 27,500 tons of urea was arrived on February 12, 2013.

A ship, MV KRONOS ISLAND, carrying some 26,154 metric tons of urea has reached Gwadar port on Thursday. The ship was loaded and sailed from "Al-Jubail" port of Saudi Arabia few days back and urea offloading has been initiated at Gwadar port. As per initial tentative schedule provided by SABIC, some 115,000 metric tons of urea will be supplied during first quarter (January-March) of 2013, out of which two shipments of cumulatively some 53,654 has already arrived while the third shipment of 30,000 tons is also due during this month.

An official of TCP has also confirmed that urea consignment import from Saudi Arabia under credit facility has arrived on Thursday. He said that another consignment of imported urea is also schedule to reach Gwadar port in the second week of March 2013. In January this year, a commercial agreement was signed between Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and SABIC for the supply of urea against $100 million credit facility being provided by SFD. As per the agreement, SABIC will supply approximately over 200,000 to 240,000 metric tons of urea to Pakistan under this facility. However, the total quantity depends on the international price as if the prices will be on higher side Pakistan will get less quantity and in case of lower prices, the country will get more supply from SABIC. While, total delivery of imported urea is expected to complete till December 2013, however, TCP is making efforts for early supply of commodity.

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China mulls Gwadar-Rato Dero highway funding -- The News

ISLAMABAD: With fully prepared to take charge of strategic deep water Gwadar port formally this month or next, People’s Republic of China, Pakistan’s time-tested ally and all-weathers friend, now plans to extend financial aid to Islamabad for the construction of Gwadar-Rato Dero highway.

Sources told Geo News that Beijing would grant $700 million aid to Pakistan, which has long been facing scarcity of funds with its economy marred by precarious law and order situation, for construction of Gwadar’s East Bay Road and other infrastructure.

The sources said that Beijing is determined to make the port successful.

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Pakistan, China trade to reach $15b by 2015 -- APP

Pakistan, China trade to reach $15b by 2015 Friday, March 08, 2013 - Islamabad—Pakistan and China are committed to take volume of bilateral trade to $15 billion by 2015.China is Pakistan’s largest trading partner and Pakistan is China’s second largest trading partner in South Asia. Tariq Sayeed Patron in-chief Pak-China Business Council talking to Wang Xiaoguang Deputy Director of Sichuan Bureau of Expo Affairs Chingdu and Chinese delegation at Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) said Pakistan and China enjoy a commercial relationship with the volume of trade standing at $12 billion.

He informed Pakistan-China trade increased by 17.6 percent to a total of $12.4 billion in 2012. Pakistan ’s exports to China increased by 48.2 percent to $3.14 billion. Imports from China increased by 9.9 percent to $9.2 billion. The two-way trade in 2011 was $10.6 billion. China has helped the business community of Pakistan by providing maximum facilitation to FPCCI’s participation in various events, such as Kunming and Chengdu Fairs, as well as helping us establish two 920

March 8, 2013 Continued Fri FPCCI international offices in the cities of Chengdu and Kunming and a display centre in Kunming.

Chinese delegation is visiting Pakistan to introduce 14th Western China International Fair (WCIF), which will be held on October 23-27 2013. WCIF is an opportunities for Pakistani exporters to introduce their products. Wang Xiaoguang said Chinese people like Pakistani very much and we wanted to achieve good results of our historic friendship.

Pakistan, China trade to reach $15b by 2015

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March 10, 2013 Sun All Day

‫ ﻧﻮﺍﺋﮯ ﻭﻗﺖ‬-- ‫ﮨﺰﺍﺭ ﭨﻦ ﻳﻮﺭﻳﺎ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﭘﮩﻨﭻ ﮔﺌﯽ‬26 10 0 2013 ‫ﻣﺎﺭچ‬ Share ‫ ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﭨﻥ ﻳﻭﺭﻳﺎ ﮐﯽ ﮐﻬﻳپ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﮩﻧﭻ ﮔﺋﯽ۔ ﺗﻔﺻﻳﻼﺕ ﮐﮯ‬26‫ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ)ﮐﺎﻣﺭﺱ ﺭﭘﻭﺭﭨﺭ( ﺳﻌﻭﺩی ﻋﺭﺏ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ ﻳﻭﺭﻳﺎ ﮐﯽ ﺩﻭﺳﺭی ﮐﻬﻳپ‬،‫ ﮐﺭﻭڑ ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﮐﯽ ﮐﺭﻳڈٹ ﺳﮩﻭﻟﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ‬10 ‫ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﺳﻌﻭﺩی ﻓﻧڈ ﻓﺎﺭ ڈﻳﻭﻟﭘﻣﻧٹ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ‬ ‫ ﻓﺭﻭﺭی ﮐﻭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﯽ ﺗﻬﯽ۔ ﻁﮯ ﺷﺩﻩ‬12 ،‫ ﭨﻥ ﻳﻭﺭﻳﺎ ﮐﯽ ﺷﭘﻣﻧٹ‬500 ‫ ﮨﺯﺍﺭ‬27‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﻗﺑﻝ‬ 15 ‫ ﺍﻳﮏ ﻻﮐﻬ‬،‫ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ‬2013 ‫ﭘﺭﻭﮔﺭﺍﻡ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﺳﻌﻭﺩی ﺑﻳﺳﮏ ﺍﻧڈﺳﭨﺭﻳﺯ ﮐﺎﺭﭘﻭﺭﻳﺷﻥ ﺟﻧﻭﺭی ﺳﮯ ﻣﺎﺭچ‬ 30‫ ﭼﻭﻥ ﻣﻳﭨﺭک ﭨﻥ ﻳﻭﺭﻳﺎ ﺩﺭﺁﻣﺩ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﭼﮑﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺟﺑﮑہ‬600‫ ﮨﺯﺍﺭ‬53 ‫ﮨﺯﺍﺭﻣﻳﭨﺭک ﭨﻥ ﻳﻭﺭﻳﺎ ﻓﺭﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﺭﻳﮕﺎ۔ ﺟﺱ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﻣﻳﭨﺭک ﭨﻥ ﻳﻭﺭﻳﺎ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻳﺳﺭی ﺷﭘﻣﻧٹ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﺳﯽ ﻣﺎﻩ ﻣﺗﻭﻗﻊ ﮨﮯ‬

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China will be given access to Pak coal: President -- HYDERABAD (Online) China will be given access to Pak coal: President

HYDERABAD (Online) - President Asif Ali Zardari has said that first priority of the government is to provide protection to the lives and properties of the people at every cost.

He was addressing the inauguration and ground breaking ceremony of a number of mega-development projects worth billions of rupees in Hyderabad on Saturday.

He said in the ongoing global debate on the issue of security and terrorism‚ Pakistan will also present its point of view at all forums.

The President said that Pakistan will provide its coal reservoirs to China for producing energy to overcome the existing shortage of electricity in the country.

He said the development projects taken by the government including Thar coal project will bring prosperity in the country and provide enormous job opportunities to the youth.

Meanwhile President Zardari inaugurated Behan Benazir Basti housing scheme for the homeless people in Hyderabad, Under the Behan Benazir Basti housing scheme‚ 65 thousand housing units will be constructed for poor people in 23 districts of Sindh.

The project will be completed at a cost of 1.6 billion rupees.

The president also laid the foundation stone of Karachi-Hyderabad M-9 Motorway in Hyderabad.

The president also inaugurated 48 kilometer long Hyderabad-Badin Road‚ which has been completed at a cost of 184 million rupees.

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Gas pipeline, Gwadar Port decisions to boost economy -- THE NEWS Gas pipeline, Gwadar Port decisions to boost economy

KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) hailed the decision of Asif Ali Zardari regarding Iran Pakistan Gas Pipeline and handing over the Gwadar Port to China.

Iqbal Dawood Pakwala Vice President of FPCCI said these decisions would help the country in mitigating the gas and energy demand besides strengthening country’s economy for the coming generations.

Pakistan continues to suffer from huge energy deficiency and this directly affects our industry and GDP growth. Currently gas is the cheapest commodity for Pakistan to generate electricity and this gas pipeline will meet 50 percent of our energy demand.

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March 10, 2013 Continued Sun He said these two decisions (Iran Pakistan gas pipeline and Gwadar Port) taken without the any external pressure, which would further stable the economy of Pakistan not only in its region but also in the entire world.

Gwadar Port project was of great economic valuse for the country to become a hub of trade and commerce activities in the region and would bring progress and prosperity to the people of Balochistan. staff report

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‫‪March 12, 2013‬‬ ‫‪Tue‬‬ ‫ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻮﺭٹ‪ ،‬ﮔﻴﺲ ﭘﺎﺋﭗ ﻻﺋﻦ ﺍﭼﻬﮯ ﺍﻗﺪﺍﻣﺎﺕ ﮨﻴﮟ‪ :‬ﺟﮩﺎﻧﮕﻴﺮ ﺍﺷﺮﻑ ﻭﻳﻨﺲ ‪ --‬ﻧﻮﺍﺋﮯ ﻭﻗﺖ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ‪ ،‬ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﺍﭼﻬﮯ ﺍﻗﺩﺍﻣﺎﺕ ﮨﻳں‪ :‬ﺟﮩﺎﻧﮕﻳﺭ ﺍﺷﺭﻑ ﻭﻳﻧﺱ‬ ‫ﻻﮨﻭﺭ )ﺧﺑﺭ ﻧﮕﺎﺭ( ﺗﺣﺭﻳﮏ ﺍﻧﺻﺎﻑ ﮐﮯ ﺭﮨﻧﻣﺎ ﺟﮩﺎﻧﮕﻳﺭ ﺍﺷﺭﻑ ﻭﻳﻧﺱ ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎک ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﻓﺗﺗﺎﺡ ﮐﻭ ﻗﻭﻡ ﻭ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺧﻭﺵ ﺁﺋﻧﺩ ﻗﺭﺍﺭ ﺩﻳﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﻭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﮐﺭﻧﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻩ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺑڑے ﺍﻗﺩﺍﻡ ﮨﻳں۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﭼﻭﻧﮑہ ﺍﺏ ﺍﻟﻳﮑﺷﻥ ﮐﺎ ﻣﺭﺣﻠہ ﺍﻧﺗﮩﺎﺋﯽ‬ ‫ﻗﺭﻳﺏ ﮨﮯ ﺍﺱ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻧﺻﻔﺎﻧہ ﺍﻧﺗﺧﺎﺑﺎﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻧﻌﻘﺎﺩ ﮐﮯ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﺍﻧﺗﻅﺎﻣﺎﺕ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﮐﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻗﺗﺩﺍﺭ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻟﮓ ﮨﻭ‬ ‫ﺟﺎﻧﺎ ﭼﺎﮨﺋﮯ۔ ﺟﮩﺎﻧﮕﻳﺭ ﺍﺷﺭﻑ ﻭﻳﻧﺱ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﻋﻣﺭﺍﻥ ﺧﺎﻥ ﺑﺭﺳﺭ ﺍﻗﺗﺩﺍﺭ ﺁ ﮐﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﺑﻬﯽ ﺑڑے ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﻻﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﻗﻭﻡ ﺧﻭﺷﺣﺎﻝ ﮨﻭ ﮔﯽ‬

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‫‪March 13, 2013‬‬ ‫‪Wed‬‬ ‫ﭼﻴﻦ ﻧﮯ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﺭﺗﻮ ڈﻳﺮﻭ ﺭﻭڈ ﻣﮑﻤﻞ ﮐﺮﻧﮯ ﮐﻴﻠﺌﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺎﻟﯽ ﺍﻣﺪﺍﺩ ﭘﺮ ﺳﻨﺠﻴﺪﮔﯽ ﺳﮯ …‬ ‫ﻏﻮﺭ ﺷﺮﻭﻉ ﮐﺮ ﺩﻳﺎ ‪ --‬ﺟﻨﮓ‬

‫‪All Day‬‬

‫ﭼﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺭﺗﻭ ڈﻳﺭﻭ ﺭﻭڈ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺎﻟﯽ ﺍﻣﺩﺍﺩ ﭘﺭ ﺳﻧﺟﻳﺩﮔﯽ ﺳﮯ ﻏﻭﺭ …ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ‬ ‫ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮐﺭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ﺫﺭﺍﺋﻊ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ‪ 450‬ﮐﻠﻭﻣﻳﭨﺭ ﻁﻭﻳﻝ ﺳڑک ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﺋﯽ ﺳﺎﻝ ﺳﮯ ﻓﻧڈﺯ ﮐﯽ ﮐﻣﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻣﻥ ﻭ‬ ‫ﺍﻣﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺻﻭﺭﺗﺣﺎﻝ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﻋﺙ ﺗﻌﻁﻝ ﮐﺎ ﺷﮑﺎﺭ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﻧﺏ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻟﻳﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺎﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ‬ ‫ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ ﺍﮨﻡ ﺗﺭﻳﻥ ﺳڑک ﮐﯽ ﺗﮑﻣﻳﻝ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ‪ 70‬ﮐﺭﻭڑ ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺩﻳﺋﮯ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ‪ ،‬ﺍِﻣﮑﺎﻥ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ ﺭﻗﻡ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻳﺳٹ ﺑﮯ ﺭﻭڈ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﺳﻣﻳﺕ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ ﺍﻧﻔﺭﺍﺳﭨﺭﮐﭼﺭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﭘﺭ ﮐﺎﻡ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺫﺭﺍﺋﻊ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﻧﺏ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎﻡ ﻳﺎﺏ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺩی ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ‬ ‫ﮐﺎ ﺑﺎﻗﺎﻋﺩﻩ ﮐﻧﭨﺭﻭﻝ ﺭﻭﺍں ﻳﺎ ﺍﮔﻠﮯ ﻣﺎﻩ ﺗﮏ ﺳﻧﺑﻬﺎﻝ ﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬

‫ﺍﻳﺮﺍﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﮔﻴﺲ ﭘﺎﺋﭗ ﻻﺋﻦ ﻣﻨﺼﻮﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻓﺘﺘﺎﺡ ‪ --‬ﺍﻳﮑﭙﺮﻳﺲ‬ ‫ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻓﺗﺗﺎﺡ‬ ‫ﻻﮨﻭﺭ‪ :‬ﺻﺩﺭ ﺁﺻﻑ ﻋﻠﯽ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻧﯽ ﺻﺩﺭ ﻣﺣﻣﻭﺩ ﺍﺣﻣﺩی ﻧژﺍﺩ ﻧﮯ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺩﻭﺳﺭے ﻓﻳﺯ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻓﺗﺗﺎﺡ ﮐﺭﺩﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﺳﺭﺑﺭﺍﮨﺎﻥ ﻣﻣﻠﮑﺕ ﻧﮯ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺭﺣﺩی ﻋﻼﻗﮯ ﭼﺎﺑﮩﺎﺭ ﻣﻳں ﮔﺑﺩ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﻘﺎﻡ ﭘﺭ ﺧﺻﻭﺻﯽ ﺗﻘﺭﻳﺏ ﻣﻳں ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻧﻘﺎﺏ ﮐﺷﺎﺋﯽ ﮐﯽ۔‬ ‫ﺭﺍﻗﻡ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ ﺻﺣﺎﻓﻳﻭں ﮐﮯ ﮨﻣﺭﺍﻩ ﺍﺱ ﺗﺎﺭﻳﺧﯽ ﻣﻭﻗﻊ ﭘﺭ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﺗﻬﺎ۔ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺟﻧﻭﺏ ﻣﻳں ﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﭘﺎﺭﺱ ﮔﻳﺱ ﻓﻳﻠڈ ﺳﮯ ‪ 56‬ﺍﻧﭻ ﮐﯽ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺫﺭﻳﻌﮯ ﮔﻳﺱ ﻓﺭﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺟﻧﻭﺭی‬ ‫‪ 2015‬ﺗﮏ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻳﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺎﻗﺎﻋﺩﻩ ﺳﭘﻼﺋﯽ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮨﻭﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ ﺟﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﺎ ﮐﻧﭨﺭﻳﮑٹ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻧﯽ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ‬ ‫ﮐﻭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻳہ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺣﺩﻭﺩ ﻣﻳں ﻧﻭﺍﺏ ﺷﺎﻩ ﺗﮏ ‪ 781‬ﮐﻠﻭ ﻣﻳﭨﺭ ﻻﺋﻥ ﺑﭼﻬﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ ۔ ﺳﺎﺑﻖ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ‬ ‫ﺑﮯ ﻧﻅﻳﺭ ﺑﻬﭨﻭ ﻧﮯ ‪1994‬ء ﻣﻳں ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺧﻭﺍﺏ ﺩﻳﮑﻬﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺏ ﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺍﺱ ﺧﻭﺍﺏ‬ ‫ﮐﻭ ﺣﻘﻳﻘﺕ ﻣﻳں ﺑﺩﻟﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺁﺻﻑ ﻋﻠﯽ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎک ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺳﺭﺣﺩ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ‬ ‫ﮐﺎ ﺁﻏﺎﺯ ﮐﻳﺎﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﺎ ﮐﮯ ﺷﺩﻳﺩﺗﺭﻳﻥ ﺩﺑﺎﻭ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺁﺻﻑ ﻋﻠﯽ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻧﯽ ﻣﻔﺎﺩﺍﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻣﺩﻧﻅﺭ ﺭﮐﻬﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﺍﺱ‬ ‫ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ﻋﻣﻝ ﺩﺭﺁﻣﺩ ﮐﺎ ﺁﻏﺎﺯ ﮐﺭﺩﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﮐﺋﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺗﻭں ﻧﮯ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ﻣﺫﺍﮐﺭﺍﺕ ﮐﺋﮯ ﻣﮕﺭ ﺍﺱ ﮐﺎ ﮐﻭﺋﯽ‬ ‫ﺣﻝ ﻧہ ﻧﮑﻝ ﺳﮑﺎ۔ ﭘﻳﭘﻠﺯ ﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎﻧﭻ ﺳﺎﻝ ﺑڑی ﻧﻳﭼﯽ ﭘﺭﻭﺍﺯ ﺳﮯ ﺑﻅﺎﮨﺭ ﻳہ ﺗﺎﺛﺭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﻭﻩ ﭘﺭ ﻭ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﺎ‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﺭﻭ ﺍﺳﭨﻳﺑﻠﺷﻣﻧٹ ﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﺑﻥ ﮔﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺯﺭﺍﺩﺭی ﺍ ﺱ ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﺍﭘﻧﺎ ﻭﺭک ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﺭﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﻁﻭﺭ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺟﺗﻧﮯ‬ ‫ﺩﻭﺭے ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﮐﺋﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﮐﺳﯽ ﺻﺩﺭ ﻧﮯ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮐﺋﮯ‪ ،‬ﺻﺩﺭﭘﺎﻧﭻ ﺳﺎﻝ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﺁﭨﻬ ﺑﺎﺭ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ‬ ‫ﺑﻬﯽ ﮔﺋﮯ‪ ،‬ﭘﻬﺭ ﺍﭼﺎﻧﮏ ﺟﺱ ﻁﺭ ﺡ ﺫﻭﺍﻟﻔﻘﺎﺭ ﻋﻠﯽ ﺑﻬﭨﻭ ﻧﮯ ﺍﻳﭨﻣﯽ ﭘﺭﻭﮔﺭﺍﻡ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﮯ ﻧﻅﻳﺭ ﺑﻬﭨﻭ ﻧﮯ ﻣﻳﺯﺍﺋﻝ ﭨﻳﮑﻧﺎﻟﻭﺟﯽ‬ ‫ﺩی ‪ ،‬ﺍﺱ ﻁﺭﺡ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭ ی ﻧﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﯽ ﺩﺑﺎﺅ ﻣﺳﺗﺭﺩ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ‬ ‫ﮐﻭ ﻋﻣﻠﯽ ﺟﺎﻣہ ﭘﮩﻧﺎﻳﺎ۔‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺳﮯ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺑﺣﻳﺭﻩ ﻋﺭﺏ ﺗﮏ ﺭﺳﺎﺋﯽ ﻣﻝ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺑﺣﻳﺭﻩ ﻋﺭﺏ ﻣﻳں ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﮨﻡ ﻣﻠﮏ‬ ‫ﺑﻥ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ‪ ،‬ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺑڑی ﺧﻭﺍﮨﺵ ﺗﻬﯽ‪ ،‬ﺳﺎﺑﻖ ﺻﺩﺭ ﭘﺭﻭﻳﺯ ﻣﺷﺭﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﻭ ﺳﻧﮕﺎ ﭘﻭﺭ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﮐﺭﺩﻳﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ۔ ﺳﻳﻧﺋﺭ ﺻﺣﺎﻓﻳﻭں ﺳﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﻣﻼﻗﺎﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﺳﮯ ﭘﻭﭼﻬﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﺁپ ﻧﮯ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ‬ ‫ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺁﺧﺭی ﻣﺎﻩ ﮨﯽ ﮐﻳﻭں ﺍﺗﻧﮯ ﺑڑے ﻓﻳﺻﻠﮯ ﮐﺋﮯ ﺟﺱ ﭘﺭ ﺻﺩﺭ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻠہ‬ ‫ﻋﺩﺍﻟﺕ ﻣﻳں ﺗﻬﺎ ﺍﺏ ﻋﺩﺍﻟﺗﯽ ﻓﻳﺻﻠﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﮐﺭﺩﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑڑی ﺳﭨﺭﻳﭨﺟﮏ‬ ‫ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻳہ ﺑﺣﻳﺭۀ ﻋﺭﺏ ﻣﻳں ﮔﮩﺭے ﭘﺎﻧﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺑﮩﺗﺭﻳﻥ ﺑﻧﺩﺭ ﮔﺎﻩ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻳہ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺋﯽ ﺧﻠﻳﺟﯽ ﻣﻣﺎﻟﮏ ﺳﮯ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ‬ ‫ﭘﺭﻓﺎﺭﻡ ﮐﺭﺳﮑﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺩﺑﺋﯽ ﮐﯽ ﻁﺭﺯ ﭘﺭ ﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ ﮐﺎ ﺑڑﺍ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺗﯽ ﻣﺭﮐﺯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻗﺭﺍﺭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺻﺩﺭ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﻧﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﺎک ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺍﮨﻡ ﻓﻳﺻﻠﮯ ﮐﺭﮐﮯ ﭘﻳﭘﻠﺯ ﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺎﺭﻳﺦ ﺑﻧﺎﺋﯽ‬ ‫ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﻣﻳں ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺣﺏ ﺍﻟﻭﻁﻧﯽ ﺛﺎﺑﺕ ﮐﯽ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﻳہ ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺁﺋﻧﺩﻩ ﺍﻧﺗﺧﺎﺑﺎﺕ ﻣﻳں ﭘﻳﭘﻠﺯ ﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺍﻧﺗﺧﺎﺑﯽ ﺳﻠﻭﮔﻥ ﮨﻭﻧﮕﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﻳﮑﺷﻥ ﭘﺭ ﺍﺱ ﮐﮯ ﺍﺛﺭﺍﺕ ﻣﺭﺗﺏ ﮨﻭں ﮔﮯ۔ ﻳہ ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﻋﻼﻗﺎﺋﯽ ﺳﻁﺢ ﭘﺭ‬ ‫ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺑڑی ﭘﻳﺵ ﺭﻓﺕ ﮨﻳں۔ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﺭﻭﺯﺍﻧہ ‪ 750‬ﻣﻠﻳﻥ ﮐﻳﻭﺑﮏ ﻓٹ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻠﮯ ﮔﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻳہ ﺍﺱ ﻭﻗﺕ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﮔﻳﺱ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﯽ ﭘﻳﺩﺍﻭﺍﺭ ﮐﺎ ‪ 25‬ﻓﻳﺻﺩ ﺑﻧﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺳﺎﻻﻧہ ﺗﻳﻝ ﮐﯽ ﺩﺭﺁﻣﺩ ﻣﻳں ‪2‬ﺍﺭﺏ‬ ‫ﭼﺎﻟﻳﺱ ﮐﺭﻭڑ ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﮐﺎ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺑﮩﺕ ﮐﭼﻬ ﻟﮯ ﮐﺭ ﺁﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ‪،‬‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﯽ ﺩﺑﺎﺅ ﺳﮯ ﻧﮑﻠﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺭﺍﺳﺗہ ﻣﻠﮯ ﮔﺎ‪ ،‬ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﺑﻬﯽ ﺁﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﺍﻧڈﺳﭨﺭی ﭘﺎﺅں ﭘﺭ ﮐﻬڑی ﮨﻭﮔﯽ‪ ،‬ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺍﺷﻳﺎء ﮐﮯ ﺑﺩﻟﮯ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺳﮯ ﺳﺳﺗﺎ ﺗﻳﻝ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﺟﻠﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﻝ ﺳﮑﮯ ﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﺣﻳﺭۀ ﻋﺭﺏ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻧڈﻳﺎ ﮐﺎ ﺍﺛﺭﻭ ﺭﺳﻭﺥ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮐﻡ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﻧڈﻳﺎ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺷﺎﻣﻝ ﺗﻬﺎ ﺗﺎﮨﻡ ‪2009‬ء ﻣﻳں ﺍﻧڈﻳﺎ‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﭘﺭﺍﺟﻳﮑٹ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻟﮓ ﮨﻭﮔﻳﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﺎ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺳﻭﻝ ﻧﻳﻭﮐﻠﻳﺋﺭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻩ ﮐﺭﻟﻳﺎ۔ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺍﮨﻡ ﭘﻳﺵ ﺭﻓﺕ ﮨﮯ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺣﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺭ ﻗﺎﺑﻭ ﭘﺎﻧﮯ ﻣﻳﻧﻣﺩﺩ ﻣﻠﮯ ﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﻭ ﻧﺎﮐﺎﻡ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻋﺎﻟﻣﯽ ﺳﻁﺢ ﭘﺭ ﺩﺑﺎﺅ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﯽ ﺩﻫﻣﮑﻳﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺫﺭﻳﻌﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ڈﺭﺍﻧﮯ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﮐﻭﺷﺵ ﮐﯽ ﮔﺋﯽ‪ ،‬ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﺎ ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺗﮑﻣﻳﻝ ﮐﮯ ﻧﺗﻳﺟﮯ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﺑﻧﺩﻳﻭں ﮐﯽ ﮐﻬﻠﯽ ﺩﻫﻣﮑﯽ‬ ‫ﺩے ﺩی ﺗﻬﯽ ﻣﮕﺭﭘﻳﭘﻠﺯﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﻧﮯ ﻋﺎﻟﻣﯽ ﺳﻁﺢ ﭘﺭ ﺩﺑﺎﺅ ﺑﺭﺩﺍﺷﺕ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﺎ ﮐﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺳﻔﺎﺭﺗﯽ ﺫﺭﺍﺋﻊ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﻭﺍﺿﺢ ﮐﺭﺩﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﻳﺎﺕ ﭘﻭﺭی ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺍﻧﺗﮩﺎﺋﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭی ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﭘﺭ ﮐﺳﯽ ﻗﺳﻡ ﮐﺎ ﺩﺑﺎﺅ ﺑﺭﺩﺍﺷﺕ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﺭ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺑڑی ﺁﺋﻳﻝ ﺭﻳﻔﺎﺋﻧﺭی ﺑﻬﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ۔ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺎک ﮔﻳﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﻭﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻧﺋﮯ ﺩﻭﺭ ﮐﺎ ﺁﻏﺎﺯ ﺛﺎﺑﺕ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی‬ ‫ﺣﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﺭﺩﻳﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﻓﻳﺻﻠﮯ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﭼﻠﮯ ﺁﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں۔ ﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﻳﺎﺳﯽ ﻣﺧﺎﻟﻔﻳﻥ ﮐﻳﺎ ﮐﭼﻬ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮐﮩﺗﮯ ﺭﮨﮯ ﻟﻳﮑﻥ ﻭﻩ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ‬ ‫ﺗﺭﺟﻳﺣﺎﺕ ﻁﮯ ﮐﺭﮐﮯ ﮐﺎﻡ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﺭﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺎک ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺫﮨﻥ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﺗﻬﺎ‪ ،‬ﮐﭼﻬ‬ ‫ﻋﺭﺻہ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﺗﮏ ﮐﺳﯽ ﮐﻭ ﻳﻘﻳﻥ ﻧﮩﻳں ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ ﭘﺭ ﻋﻣﻝ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ ﻟﻳﮑﻥ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﻧﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺑﺎﺭ ﭘﻬﺭ ﺳﺏ ﮐﻭ ﺣﻳﺭﺍﻥ‬ ‫ﮐﺭﺩﻳﺎ‪ ،‬ﺍﺱ ﺑﺎﺭ ﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﻳﺎﺳﯽ ﻣﺧﺎﻟﻔﻳﻥ ﮨﯽ ﻧﮩﻳں ﺑﻠﮑہ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺣﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺭﻩ ﮔﺋﮯ۔ ﺻﺩﺭ ﺯﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﻧﮯ‬ ‫ﺛﺎﺑﺕ ﮐﺭﺩﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻔﺎﺩ ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺍﮨﻡ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺍﺱ ﺭﺍﻩ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﺎ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺳﺎﻣﻧﮯ ﺁﺋﮯ ﺗﻭ ﺍﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ‬ ‫ﮐﻭﺋﯽ ﭘﺭﻭﺍﻩ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﭘﻳﭘﻠﺯ ﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﺎ ﻭﺭﺛہ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻳﮩﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫‪925‬‬

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March 14, 2013 Thu All Day

China defends Gwadar Port deal at UN forum -- The News China defends Gwadar Port deal at UN forum

GENEVA: China has asserted that Gwadar Port project is not only in the best interest of Pakistan and China but also in the best interest of the region’s development.

The Chinese representative spoke in favour of Pakistan-China friendship after nationalist leader Mehran Baloch, the Baloch Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), used his speech to the United Nation’s 22nd general debate session of HRC to allege that Balochistan’s natural resources are being exploited by Pakistan with help from China.

China took over management of the port on the Arabian Sea last week to finance more than 80 percent of the $248 million development cost of the port. This agreement is part of a plan to open up an energy and trade corridor from the Gulf, across Pakistan to western China but the deal has not been liked by India, America and Baloch nationalists who see it as the consolidation of Pakistani power in the trouble-hit province.

China rarely replies to the criticism levelled against it at the UN forums but as if anticipating that the issue of Gwadar port would be discussed, the Chinese delegation had come prepared.

Mehran Baloch said that Saindak copper mines were being already “milked” by China and “now Gwadar port has been handed” to China and it will be soon that China will build a military base there too as former Defence Minister Ahmad Mukhtar had publicly requested China to do so.

The Chinese representative, answering Mehran Baloch’s charges, told the delegates that China and Pakistan are friendly neighbours and for a long time the Chinese enterprises have taken an “active part in the development and construction in all sections of Pakistan”.

He told that the Chinese enterprises are engaged in the Gwadar development project as a joint co-opertion project between the two countries. “It’s part of the friendly cooperation between the two countries” and nothing more should be read in it.

Mehran Baloch said that with militarisation of Gwadar Port not only Baloch will suffer but also the region and the world peace will face threats too. “It is not the port alone. The planned airport there is 6,000 acres which is twice the size of Heathrow London. A country which has its foreign exchange reserves less than second string billionaires certainly cannot build the airport on its own.”

The Chinese representative replied that Gwadar port is not only in the “best interest of the two countries and both people but also in the best interest of the region’s development”.

Mehran Baloch said that Balochistan is used as drug conduit as the UN office on drugs and crime (UNODC) has reported that drugs worth $30 billion pass through Pakistan. He told the delegates that the data released by state banks implicitly proves that this passes through Quetta and Peshawar.

He alleged that “the illegal money finances the war of terror in Afghanistan and the death squads in Balochistan. Illegal money multiplies in turmoil and it means people are deprived of their share”.

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‫ ﻳﺮﺍﻥ۔ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﮔﻴﺲ ﭘﺎﺋﭗ ﻻﺋﻦ ﮐﮯ ﭨﻴﻨﮉﺭ ﺟﺎﺭی‬-- APP ‫ﻳﺭﺍﻥ۔ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﮯ ﭨﻳﻧڈﺭ ﺟﺎﺭی‬ ‫ﮐﮩﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺳﻧہ ﺩﻭ ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﭼﻭﺩﻩ ﺗﮏ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﮨﻭ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﭘﻳﭨﺭﻭﻟﻳﻡ ﮐﮯ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ڈﺍﮐﭨﺭ ﻋﺎﺻﻡ ﺣﺳﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﺍﺳﻣﺑﻠﯽ ﮐﻭ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ۔ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ‬ 927

‫‪March 14, 2013 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Thu‬‬ ‫ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﺑﭼﻬﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﭨﻳﻧڈﺭ ﺟﺎﺭی ﮐﺭ ﺩﻳﮯ ﮔﺋﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻳﮏ ﻣﺎﻩ ﻣﻳں ﺍﺱ ﭘﺭ ﭘﻳﺵ ﺭﻓﺕ ﮨﻭﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﻳہ ﺑﺎﺕ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﺟﻣﻌﺭﺍﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﺍﺳﻣﺑﻠﯽ ﻣﻳں ﻭﻗﻔہ ﺳﻭﺍﻻﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﺑﺗﺎﺋﯽ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺳﮯ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺑﺣﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﻡ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﻣﻳں ﻣﺩﺩ ﺩے ﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻘﻭﻝ ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺳﻧہ ﺩﻭ ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﭼﻭﺩﻩ ﻣﻳں ﻣﮑﻣﻝ‬ ‫ﮨﻭﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﮔﻳﺱ ﮐﯽ ﭘﻳﺩﺍﻭﺍﺭ ﭼﺎﺭ ﺍﻋﺷﺎﺭﻳہ ﺩﻭ ﺑﻠﻳﻥ ﮐﻳﻭﺑﮏ ﻓٹ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ‬ ‫ﺁﭨﻬ ﺑﻠﻳﻥ ﮐﻳﻭﺑﮏ ﻓٹ ﮐﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬

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March 15, 2013 Fri All Day

Gwadar handover to China: Army on board -- APP Gwadar handover to China: Army on board

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army has refuted rumours and some reports that the Army was not on board the handing over of Gwadar Port to China.A top ISPR official said there was no truth in these reports as the whole country was united and supportive of the fact that the friendly Chinese had been given the port for development.“It does have a strategic and defence aspect as it is part of the coastal defence and is close to Chabahar. There can be no eventuality that the defence people are not on board,� the official said.He said even the shares of NLC were disposed of along with some other share holders who sold their shares to make it possible for the Chinese to take over the port development.

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March 16, 2013 Sat All Day

‘China can assist Pakistan in building regional railway hub’ -- Dawn ‘China can assist Pakistan in building regional railway hub’

PESHAWAR, March 15: China can provide financial and technical support in construction of a regional railway hub for Pakistan.

The construction of the railway project will connect Pakistan with Xinjiang in China and enhance the capacity of transportation between the two countries, which would also add to a new outbound transportation line for western China, said director Pakistan Study Centre, Sichuan University Chengdu, China, Dr Chen Jidong while speaking as a keynote speaker at a seminar on Pak-China relations at the University of Peshawar on Friday.

The seminar was arranged by the Department of International Relations in collaboration with Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad.

He said that the project would build trade and transport corridors by connecting South Asia, West Asia, Central Asia and Western China, owing to the country’s geographical advantages.

Dr Chen said that Pakistan had a railway network not younger than the year 1861, aging by the day and needed arduous upgrading. The project, if pursued, would transform Pakistan’s internal railway system and bring economic revival in the country.

On this occasion, Chinese strategic analyst Prof Zhon Rong said that certain external powers had been creating serious law and order situation in Balochistan with the evil design to halt development of the area through Gwadar port operations. He said that taking over of operations of Gwadar Port by a Chinese company to go with the railway project, could transform Pakistan into economic giant of the 21st century.

“Gwadar Port is first for the development of Pakistan and then any other country,” he said and added the American withdrawal by end of 2014 would start the beginning of golden period for Balochistan.

Responding to a question, Prof Zhon said that the Pakistani government had handed Gwadar Port over to a Chinese company because the Singapore company could not deliver the desired results.

He said that that now when Americans were planning exit from Afghanistan it was hoped that unrest in Balochistan would decrease and Gwadar operations would eventually succeed.

Department of International Relations chairman Dr Adnan Sarwar said that the old slogans of deeper than sea and higher than sky for Pak-China relations must be transformed into something tangible by boosting economic ties.

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Pak-China ties: ‘Railway hub to promote bilateral relations’ -- The Express Tribune Pak-China ties: ‘Railway hub to promote bilateral relations’

The railway project will connect Pakistan with Xinjiang region in China and enhance the capacity of transportation between the two countries, says Dr Jidong. PHOTO: FILE PESHAWAR: China will provide all kind of financial and technical support in the construction of a regional railway hub for Pakistan.

The railway project will connect Pakistan with Xinjiang region in China and enhance the capacity of transportation between the two countries, said Sichuan University Chengdu China Pakistan Study Centre Director Dr Chen Jidong, while speaking as a key note speaker at a one-day seminar on prospects of Pak-China Relations at the University of Peshawar on Friday.

The seminar was arranged by the Department of International Relations (IR), 930

March 16, 2013 Continued Sat University of Peshawar, in collaboration with Institute of Policy Studies Islamabad.

Jidong claimed the project is in the greatest advantage of Pakistan, and will build trade and transport corridors by connecting South Asia, West Asia, Central Asia and Western China.

According to a report published in The Hindu on September 1, 2012, a portion of the railway track from Kashgar to Hotan in southern Xinjiang began in June last year, whereas work has not yet started beyond that.

The line is planned to run from Kashgar, the Old Silk Road town, to Xinjiang region, the report said.

Chinese strategic analyst Professor Zhon Rong said the taking over of Gwadar port by a Chinese company along with this new project can transform Pakistan into an economic giant of the 21st century.

“Let me tell Pakistani people that Gwadar Port is first for the development of Pakistan and then for any other country. The US withdrawal by end of 2014 (from Afghanistan) would start the beginning of a golden period for Balochistan,” he said.

“Gwadar port will always belong to Pakistan. The Pakistani government has handed it over to a Chinese company because the Singaporean Company who was in charge of port operations in 2007 could not deliver the desired results,” added Rong.

When a student inquired about the role of China post-2014, Jidong said China prefers participation of the Afghan people in the peace process.

“We have no favours or opinion to offer on talks of the Afghan government with the Afghan Taliban, but China does want to play a moderate and neutral role in Afghanistan,” he said.

Department of International Relations Chairman Professor Dr Adnan Sarwar Khan said the old slogan ‘deeper than the sea and higher than the sky’ for Pak-China relations must be transformed into something tangible by boosting economic ties.

“If other regional countries can have alliances and organisations like Nato, why can’t we have IPC (India Pakistan China) or APC (Afghanistan Pakistan China) cooperation to boost regional peace and economy,” he said.

Institute of Policy Studies Director General Khalid Rehman, Pak China Friendship Secretary General Syed Ali Nawaz Gillani and a large number of students attended the seminar.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 16th, 2013.

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Pakistan’s Gwadar Port Project: Shielding Facts -- Eurasia Review Pakistan’s Gwadar Port Project: Shielding Facts –

By Eurasia Review -- (March 16, 2013)

By Umm-e-Habiba The Gwadar port is one of the major sea ports in the western Indian Ocean region.

It lies in the south-western coast of Pakistan and is only 180 nautical milesi from the Strait of Hormuz, the global energy conduit. Gwadar accordingly serves as a gateway to the Strait which hosts oil worth 17 millionii barrels per day for the international markets. The port’s strategic value is further magnified as it lies at the confluence of three geopolitically significant regions of the world, i.e., Central Asia, Middle East and South Asia.

It is, nonetheless, unfortunate that a project of such tremendous national significance could not lift from the ground beyond the initial phase and despite passage of more than a decade. The statement of Minister of Port and Shipping before the Senate Standing Committee in August 2012 attributing the failure to Pakistan Navy’s hesitancy in parting with the land for the project was quite a misrepresentation of facts. At best, it was a poor attempt to shift the burden of responsibility for lack of progress in making the port functional from political domain to the navy.

The port was handed over to Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) in February 2007 for a period of 40 years. According to settled terms and conditions of the agreement between PSA and Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), PSA had to invest $3 billion in the 931

March 16, 2013 Continued Sat project, out of which $550 millioniii were to be invested in the first five years.

Several concessions were provided to PSA in the form of Free Trade Zone, exemption from corporate tax etc. A tax-free umbrella was also extended to the construction material and equipment as well as operation of the port. Moreover the bunker oil used in the port or sold to visiting ships was also declared as duty free.

These privileges were declared valid throughout the concession period which was for 20 years from the date of the agreement.

Of a total of 2200 acres of land at Gwadar earmarked for PSA’s operational activities, also included was about 584 acres at Shamba Ismail (Gwadar) exclusively belonging to Pakistan Navy. Interestingly the land at Shamba Ismail had been under the legal ownership of Pakistan Navy (PN) since 1980. It was procured

by Pakistan Navy from the government of Balochistan purely for assembling defensive, logistics and operational needs which made it the official owner much before the GPA-PSA deal was even dreamed up.

Much against above, the land at Shamba Ismail was made part of Gwadar Port Development plan in 2004-5, without following even the rudimentary legal procedure or involvement of Pakistan Navy. The case was presented to the then Prime Minister of Pakistan through Ministry of Port and Shipping in 2008.

Subsequent scrutiny of the records and facts revealed PN’s claim to be just and legal. Considering the land in possession of PN to be vital for national maritime defense, the Prime Minister directed PN to spare only 30 acres of the land for development of rail/road link essential for operations of PSA. In the larger national interest however, it was agreed to hand over the fully developed land to Ministry of Ports and Shipping/ GPA on the proviso that an equal and appropriate allotment be made at Gwadar; development funds be provided by Ministry of Ports and Shipping and PN be allowed to retain 84 acres at Shamba Ismail for operational errands. Consequently, Government of Balochistan offered two pieces of land to Pakistan Navy. Feasibility studies for both were conducted, and land proposed at North Bay of Phishukan was found appropriate and indicated to all concerned accordingly.

The August 2012 statement by the Minister for Ports and Shipping thus belies his claim that Government’s failure to transfer 584 acres of land in ownership of PN had been the major obstacle towards meeting contractual terms with PSA. The claim is contradictory to actual facts. PN has communicated its willingness to part with land at Shamba Ismail subject to conditions identified.

It is common knowledge that contract with PSA was the result of political expediency and was executed in haste in a non-transparent, non professional manner. It contained numerous clauses that at best made the agreement ‘suspect’.

Instead of protecting the mutual interests of the contracting parties, the agreement terms overwhelmingly favored PSA. It would be in the fitness of matter if the nature of checks or oversight mechanism between 2007-12 is made public. It is believed and, not without substance that PSA did not fulfill even the conditions of the ‘Concession Agreement’. For the said reason alone, the port which was once deemed to provide an economic windfall opportunity for the country was rendered a white elephant.

The recent handing over of the operational rights of Gwadar port to China though late is indeed a welcome step. One only hopes that the project becomes a profitable national enterprise sooner rather than later.

About the author: Umm-e-Habiba is M.Sc in International Relations from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad and a research Analyst of Pakistan and International Politics.

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March 17, 2013 Sun All Day

China to provide support in constructing a regional railway hub -- APP China to provide support in constructing a regional railway hub Sunday, 17 March 2013 02:36 Posted by Imaduddin PESHAWAR: China is to provide all kind of financial and technical support in the construction of a regional railway hub for Pakistan, said Director Pakistan Study Centre Sichuan University Chengdu China Dr Chen Jidong.

Speaking as a key note speaker at the one day seminar on prospects of Pak China Relations at University of Peshawar (UoP), Dr Chen Jidong said the active promotion of construction of the railway project will connect Pakistan with Xinjiang region in China and will enhance the capacity of transportation between two countries not only by land but also add to a new outbound transportation line for western China.

He said that the project is the greatest advantage of Pakistan, and will build trade and transport corridors by connecting South Asia, West Asia, Central Asia and Western China owing to the country's geographical advantages.

Dr Chen said that Pakistan has a railway network not younger than the year 1861, aging by the day and needs arduous upgrading.

Some external powers are creating serious law and order situation in Balochistan, with the evil design to halt the expected development of the area through Gwadar port operations, said the Chinese strategic analyst Prof. Zhon Rong.

He added the taking over of operations of Gwadar Port by a Chinese company in the recent past to go with the railway project, can transform Pakistan into economic giant of the 21st Century.

Let me tell the Pakistani people that Gwadar Port is first for the development of Pakistan and then any other country, he added.

Responding to a question of IR student, he said let us not dispute something for the sack of personal disagreement, let's do work than making noise, said Prof. Zhon Rong. Gwadar port will always belong to Pakistan. The Pakistani government has handed it over to a Chinese company because the Singapore Company who was in charge of the port operations in 2007 could not deliver the desired results, he added.

When a student inquired about role of China in the post 2014 scenario, Dr Chen Jidong said China prefers participation of the Afghan people into the peace process. We have no favors or opinion to offer on talk of the Afghan government with the Afghan Taliban. The Chinese government wants to play a moderate and neutral role in Afghanistan.

Chairman Department of International Relations Dr Adnan Sarwar said the old slogans of deeper than sea and higher than sky for Pak-China relations must be transformed into something tangible by boosting economic ties. If other regional countries can have alliances and organizations like NATO etc, why can't we have IPC (India Pakistan China) or APC (Afghanistan Pakistan China) cooperation's to boost regional peace and economy.

Director General Institute of Policy Studies Khalid Rehman, Secretary General Pak China Friendship Syed Ali Nawaz Gillani and good number of students attended the seminar.

933

March 18, 2013 Mon All Day

Chinese control of Gwadar Port: Challenges & opportunities -- Frontier Post Chinese control of Gwadar Port: Challenges & opportunities Dr. Raja Muhammad Khan Owing to its strategic location and God gifted natural resources, the Balochistan Province of Pakistan has always been at the centre stage of regional and global politics. The famous writer and geographer, Robert D. Kaplan describes the province of Balochistan as, “One key to its fate is the future of Gwadar, a strategic port whose development will either unlock the riches of Central Asia, or plunge Pakistan into a savage, and potentially terminal civil war.”

Unfortunately, Pakistan could not unlock the riches of the Central Asia and Caspian yet. However, it is experiencing the wide spread instability and law and order situation in the province of Balochistan, ever since the developmental work on the Gwadar port started in 2002.

Located at the mouth of Persian Gulf, right at the proximity of the Straits of Hormuz, the Gwadar port of Pakistan has a strategic significance.

Since the major shipping route connecting three main continents; Asia, Africa, and Europe are passing through the vicinity of this port, therefore, it has attained the status of a key strategic and commercial port. Over sixty percent of global trade and transportation of oil tankers takes place through the neighbouring waters of the Gwadar Port, the Straits of Hormuz. In connection with the global trade, Gwadar port presents itself as the best alternative and the storage port, as it can handle the major ships and oil tankers. “The 14.5-meter draft of the port will be able to accommodate up to “fifth-generation” ships, including Panamax and mother vessels.”

The idea of building a commercial port at Gwadar was initially conceived in 1964.

However, owing to the lack of requisite finances and expertise, the project remained unimplemented for these long years. In 2001, China agreed to invest in the development of Gwadar Port. The port was developed with the basic concept of stimulating the economic growth in the northern and western parts of Pakistan.

Besides, the port was also aimed at providing the shortest possible approach to Arabian Sea to the landlocked Central Asian Republics and Afghanistan for their transhipment facilities. By virtue of its strategic location, the Gwadar port is a place of great strategic value, giving tremendous boost to Pakistan’s importance in the whole region. It allows Pakistan to extend an influence from the Persian Gulf through the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia. The Gwadar deep-sea port has the potential to remain operative throughout the year and can handle large ships. Being a hub between energy efficient and energy deficient countries, it can facilitate both China and India in connecting them with energy rich Middle East and Central Asia.

China developed the port in a record period with an initial investment of $248 million. Upon completion of its development, in March 2007, the port was handed over to the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), through an open bidding for a period of forty years. As a concession, the PSA was given corporate tax exemption by Pakistan for the entire period of forty years.

The otherwise concessional agreement, delimited PSA to invest $3 billion on the project. PSA was to invest $550 million in the first five years, which it had not done, until 2012. Besides, the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) was to receive revenue from PSA, which was not insight. Whatever be the reasons, PSA could not operationalize the Gwadar port, as agreed in the bi-lateral agreement. Moreover, it failed to invest the agreed amount in five years even. Additionally, the efficiency of this globally known port authority has remained much below the expectations.

This could be imagined from the fact that, not a single commercial vessel could reach the Gwadar port in last five. Indeed, “The port has so far remained a commercial failure, and is operating at about 15% of its capacity. So much so the machinery originally installed by China started rusting for lack of use.

Over the last few years, there was realization among the strategic community of Pakistan that, the port is not being utilized as envisaged; rather, it is rapidly becoming a white elephant. At the level of Pakistan Government, it was felt that, “the Gwadar port project is a disaster, as the 40-year concession agreement with the PSA has not yielded any results in its first five years.”

Thus, it was clear that, the Government and the PSA are in default of 934

March 18, 2013 Continued Mon commitments,” yet, this national asset could not be left at lurch for a long. It was in the same milieu that, Pakistan finally reached to the conclusion that, port is not serving the purpose for which it was built; therefore, the agreement with PSA should be reviewed and given to someone who could really administer and operationalize it.

On February 18, 2013, the Government of Pakistan finally signed an agreement with Chinese government-owned China Overseas Port Holdings Ltd for the administration and operationalization of the Gwadar Port. It is a well deliberated and indeed the long awaited decision by the Government in the best national interest of Pakistan. The decision has invited lot of direct speculative criticism from India and indirect criticism from Pakistani ally and Indian strategic partner; United States. In its first official reaction, the Indian Defence Minister called the deal as a, matter of “serious concern” for India, which in fact is beyond perception and amount to interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan. The Indian and western media hurriedly propagated that, “China harbours the intention to build naval bases there.”

Indeed, a recommencement of the old jargon, ‘String of Pearls concept’ that China rejected times and again. It indeed is a concept jointly crafted by Indian and US strategists’ way back in late 1990s.

China however maintains that, neither it has any plan to encircling India nor heading for a string of pearls strategy. Rather, Chinese policy is a peaceful rise in a low profile with economic cooperation and interdependence; a win-win situation for all.

Whereas the strategically located Gwadar port is primarily meant for the economic and socio-political needs of Pakistan, would also provide an easy excess to China for the overland transportation of its energy resources from Gulf and Central Asia. It would give Chinese western autonomous region; Xinjiang an easy excess to the Arabian Sea, thus opening new vistas for the development and economic prosperity.

“If a pipeline connecting the port to western China is built, the shortest route for oil imports from the Middle East can be realised.

It is worth mentioning that, Sino-Pakistan relationships are not limited to the development and operationalization of the Gwadar deep-sea port. Indeed, Chinese companies have been (and still) working for the development of a number of socioeconomic projects in Pakistan. Indeed, “China and Pakistan are friendly neighbours.

Over the years, Chinese companies have been actively participating in the cooperation projects across the board. As long as these things are conducive to China-Pakistan friendship and for the development and prosperity of the country, the Chinese side will actively support them.” In an interview, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan clarified that, “This bilateral arrangement is in the economic interest of the peoples of China and Pakistan.” It has no military motives, thus, Indian propaganda is baseless. “China’s intentions in taking over Gwadar Port have been interpreted through a military perspective.”

Besides India and United States, over the years, there have been many speculations among regional states that, once Gwadar Port is fully operationalized, ports of neighbouring countries would lose their significance. International actors, opposing the port have directly or indirectly contributed towards the destabilization of the province of Balochistan. Local Baloch population was provoked in the name of Baloch sub-nationalism that their rights over their own land are being compromised by the Federal Government. Upon heavy funding by rivals of the port and particularly India, some mislead elements of the Pro

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March 20, 2013 Wed All Day

Pak-Iran gas pipeline a landmark achievement: Raja -- APP

LAHORE (APP): Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Raja Riaz Ahmed on Thursday paid tribute to President Asif Ali Zardari for keeping the democratic system intact besides foiling a lot of conspiracies.

Addressing a luncheon hosted by President's Coordinator Muhammad Naveed Chaudhry for journalists and on completion of five year tenure of the democratic government at a local hotel, Raja said five years back there was a dictator's rule in the country and the media was not independent during that time period.

He said President Asif Ali Zardari had always welcomed positive criticism and said that it was a right of the media to criticise. It was the biggest achievement of the PPP-led government that it let the media to flourish during its tenure, and now it would be a challenge for the upcoming government to maintain it, he added. He said Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave the Constitution of 1973 and President Asif Ali Zardari had restored it in its real form.

The federal government had given billion of rupees to the provinces under the NFC Award, adding that the president had handed over his powers to parliament and the prime minister, he added. Raja said salaries of government employees had been increased by 135 percent and 7.5 million families were getting benefit from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) initiated to provide financial help to the poor.

He said the federal government had added 3600 mega watt electricity to the national grid, on the other hand, the Punjab government had not even added a single mega watt to the national grid.

He said the Iran-Pak gas pipeline was one of the biggest achievement of the PPP government while Gwadar port would bring about revolutionary changes as it was auspicious development in the Pak-China relations as well as for the people of Pakistan, opening for them "new opportunities".

He said Gwadar would soon be a hub of trade and commerce in the region. He said the Punjab government had failed to deliver good as it started various projects like Sasti Roti, Dannish School, Metro Bus Service but wasted hefty amount on these ill planned schemes. He said the Food Support Programme started by the Punjab government just collapsed in six months and one could imagine their poor planning in the province. He said the Punjab government had just given Rs 40 billion for developmental work of south Punjab out of Rs 600 billion and rest was utilized on all mega projects just in Lahore.

He said due to poor governance of the Punjab government different departments, including health, education and others were awfully suffering. Presidents Coordinator Naveed Chaudhry said with the grace of Almighty Allah, the PPP would form the next government in Punjab on the basis of its performance.

He said the PPP was the party of the poor and it would remain work for the uplift of the deprived ones. Criticizing the Punjab government, he said ownership certificates were being distributed to residents of Katchi Abadis, adding that it was nothing just a political gimmick. In Ring Road phase-XI, the Punjab government had obliged their favourites, he added. He said the Punjab government claimed that the metro bus project was completed with an amount of Rs 30 billion but reality was different.

He said Joseph Colony incident had also exposed the poor governance of the Punjab government.

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March 21, 2013 Thu All Day

Pak, China enjoying excellent trade, bilateral relations -- Pak Observer Pak, China enjoying excellent trade, bilateral relations

Thursday, March 21, 2013 - Rawalpindi—The Chinese ambassador Liu Jian has said that Pakistan and China are enjoying best mutual, trade, bilateral, cultural and social relations and newly elected government of Peoples Republic of China will enhance relations with Pakistan at all levels. Embassy will invite the Chinese business community to invest in Pakistan to further boost bilateral trade ties.

Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) is playing a significant role to strengthen trade relation between two best friend countries. He said that embassy appreciates RCCI step of organizing CHINA WEEK in the Chamber and will cooperate with Chamber in arranging said programs. He was exchanging these with the traders and industrialists of Rawalpindi Chamber during his visit to the RCCI to inaugurate CHINA WEEK here on Wednesday. Senior Vice President Pervaiz Ahmed Warriach, Vice President Nadeem Rauf, Group Leader Najamul Haq Malik, former presidents, members’ Executive Committee and renowned businessmen of twin cities were also present on the occasion.

Ambassador said that Pakistan is the second largest trading partner of China in South Asia and both countries are enjoying best relations of time.

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March 22, 2013 Fri All Day

Zardari urges use of Gwadar port for trade -- APP Zardari urges use of Gwadar port for trade

ASHGABAT: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday called for greater regional cooperation in areas of counter-terrorism and energy and urged the Central Asian Republics to use Gwadar port for trade.

Speaking at the opening session of the International Conference on Nauroz here at the Rukhyat Palace, the president said the region was of great geostrategic importance and underlined the need for robust road and rail links to enable its countries to fully exploit their natural resources.

He said Pakistan was ready to play its role in this regard. “We are willing to facilitate transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Central Asia to South East Asia and other world markets. The latest and modern seaport of Pakistan at Gwadar is the shortest route for Central Asian states to the Arabian Sea,” Mr Zardari said.

He said that Gwadar port offered excellent facilities for export of LNG and other products. “We are also ready to provide safe transit of piped gas to neighbouring countries.”

Pakistan was keen to implement the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (Tapi) and the Iran-Pakistan (IP) pipeline projects, Mr Zardari said. He pointed out that work on the IP project was inaugurated recently.

He also underlined the need for strengthening regional cooperation in the areas of security and counter-terrorism. Pakistan firmly believed that peace and stability was a prerequisite for economic progress and development.

“We are keen to promote friendly relations with all, especially our neighbours and other regional countries. We are ready to work together with them for peace, progress and prosperity in the region,” he remarked.

President Zardari said that Pakistan and the Central Asian states were members of the Economic Cooperation Organisation whose main objective was to build infrastructure in the region.

He said that “connectivity through rail, road and air links was important not only within the region but also beyond”.

The president said the presence of leaders of regional countries or their representatives at the conference reflected the underlying strength of their common cultural and religious values and traditions.

“Our common traditions are deep-rooted in history,” he said and termed Nauroz a symbol of the common heritage. “We particularly need closer cooperation in trade, communications, transportation, energy and infrastructure,” President Zardari said.

He congratulated Turkmen President Gurbanguli Berdimuhammedov for the excellent arrangements made for the festival and thanked the people of Turkmenistan for their warmth and hospitality.

The conference was also addressed by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Tajik President Emomali Rehmanov and Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

On the occasion, President Berdimuhammedov thanked the delegations for visiting his country and celebrating with him Nauroz that he said symbolised a new dawn.

He said Turkmenistan had always worked for good neighbourly relations and that neutrality was the cornerstone of its foreign policy.

He said that national, regional and global development could only take place in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.—APP 938

April 11, 2013 Thu All Day

Balochistan development top priority: Caretaker Prime Minister -- Global Post Caretaker Prime Minister Hazar Khan Khoso has directed for accelerating pace of work on all ongoing development projects in Balochistan. He also directed the Planning Division and Ministry of Finance to remove procedural obstacles in consultation with the provincial authorities for timely completion of these projects.

Prime Minister was speaking at a briefing on various development projects in the province during his visit here Wednesday.

These included Gwadar Port, Gwadar Development Authority, Kachhi Canal Project, Ratodero-Khuzdar Road Project, Naulang and Mirani dams’ projects here.

Balochistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Magsi, Chief Minister Nawab Ghaus Bakhsh Barozai, caretaker Federal Minister for Communications Asad Mandokhel, Secretary Planning Commission, Chairman NHA, Chairman WAPDA, Balochistan Chief Secretary and other officials were present at the briefing.

Government accords top priority to the speedy completion of ongoing development projects in the province and will utilize all available resources in the this regard, Khosa said adding physical progress on these projects would not be delayed either because of shortage of funds or any procedural impediment.

Earlier, the Chairman WAPDA briefed the prime minister that the Kachhi Canal Project will be completed by June 30 this year and irrigation water will be available to lands on either side of the canal.

He said that Kachhi canal project management has already sought the services of National Engineering Services Pakistan NESPAK for efficient implementation of the project.

About Naulang Dam, he said the progress on the dam was delayed due to unavailability of funds. However, the project will soon be completed as sufficient funds have been released for it.

Referring to Gwadar Port, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of ongoing Ratodero-Khuzdar Highway project for connecting the port to rest of the country and directed the Ministry of Communications for its earlier completion.

"Gwadar port will not only play a significant role in progress and prosperity of the province, but also usher entire nation in an era of development," prime minister remarked. Federal government will also look into the proposal for appointment of Chief Minister Balochistan as chairman Gwadar Port Authority.

About expansion of Gwadar Port, the prime minister was briefed that the project would cost Rs 25 billion, which also included establishing a Free Trade Zone while sufficient land in this regard had been acquired.

Chairman National Transmission and Dispatch Corporation NTDC informed the prime minister that Balochistan province had been given representation in the board of members of the NTDC for the first time.

All Day

Gwadar Port Pak-China matter, says FO -- The Nation

Addressing a weekly press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson said Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry said Pakistan and China enjoy all weather relationship. He said that no one needs to be worried about Pak-China relations.

He said that there is no need to comment on Indian Defense Minister Statement regarding the Gwadar port adding that it was a matter of bilateral interest for Pakistan and China, and no one needs to get furious over this subject.

He said we have shown a great degree of responsibility and restraint on incidents of violations of Line of Control and hostile statements by India.

Replying to a question about travel advisory issued by the US State Department for its citizens‚ the spokesman said Pakistan security situation has improved to a great deal and a number of visitors and investors are travelling to the country.

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April 11, 2013 Continued Thu Regarding European Union Election Observers decision to not to travel to FATA and Balochistan‚ he said it is their own decision. He said after getting accreditation from the Election Commission all observers are issued a travel advisory by the Interior Ministry. He said so far they have received requests from National Democratic Institute‚ Commonwealth‚ United Kingdom‚ Turkey‚ Malaysia‚ Australia‚ Mauritius and Maldives for sending their election observers and their case is under process.

He said Pakistan welcomes foreign election observers because our leadership is committed to hold free‚ fair and transparent elections in the country. He said this exercise will help improve our credibility.

About threatening statements by North Korea‚ the Foreign Office Spokesman said Pakistan shares the concern of international community on the recent tension and deteriorating situation in Korean Peninsula. He said Pakistan always supports nuclear free Korea Peninsula. He said we monitoring the evolving situation in Korean Peninsula and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of our diplomats and staff there.

Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary said dialogue on strategic issues is going to be held on 25th of this month between Pakistan and Russia as part of the ongoing consultative rounds of meetings. He said issues relating to disarmament‚ nonproliferation‚ strategic stability in South Asia and cooperation in Science and Technology would be discussed during the meeting.

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April 13, 2013 Sat All Day

Pakistan to benefit from Gwadar Port development -- APP Pakistan to benefit from Gwadar Port development

We have witnessed two strategic decisions being implemented in recent days. Both will have far reaching impact on the region and beyond. The nature of Pakistan’s external relations is undergoing a sea-change. Geographical realities and economic compulsions have taken Pakistan closer to China and Iran. The management of Gwadar Port has been given to a Chinese company. Since Gwadar has strategic location, close to the Strait of Hormuz, this decision has evoked unusual international interest. On the other hand, work has started on the Pakistani portion of gas pipeline coming from Iran. It is expected that the pipeline will be completed by the middle of next year.

Pakistan has disregarded the US pressure against engaging with Iran. Appreciating the dire situation of energy starved Pakistan, Iran has decided to build a big oil refinery at Gwadar and supply 1,000 megawatts of electricity. While the United States has minced no words in showing its displeasure for Pak-Iran cooperation, it is the US policies that have obliged Pakistan to get closer to China and Iran.

Despite all the loud talk, the US did precious little to assuage Pakistan’s energy woes. All it has done is build a very small dam at Satpara near Hunza and upgrade a portion of the Tarbela Dam. Had it built the Bhasha dam in last decade, it could easily persuade Pakistan to wait for the gas pipeline to come from Turkmenistan.

Pakistan has crippling gas and electricity shortages right now. No CNG is available for the vehicles three days a week in Islamabad. There is no electricity in the rural side for hours.

Faisalabad, the major textile city, has an unemployment rate of 40 per cent as against the national figure of 20 per cent. The industry and exports have suffered a huge blow due to energy shortages. And this is happening in a country which has a potential to produce 60,000 MW of hydel power. This is happening in a nation that is rich in coal reserves.

It is nothing but mismanagement and lack of proper planning. The leadership has let the people down. While dams take years to build, the Iranian gas is a quick-fix for Pakistani energy woes.

Both these decisions will revive the moribund Pakistani economy in a big way.

Gwadar Port management was awarded by the last government to a company from Singapore. But apparently it was a wrong decision as Singapore had no national stakes in this port. The decision to give it to the Chinese company is a win-win situation for both nations.

Some speculative reports in international media have suggested that Gwadar would have a Chinese naval base. These reports are wrong and motivated.

This port will reduce the transport distance and time of cargo coming from the GCC countries, Africa and Europe and destined for China.

This benefit will also accrue to the goods being transported from China to these nations and continents. China has a big shipping fleet and shall be able to use this port to the optimum.

What benefits can Gwadar Port bring for Pakistan in general and Balochistan in particular? Pakistan has two ports right now, Karachi and Bin Qasim. Both are extension of each other. While Karachi handles commercial cargo, Bin Qasim is meant for industrial goods.

Gwadar is about 500 kilometers west of Karachi. It is closer to the GCC countries and Iran. One major benefit to accrue to Pakistan would be the savings in freight 942

April 13, 2013 Continued Sat charges for its oil imports and these will be substantial. Right now Pakistan navy ships invariably escort the oil tankers up to Karachi.

That may not be required now as Gwadar is a short hop from Hormuz. This will release Pakistan Navy ships for other duties. In not too distant future Makran coast will be linked to western China by road, railways and pipelines.

This will be one of the busiest trade and energy corridors in the world.

However, implementation of these two decisions would require much determination.

Pakistan may not face sanctions right now but could face international isolation later.

But the leadership and people must stay the course. I see a prosperous Pakistan with an even richer Balochistan in not too distant future.

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April 14, 2013 Sun All Day

Gwadar port's significance -- Observer

Sunday, April 14, 2013 - After a botched attempt to poise the Gwadar port as among the region’s most valuable ones, mainly due to an oversight of details, incompetence, lack of interest and an outright clash on who owes what, by the government and Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), who was given the contract to exploit its maximum potential, the government of Pakistan has handed over the port’s operational control to China, much to the chagrin of quite a few international powers. The port that was supposed to change Pakistan’s commercial activities has remained virtually inactive due to non-fulfillment of commitment by the PSA and a lack of road infrastructure to connect it with county’s major commercial and industrial cities.

However, Islamabad hopes that this would change as a multi-billion dollar deal with China expected to see port’s development work sped up and a healthy increase in country’s trade and commerce activities. Situated at the cross-junction of international sea shipping and oil lines between the Middle East and the rest of the world, including China, Gwadar can play a crucial role not only in Pakistan’s development but also as a hub for international trade activities, the fruits of which could catapult Balochistan into a hyperdrive on the road to success.

What Pakistan should be careful about, though, is that it should make sure there were no let-ups in the deal between the two neighbouring countries, and that even minute details would be looked into to avoid repeat of what happened to the deal between the PSA and the government of Pakistan. The Supreme Court has already taken suo motu notice of PSA’s failure to deliver, and a second such failure might just push the project over the edge and dash down the hopes that the people of this country have from this project.

All Day

PM orders prioritization of Gwadar roads -- APP PM orders prioritization of Gwadar roads

Sunday, April 14, 2013 - Islamabad—Prime Minister Justice (R) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso Saturday directed the Ministry of Communication to prioritize the ongoing road projects and make an effort to complete those nearing completion.

The Prime Minister gave this directive in a high level meeting held at the Prime Minister’s House to review the projects initiated by the Ministry of Communication for the construction of highways and roads in the country.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Communication Asad Ullah Mandokhel, Chairman National Highway Authority, senior officials of Prime Minister’s Secretariat, ministries of Planning and Finance. The Prime Minister was told that the ministry was presently carrying out work on 79 projects of which 12 related to Balochistan.

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April 15, 2013 Mon All Day

Pak-China nuclear JVs under IAEA regulation -www.thefinancialdaily.com

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has emphasized that civil nuclear cooperation with China is in full compliance of the regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency and no one should object to it.

Responding to questions by newsmen at the weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday ‚ Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said Pakistan and China have normal cooperation in civil nuclear matters.

He also pointed out that this civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries is in full compliance of the regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency and no country should have any objection to it.

Responding to questions by newsmen he said Pakistan firmly believed that the issue of nuclear disarmament should be taken up in the Conference of Disarmament in Geneva in a comprehensive manner.

He said talks should be held on all the four elements of nuclear disarmament‚ nonproliferation‚ arms race in outer space and negative security assurances.

To another question he said Pakistan and India are engaged in different ways and channels and composite dialogue was centre piece of that process.

He told a question that Foreign Ministry is in contact with Interior Ministry and Punjab Government in connection with autopsy report of an Indian prisoner who died in Lahore.

The report‚ when received‚ would be shared with Indian High Commission and made public.

He said no dates have yet been announced for the next round of Pakistan-US strategic dialogue.

About current status of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations‚ the spokesman said Pakistan maintains a positive approach and is engaged with Kabul at all required levels.

He said Pakistan remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Asked about the role that SCO can play in promoting peace in Afghanistan‚ he said SCO is a regional organization and Pakistan supports any role that it can play for the purpose as there have been demands for regional solutions to regional problems.

Replying questions‚ the spokesman said so far requests from European Union and National Democratic Institute have been received for monitoring of elections.

Advance and core teams of EU observer mission are already in Pakistan while NDI wants to send 57 observers for the purpose.

Regarding appointments made by Hina Rabbani Khar in the FO in complete disregard to rules the Spokesman said we are gathering information in this regard and media would be apprised of any developments.-Agencies

All Day

Pipelineistan Geopolitics at Work: Iran, Pakistan, Syria, Qatar. -- Global Research Construction is nearing completion on a natural gas pipeline linking Iran and Pakistan, a project that portends a huge geopolitical shift. As regional powers strengthen ties in this key energy market, they’re looking to China, and away from the West.

Since the early 2000s, analysts and diplomats across Asia have been dreaming of a future Asian Energy Security Grid.

This – among other developments – is what it’s all about, the conclusion of the final stretch of the $7.5 billion, 1,100-mile natural gas Iran-Pakistan (IP) pipeline, starting from Iran’s giant South Pars field in the Persian Gulf, and expected to be online by the end of 2014.

Nobody lost money betting on Washington’s reaction; IP would put Islamabad in “violation of United Nations sanctions over [Iran’s] nuclear program.” Yet this has nothing to do with the UN, but with US sanctions made up by Congress and the Treasury Department.

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April 15, 2013 Continued Mon Sanctions? What sanctions? Islamabad badly needs energy. China badly needs energy. And India will be extremely tempted to follow, especially when IP reaches Lahore, which is only 100 km from the Indian border. India, by the way, already imports Iranian oil and is not sanctioned for it.

All Day

Rattodero-Gwadar M-8 completion within 3 months -- APP

Monday, April 15, 2013 - Islamabad—National Highway Authority (NHA) will complete the under-construction sections of Rattodero-Gwadar Motorway (M-8) within three months. The decision has been made following the directives of the Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso for early completion of ongoing projects in Balochistan, an official of NHA informed APP on Sunday. About the present status of the M-8 he said that 60 per cent work on 54 km Gwadar-Dasht has been completed, while 64 pc work on 63 km Dasht-Turbat section has been completed.

60 pc work on 76 km Turbat-Hosbab section has been completed while on 50 km Khori-Wangu Hills 65 work has been completed,he added.—APP

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April 20, 2013 Sat All Day

Gwadar link roads completion prioritised -- Observer

Saturday, April 20, 2013 - Islamabad—The National Highway Authority (NHA) has attached top priority to develop the road linkages to the Gwadar Port which can prove backbone of the country’s economy in the near future.

An National Highway Authority official told media on Friday that road connectivity with the Gwadar port was crucial for making it hub of transit trade between Pakistan, Afghanistan, Central Asian Republics and China.

He said that the Government has spent a total of Rs 13,527 million on the construction of link roads to Gwadar Port during past five years.

Giving details he said Rs 3854 million had been spent on the construction of N-10, N-85,and M-8 linking Gwadar with rest of the country in 2008-9, Rs 3738 million in 2009-10, Rs 1946 million in 2010-11, Rs 1630 million during 2011-12 and 2359 million during 2012-13.

He said Rs 1 billion has been allocated for providing comprehensive foolproof security and creation of dedicated wing of Frontier Constabulary for providing security to contractors and labour.

The National Highway Authority has planned the construction of another 110 km long Basima-Khuzdar road (N-30) for providing connectivity to Gwadar port.Moreover it has planned the construction of seven roads for providing connectivity to Gwadar Port, he said.

Three roads have already been completed including 653 km Lyari-Ormara-GwadarGabd road (N-10). Another 35 km section of M-8 from Khuzdar- Khori road has also been completed while Khori-Quba Saeed Khan road has been nearly completed.

About 25 percent of 467 km long Hoshab-Basima-Sorab (N-85) has also been completed while 196 km long Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab Highway has been completed about 75 percent.

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April 23, 2013 Tue All Day

China running Gwadar to accelerate pace of development: PM -Pakistan Today

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has appreciated the invaluable assistance being provided to Pakistan by China in its socio-economic development and hoped that the handing over of Gwadar Port to China would prove to be an impetus not only in further cementing the ties between the two countries but also accelerating the pace of development in Pakistan.

The PM was talking to Ambassador of China in Pakistan Liu Jian who called on the premier on Tuesday.

Khoso said Pakistan and China enjoy close relations which are deep-rooted and time-tested. He extended his condolence on the loss of life and property caused by the recent earthquake in eastern China. “In this hour of grief the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with their Chinese friends,” said Khoso.

The Chinese ambassador thanked the PM for his sentiments towards China. China, he said, valued Pakistan’s support and friendship. Liu Jian went on to say that Pakistan is like his second home. - See more at: http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/04/23/news/profit/china-running-gwadar-toaccelerate-pace-of-development-pm/#sthash.uPHz5zXr.dpuf

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April 25, 2013 Thu All Day

Gwadar vital for Pak economy -- APP

Thursday, April 25, 2013 - Karachi—Establishment of Export Processing Zone in Gwadar can prove instrumental in bringing substantial foreign and local investment through economic and trade activity. When fully functional, it has the potential to benefit many neighbouring and landlocked countries. This was observed by Shahzada Ahsan Ashraf Shaikh, Minister for Industries and Production during his visit to Export Processing Zones Authority in Karachi.

While emphasizing the importance of Gawadar, the Federal Minister said that the importance of this port is strategic in nature and it can be visualized to become a regional hub serving incoming and out going commercial traffic of Middle East, Central Asian Republics and Gulf countries. It will attract trade from over twenty countries including Srilanka, Bangladesh, Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq and Iran. Keeping such profile of trade in perspective it is natural to plan establishment of an Export Processing Zone in Gwadar on priority basis.

The Federal Minister assured Chairman EPZA and his team that the Ministry will extend all out support for establishment of an Export Processing Zone in Gawadar and instructed EPZA Chairman to immediately speed up the work in this regard.

Chairman EPZA, Mr. Saadat S. Cheema informed the Federal Minister that Gawadar is already on the top priority of his team. He mentioned that the land which has been allocated for EPZA in Gwadar is far from the port, we therefore request for its re-allocation near the port as otherwise Export Processing Zone in Gawadar will become a lesser attractive business proposition for the investors. By moving close to the port we may well become a country specific export processing zone, keeping in perspective the significant Chinese investment in Gawadar Port.

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April 27, 2013 Sat All Day

Fed govt may include Gwadar linkages project in budget -- Daily Times * Project worth Rs 180.163bn aims at linking Gwadar with Pakistani rail network to connect it with neighbouring countries Staff Report ISLAMABAD: The federal government is expected to include Gwadar linkages project in next year’s development budget aiming at linking it with Pakistani rail network to connect Gwadar with neighbouring countries. Feasibility study of the project has been completed with an estimated cost of Rs 180.163 billion, according to the available official details.

An official said there was a proposal for connecting Gwadar Sea Port with Pakistan Railways’ existing network. The feasibility study in this regard has been completed.

As per feasibility study, Gwadar is proposed to be linked with main railway network at Mastung Station, which is located on Quetta-Taftan section. The length of proposed railway link would be 901 kilometres (kms). Estimated cost of construction is Rs 180.163 billion. PC-I has since been submitted to Planning Commission in November 2012.

From Mastung to Chaman railway network already exists. A feasibility study for Chaman-Kandhar rail link was carried out by PRACS in 2004 and in Phase-I, a PC-I for rail link between Chaman and Spinboldak is under revision, which will ultimately provide rail connection with the Central Asian Republics (CARs).

The government plans to link the Gwadar Sea Port with the rest of the country through rail and road networks. The government would develop the infrastructure in Balochistan and link Gwadar to other parts of the country. Gwadar port was being used to import wheat and fertilizer. It would be transformed into a business and economic hub that would generate employment opportunities for the local population.

As a part of its development plan for its transport and communications network, Pakistan Railways has completed a feasibility study of the Chaman-Kandahar section for laying railway tracks between Pakistan and Turkmenistan through Afghanistan. The feasibility study for cost, engineering and design for the construction of a rail link from Gwadar to the existing rail network in Mastung district in Balochistan has also been finalized. The new link to Gwadar port will open up underdeveloped areas of Balochistan for development. The main aim of the venture is to connect the Central Asian republics with Pakistan Railways’ network through Afghanistan.

China is going to be the beneficiary of Gwadar’s most accessible international trade routes to the CARs and Xinjiang. By extending its East-West Railway from the Chinese border city of Kashi to Peshawar in Pakistan’s northwest, Beijing can receive cargo to and from Gwadar along the shortest route, from Karachi to Peshawar. The rail network could also be used to supply oil from the Persian Gulf to Xinjiang. Pakistan’s internal rail network can also provide China with rail access to Iran.

China is actively involved in the development of Pakistan Railways and for the past five years it has been increasing its stake in the country’s communication sector.

Pakistan Railways is a state-owned company that provides an important mode of transportation in the furthest corners of the country. It has been a great integrating force and forms the lifeline of the country by catering to its needs for large-scale movement of people. The freight-passenger earnings comprise 50 percent of the railway’s total revenue. Pakistan Railways carries 65 million passengers annually and operates 228 mail, express and passenger trains daily. It introduced new mail and express trains between major terminals from 2003 to 2005.

Gwadar is a planned free trade port city on the southwestern warm water Arabian Sea coastline of Pakistan in Balochistan province. It is the district headquarters of Gwadar district and, in 2011, was designated the winter capital of Balochistan 950

April 27, 2013 Continued Sat province. Gwadar has a population of approximately 85,000. Gwadar is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea in the western province of Balochistan. It is about 533 kms from Karachi and 120 kms from the Iranian border. Gwadar port is located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, just outside the Strait of Hormuz, near the key shipping routes in and out of the Persian Gulf. Gwadar port a newly-built strategic warm-water, deep-sea port, which was developed by the government of Pakistan and the Government of China at a cost of $248 million and inaugurated by the president of Pakistan on March 20, 2007.

In 2013, Gwadar port operations were officially handed over to China. According to the contract signed a full-fledged commercial port will be constructed with initial investment of $750 million. The port is said to be strategically important for China as 60 percent of China’s oil comes from the Gulf by ships traveling over 16,000 kms in two to three months, confronting pirates, bad weather, political rivals and other risks up to its only commercial port, Shanghai. Gwadar will reduce the distance to a mere 2,500 kms and also serve round the year.

In February 2013 Iran announced to set up a $4 billion oil refinery in Gwadar with an estimated capacity of about 400,000 barrels per day. According to the original plan, Tehran will also lay an oil pipeline from its territory to Gwadar to transport crude oil for processing. China’s coastal refinery plan has also announced to invest $12 billion in multiple projects in Gwadar and other parts of Pakistan including a refinery with the processing capacity of 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

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April 29, 2013 Mon All Day

PM approves 795km Gwadar-Hoshab Road proposal -- APP PM approves 795km Gwadar-Hoshab Road proposal

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Justice retired Mir Hazar Khan Khoso on Tuesday approved a proposal for completing 795 kilometer (km) Gwadar-Hoshab road in two years time. He said completion of this strategic road would herald a change in the socio-economic condition of Balochistan and Sindh provinces. Chairing a high level meeting to review the progress on Gwadar-Ratodero Road project he said completion of this road would connect Gwadar Port with rest of the country and the connectivity would result in the beneficial utilisation of Gwadar Port for the entire nation. He expressed hope the completion of the landmark project on schedule would be ensured and all stakeholders would coordinate the necessary logistics for its timely completion. He was apprised financial allocation for the completion of the Road would be ensured by Ministry of Finance for timely completion of the project.

It was decided Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab and Khori-Qubo Saeed Khan would be completed before June 2014. app

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April 30, 2013 Tue All Day

1,000MW reactors to raise China’s capability -- The News

People’s Republic of China is rapidly moving towards the goal of building up greater vessels of up to 1,000MW capacity for atomic reactors as compared with its present limited-capacity reactors of 300MW each two of which were already operational in Pakistan at Chashma.

This information was revealed to this scribe during a visit to China some time back when meetings were held with a number of Chinese functionaries and scientists from various fields including the seniors of MCC, China’s most prestigious metallurgical corporation.

Thus far, this higher capacity of building vessels beyond 300MW generation capability, especially in the range of 1000MW, was available exclusively to the Western countries including the US, Britain and France.

The Chinese scientists accepted this challenge and subsequently took the initiative to address this limited-capacity issue and now they have taken many steps forward on the track of high-capacity reactors matching the capabilities of Western Npowers which means success of People’s Republic of China in coming at par with other nuclear powers in the area of generation through high-capacity reactors.

The news of this latest advancement on the part of Chinese scientists has been well received in almost all the social, business and political circles in Pakistan obviously because of close, time-tested Sino-Pak ties that have tended to grow to the mutual benefit of people of both the friendly countries. Already, there was considerable cooperation going on between Pakistan and China in the area of defence (defence production in particular), a fact known to the entire world.

And, now there is strong likelihood of yet greater cooperation coming from Chinese friends in the wake of the recent Pakistan visit of Chinese prime minister when the point of Pak-China civil nuclear deal was highlighted in all the prominent forums and above all, in political circles, even at the level of the would-be Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Nawaz Sharif.

Islamabad is confident that China would go beyond its pledges to salvage Pakistan out of its acute energy crisis and issues like civil nuclear deal of higher-capacity would definitely be taken up with the Chinese government by the forthcoming Nawaz Sharif government.

Already, civil nuclear deal is in place in the form of already operational Chashma-I & II and in the form of upcoming Chashma III & IV. In this area in particular, Pakistan could not get any cooperation from the US which, however, chose to give preference to India for whatever reasons.

As for Chinese collaboration and support in many areas including the handling of Gwadar Port, production of JF-17 Thunder aircraft and other projects, China was also helping Pakistan in the exploration of mineral resources besides doing trade in some metals.

One of the provinces of China was importing iron ore from Pakistan.

That information came as a surprise to this scribe for the reason that it would be normally thought that Pakistan was just an importer of iron ore.

This information was further confirmed from Tariq Saadat, a local businessman dealing in voluminous metals trade at international level.

All Day

Pakistan urges collective strategy -- China Daily

China and Pakistan should work on a comprehensive joint strategy to combat major regional challenges such as disaster relief and climate change, a senior Pakistani politician said on Thursday.

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April 30, 2013 Continued Tue Mushahid Hussain, secretary-general of the Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid e Azam Group), said China and Pakistan, as neighbors and friends, share similar environmental concerns.

"As our two countries face common problems on climate change, poverty and natural disasters, the governments will need strategies and deeper cooperation to respond effectively to crises of these kinds in the future," Hussain said.

"To achieve green development over the world, states have to link to each other on three levels: bilateral, regional and global," he added.

President Xi Jinping vowed last week to set and strictly observe an ecological "red line" that requires all regions to optimize, prioritize, restrict or prohibit their industrial development according to their defined nature. "On issues of ecological and environmental protection, people should not cross the red line or they will get punished," Xi was quoted by Xinhua News Agency as saying.

Hussain applauded the concept of an ecological red line, saying the term shows China's determination to pursue quality development.

Days before Hussain's trip to Xi'an for the International Conference of Asian Political Parties special conference, he also had the chance to meet Premier Li Keqiang in Islamabad.

"Premier Li sent a very clear signal to our country during his visit, calling Pakistan China's good partner and brother," said Hussain. "This is very important in terms of bilateral relations."

Economic corridor During his two-day stay in Pakistan, Li agreed on a long-term plan for an economic corridor to further connect central and western parts of China with Pakistan, and also signed 11 cooperation documents covering areas including trade, technology and culture.

China shares a 600-km border with Pakistan. The corridor connects China's vast Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and Pakistan's Gwadar port at the Indian Ocean through the Karakoram Highway.

Hussain said the construction of the economic corridor will join the markets of South, Central and West Asia, and inject new impetus into regional cooperation. He also hailed the establishment of the special economic zone launched in 2010 in Kashgar of Xinjiang, saying it spurs regional economic growth. Bilateral trade between Pakistan and China soared 17.6 percent to $12.4 billion last year, with a target of $15 billion in the next two to three years.

In previous interviews, Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid encouraged Chinese business communities to be more proactive in exploring opportunities in Pakistan, in agriculture and the halal food industry, to tap the full trade potential.

Hussain is also chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute, a non-governmental think tank promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

He said the relationship between Beijing and Islamabad has transformed into a deep, resilient strategic partnership based on shared values and interests since the 1950s.

"I am very positive about the prospect of a modern Sino-Pakistani relationship," Hussain said.

"It is rare and delightful that two neighbors the size of China and Pakistan can be free of friction," he added.

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April 30, 2013 Continued Tue All Day

PM reviews progress of work on Gwadar-Ratodero Road -- The News

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Justice (R) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has said that the Gwadar-Ratodero is a strategic link of great national importance and the government will accelerate its pace of work so that the people of country can reap benefits of the Gwadar Port.

The prime minister expressed these views while presiding over a high-level meeting held on Monday here at the PM House to review the progress on Gwadar-Ratodero Road.He issued instructions that work on Khuzdar-Ratodero and Hoshab-Gwadar sections should be completed during the next 12 months while work on N-85 Road and N-30 be prioritised for early completion of these linkages with Gwadar.

He said the completion of this road was not only important for linking Gwadar with the rest of country but would also quicken pace of development in the area right from Gwadar up to Ratodero.

The prime minister was informed that the country’s total road network spread over 12,131kms of which 37.63% roads existed in Balochistan.The meeting was attended by Minister for Communications Asadullah Khan Mandokhel, Advisor to the PM on Finance Dr Shahid Amjad Chaudhary, Chairman National Highway Authority Hamid Ali Khan, senior officials of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and ministries of Commerce and Finance.

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Work on Gwadar-Ratodero road be accelerated -- The Nation

rime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has said that the government will accelerate the pace of work on the Gwadar-Ratodero Road so that people of Pakistan can reap the benefits of the Gwadar port.

He said this while presiding over a high-level meeting here on Monday to review the progress of work on Gwadar-Ratodero Road.

The Prime Minister said that Gwadar-Ratodero is a strategic link, which is of national importance.

The Prime Minister issued instructions that work on Khuzdar-Ratodero section and Hoshab-Gwadar section should be completed during the next 12 months while work on N-85 Road and N-30 should be prioritized for early completion of these linkages with Gwadar.

The Prime Minister was informed that total road network of the country was spread over 12131 kilometers of which over 37 percent of the roads comprised those in Balochistan.

He said that the completion of this road is not only important for linking Gwadar with the rest of the country but shall stimulate development in the area right from Gwadar upto Ratodero.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Communication‚ Asadullah Khan Mandokhel‚ Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance‚ Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhary‚ Chairman National Highway Authority‚ Hamid Ali Khan and senior officials.

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May 14, 2013 Tue All Day

32,000 tons of urea arriving Gwadar port this week -- Business Recorder

The first urea consignment of 32,000 tons, imported by Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) from international market, is reaching Gwadar port this week. In January this year, the Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet directed TCP to import 130,000 tons of urea from international market in order to avoid any shortage during Rabi season as domestic urea plant are unable to meet local demand due to gas curtailment.

Following the directives of the ECC, the state run grain trader successfully opened first urea import tender on April 24, 2013. TCP awarded contract for import of 80,000 tons of urea to the lowest bidder M/s Helm Dungemittel, GMBH at a price of $374.73 per ton Cost and Freight (C&F). The tender was for the import of 130,000 tons with minimum bid quantity of 50,000 tons, however lowest bidder offered only for 80,000 tons.

The Letter Of Credit for the import of 80,000 tons of urea was opened by TCP in the last week of April, when as per prescribed terms and conditions lowest bidder deposited five percent performance guarantee. At the same time, in order to comply with the decision of the ECC, a fresh tender for 50,000 tons has already been issued by TCP to complete the total targeted quantity of 130,000 tons.

As per schedule provided by the M/s Helm Dungemittel, the first ship namely "MV Sunshine" carrying about 32,000 tons of urea will reach Pakistan this week. First consignment is scheduled to berth at Gwadar port on May 15-16 as loading of urea on the ship has already been completed and it is likely to sail from "Ruwais Port" of Qatar on Tuesday (today). Sources said the successful bidder has also assured to supply complete quantity by June and according to shipper, another consignment of 42,000 tons of urea is likely to arrive on May 22-23 and the ship namely "MV Spring Sunshine" has already been nominated by the supplier. With arrival of these two consignments, overall import under this tender will reach 72,000 tons against the award quantity of 80,000 tons. The rest is also expected to reach Pakistan in the first week of next month.

Besides this import, TCP is already engaged in urea import from Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) under the 100 million dollar credit facility being provided by Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). Under this agreement some four urea shipments have already been arrived, while overall some 220,000-240,000 tons of urea arrival is expected against $100 million credit facility. Sources said TCP is only responsible for the import of urea, while the distribution, transportation and bagging will be handled by National Fertiliser Marketing Limited (NFML) to ensure timely supply of urea to farmers during Rabi season.

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May 15, 2013 Wed All Day

Civilian nuclear technology talks on the table for Li Keqiang’s first visit to Islama http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/05/15/news/national/civilian-nuclear-- Pakistan Today ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and China are likely to initiate talks on civil nuclear technology and finalise agreements on Gawadar and energy sector during the upcoming visit of Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang who is making his first ever visit to New Delhi and Islamabad, Pakistan Today has learnt.

The upcoming visit of the Chinese premier is of great strategic importance for the region as he will visit both India and Pakistan in order to bring both the countries out of US influence.

On the other hand, the United States has already stroked a deal with India for transfer of civilian nuclear technology, but has not made any such agreements with Pakistan.

The visit is also important because both the countries would debate on the post-US withdrawal Afghanistan situation as American troops would pull out of Afghanistan by 2014. Terrorism is expected to be the main issue on the agenda.

Pakistan is now attempting to strike a deal for civilian nuclear technology with China as well for which talks are expected to be initiated in the upcoming visit by Li Keqiang.

Li Keqiang will make his trip from May 19-27 during which he will first visit India and then Pakistan. He will land in Islamabad on May 22 at the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari.

He will also hold talks with President Zardari followed by a lunch hosted by the Pakistani president.

Li will hold a meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso. On the next day, the Chinese prime minister will hold talks with Nawaz Sharif who recently won a heavy mandate in general polls of May 11 and is likely to be the prime minister of the country.

A source requesting anonymity told Pakistan Today that during talks with Pakistani officials, both countries are likely to ink two major accords including one on Gawadar port, whereas talks would be initiated on the transfer of civilian nuclear technology from China to Pakistan.

The source also informed that a number of small agreements and MOUs are likely to be inked between both the countries in connection with economy and the energy sector, out of which three accords would be energy agreements.

During the visit of the Chinese premier, the situation in Afghanistan, Indo-Pak relations, Pak-India-China ties and separatist Islamists movements in China would also be discussed between the leadership of both the countries.

It is the first ever visit of Li Keqiang to Pakistan after assuming the office. The visit takes place immediately after the elections in Pakistan. It will provide an opportunity to Li to meet the new leadership in Pakistan.

- See more at: http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/05/15/news/national/civiliannuclear-technology-talks-on-the-table-for-li-keqiangs-first-visit-to-islamabad/ #sthash.3fZmm9ZH.dpuf

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High importance to relations with China: Nawaz -- Pakistan Today

Whilst talking to Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Liu Jian, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President, Nawaz Sharif stated that Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with China.

Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan and China are linked in a relationship of closed 957

May 15, 2013 Continued Wed friendship.

Both the sides discussed avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields between the two countries.

The Chinese ambassador congratulated Nawaz Sharif on winning general elections and hoped that Pak-China relations will further be strengthened during his tenure. See more at: http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/05/15/news/national/highimportance-to-relations-with-china-nawaz/#sthash.eEkEy9Dy.dpuf

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May 16, 2013 Thu All Day

Cabinet signs MoU to link Gawadar with Xinjiang -- Pakistan Today

ISLAMABAD - The federal cabinet on Wednesday accorded approval to a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Pakistan and China for establishment of Pak-China Economic Corridor, paving the way for linking Gawadar port with Xinjiang and other western parts of China.

The agreement is set to be officially signed upon the arrival of Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang in Pakistan on May 22. The Chinese premier would be visiting for the first time at the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari after assuming office.

According to the agreement, both states would form a joint working group which would conduct research and planning for laying road and rail links between Gawadar and Xinjiang. Moreover, the document stated that optic fibre and oil pipelines would also be laid to link both the countries.

During the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso stated that despite being a caretaker regime, his government had decided not to delay the programmes of national significance which would usher progress and prosperity for the people of south Asia.

"This agreement is of strategic importance for both Pakistan and China and would help Pakistan strengthen its economic base. Moreover, both China and Pakistan would enhance their cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, agriculture, science and technology and trade," a source who attended the meeting said.

- See more at: http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/05/16/news/national/cabinetsigns-mou-to-link-gawadar-with-xinjiang/#sthash.Z2JilWP6.dpuf

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Pak-China to sign several MoUs, FO -- PPI

Islamabad: Pakistan and China would sign several Memoranda of Understanding MoUs for cooperation in various fields during forthcoming visit of Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang to Pakistan on May 22.

Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary said at the weekly news briefing that details of these MoUs are being worked out. He said a warm welcome awaits to the Chinese Prime Minister when he arrives in Islamabad on 22nd of this month.

President Asif Ali Zardari will host a luncheon for the distinguished guest.

The Chinese Prime Minister will also hold wide ranging talks with President Asif Ali Zardari and Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, which will be followed by a joint stakeout. The Prime Minister will also host a banquet for his Chinese counterpart.

The Chinese Prime Minister will also meet leader of political parties. On the second day of his visit, President of Pakistan Muslim League N Mian Nawaz Sharif will call on Mr. Li Keqiang.

The Chinese Prime Minister will hold a joint meeting with Chairman Senate and Speaker National Assembly. He will visit Pak-China Friendship Centre and plant a sapling at Shakarparian.

The spokesman told a questioner that no details of the visit of US Secretary of State to Pakistan are available as yet. He said Pakistan and the United States enjoy mutually collaborative relationship. Pakistan would like to have good relations with the United States based on mutual respect and mutual benefits.

He confirmed that Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman has resigned. He said there are 15 non-career ambassadors and the new Government would decide about their fate.

Replying to a question about reference to Pakistan’s nuclear programme in the 959

‫‪May 16, 2013 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Thu‬‬ ‫‪white paper issued by Australian Defence Ministry, the spokesman said Pakistan‬‬ ‫‪has a robust nuclear command and control system and robust security‬‬ ‫‪arrangements. He said Pakistan’s civilian nuclear programme is under IAEA‬‬ ‫‪safeguards.‬‬ ‫‪To a question he said Pakistan has received no new communication from India‬‬ ‫‪about dialogue process. Pakistan has already approached India for focused‬‬ ‫‪discussions on the issue of prisoners including 47 who have completed their‬‬ ‫‪sentence.‬‬ ‫‪Replying to another question he said Pakistan is in regular contact with Afghan‬‬ ‫‪authorities including military to military contact. He said the issue of border post has‬‬ ‫‪been resolved. Pakistan has been emphasizing the need for effective border‬‬ ‫‪management to interdict undesirable cross border activity.‬‬ ‫‪Responding to a barrage of questions about threatening statement of MQM leader‬‬ ‫‪Altaf Hussain, the spokesman said the Foreign Office is waiting for political‬‬ ‫‪guidance on the issue.‬‬

‫ﭘﻴﭙﻠﺰﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻴﺲ ﻣﻨﺼﻮﺑﮯ ﭘﺮ ﭘﻴﺸﺮﻓﺖ ﮐﻮ ﻣﺎﻧﻴﭩﺮ ﮐﺮے ﮔﯽ‪ ،‬ﺭﺿﺎ ﺭﺑﺎﻥ ‪ --‬ﺟﻨﮓ‬ ‫ﭘﻳﭘﻠﺯﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﻧﮯ ﻭﻓﺎﻕ ﻣﻳں ﺍﭘﻭﺯﻳﺷﻥ ﭘﺭ ﺑﻳﭨﻬﻧﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳﻧﺩﻫ ﻣﻳں ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﺳﺎﺯی ﮐﺎ ﻓﻳﺻﻠہ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ …ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ‬ ‫‪7‬ﻧﮑﺎﺗﯽ ﺍﻳﺟﻧڈے ﮐﺎ ﺍﻋﻼﻥ ﮐﺭﺩﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﺭﮨﻧﻣﺎ ﺳﻳﻧﻳﭨﺭ ﺭﺿﺎ ﺭﺑﺎﻧﯽ ﮐﮩﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں ﮐہ ﭘﻳﭘﻠﺯﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻳﺱ‬ ‫ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ﭘﻳﺷﺭﻓﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻣﺎﻧﻳﭨﺭ ﮐﺭے ﮔﯽ‪،‬ﭘﻳﭘﻠﺯﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺳﻳﻧﻳٹ ﻣﻳں ﮐﻭﺋﯽ ﻓﺎﺭﻭﺭڈ ﺑﻼک ﻧﮩﻳں ﺑﻥ ﺭﮨﺎ۔ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ‬ ‫ﭘﻳﭘﻠﺯﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺭﮨﻧﻣﺎ ﺭﺿﺎ ﺭﺑﺎﻧﯽ ﻧﮯ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﭘﺭﻳﺱ ﮐﻠﺏ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺕ ﻧﮑﺎﺗﯽ ﺍﻳﺟﻧڈے ﮐﺎ ﺍﻋﻼﻥ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ‬ ‫ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺷﻌﺑﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺁﺋﯽ ﺍﻳﻡ ﺍﻳﻑ ﮐﮯ ﭘﻳﮑﺞ ‪ ،‬ﺷﺭﺍﺋﻁ ‪ ،‬ﻗﻳﻣﺗﻭں ﮐﮯ ﮐﻧﭨﺭﻭﻝ‪ ،‬ﺭﻭﺯﮔﺎﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﺭﻁﺭﻓﻳﻭں‬ ‫ﮐﻭ ﻣﺎﻧﻳﭨﺭ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﻥ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﺻﺣﺕ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺗﻌﻠﻳﻡ ﮐﮯ ﺷﻌﺑﮯ ﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﮐﻳﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻧﮩﻳں ﻭﺍﭘﺱ‬ ‫ﻟﻳﻧﮯ ﻧﮩﻳں ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﻭﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﭘﺭ ‪ 50‬ﻓﻳﺻﺩ ﻭﻓﺎﻕ ﺍﻭﺭ ‪ 50‬ﻓﻳﺻﺩ ﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﮐﺎ ﺣﻖ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺁﺋﻝ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻳﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺁﻣﺩﻧﯽ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫‪ 50‬ﻓﻳﺻﺩ ﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﮐﻭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ۔ﺭﺿﺎ ﺭﺑﺎﻧﯽ ﻧﮯ ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﺍﻧﺳﺩﺍﺩ ﺩﮨﺷﺕ ﮔﺭﺩی ﺣﮑﻣﺕ ﻋﻣﻠﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﺭے ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﻣﺳﻠﻡ ﻟﻳﮓ ﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺷﻭﺭ ﻣﻳں ﮐﭼﻬ ﻧﮩﻳں ﺍﺱ ﮐﯽ ﻭﺿﺎﺣﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ۔ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﻭ ڈﺭﻭﻥ ﺣﻣﻠﻭں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﻏﻳﺭﻣﻠﮑﯽ ﻓﻭﺟﻳﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺍﻧﺧﻼ ﭘﺭ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺗﯽ ﭘﺎﻟﻳﺳﯽ ﻭﺍﺿﺢ ﮐﺭﻧﯽ ﮨﻭﮔﯽ۔ ﺭﺿﺎ ﺭﺑﺎﻧﯽ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎﮐہ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺣﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺭ‬ ‫ﺩﻋﻭﻭں ﮐﯽ ﻣﺎﻧﻳﭨﺭﻧﮓ ﮐﺭﻳں ﮔﮯ‬ ‫ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺗﯽ‬ ‫ٔ‬

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‫‪May 17, 2013‬‬ ‫‪Fri‬‬ ‫ﺑﺘﻴﺲ ﮨﺰﺍﺭ ﭨﻦ ﻳﻮﺭﻳﺎ ﻟﮯ ﮐﺮ ﺑﺤﺮی ﺟﮩﺎﺯ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﭘﮩﻨﭻ ﮔﻴﺎ ‪ --‬ﺟﻨﮓ‬ ‫ﻣﻠﮏ ﻣﻳں ﮐﻬﺎﺩ ﮐﯽ ﻗﻠﺕ ﭘﻭﺭﺍ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ‪ ،‬ﺍﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺩﺭﺁﻣﺩ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮨﻭﮔﺋﯽ ‪ 32 ،‬ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﭨﻥ ﻳﻭﺭﻳﺎ ﻟﮯ ﮐﺭ …ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ‬ ‫ﺁﺝ ﺑﺣﺭی ﺟﮩﺎﺯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﮩﻧﭻ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ﭨﺭﻳڈﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﺭﭘﻭﺭﻳﺷﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﺑﻁہ ﮐﻣﻳﭨﯽ ﻧﮯ ﻣﻠﮏ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﮐﻬﺎﺩ ﮐﯽ ﻗﻠﺕ ﮐﻭ ﭘﻭﺭﺍ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﻻﮐﻬ ‪ 30‬ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﭨﻥ ﻳﻭﺭﻳﺎﺭ ﺩﺭﺁﻣﺩ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺣﮑﻡ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ۔ ﺍﺱ ﺳﻠﺳﻠﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﺳﮯ ‪ 80‬ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﭨﻥ ﺩﺭﺁﻣﺩ ﮐﺎ ﭨﻳﻧڈﺭ ﮔﺯﺷﺗہ ﻣﺎﻩ ﺟﺎﺭی ﮨﻭﺍ ﺗﻬﺎﺟﺱ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ‪ 32‬ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﭨﻥ ﻳﻭﺭﻳﺎ ﻟﮯ ﮐﺭ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺟﮩﺎﺯ‬ ‫ﻗﻁﺭ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﺎﮨﮯ۔ ﭨﺭﻳڈﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﺭﭘﻭﺭﻳﺷﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ‪ 30‬ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﭨﻥ ﻳﻭﺭﻳﺎ ﻟﮯ ﮐﺭ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺟﮩﺎﺯ ﻗﻁﺭ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﺁﺋﻧﺩﻩ ﮨﻔﺗﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔‬

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Pakistan adopts Chinese GPS satellite system -- BEIJING Pakistan adopts Chinese GPS satellite

BEIJING: Pakistan is set to become the fifth Asian country to use China’s domestic satellite navigation system which was launched as a rival to the US global positioning system, a report said Saturday.

The Beidou, or Compass, system started providing services to civilians in the region in December and is expected to provide global coverage by 2020. It also has military applications.

Thailand, China, Laos and Brunei already use the Chinese system, which currently consists of 16 operational satellites, with 30 more due to join the system, according to English-language China Daily.

Huang Lei, international business director of BDStar Navigation, which promotes Beidou, told the newspaper the company would build a network of stations in Pakistan to enhance the location accuracy of Beidou.

He said building the network would cost tens of millions of dollars.

American website Defensenews.com reported early May that Pakistani military experts were in favour of using the Chinese system, even though the availability of the signal could not be guaranteed in case of conflict.

But according to one of them, Pakistan cannot place its trust in the United States.

“Pakistan’s armed forces cannot rely on US GPS because of its questionable availability during a conflict that has overtones of nuclear escalation,” former Pakistan Air Force pilot Kaiser Tufail told the site.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang travels next week to Pakistan, a long time ally, after a visit to India.

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May 19, 2013 Sun All Day

Pakistan and China to sign MOUs on development of strategic Gwadar port -- Global Post

The Foreign Ministry in Islamabad said Sunday that Pakistan and China will sign several memorandums of understanding during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Pakistan, starting Wednesday.

Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani said as many as 12 MOUs will be signed, including three linked to the development of the strategic Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea, which China has been managing since February.

According to local newspaper reports, Pakistan wants China to commit to the construction of an international airport at Gwadar as well as improved infrastructure, linking Gwadar port with Pakistan's railway and national motorway at the city of Ratodero in Sindh province.

Another important MOU to be signed during Li's visit relates to the development of a 1,000-megawatt hydropower project in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which has been hampered by financial and bureaucratic difficulties.

The Chinese premier is also expected to discuss promotion of the Chinese language and the opening of Chinese cultural centers across Pakistan.

Li will arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday for a two-day visit to discuss details with Pakistani President Asif Zardari.

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May 22, 2013 Wed All Day

China, Pakistan plan "economic corridor": Li -- News Asia

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Wednesday linked growth in his country's restive west with that in sluggish Pakistan, saying the two sides wanted to create an "economic corridor" to boost development.

PHOTOSVIDEOS Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) speaks with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari during a signing of agreements ceremony at the presidential palace in Islamabad, May 22, 2013. (AFP/Aamir Qureshi) prevENLARGEnext ISLAMABAD: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Wednesday linked growth in his country's restive west with that in sluggish Pakistan, saying the two sides wanted to create an "economic corridor" to boost development.

Li, on his first overseas trip since taking over in a once-in-a-decade power transfer in Beijing, congratulated Pakistan on its recent general election and hailed the countries' long-standing friendship.

The Chinese leader held talks with President Asif Ali Zardari and officials signed a series of memorandums of understanding on economic, science, technology and energy issues.

Prime minister-elect Nawaz Sharif, set to meet Li on Thursday, will doubtless be hoping the visit leads to closer trade ties after his Pakistan Muslim League-N (PMLN) party swept to victory in the May 11 general election on a promise to revitalise the struggling economy.

The PML-N faces a daunting array of problems: a bloody Islamist militancy, sluggish economic growth, high inflation, a crumbling currency, the threat of a balance of payments crisis and crippling electricity shortages.

Trade between China and Pakistan hit an annual US$12 billion for the first time last year, according to Islamabad's foreign ministry, and the two sides plan to raise this to US$15 billion in the next two to three years.

Li said China's desire to boost domestic demand and develop its western region would benefit Pakistan as it seeks to restart its foundering economy.

"Both sides are of the view that by connecting China's development and Pakistan's development, we can create a joint economic corridor linking the central and western parts of China and Pakistan," he said.

"This vision, once realised, will have great strategic significance for the development of China, South Asia, Asia and of peace and stability in the region and the improved lives of people in our region."

China's western region of Xinjiang sees frequent clashes between mainly Muslim Uighurs and Han Chinese, and Beijing has blamed extremists trained in Pakistan for some of the violence.

Riots in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi in 2009 killed around 200 people, leading the ruling Communist Party to tighten surveillance and boost investment in the region.

There are an estimated 10,000 Chinese people and more than 120 Chinese companies in Pakistan, many working on infrastructure and energy projects. Beijing built two nuclear power plants in the country and is contracted to construct two more reactors.

In February Beijing took control of Pakistan's port of Gwadar, which through an expanded Karakoram Highway could connect China to the Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, a gateway for a third of the world's traded oil.

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May 22, 2013 Continued Wed China is also the main source of arms for Pakistan's military, the country's dominant institution, and Pakistan accounted for more than half of Chinese weapons exports between 2008 and 2012, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Li was met by Zardari on the tarmac at Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi next to Islamabad when he flew in from Pakistan's arch-rival India, where he promised to open China's vast domestic market wider to Indian goods.

Pakistan's former ambassador to the United States Tariq Fatemi said the visit was crucial in drawing the economic roadmap for the incoming government.

"Normally foreign visitors don't go to countries during the interim setups, but China has recognised that the visit to Pakistan is necessary even at this stage, and that is why they have organised a separate one-on-one meeting with Nawaz Sharif," Fatemi told AFP. After Pakistan, Li's tour takes him on to Europe for visits to Switzerland, with which China is negotiating a free trade agreement, and Germany, its largest European trading partner.

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Pak & China to sign several MoUs for cooperation in various fields during forthcoming visit of Chinese PM: FO -- South Asian News Agency (SANA) Pak & China to sign several MoUs for cooperation in various fields during forthcoming visit of Chinese PM: FO ISLAMABAD, (SANA): Pakistan and China would sign several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for cooperation in various fields during forthcoming visit of Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang. Foreign OFFICE spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary said at the weekly news briefing that details of these MoUs are being worked out.

He said a warm welcome awaits to the Chinese Prime Minister when he arrives in Islamabad on 22nd of this month. President Asif Ali Zardari will host a luncheon for the distinguished guest.

The Chinese Prime Minister will also hold wide ranging talks with President Asif Ali Zardari and Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, which will be followed by a joint stakeout. The Prime Minister will also host a banquet for his Chinese counterpart. The Chinese Prime Minister will also meet leader of political parties.

On the second day of his visit, President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Mian Nawaz Sharif will call on Mr. Li Keqiang. The Chinese Prime Minister will hold a joint meeting with Chairman Senate and Speaker National Assembly. He will visit Pak-China Friendship Centre and plant a sapling at Shakarparian.

The spokesman told a questioner that no details of the visit of US Secretary of State to Pakistan are available as yet. He said Pakistan and the United States enjoy mutually collaborative relationship. Pakistan would like to have good relations with the United States based on mutual respect and mutual benefits.

He confirmed that Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman has resigned. He said there are 15 non-career ambassadors and the new Government would decide about their fate.

Replying to a question about reference to Pakistan’s nuclear programme in the white paper issued by Australian Defence Ministry, the spokesman said Pakistan has a robust nuclear command and control system and robust security arrangements. He said Pakistan’s civilian nuclear programme is under IAEA safeguards.

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May 22, 2013 Continued Wed To a question he said Pakistan has received no new communication from India about dialogue process. Pakistan has already approached India for focused discussions on the issue of prisoners including 47 who have completed their sentence.

Replying to another question he said Pakistan is in regular contact with Afghan authorities including military to military contact. He said the issue of border post has been resolved. Pakistan has been emphasizing the need for effective border management to interdict undesirable cross-border activity.

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Pak-China economic corridor to restore peace in region: Chinese PM -Tribune

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang , in a joint news conference with President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday, said the two countries are working to develop an economic corridor, Express News reported.

The Chinese PM arrived in Islamabad under extra-tight security on the second leg of his first official trip since taking office in March and after a visit to Pakistan and China’s arch rival, India.

Li’s plane was escorted by six air force fighter jets as it entered Pakistani air space.

Security measures also included shutting down mobile phone networks briefly across the city.

“The two countries have reached a consensus on multiple important issues. We hope to create a giant economic corridor that would not only enhance China’s strategic significance but would also help in restoring peace and stability to Asia,” he said.

Li said there was still “great potential” for the relationship. Bilateral trade last year rose above $12 billion for the first time and both sides are aiming to reach $15 billion in the next two or three years.

“Our two sides should focus on carrying out priority projects in connectivity, energy development and power generation and promoting the building of a China-Pakistan economic corridor,” Li told media.

The Chinese PM said that his visit to Pakistan prior to it forming a new government shows that the relationship between the two countries is “ever-lasting.” He said the regular meetings between officials of the two countries have become a norm.

“Through my visit, I aim to strengthen the tradition,” he said.

He thanked President Zardari for awarding him with Nishan-e-Pakistan on his arrival and said “I don’t just take this as personal honour but also as a sign of goodwill from people of Pakistan to the people of China.”

“We would like to partner with Pakistan, so that we can create a better future for mankind, for Asia and for both our countries,” he added.

President Zardari responded by saying, “Today is one of the happiest days of my life. Gwadar Port and our agreements on Satellite connectivity among others are a testament to the fact that the dreams of citizens from both the countries are being realized.”

He thanked the Chinese PM for generously contributing 500 million yuan to development projects in Pakistan and hoped that the cooperation of the two countries would lead to a better future for South Asia.

The two countries also signed a series of cooperation documents covering the economy, culture, and science and technology.

“China and Pakistan shall remain all-weather friends,” President Zardari said.

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Pakistan, China sign 11 agreements, MoUs -- Frontier Post

ISLAMABAD (NNI): Pakistan and China on Wednesday signed 11 agreements‚ Memoranda of Understanding and documents to strengthen and diversify cooperation in economy‚ science and technology‚ space and upper atmosphere communication and boundary management.

These were signed by officials of the two countries at a ceremony held at Aiwan-eSadr after talks between President Asif Ali Zardari and the Chinese Prime Minister‚ Mr. Li Keqiang. The two leaders witnessed the signing ceremony.

The agreements include those on economic and technical cooperation‚ boundary 966

May 22, 2013 Continued Wed management system‚ Sino-Pak Border Posts and their Management System‚ satellite navigation‚ and establishment of Confucius Institute at Karachi University.

Under these agreements, Balochistan port of Gwadar would be connected with China via rail, road and air routes.

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May 23, 2013 Thu All Day

Gwadar gateway to Central Asia trade: Li -- The Nation

Pakistan and China Wednesday vowed to further consolidate their time-tested ties and signed a number of accords and MoUs, including the one for establishing an economic corridor that would provide air, rail and road connectivity to bolster bilateral trade between the neighbouring countries.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, on his first overseas trip since taking over in a once-ina-decade power transfer in Beijing, congratulated Pakistan on its recent general election and hailed the countries’ long-standing friendship.

Prime Minister Li was deeply impressed when he saw incoming Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also joining the meeting he held with President Asif Ali Zardari and caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso shortly after arriving at the Presidency. He said he believed the impressive democratic transition of power following the May 11 elections will further strengthen Pakistan.

The meeting was followed by a special investiture ceremony in which President Zardari conferred Nishan-e- Pakistan on the visiting Chinese leader. The investiture was followed by a luncheon attended by galaxy of country’s civil, political and military elite before the Chinese Premier retired to his hotel only to resume a second round of activities in the Presidency in the afternoon.

The immaculately choreographed activities, the participation of leaders of all political parties, the substantive one on one and delegation level talks and the signing of a number of agreements and MoUs on trade, economic, science, technology and energy cooperation in the afternoon highlighted once again that Pak-China relations transcended political divide.

Later at a joint press stakeout, warmly welcoming Premier Li to ‘his second home’ Pakistan, President Zardari said, “Our friendship with China is rooted in national consensus. This friendship is not only between the governments but also between the two peoples. It is also time tested.”

Premier Li linked growth in his country’s western part with economic improvement in Pakistan, saying the two sides wanted to create an “economic corridor” to boost development. Li said China’s desire to boost domestic demand and develop its western region would benefit Pakistan as it seeks to restart its foundering economy.

“Both sides are of the view that by connecting China’s development and Pakistan’s development, we can create a joint economic corridor linking the central and western parts of China and Pakistan,” he said. “This vision, once realised, will have great strategic significance for the development of China, South Asia, Asia and of peace and stability in the region and the improved lives of people in our region.”

Li described the Gwadar Port as a gateway to Central Asia trade.

Trade between China and Pakistan hit an annual $12 billion for the first time last year, according to Islamabad’s foreign ministry, and the two sides plan to raise this to $15 billion in the next two to three years. The MoU on cooperation for long-term plan on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was inked by Chinese National Development and Reform Commission Chairman Xu Shao Shi and Advisor to the Prime Minister Shahid Amjad Chaudhry.

An MoU on Maritime Cooperation, an agreement on Boundary Management System between China’s Xinjiang province and Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan area, and another agreement on border ports and their management system was signed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani.

Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng and Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division Secretary Shahzad Arbab signed the agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation and the handing over certificate of Seismographic Network.

The MoU on cooperation in marine science and technology between the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) of China and Pakistan’s science and technology ministry was signed by SOA administrator and Secretary Akhlaq Ahmad Tarar.

An agreement between China Satellite Navigation Office (CSNO) and Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission for Cooperation (SUPARCO) was inked by CSNO Director Ran Chengqi and Major-Gen (r) Ahmed Bilal. An agreement on establishment of Confucius Institute at Karachi University was signed

by Head of National Office for Chinese Language Xu Lin and KU VC Muhammad Qaiser. The other documents signed included Annual Blister Purchase Contract and Greige Fabric Contract.

President Zardari told the press conference, “We are delighted that Mr Li has chosen Pakistan among the first countries to visit after taking over as Premier of the State Council.” He said friendship with China has always been the cornerstone of 968

May 23, 2013 Continued Thu our foreign policy.

Premier Li Keqiang recalled his visit to Pakistan 27 years back as part of the youth delegation and said his visit left deep impressions on him. He termed PakistanChina friendship a valuable asset and said it was something not affected by change of a government and politics.

Zardari said the two countries discussed various connectivity proposals including fibre optics, road and rail links and energy projects. He said both the countries were determined to achieve the bilateral trade target of $15 billion and have agreed to speed up work on the projects identified under the Five-Year Development Programme. “We have also decided to press ahead with the second phase of negotiations on China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement and start work on the ChinaPakistan Agriculture Demonstration Zone.”

Premier Li Keqiang said both sides have decided on a long term program – a strategic idea for the peace and stability of the world. He stressed that consolidating the strategic cooperation needs to be backed by concrete actions and mentioned the witnessing of agreements on economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Li said the purpose his visit to Pakistan was to cement friendship between the two countries, which has been nurtured by successive leaders and the people of the two countries. He hoped that regular meetings between the leaders would help deepen and further consolidate their ties.

Li arrived in the Pakistan capital under extra-tight security on the second leg of his first official trip since taking office in March. His plane was escorted by six air force fighter jets as it entered Pakistani air space. Security measures also included shutting down mobile phone networks across the city. He was met by President Zardari on the tarmac at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Airbase.

At the lunch, where Nawaz Sharif was also present, Premier Li said China and Pakistan should make cooperation on power generation a priority. Nawaz, who is set to meet Li again today, will doubtless be hoping the visit leads to closer trade ties after his PML-N party swept to victory in the elections on a promise to revitalise the struggling economy and solve the energy crisis in shortest possible time.

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Pak govt, people support cordial relations with China -- AAJ News

ISLAMABAD: Former Ambassador Shahid Amin has said that Pak-China friendship is a time-tested and China can help Pakistan in coping with the economic crises.

Talking to Radio Pakistan, Shahid Amin remarked that everyone in Pakistan agreed upon friendship with China and there are no differences among them over this aspect of foreign policy.

Eminent analyst Imtiaz Gul termed the recent visit of China’s Premier Li Keqiang to Pakistan very significant as by this visit he has given a message to the world that Islamabad is still important for Beijing.

He said that the relations of China with Pakistan are of political and geographical importance besides their economic significance.

Imtiaz Gul remarked that China has been suggesting Pakistan for the last 30 years to concentrate on economic development while keeping aside all the regional issues.

Former Foreign Secretary Najmuddin Sheikh has praised the statement of China’s Premier Li Keqiang where he said that Pak-China friendship is spread on generations.

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Pak-China economic linkages being further strengthened: Premier Li -APP

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Prime Minister, Li Keqiang Wednesday said productive negotiations with Pakistani leadership for common purpose would help increase strategic, economic and trade relations.

Talking to leaders of different political parties of Pakistan who met with him here, he said that priority of both Pakistan and China was to further strengthen economic 969

May 23, 2013 Continued Thu linkages and in this regard China would extend all cooperation.

The leaders included Javed Hashmi of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTA), Raza Rabbani of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Chief of Pakistan Muslim League (PMLZ), Ejazul Haq, Afrasiab Khattak of Awami National Party (ANP), Senators Saeeda Iqbal and Dr. Abdul Malik and Former MNA, Muhammad Usman.

Chinese Premier thanked the political leaders for their commitment towards the growth of Sino-Pak relationship.

He said China would extend 500 million Yuan as free assistance to Pakistan for welfare of its people and expressed the hope that the MoUs signed in trade and economic areas would definitely ensure development.

Premier Li said the handling of Gwadar Port by a Chinese company was another steps which would not only ensure development for Pakistan but also for the local population.

Li Keqiang said Pakistan was an important country in the region and it had made significant contribution to peace, stability and development of the region and the world at large.

The Chinese Premier said that China was committed to consolidating its traditional friendship with Pakistan and deepening the strategic cooperation between the two countries.

The political leaders thanked the Chinese Premier for his visit to Pakistan and said the time-tested friendship between the two countries would be further strengthened in the days to come.

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May 24, 2013 Fri All Day

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang wrapped up on Thursday his two-day official visit to Pakistan after promising a deeper and more comprehensive strategic engagement and a closer coordination for security and stability in Afghanistan. -- Dawn ISLAMABAD: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang wrapped up on Thursday his two-day official visit to Pakistan after promising a deeper and more comprehensive strategic engagement and a closer coordination for security and stability in Afghanistan.

Cementing the “strategic partnership is the shared objective of both countries”, a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit said. Both sides noted that their bilateral relationship had acquired strategic importance in the context of the changing regional and international scenario.

The roadmap agreed by the two sides for taking the strategic ties to next level included strengthening strategic communication, moving ahead with negotiations on free trade agreement, convening the next round of meetings of Pak-China Joint Working Energy Group for cooperation on conventional, renewable and civil nuclear energy, enhancing connectivity through upgrading Karakoram Highway and other such transport infrastructure, working on proposed economic corridor, jointly combating non-traditional threats to maritime security and guarding international sea-lanes, expanding air routes, counter-terrorism cooperation and working together at regional and international fora.

It was particularly important for Islamabad that Beijing expressed confidence in its counter-terrorism strategy.

China “reiterates that it respects the anti-terrorism strategy developed and implemented by the Pakistani side in light of its own conditions. …China expresses its appreciation and continued willingness to help Pakistan build up counterterrorism capacity”, the joint statement read.

China had in the past reservations over the presence of East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM — a rebel Chinese group) in Pakistan. During Premier Li’s visit the Pakistani leadership recommitted to “continuous, active collaboration with and assistance to China in combating terrorist forces including the ETIM”.

ETIM was declared a common threat for Pakistan and China.

Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy has quite often been criticised by the West for being flawed. The criticism largely stems from the continued presence of militants in ungoverned spaces in tribal areas.

With Beijing’s endorsement for its counter-terror strategy in hand, some in Islamabad think that they would be able to better counter the “Western propaganda”.

Beijing and Islamabad broadly identified eight sectors for enhanced cooperation — political relations; economy and trade; connectivity; maritime security; aviation and aerospace; people to people exchanges; defense and security collaboration; and cooperation on international and regional issues.

“Pak-China friendship has stood the test of time and is more precious than gold,” Li told Senators at a special session of the upper house of parliament that had been convened for his speech. Address to the parliament is a special honour given to some of the visiting foreign leaders.

Prime Minister Li had at the start of his visit said that China would consolidate its friendship with Pakistan no matter how the international situation developed. He had also effusively praised Pakistan for significantly contributing to regional and world pace and stability.

Mr Li hoped that Pak-China cooperation in the fields of economy, maritime security, aerospace, energy, agriculture, transportation and cultural fields would grow.

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May 24, 2013 Continued Fri Prime Minister Li and his delegation were given a warm send-off. The special Air China Boeing 747 aircraft carrying Mr Li was escorted by a formation of six JF-17 Thunder aircraft in Pakistani airspace as the Chinese leader embarked on the European leg of his four-nation tour.

During his stay in Islamabad, Mr Li met President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, Senate Chairman Nayyar Bokhari, former speaker of the National Assembly Fehmida Mirza, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Khalid Shameem Wynne, services chiefs and leaders of major political parties. He, along with President Zardari, also witnessed signing of 11 agreements and was decorated with highest Pakistani civil award of Nishan-i-Pakistan.

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JI chief stresses strong ties with China -- The News

JAMAAT-e-Islami Ameer Syed Munawar Hasan while welcoming Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Pakistan and his address to the Senate has stressed upon Pakistani’s newly elected government to further strengthen bilateral ties with the great neighbour to get out of the US slavery.

China is not simply a good neighbour but also a well-wisher and a strategic partner which always assisted Pakistan in different spheres to bolster strong and lasting Pak-China friendship, he said on Thursday while commenting on Chinese PM’s visit.

Syed Munawar Hasan also noted that China’s offer for mediation between Pakistan and India on the Kashmir issue indicated its honest desire for regional peace. He said the presence of the US and Nato forces in the region and Washington’s effort to build India as regional power to curtail China’s influence was a conspiracy to destroy the regional peace.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Syed Munawar Hasan said the US wanted to continue its control on trade in the world and in the Asian region.

He said the US and India had been opposing Gowadar’s handover to China. He noted with concern that these powers were also behind the abductions and killings of Chinese engineers in Balochistan to create differences between China and Pakistan but their conspiracies failed.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Syed Munawar Hasan hoped that Pakistani government would immediately embark on the projects proposed by the Chinese leader for pulling this country out of energy crisis.

Meanwhile JI Secretary General Liaquat Baloch has said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s election slogan of recovery of ill-gotten billions from President Zardari should not die down after Mian Nawaz Sharif’s meeting with him.

Talking to media at a gathering on Thursday, he said corruption had crippled the country’s economy while loadshedding deepened the unemployment problem.

JI Secretary General Liaquat Baloch said the nation would be greatly disappointed if newly elected rulers could not overcome energy crisis and control corruption.

Liaquat Baloch said Chinese Premier’s visit would strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. He said handing over Gowadar port to China would be in the national interest. He said if India agreed to resolve Kashmir issue in the light of UN resolutions, the region would emerge as a strong economic power.

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Powering the relationship: Nawaz wants energy, not aid, from China -The Express Tribune

A day earlier during his meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, the Chinese premier offered his country’s help in resolving Pakistan’s energy crisis.

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May 24, 2013 Continued Fri During the meeting, both leaders discussed ways to further strengthen existing bilateral and strategic relations. Nawaz expressed an eagerness to avail Chinese expertise in order to develop infrastructure in Pakistan and asked Premier Keqiang to develop the Gwadar Port as early as possible to kickstart economic activity in the country. The two leaders also discussed a range of regional and international issues of common interest.

“The PML-N chief has yet to take oath of his office and was thus not in any position to make any agreement but he will be materialising proposals [discussed in the meeting] when he would travel to Beijing,” added the PML-N official..

Congratulating Sharif on his party’s success in the general elections, the Chinese premier also invited the PML-N chief to visit China.

“China views Nawaz Sharif as a sincere and committed friend, whose contribution to expanding cooperation between the two countries is highly appreciated,” a statement quoted Premier Li as saying. Following the meeting, Sharif told reporters that he would visit China at the earliest after taking the oath of office, and it seems its not just energy that will be on the agenda.

“A team of experts will go with Sharif in his visit to Beijing who will materialise the proposals in several sectors other than energy as well,” the party official added.

Meeting with services chiefs Along with meeting the man who will be the next civilian head of government, the Chinese premier also met Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, along with the other services chief and the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, on Thursday.

They highly commended the China-Pakistan Defence and Security Consultations Mechanism, and resolved to maintain the momentum of high-level visits between the armed forces of the two countries and exchanges between military academics, while also deepening cooperation in counter-terrorism personnel training and identifying new areas for exchanges and cooperation.

Joint statement In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of Chinese Premier’s two-day visit, Islamabad and Beijing agreed to further deepen practical cooperation in all sectors and strengthen coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues.

The Chinese premier reaffirmed support Pakistan’s efforts to uphold its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrit. In return, Pakistan reiterated that friendship with China is the cornerstone of its foreign policy as well.

According to the statement, tThe statement also said that both sides believe that terrorism, separatism and extremism pose a serious threat to regional peace, stability and security, and reaffirmed their resolve to continue cooperation to combat the ‘three evil forces’.

“China recognises that Pakistan has made great efforts and sacrifices to combat terrorism, and reiterates that it respects the anti-terrorism strategy developed and implemented by the Pakistani side in light of its own conditions,” the statement read.

Pakistan reaffirmed its resolve to combat terrorism, and commits to continuous, active collaboration with and assistance to China in combating terrorist forces including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 24th, 2013.

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BEIJING: Many countries around the world are keen on obtaining JF-17 Thunder fighter jet jointly developed by Pakistan and China, said a senior officer of the Pakistan Air Force on Sunday. -- Totays News BEIJING: Many countries around the world are keen on obtaining JF-17 Thunder fighter jet jointly developed by Pakistan and China, said a senior officer of the Pakistan Air Force on Sunday.

“We’ve been getting inquiries and expressions of interest for the JF-17 Thunder from many countries in the Middle East, Africa and from as far as South America,” Air Marshal Sohail Gul Khan, the chairman of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, told China Daily.

Pakistan has had the privilege of showcasing the fighter plane twice in China’s International Airshow held bi-annually in Zhuhai.The JF-17 Thunder or the FC-1 Fierce Dragon as it’s known in China is a third-generation multipurpose combat jet co-developed by Aviation Industry Corp of China and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).

PAC is in charge of manufacturing and maintaining the Pakistan Air Force’s aircraft back home.“During my foreign visits, almost everyone I met asked me about the plane and many countries said they want to join the project,” Khan said.

The JF-17 is an “extremely capable aircraft” and its maneuverability and avionics are excellent, he added.Air Vice-Marshal Javaid Ahmed, chief director of the JF-17 project, added to the assertion. “The JF-17 is one of our top lightweight fighters, comparable to any advanced aircraft in the Pakistan Air Force.”

The Complex has already produced more than 40 JF-17s, he said adding that the collaborative project between China and Pakistan on the aircraft is still underway with technicians from both the countries focusing on upgrading the weapons and avionics.

Khan said the Pakistan Air Force may also take part in the development of other aircrafts in the future.His remarks came shortly after six JF-17 Thunder fighter jets escorted the Boeing 747 with Premier Li Keqiang on board, who arrived in Pakistan for a two-day visit on Wednesday.

In a telephonic interview with China Daily, Wing Commander Ronald Afzal, leader of Pakistan Air Force’s 16th Squadron said “It’s a great honor for us that our JF-17s were selected to welcome Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.”

“We had handpicked the best pilots in my squadron and trained intensively on escort formation at high altitudes as well as low altitudes one week before Prime Minister Li was to arrive,” Afzal said.

“As its developers, we feel quite privileged to see our planes undertake such an honorable mission and believe that the Pakistan Air Force chose the JF-17 to welcome our premier partly because it has a lot of Chinese elements,” said Yang Wei, the chief designer of the aircraft at the Aviation Industry Corp of China.

Yang’s team will join hands with their Pakistani counterparts to develop future versions of the JF-17, gradually providing the aircraft with partial stealth and aerial refueling capabilities, he said.

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1,000MW reactors to raise China's capability -- The News

People's Republic of China is rapidly moving towards the goal of building up greater vessels of up to 1,000MW capacity for atomic reactors as compared with its present limited-capacity reactors of 300MW each two of which were already operational in Pakistan at Chashma.

This information was revealed to this scribe during a visit to China some time back when meetings were held with a number of Chinese functionaries and scientists from various fields including the seniors of MCC, China’s most prestigious metallurgical corporation.

Thus far, this higher capacity of building vessels beyond 300MW generation capability, especially in the range of 1000MW, was available exclusively to the Western countries including the US, Britain and France.

The Chinese scientists accepted this challenge and subsequently took the initiative to address this limited-capacity issue and now they have taken many steps forward on the track of high-capacity reactors matching the capabilities of Western Npowers which means success of People’s Republic of China in coming at par with other nuclear powers in the area of generation through high-capacity reactors.

The news of this latest advancement on the part of Chinese scientists has been well received in almost all the social, business and political circles in Pakistan obviously because of close, time-tested Sino-Pak ties that have tended to grow to the mutual benefit of people of both the friendly countries. Already, there was considerable cooperation going on between Pakistan and China in the area of defence (defence production in particular), a fact known to the entire world.

And, now there is strong likelihood of yet greater cooperation coming from Chinese friends in the wake of the recent Pakistan visit of Chinese prime minister when the point of Pak-China civil nuclear deal was highlighted in all the prominent forums and above all, in political circles, even at the level of the would-be Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Nawaz Sharif.

Islamabad is confident that China would go beyond its pledges to salvage Pakistan out of its acute energy crisis and issues like civil nuclear deal of higher-capacity would definitely be taken up with the Chinese government by the forthcoming Nawaz Sharif government.

Already, civil nuclear deal is in place in the form of already operational Chashma-I & II and in the form of upcoming Chashma III & IV. In this area in particular, Pakistan could not get any cooperation from the US which, however, chose to give preference to India for whatever reasons.

As for Chinese collaboration and support in many areas including the handling of Gwadar Port, production of JF-17 Thunder aircraft and other projects, China was also helping Pakistan in the exploration of mineral resources besides doing trade in some metals.

One of the provinces of China was importing iron ore from Pakistan.

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May 31, 2013 Continued Fri That information came as a surprise to this scribe for the reason that it would be normally thought that Pakistan was just an importer of iron ore.

This information was further confirmed from Tariq Saadat, a local businessman dealing in voluminous metals trade at international level.

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Pak-China firms sign agreement to manufacture life saving products -BR Pak-China firms sign agreement to manufacture life saving products

Friday, 31 May 2013 00:41 Posted by Imaduddin 237 LAHORE: Pakistan and Chinese firms Medipak and Hunan China Sun have inked an agreement for manufacturing of life saving health care products I.V. Infusion Solutions, here on Thursday.

Dr Khalid J Chowdhry, Chairman of Medipak Group of Companies and Mr. Fangxi Liu, Vice President Hunan China Sun Pharmaceutical Machinery Co. Ltd. signed the landmark agreement on behalf of their respective sides.

Under the agreement, Hunan China Sun will set up a state- -of-the-art cGMP compliant facility on turnkey basis for the manufacturing of Intravenous (I.V.) Infusion Solutions for Medipak Limited.

Dr Chowdhry said that Medipak is the pioneer in manufacturing of I.V. Infusion Solutions in Pakistan, with the know how transfer and technical collaboration of Fresenius A.G (Germany). I.V. Infusion Solutions are a life saving product and approximately 150 million units are manufactured annually to meet local demand, he added.

He said that Medipak was manufacturing the product since 1985. Prior to this, Pakistan was reliant on imported I.V. Infusion Solutions from across the globe.

Pakistan is proudly self reliant and in fact exports this critical product to many parts of the world.

While elaborating, he said that I.V. Infusion Solutions are a life saving health-care product and are used to establish the lifeline through which critical medications are infused into the human body when seriously sick or injured.

Dr Khalid J. Chowdhry former President LCCI and former Chairman of Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association (PPMA) said that the recent visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Pakistan has set a new milestone in economic cooperation between the two nations, and is a catalyst across all sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Fangxi Liu, Vice President, Hunan China Sun said that the introduction of the modern and cost effective Injection Stretch Blow Moulding (ISBM) technology in Pakistan is a testament to the great friendship between Pakistan & China and will lay the foundation to further cooperation between the companies of the two countries in the future.

He said that Hunan China Sun, a public listed entity on the Shenzhen China stock exchange, is the leading Chinese technology company in pharmaceutical machinery & equipment with a specialization in Injection Stretch Blow Moulding (ISBM) technology.

Besides being the dominant ISBM technology suppliers within the Chinese market, Hunan China Sun has also completed globally acclaimed turnkey projects in various countries within the Middle East and Central Asian States.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2013 Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on bloggerShare on stumbleuponShare on deliciousShare on diggMore Sharing ServicesShare

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June 2, 2013 Sun All Day

Pakistan participates in Chinese fairs in a big way -- Daily Times Pakistan participates in Chinese fairs in a big way Staff Report KARACHI: Pakistan is scheduled to participate in Chengdu Forum 2013 in a big way in order to boost Pak-China trade.

The Chengdu Forum 2013 is commencing from June 3, 2013 in Sichuan province’s capital Chengdu. A large trade delegation led by President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Zubair Ahmed Malik along with vice President Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) and Patron In-Chief Pak-China Business Council Tariq Sayeed.

FPCCI is also participating in the 1st South Asia Exposition 2013 in Kunming June 6th-10th and the 3rd China-Sichuan Import Commodity Fair starting from June 14-18 in Chengdu. FPCCI is sending 85 and 43 exhibitors to attend the fairs.

Along the sidelines of these exhibitions, in the cities of Chengdu and Kunming business forums are being held, namely 4th South Asia Sichuan Business Promotion Roundtable Conference from June 3-4 and China South Asia Business Forum Kunming June 6-8.

The delegation aims to explore prospects of enhancing trade and development between Pakistan and China, especially with the Yunnan and Sichuan provinces.

The CCPIT Sichuan and CCPIT Kunming have been instrumental in facilitating helping FPCCI promote Pakistani goods in China by helping organise participation in various fairs, exhibitions and forums over the years. The delegation would also visit Kunming to attend Kunming Forum and participate in Kunming Fair being held there from June 6, 2013. FPCCI has set up a large pavilion at the fair and as many as 85 exhibitors are setting up their stalls to display their products.

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June 3, 2013 Mon All Day

Pak-China currency swap – wait and watch -- BR Pak-China currency swap – wait and watch

With all eyes on the upcoming budget, very few people realise there is an auction, under the central bank’s Chinese Yuan (CNY) Loan Facility, due to be held on June 4. The State Bank of Pakistan had entered a bilateral currency swap arrangement with the People’s Bank of China (PBC) in December 2011, which was implemented earlier last month.

For the uninitiated, here is how a currency swap arrangements (CSA) will work. The CSA will be executed for a three-year tenor amounting to Rs140 billion and CNY10 billion, extendable on the mutual consent of the respective central banks.

The SBP can purchase the Chinese currency from PBC against the rupee, and repurchase the same on predetermined dates and rates. The pricing will be linked to the interest rate differential between PKR and CNY. The SBP will lend the CNY to banks which will further lend it to importers who will borrow the CNY to pay off the Chinese supplier.

Likewise, the exporter will borrow in CNY and utilise rupee for its local operations by selling CNY. On maturity of the contract, the exporter will pay off the CNY loan locally, having received CNY from the overseas buyer.

The idea behind CSA is to supplement the available pool of liquidity between the two countries to finance the bilateral trade. China is Pakistan’s most significant trading partner, with Pakistan importing the most from China during 10MFY13.

The SBP maintains that the key aim of the currency swap is to promote regional currencies for trade settlement. China already has currency swap arrangements (CSA) with more than 20 countries, and with the CSA with Pakistan, it aims at enhancing CNY’s role in international investment and trade. Financing direct investment is also penned as a key objective of the CSA, though it’s difficult to say how will that help considering that China’s share in FDI in Pakistan has not been of any significance to speak of.

Pakistan can surely benefit from the CSA should the structure fall well in place and banks and traders combine to take keen interest. The SBP had asked the banks to conduct awareness programmes for traders regarding the CSA. The upcoming auction on June 4 will certainly indicate the keenness and awareness or the lack thereof at the traders’ level.

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June 6, 2013 Thu All Day

Begin construction of a Sino-Pakistani economic corridor -- China

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hong Lei held a regular press conference.

He said, we warmly welcome Mr. Nawaz Sharif for his re-election as Prime Minister of Pakistan. Premier Li Keqiang immediately sent him a congratulatory message.

As a neighbor and close friend of Pakistan, China will continue to develop mutually beneficial cooperation with China in all areas and to support efforts to achieve national stability and promoting socio-economic development.

Begin construction of a Sino-Pakistani economic corridor is an important consensus reached by the two countries during the visit to Pakistan Premier Li Keqiang. We intend to work together with Pakistan to actively carry out the planning and construction to properly implement this great project to make a new flagship project of Sino-Pakistani cooperation.

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Building on ties: New premier indicates plan to link Gwadar with China -- Express Tribune Building on ties: New premier indicates plan to link Gwadar with China

By Shahbaz RanaPublished: June 6, 2013 The successful implementation of the Gwadar-Khunjerab-Kashgar rail network will help China secure oil supply and commercial routes on the Indian Ocean and provide a major boost to Pakistan’s sinking economy. PHOTO: FILE ISLAMABAD: Newly-elected Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, in his maiden speech, revealed that Islamabad and Beijing have expressed a keen desire to implement the Gwadar-Khunjerab-Kashgar rail network. The project had been discussed during talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in his recent visit to Pakistan.

While PM Sharif said the actual details of the project would be shared at a later date, he also stated that both countries will soon establish a taskforce to complete the project within the next five years, indicating that it may be implemented on a fast-track basis.

The successful implementation of the Gwadar-Khunjerab-Kashgar rail network will help China secure oil supply and commercial routes on the Indian Ocean, furthering its plans to secure yet another strategic energy and trade corridor. Besides, the project is expected to provide a major boost to Pakistan’s sinking economy.

The project is part of China’s ‘Strings of Pearl’ strategic initiative, under which the economic giant wants to secure maritime centres in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives and Somalia. The plan highlights China’s growing influence on the region’s ports and airfields. The previous government has already handed over administrative control of the port to China.

The project, which will root Gawadar as a nexus point connecting the West with Central China, was the only scheme mentioned by the new premier in his first speech, and seems close to his stated vision of building mega-projects. It also indicates the new government’s desire to receive economic benefits from the world’s second-largest economy.

Notwithstanding successive governments’ amenability to the Chinese cause, the implementation of the project, originally conceived over a decade ago, is dependent upon Pakistan’s ability to overpower regional and international forces working against it.

The United States and the United Kingdom are trying to keep a check on China’s increasing interests in the Indian Ocean through Bahrain and Dubai, insiders say.

The western powers are reportedly offering a New Silk Route alternative to lure Pakistan away from China’s ‘friendly’ grasp.

“Some countries are not happy with the Pakistan-China relationship, and Pakistan will have to make inroads through diplomacy alone,” observed Akram Zaki, a former diplomat and an expert on Pakistan-China relations. He said the Gwadar-Kashgar project will increase China’s stake in Pakistan’s security, besides the economic dividends of the project.

More importantly, the success of the project depends on China’s resolve to finance 979

June 6, 2013 Continued Thu it: the actual cost is yet to be determined, but 2005 estimates showed it over $10 billion.

“The project was conceived many years ago, but it was not pursued actively in the past,” Tariq Puri, former executive director of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, told The Express Tribune. Puri had been part of a delegation that visited Urumqi and Kashgar and reviewed the possibility of implementing this project.

The project will route Chinese goods destined for the Middle East and other global destinations from Urumqi through Gwadar. It will save the Chinese half of their current voyage time and secure their oil supplies and commercial routes. The distance from Dubai to Khunjerab is 3,300 miles; the distance from Dubai to Shanghai via the Indian Ocean is about 9,000 miles.

“China will be gaining virtual control of the Indian Ocean and the energy and trade corridor from the Gulf,” Puri said. He said China’s plans also provide a trade opportunity to Pakistan, as the northern neighbour will be the next big consumer market for Pakistani products in the coming years.

According to an official of the Planning Commission, such a major investment will create thousands of jobs, besides boosting economic growth and bringing in prosperity in Balochistan, a historically underdeveloped province. Pakistan will also receive a transit fee for all goods passing through its territories. However, the project’s implementation is not without economic and political costs: Pakistan is solely dependent on China for the construction of the rail network, as its cost runs higher than that of the Diamer Basha Dam. Published in The Express Tribune, June 6th, 2013.

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Gwadar, Karachi to be linked with Kashgar: PM -- Daily Times Gwadar, Karachi to be linked with Kashgar: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday announced Karachi and Gwadar would be linked by road and rail with Kashgar, China via Khunjrab to boost regional trade. In his maiden speech at the National Assembly after being elected as Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif referred to his meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during latter’s recent visit to Pakistan in which they agreed to construct a rail track and road link from Kashgar to Gwadar, leading to Karachi. He said Chinese premier had asked him to constitute a task force for carrying out the feasibility of the projects and assured to form a similar team in China, so both the teams could work in cohesion. He lauded the handing over of Gwadar Port to China by previous government, which he said should be a free Port and have a special status. If the Port had not been handed over to China, we would not have been discussing this Port here, he remarked. app

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June 7, 2013 Fri All Day

China calls for co-op on Pakistan transport links -- Global Times China calls for co-op on Pakistan transport links

China congratulated Nawaz Sharif on being elected Pakistan's prime minister for a third term and voiced hope of further promoting cooperation, particularly transport links, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said Thursday.

Hong Lei made the comments at a regular press briefing when responding to questions on Sharif's election win and the construction of highways and railways connecting Pakistan's Gwadar Port and Kashi in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

China and Pakistan reached an important agreement on building an economic corridor between the two sides during Li's visit to Pakistan, Hong said. He added that China will work to step up planning and construction of the project.

Xinhua

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June 8, 2013 Sat All Day

Durrani welcomes Kashgar-Gwadar road, rail plan -- APP Durrani welcomes Kashgar-Gwadar road, rail plan

Saturday, June 08, 2013 - Islamabad—Former Information Minister and Vice President of PML-F Mohammad Ali Durrani on Friday welcomed the announcement of rail and road networks from Kashgar to Gwadar with Chinese assistance and said that the initiative would help boost bilateral and regional trade. Mr Durrani expressed these views while talking to Du Genqi, the First Secretary of Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, who called on him and discussed issues of mutual interest at the office of former information minister.

“PM Li Keqiang’s visit is addition of a new chapter in relations between the two time tested friends and that also conveyed his strong desire for the development, progress and prosperity of Pakistan and its people,” a statement quoted Mr Durrani while talking to the Chinese official. He said announcement of `Kashgar-Gwadar rail and road link project’ by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will enhance friendly ties between both the countries and will increase economic and trade activities for the mutual interest of people of China and Pakistan.

He hoped that commitment and desire expressed by the newly elected leadership of the two countries will take the relations of friendly states to a new level of cooperation. “Bilateral trade between Pakistan and China in 2011-12 was around $ 12 billion approximately, making China the largest trade partner of Pakistan.—APP

All Day

Pak-China women sign accord -- APP Pak-China women sign accord

KARACHI: A memorandum of cooperation (MoC) has been signed by Sindh Women Chamber and Women Entrepreneur Association (WEA) of Yunnan Province of China in Kunming on Friday to bring about bilateral cooperation of women entrepreneurs in the two countries.The MoC was signed by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce delegate, Rizwana Shahid, who is also President of Sindh Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

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June 9, 2013 Sun All Day

Pak-China trade to reach $14b by next year: Envoy -- KUNMING (China)

KUNMING (China) : Pak-China bilateral trade is likely to reach $14 billion by the end of next year, while improving its balance of payment position, said Pakistan Ambassador to China Masood Khalid. Talking to newsmen here, he said Pakistan’s export to China is showing upward trend, and the two countries are actively engaged in exploring new opportunities to strengthen their economic ties, that could match to their outstanding strategic partnership.

Chinese leadership he said was showing keen interest in bridging existing gap in our trade ties, and taking their mutual partnership in socio-economic sectors to new heights.

Talking about he ongoing 1st China-South Asia Expo, the ambassador said it provides a platform for Pakistani enterprises to create an interface and develop linkages with the Chinese companies and exhibitors from around the world, especially the South Asian countries.

Earlier, Masood Khalid while addressing the 8th China South Asia Business Forum said that Pakistan businessmen have put 170 stalls at the expo, displaying variety of products which made good business and attracted the Chinese side to import them in their country.

He pointed out that the cooperation between China and South Asia has made great progress since China became an observer in Saarc in 2005. The ambassador concluded by saying the future for the region is quite bright.

Meanwhile, Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai said that China attaches great importance on expanding cooperation with Pakistan and other South Asian countries, so as to meet the common aspirations of their people for a better future.

Addressing the expo’s opening session, he said Pakistan services as economic corridor for China and its other neighboring countries and it has also a key role in the region for economic integration and connectivity, he said while addressing here the opening session of the first China-South Asia Expo, that was attended by a number of political and economic leaders from the regional countries.

Pakistan was represented at the Expo by Senator Mushahid Hussain, Chairman Pakistan-China Institute and Pakistan Ambassador Masood Khalid. .

Ma Kai referred to recent visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Pakistan and said it has opened new avenues of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Some new initiatives were taken to deepen their socio-economic interaction. The expo, he said provides an important platform for upgrading economic interaction between the two countries. “ We welcome businessmen from the South Asia countries to promote their business in China.

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June 20, 2013 Thu All Day

Ambassador of China Sun Weidong has stressed on quickly developing an economic corridor from Xinjiang to Gwadar Port to make Pakistan an economically vibrant state. -- The Express Tribune News Network

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of China Sun Weidong has stressed on quickly developing an economic corridor from Xinjiang to Gwadar Port to make Pakistan an economically vibrant state.

“Both friends—China and Pakistan are making plans for setting up a task force for the purpose,” he told Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Wednesday, according to an official statement.

Referring to the Chinese premier’s recent visit, the ambassador said that Pakistan was one of the first countries he visited. He also said that the Chinese government expects a visit from the Pakistani prime minister soon.

Ambassador Weidong also expressed the desire to open new areas of corporation between the two countries. He said that Pakistan has always supported China in its crucial issues such as Taiwan, South China Sea, Tibet and Xingjian.

He also admired Pakistani support in both regional and international forums.

Condemning the recent incidents in Quetta, the ambassador said that his government was against any incident that destabilises Pakistan. He highlighted support to Pakistan in economy, infrastructure development, energy, people to people contact and security.

Chaudhry Nisar stressed the need for Chinese collaboration for economic development.

He said the new government’s priorities were development, fighting terrorism and issue of sovereignty which has been threatened by the drone strikes.

He acknowledged that the Gwadar Port would change the strategic and economic importance of the entire region.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20th, 2013.

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Pak, China Sign Pact For SEZ -- APP Pak, China Sign Pact For SEZ

BEIJING: A prominent Pakistani business house yesterday signed a pact with a key business entity of China for setting up Special Economic Zone in Pakistan.

The signing ceremony was held at the Diaoyutai State Guest House here in the presence of large number of invitees.

Faisal Afridi, the Chief Executive of Ruba- SEZ and Mr. Jun Ma, Chairman of China Enterprise Confederation (CEC)signed the agreement on behalf of their organizations.

According to Faisal Afridi, in the first phase the SEZ spread over an area of 900 acres of land will be setup, while later the SEZ will be developed on 3000 acres and finally on 10,000.

He said that the SEZ will be ehstablished near Lahore soon.

The CEC, according to Faisal has the members of China top 500 business entities, while all together it has 54500 membership.

He said that CEC member will submit their plan and proposals for investment in Pakistan.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Faisal said that there are enormous investment opportunities Pakistan offers to the Chinese investors.

He said that due to strategic location and close proximity to China, Chinese investors can set up their industries in the SEZ and can sell their products not only in Pakistan, but also can capture growing middle east market.

The Minister Economic Salim Khan, speaking on behalf of Pakistan Embassy highlighted the significance of economic, political and people to people friendly 984

June 21, 2013 Fri All Day

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has decided to send his government’s first delegation to China, -- TribuneBiz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has decided to send his government’s first delegation to China, signalling an increased emphasis on a regional approach for tackling national issues.

The delegation will be led by the Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, and will comprise the PM’s adviser on foreign affairs and officials from various economic ministries.

Both sides are expected to hold discussions on areas of mutual cooperation, especially in the fields of economics and regional security, the two biggest problems faced by Pakistan, officials said.

While talking to The Express Tribune, Iqbal said the purpose of the visit was to hold preliminary discussions and come up with a framework for cooperation that serves the interests of both nations. He said the delegation will visit China on the invitation of China’s National Development and Reforms Commission (NDRC), and will exchange proposals for initiating projects.

Officials said both sides will exchange ideas, which will later be converted into projects when PM Sharif visits China sometime in the near future. However, the PM’s visit dates have not yet been finalised.

The delegation’s visit is a follow-up to the discussions that took place between PM Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during the latter’s visit to Pakistan last month, when both sides agreed to establish a regional trade corridor.

China is keen to now sign agreements rather than mere Memorandums of Understanding (MoU), as Islamabad is perceived as too slow to work on agreed common goals, officials said.

During the Chinese premier’s visit, both sides had signed a MoU to conduct a feasibility study and come up with a concrete plan for connecting both countries through rail and road links.

PM Sharif, in his maiden speech, had said that Islamabad and Beijing keenly desire to implement the Gwadar-Khunjerab-Kashgar rail and road network, which is aimed at connecting Gwadar with China and making the former a free port.

During discussions, both leaders had also agreed to constitute a task force to pursue the common agenda and implement it within the next five years. It is expected that Pakistan’s Planning Commission and China’s NDRC will host the task force.

The successful implementation of the Gwadar-Khunjerab-Kashgar rail network will help China secure oil supplies and commercial routes on the Indian Ocean, furthering its plans to secure yet another strategic energy and trade corridor in the region.

Pakistan is hoping to benefit from China, which is now the world’s second-largest economy and is poised to take over the top slot from the US by 2020. The plan is to create a trade corridor that largely hinges on China’s willingness to give a mix of grants and concessionary loans to construct the infrastructure, officials added.

The inclusion of PM’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi in the delegation points to the fact that Pakistan may also approach China for the resolution of outstanding issues in the wake of the US withdrawal from the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20th, 2013.

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Economic Corridors along Pakistan-China road, rail link to Change region’s destiny: PM -- APP

Economic Corridors along Pakistan-China road, rail link to Change region’s destiny: PM ISLAMABAD, Jun 21 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Friday stressed for establishing state of the art fast moving railway tracks and expressway to connect China with Pakistan through Khunjrab, Gwadar and Karachi, which he said, will usher in a new era of economic prosperity for both the countries and entire region. “Projects to benefit maximum number of population of the region will be pursued that will enhance economic activities, provide jobs and change the destiny of millions”, observed the Prime Minister in a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, briefed the 986

June 21, 2013 Continued Fri meeting on the on-going projects and areas for future projects with the Chinese government including railway network, energy sector and road networks.

The Prime Minister said that he had held in-depth discussions on the proposed projects with Chinese Premier, during his recent visit to Pakistan and was happy to note that Chinese government was equally interested in the project.

“We want concrete projects and tangible results to benefit the people of Pakistan and China”, added the Prime Minister.

He further said that the project is in the greater interest of China as it will reduce distance inside Chinese territory thus resulting in reduction of cost of transportation and giving access to Chinese trade with India, Central Asia and the whole region.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif highlighted that the future belongs to this region due to its huge potential, thick population and massive business opportunities.

He directed the Ministry of Railways to submit solid proposals for building new railway track alignment to facilitate fast moving trains for passenger and cargo services, before a delegation leaves for China in a couple of days.

He, however, asked for “out of the box” thinking and doable projects to be identified that could benefit maximum number of population.

The Prime Minister proposed to work on an alignment i.e Havelian-RatoderoGwadar-Karachi-Quetta and Havelian-Islamabad-Lahore Railway track and expressways that would substantially enhance trade activities and open up this region to China and the world.

He also directed the Planning and Development Division for identification of economic zones alongside the proposed railway and expressway.

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of special economic zones and converting Gwadar into an international city and economic hub to bring about prosperity for the people of Balochistan and the country.

He said that the missing links in the existing roads and railway tracks must be built but the need of the day is to establish new linkages to connect China with Pakistan and give access for Chinese trade to India, Central Asia etc.

Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Pervaiz Rashid, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq, secretaries railways, communication, EAD, Chairman CDA and other senior officials were also present in the briefing.

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Speakers highlight potential of Inland Water Transport System -- BR Speakers highlight potential of Inland Water Transport System June 21, 2013 RECORDER REPORT "Transport your cargo through rivers and canals; save the money and environment; also earn money for carbon credits", was the unanimous call of navigation experts, surveyors, industrialists, government bodies and legal fellows in a seminar that explored potential, progress and strategies of inland water transport in Pakistan.

The seminar organised by the Institute of Policy Studies. The speakers included Naeem Sarfraz, former chairman, Maritime Task Force, Imtiaz Tajwar, secretary, Wapda, Riaz Khan, technical advisor, Agritech Ltd, and Commodore M Azhar, former DG, Gwadar Port Authority, while Mirza Hamid Hasan, former secretary, water and power was in chair.

The panellists observed that the extensive river and canal network of Pakistan was used over centuries for transportation. There was no cargo movement on the waterways now, despite the fact that huge fuel savings can be achieved in the country, which was highly dependent on expensive imported fuel. The fuel saved can be used for critical power generation.-PR

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June 22, 2013 Sat All Day

Prime Minister for establishing railway tracks, expressway -- Associated Press of Pakistan Prime Minister for establishing railway tracks, expressway June 22, 2013 RECORDER REPORT Prime Min-ister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Friday stressed for establishing state of the art fast moving railway tracks and expressway to connect China with Pakistan through Khunjrab, Gwadar and Karachi, which he said, will usher in a new era of economic prosperity for both the countries and entire region.

"Projects to benefit maximum number of population of the region will be pursued that will enhance economic activities, provide jobs and change the destiny of millions", observed the Prime Minister in a meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, briefed the meeting on the on-going projects and areas for future projects with the Chinese government including railway network, energy sector and road networks. The Prime Minister said that he had held in-depth discussions on the proposed projects with Chinese Premier, during his recent visit to Pakistan and was happy to note that Chinese government was equally interested in the project. "We want concrete projects and tangible results to benefit the people of Pakistan and China", added the Prime Minister.

He further said that the project is in the greater interest of China as it will reduce distance inside Chinese territory thus resulting in reduction of cost of transportation and giving access to Chinese trade with India, Central Asia and the whole region.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif highlighted that the future belongs to this region due to its huge potential, thick population and massive business opportunities. He directed the Ministry of Railways to submit solid proposals for building new railway track alignment to facilitate fast moving trains for passenger and cargo services, before a delegation leaves for China in a couple of days.

He, however, asked for "out of the box" thinking and doable projects to be identified that could benefit maximum number of population. The Prime Minister proposed to work on an alignment ie Havelian-Ratodero-Gwadar-Karachi-Quetta and HavelianIslamabad-Lahore Railway track and expressways that would substantially enhance trade activities and open up this region to China and the world. He also directed the Planning and Development Division for identification of economic zones alongside the proposed railway and expressway.

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of special economic zones and converting Gwadar into an international city and economic hub to bring about prosperity for the people of Balochistan and the country. He said that the missing links in the existing roads and railway tracks must be built but the need of the day is to establish new linkages to connect China with Pakistan and give access for Chinese trade to India, Central Asia etc. Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Pervaiz Rashid, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq, secretaries railways, communication, EAD, Chairman CDA and other senior officials were also present in the briefing.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2013

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Sino-Pak road, rail projects to bring economic prosperity: PM Nawaz -PakTribune Sino-Pak road, rail projects to bring economic prosperity: PM Nawaz 22 June, 2013

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday stressed the need for establishing state-of-the-art fast-moving railway tracks and expressway to connect China with Pakistan through Khunjrab, Gwadar and Karachi, which he said, would 988

June 22, 2013 Continued Sat usher in a new era of economic prosperity for both countries and the entire region.

"Projects benefiting maximum number of population of the region will be pursued, which will enhance economic activities, provide jobs and change the destiny of millions," he observed in a meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office.

Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal briefed the meeting on the ongoing projects and areas for future projects with the Chinese government, including the railway network, energy sector and road network.

The prime minister said that he had held in-depth discussions on the proposed projects with the Chinese premier during his recent visit to Pakistan, and was happy to note that the Chinese government was equally interested in the projects.

"We want concrete projects and tangible results to benefit the people of Pakistan and China," Nawaz said.

He further said that the projects were in the greater interest of China, as they would reduce distance inside the Chinese territory; thus resulting in reduction of cost of transportation and giving access to Chinese trade with India, Central Asia and the whole region.

Nawaz highlighted that the future belonged to this region due to its huge potential, thick population and massive business opportunities.

He directed the Ministry of Railways to submit solid proposals for building new railway tracks to facilitate fast-moving trains for passenger and cargo services, before a delegation leaves for China in a couple of days.

He, however, asked for out-of-the-box thinking and identifying doable projects that could benefit maximum population.

The prime minister proposed to work on an alignment i.e. Havelian-RatoderoGwadar-Karachi-Quetta and Havelian-Islamabad-Lahore Railway track and expressways that would substantially enhance trade activities and open up this region to China and the world. He also directed the Planning and Development Division for identification of economic zones alongside the proposed railway and expressway.

The prime minister underlined the importance of special economic zones and converting Gwadar into an international city and economic hub to bring about prosperity for the people of Balochistan and the country.

He said that the missing links in the existing roads and railway tracks must be built "but the need of the day is to establish new linkages to connect China with Pakistan and give Chinese access of trade to India and Central Asia".

End.

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June 28, 2013 Fri All Day

FPCCI presents Gwadar’s future potential -- DAILY TIMES FPCCI presents Gwadar’s future potential

KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Standing Committee on Gwadar Promotion and Development presented a detailed presentation on Gwadar’s future potential.

Col (retd) Fazal Maqbool Afridi Chairman of the Standing Committee highlighted the importance of Gwadar in the days to come.

He informed the participants Gwadar would attract a lot of investment from foreign countries particularly China in the future and thereby become an economic hub not only for Pakistan but also for the entire region owing to its geographical and strategic importance.

He said Gwadar was located close to the Gulf countries, the world’s biggest oil reserves and shipping routes and also because it reduced the time consumed in moving cargo from China to the Arabian Sea from five days to one day, if the land route was completed.

While comparing Gwadar Port with other ports in Pakistan, he said a ship at Port Qasim had to cross a channel of 40 kilometers (km), while at Gwadar the channel was only 3 km, because Gwadar is a deep sea port.

Therefore there is no demurrage expense at Gwadar Port. If in Karachi a 20,000tonne ship can offload, then at Gwadar a 100,000-tonne ship can easily offload its cargo.

He said the success of the Port would lead to the creation of 2.5 million jobs in Gwadar. He urged investors to come forward to invest in education, health, construction, tourism, real estate, logistics, transportation, fisheries and other sectors at Gwadar. staff report

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June 29, 2013 Sat All Day

Pak-China friendship not against any country: PM -- Dunya News Pak-China friendship not against any country: PM

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif Saturday said that friendship with China is and will remain the corner stone of Pakistan s foreign policy and it would boost peace and stability in the region.

Talking to newly appointed Chinese ambassador, Sun Weidong, at the PM’s House, Nawaz said he was looking forward to his visit to China in the first week of July and the visit would help further strengthen the bilateral ties.

The Prime Minister welcomed Sun Weidong on his appointment as Ambassador.

He said Pak-China friendship was based on mutual cooperation and was not against any country.

Nawaz said Pakistan is committed to take Pakistan’s relations with China to an even higher level and it greatly values China’s economic support and cooperation.

A delegation of Chinese media persons also called on the PM at the PM House.

He conveyed his deepest condolences to the Chinese government, Chinese people and the effected families.

The perpetrators would be brought to justice, he affirmed.

The Prime Minister said that he was looking forward to his visit to China in the first week of July and the visit would help further strengthen the bilateral ties.

He said Gwadar Port Project was the hallmark of Pak-China strategic partnership and it would bring economic dividends for both Pakistan and China.

The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction that both the countries’ shared vision of establishment of Long term Economic Corridor is moving forward.

He said he had established a high-level task force headed by a federal minister to explore avenues to enhance economic cooperation with China.

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PM Sharif stresses importance of Pak-China relations -- GEO TV PM Sharif stresses importance of Pak-China relations

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stressed the importance of Pak-China relations while meeting with members of the Chinese press here on Saturday.

The prime minister said Pak-China relations were not against any country, adding that Pakistan wanted to establish trade ties in the sectors of energy, construction and textiles.

PM Sharif emphasized that the relationship with China was an important aspect of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

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Task force set up to strengthen Pak-China economic cooperation: PM -THE NATIONS Task force set up to strengthen Pak-China economic cooperation: PM June 29, 2013, 6:19 pm NNI 13 Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that a high level task force has been set up to explore avenues to enhance economic cooperation with China.

He was talking to Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong in Islamabad Saturday.

The Prime Minister said that friendship with China is and will remain the corner stone of Pakistan's foreign policy and it has been a factor of peace and stability in 991

June 29, 2013 Continued Sat the region.

He conveyed his deepest condolences to the Chinese government‚ Chinese people and the effected families of the victims recently shot dead in Gilgit. He reaffirmed that perpetrators would be brought to justice.

The Prime Minister said that he was looking forward to his visit to China in the first week of next month and the visit would help further strengthen the bilateral ties.

The Prime Minister said that Gwadar Port Project is the hallmark of Pak-China strategic partnership and it will bring economic dividends for both Pakistan and China.

The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction that both the countries' shared vision of establishment of Long Term Economic Corridor is moving forward.

Mian Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan is committed to take Pakistan's relations with China to an even higher level and it greatly values China's economic support and cooperation.

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June 30, 2013 Sun All Day

Gwadar Port, economic corridor tops PM’s agenda on China trip -PAKISTAN TODAY Gwadar Port, economic corridor tops PM’s agenda on China trip

BEIJING - Ahead of his first foreign trip after assuming office, Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif said clinching the proposed economic corridor linking the strategic Gwadar Port with China's Xinjiang province would top his agenda in Beijing.

Sharif said the new economic corridor, which will connect the resource-rich western region with Gwadar port, has the potential to "change the fate" of the region.

"The economic corridor taking off from Kashgar in Xinjiang to Gwadar is a game changer as far as this region is concerned," the premier said ahead of his visit.

"We expect the corridor will become a very important economic hub," he added.

The proposed corridor will also pass through Azad Kashmir.

Sharif's six-day visit beginning from July 4 coincides with the tour of Indian Defence Minister AK Antony to China, bringing the India-Pakistan-China diplomatic triangle into focus.

Chinese analysts said China maintained a "strategic equilibrium" between India and Pakistan. Sharif's tour will be a follow up visit to Chinese premier Li Keqiang's trip to Islamabad last month.

Keqiang came to Pakistan after his India visit, during which he proposed the economic corridor project. China and Pakistan signed 11 agreements in the time he was in Islamabad.

The corridor which consisted of a series of special economic zones, a rail link and a pipeline providing China access to the Indian Ocean topped the list of agreements.

Sharif said during his visit he would seek bilateral cooperation in “every field,” especially energy and infrastructure. “We are investing in each other's countries.

This is the time for both countries to move forward at a faster speed,” he said.

A Pakistani task force held talks with the National Development and Reform Commission on the scheme early this week, said reports.

The operation of the Gwadar port, located near the Strait of Hormuz, was handed to the China Overseas Port Holding Company last year after the Singapore firm, which secured the contract, gave up due to a host of operational problems and questions over its economic viability.

The Strait of Hormuz has strategic importance since roughly 40 percent of all worldtraded oil pass through this route.

- See more at: http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/06/30/news/national/gwadarport-economic-corridor-tops-pms-agenda-on-china-trip/#sthash.Jptqh0md.dpuf

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Pak-China trade corridor to benefit about 3bn people in region: PM -APP Pak-China trade corridor to benefit about 3bn people in region: PM

Sunday, 30 June 2013 01:10 Posted by Imaduddin 44 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Saturday said that the envisaged Pak-China Trade Corridor would open vistas of development and prosperity to about 3 billion people inhabiting this region.

During his interaction with the visiting Chinese media delegation, the Prime Minister said that both the countries enjoyed deep ties in all fields and spheres.

"We will pursue cooperation in all spheres of national activity; we have cooperation in the strategic and economic fields and of course, there is great potential. Pakistan and China have to extend this economic cooperation and collaboration into the Central Asia countries and into the SAARC countries, of course with the SAARC, where Pakistan is also a member," he opined.

The Prime Minister said "I think there is cooperation of 3 billion people of the region and they will benefit from such cooperation and I think, this the big, huge population in this region which is going to benefit from this cooperation."

Terming this cooperation as `game changer' for the whole region, the Prime Minister further said that it would bring in economic development and prosperity to the region.

About handing over of the Gwadar port to China, the Prime Minister shared that they viewed it as the significant economic hub and important port in the Arabian 993

June 30, 2013 Continued Sun Sea which of course would be beneficial for China as well as for Pakistan, `I'm talking of Pak China interests'.

He said that during his forthcoming visit to China, he would be discussing all these initiatives with the Chinese leadership so that the steps could be materialized.

He said that a high level team headed by a federal minister Ahsan Iqbal with the secretary Economic Affairs Division had just returned from China after holding positive talks with their counterparts.

There was good news for both the countries as both sides were keen on accomplishing such projects, he said, adding, "Pakistan has to come out of its difficulties and we want to cooperate with each other on a number of fields of energy, infrastructure and in the field of energy, we have talks with the Chinese companies and I have invited them to Pakistan to work in this sector and take up projects based upon coal to produce power, setting up solar based houses to generate power."

To another query, the Prime Minister said that they would like to build motorways and happy to report that the Chinese companies were keen in these projects.

During his upcoming visit to China, he would be discussing the setting up high speed trains and said "I think if all these things are materialized, trade volumes in the economic cooperation will cross over hundreds of billions of dollars, so this is the time for both countries to move forward at faster pace so that we can harness the potential which exists between the both countries."

Dilating on the Pak-China trade corridor, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that `special economic zones' would be established where the Pakistani and Chinese businessmen would invest together or in their individual capacity.

To a query regarding the expectations attached with his upcoming visit to China, the Prime Minister said that the relationship between both countries was handed down from one generation to another and had started many years back.

"We have excellent relationship and whosoever is in the government, whosoever comes and goes, that does not make any difference. The relationship and friendship keep moving on and strengthening," he said, emphasizing that both the countries had done many projects together and had excellent partnership in business, trade and industries and declared that many more would follow in the future.

Underlining the importance of the cooperation in different fields from infrastructure to industry including textile and engineering, he said that Pakistani and Chinese businessmen were interested to invest.

Responding to a question, the Prime Minister maintained that they would have soon a fast paced train with 250kg per hour capacity to run from Karachi to Peshawar on the same pattern as being moved from Beijing to Shanghai in China.

Reiterating the Government of Pakistan's clear stance on the drone attacks, the Prime Minister said "I think which is of course, creating ill will in Pakistan and it is true that international laws are very clear on that. Drones are certainly violating our airspace and challenging our sovereignty."

He said that the people in the country had protested against such attacks and the government had taken up the issue with the Americans and protested strongly against such attacks.

Terming such attacks as counter-productive, the Prime Minister said that his government was taking up the issue seriously with the US. About the tragic incident of Chinese mountaineering team members' death, the Prime Minister said "Let me express my deep condolences on the tragic death of Chinese and other tourists. I feel very sorry for the people who lost lives and my heart goes out to all bereaved families."

The Prime Minister said in categorical terms that it was an unforgettable incident and they would make every effort so that such situation should not occur in future.

About Pakistan's losses during the five-seven years violence, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan had paid a heavy price so far as the loss of lives was concerned; as far as terrorism was concerned; as more than forty thousand people of this country had lost lives, including the personnel of armed forces, police, administration and general people.

"I am talking about the lives lost during 5-7 years, Pakistan's economy suffered a lot, our growth has suffered a lot, I think, it is to the tune of more than 100 billion dollars had been lost because of it," he lamented.

Dealing with the issue on priority basis, the Prime Minister declared that it would be the priority of his government to tackle it on war footings as it was doing with the 994

June 30, 2013 Continued Sun issue of load shedding and promised to improve the conditions of economy and law and order by eliminating violence from Pakistan completely.

The Prime Minister said that in the coming months, they would witness a change and assured to provide security to the Chinese working in Pakistan.

About a question posed to him by the Chinese media personnel in Urdu language requesting the Prime Minister to respond in the same language, he said that youth in both the countries were vital for the development of their respective countries.

He said that youth in any country had the role of a back bone and if properly harnessed, their potential could be materialized adequately.

The Prime Minister said that his government would implement a single word of its elections manifesto and told that the youth in Pakistan would be encouraged through proper training, facilities and bank loans to play their due role in the prosperity of the country.

The Prime Minister also advised the Chinese media men to rebuff any kind of false accusations and negative propaganda against the interests of both countries and focus upon their shared goals and objectives.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2013

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Xinjiang-Gwadar port economic corridor tops Pakistani leader's China agenda -- APP Xinjiang-Gwadar port economic corridor tops Pakistani leader's China agenda

Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Photo: AP Nawaz Sharif says working out the details of a new economic corridor to Xinjiang will be a major goal of his first trip to China as Pakistan's prime minister this week.

In an interview with Chinese media including the Sunday Morning Post, Sharif said the corridor, which will connect the resource-rich western region with Pakistan's Gwadar port, would "change the fate" of the region.

Sharif's six-day visit will be the second high-level exchange between the two countries in less than two months. China and Pakistan signed 11 co-operation agreements during Premier Li Keqiang's visit to the country in late May. The corridor would consist of a series of special economic zones, a rail link and a pipeline, and would give China access to the Indian Ocean.

"The economic corridor taking off from Kashgar [in Xinjiang ] to Gwadar is a game changer as far as this region is concerned," Sharif said. "We expect the corridor will become a very important economic hub."

Sharif said he would seek bilateral co-operation in "every field", but especially energy and infrastructure.

"We are investing in each other's countries," Sharif said. "This is the time for both countries to move forward at a faster speed."

Sharif mentioned Islamabad's and Beijing's shared interest in building a railway between Gwadar and Kashgar in his June 5 inauguration speech.

A Pakistani task force held talks with the National Development and Reform Commission on the scheme on Tuesday.

The operation of the Gwadar port, located near the Strait of Hormuz, was handed to the China Overseas Port Holding Co last year, a success in China's plan to secure maritime hubs around the Indian Ocean.

Wang Dehua , a South Asian studies specialist at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, said the economic corridor could serve as an alternate route for trade if the Strait of Malacca were blocked.

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June 30, 2013 Continued Sun Wang said China was building up ties with countries along its western border to counter the United States' pivot to the Asia-Pacific, under which Washington has been firming up ties with China's eastern neighbours.

Sharif's trip to China comes amid frosty US-Pakistan ties. Islamabad lodged a protest over a recent American drone attack in a border region.

Regional rivals such as India are suspicious the Gwadar port deal may strengthen military ties between Islamabad and Beijing.

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July 1, 2013 Mon All Day

Gwadar Port, economic corridor top agenda on China visit: Nawaz -DAILY TIMES Gwadar Port, economic corridor top agenda on China visit: Nawaz * PM to seek bilateral co-operation in energy and infrastructure BEIJING: Ahead of his first foreign trip after assuming office, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that clinching the proposed economic corridor linking the strategic Gwadar Port with China’s Xinjiang province, a “game-changer” for the region, would top his agenda in Beijing.

Nawaz Sharif said the new economic corridor, which will connect the resource-rich western region with Gwadar port, has the potential to “change the fate” of the region. “The economic corridor taking off from Kashgar in Xinjiang to Gwadar is a game changer as far as this region is concerned,” the premier told the Chinese media ahead of his visit. “We expect the corridor will become a very important economic hub,” the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

The proposed corridor will pass through Azad Kashmir. Nawaz Sharif’s six-day visit beginning from June 4 coincides with the tour of Indian Defence Minister AK Antony here, bringing the India-Pak-China diplomatic tangle into focus. Chinese analysts say China maintains a “strategic equilibrium” between India and Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif’s tour will be a followup visit to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s trip to Islamabad last month. Li went to Pakistan after his India visit during which he proposed the economic corridor project. During Li’s visit China-Pakistan signed 11 agreements.

The corridor which consisted of a series of special economic zones, a rail link and a pipeline providing China access to the Indian Ocean topped the list. Nawaz said during his visit he would seek bilateral co-operation in “every field”, but especially energy and infrastructure. “We are investing in each other’s countries. This is the time for both countries to move forward at a faster speed,” he said. A Pakistani task force held talks with the National Development and Reform Commission on the scheme early this week, the Post reported.

The operation of the Gwadar port, located near the Strait of Hormuz, was handed to the China Overseas Port Holding Co last year after the Singapore firm which secured the contract gave up due to a host of operational problems and questions over its economic viability. The Strait of Hormuz has strategic importance as roughly 40 percent of all world-traded oil pass through this route. inp

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July 2, 2013 Tue All Day

Nawaz Sharif’s visit to enhance Pak-China economic cooperation: Chinese Envoy -- APP

Nawaz Sharif’s visit to enhance Pak-China economic cooperation: Chinese Envoy

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's upcoming visit to China will be highly significant in further cementing Sino- Pak bilateral ties and enhancing economic cooperation besides helping to ease energy crisis in Pakistan, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said here on Monday.

"The government and the people of China are looking forward to the visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif which is likely to lead to comprehensive cooperation in all fields of their common interest especially energy, infrastructure, agriculture and people to people contact," he said while briefing the local medial on Nawaz Sharif's visit to China, here at the Chinese Embassy.

Certainly, energy will be on top of agenda during the talks between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang.

Following the talks, the two sides are likely to sign an agreement on energy cooperation.

The Ambassador informed that Chinese companies and enterprises are interesting to resolve and ease this problem by investing in hydro, wind, solar, wind and biomass power projects.

Expressing his confidence that the visit will be highly fruitful and productive, he said this visit will give further boost to the economic and trade relationship.

The visit will send a positive signal to the outside world and the people of the two countries in regard to their deep-rooted decades' old brotherly relationship, which is a unique example in nation-to-nation interaction.

Sun Weidong said that during his stay in Beijing, Mr Sharif will discuss with the Chinese leadership plans for reinforcing bilateral strategic partnership, enhancing economic cooperation and development of Pakistan-China trade and economic corridor.

Shedding more light on importance of Pak-China relations in the backdrop of Prime Minister's visit, he said that his country attached great importance to this visit and wished it help keep high the momentum of their comprehensive partnership.

"China considers Pakistan as its iron friend and wishes to help it coming out its economic crisis," the Ambassador said adding his country appreciates Nawaz Sharif for choosing China for his first foreign tour that signifies the closeness and warmth which characterizes Pak-China relations.

He said a number of proposals and initiatives will be discussed during the Prime Minister's visit to strengthen their ties at all levels.

He said the traditionally close, cordial, cooperative and friendly ties between the two countries are based on shared principles and mutual interests entailing cooperation in diverse fields.

"We are confident that the visit will provide further impetus to enhancing the existing Pak-China strategic partnership which is also a source of peace, stability, prosperity in the region," the ambassador added.

To a question, the Ambassador appreciated Pakistan's role on counter-terrorism and said the two countries have been carrying out joint efforts to curb terrorism and extremism which are common enemies of both the countries.

"We appreciate the measures being taken by Pakistan government to safeguard and protect Chinese people and companies in Pakistan," he added.

To yet another question about increase in trade volume, he said, presently, the trade volume is about US$ 12 billion which is not big enough keeping in view the deep-rooted relations between the two countries.

He said that China has free trade agreement with Pakistan which is only country in South East Asia Sun Weidong, who took over his new assignment just 20 days back, said he found great potential and depth in further development of their bilateral ties.

"Our hearts beat together and all segments of society in the two countries are on the same page, keeping the momentum of the relationship high under all circumstances."

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2013

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July 2, 2013 Continued Tue All Day

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to seek Chinese help for nuclear plant during visit -- THE ECNOMIC TIMES

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is expected to seek Chinese help for various development projects including a major nuclear power plant during his visit to Beijing this week, media reports said today.

Sharif has opted to visit China for his maiden official foreign trip since taking power in June as he struggles to address Pakistan's crippling energy crisis and revive its ailing economy.

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July 4, 2013 Thu All Day

Nawaz Sharif, Chinese President pledge to take Pak-China friendship to new heights -- News Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Thursday met with Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday in Beijing and during the meeting both the leaders pledged to carry forward their all weather friendship to new heights.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that it is an honour for him to visit China.

The Prime Minister said that, in fact, Premier Li Keqiang, during a recent visit to Islamabad, had expressed the desire for him to pick China for his first foreign visit and added that he had accepted his invitation.

The Prime Minister informed the Chinese President that Pakistan was faced with numerous challenges. He further added that puling Pakistan’s economy from its current state of stagnation is an uphill task.

The Prime Minister said that the gigantic nature of these challenges notwithstanding he and his team will not only overcome these challenges with commitment and determination and will also put Pakistan on the path of progress and development.

The Prime Minister said that he is fully cognizant of internal security situation prevailing in Pakistan and expressed his resolve to address the economic challenge in tandem with internal and regional security issues.

“Failure is not an option for him and he believes that China will stand by its friend and neighbor –Pakistan”, said the Prime Minister.

During the meeting, the Chinese President recalled his meeting with the Prime Minister in 2010.

The Chinese President added that he has great and happy memories of that meeting.

President Xi said that Chinese government and people are proud that Mr Sharif has chosen China as the first country to visit overseas. Pakistan, he said, is a great country and Chinese have enormous love and affection for it.

He expressed the hope that the present visit will prove to be a success as a lot of homework had been done on both the sides.

He further expressed the hope that this visit would result into tangible outcomes in the days to come with the implementation of projects and strengthening of bilateral cooperation.

- See more at: http://www.newspakistan.pk/2013/07/04/nawaz-sharif-chinesepresident-pledge-pak-china-friendship-heights/#sthash.libxEzJd.dpuf

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Oil storage facility, oil refinery: China, Pakistan to sign MoUs -- Business Recorder Pakistan and China are to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) during the ongoing visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for setting up of oil storage facility, an oil refinery and distribution points for transmission of oil and gas to western regions of China from Gwadar, well informed sources told Business Recorder.

The sources said, during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, to Pakistan on May 22 to 23 May, 2013 both parties agreed to establish a joint working group, formulating a long-term planning for China-Pakistan economy corridor and promoting infrastructure and economic zones construction along the corridor. In order to implement the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, and after friendly negotiations, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) China and the Ministry of Planning and Development (MPD) of Pakistan are to sign the MoUs, which are as follows: 1000

July 4, 2013 Continued Thu 1) The building of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will promote bilateral connectivity construction, explore the potential bilateral investment, economic and trade, logistic and people-to-people contacts. It will facilitate two countries' and regional economic integration, bring benefits to both countries and the two peoples, play an active and important role in co-operation and stability between South Asia and the entire Asia.

2) A Long-term Plan should be developed under the principle of scientific planning, steadily developing and take the highest priority first. An Action Plan is to be developed biannually under the framework of the Long-Term Plan, articulating detailed working targets and co-operation projects, and implement them phase by phase. The co-operation plan includes but is not limited to connectivity, undertaking research on communication networks including roads, railways, oil and gas pipelines, and fibre optic cables linking Western China with Gwadar, Pakistan. The sources said, Pakistan will also request China for further co-operation in nuclear energy, coal and hydropower projects. The issues confronting Chinese investors in Pakistan will also come under discussion.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2013

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Three climbers to take part in Pak-China friendship expedition -- The Express Tribune News Network

A three-member expedition is scheduled to leave for China on Thursday to participate in the Pakistan-China Friendship Expedition 2013.

The team comprising experienced climbers including Rehmatullah, Dr Naveed Iqbal and Ahmed Mujtaba will attempt to summit Muztagh Ata, the second highest (7546 metres) of the mountains which form the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.

Speaking at a press conference, organised by the Alpine Club of Pakistan (APC), APC President Lt-Col (retd) Manzoor Hussain and mountaineer Nazir Sabir said that the expedition has become all the more important after the recent attack at a base camp in Nanga Parbat wherein 10 foreign mountaineers including two Chinese were killed.

Sabir said that the expedition aims to pay tribute to the slain Chinese mountaineers on behalf of the Pakistani mountaineering community and renew friendship with the Chinese Mountaineering Association (CMA).

The CMA on the initiative of the ACP agreed to launch the joint expedition to ascend Muzhtagh Ata. The three members expedition will leave for Taxkorgan and Kashgar on Thursday and they will be crossing over the Khunjerab Pass on July 7 and then start climbing Muztagh Ata from July 9.

The team is likely to stay on the mountain till July 27 and is expected to return by August 1.

Earlier this year, the Pakistan-China Friendship Expedition was launched to summit 7,027-metre-high Spantik Peak in G-B as part of the Pakistani government’s programme to commemorate the 60th years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2013.

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July 5, 2013 Fri All Day

Gwadar may be given special status for speedy development: Nawaz -APP BEIJING, Jul 5 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Friday said that the government desires to develop Gwadar Port on Hong Kong model and it may be given special status through necessary legislation to ensure speedy execution of the project.In a meeting with President China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited Sun Ziyun, the Prime Minister said there should be no delay in the infrastructural development of Gwadar and assured government’s all out cooperation to the companies engaged in Gwadar’s development.He said the government wanted to develop an airport of international standard in Gwadar and called for early completion of the repair and rehabilitation works on Karakorum Highway. Nawaz Sharif said KKH was of utmost importance that should be rehabilitated without any delay so that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and China may flourish.

He also urged the Chinese company’s head to accomplish the rehabilitation work on Attabad Lake and surrounding areas.

In response, Sun Ziyun said work on Attabad Lake would be completed by 2016 while the rehabilitation of KKH would complete a year earlier.

President of China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited told Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that for Gwadar’s development, assistance would be sought from China Development Bank.

He said the roads infrastructure in Gwadar would be connected with the communication network of rest of the country to facilitate transportation of goods.

Deputy Director General/Vice Minister, State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND), Wang Yi Ren also met Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that he feels happy to see the dream of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft - a joint production of Pakistan and China coming true, as it was he who had signed the agreement to this effect with the Chinese Premier in 1997. He said Pakistan and China enjoy timed-tested friendship and one objective of his visit to China was to enhance bilateral cooperation in all spheres.

The Prime Minister said he has held useful meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.

“Today we have signed several agreements and MoUs and I Premier Li Keqiang talked on energy, infrastructure development and various other projects”, he added.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Chinese Premier assured that he wanted to help Pakistan so that the pressing issue of power shortage in the country is addressed.

About Pak-China Economic Corridor, for which the two sides signed agreement on Friday, the Prime Minister said the project was highly beneficial not only for Pakistan alone but for the whole region.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that his government intends to complete all development projects including the energy projects in the shortest possible time.

Chairman China Three Gorges Corporation, Cao GuangJing also called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and told that his company was executing nine power projects in Pakistan.

Out of these projects, he said one each was underway in Kohala, Karot and Jhampir. He said work on Jhampir project was heading on swift pace that would produce 50 megawatts on completion.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif assured the company’s head to address any problem confronting the company in execution of projects.

He said there was huge potential for hydro power projects in Pakistan and the Corporation should invest maximum capital in this sector.

Cao GuangJing offered company’s technical assistance to Pakistan for Diamer Bhasha Dam project besides expressing willingness to carry out more hydel power projects in the country.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif invited Cao GuangJing to visit Pakistan along with project proposals for their there timely execution.

Vice Chairman China Coal Technology and Engineering Group Corporation (CCTEGC) Wang Jinhua also called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister said that as far as energy was concerned, 1002

July 5, 2013 Continued Fri Pakistan was facing this certain problem. Power shortages have badly affected our economy, he added.

He said during his meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, they assured their support to address the energy problem in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister said since the CCTEGC had vast experience in coal technology, Pakistan would like to benefit from its expertise.

“We want to fully utilize Pakistan’s coal reserves for the provision of economical power to masses”, he said and appreciated the support and assistance of CCTEGC in this regard.

Wang Jinhua thanked Prime Minister Sharif for providing him an opportunity of meeting and assured all out support of CCTEGC to Pakistan, which he said, had good prospects of power generation through coal.

The Prime Minister said the PML-N government desired to have power producing units set up near the coal site and wanted to complete this work on a fast pace. “We want to fully benefit from the country’s precious coal reserves”.

Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatimi, Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, Ambassador Masood Khalid and senior government officials were also present during the meetings.

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Huawei to Build China-Pakistan Link as Sharif Woos Investors -Bloomberg

China and Pakistan signed a deal to build a $44 million fiber-optic cable connecting their border region with the Pakistani military garrison city of Rawalpindi, and agreed to explore a strategic transport corridor.

The pacts were the highlights of talks between Pakistani and Chinese officials in Beijing as visiting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif seeks to secure the investment his new government needs to repair a shattered economy. In a shot in the arm for Sharif, Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund yesterday agreed a $5.3 billion loan to boost the country’s depleted currency reserves.

By choosing Beijing for his first overseas trip since winning May 11 elections, Sharif signaled that securing Chinese funding ranks among his foreign policy priorities.

Pakistan’s growing emphasis on ties with China follows years of strained relations with the U.S. amid the war in Afghanistan and American targeting of Pakistani guerrillas.

Meeting Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People in the Chinese capital today, Sharif lauded bilateral ties, telling his host that the two countries’ friendship is “higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the deepest sea in the world, and sweeter than honey.”

Huawei Technologies Co., China’s largest maker of networking equipment, will build the fiber-optic link in three years, project director Waseem Ahmad said, adding that 85 percent of the funding will be provided via Chinese loans. The agreement will give Pakistan more connectivity to international communications networks, Ahmad said. Rawalpindi is home to the headquarters of Pakistan’s army.

Gwadar Pact An initial pact on a transport corridor to link the western Chinese city of Kashgar with the Pakistani port of Gwadar, control of which was in February transferred to a state-run Chinese company, was also signed today. No details were given on what was described as a “long term” plan.

“China will encourage and support companies to invest in Pakistan and Pakistan will provide a good environment for China’s investment,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a briefing in Beijing today.

While Sharif has called the road-and-rail project a “game changer” capable of generating revenue and jobs for Pakistan, financing and security concerns could prove hurdles. The route would run through Baluchistan province, where anger over exploitation of gas and minerals has spurred a separatist insurgency.

Touted Role Aside from its touted role as a short cut for Chinese imports of Middle Eastern oil, officials in India and the U.S. have seen Gwadar as part of China’s strategic ambition to project its growing naval power into the Indian Ocean.

Unrest in the western Chinese province of Xinjiang which authorities have in the past linked to Islamist training camps in Pakistan may also be on the agenda for 1003

July 5, 2013 Continued Fri Sharif’s visit which ends on July 8.

Pakistan’s government presented a “very robust reform” agenda to secure the IMF assistance, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said at a briefing with officials from the multilateral lender in Islamabad yesterday. The program of credit needs approval from the IMF board, Pakistan mission head Jeffrey Franks said.

A plunge of about 40 percent in the reserves in the past year to $6 billion has left Pakistan with enough to cover only about two months of imports, central bank data shows. The slide has weighed on the rupee and adds to other challenges facing Sharif, which include energy shortages and a Taliban insurgency in the northwest.

The currency touched a record low this week.

To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story: Michael Forsythe in Beijing at mforsythe@bloomberg.net To contact the editor responsible for this story: Rosalind Mathieson at rmathieson3 @bloomberg.net

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Linking Khunjrab with Gwadar, other projects: Pakistan, China to sign umbrella deal -- BUSINESS RECORDER

In a major economic breakthrough in the region Pakistan and China are all set to sign an umbrella agreement Friday to start mega projects between the two neighbours which will lay the foundation of a long term economic bond. "Pakistan and China have agreed to sign the multibillion dollars economic corridor project linking Khunjrab with Gwadar," sources told Business Recorder Thursday.

China's banking giant, China Development Bank, will fund the project along with China EXIM Bank and China Investment Bank. Termed a "Game Changer" repeatedly by Nawaz Sharif, the construction work on the ambitious project will start within a year. In addition to rail-link, the project will also include the building of road, optic fiber and oil and gas links.

On Friday both the sides will announce the project, and the formation of two separate Ministerial and Working groups to monitor the pace of the project.

Ministerial group and working will immediately initiate surveys and preparations of feasibility reports for the project.

The "Memorandum of Understanding for the Framework of Pak-China Economic Corridor" will also include the building of Lahore-Karachi Motorway and the construction of economic zones along the 2700 km Khunjrab-Gwadar economic corridor. The first phase of 750km Khunjrab-Havelian rail-link is estimated to cost $18 billion. The railway line, the highest in the world, will have total 200 km long tunnels and about 70 bridges to snake through the world's highest mountainous regions.

Answering a question, the sources said all details about funding have been worked out and Chinese banks will fund the projects. "Bigger success is that both the sides have forged a commitment at the highest political level to translate the time-tested political and security ties into long-term economic co-operation." In an unprecedented gesture, Chinese President Xi Jinping, came to the State Guest House to meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The meeting between the two leaders confirmed Friday's signing of the agreements.

The mega projects were finalised by the Planning Divisions of both the countries.

Ahsan Iqbal, the Minister for Planning Division, has been working for the last few weeks to finalise the details of the projects which have the potential to usher in a new era of development and economic activity in the entire length and breadth of the country.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had expressed his desire to start this project when he met visiting Chinese Prime Minister Li before his oath taking in mid-May. The Chinese also focused their energies on building up Khunjrab-Gwadar rail and road links after a similar project with Myanmar ran into trouble following the US pressure.

China has spent about 10 billion dollars during the last 10 years in building a rail and road link to the Indian Ocean through Myanmar. But for the last two years, Myanmar has gotten close to the US which created hurdles in the execution of the 1004

July 5, 2013 Continued Fri project. "Pakistan might face similar pressure from the US but Beijing and Islamabad are committed to complete it," sources said, adding, "and hence hurry on the part of Pakistan to complete the project in the next few years."

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Pak-China agreements will lead to huge investment in Pakistan -- BR & APP

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on foreign affairs Tariq Fatemi has said the visit of the Prime Minister will be greatly beneficial for Pakistan in improving its economy and generating more economic activities.

Talking to PTV from Beijing, he said Pakistan will get advantage of Chinese investment in various sectors including infrastructure development, energy, transportation and other public welfare projects.

He said under the agreements signed in Beijing on Friday, Pakistan will attract billions of dollars investment from China which will give boost to its ailing economy.

Tariq Fatemi described Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's talks with Chinese leadership and business leaders as extremely constructive and positive.

He hoped that it will lead to open new avenues for economic development and prosperity besides creating job opportunities for youth.

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Pak-China pipeline project: Nawaz to offer China the shortest oil route -The Express Tribune

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led government has decided to offer China to lay oil pipeline from Gwader to Western China – a move that will allow the latter to diversify and safeguard its crude oil import routes, sources told The Express Tribune.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would make a formal offer to his Chinese counterpart during his current visit to China. The government is expected to sign within a month an operational agreement with the brotherly nation to hand over Gwader Port to a Chinese company.

Officials said Pak-China oil pipeline could later be linked with Iran that had already offered to lay oil pipeline from its territory to Gwader to transport crude oil. During the PPP era, Iran had also announced to set up oil refinery at Gwader Port with 400,000 barrels per day oil production capacity.

“So, this proposal may become feasible after Chinese company takes operational control of Gwader Port,” official said adding that Gwader Port is quite near to Persian Gulf through which nearly 40% of world’s oil supply flow is maintained.

Officials maintained that 50% of total oil demand of China is met from imports that come from Middle East. At present supply line to China runs over 10,000 kilometre Dubai-Shanghai-Urumqi ocean route.

“The crude oil processed and refined at Gwader Oil Refinery can be exported and transported to Urumqi through the shortest possible route to China via DubaiGwader-Urumqi which is about 3600 kilometres. For this a oil pipeline will be laid through the envisaged Energy Corridor up to Western China via KKH/Khunjrab bypass,” officials said.

They said that impediments like high altitude, freezing temperature and difficult terrain could be overcome through certain technological advancements since many countries had successfully completed such pipeline projects under extreme conditions and high altitude such as ATACAMA gas pipeline, Trans-Alkaska Pipeline, Trans-Asia Gas pipeline etc.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5th, 2013.

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Pak-China relationship ‘sweeter than honey’, Nawaz tells Chinese counterpart -- Pakistan Today

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday told his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang that their countries' relationship was “sweeter than honey”. He expressed these views during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart in which economic ties were at the top of the agenda. Pakistan and China have close diplomatic and military allies and Nawaz, who is on his first foreign trip since becoming prime minister, is looking to secure infrastructure projects to tackle a chronic energy crisis and economic malaise in his country. At the Great Hall of the People in the Chinese capital, Nawaz said his welcome “reminds me of the saying, our friendship is higher than 1005

July 5, 2013 Continued Fri the Himalayas and deeper than the deepest sea in the world, and sweeter than honey”. Li told him: “I greatly appreciate your great warmth and deep affection for the people of China.” The Chinese premier was the first foreign leader to visit Pakistan after Nawaz Sharif's victory in the May polls. Beijing has been involved with the upgrade of the Karakoram Highway as part of a proposed economic corridor between the two countries. Earlier this year, China took control of Pakistan's Gwadar port, giving it access to the Arabian Sea and Strait of Hormuz, a gateway for a third of the world's traded oil. China-Pakistan trade last year reached $12 billion and is targeted to rise to $15 billion in the next two to three years. On Thursday, Nawaz held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, amid concerns in his country over weak growth, inflation and power cuts of up to 20 hours a day. Xi, who referred to Sharif as an old friend and a good brother, said strengthening strategic cooperation with Islamabad was a priority for China's diplomacy, the state-run broadcaster China Central Television reported. Nawaz said his country welcomed Chinese investment and would work to create a friendly environment for it. Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif received a red carpet welcome from the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on his arrival at the impressive building of Great Hall of the People. While both leaders were inspecting the guard of honour, there were 19 gun salutes in the background to herald the arrival of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a symbol of high regards and warmth on the part of the host country and its leaders. As both leaders reached the welcome dais, a contingent of People’s Liberation Army played national anthems of both the countries. Following the welcome ceremony, both the dignitaries held bilateral talks. Briefing the media, Premier Li said he clearly remembered his visit to Pakistan in May when then prime minister-in-waiting Nawaz Sharif participated in his meetings with the interim leaders of Pakistan. Premier Li greatly appreciated Nawaz Sharif’s warmth and deep affection for the people of China. Nawaz thanked Premier Li for his remarks and the hospitality extended to him and his entourage. He recalled his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping held on Thursday and said, “He was very kind to invite us. We exchanged similar views last night as well.” Nawaz also thanked Premier Li for inviting him to visit China and added that he felt proud to visit China as his maiden foreign destination after assuming office. - See more at: http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/07/05/news/national/pak-china-relationshipsweeter-than-honey-nawaz-tells-chinese-counterpart/#sthash.7lo3ymkZ.dpuf

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Pak-China set sights on transport link from China to Arabian Sea -- Forst Post Word

Beijing: China and Pakistan set their sights Friday on developing a transport link from northwestern China through rugged Pakistani mountains to the Arabian Sea, a route they hope will boost economic growth and slash shipping times.

A broad agreement for the “economic corridor” was among eight pacts signed following a meeting in Beijing between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The transport link was described as a “long-term plan” to connect the Chinese city of Kashgar to the port of Gwadar, more than 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) away across the towering Karakoram mountains and Pakistan’s lawless Baluchistan province.

Another agreement will see a fiber optic cable laid from the Chinese border to the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi that will boost Pakistan’s access to international communications networks. China is to provide 85 percent of the financing for the three-year project’s $44 million budget, with Pakistan covering the rest.

The visit is Sharif’s first to his country’s close ally since he returned to power last month, highlighting the importance Pakistan places on its 63-year-old relationship with China. The two cooperate closely in diplomatic and defense affairs, and share a common rival in their mutual neighbor and occasional military opponent India.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, second from right, introduces Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, third from right, to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, right, before a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. AP “Let me tell you very candidly and very sincerely that what I am witnessing here on my visit to Beijing, it reminds me of the saying our friendship is higher than the 1006

July 5, 2013 Continued Fri Himalayas and deeper than the deepest sea in the world, and sweeter than honey,” Sharif told Li at the start of their meeting, employing the usually effusive language with which the two nations describe their relationship.

China provides Pakistan with aid and foreign investment, while Islamabad offers Beijing important diplomatic backing in the face of Muslim-majority nations who might otherwise criticize China’s handling of its Muslim population.

Pakistan is hoping to attract greater Chinese investment to revive its moribund economy beset by inefficiency, corruption, political instability, and chronic electricity shortages, while expanding two-way trade that exceeded $12 billion for the first time last year.

For its part, China wants Pakistan to crack down on insurgents from China’s Muslim Uighur minority who have taken refuge in Pakistan’s northwest alongside al-Qaidalinked extremists. Pakistan says it has killed or extradited several of those militants over the past few years, but acknowledges that some remain at large in the area.

Hopes for road, rail and pipeline links from Kashgar to the presently little used port at Gwadar received a major boost when control of the port was transferred to China’s state-owned China Overseas Ports Holding Company Ltd. in February. Built

by Chinese workers and opened in 2007, it is undergoing a major expansion to turn it into a full-fledged, deep water commercial port.

Located just outside the mouth of the Persian Gulf, Gwadar has the potential of vastly cutting the 12,000-kilometre (7,500-mile) route that Mideast oil supplies must now take to reach Chinese ports. It could also provide an outlet for copper and other resources that Chinese firms plan to mine in Afghanistan, while offering a base for China’s navy to operate in the Indian Ocean in competition with India.

China has already begun upgrading the Karakoram Highway that runs through the northwestern Xinjiang region to the Pakistan border and has dispatched workers to develop projects high in the mountains of the Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir.

The geographical and security challenges to the link remain daunting, however, and any working link is likely many years away. It would go through territory menaced by the Pakistani Taliban, while nationalists in Baluchistan view it as an attempt by the ethnic Punjabis who largely run Pakistan to strengthen their control over the desert region and plunder its natural resources.

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Pakistan Prime to Sign Sino-Pakistan Railway Agreement -- SinoCast Daily Business Beat Pakistan Prime to Sign Sino-Pakistan Railway Agreement

XINJIANG, Jul 05, 2013 (Menafn - SinoCast Daily Business Beat via COMTEX) -Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was signed to sign a number of agreements, including Sino-Pakistan railway, during the visit to China and China Development Bank and China Investment Corporation were reported to participate in the project investment.

The agreements on roads and railways from Kashi, Xinjiang Autonomous Region to Pakistan's Gwadar may be officially signed.

The Kashi ? Gwadar railway is a lifeline that will enable Gwadar Port to be a transit station for the transport of crude oil from the Middle East to China to get rid of dependence on the Malacca Strait. Currently, 80% of oil imported by China must go through the Malacca Strait.

Source: www.163.com (July 05, 2013) Copyright 2008 SinoCast Daily Business Beat. All rights reserved

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July 5, 2013 Continued Fri All Day

PM orders completion of Lahore-Karachi Motorway by 2015 -- APP

BEIJING, Jul 5 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Friday ordered the completion of Lahore-Karachi Motorway within two and half years after finalizing the feasibility study of the project in three months. Talking to Pakistan Television here after an MoU signing ceremony between Pakistan and China for cooperation to construct Lahore-Karachi Motorway, the Prime Minister said the government was committed to provide comfortable and affordable transport facilities to its citizens within minimum possible time. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and Chairman China State Construction Engineering Corporation Yi Jun signed the MoU from both sides, respectively.

While stressing for expeditious project completion, Nawaz, however, was categorical to state that the government will not compromise on quality of the work.

He said the signing of MoU was a remarkable step and it was laudable that the government has been making landmark achievements in its initial days.

He said work on the mega project would be launched shortly after completion of the project’s feasibility study which he hoped would benefit the people of all four provinces as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

“It is a historic day. Once this project completes, the travel time would reduce remarkably that would also ultimately promote business activities in the region,” Nawaz Sharif said.

He also lauded the MoU signing for infrastructure development in Gwadar and said the planned Lahore-Karachi Motorway would also touch another highway linking Kashgar to Karachi via Gwadar.

Earlier, in a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chairman CSCEC Yi Jun said his company was interested in executing various development projects in Pakistan including the construction of highways and launching of bullet trains.

He also offered his company’s services for the construction of already planned bullet train project between Peshawar and Karachi.

The Prime Minister lauded the offer and invited CSCEC chairman to visit Pakistan in August this year for negotiations in this regard.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said resolution of energy crisis, infrastructure development and comfortable and affordable transport facilities were among his government’s foremost priorities.

Source: http://www.defence.pk/forums/economy-development/262487-pm-orderscompletion-lahore-karachi-motorway-2015-a.html#ixzz2YkovPLBF

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July 6, 2013 Sat All Day

Nawaz, Li hold fruitful meeting: 2,000km road to link Gwadar with Kashgar -- DAWN

BEIJING, July 5: China and Pakistan set their sights on Friday on developing a transport link through rugged mountains and troubled lands, a route they hope will boost economic growth and bring critical oil supplies to power-hungry China much faster.

A broad agreement for the Pak-China economic corridor was among eight pacts signed following a meeting in Beijing between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The 2,000km transport link was described as a “long-term plan” to connect Kashgar in northwestern China to the port of Gwadar, likely by road in the beginning and possibly by rail later.

Pakistan is hoping to attract greater Chinese investment to revive its moribund economy beset by inefficiency, corruption, political instability and chronic electricity shortages, while expanding two-way trade that exceeded $12 billion for the first time last year.

For its part, China wants Pakistan to crack down on insurgents from China’s Xinjiang region who are said to have taken refuge in Pakistan’s northwest alongside Al Qaeda-linked extremists. Pakistan says it has killed or extradited several of those militants over the past few years, but acknowledges that some remain at large in the area.

Another agreement is for a fibre-optic cable to be laid from the Chinese border to Rawalpindi which will boost Pakistan’s access to international communications networks.

China is to provide 85 per cent of the financing for the three-year project’s $44 million budget, with Pakistan covering the rest.

Mr Sharif’s visit to China is his first foreign trip since returning to power last month, highlighting the importance Pakistan places on its 63-year-old relationship with its most important ally in the region.

The two cooperate closely in diplomatic and defence affairs.

“Let me tell you very candidly and very sincerely that what I am witnessing here on my visit to Beijing, it reminds me of the saying our friendship is higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the deepest sea in the world, and sweeter than honey,” Mr Sharif told Mr Keqiang at the start of their meeting, employing the usual effusive language with which the two nations describe their relationship.

A joint statement issued after the meeting affirmed their support for an Afghan-led peace effort in the country following the withdrawal of US troops next year. It said they would “work with the regional countries and the international community to help Afghanistan achieve peace, stability and security”.

Hopes for road, rail and pipeline links from Kashgar to the presently little-used port at Gwadar received a major boost when control of the port was transferred to stateowned China Overseas Ports Holding Company Ltd in February. The statement said a joint committee would be set up which would oversee the upgrading and realigning of the 1,300km Karakoram highway running from Kashgar to Abbottabad over mountain passes as high as 4,693 metres.

If the transport link takes off, oil from the Middle East could be offloaded at Gwadar, which is located just outside the mouth of the Gulf, and transported to China through Balochistan and the rugged Karakoram mountains. Such a link will vastly cut the 12,000km route which Mideast oil supplies must now take to reach Chinese ports.

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July 6, 2013 Continued Sat According to the joint statement, Pakistan and China resolved to promote the policies aimed at advancing the cause of peace, cooperation and harmony in the region.

During their meeting, Mr Sharif and the Chinese premier reaffirmed their commitment to pursue people-centric policies to mitigate poverty, promote social and economic development and diminish the roots of conflict.

Mr Sharif reaffirmed the commitment of his government to further promote and deepen the bilateral strategic cooperation.

The Chinese premier thanked Mr Sharif for choosing China as his first destination for foreign visit after coming to power.

Mr Sharif said the recent political transition in Pakistan was a historic development which would create political cohesion, social stability and economic growth. “It will also improve governance and lead to sound macro-economic management, thus creating an enabling environment for foreign investment in Pakistan,” he added.

The two sides reviewed with satisfaction the development of China-Pakistan relations and were of the opinion that the relationship had acquired growing strategic significance in the emerging dynamics of 21st century. They resolved to continue to deepen the strategic partnership in the new era.

The two leaders appreciated that Asia was the engine of global economic growth and more than 40 per cent of the global population resided in this vibrant and dynamic region. A major urbanisation and technological advancement is under way in the region which will unleash enormous potential for regional economic development.

The two countries decided to further deepen practical cooperation in all sectors and strengthen coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues. This has been agreed under the guiding principles of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good-Neighbourly Relations between China and Pakistan signed in April 2005 and on the basis of the existing close cooperation.—Agencies

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Nawaz’s Beijing visit: Trade corridor tops MoU bonanza -- The Express Tribune

BEIJING: Pakistan and China on Friday signed a bonanza of agreements, including one on a long-term economic corridor, capping a meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang in the Chinese capital.

The 2,000-kilometre road and rail link connecting the northwestern city of Kashgar to Gwadar port was among eight pacts inked by the two countries. The corridor is expected to cost around $18 billion. Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal inked the pact from the Pakistani side while the chairman of the National Development and Reforms Commission signed it from the Chinese side, as Premier Li reiterated his country’s strategic interest in the project.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) pertaining to the Lahore-Karachi Motorway was signed on Friday as well, following which Prime Minister Nawaz ordered concerned departments to complete the project within two-and-a-half years.

Talking to PTV after the signing ceremony, the premier said the authorities will have to finalise the project’s feasibility study within three months. He made it clear, however, that the government would not allow any compromise on quality.

“Once this project is completed, travel time [between Lahore and Karachi] will be drastically reduced … this will ultimately promote business activity in the region,” Nawaz maintained, adding that all four provinces would benefit from it. He added that the Lahore-Karachi Motorway would be connected to the Kashgar-Gwadar highway as well. Other agreements signed on Friday included a pact on economic and technical cooperation between the two countries – signed by the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi – and two letters of exchange regarding training courses for textiles, flood relief and disaster management, and the provision of equipment for eradicating polio from Pakistan.

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July 6, 2013 Continued Sat An MoU was also signed for cooperation and exchanges between PML-N and the Communist Party of China. Fatemi, meanwhile, inked another MoU for cooperation between Pakistan’s Institute of Strategic Studies and the China Institute of Contemporary Study. The two countries also reached a $44 million agreement on setting a fibre-optic cable from the China-Pakistan border to Rawalpindi. The document was signed by Strategic Communication Organisation of Pakistan and Huawei Technologies Company.

Punjab Energy Minister Sher Ali Khan and the chief of ZTE Corporation signed an MoU on a solar energy project as well.

Meanwhile, the Chinese company tasked with the construction of the stalled Nandipur power plant has agreed to resume work on the project. According to a news channel, the Chinese company has decided to send its engineers to Pakistan in this regard, following a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Shahbaz, who is part of Prime Minister Nawaz’s delegation, assured the company’s officials of his government’s full support.

Separately, in a meeting with the president of China Overseas Port Holding Company, Nawaz expressed his desire to develop Gwadar port on the Hong Kong model.

Nawaz’s meeting with Li Nawaz and Li on Friday resolved to promote polices to advance the cause of peace, cooperation and harmony in the region.

In a joint statement issued after their one-on-one meeting, the two leaders reiterated their commitment to ‘people-centric’ policies aimed at mitigating poverty, promoting social and economic development, and diminishing the roots of conflict.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Nawaz once again reaffirmed his government’s commitment to deepening the bilateral relations between Pakistan and China. The Chinese leader appreciated his decision to choose China as his first foreign destination after being elected premier.

The two sides reviewed the development of Pakistan-China relations and observed they had acquired growing strategic significance. Premier Nawaz and Premier Li noted that Asia was the engine of global economic growth and major urbanisation and technological advancement was underway in the region.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Prime Minister Nawaz received a rousing red carpet welcome from Premier Li. He said his welcome reminded him of ‘the saying, our friendship is higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the deepest sea in the world, and sweeter than honey’.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6th, 2013.

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Oil city to be developed at Gwadar -- DAWN

KARACHI, July 6: Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Kamran Micheal said on Saturday that Sri Lanka is ready to give sea cargo to Pakistani flagships, and an oil city would be developed at Gwadar where refineries would be set up to meet China’s energy needs through oil pipeline coming from Iran.

Talking to newsmen at a luncheon meeting at a local hotel, the minister said: “when we do not want aid and talk about trade, so we have to take such steps which can help promote our trade relations with neighbouring countries, like Sri Lanka.”

He said he held a meeting with Sri Lankan ambassador in PNCS building where cooperation in shipping was discussed for promoting trade between the two countries.

The minister said that Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) flotilla, consisting of seven bulk carriers and three oil-tankers, would be available to carry Sri Lankan cargo. This would help enhance PNSC revenue which could be used for expanding the fleet of the corporation.

He said soon he would be visiting Sri Lanka for singing an agreement for cooperation in ports and shipping and haulage of Sri Lankan cargo by Pakistani ships.

“This would not only expand trade relations between the two countries, but would also help create jobs,” he added.

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July 6, 2013 Continued Sat He said that he would soon be visiting China to discuss and finalise Gwadar port concession agreement and added that if Pakistan wants to come out of economic crisis, it would have to develop closer economic links with China.

He further said that the Gwadar port concession given to China Overseas Port Holding Company is the same given to Port of Singapore, but he would like to make changes in some of the terms and conditions before finalising the agreement with China.

Responding to a question, he said, the sections related to marketing in the Gwadar port concession would be changed and Pakistan would like to retain them in the larger interest of the country.

The minister said that he paid a visit to Gwadar port and was not satisfied with the progress and feels that the work should be speeded up because the project is very important and has the potential to make economic progress in the country at large and Balochistan, in particular.

During his visit, the minister said the Dutch ambassador also accompanied him who extended assistance in expansion and upgradation of the fishing harbour which is presently being used as a playground by locals. The ambassador also offered to assist in providing PET raisin baskets for handling fish catch.

There was a time Pakistan’s ship-breaking industry at Gadani was the largest of the world, but now Bangladesh and India are leaders in this industry. Therefore, the minister said, efforts would be made to revive this industry for which a core committee had been formed.

Senator Kamran Micheal said Marine Academy would be upgraded and converted into university to cater our needs and of other countries.

He said all avenues will be explored and Ministry of Ports and Shipping and its affiliated departments would be opened up and upgraded to meet the fast changing technological as well as rapidly growing economic trade activities of the country.

He further said all corrupt elements would be removed from the ministry and its affiliated departments and an important announcement would be made in Ramadan.

To a question, the minister said presently three berths were operational at Gwadar port and soon five more would become operational and Chinese concession holders would be asked to speed up work and Pakistan has assured them of full security and proper working environment.

Referring to deteriorating law and order situation in the city which is also affecting port operations, the minister said that soon the interior minister, Chaudhary Nisar, would be visiting Karachi and hold meetings with Governor and Chief Minister of Sindh.

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July 7, 2013 Sun All Day

Gwadar to be operational soon: Kamran Michael -- THE NEWS

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Federal Minister Ports & Shipping Kamran Micheal has said that the time has come to make Gwadar port operational – and that the country’s progress was tied to the project.

He said that he had recently visited Gwadar Port and would be talking to the Chinese to speed up the development work to make it fully operational.

The minister said that oil refineries will be setup in Gwadar and talks are underway regarding this, China is interested in taking oil from Iran and it will set pipeline from Gwadar to China so oil terminal and jetty will be developed there.

For the dredging at Gwadar Port, the government has allocated Rs.1billion in order to accommodate bigger vessels and maintenance of the port can be done.

He added that there are already three berths which are operational and soon five more berths will be constructed by Chinese.

Michael also said that “we are also pushing China to market the port internationally and fetch considerable business for making Gwadar Port a success.

“We will invite all are neighboring countries to utilize Gwadar port.”

He added, “The Government of Holland has assured us help in building the Gwadar Fish harbour on modern lines – they will also provide fiber fishing boats.

The government is keen to develop the fishing industry and is planning to develop value addition mechanism for our fisheries products. That’s so they can be marketed well and can earn huge foreign exchange.”

The minister also said the government is making efforts to resolve all issues pertaining to the Gwadar Port.

Connectivity issue of Gwadar Port to be resolved soon and all important roads and link roads will be completed. Government is keen to connect Gwadar to Kashgar and in this regard in the budget Rs.31billion have been reserved in the budget, he added.

The minister said that water shortage in Gwadar is another major issue which needs to be addressed on permanent basis.

He also said that negotiations have taken place with the Navy and coast guard regarding the disputed 923 hectares of land in the Gwadar Economic Free Zone.

He said that alternate land has already been chosen at Pishukan and the Navy has shown willingness to release the occupied land in exchange The minister maintained the government has to honor all the commitments with the Chinese port operator so the port becomes functional.

The Gwadar Port which was envisioned to become a trans-shipment port and shipping hub for the landlocked Central Asian States (CAS), Afghanistan and Western China government is committed to fulfill this vision because it is in the interest of Pakistan, he added.

Kamran Michael said that the Ports & Shipping Sector in Pakistan has huge potential and all efforts are being put down to resolve all the problems to generate revenue from it.

He said that “the government is committed to resolves all the issues related with Port & Shipping and its related departments.

Soon major reshuffling is expected in bureaucracy of the Ports & Shipping Ministry 1013

July 7, 2013 Continued Sun and miss management and bad governance will not be tolerated.�

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Gwadar-Kashgar economic corridor to benefit 3bn people: Nawaz Sharif -- THE NATION

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says, his official trip to China has proven more fruitful than he expected.

Speaking to the media in Guangzhou the PM added, that agreements have been signed for the construction of the motorway from Karachi to Lahore as well as the Khashgar-Gwadar project and that work on both will be expedited.

On the energy shortfall the prime minister said, that Chinese companies will invest in the energy sector in Pakistan, and that the shortage exists because previous governments did not address the issue.

Nawaz Sharif said his government will further strengthen friendship between Pakistan and China. He said his talks with the Chinese leadership remained highly beneficial and productive.

He said Gwadar-Kashgar economic corridor is an important milestone in the history of Pak-China friendship and we will ensure its completion as early as possible. He said this project will benefit three billion people in the region.

Nawaz Sharif said Karachi-Lahore motorway is another important project signed during his visit.

He said Chinese authorities are worried for the safety of their citizens in Pakistan and he has assured them that his government will provide foolproof security to them.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for working together to combat the menace of terrorism. He said the government‚ security agencies and the people will have to work collectively to curb terrorism effectively. He said killing of foreign tourists in Diamer has badly damaged the image of Pakistan. He said we have to improve the security and law and order to ensure peace in the country.

He said Pakistan is passing a difficult time and we need to take decisions accordingly. He said the government has laid down a policy to address the energy crisis. He said there is a need to bridge the gap between supply and demand of electricity as there is no way left to compete international economies.

The Prime Minister said the government will take important steps to make Gwadar a free port. He said laying a fast train route from Peshawar to Karachi is another significant project in this connection.

Nawaz Sharif said a special cell will be established to monitor the matters pertaining to Chinese projects and investment in Pakistan. He said a task force headed by Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal will also be established to boost economic cooperation between Pakistan and China.

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Kashgar to Gwadar highway project a key achievement: Shahbaz -- THE NEWS LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said the decision to construct a 2,000-kilometer long highway from Kashgar to Gwadar is a key milestone achieved during the prime minister’s China visit.

Talking to Pakistani citizens in Beijing, Shahbaz said the highway will turn out to be a good omen for Pakistan and has been named the Economic Corridor. He said the project would help promote 35 industries and create employment opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people.

Earlier, during meetings with certain heads of Chinese energy companies, Shahbaz said the days of a tentative approach on national projects has gone.

Later, addressing an economic forum organized by the Pakistani embassy in Shanghai, the Punjab chief minister said he will personally host the Chinese investors in Pakistan, and ensure full government cooperation to them.

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July 7, 2013 Continued Sun All Day

Kashgar-Gwadar project to bring economic paradigm in region: Nawaz -- GEO TV GUANGZHOU: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that Pak-China economic corridor would not only benefit both the countries but the entire region, Geo News reported.

During his visit of China Southern Power Grid Corporation here Sunday, Nawaz Sharif said Kashgar-Gwadar project would bring economic change in the region.

The government was working on energy projects on priority basis as it was the key issue of the country, the prime minister said and added that the preceding government failed direct any focus towards this.

Nawaz Sharif welcomed investment from Chinese companies to Pakistan, saying that it was encouraging.

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Pak-China take quantum jump -- Daily Pakistan Observer

Sunday, July 07, 2013 - THE visit of Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif to China has been a resounding success as the two countries agreed on a number of projects and plans aimed at forging economic ties and giving depth to their strategic partnership. Nawaz Sharif had a point in taking pride in the fact that the two sides arrived at concrete understanding on multi-dimensional cooperation in the early days of his Government.

All the agreements concluded during the visit are important the idea of establishment of economic corridor between Kashghar and Gwadar is indeed fabulous one and is reflective of the far-sightedness and vision of the leadership of the two countries. This coupled with plans to build Lahore-Karachi Expressway, run a fast train between Peshawar and Karachi, lay optic fibre from Chinese border areas to Rawalpindi and construction of expressway/rail link between Gwadar and Kashghar has the potential to revolutionize life in Pakistan besides giving tremendous boost to trade and industry of China. Once Chinese turn Gwadar Port fully functional and an international airport, rail and road network is completed to link the port city with the rest of the country, the dream of the Prime Minister to turn Gwadar into Hong Kong of Pakistan would become a reality. Balochistan is a backward province and these projects of far-reaching importance would surely bring about a positive change there and we are glad that the local leadership is on board as Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik was part of the Pakistani delegation that negotiated various deals and agreements. We have been hearing about eight visits of President Zardari to China and signing of scores of agreements during high level bilateral visits in the past but all this has mostly remained a paper dream. This time round one can genuinely expect some difference as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has already formed a task force under the dynamic leadership of Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal that would constantly monitor implementation of agreements and MoUs. It is also satisfying that the Prime Minister has expressed his resolve to complete feasibility of Lahore-Karachi expressway just in three months and completion of the actual work in two and a half years, sending a clear message that he means business.

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Pakistan PM Visits China with Trade High on Agenda -- CRIENGLISH Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is set to kick start his official visit to China later on today.

As CRI's Su Yi reports, trade and energy cooperation trade and the environment are expected to dominate the week-long visit.

Related: QA with Pakistan's Former Foreign Secretary The proposed economic corridor linking the strategic Gwadar Port with the western Chinese region of Xinjiang is expected to top Sharif's agenda in Beijing.

The corridor was proposed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during his most recent 1015

July 7, 2013 Continued Sun trip to Pakistan last month.

Wang Xu is assistant to the director at the centre for South Asian studies at Peking University.

He says the project, once completed, is going to benefit people on both sides.

"First, the project can strengthen Sino-Pakistan trade ties and help Pakistan to overcome some economic problems it's facing right now, including energy and power shortages. Second, it will help China integrate economically with South Asian and Middle East countries. Because the corridor takes off from Kashgar in Xinjiang and it ends in Southern Pakistan, the Port of Gwadar and Karachi. So this is going to drive the development of western China."

The corridor consists of a series of special economic zones, on top of a rail link and a pipeline providing China access to the Indian Ocean.

During his 6-day trip here in China, Sharif is also going to discuss clean energy cooperation with Chinese officials.

Wang Dehua is from the South Asia and Central Asian Studies centre at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies.

"China and Pakistan have already reached agreements on hydro power stations, thanks to China's experience on our Three Gorges Dam project. The two countries can also deepen cooperation on solar, wind, and bio power and other renewable energy fields. Besides, China is developing technologies that process coal to crude oil, and Pakistan has fair amount of coal reserves, so we've got huge potential in this area as well."

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Pakistan woos China into large project -- Malaysiasun

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Road and rail link is a significant step -- THE INTERNATIONAL

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is in China to try to revive his country's economy.

Sharif has chosen Beijing for his first official trip following victory in the 11 May elections to search for assistance in building a road and rail corridor between Kashgar in the western Chinese province of Xinjiang and the port of Gwadar in Pakistan.

He has been meeting with members of the Politburo to push the project which has been touted as a short route for Chinese crude imports from the Middle East and for exports.

Many Asian business analysts have suggested the port of Gwadar will be allow China to follow through on its plan to increase its naval power and influence in the Indian Ocean.

International energy exchanges between the countries would likely start in the heart of Xinjiang province and cross into Baluchistan in Pakistan.

Baluchistan is a desert province bordering Iran and Afghanistan.

- See more at:

On Friday, the governments of China and Pakistan agreed a deal to build a road and rail transport link to connect the two nations. The project promises to open a wide "economic corridor". While no firm timetable for development has been announced, this "long-term" plan will eventually connect Kashgar in western China with Gwadar in Pakistan in the west. The potential gains from such links are huge.

Related â– Pakistan and China set sights on Arabian Sea link The project will undoubtedly foster greater commercial ties between the two nations, but it will also have serial implications for other parts of the world.

It could, as The National reported yesterday, allow for oil shipped from the Middle 1016

July 7, 2013 Continued Sun East to be unloaded in Gwadar, close to the mouth of the Arabian Gulf, before being moved overland to China. And while this would still represent an epic logistical endeavour, it would also substantially reduce, by several thousand kilometres, the distance oil would have to cover to get to any destination point in China, and at a time when it is encouraging the development of its western region.

In general, it is likely to deliver an upturn in trade between the GCC group of nations and Asia.

For Pakistan itself, the road and rail link will create jobs, help reinvigorate almost every sector of its embattled economy and afford it more breathing space away from its neighbours.

But this link is likely to have many other consequences, too. For those observers who nervously watch any time China furthers its international reach and influence be that in Africa, Asia, the Americas or even on the high seas - this latest development could be perceived as troubling. China supplies more arms to Pakistan than any other nation and a reciprocal deal might see the port at Gwadar reused as a strategic platform for China's naval operations in the region. The port has been redeveloped in recent years with substantial investment from China.

When the Suez Canal opened in 1869, it changed the way the world worked. Nearly 150 years later, eight per cent of global shipping traffic passes through its waters.

Similarly, the Panama Canal allows ships to move from the Pacific to the Caribbean Sea in less than 12 hours.

Like both of these examples, the Kashgar to Gwadar road and rail link could eventually prove game-changing regionally and economically.

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Sharif in Beijing to bring Arab oil to China -- AsiaNews/Agencies

From now until 8 July, Pakistani Prime Minister will be in Beijing to discuss energy and investments. The construction of a road-and-rail corridor between Kashgar (Xinjiang) and Gwadar (Baluchistan) on the Arabian Sea is crucial. This way, Pakistan could solve its energy crisis, but in return, it will likely have to "stop" the emergence of Islamic fundamentalism.

Islamabad (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Energy, transport and investment are on the agenda Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is taking with him as he begins today a six-day visit to China (3-8 July). His ultimate aim is to revive his country's economy, which has been paralysed by an energy crisis and violent Islamic fundamentalism. The construction of a road and rail corridor between Kashgar (in the western Chinese province of Xinjiang) and the port of Gwadar (Baluchistan province) on the Arabian Sea is part of the broader picture.

The fact that Sharif chose Beijing for his first official trip abroad after his victory in the 11 May elections is significant. During his stay in China, he is expected to meet at least three members of the Politburo, namely President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang.

The Kashgar-Gwadar project is of great interest to both countries. "Sharif knows that Gwadar has significant geopolitical and economic importance for China," said Rashid Ahmed Khan, a professor of international relations at the University of Sargodha in Punjab. "It can provide a short route for Chinese crude imports from the Middle East and for its exports to the region."

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying agrees. The project "will help both countries as well as the development of the whole region," she said.

In addition to trade, many analysts see the port of Gwadar as part of China's plan to increase its naval power and influence in the Indian Ocean, considered the future centre of international energy exchanges.

The Kashgar-Gwadar line starts in the heart of Xinjiang province and cross into Baluchistan, a desert province bordering Iran and Afghanistan, and among the poorest in Pakistan.

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July 7, 2013 Continued Sun Both areas have often been the scene of sectarian clashes. In recent days, fresh unrest broke out in Xinjiang between indigenous ethnic Uyghur (who are Turkic and Muslim) and Han Chinese, the majority in China. Beijing blamed the attacks on Islamic extremists trained in Pakistan, in camps run by the East Turkestan Islamic Movement.

Baluchistan has been in the hands of paramilitary forces for decades. The exploitation of gas and mineral resources by the government has unleashed attacks by extremist and separatist movements, as well as Taliban groups.

If approved, the project might force Pakistan to find a final settlement to the fundamentalist emergency that has ravaged the country, a problem many blame on the central government in Islamabad.

This view is share by Afghan Army Chief General Sher Mohammad Karimi who said that Pakistan controlled and gave shelter to Taliban leaders, deliberately unleashing fighters on Afghanistan.

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July 8, 2013 Mon All Day

Khunjerab to Gwadar trade corridor to boost economy -- APP

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Nawaz to induct 'China cell' into PM's office for development projects -Business Standard

ISLAMABAD - Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said the “National Economic Corridor” between Pakistan and China from Khunjerab to Gwadar will open new avenues in trade and economy between the two countries.

Talking to PTV from Beijing, he said that the government will expand ties with China on economic grounds and trade corridor between two countries will open new vistas for development in the region.

Minister said China will assist Pakistan for converting oil based power plants to coal based plants.He stated that Pakistan will complete feasibility reports of all developmental projects within one year’s time and these projects will start benefiting masses with in 1-2 years. He said to boost the development projects his Chinese counterpart will soon visit Pakistan with his team to finalize the projects feasibility.

He said Chinese PM Li Keqiang, during composite dialogues between two leaders, has termed Nawaz Sharif as key leader for enhancing Pak-China ties.

He said that Chinese PM has also shown determination to complete this new initiative between two brother countries as soon as possible for economic development in the region. To a question, he said that among the 8th Sino-Pak agreements, most important is the “National Economic Corridor” through which roads and trains track will be constructed between China Pakistan. “Besides, on these corridors economic cities in Gwadar will be developed,” he claimed.

He said that Chinese PM has emphasized Pakistan should be given loan on soft conditions; in this way it will not only benefit Pakistan with billion of dollars but also to those Chinese companies that are interested in investing in Pakistan.

He said that Chinese PM has assured that china will assist Pakistan with its expertise in Coal-Power generation. He said that Chinese companies will provide their services in solar energy sector while projects like Neelum-Jehlum and Bhasha dam are also under consideration. He hoped that different projects will be starting with in a year that will make the economic relations between the two countries stronger.

Newly elected Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has introduced 'China cell' in his office to speed up development projects in the country.

The Express Tribune reports that the cell will supervise all development projects to be executed with the cooperation of Chinese companies in Pakistan.

Sharif said that the government will bring the infrastructure of Gwadar port at par with Hong Kong, Dubai and Singapore and turn the city into a major trade hub.

According to the report, Nawaz said his meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang and representatives of Chinese companies over Pakistan's energy and infrastructure issues had been fruitful.

Nawaz further added that the prospects of introducing mass transit systems in Karachi and Lahore, and high-speed trains in the country were also discussed during the meetings.

Nawaz reiterated that 2,000 km long trade corridor project would trigger socioeconomic uplift for the entire region.

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Project will be a ‘game-changer’ in region: Nawaz -- The News

GUANGZHOU (China): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Sunday wound up his official China visit marked by hectic interaction with the political leadership and business leaders of the host country, which he said were productive beyond his expectations.

Set to fly back home on Monday after a busy day of engagements in this largest city of Guangdong province, a beaming prime minister said implementation of the Gwadar-Kashgar corridor project and a raft of agreements signed during his weeklong visit would prove a “game-changer in the region”.

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July 8, 2013 Continued Mon The two countries agreed on major projects, including the establishment of an economic corridor to link Gwadar deep sea port with the Chinese border city of Kashgar in Xinjiang province with road and rail networks.

Construction of motorways and other infrastructure development projects as well as power generation with the participation of China are also on the mutually agreed roadmap to help bring about Pakistan’s economic resurgence and pull it out of the crippling energy crisis.

With investment pledges worth billions of dollars under his belt, a happy Sharif exclaimed : “The outcome of the visit is more than I expected.”

The sentiment in the delegation of the prime minister was the two traditional friends are on the threshold of a new era of which economic bonds will be the hallmark more than political and defence cooperation.

“We are poised to enter a long-term phase of bilateral economic cooperation which will benefit not only the two nations but also open up avenues of immense value in trade and commerce for the region as a whole,” remarked a senior Pakistani official.

Amid the optimism, there was also a realisation among the Pakistan side that curbing terrorism with more effective steps based on a national political consensus is a must in order to allay concerns in China and the international community over the lack of a secure environment for investment and development.

Prime Minister Sharif himself disclosed while talking to media representatives that the Chinese leaders had conveyed to him their concerns and that he had assured them that his government would ensure foolproof security for Chinese workers and investments in the country.

On his return, the prime minister is expected to chair on Friday a conference of leaders of political parties represented in parliament as part of his efforts to evolve a consensus national security policy to deal with terrorism, extremism and other security challenges.

The prime minister and members of his entourage received with shock and sorrow reports of a bomb explosion in a popular food street in Lahore on Saturday night that killed four people and injured dozens.

Implementation of agreements being of vital importance to achieve the set goals, Prime Minister Sharif has established a task force headed by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal. The prime minister has said he himself would also be overseeing progress on the projects.

The warmth and friendly feelings for the Pakistani leader and his team and the hospitality extended to them in Beijing, Shanghahi and Guangzhou reflected the strength of the bilateral relationship. Even ordinary Chinese people displayed their sentiment with smiles and by waving their hands in greeting.

At a banquet hosted by Governor of Guangdong province Zhu Xiaodan, the prime minister was informed that a large number of Pakistanis including traders and business people were present in the province.

The governor said that 60 per cent bilateral trade is being done through this province and stressed the need for the enhancement of the trade volume. His province‚ the governor said will welcome Pakistani tourists.

The banquet was also attended by Chief Minister of Punjab Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif‚ Chief Minister Balochistan‚ Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch‚ Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi‚ Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani‚ Ambassador Masood Khalid and senior officials from the Chinese foreign ministry.

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July 8, 2013 Continued Mon The prime minister earlier visited a major power transmission and distribution company, China Southern Power Grid, and held a meeting with its head Zhao Jianguo to get suggestions about ways to cut line losses‚ theft and pilferage in Pakistan.

Zhao Jianguo told the prime minister his company was ready to provide help to Pakistan to tackle the problem of line losses. The prime minister asked him to provide the consultancy.

Speaking on the occasion‚ Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif urged Zhao Jianguo to help Pakistan in generating power besides controlling ills like power theft.

Shahbaz Sharif said Pakistan attaches great value to Chinese cooperation in the energy sector.

APP adds: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Sunday said he would set up a ‘China Cell’ a his office to supervise all development projects to be executed with Chinese cooperation in Pakistan.

He said the cell would be of a specific nature, overseeing and pursuing the execution of such development projects to steer the country out of the current economic crisis.

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July 9, 2013 Tue All Day

Chinese investment in Gwadar appreciated -- The Nation

KARACHI: Pakistan and China are interlinked on friendship front sharing areas of mutual interest on many economic and cultural fronts. Chinese investment in Gwadar Port will prove instrumental in economic prosperity of Pakistan.

While addressing a group of investors and industrialists from China. He further said that Prime Minister's recent visit has already started showing results and well known Chinese companies are coming forward to explore Pakistani market.

As far as EPZA is considered we are already providing excellent facilities to the investors which can be compared with other industrial zones in the world.

According to our recently adopted strategy, extending our facilities and incentives to the cities which have the potential of producing products related to exports. This new approach has been widely appreciated by the industries and chambers of commerce all over the country he added.

Courtesy: The Nation

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July 11, 2013 Thu All Day

Nawaz Sharif’s China visit to open new avenues of bilateral cooperation -- APP

Nawaz Sharif’s China visit to open new avenues of bilateral cooperation ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP): Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal Thursday said the recent visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to China will open new chapter of strong friendship between the two countries and help in promoting trade and economic relations.Addressing a press conference here at Foreign Office along with Special Assistant to Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, Ahsan Iqbal said the visit will be helpful in transforming traditional foreign policy into economic diplomacy to give new boost to trade and economic relations with neighbours and friendly countries.He said, “Unfortunately our political and economic relations with friendly countries including China and Middle East countries do not reflect our level of relationships with these countries in terms of trade as we could not expand our trade with these countries in the past.”

Ahsan Iqbal referring to the visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to China said it was focussed on economic development of Pakistan which has provided new base for expanded strong economic relations. He said the PM’s visit has laid a foundation of new strategic economic cooperation between both the countries which will not only benefit the two countries, but vision behind this is to integrate all economic engines of the region.

The Minister hoped this visit will prove as a new milestone not only in terms of PakChina but also increasing economic growth of Pakistan.

He said a number of important agreements were signed during the visit which will pave way for rapid economic development of the country.

The most important agreement is to establish “Economic Corridor” by building rail and road links through Pakistan.

He said an institutional framework has been constituted to review the economic and trade corridor between China and Pakistan. He said a committee and a task force have been set up in this regard which will hold meetings after six months to review the progress on the projects signed during this visit and to complete all the studies and framework within one year.

The Minister said construction of Motorway from Lahore to Karachi was also discussed with Chinese companies and expressed the hope that this project will be completed within three years record time.

Replying to a question Ahsan Iqbal said the present government is determined to complete Diamir-Bhasha dam at its scheduled time which is of vital importance to meet energy and water requirements of the country.

He said, “The government intends to form a consortium of friendly countries for raising funds for the quick completion of Diamir-Bhasha project.”

Answering a question he said Chinese companies have expressed willingness to invest in big way in Pakistan in various sectors including energy and the government will provide full protection to them.

He said both China and Pakistan are committed to move forward to further promote their relations despite challenges.

He said, “It is our resolve to combat terrorism with commitment and expedite development work in a way that nefarious designs of the enemies of Pakistan could not be fulfilled.”

He said the government has the resolve to bring peace in the country and will go into consultations with all stakeholders to devise a comprehensive strategy in this regard.

Ahsan Iqbal said peace is vital not only for the society but also for socio-economic development of the country which will be restored at all cost.

The Minister said the government is working on a vision to settle conflicts also through dialogue which is essential to achieve the goals of economic progress and prosperity.

In this regard he said, special focus is being given to bring peace in Balochistan through dialogue with all political forces.

Regarding Gwadar, the minister said that during negotiations with Chinese leadership, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was keen to prioritize the development of Balochistan and that is why Chief Minister Dr. Abdul Malik was accompanying him.

He said setting up of an Economic City in Gwadar was also part of these negotiations where both the leadership discussed establishment of new industrial facilities and relocation of Chinese industries in Gwadar.

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July 13, 2013 Sat All Day

Gwadar: the future trade hub of the world? -- APP

ISLAMABAD - The government is considering giving Gwadar a status similar to Hong Kong in terms of special business incentives. This vision aims to turn tides on the region's economic horizon.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his recent visit to China, expressed his intention to develop Gwadar port on the model of Hong Kong. Hong Kong is China's special administrative region that enjoys specific trade regulations. Gwadar, having a natural hammerhead-shaped geography protruding from the country's coastline into Arabian Sea, is no longer just a fishing harbour. It is now deemed as an important deep seaport with vast potential of becoming the hub of business activities for the entire region.

Pakistan needs to promote free trade and low taxation in Gwadar on similar lines to Hong Kong, which is regarded as one of the world's leading international financial centres in addition to being an extremely tax friendly economy.

Necessary legislation would allow Gwadar to set its own financial targets such as economic freedom and competitiveness similar to Hong Kong.

Gwadar is expected to be declared a special economic zone for a certain period to facilitate rapid commercial and economic development.

The specific incentive-regime is likely to be free of Value Added Tax (VAT), capital gains tax and withholding tax, with general tax-holidays and generous incentives for business ownership and employment of foreigners. The establishment of the special economic zone, free trade zone, and export processing zone in the port city would attract foreign investment which would in turn create innumerable job opportunities for locals and consequently raise their standards of living.

The main purpose of this project is to accelerate economic development and investment, both foreign and local. This will in turn increase the port traffic and resultantly spur industrial development.

For the port's construction and operations Gwadar was officially handed over to the state-owned China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited in February.

According to the contract signed between the two countries, a fully fledged commercial port will be constructed with an initial Chinese investment of $750 million.

In a recent meeting with the company’s President Sun Ziyun, Sharif stressed to not delay the infrastructural development of Gwadar. He assured the Pakistani government's full cooperation with the Chinese companies engaged in the port's development. Sun Ziyun told Sharif that the financial assistance for this project would be sought from the China Development Bank.

China will also assist Pakistan in the construction of an airport of international standards at Gwadar.

One of the accords inked during Sharif's visit to China, which was also witnessed by Premier Le Keqiang, envisages the establishment of an economic corridor between Gwadar and Kashgar. Kashgar is the historic Silk Road city in western Xinjiang region of China. It is connected to Gilgit-Baltistan through the 15,397 feet (altitude) Khunjerab Pass. The ambitious Pakistan-China economic corridor plan will cost approximately $18 billion.

Sharif is of the view that the Gwadar would help bring Balochistan's coastal areas into the socio-economic mainstream. This would serve as a catalyst for fast track development of the province. It would contribute towards rapid employment generation in the province.

Gwadar will benefit both Pakistan and China. 60 percent of China's oil comes from the Gulf via ships travelling over 16,000 kilometres in two to three months to its commercial port, Shanghai. Gwadar will reduce this distance to a mere 2,500 kilometres.

Gwadar is termed as "the future of Pakistan". Due to its location on the channel of Central Asia, Middle East and Asia, it can flourish as the World’s business centre.

The Chinese assistance in the development of this port is essential in positively impacting Pakistan’s economy. - See more at: http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/07/13/news/profit/gwadar-the-future-tradehub-of-the-world/#sthash.G69LPaS6.dpuf

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July 13, 2013 Continued Sat All Day

Gwadar-Kashgar motorway to strengthen Sino-Pak ties -- APP

SLAMABAD - Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) president Zafar Bakhtawari said on Friday that Sino-Pak agreement of 2700 kilometer long Gwadar-Kashgar motorway will open new avenues of relationship in trade and economy between the two countries. Talking to APP, Zafar Bakhtawari said that the “National Economic Corridor” agreement with China is a hallmark of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government which will benefit more than 3 billion people.

Bakhtawari informed APP that according to this agreement, on 2700 kilometer motorway, 200 kilometer long tunnels with 70 main bridges will be constructed. This agreement will expand ties with China on economic grounds, ICCI president said.

He further said that trade corridor between two countries will open new vistas for development in the region.

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July 14, 2013 Sun All Day

Chinese officials have been asked to carry out research to identify a location for railway connectivity between Pakistan and China -- APP

BEIJING: Chinese officials have been asked to carry out research to identify a location for railway connectivity between Pakistan and China, a press report said, adding that people were enthusiastic on plans to build a train link to connect Kashgar in Xinjiang with Gwadar.

“We’ve already been asked to carry out research into the location of a station in Kashgar for the China-Pakistan railway, but a detailed plan and timetable have yet to be drafted,” Wang Yongzhi, the deputy commissioner of Kashgar prefecture, was quoted as saying by an English-language newspaper.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced in June that Pakistan would like to build new road and rail links to Kashgar and establish a Sino-Pakistan economic corridor.

If an overland link were to be established, Gwadar Port would become the starting point for deliveries of oil and natural gas to Xinjiang, China Daily reported.

Mr Wang said that China’s long experience of carrying out construction work on plateaus could prove invaluable if the decision is made to build a railway across the Pamir Plateau.

Yuan Jianmin, director of Xinjiang Logistic Association, said most freight from Pakistan was transported to China via sea route, a journey of more than a month, whereas a railway link would allow goods to be transported from Pakistan to cities around China in 10 days.—APP

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China starts work to identify location for railway link -- APP

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Govt considering for Gwadar a status similar to Hong Kong -- DAILY TIMES

BEIJING - Officials have been asked to carry out research to identify location for railway connectivity between Pakistan and China, as local people are enthusiast on plans to build a railway network to connect Kashgar in Xinjiang with the port of Gwadar.

“We’ve already been asked to carry out research into the location of a station at Kashgar for the China-Pakistan railway, but a detailed plan and timetable have yet to be drafted,” Wang Yongzhi, deputy commissioner of Kashgar prefecture was quoted as saying by an English daily.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced in June that Pakistan would like to build new road and rail links to Kashgar and establish a Sino-Pakistani economic corridor.

If an overland link were to be established, Gwadar Port would become the starting point for deliveries of oil and natural gas to Xinjiang, China Daily reported.

Wang said China’s long experience of construction work on plateaus could prove invaluable if the decision is made to build a railway across the Pamir Plateau.

Yuan Jianmin, director of Xinjiang logistic association, said most freight from Pakistan is transported to China via the sea route, a journey of more than a month, whereas a railway link would allow goods to be transported from Pakistan to cities around China in roughly 10 days.

The poor condition of the roads between Kashgar and Pakistan means the network is ineffective, constraining exports to Pakistan via the land port at Kashgar to just 100,000 metric tons each year, according to Wang.

“A railway link between China and Pakistan railway would transform Kashgar and allow it to truly become an economic hub,” the daily quoted Wang.

In February, China Overseas Port Holding Co took over the management of Gwadar, a deep-water port on the shores of the Arabian Sea and situated close to the Strait of Hormuz.

Govt considering for Gwadar a status similar to Hong Kong

ISLAMABAD: The government is considering giving Gwadar a status similar to Hong Kong in terms of special business incentives-a vision that aims to turn tides 1027

July 14, 2013 Continued Sun on the region’s economic horizon.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his recent visit to China has expressed his intention to develop Gwadar Port on the model of Hong Kong-the China’s Special Administrative Region that enjoys specific trade regulations.

Gwadar having a natural hammerhead-shape geography protruding from the country’s coastline into Arabian Sea is no longer just a fishing harbour. It is now deemed as an important deep seaport with a vast potential of becoming the hub of business activities for the entire region.

For Pakistan, free trade and low taxation environment in Gwadar is the inspiration to be derived from Hong Kong, which is regarded as one of the world’s leading international financial centres and one of the most tax friendly economies in the world.

Necessary legislation will allow Gwadar to set its own financial targets such as economic freedom and competitiveness similar to Hong Kong, which also has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.

Gwadar is expected to be declared a Special Economic Zone for a certain period to facilitate rapid commercial and economic development.

The specific incentive-regime is likely to include general tax-holidays, no Value Added Tax (VAT), no capital gains tax, no withholding tax and generous incentives pertaining to business ownership and employment of foreigners.

The establishment of Special Economic Zone, Free Trade Zone and Export Processing Zone in the port city would attract foreign investment creating innumerable job opportunities for local youth and would directly raise the living standard of their families.

The main purpose of this concept is to accelerate economic development and investments, both foreign and local. This in turn will increase the port traffic and thus spur industrial development.

Gwadar was officially handed over to the state-owned China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited in February this year for the Port’s construction and operation.

According to the contract signed between the two countries, a full-fledged commercial port will be constructed with an initial Chinese investment of $750 million.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a recent meeting with President China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited Sun Ziyun in Beijing stressed no delay in the infrastructural development of Gwadar.

He assured Pakistan government’s full cooperation to the Chinese companies engaged in the port’s development.

The President of China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited told Prime Minister Sharif that financial assistance for this project would be sought from China Development Bank.

China will also assist Pakistan in the construction of an airport of international standard in Gwadar.

One of the accords inked during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to China and also witnessed by Premier Le Keqiang envisages the establishment of an Economic Corridor between Gwadar and Kashgar-the historic Silk Road city in western Xinjiang region of China, connected to Gilgit-Baltistan through the 15,397 feet altitude Khunjerab Pass. The ambitious Pakistan-China Economic Corridor plan involves an estimated cost of $18 billion.

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July 14, 2013 Continued Sun Gwadar would help bring Balochistan’s coastal areas into socio-economic mainstream and serve as a catalyst for fast track development of the province. It would also contribute more rapidly to employment generation in the province.

Gwadar will benefit both Pakistan and China. Sixty percent of China’s oil comes from the Gulf by ships travelling over 16,000 kilometres in two to three months to its commercial port, Shanghai. Gwadar will reduce the distance to a mere 2,500 kilometres and will also serve round the year.

Gwadar can be termed as ‘the future of Pakistan’. app

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Gwadar envisioned getting ‘Hong Kong splendour’ -- THE NEWS

SLAMABAD - The government is considering giving Gwadar a status similar to Hong Kong in terms of special business incentives - a vision that aims to turn tides on the region’s economic horizon.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif during his recent visit to China has expressed his intention to develop Gwadar port on the model of Hong Kong - the China’s Special Administrative Region that enjoys specific trade regulations.

Gwadar, having a natural hammerhead-shape geography protruding from the country’s coastline into Arabian Sea, is no longer just a fishing harbour. It is now deemed as an important deep seaport with a vast potential of becoming the hub of business activities for the entire region.

For Pakistan, free trade and low taxation environment in Gwadar is the inspiration to be derived from Hong Kong, which is regarded as one of the world’s leading international financial centres and one of the most tax-friendly economies in the world.

Necessary legislation will allow Gwadar to set its own financial targets such as economic freedom and competitiveness similar to Hong Kong, which also has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.

Gwadar is expected to be declared a Special Economic Zone for a certain period to facilitate rapid commercial and economic development.

The specific incentive-regime is likely to include general tax-holidays, no Value Added Tax (VAT), no capital gains tax, no withholding tax and generous incentives pertaining to business ownership and employment of foreigners.

The establishment of Special Economic Zone, Free Trade Zone, and Export Processing Zone in the port city would attract foreign investment, creating innumerable job opportunities for local youth and would directly raise the living standard of their families.

The main purpose of this concept is to accelerate economic development and investments, both foreign and local. This in turn will increase the port traffic and thus spur industrial development.

Gwadar was officially handed over to the state-owned China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited in February this year for the port’s construction and operation.

According to the contract signed between the two countries, a full-fledged commercial port will be constructed with an initial Chinese investment of $750 million.

PM Nawaz Sharif in a recent meeting with President China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited, Sun Ziyun in Beijing stressed no delay in the infrastructural development of Gwadar. He assured Pakistan government’s full cooperation to the Chinese companies engaged in the port’s development.

The President of China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited told PM Nawaz Sharif that financial assistance for this project would be sought from China Development Bank. China will also assist Pakistan in the construction of an airport of international standard in Gwadar.

One of the accords inked during PM Nawaz Sharif’s visit to China and also witnessed by Premier Le Keqiang envisages the establishment of an Economic Corridor between Gwadar and Kashgar - the historic Silk Road city in western Xinjiang region of China, connected to Gilgit-Baltistan through the 15,397 feet altitude Khunjerab Pass. The ambitious Pakistan-China Economic Corridor plan involves an estimated cost of $18 billion.

PM Nawaz Sharif is of the view that Gwadar would help bring Balochistan’s coastal areas into socio-economic mainstream and serve as a catalyst for fast track development of the province. It would also contribute more rapidly to employment 1029

July 14, 2013 Continued Sun generation in the province.

Gwadar will benefit both Pakistan and China. Sixty percent of China’s oil comes from the Gulf by ships travelling over 16,000 kilometres in two to three months to its commercial port, Shanghai. Gwadar will reduce the distance to a mere 2,500 kilometres and will also serve round the year.

Gwadar can be termed as “the future of Pakistan”. Due to its location on the conduit of Central Asia, Middle East and Asia, it can turn into a place of business conversion for the whole world. The Chinese assistance in the development of this port is significant in bringing a positive impact on Pakistan’s overall economy.

1030

July 15, 2013 Mon All Day

Accords, MoUs to expand Pak-China partnership scope -- BR ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif's decision to choose China as the destination for his first foreign visit after coming to power signifies the closeness and warmth which characterize Pak-China exemplary relations.

The visit, which can be termed a "success story", was indeed a prudent step, which has successfully expanded the scope of Pakistan's strategic partnership with one of its most trusted friend.

It is often said that Pakistan's relationship with China is "higher than the Himalayas" and this visit has in many ways manifested these words into a tangible form in the shape of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understandings (MoUs) signed by the two countries.

The Prime Minister held constructive meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang and discussed with the Chinese leadership how to address the country's energy problem and development of infrastructure.

The two sides signed eight MoUs and agreements following the meeting of the Prime Minister with Premier Li Keqiang, including Pakistan-China Economic Corridor accord.

Based on these agreements and MOUs, a comprehensive framework outlining a roadmap to upgrade and expand the economic, trade, cultural and strategic ties between Pakistan and China, can be laid down.

Some of the projects, which will start as a result of these agreements, certainly have the potential to revolutionize the bilateral trade activity and also transform the entire economic landscape of the region.

According to experts, in today's world where relations between countries are increasingly being shaped by trade diplomacy, the future of Pakistan-China relations will also be defined by trade and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit presented a real opportunity for Pakistan and China to take their economic ties to a new zenith.

Especially when like Pakistan, a new leadership has taken the reins of power in China too. This was an important juncture for both the countries.

As an experienced leader with vision, Nawaz Sharif was able to recognize this important opportunity quite quickly and this was evident from the discussions he held with Chinese premier Li Keqiang when they first met in Islamabad in May. The warm welcome by the Chinese leadership for the Prime Minister is a clear indicator of the importance China attaches to its relations with Pakistan.

During the visit, both the sides not only identified key areas of cooperation but also signed important agreements. China showed its keenness to play a key role to help Pakistan meet its energy needs and this has been a major success of the visit.

The Prime Minister's plan for economic revival of Pakistan has Karachi at its center, and this was evident from his discussions in almost every meeting. His interest to have briefings on metro and subway systems in China shows that he is very keen to provide a good and reliable transport system to the residents of Karachi.

Information technology will also be at the heart of Pakistan's journey towards economic revival. In this area, the two countries agreed to expand their cooperation too and lay down a sophisticated network of fiber optic connectivity, which is the need of the modern times.

Agreements in textiles as well as health sectors were also signed and the cooperation between Pakistan and China will continue to grow.

The key to the success will be the follow up of agreements implementation, and it is heartening to note that a "China Cell" has been established in the Prime Minister's Office for the purpose.

The Prime Minister also held detailed meetings with heads and chief executives of banks, financial institutes and corporate leaders in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

The Chinese leadership in meetings with the Prime Minister, agreed to waive off the condition of insure cover on Chinese projects.

The Prime Minister also met with Chairman National People's Congress Zhang Deijang. Both the leaders exchanged views on bilateral relationship and means to cement it further.

He visited Shanghai in state-of-the-art High Speed Train and during the journey held a number of meetings and got details about the train operation and cost.

At these meetings arranged in the train, a number of Chinese companies evinced 1031

July 15, 2013 Continued Mon keen interest in the construction of various projects, including power plants, high speed train, Basha dam, optic fiber and motorways.

The Prime Minister also met with the Governor of Guangdong province, Zhu Xiaodan, and discussed bilateral relations, including promotion of tourism between the two sides.

Later, in a joint statement, both the countries vowed to promote policies, aimed at advancing the cause of peace, cooperation and harmony creating a win-win situation in the region. In order to promote cultural and social ties, the two sides agreed to encourage their cities and provinces to establish twinning relationships.

It is quite evident that the visit of Prime Minster Nawaz has provided further impetus to the existing Pak-China partnership, which is a source of peace, stability and prosperity of the two countries as well as the region.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2013

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New Gwadar airport construction to generate jobs: Zahid Hamid -- APP

ISLAMABAD, Jul 15 (APP): Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid said that construction of an international airport and access roads in Gwadar will generate job opportunities for thousands of locals.Talking to a private news channel ,Zahid Hamid hailed the prospect of cross-country motorway and said the feasibility of the project is expected to be completed in mere three months followed by concrete steps to start the project. He said on completion the motorway would further generate additional employment opportunities besides facilitating the commuters and transporters in the country.The minister said the traders and decision-makers of both countries are optimistic that trade between the two countries will increase to fifteen billion dollars in next three years after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s successful visit to China.

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July 16, 2013 Tue All Day

China to speed up PoK hydropower project to meet Pak demand -- APP

The Chinese firm building the Rs 274.88-billion Neelum-Jhelum hydropower plant in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, plans to deploy more personnel to expedite completion of the project.

The Chinese company building the Neelum-Jhelum mega hydropower plant has decided to deploy more engineers and technical staff to expedite work on the 969 MW project, Pakistan’s state-run APP news agency reported.

Image used for representation only.

India has been expressing concern over China taking up infrastructure projects in PoK, considering its disputed Officials of the China Gezhouba Group of Companies (CGGC), the project contractor, held talks in Beijing with a Pakistani team and briefed them about deployment of additional Chinese technical staff, the report said adding that the induction of additional work force will help completion of the project before the given timetable.

The meeting was held as a follow-up to the recent visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif here during which the progress of the project construction was reviewed.

The company had informed Sharif that the project was expected to be completed by June 2016. However, in view of its acute energy crisis, Pakistan wants the mega hydropower project to be completed before the given time frame.

Before embarking on his visit to China, Sharif had visited the site of the project and directed the authorities concerned to expedite construction work and make it functional by 2014-15 to overcome Pakistan’s crippling power shortage.

Timely completion of the project would reduce the gap between demand and supply of power in Pakistan.

Moreover, it has strategic importance as with its early completion the government of Pakistan can claim water rights of river Neelum, the report said.

The project which is in the vicinity of PoK’s capital Muzaffarabad envisages the diversion of Neelum river water through a tunnel and after producing power, water will flow into the Jhelum river.

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July 17, 2013 Wed All Day

A new era of ever expanding, versatile ties – Pak-China cooperation -APP A new era of ever expanding, versatile ties – Pak-China cooperation

ISLAMABAD - The development projects committed under the eight memorandums of understanding (MoU) signed during Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif’s visit to China and the establishment of a `China Cell’ at the PM’s office to oversee the smooth execution of projects carried out by Chinese firms, are both hoped to give an impetus to the national economy.

The bilateral agreements signed during the PM’s five-day visit included a trade corridor featuring the 2000-kilometer road and rail link between Kashgar and Gwadar, the construction of the Lahore-Karachi Motorway and extending technical and political cooperation between the two friendly states. In reference to the PakChina trade corridor, Nawaz said that it would uplift the socio-economic conditions of the Pakistanis.

He said that steps would be taken for turning the Gwadar Port into a trade hub. He also termed the impending cooperation in the energy and infrastructure sectors between the two countries as a new era of ever expanding multifaceted ties.

Realizing the significant presence of Chinese companies in Pakistan, Nawaz decided to set up the ‘China Cell’ for supervising projects that were to be executed with Chinese cooperation.

He said the cell would oversee the execution of the development projects to steer the country out of the present crisis.

The PM said that both the sides had constituted a taskforce to ensure speedy completion of the projects.

He assured all-out support to Chinese companies willing to work in Pakistan on hydro power projects, mass transit systems in Karachi and Lahore and on high speed trains.

In order to boost the confidence of Chinese companies, Nawaz categorically said the country did not require civil servants and officials, who were not pushing forth the completion of development projects. Rather, fresh and talented blood having missionary zeal and possessing realization of the significance of such projects should be injected through the civil service.

Former Ambassador Javed Malik said that some of the projects to be launched as a result of these accords would revolutionize bilateral trade activity and transform the region’s economic landscape.

He observed that Pakistan’s strategic location was a major strength, adding that some south Asian states, the oil rich Gulf economies and the economic giant China were all in its immediate vicinity, making it a major strategic trade gateway. Karachi was already providing access to the Arabian Sea but now all eyes were fixed on the Gwadar port, he added.

Pakistan and China also inked an agreement on economic and technical cooperation and moreover, two letters of exchange on training courses for textile, flood relief, disaster management and provision of equipment for eradication of polio were also signed.

Another document was signed between the Strategic Communication Organization of Pakistan and the Huawei Company of China for laying optic fiber cables and for setting up a communication link between the two countries.

In regard to the Lahore-Karachi motorway project Nawaz said that its feasibility study would be completed within three months and that it would be executed within two and-a-half years. After completion, the project would reduce travel time drastically and it would also enrich business activity in the area.

- See more at: http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/07/17/news/profit/a-new-eraof-ever-expanding-versatile-ties-pak-china-cooperation/#sthash.SInzgn4J.dpuf

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Pak, China sign protocol paving way for mango export to China -- APP Pak, China sign protocol paving way for mango export to China

BEIJING: Pakistan and China have signed a protocol paving a way for a significant breakthrough for market access of Pakistani mangoes in China.

The document signed between Pakistan's Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection 1034

July 17, 2013 Continued Wed and Quarantine (AQSIQ) of China.

The protocol on phytosanitary requirements for export of mangoes from Pakistan was signed here on Monday.

The protocol, signed by Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid on behalf of the Ministry of National Food Security, and the Chinese Minister Mr. Zhi Shuting on behalf of AQSIQ, envisages export of fresh mango fruit from Pakistan to China in compliance with plant quarantine and phytosanitary regulations.

According to the protocol, all the packing-houses, storage facilities intending to export mango fruit to China shall meet the protocol requirements and would have the necessary systems in place.

The protocol shall remain in force for two years, and would be automatically extendable for a further period of two years.

Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid described the inking of the protocol as a significant breakthrough for market access in China for Pakistani mangoes.

He expressed his optimism that the relevant departments would synergize their efforts for reinvigorating the processes expeditiously and in compliance with Chinese quarantine and phytosanitary requirements.

He pointed out that the protocol was a step forward as it incorporated Hot Water Treatment (HWT) through which mangoes produced in Pakistan could be easily treated.

He hoped that the Pakistani mango exporters would achieve greater market access and ensure penetration into the Chinese market.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2013

1035

July 18, 2013 Thu All Day

Pak-China Economic Corridor to usher in new era of economic development, prosperity -- Pakistan Today

Pak-China Economic Corridor to usher in new era of economic development, prosperity

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor will usher in a new era of economic development and prosperity in the underdeveloped areas of the country by connecting maximum number of population through a network of highways and railways.

The prime minister expressed these views while taking a briefing from the officials of the ministries of Planning, Communications and Railways at the Pakistan Secretariat on Thursday.

Terming the Pak-China Economic Corridor as the future of the world, Nawaz said three billion people, which was almost half of the world’s population, from China, South Asia, and Central Asia would benefit from this economic corridor, adding that it should be so designed that maximum number of people of the country benefit from it.

Nawaz was briefed at length about the proposed alignments and lines from Khunjrab to Gwadar that would be constructed as part of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor.

Emphasising on ensuring the good quality and transparency, the prime minister directed the authorities concerned to explore more options keeping in view factors such as terrain, population and social cost of the project in the form of population dislocations while drawing the areas through which this corridor would be passing.

Nawaz said the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway should be taken as a model and that its quality and standard need to be kept in view while constructing the Pak-China Economic Corridor.

Taking strong exception to the poor condition of motorways and roads in the country, the prime minister said motorways, highways and road networks were national assets and their repair and maintenance must be given the top most priority.

He lamented the fact that projects had never been completed on time and not completing them on time had almost become a national character. “Without setting our priorities right and without moving in the right direction, we cannot attain the goal that we have in our mind for the people of Pakistan,� Nawaz said.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the briefing, the prime minister gave one week to the Ministry of Communications to complete its work and arrange a follow-up briefing.

- See more at: http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/07/18/news/national/pakchina-economic-corridor-to-usher-in-new-era-of-economic-development-prosperity/ #sthash.F1papuyv.dpuf

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July 19, 2013 Fri All Day

PM terms Pak-China economic corridor as future of world -- The News PM terms Pak-China economic corridor as future of world

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said that the Pakistan-China economic corridor will open up the underdeveloped areas of the country to a new era of economic development and prosperity by connecting the maximum number of population through a network of highways and railways.

He expressed these views while taking a briefing from the officials of Ministries of Planning, Communications and Railways at the Pakistan Secretariat.

Terming the Pak-China economic corridor as the future of the world, the prime minister said that three billion people, which is almost half of the world’s population, from China, South Asia, Central Asia could benefit from this economic corridor and added that it should be so designed that maximum number of people of the country could benefit from it.

The prime minister was briefed at length about the proposed alignments and lines from Khunjerab to Gwadar that are to be constructed as part of the Pakistan-China economic corridor.

Putting great emphasis on ensuring quality of work and transparency, he directed the concerned authorities to explore more options keeping in view the factors of terrain, population and social cost of the project in the form of population dislocation while drawing the areas through which this corridor will be passing.

The prime minister said that the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway should be taken as a model and that its quality and standard need to be kept in view while constructing the Pak-China economic corridor.

Taking a strong exception to the poor condition of motorways and roads in the country, he said that motorways, highways and road networks are national assets and their repair and maintenance must be given the top-most priority.

He further said that we should have constructed many more motorways till now but lamented the fact that development of roads and motorways had been a low priority area in the country. He said that projects had never been completed on time and not completing them on time had almost become a national character. “Without setting our priorities right and without moving in the right direction, we cannot attain the goal that we have in our mind for the people of Pakistan,� the prime minister added.

Expressing his dissatisfaction over the briefing, the prime minister gave one week to the Ministry of Communications to complete its work and ordered to arrange a follow-up briefing after that.

He further directed the ministries of communications, railways and planning to keep their homework up-to-date to take the process of cooperation with China on the Pak-China economic corridor to next level of implementation. He also gave his approval in principle for the restructuring of the Planning and Development Division.

Under the restructuring plan, the Planning Division will get the status of a think tank for the highest policy input and the Ministry of Planning and Development will be renamed as Planning, Development and Reforms Division.

Minister for Finance Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatimi and senior officials of the Ministries of Planning, Railways and Communications attended the briefing.

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July 20, 2013 Sat All Day

LNG terminals -- The Nation LNG terminals

The approval by the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals at Karachi is an essential preliminary to the import of LNG from Qatar. However, the terminals approved have a total capacity of 1000 million cubic feet a day (mmcfd), against the agreement of 500 mmcfd, which means that more LNG can be imported, whether from another exporter, or by expanding the current agreement. The three projects, costing a total of between $425 million and $490 million, would be completed in between 22 and 30 months.

Engro and SSGC will have dedicated terminals, which shows that the imported LNG will have two distinct uses; domestic use and urea production. Pakistan is already having to import urea, with the committee noting that the Industries Ministry had floated two tenders for importing 100,000 tonnes of urea on emergency basis, with one being opened on Monday. This means there will be less pressure on the use of Iranian gas, and it will be easier to destine it for transmission to the power plants, which will use it in place of oil, and thus will be able to generate much-needed power cheaper. While Iran is the subject of American ire, this is not the case with Qatar, which is accounted one of its closest allies in the region. The USA thus is supportive of the LNG import, just as much as it opposes the IP gas pipeline.

It is interesting that the ECC considered this issue at the same time as the Prime Minister stressed the utility of the Kashgar-Gwadar Economic Corridor, because it showed that, while the corridor is seen both in terms of road and rail, it should also be seen as providing multiple options. It is generally known that China needs Middle Eastern hydrocarbons, and it is not hidden from anyone that Gwadar plays an important role in this. Gwadar is also a second port for Pakistan, so any new facilities at Karachi will not have to be built at Gwadar, and will thus mean that China can use the port all the more. At the same time, it also has to be ensured that the Pakistani hydrocarbon network, of fuel and petrol lines, is capable of playing its due role in the economic corridor, which the Prime Minister was right in characterising as the future.

The LNG projects show that there may be infrastructural issues in any agreement, and they must be removed. Till these projects are completed, it will not be able to import LNG from Qatar. That LNG might play a preliminary role in resolving the energy shortage, but it is nevertheless a crucial role.

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Xinjiang-Gwadar: Economic corridor task force formed -- Dawn Xinjiang-Gwadar: Economic corridor task force formed

ISLAMABAD, July 20: Pakistan and China have formed a task force on implementation of a MoU for construction of an economic corridor between Silk Road city of Xinjiang and Gwadar, Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning and Development, said here on Saturday.

The minister further informed that the said task force would meet in Islamabad in August.

Chairman, National Development and Reform Commission, Xu Shao, would lead the Chinese delegation at the task force meeting. Mr Iqbal, who signed the agreement together with Mr Shao during the recent visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would lead the Pakistan side to review implementation of the agreement.

The strategic value project has been estimated to cost $18 billion requiring construction of a number of tunnels is to be built through Khunjerab Pass in GilgitBaltistan.

The minister told newsmen that the task force would review development since the signing of the agreement on July 5, and would take decisions according to the terms of reference of the project implementation.

A number of surveys, including seismic surveys, would be carried out by experts from both the countries. “We have to finalise the project in one year,� he added.

1038

July 20, 2013 Continued Sat He said that the prime minister has approved alignment of the motorway between Lahore and Karachi. “The project would be completed in three years and would serve as a parallel trade corridor. The government plans to complete the six-lane each motorway on a fast track basis, and the National Highway Authority has been instructed to initiate the process,� he said.Mr Iqbal further said that the prime minister has approved construction of motorways between Karachi and Hyderabad as well as Pindi Bhattian-Lahore and Hasanabdal-Mansehra on the basis of BOT. Source: Dawn

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July 21, 2013 Sun All Day

Special units to be set up in ‘new’ planning ministry -- The Express Tribune Special units to be set up in ‘new’ planning ministry

In the task force meeting of China’s National Development and Reforms Commission, a comprehensive roadmap for the next one year will be prepared in order to undertake geological surveys and seismic studies on the Gwadar-Kashgar project. PHOTO: FILE ISLAMABAD: As a Chinese delegation is coming to Pakistan to hold first meeting of the task force on Gwadar-Kashgar initiative, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has approved restructuring of the Ministry of Planning for setting up special units for Pak-China cooperation and improving the country’s global ranking.

The meeting of the task force on Gwadar-Kashgar rail and road project would be held in Islamabad after Eid, said Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Planning and Development here on Saturday.

He was speaking to the media on the government’s decision to restructure the Planning Division and Planning Commission.

Iqbal said the head of China’s National Development and Reforms Commission would visit Pakistan to co-chair the task force meeting. In the deliberations, a comprehensive roadmap for the next one year will be prepared in order to undertake geological surveys and seismic studies on the Gwadar-Kashgar project.

Terrain of the route was very tough and prone to dangers like floods and avalanches, he said.

Iqbal said in parallel to the Gwadar-Kashgar project, Karachi-Lahore Motorway would be built on a fast track on the build, operate and transfer (BOT) model.

He said the PM also approved completion of six-lane Karachi-Hyderabad motorway, Hasanabdal-Mansehra motorway and expansion of Pindi Bhatia-Faisalabad motorway, all on BOT model.

Under the restructuring of the planning ministry, the Strategic and Regional Initiative Unit will be set up that will work on setting up the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and enhancing regional trade.

Iqbal spoke at length about plans to restructure his ministry and the reasons behind the decision. “In the last 14 years, the country has faced the worst kind of lack of planning,” he added.

The restructuring of the Ministry of Planning and Development to make the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms and also restructuring of the Planning Commission will be done to meet all development requirements of the country.

Had the PML-N’s Vision 2010 been implemented in the last 14 years, the country would have generated up to 28,000 megawatts of electricity by 2010, he said.

Iqbal said future of the country hinged on economic and governance reforms and the restructuring would play a pivotal role. He was of the view that current economic fundamentals were not in line with modern economic requirements.

In the restructured ministry, seven new units will be set up. Strategic Planning and Policy Unit will be responsible for preparing Vision 2025, develop five-year annual plan and also short-term annual plans.

It will also be responsible for coordinating with different ministries for developing sector-specific strategies and will identify key challenges.

Performance Delivery Unit will be responsible for implementing the party’s manifesto. It will develop key national and economic areas and monitor performance indicators assigned to each ministry on a monthly basis.

Iqbal said monthly progress reports of all ministries would be shared with the prime minister.

Reform and Innovation in Government Unit will promote and conduct research on institutional reforms and innovations and coordinate with and support ministries in undertaking reforms.

Pakistan Competitive Unit will continuously assess and promote Pakistan’s global rankings in the areas of competitiveness, doing business, governance, fragility indicators, transparency and anti-corruption.

Development Communication Unit will work for the promotion of development dialogue in the media, raise awareness of development issues and suggest solutions. It will also promote international best practices through the media.

Social Capital Unit will promote and incentivise development of education, health 1040

July 21, 2013 Continued Sun services and communities as well as cultural exchanges, social harmony and poverty alleviation.

Accordingly, the government has approved three additional posts for members of the Planning Commission. These are member private sector development and competitiveness, member governance, innovation and reforms and member development communication.

Iqbal said the government would soon give advertisements to hire eight members, as contracts of some of the present members had expired.

He said under Vision 2025, Pakistan would become one of the fast growing economies in Asia and the goal behind this was to make Pakistan a developed country by 2047.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2013.

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July 22, 2013 Mon All Day

Sino-Pak railway deal inked -- APP Sino-Pak railway deal inked

LAHORE, July 22: A Chinese firm and a subsidiary of the Pakistan Railways have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the development of a strategic corridor from Khunjrab to Gwadar Port and other projects in Pakistan.

Under the MoU, signed between Pakistan Railways Advisory and Consultancy Services (PRACS) and M/s China Gezhouba Group International Engineering Company Ltd (CGGC), both parties would share their expertise for the execution of the projects, said a spokesman on Monday.

CGGC would join PRACS in participating in bidding for the projects. The CGGC would introduce Chinese railway design institute jointly with PRACS to strengthen its capacity, especially during tender preparation and project execution, if needed.

CGGC Chief Representative in Pakistan Jin Bin and PRACS Managing Director Zahoorul Haq Khattak inked the MoU. —Staff Reporter

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July 29, 2013 Mon All Day

Economic corridor to connect Kashgar with Gwadar: Ambassador -- APP

ISLAMABAD, Jul 29 (APP): Chinese Ambassador, Sun Weidong Monday said that the landmark agreement on the construction of an economic corridor stretched over a thousand Kilometer would connect Kashgar with Gwadar. The Chinese Ambassador called on Federal minister for Finance, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar here and said that the corridor will have great impact on the trade and bilateral relations between the two countries, besides economic impact on the region. He termed the recent visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to China very successful. The Ambassador said that it was unprecedented that the Prime Minister of China and the Prime Minister of Pakistan met twice within six weeks, “We cherish our friendships with Pakistan which has lasted for decades� he added.

Sun Weidong said that China was keen to work closely with Pakistan oninfrastructure and energy projects and informed about his meetings with provincial authorities in Punjab.

The Chinese Ambassador said that establishment of economic zones along the corridor will help create employment and generate economic activity whichwill be mutually beneficial.

In this connection a high level Chinese delegation includingrepresentatives of Chinese financial institutions is expected to visit Pakistanshortly to discuss the project with their counterparts in Pakistan.

China has always done its utmost and extended all possible cooperation toPakistan, he emphasized.

While talking to Chinese Ambassador Senator Ishaq Dar said that both theChinese and Pakistani Prime Ministers are on the same length and we admire thevision of the Chinese leadership.

He thanked Chinese leadership and government for waiving off 6% compulsory insurance which speaks volumes of the friendship between the twonations and Chinese cooperation and assistance to Pakistan.

Senator Ishaq Dar said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has already chaireda high level meeting on the economic corridor as this project was very close tohis heart.

Senator Ishaq Dar appreciated the idea of creation of economic zone alongthe economic corridor and said that this will be a win-win situation for bothcountries.

Senator Ishaq Dar accepted an invitation to participate in the Euro- AsiaForum which is being hosted by China and would be held in September, this year.Senior officials of Ministry of Finance and Chinese Embassy also attendedthe meeting.

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August 1, 2013 Thu All Day

'Kashgar-Gwadar corridor to open huge trade avenues' -- BR

Trade activities between Gilgit-Baltistan and the Southern regions of China would boost up after the construction of Kashgar-Gwadar economic corridor. Pakistan and China have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding in this regard few days ago, it was learnt on Wednesday.

Deputy Director, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Gilgit, Sabz Ali Khan when contacted said that Kashgar-Gwadar economic corridor was going to change the fortune of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in near future. He said that TDAP would make efforts towards motivating people to earn money through exporting different items. An official at TDAP's Karachi office said that China was focusing on boosting trade with its neighbouring countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Kyrgyzstan etc, for which it had planned to make Kashgar city an economical hub within seven years.

Raheel Rao, Focal Person, 'China Focus Cell', while talking to Business Recorder, said that TDAP's Director General Rabia Javeeria was concentrating on China as the country had an enormous trade potential. He said that the China Cell was established on the instructions of the Director General and it would monitor trade and economic activities between the two countries besides exploring new trade avenues in China.

He further said that Kashgar-Gwadar economic corridor would play a key role in boosting tourism sector of Gilgit-Baltistan, generating huge job opportunities for the local people. Sabz Ali Khan said that G-B was known for its fruit and vegetable verities, which were also in great demand in China. "It would be a great opportunity for the G-B businesspeople to earn valuable income by exporting organic products to China," he added.

He further said that most people in G-B were engaged in conventional farming due to lack of awareness about modern techniques. The local people could generate good revenue if the farming system in the region was developed, he added. To a query, he said that transportation system in G-B was badly affected after the land sliding incident in Ata Abad, which turned the Hunza River into a huge artificial lake submerging roads and villages. Now the reconstruction work of roads had almost completed and the imports and exports activities through Sost border had resumed, he added.

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Pakistan-China Economic corridor; a back bone connecting China with South Asia: Think Tank -- APP

BEIJING, Aug 1 (APP): Highlighting the importance of Pakistan-China Economic Corridor, a Chinese think tank has said this corridor will be the backbone that interconnects China with South Asia, and will play a significant role in weaving together the networks of trade and transportation in this area. It was back in 2006 that a proposal was tabled for building a “strategic economic corridor� with China.

Seven years later, both countries signed a series of agreements and a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which officially kicked off the construction of the economic Corridor, writes Wu Zhaoli. assistant research fellow at the National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in influential Global Times. Both the countries signed the agreement on the corridor , when Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif paid his first overseas visit to China early July.

This corridor has gone through a long but stable process from proposal topractice, mapping out requirements for further cooperation between the twoneighboring countries.

China and Pakistan have maintained a long-term friendship and mutual trust, whichhas however largely focused on politics instead of economy.

However, this MoU about the economic corridor will rectify this lopsided practiceto make sure the further cooperation between both countries develops in a comprehensive, stable and balanced manner.

Referring to India that holds a negative stance toward the corridor, Wu said thatIndia should know that this corridor will have a positive influence on theeconomic development of Kashmir.

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August 1, 2013 Continued Thu The economic corridor is a practical choice for Pakistan to fully tap Gwadar’spotential.

Although still at an embryonic stage, it has started to function as a lever toskillfully deal with existing problems in this area, especially the demand toaddress issues such as poverty and turmoil.

Not only will it optimize the distribution of economic interests between Chinaand Pakistan, but it will also aid to strike a balance of power in the region,Wu added.

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August 2, 2013 Fri All Day

Pak to get multiple benefits from China’s optic fiber project -- APP

BEIJING, Aug 2 (APP): Pakistan will be greatly benefited in terms of security and revenue from the state of the art optic fiber project between Pakistan and China for which a prominent Chinese telecom firm “Huawei” has been assigned the task. The agreement to lay optic fiber between the two sides was signed during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif official visit to China early July. A source at Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider told APP that based on the requirement and plan in contract, it prepares a plan to implement it section wise.

The optic fiber will be laid between Rawalpindi to Khunjarab, a distance of 820 KM, the source said.

The project will cost $ 44 million and will be completed within a span of two years.

From this project, Pakistan will get enormous benefits, the source said adding that at present, Pakistan’s international connectivity with the world is through undersea cables SEA-ME-WE 3&4 and IMEWE, and Pakistan is connected through spurs only.

This dependency is not only a risk but also entails security concerns. The voice/data and internet traffic can be monitored and disturbed easily.

To offset such a threat, through this project, a link will be created between Pakistan and Trans-Asia Europe (TAE) cable in China, which would enable both Pakistan and China to have alternative routes for their international telecom traffic.

Successful implementation of the project would provide Pakistan with a direct telecom access to China and the Central Asian States.

On completion, the project will also facilitate trade, tourism and IT awareness in the region and generate economic opportunities particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan.Apart from security assurance, the project is expected to generate revenue,approximately Rs 1.5 billion in the first three years and, in the fourth year, the financial dividends are likely to grow.

At present,Pakistan’s international connectivity with the world is through undersea cables SEA-ME-WE 3&4 and IMEWE, and Pakistan is connected through spurs only.

The climatic conditions warrants initiation of project from Sust to Khunjrab section on top priority due to a very limited time-period left available in summer the year.

However, other than this section, the project will be executed simultaneously in different sections(cities/towns).

On Huawei’s contribution towards Pakistan social sector, since year 2002 up till now,it has cooperation with UTE Lahore Campus for setting up a Huawei-UET IT and telecommunications joint R & D center and training base.

In all Huawei contributed more than $ 8 million to help train Pakistani talented youths. Total number is more than 3500 students.

In 2011,Huawei provided Cloud computing equipment to NUST and data equipment to UTE. As regards the internet connectivity in China, an important characteristic of the Chinese internet is that online access routes are owned by the Chinese government, and private enterprises and individuals can only rent bandwidth from the state.

The major national networks, namely CSTNET, ChinaNet, CERNET and CHINAGBN, are the “backbone” of the mainland Chinese Internet. In addition, some telecom providers also prov

All Day

Pak to get multiple benefits from China’s optic fibre project -- Daily Times

BEIJING: Pakistan will be greatly benefited in terms of security and revenue from the state of the art optic fiber project between Pakistan and China for which a prominent Chinese telecom firm ‘Huawei’ has been assigned the task.

The agreement to lay optic fiber between the two sides was signed during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif official visit to China early July.

A source at Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider told APP based on the requirement and plan in contract, it prepares a plan to implement it section wise.

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August 2, 2013 Continued Fri The optic fiber will be laid between Rawalpindi to Khunjarab, a distance of 820 kilometers (KM), the source said. The project will cost $44 million and will be completed within a span of two years.

From this project, Pakistan will get enormous benefits, the source said adding at present, Pakistan’s international connectivity with the world is through undersea cables SEA-ME-WE 3&4 and IMEWE and Pakistan is connected through spurs only.

This dependency is not only a risk but also entails security concerns. The voice/data and internet traffic can be monitored and disturbed easily. To offset such a threat, through this project, a link will be created between Pakistan and TransAsia Europe (TAE) cable in China, which would enable both Pakistan and China to have alternative routes for their international telecom traffic.

Successful implementation of the project would provide Pakistan with a direct telecom access to China and the Central Asian States.

On completion, the project will also facilitate trade, tourism and IT awareness in the region and generate economic opportunities particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan. Apart from security assurance, the project is expected to generate revenue, approximately Rs 1.5 billion in the first three years and in the fourth year, the financial dividends are likely to grow.

The climatic conditions warrant initiation of project from Sust to Khunjrab section on top priority due to a very limited time-period left available in summer the year.

However, other than this section, the project will be executed simultaneously in different sections (cities/towns).

On Huawei’s contribution towards Pakistan social sector, since year 2002 up till now, it has cooperation with UTE Lahore Campus for setting up a Huawei-UET IT and telecommunications joint R&D centre and training base.

In all Huawei contributed more than $8 million to help train Pakistani talented youths. Total number is more than 3,500 students.

In 2011, Huawei provided Cloud computing equipment to NUST and data equipment to UTE. As regards the internet connectivity in China, an important characteristic of the Chinese internet is that online access routes are owned by the Chinese government and private enterprises and individuals can only rent bandwidth from the state.

The major national networks, namely CSTNET, ChinaNet, CERNET and CHINAGBN, are the ‘backbone’ of the mainland Chinese Internet. In addition, some telecom providers also provide Internet services. However, public Internet services are usually provided by provincial telecom companies. app

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August 3, 2013 Sat All Day

$44m Pakistan-China optic fibre project -- APP

BEIJING: Pakistan will greatly benefit in terms of security and revenue from the Pak-China optic fibre project, a source at the Chinese telecom firm Huawei said.

The agreement to lay optic fibre between the two sides was signed during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif official visit to China in early July and Huawei has been assigned the task in this regard.

Talking to APP, the source said that based on the requirements and plan in contract, it prepares a plan to implement it section wise.

The optic fibre will be laid between Rawalpindi to Khunjarab, a distance of 820 KM, the source said.

The project will cost $ 44 million and will be completed within a span of two years.

“From this project, Pakistan will get enormous benefits. At present, Pakistan’s international connectivity with the world is through undersea cables SEA-ME-WE 3 &4 and IMEWE, and Pakistan is connected through spurs only,” the source said.

“This dependency is not only a risk but also entails security concerns. The voice/data and internet traffic can be monitored and disturbed easily. To offset such a threat, through this project, a link will be created between Pakistan and TransAsia Europe (TAE) cable in China, which would enable both Pakistan and China to have alternative routes for their international telecom traffic,” the source informed.

Successful implementation of the project would provide Pakistan with a direct telecom access to China and the Central Asian States.

On completion, the project will also facilitate trade, tourism and IT awareness in the region and generate economic opportunities particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan.—APP

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August 5, 2013 Mon All Day

Punjab signs deal with ZTE for cooperation in energy sector -- The Nation

LAHORE - An agreement was signed between Punjab government and prominent Chinese company in energy sector ZTE for cooperation in setting solar power plant, on Sunday, says a press release Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Secretary Energy, President of Chinese company Yu Yong and other officials were present on the occasion.

Secretary Energy and Vice President of ZTE signed the document. Under the agreement, the Chinese company will set up a 500 megawatt solar power plant.

Initially, the Chinese company will establish a 300 megawatt solar power plant which will later be extended to 500 megawatt capacity. ZTE will set up solar power plant in Quaid-i-Azam Solar Park Cholistan and the project will be completed within a year. Punjab government will extend all out assistant and facilities to the Chinese company for this purpose.

Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan Muslim League-N government is taking speedy measures for resolving energy crisis and agreements are being reached with several Chinese companies for launching power generation projects while steps would be taken expeditiously for their implementation.

He said that the arrival of Chinese companies and investors to Pakistan after the visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to China is a good omen and investment by Chinese companies and investors in energy sector augurs well.

Shahbaz Sharif said that China is a trusted friend of Pakistan and has supported Pakistan in every hour of need. He said that the cooperation of China in energy sector is a glorious example of Pak-China friendship. The Chief Minister said that five memorandums of understanding were signed with Chinese company.

He said that agreements show that Pak-China friendship is higher than Himayalas, deeper than seas and sweeter than honey. He said that former rulers displayed criminal negligence by disregarding energy sector and therefore the nation is plunged in darkness today while agriculture, industrial and economic sectors are facing negative effects. He said that PML-N government made solution of energy crisis its top priority and steps are being taken on war footing for resolving this issue. He said that electricity is essential for investment in the country. He said that PML-N government will fulfill its promise made to the nation of resolving energy crisis. President ZTE, Yu Yong said that all out cooperation will be extended to Pakistan in energy sector and rapid progress will be made towards implementation of the agreement. Later, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif hosted a dinner in honour of the members of ZTE delegation.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that energy crisis has left a negative impact on economic and trade activities and the government is taking measures on war footing from the very first day for resolving this problem. He said that electricity is essential for foreign investment and prosperity of the country. He said that Punjab government has evolved a comprehensive roadmap for the speedy implementation of power generation projects and rapid progress is being made in this direction. He said that foundation stone of Quaid-i-Azam Solar Park to be set up over an area of 7500 acre in Cholistan will soon be laid which will not only bring about a revolution in solar energy sector but all out facilities will also be available to foreign investors.

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August 6, 2013 Tue All Day

CPEC will usher in new era of economy: Pak envoy -- Pakistan Today

BEIJING - Pakistan's Ambassador to China Masood Khalid on Tuesday said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was network of road and rail links starting from China's Xinjiang to Pakistan`s Gwadar port which would promote trade and economic activities in the region. Addressing a symposium organised by the Pakistan China Institute in collaboration with the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) in Beijing, the ambassador said the China-Pakistan economic corridor would transform Pakistan into a hub of trade and commerce as this project envisages establishing several economic zones and physical links connecting Pakistan and China as well as the region. He said that a task force and secretariat had been established while team of Pakistan would visit China soon for further discussion on this project. The ambassador said the CPEC was both a long-term and short-strategic plan of China Pakistan envisaged by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. The China-Pakistan economic corridor was a mega project with a cluster of industrial parks and economic zones, he noted. He said that the visit of Chinese premier to Pakistan and reciprocating visit by the Pakistani prime minister in July 2013 showed the interest and strong political will of the two governments to implement this strategic project. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman Pakistan China Institute, who led Pakistani delegation, highlighted the geo-strategic situation and emphasised that China was a driving force of the Asian century, adding that China-Pakistan economic corridor would initiate a new of era of strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China. He said the road and rail links would further strengthen the existing bond of brotherhood. Speaking on this occasion, Dong Manyuan, Vice President CIIS, said China Pakistan Economic Corridor from Kashgar to Gwadar would integrate the economies of the two friendly countries. Lin Dajian from the NDRC highlighted the security issues and challenges that could impede the speed of project. She also added that the project would help bring investment and boost trade and commerce not only in China and Pakistan but also in the region. Ahmed Bilal, President PILDAT, and Muhammad Arif, Editor Nihao-Salam, were also part of the Pakistani delegation while the Chinese delegation consisted Dong Manyuan, Vice President China Institute of International Studies, Lin Dajian, Vice Director General, Department of International Cooperation, National Development and Reform Commission, Zhou Gang, former Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, Liu Pengfei, Department for Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PRC and Lan Jianxue, Li Qingyan, Wang Youming, Xu Hangtian, Zheng Ruixing, Research Fellows at CIIS. Other scholars also highlighted various aspects of China Pakistan corridor from the vision to political will, from feasibility to implementation and from opportunities to challenges. The participants were of the view that China Pakistan economic corridor could benefit new emerging regional cooperation in greater South Asia driven primarily by economy and energy, and building of pipelines and ports with roads rail infrastructure, all which can transform the lives and future of the region. - See more at: http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/08/06/news/profit/cpec-will-usher-in-newera-of-economy-pak-envoy/#sthash.jiregXIP.dpuf

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August 8, 2013 Thu All Day

Economic Corridor to change fate of region -- Observer

Thursday, August 08, 2013 - EXPERTS at a symposium, jointly organized by Pakistan-China Institute and China Institute of International Studies, expressed the confidence that the proposed China Pakistan Economic Corridor, linking China’s Xinjiang to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port through rail and road, will promote trade and economic activities in the region. They rightly pointed out that the project has the potential to transform Pakistan into a hub of trade and commerce as it envisages establishing several economic zones and physical links connecting the two countries as well as the region.

The mega project, the idea of which was mooted by Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, envisages a cluster of industrial parks and economic zones, and will also serve as beginning of a new era of strategic cooperation between Pakistan and the emerging economic super power of the world. The project is as big as China but given the interest and commitment of the Chinese leadership, it will surely translate into reality. It is this possibility that has apparently attracted attention of the enemies of Pakistan and China and they have started hatching conspiracies to compel the two countries to stop moving towards its implementation or at least delay it. The sudden upsurge in violence and acts of terrorism in Balochistan is not without reason and there is every likelihood that the forces whose interests would be hurt by this fantastic project have become instrumental in creating law and order situation. These forces are using Afghanistan as launch pad for activities aimed at destabilizing Pakistan, Iran and China and therefore, a joint strategy should be adopted to counter them. We would also urge leadership of Pakistan and China to expedite implementation of the project as it will truly be a game changer in the region.

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August 12, 2013 Mon All Day

China giving Pakistan a powerful hand -- Pakistan Today

Whether it’s the $6 billion that CWE Investment Corp would be investing in Kohala and Karot hydropower projects; the $3 billion that Lightening Africa is creating as solar energy fund; the construction of a 930,000 MW power plant utilising sugarcane byproduct agreed by Shanghai Marine Diesel Engine Research Institute or the signing of the MoU for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, China has vowed to give Pakistan a powerful hand in a wide gamut of power generation manoeuvres. Furthermore, the planned transformation of Gwadar port from a treasure awaiting exploration to being polished to its true value is going ahead under Chinese supervision as well. Pakistan’s “All Weather Friend” is helping its energy starved chum weather the storm and in turn expanding its fiscal hegemony over the region. Even so, the security concerns and the volatility of the regions wherein most of the construction work is taking place, still slashes a veritable question mark over the safety of the projects and even their feasibility. About this time last year, nine Chinese workers employed on the Gomal Zam Dam project by WAPDA were kidnapped that stopped the progress in the construction of the dam.

The work had earlier hit a massive stumbling block when in October 2004 a few militants kidnapped two Chinese engineers who were involved in the project. With dams like the Gomal Zam Dam being constructed in the north west of Pakistan, within proximity of the Afghan border which is the hub of terrorist organisations in the country, and Gwadar itself located in Balochistan, where separatist organisations like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have made the security situation severely iffy, this powerful handshake between Pakistan and China doesn’t herald a cakewalk by any stretch of the imagination. But since both the parties have so much to gain, their respective enthusiasm is understandable. After this emphatic triumph in the May elections, one of the first steps that Nawaz Sharif took after coming to the PM house was planning a trip to Beijing to hobnob with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. The meeting with Chinese officials and energy firms has been peddled as a massive triumph on the energy front and a step in the right direction as far as overcoming the energy deficit in Pakistan is concerned. The National Power Policy that was sanctioned last month complemented the deals signed with the Chinese firms, since there was a lot of emphasis on utilising alternative energy sources in the new energy policy. And while positives for Pakistan in this Sino-Pak energy cooperation are pretty conspicuous, China has a lot to gain as well. The deals between the two countries aim to escalate the development of a trade corridor that links the Indian Ocean to Kashgar in Xingjaing. And the outlet for this corridor would be Gwadar Port. This “trade and energy corridor” would help China link itself to the Middle East. With refineries established at Gwadar, the oil from the Middle East would be refined and then transported to China, via an enhanced transport system. Within proximity of Central Asia and Strait of Hormuz, Gwadar can link China to three of the most pivotal regions in the world today: Central Asia, Middle East and South Asia. This would further cement China’s position as the global economic and geo-strategic frontrunner, especially in the region. As mentioned above, for this plan to work for Pakistan and China, the security situation in the region is going to be the key. If Pakistan can somehow tame its militants and curb terrorism in the region, the Sino-Pak cooperation bodes well for the long term uplift of both the countries. The writer is Energy and Finance Correspondent, Pakistan Today. Email:khulduneshahid@gmail.com; Twitter @khuldune

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August 13, 2013 Tue All Day

Pak-China ties: Gawadar port one part of a larger plan -- The Express Tribune

“This port will be facilitating China’s exports as well as Pakistan’s own economic development and activities,” Jadmani said. The port needs to be effectively utilised, and the operation is expected to pick up speed, he added.

“Clearly, the Pakistan-China relationship needs to be further enhanced for mutual benefit, and this is a project that would help us out,” he said.

A “peaceful neighbourhood” including India and Afghanistan is what Pakistan prioritises in its diplomatic guidelines, Jadmani said.

He described bilateral cooperation in infrastructure projects as “salient”, saying many Chinese engineers have given their lives for the Karakoram Highway that connects the two countries.

Bilateral trade reached more than $12 billion last year, and Islamabad is “working in the direction” of raising this figure to $15 billion by 2015.

China is a very “strong emerging market”, he said.

During his visit to Pakistan in May, Premier Li Keqiang proposed helping Pakistan to cultivate 1,000 Chinese language teachers with the aim of facilitating people-topeople exchanges.

Jadmani said various projects contracted or operated by the Chinese in Pakistan had contributed to a growing enthusiasm for learning Mandarin. “If you know the language, it is very helpful to further cement the bond of friendship.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13th, 2013.

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‫‪August 15, 2013‬‬ ‫‪Thu‬‬ ‫ﻣﻠﮑﯽ ﻣﻌﻴﺸﺖ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺮﻗﯽ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﺳﮯ ﺟﮍی ﮨﮯ‘‘ ‪ --‬ﺍﻳﮑﺴﭙﺮﻳﺴﺲ’’‬ ‫ﻋﺎﻟﻣﯽ ﺗﻧﺎﻅﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺩﻳﮑﻬﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﺗﻭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﮨﻳں ﮐﺳﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﯽ ﻧہ ﺻﺭﻑ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺑﻠﮑہ ﺩﻓﺎﻋﯽ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ‬ ‫ﺑڑی ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﺭﮐﻬﺗﯽ ﮨﻳں۔‬ ‫ﮨﺭ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﯽ ﺧﻭﺍﮨﺵ ﮨﻭﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ ﮐﮯ ﭘﺎﺱ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﺳﻣﻧﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺳﮯ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺍﺳﺗﻌﻣﺎﻝ ﻣﻳں ﻻﮐﺭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﮨﻳں ﺑﻧﺎﺋﯽ‬ ‫ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﻭ ﺩﻓﺎﻋﯽ ﻓﻭﺍﺋﺩ ﺍﭨﻬﺎﺋﮯ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں۔ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻧﮯ ﮨﻣﻳﺷہ ﮐﻭﺷﺵ ﮐﯽ ﮐہ ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﺳﻣﻧﺩﺭی ﭘﺎﻧﻳﻭں ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﺍﻧﺩﺍﺯ ﻣﻳں ﺍﺳﺗﻌﻣﺎﻝ ﻣﻳں ﻻﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﺳﯽ ﺳﻠﺳﻠﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻳﮏ ﮐڑی ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻳہ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺑڑی‬ ‫ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺣﺎﻣﻝ ﮨﮯ۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﯽ ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﻓﻭﺍﺋﺩ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ‬ ‫ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﮨﻭں ﮐﻭ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﺍﻧﺩﺍﺯ ﻣﻳں ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺳﮯ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﻣﻔﻳﺩ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩﻩ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺣﮑﻣﺕ ﻋﻣﻠﯽ ﺟﺎﻧﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ‬ ‫ﺭﻭﺯﻧﺎﻣہ ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﺭﻳﺱ ﻧﮯ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺑﺭﺍﺋﮯ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻳﻧڈ ﺷﭘﻧﮓ ﺳﻳﻧﻳﭨﺭ ﮐﺎﻣﺭﺍﻥ ﻣﺎﺋﻳﮑﻝ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺧﺻﻭﺻﯽ‬ ‫ﻧﺷﺳﺕ ﮐﺎ ﺍﮨﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺱ ﻣﻳں ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻳﻧڈ ﺷﭘﻧﮓ ﻧﮯ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺗﻔﺻﻳﻝ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻅﮩﺎﺭ‬ ‫ﺧﻳﺎﻝ ﮐﻳﺎ ‪ ،‬ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﮐﯽ ﮔﻔﺗﮕﻭ ﻧﺫﺭ ﻗﺎﺭﺋﻳﻥ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺭﺍﺯﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻣﻳں ﻣﺿﻣﺭ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﭘﺎﺱ ﺻﺭﻑ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﻭ ﻓﻧﮑﺷﻧﻝ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺣﻘﻭﻕ ﮨﻳں ﻳہ ﺍﺻﻝ ﻣﻠﮑﻳﺕ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﭘﺎﺱ ﮨﯽ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮔﯽ‪ ،‬ﻣﺎﺿﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺗﻭں ﮐﯽ ﮐﺭﭘﺷﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﻋﺙ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ‬ ‫ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻳﻧڈﺷﭘﻧﮓ ﮐﯽ ﮐﻣﺭ ﭨﻭٹ ﭼﮑﯽ ﮨﮯ ﮨﻣﺎﺭے ﭘﺎﺱ ﺻﺭﻑ ‪ 3‬ﺁﺋﻝ ﭨﻳﻧﮑﺭﺯ ﺭﻩ ﮔﺋﮯ ﮨﻳں‪ ،‬ﻣﺳﻠﻡ ﻟﻳﮓ ﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﮐﻭ ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﭘﻳﺭﻭں ﭘﺭ ﮐﻬڑﺍ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺩﻥ ﺭﺍﺕ ﮐﺎﻡ ﮐﺭﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﮩﺕ ﺟﻠﺩ ‪ 4‬ﻧﺋﮯ ﺑﺣﺭی ﺟﮩﺎﺯ ﺧﺭﻳﺩ‬ ‫ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں۔‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ‪ 97‬ﻓﻳﺻﺩ ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻳﻧڈ ﺍﻣﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻳﻧڈ ﺷﭘﻧﮓ ﺳﮯ ﻭﺍﺑﺳﺗہ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺍﮔﺭ ﺍﺱ ﮐﻭ ﺩﺭﺳﺕ ﺳﻣﺕ ﻣﻳں ﻻﻳﺎ‬ ‫ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﺗﻭ ﺳﻳﺭ ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﻧﺗﺎﺋﺞ ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﮨﻭﺳﮑﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں۔ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺑﺣﺭﺍﻥ ﺳﮯ ﻳہ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﻧﮑﺎﻝ ﺳﮑﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ ﭘﭼﻬﻠﮯ ﺩﻭ‬ ‫ﺍﺩﻭﺍﺭ ﻣﻳں ﻳہ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﺍﻳﻡ ﮐﻳﻭ ﺍﻳﻡ ﮐﮯ ﭘﺎﺱ ﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻣﺳﻠﻡ ﻟﻳﮓ ﻥ ﮐﮯ ﭘﺎﺱ ﻳہ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩﻩ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﻣﻳں ﺁﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﮨﻡ ﺍﺱ ﻧﺗﻳﺟہ ﭘﺭ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ ﮨﻳں ﮐہ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺣﺎﻟﺕ ﮐﻭ ﺩﺭﺳﺕ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺍﺱ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺑﮩﺕ ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﮨﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮐﭼﻬ ﭼﻳﺯﻭں ﭘﺭ ﻓﻭﮐﺱ ﮐﻳﺎﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺍﺱ ﻭﻗﺕ ﺍﺱ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﻣﻳں ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻗﺎﺳﻡ‪ ،‬ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭨﺭﺳٹ‪ ،‬ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻧﻳﺷﻧﻝ‬ ‫ﮐﺎﺭﭘﻭﺭﻳﺷﻥ‪ ،‬ﮨﺎﺭﺑﺭ ﻓﺷﺭﻳﺯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺷﺎﻣﻝ ﮨﻳں۔‬ ‫ﺍﻳﮏ ﻭﻗﺕ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ‪ 89‬ﺑﺣﺭی ﺑﻳڑے ﺗﻬﮯ ﭘﻭﺭی ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﻣﻳں ﮨﻣﺎﺭی ﺍﻳﮏ ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﺗﻬﯽ۔ ﺍﻓﺳﻭﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺎﺕ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ‬ ‫ﺍﺏ ﻳہ ﻭﻗﺕ ﺁﮔﻳﺎﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﭘﺎﺱ ﺻﺭﻑ ‪ 3‬ﺁﺋﻝ ﭨﻳﻧﮑﺭﺯ ﺭﻩ ﮔﺋﮯ ﮨﻳں‪ ،‬ﮨﻣﺎﺭی ﮐﻣﺭ ﭨﻭٹ ﭼﮑﯽ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﻟﻳﮑﻥ ﻣﺳﻠﻡ‬ ‫ﻟﻳﮓ ﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﻧﮯ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺻﻭﺭﺗﺣﺎﻝ ﮐﻭ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻓﻳﺻﻠہ ﮐﺭﻟﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮨﻡ ﺑﮩﺕ ﺟﻠﺩ ‪ 4‬ﻧﺋﮯ ﺁﺋﻝ‬ ‫ﭨﻳﻧﮑﺭﺯ ﺧﺭﻳﺩﻧﮯ ﺟﺎﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں۔ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻓﺭﻭﻍ ﺩﻳﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻏﻳﺭ ﻣﻠﮑﯽ ﺳﻔﻳﺭﻭں ﺳﮯ ﺑﺎﺕ ﭼﻳﺕ ﺟﺎﺭی ﮨﮯ ﺍﺱ ﺣﻭﺍﻟہ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﺳﺭی ﻟﻧﮑﻥ ﺳﻔﻳﺭ ﺳﮯ ﺑﺎﺕ ﭼﻳﺕ ﮨﻭﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﮨﻡ ﺍﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺁﻣﺎﺩﻩ ﮐﺭﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں ﮐہ ﺳﺭی ﻟﻧﮑﺎ ﮨﻣﺎﺭے ﺟﮩﺎﺯﻭں ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺫﺭﻳﻌﮯ ﭨﺭﻳڈ ﮐﺭے۔‬ ‫ﺭﻭﺍں ﻣﺎﻩ ﺳﺭی ﻟﻧﮑﻥ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺗﯽ ﭨﻳﻡ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺁﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ ﮨﺎﻟﻳﻧڈ ﮐﮯ ﺳﻔﻳﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮔﺋﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻥ ﺳﮯ ﻓﺷﺭﻳﺯ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺗﻌﻠﻖ ﺑﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﭼﻳﺕ ﮨﻭﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﭨﺎﺋﻳﮕﺭﭘﻭﺭﻥ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﮐﯽ ﺑﮩﺗﺭﻳﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻁﺎﻗﺕ ﻭﺭ ﻣﭼﻬﻠﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ ﮨﺎﻟﻳﻧڈ ﮐﮯ ﺳﻔﻳﺭ ﻧﮯ ﺍﺱ ﺑﺎﺕ ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ﺍﻋﺎﺩﻩ ﮐﻳﺎﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﻓﺵ ﺍﻧڈﺳﭨﺭی ﮐﻭﻓﺭﻭﻍ ﺩﻳﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﮨﻣﺎﺭے ﻣﭼﻬﻳﺭﻭں ﮐﻭ ﺑﻳڑے ﺩﻳﺋﮯ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﻭﻩ ﺷﮑﺎﺭ‬ ‫ﮐﺭﻳں ﮔﮯ۔ ﺑﻳﻠﺟﺋﻡ ﮐﮯ ﺳﻔﻳﺭ ﻧﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺁﺋﻝ ﺳﭨﻭﺭﻳﺞ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺎﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻥ ﮐﯽ ﮐﻳﭘﺳﭨﯽ ﺑﻠڈﻧﮓ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ۔ ﻭﻩ ﭘﻳﮑﻧﮓ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﻣﺷﻳﻧﻳں ﻓﺭﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﺭﻳں ﮔﮯ۔ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻣﭼﻬﻠﯽ ﻳﻭﺭپ ﺗﮏ‬ ‫ﻧﮩﻳں ﭘﮩﻧﭼﺗﯽ ﮨﻡ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﻓﺵ ﭘﺭﺍڈﮐٹ ﮐﻭ ﻳﻭﺭﭘﯽ ﻣﻧڈی ﺗﮏ ﺭﺳﺎﺋﯽ ﺩﻻﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ‪ ،‬ﺍﺱ ﺣﻭﺍﻟہ ﺳﮯ ﺑﮩﺕ ﺟﻠﺩ ﺍﻳﻡ ﺍﻭ ﻳﻭ ﺳﺎﺋﻥ‬ ‫ﮐﺭﻳں ﮔﮯ ﺟﺱ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﮐﺭﻭڑﻭں ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﺯﺭ ﻣﺑﺎﺩﻟہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺁﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﻣﻠﮑﯽ ﻣﻌﻳﺷﺕ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﺭے ﮔﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﮯ ﻭﻳژﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﺍﻳﺷﻳﻥ ﭨﺎﺋﻳﮕﺭ ﺑﻧﺎﻳﺎﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔‬ ‫ﮨﻣﺎﺭے ﭘﺎﺱ ﺟﮩﺎﺯﻭں ﻣﻳں ﭨﻳﮑﻧﻳﮑﻝ ﮐﺎﻡ ﮐﺭﻧﻳﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﻟﻭﮔﻭں ﮐﯽ ﮐﻣﯽ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺟﮩﺎﺯﻭں ﭘﺭ ﮐﺎﻡ ﮐﺭﻧﻳﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﻟﻭﮔﻭں ﮐﯽ ﮐﻳﭘﺳﭨﯽ‬ ‫ﺑﻠڈﻧﮓ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺍﻧﮩﻳں ﺑﻳﺭﻭﻥ ﻣﻠﮏ ﺑﻬﺟﻭﺍﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﺍﮐﻳڈﻣﯽ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻳﺭﻳﻥ ﻳﻭﻧﻳﻭﺭﺳﭨﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺩﺭﺟہ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺭﮨﺎﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺟﺱ‬ ‫ﮐﺎ ﺟﻠﺩ ﺍﻓﺗﺗﺎﺡ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﮨﻣﺎﺭے ﭘﺎﺱ ﮐﻬﻼ ﺍﻭﺭﮔﮩﺭﺍ ﺳﻣﻧﺩﺭ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﭘﻭﺭی ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﻳﮩﺎں ﭘﺭ ﺁﮐﺭ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﮐﺭﻧﺎﭼﺎﮨﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ‪،‬‬ ‫ﺍﺻﻝ ﻣﺳﺋﻠہ ﺻﺭﻑ ﺍﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺣﻔﻅ ﻓﺭﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﺭﻧﺎﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺕ ﮐﻭ ﺑڑﻫﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺿﺭﻭﺭی ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺳﮯ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ‬ ‫ﺗﮏ ﺳڑک ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮨﻭﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ ﺗﻭ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﭘﻭﺭﭨﺱ ﻓﻧﮑﺷﻧﻝ ﮨﻭﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﯽ۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻠﮑﻳﺕ ﮨﮯ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﺻﺭﻑ ﺍﺳﮯ ﻓﻧﮑﺷﻧﻝ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻘﻭﻕ ﺩﺋﻳﮯ ﮔﺋﮯ ﮨﻳں‪ ،‬ﺍﺏ ﺗﮏ ‪ 221‬ﺟﮩﺎﺯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﺭ ﻟﻧﮕﺭ ﺍﻧﺩﺍﺯ ﮨﻭﭼﮑﮯ ﮨﻳں‪ ،‬ﻳہ‬ ‫ﺁﮔﮯ ﺑڑﻫﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻳﮏ ﮐﻭﺷﺵ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺕ ﮐﻭ ﺑﮩﺕ ﺁﮔﮯ ﺗﮏ ﺑڑﻫﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺳڑک ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﺍﺷﺩ ﺿﺭﻭﺭی ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﻭﮨﺎں ﭘﺭ ﺁﺋﻝ ﺳﭨﯽ ﺑﻥ ﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﻳﮩﺎں‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻑ ﻣﻠﮑﻭں ﮐﻭ ﺗﻳﻝ ﺳﭘﻼﺋﯽ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﻠﮏ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺗﺑﺩﻳﻠﯽ ﺁﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ‪ ،‬ﺟﮩﺎں ﺳﮯ ﻳہ ﺁﺋﻝ ﮔﺯﺭے ﮔﺎ ﺍﺱ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﺭﺩ ﮔﺭﺩ ﺁﺋﻝ ﺭﻳﻔﺎﺋﻧﺭﻳﺎں ﺑﻧﻳں ﮔﻳں۔ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺭﺍﺯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺳﮯ ﺟڑﺍ ﮨﻭﺍﮨﮯ ﻟﻳﮑﻥ ﮨﻣﺎﺭے ﺩﺷﻣﻥ ﮐﻭ ﻳہ‬ ‫ﺑﺎﺕ ﺑﺭﺩﺍﺷﺕ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮨﮯ ﺍﺱ ﻟﺋﮯ ﻭﻩ ﻣﻠﮏ ﻣﻳں ﺩﮨﺷﺕ ﮔﺭﺩی ﮐﺭﻭﺍ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں۔ ﻣﺳﻠﻡ ﻟﻳﮓ ﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﻧﮯ ﻓﻳﺻﻠہ‬ ‫ﮐﻳﺎﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺭﺍﺋﭨﺱ ﺩﺋﻳﮯ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ ﻳﮩﯽ ﻭﺟہ ﺳﮯ ﮐہ ﺍﺳﯽ ﻋﻼﻗہ ﺳﮯ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻠﯽ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﻟﻳﺎﮔﻳﺎﮨﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﺏ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﭼﻳﺋﺭﻣﻳﻥ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺳﮯ ﻟﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻭﮨﺎں ﭘﺭﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﮐﺎﻡ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﻭں ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﺱ ﮨﻭں ﮔﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺟﺏ ﻣﻳں ﻧﮯ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﺳﻧﺑﻬﺎﻟﯽ ﺗﻭ ﺑﮩﺕ ﺳﺎﺭے ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻼﺕ ﻣﻳں ﮐﺭﭘﺷﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﮯ ﺿﺎﺑﻁﮕﻳﺎں ﺳﺎﻣﻧﮯ ﺁﺋﻳں ﮨﻳں ﺟﺱ ﭘﺭ‬ ‫ﺍﻳﮑﺷﻥ ﻟﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮨﻡ ﺳﮯ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﻟﻳﺯ ﭘﺭ ﭘﺭﺍﻧﮯ ﺷپ ﺧﺭﻳﺩے ﺟﺎﺭﮨﮯ ﺗﻬﮯ ﺟﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺑڈﻧﮓ ﮨﻡ ﻧﮯ ﻣﻧﺳﻭﺥ ﮐﺭﺩی ﮨﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺏ ﻧﺋﮯ ﺟﮩﺎﺯ ﻟﻳﺯ ﭘﺭ ﺧﺭﻳﺩﻧﮯ ﺟﺎﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺟﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻗﻣﻳﺕ ﻭﮨﯽ ﮨﻭﮔﯽ۔ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﮨﻳﻠﯽ ﮐﺎﭘﭨﺭ ﺧﺭﻳﺩﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺧﺗﻡ ﮐﺭﺩﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮨﻣﻳں ﺭﻳﺳﮑﻳﻭ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﮨﻳﻠﯽ ﮐﺎﭘﭨﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮨﻣﺎﺭے ﭘﺎﺱ ﺑﮩﺗﺭﻳﻥ ﺭﻳﺳﮑﻳﻭ ﭨﻳﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﮨﻳں۔ ﮨﻣﺎﺭی ﻣﻳﺭﻳﻧﺯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻧﻳﻭﻝ ﻓﻭﺭﺳﺯ ﺑﺭﻭﻗﺕ ﭘﮩﻧﭻ ﮐﺭ ﺭﻳﺳﮑﻳﻭ ﮐﺎ ﮐﺎﻡ ﺳﺭﺍﻧﺟﺎﻡ ﺩﻳﺗﯽ ﮨﻳں۔ ﻗﻭﻡ ﮐﻭ ﺍﻧﺩﻫﻳﺭﻭں‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﻧﮑﺎﻟﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﮨﻣﻳں ﺑﻭﻟڈ ﻓﻳﺻﻠﮯ ﮐﺭﻧﺎ ﮨﻭں ﮔﮯ۔ ﻣﺎﺿﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺑﻬﺭﺗﯽ ﮐﺋﮯ ﮔﺋﮯ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻗﺎﺳﻡ ﭘﺭ ‪ 600‬ﻟﻭگ‬ ‫ﺗﻧﺧﻭﺍﮨﻳں ﻟﮯ ﺭﮨﻳں ﻟﻳﮑﻥ ﻭﻩ ﮐﺎﻡ ﭘﺭ ﻧﮩﻳں ﺁﺗﮯ ﮨﻡ ﺣﺎﺿﺭی ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺑﺎﺋﻳﻭ ﻣﻳﭨﺭﮐﺱ ﺳﺳﭨﻡ ﻣﺗﻌﺎﺭﻑ ﮐﺭﻭﺍ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺍﺏ ﺟﻭ‬ ‫ﮐﺎﻡ ﮐﺭے ﮔﺎ ﺍﺳﯽ ﮐﻭ ﺗﻧﺧﻭﺍﻩ ﻣﻠﮯ ﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﺑﻳﺭﻭﻧﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻧﺩﺭﻭﻧﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭﻭں ﮐﻭ ﺗﺣﻔﻅ ﺩﻳں ﮔﮯ ﺍﺱ ﺣﻭﺍﻟہ ﺳﮯ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻗﺎﺳﻡ ﭘﺭ ‪ 1325‬ﺍﻳﮑڑ ﺭﻗﺑہ ﭘﺭ ﺍﻧڈﺳﭨﺭﻳﻝ‬ ‫ﺯﻭﻥ ﺑﻧﺎﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﺱ ﻋﻼﻗہ ﻣﻳں ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﺗﺣﻔﻅ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﻬﺗہ ﺧﻭﺭی ﺑﻬﯽ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮨﻭﺳﮑﮯ ﮔﯽ ﺍﺱ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻼﻭﻩ ﭘﻭﺭٹ‬ ‫ﻗﺎﺳﻡ ﭘﺭ ﭨﻳﮑﺳﭨﺎﺋﻝ ﺳﭨﯽ ﮐﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﺗﻌﺎﺭﻑ ﮐﺭﺍﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﭘﻭﺭﭨﺱ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻭﺭڈ ﺁﻑ ﮔﻭﺭﻧﺭﺯ ﮐﻭ ﺗﺑﺩﻳﻝ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﺎﺿﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺑﻭﺭڈ ﻣﻣﺑﺭﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺫﺭﻳﻌﮯ ﮐﺭﭘﺷﻥ ﮐﯽ ﮔﺋﯽ‪ ،‬ﻧﺋﮯ ﺑﻭﺭڈ ﻣﻣﺑﺭﺍﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺍﺱ ﮐﺎﻡ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺗﻌﻠﻖ ﻣﺎﮨﺭ ﻟﻭﮔﻭﻧﮑﻭ‬ ‫ﺷﺎﻣﻝ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ ﺍﺱ ﺣﻭﺍﻟہ ﺳﮯ ﺳﻣﺭی ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭﺑﻬﻳﺟﯽ ﺟﺎﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ﮐﺭﭘٹ ﺍﻓﺳﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﻭ ﻓﺎﺭﻍ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ‬ ‫‪1054‬‬

‫‪All Day‬‬

‫‪August 15, 2013 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Thu‬‬ ‫ﮔﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺱ ﻣﺣﮑﻣہ ﮐﻭ ﮐﺭﭘﺷﻥ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎک ﮐﺭﻳں ﮔﮯ۔ ﮐﺎﺭﮔﻭ ﻭﻳﻠﻳﺞ ﻣﻳں ‪ 70‬ﻁﭼﺎﺭﺏ ﺭﻭﭘﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻻﮔﺕ ﺳﮯ ﮨﺎﺭﺑﺭ ﺑﺭﺝ‬ ‫ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﺟﺎﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں‪ ،‬ﻭﮨﺎں ﭘﺭ ﭨﺭﻳﻥ ﮐﺎ ﭨﺭﻳﮏ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﮨﮯ ﺍﮔﺭ ﭼﺎﺭ ﺍﻧﺟﻥ ﺧﺭﻳﺩ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﺟﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺎﻟﻳﺕ ﺗﻘﺭﻳﺑﺎ ً ‪ 1‬ﺍﺭﺏ‬ ‫ﺑﻳﺱ ﮐﺭﻭڑ ﺭﻭﭘﮯ ﺑﻧﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺗﻭ ﻣﺳﺋﻠہ ﺣﻝ ﮨﻭﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﻣﻳں ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﮐﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺷﺎﻣﻝ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﻳﮕﺎ۔‬ ‫ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻳﻧڈ ﺷﭘﻧﮓ ﮐﮯ ﻻﮨﻭﺭ ﺁﻓﺱ ﻣﻳں ﻋﻣﻠہ ‪ 10‬ﺳﺎﻝ ﺳﮯ ﺑﻐﻳﺭ ﮐﺎﻡ ﮐﮯ ﺗﻧﺧﻭﺍﮨﻳں ﻣﻭﺻﻭﻝ ﮐﺭﺭﮨﺎﮨﮯ ﺍﻥ ﮐﻳﺧﻼﻑ‬ ‫ﺍﻳﮑﺷﻥ ﻟﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻧڈﺳﭨﺭی ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﻭﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﺧﻭﺩ ﭘﻳﺩﺍ ﮐﺭﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺍﺭﺏ ﺭﻭﭘﮯ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺳﻣﺭی ﺑﻬﻳﺟﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﺻﻔﺎﺋﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ ﮐﻳﻭﻧﮑہ ﺑﻳﻥ ﺍﻻﻗﻭﺍﻣﯽ ﻗﻭﺍﻧﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﺻﻔﺎﺋﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻳﮏ‬ ‫ﻣﻌﻳﺎﺭ ﻣﻘﺭﺭ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﺟﺭﻣﺎﻧہ ﻋﺎﺋﺩ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺗﺎﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﺏ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﭨﻳﻧڈﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭨﻬﻳﮑﮯ ﺷﻔﺎﻑ ﻁﺭﻳﻘہ ﺳﮯ ﺩﻳﺋﮯ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں‬ ‫ﮔﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻳڈﻳﺎ ﮐﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺷﺎﻣﻝ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺷﮩﺭ ﻗﺎﺋﺩؒ ﻣﻳں ﮐﺷﺕ ﻭﺧﻭﻥ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﻣﻌﻳﺷﺕ ﭘﺭﺷﺏ ﺧﻭﻥ ﻣﺎﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﺗﺭﺍﺩﻑ ﮨﮯ۔ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺩﺭﺁﻣﺩﺍﺕ ﺍﻭﺭﺑﺭﺁﻣﺩﺍﺕ ﻣﻳں ﮔڑﺑڑﮐﺎ ﻣﺗﺣﻣﻝ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮨﻭﺳﮑﺗﺎ۔ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺳﺭﮔﺭﻣﻳﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺭﺍﻩ ﻣﻳں ﮐﺳﯽ‬ ‫ﻗﺳﻡ ﮐﯽ ﺭﮐﺎﻭٹ ﺑﺭﺩﺍﺷﺕ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ۔ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻣﻥ ﻭﺍﻣﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺻﻭﺭﺗﺣﺎﻝ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺳﻧﺩﻫ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ‬ ‫ﺍﭘﻧﺎﺁﺋﻳﻧﯽ ﮐﺭﺩﺍﺭ ﺍﺩﺍ ﮐﺭے۔ ﭘﻳﭘﻠﺯ ﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﺷﺭﭘﺳﻧﺩﻋﻧﺎﺻﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺳﺭﮐﻭﺑﯽ ﻳﻘﻳﻧﯽ ﺑﻧﺎﺋﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻣﻠﮏ ﻋﺯﻳﺯ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺍﺳﺗﺣﮑﺎﻡ ﮐﺎﺭﺍﺳﺗہ ﺑﻼﺷﺑہ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﻣﻳں ﻗﻳﺎﻡ ﺍﻣﻥ ﺳﮯ ﮨﻭﮐﺭﺟﺎﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ﻣﻌﻳﺷﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺣﺎﻟﯽ‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭﭘﺎﺋﻳﺩﺍﺭی ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﯽ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﺗﺭﺟﻳﺣﺎﺕ ﻣﻳں ﺳﺭﻓﮩﺭﺳﺕ ﮨﮯ۔ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺗﺎﺭﻳﺧﯽ ﺩﻭﺭﻩ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﺎ ﺑﺭﺍﻩ ﺭﺍﺳﺕ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﻣﻌﻳﺷﺕ ﭘﺭﺍﻧﺗﮩﺎﺋﯽ ﻣﺛﺑﺕ ﺍﺛﺭﭘڑے ﮔﺎ۔ ﺩﺭﺁﻣﺩﺍﺕ ﺍﻭﺭﺑﺭﺁﻣﺩﺍﺕ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﭨﺭﺍﻧﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﻣﺣﻔﻭﻅ ﺁﻣﺩﻭﺭﻓﺕ ﭘﺭﺳﻣﺟﻬﻭﺗہ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺳﮑﺗﺎ۔ ﻣﻳﻧﺎﭘﻧﯽ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﮐﯽ ﻁﺭﻑ ﺳﮯ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻁﺭﺍﻑ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ‬ ‫ﺁﺑﺎﺩﻳﻭں ﺍﻭﺭﻣﺎڑی ﭘﻭﺭ ﺭﻭڈ ﮐﻭ ﺭﻳڈ ﺯﻭﻥ ﻗﺭﺍﺭ ﺩﻳﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﻭﺑﺎﺿﺎﺑﻁہ ﺗﺟﻭﻳﺯﭘﻳﺵ ﮐﺭﻭں‬ ‫ﮔﺎ ﮐﻳﻭﻧﮑہ ﺍﺱ ﻧﺎﺯک ﻭﻗﺕ ﻣﻳں ﮨﻣﺎﺭﺍﻣﻠﮏ ﻗﻳﻣﺗﯽ ﻭﻗﺕ ﺍﻭﺭﺩﺳﺗﻳﺎﺏ ﻭﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﮐﺎﺿﻳﺎﻉ ﺑﺭﺩﺍﺷﺕ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮐﺭﺳﮑﺗﺎ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ‬ ‫ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﺍﻧﭨﺭﻧﻳﺷﻧﻝ ﻣﺎﺭﮐﻳٹ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺳﺎﮐﻬ ﺑﺣﺎﻝ ﺍﻭﺭﻣﺿﺑﻭﻁ ﺗﺭﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﺍﻭﺭﺑﻳﺭﻭﻧﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭﻭں ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ﺍﻋﺗﻣﺎﺩ ﺑﺣﺎﻝ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺩﻥ ﺭﺍﺕ ﮐﻭﺷﺎں ﮨﻳں۔ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺳﻣﻳﺕ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻑ ﺷﻌﺑﻭں ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﮨﻭﻧﻳﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺁﭨﻬ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﻣﻠﮏ ﻭﻗﻭﻡ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻧﻭﻳﺩﺍﻧﻘﻼﺏ ﮨﻳں۔‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﺩﻭﺭﻩ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﺍﻧﺗﮩﺎﺋﯽ ﺳﻧﺟﻳﺩﮔﯽ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻔﺎﺩﺍﺕ ﮐﯽ ﻭﮐﺎﻟﺕ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ‬ ‫ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﺩﻭﺳﺕ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭﻭں ﮐﺎﺍﻋﺗﻣﺎﺩ ﺑﺣﺎﻝ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﻣﻳں ﮐﺎﻣﻳﺎﺏ ﺭﮨﮯ۔ ﮨﻣﺎﺭے ﺩﻝ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﺍﻭﺭﻣﻳﺎں‬ ‫ﺷﮩﺑﺎﺯﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺩﻫڑﮐﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں۔ ﻣﺳﻠﻡ ﻟﻳﮓ )ﻥ( ﮐﯽ ﺟﮩﺎﻧﺩﻳﺩﻩ ﺍﻭﺭﺳﻧﺟﻳﺩﻩ ﻗﻳﺎﺩﺕ ﺍﻳﮏ ﻧﺋﮯ ﺟﻭﺵ ﻭﺟﺫﺑہ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭﻭﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ ﭘﺭ ﮔﺎﻣﺯﻥ ﮐﺭے ﮔﯽ۔ ﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﮐﺎ ﺗﺟﺭﺑہ ﮐﺎﺭ‪ ،‬ﻣﺧﻠﺹ ﺍﻭﺭﺍﮨﻝ ﻗﻳﺎﺩﺕ ﮐﻭﻣﻧﺗﺧﺏ ﮐﺭﻧﺎﺍﻥ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺳﻳﺎﺳﯽ ﺷﻌﻭﺭﮐﺎﺁﺋﻳﻧہ ﺩﺍﺭ ﮨﮯ۔ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻳﮏ ﻧﻳﺎ ﺩﻭﺭﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﭘﺭﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﻣﺑﺎﺭﮐﺑﺎﺩ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺳﺗﺣﻖ ﮨﻳں۔ ‪ 11‬ﻣﺋﯽ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺩﻥ ﻭﻭٹ ﮐﯽ ﻁﺎﻗﺕ ﺳﮯ ﺁﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﺗﺑﺩﻳﻠﯽ ﭼﺎﺭﻭں ﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺧﻭﺷﺣﺎﻟﯽ ﮐﺎﺳﻧﮓ ﻣﻳﻝ ﮨﮯ۔ﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﮐﺎﻣﺳﻠﻡ ﻟﻳﮓ )ﻥ(‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﻗﻳﺎﺩﺕ ﺍﻭﺭﺍﺻﻭﻟﯽ ﺳﻳﺎﺳﺕ ﭘﺭﺍﻋﺗﻣﺎﺩﮐﺎﺍﻅﮩﺎﺭ ﮨﻣﺎﺭﺍﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﺍﻓﺗﺧﺎﺭ ﮨﮯ۔ﻣﺳﻠﻡ ﻟﻳﮓ )ﻥ( ﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺷﺎﻭﺭﺕ ﺍﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﺷﺭﺍﮐﺕ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻘﺩﻳﺭﺑﺩﻝ ﺩے ﮔﯽ۔ ﻋﻧﻘﺭﻳﺏ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻧﺩﻫﻳﺭﺍ ﭼﻬٹ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎﺍﻭﺭﺍﺏ ﮨﻣﺎﺭے ﮨﻧﺭﻣﻧﺩ‬ ‫ﻧﻭﺟﻭﺍﻥ ﺑﻳﺭﻭﺯﮔﺎﺭ ﻧﮩﻳں ﺭﮨﻳں ﮔﮯ۔‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻗﻠﻳﺗﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﮐﻭﺋﯽ ﺍﻣﺗﻳﺎﺯی ﺳﻠﻭک ﻧﮩﻳں ﮨﻭﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﻋﻳﺳﺎﺋﻳﻭں‪ ،‬ﺳﮑﻬﻭں ﺳﻣﻳﺕ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﺍﻗﻠﻳﺗﻭﻧﮑﻭ‬ ‫ﺑﺭﺍﺑﺭﮐﮯ ﺣﻘﻭﻕ ﺩﺋﻳﮯ ﺟﺎﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺧﺎﺹ ﻁﻭﺭ ﻣﺳﻠﻡ ﻟﻳﮓ ﻥ ﺍﻗﻠﻳﺗﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺣﻘﻭﻕ ﮐﯽ ﻋﻠﻣﺑﺭﺩﺍﺭ ﻩ‬

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‫‪August 16, 2013‬‬ ‫‪Fri‬‬ ‫‪ -- BBC‬ﭼﻴﻦ ﮐﻮ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻼﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﻧﺌﯽ ﺷﺎﮨﺮﺍﻩ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻨﻈﻮﺭی‬

‫‪All Day‬‬

‫ﺍﻋﻠﯽ ﺳﻁﺣﯽ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﻣﻳں ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﻭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﻣﻧﺳﻠﮏ‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﯽ ﺯﻳﺭ ﺻﺩﺍﺭﺕ ﺍﻳﮏ‬ ‫ٰ‬ ‫ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻼﻭﻩ ﺑﻌﺽ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ ﺍﮨﻡ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﮨﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺍﺻﻭﻟﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺩے ﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺳﯽ ﺑﺎﺭے ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﭘﺭﻳﺱ ﺭﻳﻠﻳﺯ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺩی ﮐﻣﻳﺷﻥ ﻣﻳں ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺍﺱ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﻣﻳں ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺧﺯﺍﻧہ ﺍﺳﺣٰ ﻖ ڈﺍﺭ‪ ،‬ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ‬ ‫ﺑﻧﺩی ﮐﮯ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺍﺣﺳﻥ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ‪ ،‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻁﻼﻋﺎﺕ ﭘﺭﻭﻳﺯ ﺭﺷﻳﺩ‪ ،‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﺧﻭﺍﺟہ ﺳﻌﺩ ﺭﻓﻳﻖ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﺷﻳﺭ ﻁﺎﺭﻕ ﻓﺎﻁﻣﯽ ﺷﺭﻳﮏ ﺗﻬﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻓﺗﺭ ﺳﮯ ﺟﺎﺭی ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺍﻋﻼﻣﻳﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﺟﻥ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺳڑﮐﻭں ﮐﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺳﺭ ﻓﮩﺭﺳﺕ ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﮯ ﻧﺎﻡ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺳﮯ ﻗﺭﺍﻗﺭﻡ ﮨﺎﺋﯽ ﻭے ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﺗﺑﺎﺩﻝ ﮐﮯ ﻁﻭﺭ ﭘﺭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺩﻳﮑﻬﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﺱ ﺳڑک ﮐﻭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﻣﺧﺗﺻﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﻗﺎﺑﻝ‬ ‫ﺍﻋﺗﻣﺎﺩ ﺭﺍﺳﺗہ ﻗﺭﺍﺭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺧﻧﺟﺭﺍﺏ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻘﺎﻡ ﺳﮯ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﻳہ ﺳڑک ﻗﺭﺍﻗﺭﺍﻡ ﮨﺎﺋﯽ ﻭے ﮐﮯ ﺭﻭﺍﻳﺗﯽ ﺭﺍﺳﺗﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﭼﻼﺱ‪ ،‬ﺑﺎﺑﻭ‬ ‫ﺳﺭ ﭨﺎپ‪ ،‬ﮐﺎﻏﺎﻥ‪ ،‬ﻧﺎﺭﺍﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﺎﻻﮐﻭٹ ﺳﮯ ﮨﻭﺗﯽ ﮨﻭﺋﯽ ﻣﺎﻧﺳﮩﺭﻩ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ ﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﺑﺎﺑﻭ ﺳﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻘﺎﻡ ﭘﺭ ﺳﺎﺭﺍ ﺳﺎﻝ ﺍﺱ ﺳڑک ﮐﻭ ﻗﺎﺑﻝ ﺍﺳﺗﻌﻣﺎﻝ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﺳﺭﻧﮓ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ‬ ‫ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺩی ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﺳڑک ﭘﺭ ﻓﺎﺻﻠہ ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﮐﻡ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻏﺭﺽ ﺳﮯ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﺣﻭﻳﻠﻳﺎں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺍﻳﮏ ﻧﺋﯽ‬ ‫ﺳڑک ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﮨﺩﺍﻳﺕ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮐﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﺍﺳﯽ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺫﻳﻠﯽ ﺳڑک ﺑﻬﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺩی ﺟﻭ ﮔڑﻫﯽ ﺣﺑﻳﺏ ﷲ ﺳﮯ ﮨﻭﺗﯽ‬ ‫ﮨﻭﺋﯽ‪ ،‬ﺑﺎﻻﮐﻭٹ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﻅﻔﺭ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻼﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻅﻔﺭ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﻳﺭﭘﻭﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺳڑک ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ ﺟﻭ ﺍﻥ ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﺷﮩﺭﻭں‬ ‫ﮐﺎ ﻓﺎﺻﻠہ ڈﻳڑﻫ ﺳﻭ ﮐﻠﻭﻣﻳﭨﺭ ﮐﻡ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻼﻭﻩ ﺍﻧﮩﻳں ﺩﻳﻧہ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻘﺎﻡ ﭘﺭ ﺟﯽ ﭨﯽ ﺭﻭڈ ﺳﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﻧﺳﻠﮏ ﮐﺭﺩے ﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﻭ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﻻﮨﻭﺭ ﻣﻭﭨﺭﻭے ﮐﮯ ﺭﻭٹ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺭﻣﻳﻡ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﺭے ﻣﻳں ﺑﻬﯽ ﺑﺭﻳﻔﻧﮓ ﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ ﺟﺱ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ‬ ‫ﺍﺏ ﺍﻳﻡ ﭨﻭ ﻧﺎﻣﯽ ﻳہ ﺳڑک ﺧﺎﻧﻳﻭﺍﻝ‪ ،‬ﻣﻠﺗﺎﻥ‪ ،‬ﺳﮑﻬﺭ‪ ،‬ﺧﻳﺭﭘﻭﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺩﺍﺩﻭ ﺳﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮔﺯﺭے ﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ‪ ،‬ﺍﻧڈﺱ ﮨﺎﺋﯽ ﻭے‪ ،‬ﻣﻭﭨﺭﻭﻳﺯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺟﯽ ﭨﯽ ﺭﻭڈ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺭﺍﺑﻁہ ﺳڑﮐﻳں‬ ‫ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮨﺩﺍﻳﺕ ﮐﯽ۔‬ ‫ﺑﻳﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﺍﻥ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﮨﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﻣﺎﺣﻭﻟﻳﺎﺗﯽ ﺁﻟﻭﺩﮔﯽ ﮐﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮐﻡ ﺳﮯ ﮐﻡ ﺭﮐﻬﻧﮯ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﮨﺩﺍﻳﺕ ﮐﯽ۔‬

‫‪ -- Jang‬ﻭﺯﻳﺮﺍﻋﻈﻢ ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎک ﭼﺎﺋﻨﺎ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﺭﺍﮨﺪﺍﺭی ﻣﻨﺼﻮﺑﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻨﻈﻮﺭی ﺩے ﺩی‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎک ﭼﺎﺋﻧﺎ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺩے ﺩی ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺍﻥ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ …ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ‬ ‫ﺍﻋﻠﯽ‬ ‫ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻘﺩﻳﺭﺑﺩﻝ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﯽ ﺯﻳﺭ ﺻﺩﺍﺭﺕ ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ٰ‬ ‫ﺳﻁﺢ ﮐﺎ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﮨﻭﺍ‪ ،‬ﺟﺱ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎک ﭼﺎﺋﻧﺎ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺩے ﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ۔ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﺎﺏ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﮯ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺳﺭﮔﺭﻣﻳﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺍﺿﺎﻓہ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺧﻁﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﻭﺛﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮐﻡ ﻻﮔﺕ ﺑﻧﺎﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﺎﺑﻭ ﺳﺭ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﺗﻘﺩﻳﺭ ﺑﺩﻝ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮨﺩﺍﻳﺕ ﮐﯽ ﮐہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﻭ ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ٔ‬ ‫ﭨﺎپ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻼﻗﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺳﺭﻧﮓ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﺎ ﮐﺎﻡ ﺟﻠﺩ ﺍﺯ ﺟﻠﺩ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ۔‬

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August 17, 2013 Sat All Day

Pak-China Trade Corridor: Prime Minister approves proposed alignment -- BR Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Friday terming the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor as future of the country said it will provide connectivity with the Central Asian Republics and make it a regional hub for transit trade.

Chairing a meeting to discuss the Trade Corridor from Kashgar to Khunjerab and Gwadar, the Prime Minister, in principle approved the proposed alignment of the Corridor, with directions to further evaluate the proposal in terms of time and cost efficiency, after a detailed briefing.

The meeting attended by Minister for Finance Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatmi and other officials, also discussed an alternative and shorter route along the Karakoram Highway, connecting Chilas with Mansehra through the Babusar Top. Prime Minister directed that this route should be developed on priority and said a tunnel can be made across the Babusar top to make it accessible throughout the year.

He directed that the route be connected with Muzaffarabad through a road from Balakot and Garhi Habibullah. The distance must be reduced by building connecting bridges and tunnels by using latest technologies and equipment, the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also directed to prepare feasibility for constructing a road between Hawalian and Islamabad to provide a shorter route to Islamabad to commuters from Gilgit, Mansehra and Abbottabad.

The Premier stressed the need for mitigating environmental impacts during the construction of these roads.

The meeting also approved construction of Muzaffarabad - Mirpur road that will reduce the distance between the two cities by 150 kms and give Mirpur a direct access to G.T road at Dina.

During the briefing the Prime Minister was told that the alignment for LahoreKarachi Motorway will start from Babo Sabo Interchange on M-2 and connect with Karachi passing through Khanewal, Multan, Sukkur, Khairpur and Dadu.

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also directed provision of inter connectivity and linkages between Pakistan Economic Corridor, Indus Highway, Motorways and Grand Trunk Road to provide impetus to the economic activity in the country and easier travel facilities to the commuters.

All Day

‫ ﺗﻴﺰ ﺭﻓﺘﺎﺭ ﺗﺮﻗﯽ ﻣﻴﮟ” ﭼﮩﻴﺘﮯ ﺑﻬﺎﺋﯽ‘ ﮨﻤﺴﻔﺮ۔۔ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﺳﮯ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺮ‬-- Daily Pakistan ‫ﮨﻣﺳﻔﺭ۔۔ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺳﮯ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ‘ﭼﮩﻳﺗﮯ ﺑﻬﺎﺋﯽ ”ﺗﻳﺯ ﺭﻓﺗﺎﺭ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ )ﻣﺎﻧﻳﭨﺭﻧﮓ ڈﻳﺳﮏ( ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻧﮯ ﺑﺭﻕ ﺭﻓﺗﺎﺭ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺧﻭﺍﺏ ﺷﺭﻣﻧﺩﻩ ﺗﻌﺑﻳﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﺍﻭﺭﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺗﺎ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﺳﺑﮏ‬ ‫ﺭﻓﺗﺎﺭ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻓﻳﺻﻠہ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺎﻗﺎﻋﺩﻩ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺑﻬﯽ ﺩﻳﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ ۔ ﻳہ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ‬ ‫ﺍﻋﻠﯽ ﺳﻁﺣﯽ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﻣﻳں ﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ ۔ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﻭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺁﺧﺭی‬ ‫ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﯽ ﺯﻳﺭ ﺻﺩﺍﺭﺕ ﺍﻳﮏ‬ ٰ ‫ﮐﻭﻧﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻧﺳﻠﮏ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭ ی ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻣﻧﻌﻘﺩ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﻧﮯ ﮐﭼﻬ‬ ‫ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺩی ﮐﮯ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺍﺣﺳﻥ‬،‫ﺩﻳﮕﺭ ﺍﮨﻡ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﺕ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺩی ﮨﮯ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺧﺯﺍﻧہ ﺍﺳﺣٰ ﻖ ڈﺍﺭ‬ ‫ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﺧﻭﺍﺟہ ﺳﻌﺩ ﺭﻓﻳﻖ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺷﻳﺭ ﻁﺎﺭﻕ ﻓﺎﻁﻣﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ‬،‫ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻁﻼﻋﺎﺕ ﭘﺭﻭﻳﺯ ﺭﺷﻳﺩ‬،‫ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ‬ ‫ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﻣﻳں ﺷﺭﻳﮏ ﺗﻬﮯ۔ﺑﯽ ﺑﯽ ﺳﯽ ﻧﮯ ﺳﺭﮐﺎﺭی ﺫﺭﺍﺋﻊ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ‬ ‫ﺳﺭ ﻓﮩﺭﺳﺕ ﮨﮯ ﺟﻭ ﻗﺭﺍﻗﺭﻡ ﮨﺎﺋﯽ ﻭے ﮐﮯ‬ ِ ‫ﺳڑﮐﻭں ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﮯ ﻧﺎﻡ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ‬ ‫ﻣﺗﺑﺎﺩﻝ ﮐﮯ ﻁﻭﺭ ﭘﺭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺩﻳﮑﻬﯽ ﺟﺎ ﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﺱ ﺳڑک ﮐﻭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﻣﺧﺗﺻﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﻗﺎﺑﻝ‬ ،‫ ﮐﺎﻏﺎﻥ‬،‫ ﺑﺎﺑﻭ ﺳﺭ ﭨﺎپ‬،‫ﺍﻋﺗﻣﺎﺩ ﺭﺍﺳﺗہ ﻗﺭﺍﺭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ﺧﻧﺟﺭﺍﺏ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻘﺎﻡ ﺳﮯ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﻳہ ﺳڑک ﭼﻼﺱ‬ ‫ﻧﺎﺭﺍﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﺎﻻﮐﻭٹ ﺳﮯ ﮨﻭﺗﯽ ﮨﻭﺋﯽ ﻣﺎﻧﺳﮩﺭﻩ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ ﮔﯽ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﻳہ ﺳڑک ﺳﺎﺭﺍ ﺳﺎﻝ ﻗﺎﺑﻝ ﺍﺳﺗﻌﻣﺎﻝ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ‬ ‫ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺑﺎﺑﻭ ﺳﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻘﺎﻡ ﭘﺭ ﺳﺭﻧﮓ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺑﻬﯽ ﺩی ﮨﮯ۔ﺍﺱ ﺳڑک ﭘﺭ ﻓﺎﺻﻠہ ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﮐﻡ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻏﺭﺽ‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ‬، ‫ﺳﮯ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﺣﻭﻳﻠﻳﺎں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺍﻳﮏ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺳڑک ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﮨﺩﺍﻳﺕ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮐﯽ ﮨﮯ‬ ،‫ﻧﮯ ﺍﺳﯽ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺫﻳﻠﯽ ﺳڑک ﺑﻬﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺩی ﺟﻭ ﮔڑﻫﯽ ﺣﺑﻳﺏ ﷲ ﺳﮯ ﮨﻭﺗﯽ ﮨﻭﺋﯽ‬ 1057

‫‪August 17, 2013 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Sat‬‬ ‫ﺑﺎﻻﮐﻭٹ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﻅﻔﺭ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻼﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ۔ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻅﻔﺭ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﻳﺭﭘﻭﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺳڑک ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ ﺟﻭ ﺍﻥ ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﺷﮩﺭﻭں ﮐﺎ ﻓﺎﺻﻠہ ڈﻳڑﻫ ﺳﻭ ﮐﻠﻭﻣﻳﭨﺭ ﮐﻡ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻼﻭﻩ ﺍﻧﮩﻳں ﺩﻳﻧہ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻘﺎﻡ ﭘﺭ ﺟﯽ‬ ‫ﭨﯽ ﺭﻭڈ ﺳﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﻧﺳﻠﮏ ﮐﺭﺩے ﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﻭ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﻻﮨﻭﺭ ﻣﻭﭨﺭﻭے ﮐﮯ ﺭﻭٹ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺭﻣﻳﻡ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﺭے ﻣﻳں ﺑﻬﯽ ﺑﺭﻳﻔﻧﮓ ﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ ﺟﺱ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ‬ ‫ﺍﺏ ﺍﻳﻡ ﭨﻭ ﻧﺎﻣﯽ ﻳہ ﺳڑک ﺧﺎﻧﻳﻭﺍﻝ‪ ،‬ﻣﻠﺗﺎﻥ‪ ،‬ﺳﮑﻬﺭ‪ ،‬ﺧﻳﺭﭘﻭﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺩﺍﺩﻭ ﺳﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮔﺯﺭے ﮔﯽ۔ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ‪ ،‬ﺍﻧڈﺱ ﮨﺎﺋﯽ ﻭے‪ ،‬ﻣﻭﭨﺭﻭﻳﺯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺟﯽ ﭨﯽ ﺭﻭڈ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺭﺍﺑﻁہ ﺳڑﮐﻳں ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮨﺩﺍﻳﺕ ﮐﯽ۔‬

‫‪ -- Sach TV‬ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﺎ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺮ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻼپ‪ ،‬ﭘﺎک ﭼﻴﻦ ﺗﺠﺎﺭﺗﯽ ﺭﺍﮨﺪﺍﺭی ﻣﻨﺼﻮﺑﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻨﻈﻮﺭی‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﺣﻣﺩ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺧﻧﺟﺭﺍﺏ ﮐﮯ ﺭﺍﺳﺗﮯ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻼﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺗﯽ‬ ‫ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﮯ ﻣﺟﻭﺯﻩ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺩے ﺩی ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﯽ ﺯﻳﺭﺻﺩﺍﺭﺕ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺗﯽ ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ‪ ،‬ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ ﻗﺭﺍﻗﺭﻡ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﭼﻼﺱ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﺑﺎﺑﻭﺳﺭ ﭨﺎپ ﮐﮯ ﺭﺍﺳﺗﮯ ﻣﺎﻧﺳﮩﺭﻩ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻼﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﻣﺗﺑﺎﺩﻝ ﺭﺍﺳﺗﮯ ﭘﺭ ﻏﻭﺭ ﮐﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﻧﮯ ﻣﻅﻔﺭﺁﺑﺎﺩ‪ ،‬ﻣﻳﺭﭘﻭﺭ ﺭﻭڈ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺩی‪ ،‬ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺳﻭ ﭘﭼﺎﺱ ﮐﻠﻭﻣﻳﭨﺭ ﻓﺎﺻﻠہ ﮐﻡ‬ ‫ﮨﻭ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ‪ ،‬ﻣﻳﺭﭘﻭﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺩﻳﻧہ ﺳﮯ ﺟﯽ ﭨﯽ ﺭﻭڈ ﺗﮏ ﺑﺭﺍﻩ ﺭﺍﺳﺕ ﺭﺳﺎﺋﯽ ﻣﻝ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﻣﻳں ﻻﮨﻭﺭ‪ ،‬ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﻣﻭﭨﺭ ﻭے ﮐﺎ ﮐﺎﻡ ﺍﻳﻡ ﭨﻭ ﭘﺭ ﺑﺎﺑﻭﺻﺎﺣﺑﻭ ﺍﻧﭨﺭﭼﻳﻧﺞ ﺳﮯ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺑﺭﻳﻔﻧﮓ ﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ‪,‬‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﺑﺎﺑﻭﺳﺭ ﭨﺎپ ﭘﺭ ﺳﺎﺭﺍ ﺳﺎﻝ ﺭﺳﺗہ ﮐﻬﻼ ﺭﮐﻬﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺳﺭﻧﮓ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﺳﻣﻳﺕ ﺳڑک ﮐﻭ ﺑﺎﻻﮐﻭٹ‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔڑﻫﯽ ﺣﺑﻳﺏ ﷲ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻅﻔﺭﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﺗﮏ ﻣﻼﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﮨﺩﺍﻳﺕ ﮐﯽ‪ ,‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮔﻠﮕﺕ‪ ،‬ﻣﺎﻧﺳﮩﺭﻩ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻳﺑٹ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺣﻭﻳﻠﻳﺎں ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺳڑک ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺍﺣﮑﺎﻣﺎﺕ ﺟﺎﺭی ﮐﺋﮯ۔‬

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‫‪All Day‬‬

August 18, 2013 Sun All Day

Making Pakistan true of trade -- Frontier Post

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in a meeting held in Islamabad on Friday, approved a proposed alignment of the Pak-China Trade Corridor starting from Kashgar to Khunjerab and Gwadar that, he believed, will make Pakistan a hub of transit trade in the region. The proposed 2,000-kilometre road and rail link connecting Chinese city Kashgar to Pakistani seaport of Gwadar is likely to cost $18 billion. Apart from connecting two neighboring states, the proposed transit trade route also envisages several economic zones in various cities that otherwise are relatively underdeveloped as compared to the rest of the country.

Taking keen interest in the new international trade link, the Prime Minister directed further evaluation of the proposal in terms of time and cost efficiency. In the given geo-political situation, the project, no doubt, can guarantee a new lease of life to the fragile stability of the country. Connecting China, Central Asian Republics and Afghanistan with Pakistan may form a new regional economic bloc that will change fortune of millions of the people living in extreme poverty. Pakistan, striving hard to manage its tattered economy, is likely to struggle in coping with the massive outlay of the project. The expected cost of the project is far bigger than the total foreign reserves that Pakistan carries today.

To meet the financial constraints associated with the execution of the project, the country had to rely either on the international financial institutions, or had to form consortium with partners or the beneficiaries of the project. In the given political scenario, the project may hit the snags, and to avoid the hiccups, political leadership may have to stand a test of its life. It had to tread carefully in managing the finances.

Apart from the Pak-China Economic Corridor, an alternate and shorter route along KKH through Babusar Top, construction of Muzaffarabad - Mirpur Road, LahoreKarachi Motorway and many other link roads had also been discussed in the meeting. The agenda to develop road network envisaged by the federal government seems a bit ambitious if not exaggerated because the serious financial crunch the government facing today has jeopardized provision of basic amenities like power, education, health-care and clean drinking water to the masses. Hence the construction of extensive road network is a difficult proposition. In the previous term, the PML-N constructed an expensive Lahore-Rawalpindi Motorway that consumed substantial amount of foreign reserves piled up mainly with remittances of the expatriate Pakistanis that was then termed as the robbery in the State Bank of Pakistan that works under the Constitutional guarantee. Pakistan got the motorway but in the absence of basic necessities, the country’s economy had been derailed, forcing more people to live below the extreme poverty-level. The GDP growth rate has become stagnant particularly it is considered in proportion with the rate of population growth. Motorways and highways do improve the interconnectivity and linkages that provide easier travel facilities to commuters but it does not substantiate efforts to run the industry smoothly and efficiently that well and truly provides job opportunity for the masses.

Too much reliance on the foreign financial institutions and even on the multinational companies plunged the members of the ASEAN in late 90s into severe economic crisis. Hence Pakistan should not do too much experimentation rather it must rely on improving its indigenous resources to attain economic stability and the development. For the sustainable economy and prosperity, the government should first strive for maintaining law and order, eliminating extremism and militancy as no foreign investment is forthcoming unless the country guarantees security and protection to the life and property.

The harsh taxation without ensuring judicious return can render the government unpopular that ultimately may derail the system for which the masses have offered huge sacrifices. Thus the energies should be spent on the issues of the prime concern at the earliest that can make Pakistan a true hub of trade and commerce rather than targeting transit trade.

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‫‪August 19, 2013‬‬ ‫‪Mon‬‬ ‫‪ -- Nawa-e-Waqat‬ﭼﻴﻦ ﮐﯽ ﺳﺐ ﺳﮯ ﺑﮍی ﺗﻌﻤﻴﺮﺍﺗﯽ ﮐﻤﭙﻨﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻭﻓﺪ ﮐﺎ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﺩﻭﺭﻩ‬ ‫ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺑڑی ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭﺍﺗﯽ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻭﻓﺩ ﮐﺎ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﺩﻭﺭﻩ‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ )ﺭﻳﺎﺽ ﺍﺧﺗﺭ‪/‬ﺧﺻﻭﺻﯽ ﺭﭘﻭﺭﭨﺭ( ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻁﺭﻑ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﭘﺭﺩ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺎﺭﻳﺧﯽ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ )‪ (COPHC‬ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺑڑی ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭﺍﺗﯽ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﭼﺎﺋﻧﺎ ﺍﻭﻭﺭﺳﻳﺯ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮨﻳﻧڈﻟﻧﮓ ﻟﻣﻳﭨڈ‬ ‫ﺳﺭﺑﺭﺍﻩ ﮐﯽ ﻗﻳﺎﺩﺕ ﻣﻳں ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﻭﻓﺩ ﻧﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﺭﻭﺯﻩ ﺩﻭﺭﻩ ﮐﻳﺎ۔ ﺩﻭﺭے ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﻭﻓﺩ ﻧﮯ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻳﺭﻳﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﻧﺎﻥ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻳﺭﻳﺎ ﮐﯽ ﺻﻭﺭﺗﺣﺎﻝ ﮐﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﺯﻩ ﻟﻳﺎ۔ ﺑﺎﺧﺑﺭ ﺫﺭﺍﺋﻊ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ‪ 40‬ﺳﺎﻝ ﺗﮏ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻳﺭﻳﺎ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭﻭﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻟﻳﻧڈ ﺳﮑﻳﻭﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺗﻧﺎﻅﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻧﻘﻼﺑﯽ ﺍﻗﺩﺍﻣﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﮐﺭے ﮔﯽ۔ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﻭﻓﺩ ﺁﺋﻧﺩﻩ ﭼﻧﺩ ﮨﻔﺗﻭں ﻣﻳں ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ڈﻭﻳﻠﭘﻣﻧٹ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺣﺗﻣﯽ ﺳﻔﺎﺭﺷﺎﺕ ﺳﮯ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﭘﻭﺭﭨﺱ ﺍﻳﻧڈ‬ ‫ﺷﭘﻧﮓ ﮐﻭ ﺁﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﺭﻳﮕﺎ۔ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﻗﺑﻝ ﺟﻣﻌۃ ﺍﻟﻣﺑﺎﺭک ﮐﻭ ﭘﻭﺭﭨﺱ ﺍﻳﻧڈ ﺷﭘﻧﮓ ﻣﻧﺳﭨﺭی ﻣﻳں ﺟﻭﺍﺋﻧٹ ﺳﻳﮑﺭﭨﺭی ڈﺍﮐﭨﺭ‬ ‫ﭘﺭﻭﻳﺯ ﻋﺑﺎﺱ ﮐﯽ ﻗﻳﺎﺩﺕ ﻣﻳں‪ ،‬ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﻭﻓﺩ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﺩﺍﺧﻠہ ﮐﮯ ﻧﻣﺎﺋﻧﺩﻭں ﮐﯽ ﻣﺷﺗﺭﮐہ ﻣﻳﭨﻧﮓ ﮨﻭﺋﯽ۔ ﺩﻭ ﮔﻬﻧﭨﮯ ﭘﺭ‬ ‫ﻣﺣﻳﻁ ﺭﮨﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﺍﺱ ﻏﻳﺭﻣﻌﻣﻭﻟﯽ ﻣﻳﭨﻧﮓ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻧﯽ ﺣﮑﺎﻡ ﻧﮯ ﻣﮩﻣﺎﻥ ﻭﻓﺩ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻳﺭﻳﺎ‬ ‫ﺟﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭﻭ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳﮑﻳﻭﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺫﻣہ ﺩﺍﺭی ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺫﻣہ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﻳﻑ ﺳﯽ ﺑﺭﻳﮕﻳڈﺋﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﻭﻟﻳﺱ ﻳﻭﻧٹ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩﮔﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻓﺭﺍﺋﺽ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺎﺭے ﻣﻳں ﺁﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ۔ ﻳہ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﺁﭘﺭﻳﺷﻧﻝ ﺳﮑﻳﻭﺭﭨﯽ ﭘﻼﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﻓﻭﺭﺳﺯ ﮐﯽ ﺧﺩﻣﺎﺕ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻌﺎﻭﺿہ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﮐﻭ ﺍﺩﺍ ﮐﺭﻧﺎ ﭘڑﻳﮕﺎ۔ ﻭﻓﺩ ﺳﮯ ﮐﻣﺭﺷﻝ ﭘﻼﻥ ﻁﻠﺏ ﮐﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﮐﺎﻡ ﮐﯽ ﻧﻭﻋﻳﺕ ﭘﺭ ﺳﮑﻳﻭﺭﭨﯽ ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻼﺕ ﻁﮯ ﮐﺋﮯ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﻳں۔ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﺩﺍﺧﻠہ ﮐﮯ ﻧﻣﺎﺋﻧﺩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﻣﮩﻣﺎﻥ ﻭﻓﺩ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﻣﻣﮑﻧہ ﺳﮑﻳﻭﺭﭨﯽ ﭘﺭ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭ ﺻﻭﺑﺎﺋﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺗﻭں ﮐﯽ ﻁﺭﻑ ﺳﮯ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻳﻘﻳﻥ ﺩﮨﺎﻧﯽ ﮐﺭﺍﺋﯽ۔ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﭘﻭﺭﭨﺱ‬ ‫ﺍﻳﻧڈ ﺷﭘﻧﮓ ﻧﮯ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺗﮏ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﮐﻭﺭﻳڈﻭﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺕ ﻣﻭﺍﺻﻼﺕ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺷﺎﻭﺭﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺗﺟﻭﻳﺯ‬ ‫ﺩی۔ ﻣﻳﭨﻧﮓ ﻣﻳں ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﺗﻬﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﮯ ﭼﻳﺋﺭﻣﻳﻥ ﺩﺭﺍﻧﯽ ﺧﺎﻥ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﺗﻬﮯ ﺟﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻑ ﺍﻣﻭﺭ ﭘﺭ ﺑﺭﻳﻑ‬ ‫ﮐﻳﺎ۔ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﻭﻓﺩ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﺳﮯ ﺧﺻﻭﺻﯽ ﭼﺎﺭﭨﺭ ﻁﻳﺎﺭے ﮐﮯ ﺫﺭﻳﻌﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ۔‬

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‫‪All Day‬‬

August 20, 2013 Tue All Day

Chinese team visits Gwadar port -- Dawn

QUETTA: A high-level delegation of the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) headed by its chairman visited Gwadar on Monday to review arrangements for making the port fully functional.

The six-member delegation reached Gwadar aboard a special plane where they were received by officials of the Gwadar Port Authority and local administration.

Strict security measures were made for the visit of the Chinese delegation.

Pakistan has already handed over the task of handling Gwadar Port to the CHEC. The company which is responsible to make the port fully functional took over it at the beginning of this year.

Sources said that the CHEC delegation held a meeting with the officials of Gwadar Port Authority in which security and other issues were discussed.

They said the meeting also reviewed the pace of work on the construction of roads which would link the Gwadar Port with coastal highway.

The sources said that the Chinese company would soon start work for making the port fully functional and according to the plan warehouses, an export processing zone and other facilities would be added to the port.

The government has already agreed to allot required land for these purposes.

After the meeting, members of the CHEC delegation visited the port.

The delegation was comprised of CHEC chairman Mr Lee, vice-president Mr Tang, manager investment Mr Young, senior official of port operation Mr Lio and senior officials Mr Wang and Mr Wahoo.

The Chinese delegation will soon visit Gwadar again to finalise measures for starting work to make the port fully functional.

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Oil pipeline: Chinese team arriving to hold crucial talks -- Tribune Biz Oil pipeline: Chinese team arriving to hold crucial talks

Pakistan and China are set to engage in crucial talks this week on laying an oil pipeline from Gwadar Port to western China – an attempt that will allow Beijing to diversify and speed up import of crude oil.

A Chinese team is expected to reach Islamabad on August 22 to hold talks on energy issues including the oil pipeline, sources say. China had expressed interest in investing in Gwadar after Pakistan handed over control of the port to Beijing.

The negotiations will be the follow-up to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Beijing in early July, when he floated the idea of constructing an oil pipeline from Gwadar Port to western China for the transport of oil.

“Now, the two sides will discuss modalities of the project and undertaking a feasibility study to assess technical and financial viability of the pipeline,” an official said.

Later, officials said, the oil pipeline could be extended and connected with Iran which has already offered to lay a pipeline from its territory to Gwadar for supply of crude oil.

Iran had also announced its intention to set up an oil refinery with oil production capacity of 400,000 barrels per day at Gwadar Port during the tenure of previous government.

“This proposal may be feasible after the Chinese take operational control of Gwadar Port,” the official said, adding Gwadar was quite close to the Persian Gulf from where nearly 40% of the world’s oil supply passes.

According to the officials, China meets 50% of its oil demand through imports from the Middle East. Oil supplies come via Dubai-Shanghai-Urumqi route covering over 10,000 kilometres.

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August 20, 2013 Continued Tue “Crude oil processed and refined at the Gawdar oil refinery can be exported and transported to Urumqi through the shortest possible route – Dubai-Gwadar-Urumqi covering about 3,600 kilometers – by laying an oil pipeline through the envisaged energy corridor up to western China via Karakoram Highway and Khunjrab bypass,” the official said.

Hurdles in the way like high altitude, freezing temperatures and a difficult terrain can be overcome with the help of technological advancements. Many countries have successfully completed similar pipeline projects under extreme conditions and at high altitude such as Atacama gas pipeline, Trans-Alaska pipeline and Trans-Asia gas pipeline.

Coastal Oil Refinery China will also discuss the feasibility of setting up an oil refinery at Gwadar in talks with Pakistani authorities. Islamabad has already pressed for reviving the stalled Coastal Oil Refinery project, which had been shelved by China in 2009-10 after the control of Gwadar Port was given to Singapore Port Authority. Global recession proved another stumbling block in the way of resuming work on the project.

Coastal Oil Refinery, which was designed to process up to 60,000 barrels of crude oil a day, was part of China’s plan to invest $12 billion in multiple projects in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 20th, 2013.

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‫ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺪے ﺳﮯ ﺑﻠﻮﭼﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﻣﻴﮟ ﺗﺮﻗﯽ ﮐﯽ ﻧﺌﯽ ﺭﺍﮨﻴﮟ ﮐﻬﻠﻴﮟ ﮔﯽ‬-- Daily Pakistan ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﺳﮯ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﯽ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺭﺍﮨﻳں ﮐﻬﻠﻳں ﮔﯽ‬ ‫ﺱ ﺅﻻﮨﻭﺭ)ﺳﭘﻳﺷﻝ ﺭﭘﻭﺭﭨﺭ(ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭘﻳﭘﻠﺯ ﭘﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺭﮐﺯی ﺳﻳﮑﺭﭨﺭی ﺟﻧﺭﻝ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳﻳﻧﻳٹ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳڈﺭ ﺁﻑ ﺩی ﮨﺎ‬ ‫ﺱ ﻻﮨﻭﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺅﺟﮩﺎﻧﮕﻳﺭ ﺑﺩﺭ ﻧﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﻭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﺎ ﺧﻳﺭ ﻣﻘﺩﻡ ﮐﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ۔ ﺑﻼﻭﻝ ﮨﺎ‬ ‫ﻣﮯڈےﺍ ﺁﻓﺱ ﺳﮯ ﺟﺎﺭی ﺑﮯﺍﻥ ﻣﮯں ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﺳﮯ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﯽ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺭﺍﮨﻳں ﮐﻬﻠﻳں‬ ‫ﮔﯽ ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﻻﮐﻬﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﺩﺍﺩ ﻣﻳں ﺭﻭﺯﮔﺎﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﭘﻳﺩﺍ ﮨﻭں ﮔﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺻﺭﻭ ﻑ ﺗﺭﻳﻥ ﺑﻧﺩﺭ ﮔﺎﮨﻭں‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﺟﻣﮩﻭﺭی ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﻧﮯ ﺅﻣﻳں ﺷﺎﻣﻝ ﮨﻭﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ ۔ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺑﻌﺽ ﺑﻳﻥ ﺍﻻﻗﻭﺍﻣﯽ ﻁﺎﻗﺗﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺩﺑﺎ‬ ‫ﺩﻭﺭﺭﺱ ﻓﻳﺻﻠہ ﮐﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳﻼﻣﺗﯽ ﻣﻔﺎﺩﺍﺕ ﮐﻭﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ ﻣﻳں ﺯﺑﺭﺩﺳﺕ ﻓﺭﻭﻍ‬ ‫ﺍﻳﮏ ﺍﻳﺳﺎ‬ َ ‫ﻣﻘﺎﻡ ﺍﻓﺳﻭﺱ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﭘﭼﻬﻠﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﻧﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﻭ ﺳﻧﮕﺎﭘﻭﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺷﭘﻧﮓ‬ ِ ‫ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ‬ ‫ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﮐﻭ ﺩﻳﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺱ ﻧﮯ ﻁﻭﻳﻝ ﻋﺭﺻﮯ ﺗﮏ ﺍﺱ ﺑﻧﺩﺭ ﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﮯ ﺗﻭﺳﻳﻌﯽ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﭘﺭ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩے ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﮐﻭﺋﯽ‬ ‫ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﻧﮩﻳں ﮐﯽ ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺍﻓﺎﺩﻳﺕ ﭘﺭ ﺳﻭﺍﻝ ﺍﭨﻬﻧﮯ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺋﮯ ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ‬ ‫ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﺭﺍﺟﻳﮑٹ ﺩﻭﺑﺎﺭﻩ ﺯﻧﺩﻩ ﮨﻭ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻳہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺍﮨﻡ‬ ‫ﮐﺭﺩﺍﺭ ﺍﺩﺍ ﮐﺭﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ۔‬

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August 22, 2013 Thu All Day

MoU for Punjab-China Garments industrial zone signed -- The Nation MoU for Punjab-China Garments industrial zone signed

LAHORE - An MoU signing ceremony between Punjab government and China Textile & Apparel Council was held here on Wednesday for the promotion of cooperation in textile, garments and knitting industry.

Under the agreement, Punjab-China Garments Industrial Zone would be set up in Punjab where Chinese investors will establish garments and knitting industries.

Punjab Industrial Estate Development and Management Company and China Knitting Industry Association will extend cooperation for the promotion of garments and knitting industry. Secretary Industry Irfan Ali on behalf of Punjab government while representative of China Knitting Industry Association signed the agreement.

Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Vice President and Secretary General of CNTAC Gao Yong, Assistant President and Chairman China Industrial Association Yang Shibin, other office-bearers, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretaries of Industry, Finance and Information Departments, Vice Chairman Punjab Investment Board and other concerned officials were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif said that vast opportunities of investment in garments industry exist in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan and China are reliable friends and this great friendship has stood in every hour of trial. The Chief Minister said that with the establishment of industrial zone, Pakistani youth would get an opportunity to benefit from Chinese expertise in textile sector. He said that all possible facilities would be provided to Chinese investors for investment in Pakistan. Shahbaz Sharif disclosed that an investment conference is going to be held in China next month in which a delegation from Punjab will also participate.

Vice President CNTAC Gao Yong said that Pak-China friendship has always stood in test of time. He said that China and Pakistan are strategic partners. He said that we would motivate Chinese companies to invest in special industrial zone in Punjab. He said that this industrial zone will play an important role for further promoting Pak-China friendship.

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‫‪August 23, 2013‬‬ ‫‪Fri‬‬ ‫‪ -- Urdu Times‬ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺮ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﺭﺍﮨﺪﺍﺭی ﺳﮯ ﺩﻧﻴﺎ ﮐﺎ ﻣﺴﺘﻘﺒﻞ ﻭﺍﺑﺴﺘہ ﮨﮯ‬

‫‪All Day‬‬

‫ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﺳﮯ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﮐﺎ ﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ ﻭﺍﺑﺳﺗہ ﮨﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ‪ :‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﻩ ﺩﺍﺭی ﺳﮯ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﮐﺎ ﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ‬ ‫ﻭﺍﺑﺳﺗہ ﮨﮯ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺻﻧﻭﻋﺎﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺭﺁﻣﺩﺍﺕ ﻣﻳں ﻭﻗﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺑﭼﺕ ﮨﻭ ﮔﯽ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﮯ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺗﻳﻥ ﺍﺭﺏ ﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﮐﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ۔ ﻣﻳڈﻳﺎ ﺭﭘﻭﺭﭨﺱ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺭﺍﻩ ﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺑﺭﻳﻔﻧﮓ ﺩﻳﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺣﺎﻟﻳہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭے ﻣﻳں ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی‬ ‫ﺭﺍﻩ ﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺩﺳﺗﺧﻁ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻭﻓﺩ ﭘﻳﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﻩ ﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﺯﻩ ﻟﻳﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮐﺎﺷﻌﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺎﺭﻳﺦ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻧﺗﮩﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﮐﺎ ﺣﺎﻣﻝ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﺧﻁﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻳﻥ ﺍﺭﺏ ﺁﺑﺎﺩی ﮐﻭ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ ﻭﻗﺕ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﻩ ﺩﺍﺭی ﺳﮯ ﻭﺍﺑﺳﺗہ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺻﻧﻭﻋﺎﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺭﺁﻣﺩﺍﺕ ﻣﻳں ﻭﻗﺕ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﺑﭼﺕ ﮨﻭ ﮔﯽ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺑﺎﻟﺧﺻﻭﺹ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮨﻭﮔﯽ ﺑﻠﮑہ ﻳہ‬ ‫ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﮔﻠﮕﺕ ﺑﻠﺗﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺳﻣﻳﺕ ﭼﺎﺭ ﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﮐﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﻼﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭﮨﺎﻧﮓ‬ ‫ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﯽ ﻁﺭﺯ ﭘﺭ ﻓﺭی ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﺩﺭﺟہ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺟﻌﺭﺍﻓﻳﺎﺋﯽ ﻣﺣﻝ ﻭﻗﻭﻉ ﮐﯽ ﻭﺟہ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﻧﺗﮩﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﮐﺎ ﺣﺎﻣﻝ ﮨﮯ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻗﻭﺍﻧﻳﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺑﺩﻳﻠﯽ ﮐﺭﻧﺎ ﭘڑی ﺗﻭ ﮐﺭﻳں ﮔﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮨﻣﻳں ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺳﻣﻳﺕ ﺩﮨﺷﺕ ﮔﺭﺩی ﮐﮯ ﻣﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﮐﺎ ﺳﺎﻣﻧﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮨﻣﻳں ﭼﻳﻠﻧﺟﺯ ﺳﮯ ﻧﻣﭨﻧﺎ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں‬ ‫ﻧﮯ ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﻭﻩ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻻﮨﻭﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻧڈﺭ ﮔﺭﺍﺋﻭﻧڈ ﻣﻳﭨﺭﻭ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺳﮯ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺳﮯ ﺑﺎﺕ ﭼﻳﺕ ﮐﺭ ﭼﮑﮯ ﮨﻳں‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺱ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺳﮯ ﭼﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺩﻟﭼﺳﭘﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻅﮩﺎﺭ ﮐﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫‪News Cate‬‬ ‫‪- See more at: http://www.urdutimes.com/content/51226#sthash.Sb4DwuuN.dpuf‬‬

‫‪ -- Islam Times‬ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﮐﻮ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﯽ ﻁﺮﺡ ﻓﺮی ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﺩﺭﺟہ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺳﮑﺘﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬

‫‪All Day‬‬

‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﭨﺎﺋﻣﺯ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻣﺣﻣﺩ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﻭ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﯽ ﻁﺭﺡ ﻓﺭی ﭘﻭﺭٹ‬ ‫ﮔﺭﺍﻭﻧڈ ﻣﻳﭨﺭﻭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺩﻟﭼﺳﭘﯽ ﻅﺎﮨﺭ ﮐﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﮐﺎ ﺩﺭﺟہ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﭼﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻻﮨﻭﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻧڈﺭ‬ ‫ٔ‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﻣﻳں ﺳﻳﻧﺋﺭ ﺻﺣﺎﻓﻳﻭں ﺳﮯ ﺑﺎﺕ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺟﮩﺎں ﺑﻬﯽ ﺟﺎﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں ﻭﮨﺎں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺳﮑﻳﻭﺭﭨﯽ ﭘﺭ ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺳﻭﺍﻝ ﮨﻭﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں۔ ﺩﮨﺷﺕ ﮔﺭﺩی ﺍﻭﺭ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺑﺣﺭﺍﻥ ﺟﻳﺳﮯ ﻣﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﺳﮯ ﻧﻣﭨﻧﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﺑﮩﺕ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻼﺕ ﺑﺎﺕ ﭼﻳﺕ ﺳﮯ ﺣﻝ ﮐﻳﮯ ﮔﺋﮯ ﮨﻳں۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﭘﻭﺭے ﺧﻁﮯ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﮔﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﻓﺭی ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺑﻧﺎﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﺗﻭ ﺑﮩﺕ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻗﻭﺍﻧﻳﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺑﺩﻳﻠﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺳﮑﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻥ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﻭﮨﯽ ﺣﻳﺛﻳﺕ ﺩی ﺟﺎﺳﮑﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺟﻭ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﻭ ﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﻣﻳں ﻏﻳﺭ‬ ‫ﻣﻠﮑﻳﻭں ﮐﻭ ﮐﺎﻡ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﺧﺻﻭﺻﯽ ﺩﺭﺟہ ﺩﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ‬

‫ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﻓﺮی ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﺑﻨﻨﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﮑﻤﻞ ﺻﻼﺣﻴﺖ ﺭﮐﻬﺘﺎ ﮨﮯ‪،‬ﺍﻗﺘﺼﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺪﺍﺭی ﺑﻠﻮﭼﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺮﻗﯽ‬ ‫‪ -- Nawa-e-Waqat‬ﻣﻴﮟ ﺳﻨﮓ ﻣﻴﻞ ﺛﺎﺑﺖ ﮨﻮ ﮔﯽ‪ :‬ﻭﺯﻳﺮﺍﻋﻈﻢ‬

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‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻓﺭی ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺑﻧﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﺻﻼﺣﻳﺕ ﺭﮐﻬﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ‪،‬ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺳﻧﮓ ﻣﻳﻝ ﺛﺎﺑﺕ‬ ‫ﮨﻭ ﮔﯽ‪ :‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ )ﻣﺎﻧﻳﭨﺭﻧﮓ ڈﻳﺳﮏ( ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻣﻳں ﻓﺭی ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺑﻧﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﭘﻭﺭی ﺻﻼﺣﻳﺕ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺍﮔﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﻓﺭی ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺑﻧﺎﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﺗﻭ ﺧﻁﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻳﻥ ﺍﺭﺏ ﺁﺑﺎﺩی ﺑﺎﻟﺧﺻﻭﺹ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﺑﮩﺕ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﯽ ﺯﻳﺭ ﺻﺩﺍﺭﺕ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﺳﮯ ﻣﺗﻌﻠﻖ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﮨﻭﺍ ﺟﺱ ﻣﻳں ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺗﮏ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﺳﮯ ﻣﺗﻌﻠﻖ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﻭ ﺑﺭﻳﻔﻧﮓ ﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ۔ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﻣﻳڈﻳﺎ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻔﺗﮕﻭ‬ ‫ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﮐﺎ ﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻠﮯ ﺳﮯ ﻭﺍﺑﺳﺗہ ﮨﮯ‪،‬‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﭘﻭﺭے ﺧﻁﮯ ﮐﻭ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﻥ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺧﻠﻳﺟﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﮨﻭں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺩﺑﺋﯽ ﭘﻭﺭٹ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺻﻼﺣﻳﺕ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻓﺭی ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺑﻧﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﭘﻭﺭی ﺻﻼﺣﻳﺕ ﺭﮐﻬﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺍﮔﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﻓﺭی ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺑﻧﺎ‬ ‫ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﺗﻭ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻳﻥ ﺍﺭﺏ ﺁﺑﺎﺩی ﮐﻭ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭے ﻣﻳں ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺩﺳﺗﺧﻁ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﭼﻧﺩ ﺳﺎﻟﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺍﺱ ﮐﯽ ﻻﮔﺕ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺭﻳﮑﻭﺭ ﮐﺭ ﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻥ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﺳﮯ ﺑﺭﺁﻣﺩﺍﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻓﺭﻭﻍ ﻣﻠﮯ ﮔﺎ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﻳہ ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﺳﻧﮓ ﻣﻳﻝ ﺛﺎﺑﺕ ﮨﻭ ﮔﯽ۔ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﺯﻩ ﻟﻳﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﭼﻳﻥ ﻭﻓﺩ‬ ‫ﭘﻳﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺭﻭﺯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺁﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﻭﮨﯽ ﺣﻳﺛﻳﺕ ﺩی ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺟﻭ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﻭ ﺩی‬ ‫ﮔﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬

‫ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻮ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﺟﻴﺴﯽ ﺣﻴﺜﻴﺖ ﺩی ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﺘﯽ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﻧﻮﺍﺯ ﺷﺮﻳﻒ ‪ --‬ﺍے ﭘﯽ ﭘﯽ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﺟﻳﺳﯽ ﺣﻳﺛﻳﺕ ﺩی ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ‪ :‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﺣﻣﺩ ﻧﻭﺍﺯﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ‪ ،‬ﺩﻭﺑﺋﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳﻧﮕﺎ ﭘﻭﺭ ﺟﻳﺳﯽ ﺻﻼﺣﻳﺕ ﺭﮐﻬﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﻏﻳﺭ ﻣﻠﮑﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻏﻳﺏ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺍﺳﮯ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﺟﻳﺳﯽ ﺧﺻﻭﺻﯽ ﺣﻳﺛﻳﺕ ﺩی ﺟﺎﺳﮑﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻭﻩ ﺟﻣﻌہ ﮐﻭ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﺁﻓﺱ ﻣﻳں ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺗﮏ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﭘﺭ ﻏﻭﺭ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻣﻧﻌﻘﺩﻩ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﺧﻁﺎﺏ ﮐﺭ ﺭﮨﮯ ﺗﻬﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﺷﺎﻭﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩﻩ ﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﭨﺭﻳﮏ ﮐﻭ ﺩﻭ ﺍﺭﺏ ‪ 70‬ﮐﺭﻭڑ ڈﺍﻟﺭ‬ ‫‪1064‬‬

‫‪All Day‬‬

‫‪August 23, 2013 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Fri‬‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﻻﮔﺕ ﺳﮯ ﺍپ ﮔﺭﻳڈ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺍﺻﻭﻟﯽ ﻣﻧﻅﻭﺭی ﺩی۔ ﺩﻭ ﺳﺎﻟہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﺍﺱ ﭨﺭﻳﮏ ﭘﺭ ‪ 120‬ﮐﻠﻭﻣﻳﭨﺭ‬ ‫ﻓﯽ ﮔﻬﻧﭨہ ﮐﯽ ﺭﻓﺗﺎﺭ ﺳﮯ ﭼﻠﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﭨﺭﻳﻧﻳں ﭼﻝ ﺳﮑﻳں ﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﺳﮯ ﻻﮨﻭﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺳﻔﺭ ‪ 18‬ﮔﻬﻧﭨﮯ ﺳﮯ ﮐﻡ ﮨﻭ ﮐﺭ ‪ 12‬ﮔﻬﻧﭨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺷﺎﻭﺭ ﮐﺎ ﺳﻔﺭ‬ ‫‪ 27‬ﮔﻬﻧﭨﮯ ﺳﮯ ﮐﻡ ﮨﻭ ﮐﺭ ‪ 17‬ﮔﻬﻧﭨﮯ ﺭﻩ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﺭﻭﺍﺕ ﻣﻳں ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻧﺋﮯ ﮨﻭﺍﺋﯽ ﺍڈے ﮐﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺗﺟﻭﻳﺯ ﺩی۔ ﺗﺎﮨﻡ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﻣﻠﮏ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺳﺭﮔﺭﻣﻳﺎں ﺍﺳﯽ ﺻﻭﺭﺕ ﻣﻳں ﮨﻭﺳﮑﺗﯽ ﮨﻳں ﺟﺏ ﺍﻣﻥ ﮨﻭ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﺎ ﺣﻭﺍﻟہ ﺩﻳﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﻣﻳں ﮔﮩﺭی‬ ‫ﺩﻟﭼﺳﭘﯽ ﻟﮯ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﭘﻭﺭے ﺧﻁﮯ ﮐﻭ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﻥ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﺎ ﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺳﮯ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﺑﺭﺁﻣﺩﺍﺕ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺳﺎﻓﺕ ‪ 16‬ﺩﻧﻭں ﺳﮯ ﮐﻡ ﮨﻭ ﮐﺭ ‪ 4‬ﺩﻥ ﺭﻩ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ‬ ‫ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﻻﮔﺕ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮐﻡ ﮨﻭ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﮯ ﮐﻡ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﻳﺎﻓﺗہ ﻋﻼﻗﻭں ﮐﻭ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ‬ ‫ﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ ﮔﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﺎﺭﻭں ﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺟڑ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺳﺎﻻﻧہ ‪ 250‬ﺍﺭﺏ ﺭﻭﭘﮯ ﺭﻳﻭﻧﻳﻭ ﮐﻣﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩﻩ ﻣﻭﭨﺭ ﻭﻳﺯ ﮐﻭ ﻧﺟﯽ ﺷﻌﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﮐﻳﺎ‬ ‫ﺟﺎﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺳڑﮐﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻓﻧڈﺯ ﺩﺳﺗﻳﺎﺏ ﮨﻭ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﮐﻭ ﮨﺭی ﭘﻭﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﻣﻼﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻣﺟﻭﺯﻩ ﺳﺭﻧﮓ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻠﮕﺕ ﺑﻠﺗﺳﺗﺎﻥ ‪ ،‬ﺍﻳﺑٹ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﺍﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﻣﺎﻧﺳﮩﺭﻩ ﮐﻭ ﻣﺧﺗﺻﺭ ﺭﻭٹ ﻣﻝ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﺭﻳﺱ ﻭے ﮐﻭ ﻣﻅﻔﺭ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﺗﮏ ﺗﻭﺳﻳﻊ ﺩی ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﻟﻭﺋﺭ ﭨﻭﭘہ‪ -‬ﺣﻭﻳﻠﻳﺎں ﭘﻭﺭﺷﻥ‬ ‫ﺟﻠﺩ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﻧﺷﺎﻧﺩﮨﯽ ﮐﯽ ﮐہ ﻓﺗﺢ ﺟﻧﮓ ﮐﮯ ﻗﺭﻳﺏ ﺯﻳﺭ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﻧﺋﮯ ﮨﻭﺍﺋﯽ ﺍڈے ﮐﮯ ڈﻳﺯﺍﺋﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺧﺎﻣﻳﺎں ﮨﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺭﻭﺍﺕ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﻗﺭﻳﺏ ﺍﻳﮏ ﻧﺋﮯ ﮨﻭﺍﺋﯽ ﺍڈے ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻥ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻻﮨﻭﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺯﻳﺭ ﺯﻣﻳﻥ ﭨﺭﻳﻥ ﺳﺭﻭﺱ ﺳﻣﻳﺕ ﺍﺱ ﻁﺭﺡ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺗﻳﺎﺭ ﮐﺋﮯ ﺟﺎﺳﮑﺗﮯ‬ ‫ﮨﻳں۔ ﭼﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﺍﺱ ﻁﺭﺡ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻓﻧڈﺯ ﺩﻳﻧﮯ ﻣﻳں ﮔﮩﺭی ﺩﻟﭼﺳﭘﯽ ﻅﺎﮨﺭ ﮐﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻋﻠﯽ ﭘﻧﺟﺎﺏ ﺍﺱ ﻁﺭﺡ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﮨﯽ ﻏﻭﺭ ﮐﺭ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ‬ ‫ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ‬ ‫ٰ‬ ‫ﻁﺭﺡ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﻗﺎﺑﻝ ﻋﻣﻝ ﮨﻳں ﺟﻭ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﻣﻌﻳﺷﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﺎ ﺳﮑﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں۔‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺧﺯﺍﻧہ ﺍﺳﺣﺎﻕ ڈﺍﺭ ﻧﮯ ﻧﺷﺎﻧﺩﮨﯽ ﮐﯽ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﮐﻧﺎﻣﮏ ﮐﻭﺭﻳڈﻭﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻳﺎﺭی ﻣﻳں ﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ ﮐﮯ ﭘﻥ ﺑﺟﻠﯽ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﮐﻭ ﻣﺩﻧﻅﺭ ﺭﮐﻬﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﺗﺎﮐہ ﺁ ﺋﻧﺩﻩ ﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ڈﻳﺯﺍﺋﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺑﺩﻳﻠﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﻧہ ﭘڑے۔‬ ‫ﻧﻳﺷﻧﻝ ﮨﺎﺋﯽ ﻭے ﺍﺗﻬﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﮯ ﭼﻳﺋﺭﻣﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺑﺭﻳﻔﻧﮓ ﻣﻳں ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮨﻧﺟﺭﺍﺏ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺭﻭڈ ﮐﯽ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺍﻻﺋﻧﻣﻧٹ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺟﻭﻳﺯ‬ ‫ﮨﮯ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ ﻗﺭﺍﻗﺭﻡ ﭘﺭ ﭘﻠﻭں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳﺭﻧﮕﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﺳﮯ ﻓﺎﺻﻠہ ﮐﻡ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﮐﻭ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﺑﺎﺑﻭﺳﺭﭨﺎپ ﮐﮯ ﻗﺭﻳﺏ ‪ 15‬ﮐﻠﻭﻣﻳﭨﺭ ﻁﻭﻳﻝ ﺳﺭﻧﮓ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺳﮑﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ‬ ‫ﻗﺭﺍﻗﺭﻡ ﮐﺎ ﻓﺎﺻﻠہ ‪ 150‬ﮐﻠﻭﻣﻳﭨﺭ ﺗﮏ ﮐﻡ ﮨﻭ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﻣﻳں ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺧﺯﺍﻧہ ﺍﺳﺣﺎﻕ ڈﺍﺭ‪ ،‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺩی ﻭ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﺣﺳﻥ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ‪ ،‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺍﻁﻼﻋﺎﺕ ﭘﺭﻭﻳﺯ ﺭﺷﻳﺩ‪ ،‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭ‬ ‫ﺍﻋﻠﯽ ﺣﮑﺎﻡ ﻧﮯ ﺷﺭﮐﺕ ﮐﯽ۔‬ ‫ﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﺧﻭﺍﺟہ ﺳﻌﺩ ﺭﻓﻳﻖ‪ ،‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﺧﺻﻭﺻﯽ ﻁﺎﺭﻕ ﻓﺎﻁﻣﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ‬ ‫ٰ‬

‫‪ -‬ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻮ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﮯ ﻁﺮﺯ ﭘﺮ ﻓﺮی ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﺩﺭﺟہ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﺘﺎ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﻣﻴﺎں ﻧﻮﺍﺯﺷﺮﻳﻒ‬‫‪APP‬‬ ‫ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﮯ ﻁﺭﺯ ﭘﺭ ﻓﺭی ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﺩﺭﺟہ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯﺷﺭﻳﻑ‬‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ )ﻗﺩﺭﺕ ﻧﻳﻭﺯ ( ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﮯ ﮐﯽ ‪ 3‬ﺍﺭﺏ ﺁﺑﺎﺩی ﮐﻭ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ‪ ،‬ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﮯ ﻁﺭﺯ ﭘﺭ ﻓﺭی ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﺩﺭﺟہ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﺗﺎ‬ ‫ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﮨﻣﻳں ﻣﻠﮏ ﻣﻳں ﺩﮨﺷﺕ ﮔﺭﺩی ﺍﻭﺭ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺟﻳﺳﮯ ﻣﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﺳﮯ ﻧﻣﭨﻧﺎ ﮨﮯ‪،‬ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﺎ ﻭﻓﺩ ﭘﻳﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی‬ ‫ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﺯﻩ ﻟﻳﻧﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ ﮔﺎ‪ ،‬ﭼﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﺯﻳﺭ ﺯﻣﻳﻥ ﻣﻳﭨﺭﻭﺑﺱ ﺳﺭﻭﺱ ﻣﻳں ﺩﻟﭼﺳﭘﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻅﮩﺎﺭ ﮐﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ۔ﻭﻩ‬ ‫ﺟﻣﻌہ ﮐﻭﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺑﺎﺭے ﺑﺭﻳﻔﻧﮓ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﺎﺏ ﮐﺭﺭﮨﮯ ﺗﻬﮯ ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ‬ ‫ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﮐﻭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻧﯽ ﻣﺻﻧﻭﻋﺎﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺭ ﺁﻣﺩﺍﺕ ﻣﻳں ﻭﻗﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺑﭼﺕ ﮨﻭﮔﯽ۔ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺧﻠﻳﺟﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﮨﻭں ﮐﮯ ﻣﻘﺎﺑﻠﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺻﻼﺣﻳﺕ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﺭے ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ‬ ‫ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﺎ ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﮔﻠﮕﺕ ﻭ ﺑﻠﺗﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﺎﺭﻭں ﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﮐﻭ ﻣﻼﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭ‬ ‫ﮔﺎﻩ ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﺟﻐﺭﺍﻓﻳﺎﺋﯽ ﻣﺣﻝ ﻭﻗﻭﻉ ﮐﯽ ﻭﺟہ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻧﺗﮩﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺣﺎﻣﻝ ﮨﮯ۔ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﮯ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ‪ 3‬ﺍﺭﺏ ﺁﺑﺎﺩی ﮐﻭ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﮯ ﻁﺭﺯ ﭘﺭ ﻓﺭی ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ﺩﺭﺟہ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﮨﻣﻳں ﻣﻠﮏ ﻣﻳں ﺩﮨﺷﺕ ﮔﺭﺩی ﺍﻭﺭ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺟﻳﺳﮯ ﻣﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﺳﮯ ﻧﻣﭨﻧﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎﮐہ‬ ‫ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﺎ ﻭﻓﺩ ﭘﻳﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﺯﻩ ﻟﻳﻧﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ‬ ‫ﻻﮨﻭﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﺯﻳﺭﻭﺯﻣﻳﻥ ﻣﻳﭨﺭﻭﺳﺭﻭﺱ ﭘﺭ ﺑﺎﺕ ﮨﻭﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ ۔ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭے ﻣﻳں ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی‬ ‫‪1065‬‬

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‫‪August 23, 2013 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Fri‬‬ ‫ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺩﺳﺗﺧﻁ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ‬

‫‪ -- Dunia News‬ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻮ ﻭﮨﯽ ﺩﺭﺟہ ﺩے ﺳﮑﺘﮯ ﮨﻴﮟ ﺟﻮ ﭼﻴﻦ ﻧﮯ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﻮ ﺩﻳﺎ'‬

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‫)ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﻧﻳﻭﺯ( ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﻭﺍﺯﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﻓﺭی ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺑﻧﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﭘﻭﺭی ﺻﻼﺣﻳﺕ ﮨﮯ۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﻭﮨﯽ ﺩﺭﺟہ ﺩے ﺳﮑﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺟﻭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﻭ ﺩے ﺭﮐﻬﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﺱ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻗﻭﺍﻧﻳﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺑﺩﻳﻠﯽ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮐﺭ ﺳﮑﺗﮯ‬ ‫ﮨﻳں۔‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﻣﻳں ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﻭ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ‪ ،‬ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺑﺭﻳﻔﻧﮓ ﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ ‪ ،‬ﺟﺱ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﺯﻩ ﻟﻳﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﻭﻓﺩ ﭘﻳﺭ ﮐﻭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﭘﻭﺭے ﺧﻁﮯ ﮐﻭ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﮐﺎ ﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ ﻭﺍﺑﺳﺗہ‬ ‫ﮨﮯ ۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺧﻠﻳﺟﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﮨﻭں ﺳﮯ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺻﻼﺣﻳﺕ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﺧﺎﺹ ﻁﻭﺭ ﭘﺭ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﮨﻭ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻳں ﻓﺭی ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺑﻧﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﭘﻭﺭی ﺻﻼﺣﻳﺕ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺳﮯ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﻭﺍﻻ ﺍﺳﭨﻳﭨﺱ ﺩے ﺳﮑﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں ۔ ﺿﺭﺭﻭﺕ ﭘڑی ﺗﻭ ﻗﻭﺍﻧﻳﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺑﺩﻳﻠﯽ ﻻﺋﮯ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ‬ ‫ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﻭ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺩﮨﺷﺕ ﮔﺭﺩی ﺟﻳﺳﮯ ﻣﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﺳﮯ ﻧﻣﭨﻧﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﻻﮨﻭﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺯﻳﺭ ﺯﻣﻳﻥ ﻣﻳﭨﺭﻭ ﺑﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺎﺕ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮨﻭﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬

‫‪ -- Radio Pakistan‬ﻭﺯﻳﺮ ﺍﻋﻈﻢ‪:‬ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺮ‪،‬ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭﺍﻗﺘﺼﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺪﺍﺭی ﻣﻨﺼﻮﺑﮯ ﭘﺮﺑﺮﻳﻔﻨﮓ‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺍﻋﻅﻡ‪:‬ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ‪،‬ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭﺑﺭﻳﻔﻧﮓ‬ ‫ﺁﺝ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﻭﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺑﺭﻳﻔﻧﮓ ﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ۔‬ ‫ﺑﺭﻳﻔﻧﮓ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﮐﻭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻧﯽ ﻣﺻﻧﻭﻋﺎﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺭ ﺁﻣﺩﺍﺕ ﻣﻳں ﻭﻗﺕ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﺑﭼﺕ ﮨﻭﮔﯽ۔ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺧﻠﻳﺟﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﮨﻭں ﮐﮯ ﻣﻘﺎﺑﻠﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺻﻼﺣﻳﺕ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﺭے ﻣﺫﻳﺩ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﺎ ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﮔﻠﮕﺕ ﻭ ﺑﻠﺗﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﺎﺭﻭں ﺻﻭﺑﻭں‬ ‫ﮐﻭ ﻣﻼﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﺩﺭ ﮔﺎﻩ ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﺟﻐﺭﺍﻓﻳﺎﺋﯽ ﻣﺣﻝ ﻭﻗﻭﻉ ﮐﯽ ﻭﺟہ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻧﺗﮩﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺣﺎﻣﻝ ﮨﮯ۔ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی‬ ‫ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﮯ ﮐﯽ ‪ 3‬ﺍﺭﺏ ﺁﺑﺎﺩی ﮐﻭ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔‬ ‫ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﮨﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﮯ ﻁﺭﺯ ﭘﺭ ﻓﺭی ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﺩﺭﺟہ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﮨﻣﻳں ﻣﻠﮏ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﺩﮨﺷﺕ ﮔﺭﺩی ﺍﻭﺭ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺟﻳﺳﮯ ﻣﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﺳﮯ ﻧﻣﭨﻧﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﺎ ﻭﻓﺩ ﭘﻳﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﺯﻩ ﻟﻳﻧﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ ﮔﺎ‬

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August 24, 2013 Sat All Day

Gwadar can become free port: PM -- Pakistan Today Gwadar can become free port: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Friday that the Gwadar Port could be awarded a special status on the pattern of the Hong Kong port.

The prime minister said that the Gwadar-Kashgar corridor will generate employment opportunities and bring prosperity to the country. He said the Gwadar Port had the potential to become a free port. He said that Gwadar Port had more potential than Hong Kong‚ Singapore‚ and Dubai ports.

He said this while speaking at a briefing here on Friday, as reported by the state-run Radio.

The prime minister said that the Gwadar-Kashgar economic corridor would bring progress and prosperity and generate employment opportunities in the country. He said that about three billion people of the region would benefit from this project.

The prime minister said that the corridor would provide China an easy access to the Middle East and Europe‚ which would also benefit Pakistan.Nawaz Sharif said that it would help save time‚ cost and freight charges‚ as it was the shortest route between China‚ the Middle East and European countries through the Gwadar Port.

Referring to the security situation in Pakistan‚ Nawaz Sharif said that the menace of terrorism should be eliminated to put the country back on the path of peace and progress.A Chinese delegation is arriving in Islamabad on Monday to review the proposed economic corridor project.

The prime minister said that special economic zones would be established along the economic corridor. He said the Chinese companies had shown their willingness to set up industries in the economic zones.

He also proposed to set up a new airport at Rawat near Islamabad. He said the Muzaffarabad-Mangla Road would be constructed, linking it with the Grand Trunk Road. Nawaz Sharif directed the Pakistan Railways to propose new routes to benefit the maximum number of people.

The briefing was attended by ministers for finance‚ information‚ planning and development‚ railways‚ religious affairs‚ opposition leader in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and other senior officials.

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August 25, 2013 Sun All Day

HK-Gwadar reflect PM’s vision of Pakistan -- Observer HK-Gwadar reflect PM’s vision of Pakistan

Sunday, August 25, 2013 - THERE is no doubt that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has a grand vision to turn Pakistan into a fast moving economy and a fully developed country where motorways, fast railway network, industrial zones and skyscrapers provide the modern day facilities to the people.

Chairing a briefing on Kashgar to Gwadar Economic Corridor, Mr Nawaz Sharif said Gwadar had a potential like Dubai and Singapore and it could be given a special status like Hong Kong to attract foreign investment and boost national economy. In line with his vision, the Prime Minister also approved upgradation of the existing railway track between Karachi and Peshawar at a cost of $ 2.7 billion. He has also proposed the construction of new tunnels, train links and roads across the country as he believes that infrastructure is key to development. These are mega projects and once their implementation starts, they would boost economic activity leading to more jobs and higher domestic industrial output. The idea of turning Gwadar into a free port like Hong Kong would be welcomed by the business community as it would accelerate movement of goods from all over the world and thus add to the development of industrial zones. We have seen this successful model as pointed out by the Prime Minister in Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai and needs to be emulated in Gwadar. Due to its geo-strategic location as a crossroads, Pakistan can get maximum benefits of Gwadar Port for being the shortest possible route that the project has to provide for transportation of oil and gas to the energy starved countries. Besides, the proximity of the Port to the Gulf and Central Asian Republics would provide a unique opportunity for Pakistan to capitalize on them through better diplomatic ties with Arab States and Central Asian Republics. The port can help promote trans-shipment of containerized cargo in addition to unlocking the development potential for the resource rich Balochistan. That will open up huge avenues for Pakistanis to benefit from the port, particularly with the development of infrastructure. We are confident that if all goes well, the Government is able to deal with distracting issues and Prime Minister’s overtures to promote peace in the region are reciprocated, Pakistan can certainly move on the road to progress and prosperity.

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‫‪August 26, 2013‬‬ ‫‪Mon‬‬ ‫ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺮ ﺗﺎ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻗﺘﺼﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺪﺍﺭی ﻣﻨﺼﻮﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﺰﻩ ﻟﻴﻨﮯ ﮐﮯﻟﺌﮯ ﭼﻴﻨﯽ ﻭﻓﺪ ﺁﺝ ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ‬ ‫‪ -- Nawa e Waqat‬ﭘﮩﻨﭽﮯ ﮔﺎ‬ ‫ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﺗﺎ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﺯﻩ ﻟﻳﻧﮯ ﮐﮯﻟﺋﮯ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﻭﻓﺩ ﺁﺝ ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ ﮔﺎ‬ ‫ﺍﮔﺳﺕ ‪26 0 2013‬‬ ‫ﺍﻋﻠﯽ ﺳﻁﺣﯽ‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ )ﺍﻳﻥ ﺍﻳﻥ ﺁﺋﯽ(ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﺗﺎ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﺯﻩ ﻟﻳﻧﮯ ﮐﮯﻟﺋﮯ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ٰ‬ ‫ﻭﻓﺩ )ﺁﺝ( ﭘﻳﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﻭﻓﺩ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺩی ﻭ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﺣﺳﻥ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ ﺳﮯ ﺗﻔﺻﻳﻠﯽ ﻣﻼﻗﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﮐﺭےﮔﺎ۔ ﺧﻧﺟﺭﺍﺏ ﺗﺎ ﺣﻭﻳﻠﻳﺎں ﺭﻭٹ ﮐﺎ ﺑﻐﻭﺭ ﺟﺎﺋﺯﻩ ﻟﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩﻩ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ ﻗﺭﺍﻗﺭﻡ ﮐﻭ ﭼﻭڑﺍ‬ ‫ﮐﻳﺎﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﭨﺭﻳﮏ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺑﭼﻬﺎﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔‬

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‫‪All Day‬‬

‫‪August 28, 2013‬‬ ‫‪Wed‬‬ ‫‪ -- Radio Pakistan‬ﭘﺎک ﭼﻴﻦ ﮐﮯﺍﻗﺘﺼﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺪﺍﺭی ﮐﻤﻴﺸﻦ ﺳﻴﮑﺮﭨﺮﻳﭧ ﮐﺎﺍﻓﺘﺘﺎﺡ ﮨﻮﮔﻴﺎ‬

‫‪All Day‬‬

‫ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﻣﻳﺷﻥ ﺳﻳﮑﺭﭨﺭﻳٹ ﮐﺎﺍﻓﺗﺗﺎﺡ ﮨﻭﮔﻳﺎ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﺳﻳﮑﺭﭨﺭﻳٹ ﮐﺎ ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﻣﻳں ﺑﺎﺿﺎﺑﻁہ ﻁﻭﺭ ﭘﺭ ﺍﻓﺗﺗﺎﺡ ﮐﺭﺩﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺑﺭﺍﺋﮯ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﻭﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺩی ﺍﺣﺳﻥ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺻﻼﺣﺎﺕ ﮐﮯ ﮐﻣﻳﺷﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻭﺍﺋﺱ‬ ‫ﻧﮯ ﻣﺷﺗﺭﮐہ ﻁﻭﺭ ﭘﺭ ﺳﻳﮑﺭﭨﺭﻳٹ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻓﺗﺗﺎﺡ ﮐﻳﺎ۔ ‪ Zhang Xiaoqiang‬ﭼﻳﺋﺭﻣﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﻣﻳﺷﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﺭے ﻣﻳں ﻣﺷﺗﺭﮐہ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﮐﻣﻳﭨﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻓﺗﺗﺎﺣﯽ‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻑ ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺗﻭں ﮐﯽ ﻧﻣﺎﺋﻧﺩﮔﯽ ﺍﺣﺳﻥ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ ‪ Zhang Xiaoqiang‬ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﮨﻭﺍ ﺟﺱ ﻣﻳں ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﻭﻓﺩ ﮐﯽ ﻗﻳﺎﺩﺕ‬ ‫ﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺣﺳﻥ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ ﻧﮯ ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﺍﻓﺗﺗﺎﺣﯽ ﮐﻠﻣﺎﺕ ﻣﻳں ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﺻﺭﻑ ﭨﺭﺍﻧﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﺭﺍﺑﻁہ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮨﮯ ﺑﻠﮑہ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﭨﻳﻠﯽ ﻣﻭﺍﺻﻼﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﺑﻬﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﻣﻳﺷﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﺳﮯ ﺩﻭﻁﺭﻓہ ﺭﺍﺑﻁﮯ‬ ‫ﻭﺳﻁﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﺎ ﻋﻣﻝ ﺗﻳﺯ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔‬ ‫ﮨﻭں ﮔﮯ ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﺟﻧﻭﺑﯽ ﺍﻳﺷﻳﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﺷﺭﻕ‬ ‫ٰ‬ ‫ﺍﺣﺳﻥ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺳﮯ ﻧہ ﺻﺭﻑ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺑﻠﮑہ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﺑﻬﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺳﭨﺭﭨﻳﺟﮏ ﻣﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﻣﻳﺳﺭ ﺁﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ‪Zhang Xiaoqiang‬ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﻭﻓﺩ ﮐﮯ ﺭﮨﻧﻣﺎ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﺑﻬﺭﭘﻭﺭ ﺻﻼﺣﻳﺕ ﺭﮐﻬﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں۔‬ ‫ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺍ ﺱ ﺳﮯ ﻧہ ﺻﺭﻑ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻓﺭﻭﻍ ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ ﺑﻠﮑہ ﺧﻁﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺭﻭﺯﮔﺎﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﻣﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺫﺭﻳﻌﮯ ﺍﺳﺗﺣﮑﺎﻡ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺁﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔‬

‫‪، -- APP‬ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﭘﺎک ﭼﻴﻦ ﺩﻭﺳﺘﯽ ﮐﻮ ﺑﮩﺖ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺍﮨﻤﻴﺖ ﺩﻳﺘﺎ ﮨﮯ‬

‫‪All Day‬‬

‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺩﻭﺳﺗﯽ ﮐﻭ ﺑﮩﺕ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﺩﻳﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺗﺭﻗﻳﺎﺗﯽ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﻣﻳں ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﻳﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﺩﻟﭼﺳﭘﯽ ﻗﺎﺑﻝ ﺗﺣﺳﻳﻥ ﮨﮯ‪،‬ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی‪ ،‬ﻣﻭﭨﺭﻭےﺯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺟﺎﺕ ﮐﻭ ﺍﻭﻟﻳﻥ ﺗﺭﺟﻳﺢ‬ ‫ﺩﻳﺗﮯ ﮨﻳﻧﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﺣﻣﺩ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﯽ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺻﻼﺣﺎﺕ ﮐﻣﺷﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻭﻓﺩ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻔﺗﮕﻭ‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ۔ ‪ 28‬ﺍﮔﺳﺕ )ﺍے ﭘﯽ ﭘﯽ( ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻣﺣﻣﺩ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺩﻭﺳﺗﯽ ﮐﻭ ﺑﮩﺕ‬ ‫ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﺩﻳﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺗﺭﻗﻳﺎﺗﯽ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﻣﻳں ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﻳﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﻣﻳں ﺩﻟﭼﺳﭘﯽ ﻗﺎﺑﻝ ﺗﺣﺳﻳﻥ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں‬ ‫ﻧﮯ ﻳہ ﺑﺎﺕ ﺑﺩﻫ ﮐﻭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺻﻼﺣﺎﺕ ﮐﻣﺷﻥ )ﺍﻳﻥ ڈی ﺁﺭ ﺳﯽ( ﮐﮯ ﻭﻓﺩ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻔﺗﮕﻭ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ‬ ‫ﮐﻳﺎﻧﮓ ﮐﯽ ﻗﻳﺎﺩﺕ ﻣﻳں ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻼﻗﺎﺕ ﮐﯽ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺅﮐﮩﯽ ﺟﺱ ﻧﮯ ﮐﻣﻳﺷﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻭﺍﺋﺱ ﭼﻳﺋﺭﻣﻳﻥ ژﺍﻧﮓ ﭼﺎ‬ ‫ﺧﺯﺍﻧہ ﺍﺳﺣﻖ ڈﺍﺭ‪ ،‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺩی ﻭ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﺣﺳﻥ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ‪ ،‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﺧﻭﺍﺟہ ﺳﻌﺩ ﺭﻓﻳﻖ‪ ،‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﭘﺎﻧﯽ ﻭ ﺑﺟﻠﯽ‬ ‫ﺧﻭﺍﺟہ ﻣﺣﻣﺩ ﺁﺻﻑ‪ ،‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﺧﺻﻭﺻﯽ ﻁﺎﺭﻕ ﻓﺎﻁﻣﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳﻳﻧﺋﺭ ﺍﻓﺳﺭﺍﻥ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻭﻗﻊ ﭘﺭ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ‬ ‫ﺗﻬﮯ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻑ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺟﺎﺕ ﮐﮯ ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﺍﻻﻭﻗﺎﺕ ﭘﺭ ﺯﻭﺭ ﺩﻳﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی‪ ،‬ﻣﻭﭨﺭﻭے ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺟﺎﺕ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺟﺎﺕ ﮐﻭ ﺍﻭﻟﻳﻥ ﺗﺭﺟﻳﺢ ﺩﻳﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﺍﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺟﺎﺕ ﻣﻳں ﺩﻟﭼﺳﭘﯽ ﻅﺎﮨﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﭘﺭ ﻭﻓﺩ ﮐﺎ ﺷﮑﺭﻳہ ﺍﺩﺍ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﻭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﻧﻣﻭ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺿﺭﻭﺭی ﮨﻳں۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺩی ﻭ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﺣﺳﻥ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ ﻧﮯ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﻭ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻳﻥ ڈی ﺁﺭ‬ ‫ﺳﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺗﻔﺻﻳﻠﯽ ﺍﺟﻼﺳﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﺭے ﻣﻳں ﺁﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﻣﺷﺗﺭﮐہ ﻭﺭﮐﻧﮓ ﮔﺭﻭپ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﺷﺗﺭﮐہ‬ ‫ﻣﺎﮨﺭﻳﻥ ﮔﺭﻭپ ﺗﺷﮑﻳﻝ ﭘﺎ ﭼﮑﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﺍﻁﺭﺍﻑ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺑﺎﻗﺎﻋﺩﮔﯽ ﺳﮯ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﮨﻭں ﮔﮯ۔ ﻭﺍﺋﺱ ﭼﻳﺋﺭﻣﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﺍﻳﻥ ڈی ﺁﺭ ﺳﯽ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﻳﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺟﻭﺵ ﻭ ﺧﺭﻭﺵ ﮐﯽ ﻟﮩﺭ ﭘﺎﺋﯽ ﺟﺎﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻭﻩ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ‬ ‫ﺟﺎﺕ ﭘﺭ ﮐﺎﻡ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺧﻭﺍﮨﺎں ﮨﻳں۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺑﺟﻠﯽ ﮐﯽ ﭘﻳﺩﺍﻭﺍﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺟﺎﺕ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻼﻭﻩ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺑﺟﻠﯽ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺗﺭﺳﻳﻝ ﻭ ﺗﻘﺳﻳﻡ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺟﺎﺕ ﻣﻳں ﺑﻬﯽ ﺩﻟﭼﺳﭘﯽ ﺭﮐﻬﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﻳﻘﻳﻥ ﺩﻻﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺟﺎﺕ ﻣﻘﺭﺭﻩ ﻣﺩﺕ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺍﻧﺩﺭ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﮐﺋﮯ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ۔ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﻭﻓﺩ ﻧﮯ ﻻﮨﻭﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺟﺎﺕ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻘﺎﻣﺎﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭے ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺧﻭﺍﮨﺵ ﻅﺎﮨﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺎﮐہ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺭﺍﮨﻳں ﺗﻼﺵ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﻳں۔ ﺑﻌﺩ ﺍﺯﺍں ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﮯ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﻭﻓﺩ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻋﺯﺍﺯ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﻅﮩﺭﺭﺍﻧہ ﺩﻳﺎ‬

‫ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﭼﻴﻦ ﺍﻗﺘﺼﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺪﺍﺭی ﺳﻴﮑﺮﭨﺮﻳﭧ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻓﺘﺘﺎﺡ‪ ،‬ﻣﻨﺼﻮﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻮﺍﻟﮯ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺸﺎﻭﺭﺗﯽ‬ ‫‪ -- Nawa-e-Waqat‬ﺍﺟﻼﺱ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﺳﻳﮑﺭﭨﺭﻳٹ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻓﺗﺗﺎﺡ‪ ،‬ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺷﺎﻭﺭﺗﯽ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ )ﻧﻭﺍﺋﮯ ﻭﻗﺕ ﺭﭘﻭﺭٹ( ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ‪ ،‬ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﺳﻳﮑﺭﭨﺭﻳٹ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻓﺗﺗﺎﺡ ﮐﺭﺩﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ۔‬ ‫ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﻣﻠﮑﻭں ﻧﮯ ﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﻻﺋﻥ ﺑﭼﻬﺎﻧﮯ‪ ،‬ﺳڑﮐﻳں ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺻﻧﻌﺗﯽ ﺯﻭﻧﺯ ﮐﮯ ﻗﻳﺎﻡ ﭘﺭ ﺍﺗﻔﺎﻕ ﮐﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﭘﺎک‬ ‫ﭼﻳﻧﻥ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﺳﻳﮑﺭﭨﺭﻳٹ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻓﺗﺗﺎﺡ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺩی ﺍﺣﺳﻥ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻧﮑﮯ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﮨﻡ ﻣﻧﺻﺏ‬ ‫ﻣﺳﭨﺭ ﺯﻳﻧﮓ ﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﺎ۔ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﻣﺷﺗﺭﮐہ ﮐﻭﺁﭘﺭﻳﺷﻥ ﮐﻣﻳﭨﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮨﻭﺍ۔ ﺍﺱ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺍﺣﺳﻥ‬ ‫ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ ﻧﮯ ﻣﻳڈﻳﺎ ﮐﻭ ﺑﺗﺎﻳﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﻣﻳں ﭼﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﻧﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﻻﺋﻥ ﺑﭼﻬﺎﻧﮯ‪ ،‬ﺳڑﮐﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ‪،‬‬ ‫ﺳﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺻﻧﻌﺗﯽ ﺯﻭﻧﺯ ﮐﮯ ﻗﻳﺎﻡ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺗﻌﻠﻖ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﺗﺟﺎﻭﻳﺯ ﺳﮯ ﺍﺗﻔﺎﻕ ﮐﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﭘﺭ ﻋﻣﻠﺩﺭﺁﺗﺩ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﺷﺗﺭﮐہ ﮔﺭﻭپ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮐﻣﻳﭨﻳﺯ ﺑﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﯽ ﺟﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻳﺎﺭ ﮐﺭﺩﻩ ﺭﭘﻭﺭﭨﺱ ﻓﻧڈﻧﮓ ﻣﺎﻟﻳﺎﺗﯽ ﺍﺩﺍﺭﻭں ﮐﻭ ﭘﻳﺵ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﺁﺋﻝ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺭﻳﻔﺎﺋﻧﺭﻳﺯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻗﺎﺋﻡ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﯽ ﺟﺏ ﺗﮏ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﮐﯽ ﺑﮩﺗﺭی ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﺩﺩ ﺩﻳﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻭﻋﺩﻩ ﮐﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺍﮔﻼ‬ ‫‪1070‬‬

‫‪All Day‬‬

‫‪August 28, 2013 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Wed‬‬ ‫ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﺟﻠﺩ ﺑﻳﺟﻧﮓ ﻣﻳں ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﻭﺗﺟﺎﺭﺗﯽ ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﺷﺎﻭﺭﺗﯽ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﭘﻼﻧﻧﮓ ﮐﻣﺷﻥ ﻣﻳں ﮨﻭﺍ۔ ﻣﺫﺍﮐﺭﺍﺕ ﻣﻳں ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺩی ﻭ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﺣﺳﻥ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻧﯽ‬ ‫ﻭﻓﺩ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ڈﭘﭨﯽ ﭼﻳﺋﺭﻣﻳﻥ ﻧﻳﺷﻧﻝ ڈﻭﻳﻠﭘﻣﻧٹ ﺍﻳﻧڈ ﺭﻳﻔﺎﺭﻣﺯ ﮐﻣﺷﻥ ﻧﮯ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﻭﻓﺩ ﮐﯽ ﻗﻳﺎﺩﺕ ﮐﯽ۔ ﻣﺫﺍﮐﺭﺍﺕ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﮐﻭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻼﻧﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺗﻌﻠﻘہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﭘﺭ ﻏﻭﺭ ﮐﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ۔‬ ‫ﭘﻼﻧﻧﮓ ﮐﻣﺷﻥ ﺫﺭﺍﺋﻊ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ‪ 18‬ﺍﺭﺏ ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﻻﮔﺕ ﺁﺋﻳﮕﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ‬ ‫‪ 200‬ﮐﻠﻭ ﻣﻳﭨﺭ ﻁﻭﻳﻝ ﺳﺭﻧﮕﻳں ﺑﻬﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﯽ۔ ﺍﻧڈﺱ ﮨﺎﺋﯽ ﻭے ‪ ،‬ﻣﻭﭨﺭ ﻭے ﺍﻭﺭ ﻗﺭﺍﻗﺭﻡ ﮨﺎﺋﯽ ﻭے ﮐﻭ ﺍﺱ‬ ‫ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻧﺳﻠﮏ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﻳﮕﺎ۔ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺭﻳﻝ ﻟﻧﮏ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳڑﮐﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺫﺭﻳﻌﮯ ﻣﻼﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﻳﮕﺎ۔ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻧﮯ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻓﻧڈﻧﮓ ﮐﯽ ﺣﺩ ﺗﻳﻥ ﺍﺭﺏ ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﺳﮯ ﺑڑﻫﺎ ﮐﺭ ﺩﺱ ﺍﺭﺏ ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺩﺭﺧﻭﺍﺳﺕ ﮐﯽ۔ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﺎﺏ ﻣﻳں ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺩی ﺍﺣﺳﻥ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی‬ ‫ﮐﻭﺭﻳڈﻭﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺍﺳﺗﺣﮑﺎﻡ ﺁﺋﻳﮕﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺭﻭﺯﮔﺎﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﭘﻳﺩﺍ ﮨﻭں ﮔﮯ۔ ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﯽ ﺍﻧﺧﻼءﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﭘﻳﺩﺍ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺧﻼ ﮐﻭ ﭘﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭی ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﻣﻳں ﻳہ ﮐﻭﺭﻳڈﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﺭﺩﺍﺭ ﺍﺩﺍ ﮐﺭﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﮔﺎﺭﻧﭨﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺷﺭﻁ ﺧﺗﻡ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﭘﺭ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﺎ ﺷﮑﺭﻳہ‬ ‫ﺍﺩﺍ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﺑﻳﻧﮑﻭں ﮐﯽ ﻁﺭﻑ ﺳﮯ ﻓﻧڈﻧﮓ ﮐﯽ ﺣﺩ ‪ 3‬ﺍﺭﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺑڑﻫﺎ ﮐﺭ ‪ 10‬ﺍﺭﺏ ڈﺍﻟﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺩﺭﺧﻭﺍﺳﺕ‬ ‫ﭼﻳﺎﻧﮓ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ‪ ،‬ﺅﮐﯽ۔ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﻣﻳں ﺷﺭﻳﮏ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﻭﻓﺩ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺭﺑﺭﺍﻩ ﺯﺍﻧﮓ ﺳﻳﺎ‬ ‫ﭨﺭﺍﻧﺳﭘﻭﺭﭨﻳﺷﻥ‪ ،‬ﻣﻭﺻﻼﺕ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﺭﻭﻣﻭﺷﻥ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻌﺎﻭﻧﺕ ﻓﺭﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﺭﻳﮕﺎ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﻓﻧڈﻧﮓ ﻣﻳں ﺍﺿﺎﻓﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﻟﺑﮯ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺳﮯ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﻭ ﺁﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﺭﻳں ﮔﮯ۔ ﻋﻼﻭﻩ ﺍﺯﻳں ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﮐﻧﺎﻣﮏ ﮐﻭﺭﻳڈﻭﺭ ﺳﻳﮑﺭﭨﺭﻳٹ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻓﺗﺗﺎﺣﯽ‬ ‫ﺗﻘﺭﻳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﺎﺏ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺩی ﻭ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﺣﺳﻥ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﺗﺎ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ‬ ‫ﻭﺳﻁﯽ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻧﺋﮯ ﻣﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﭘﻳﺩﺍ ﮨﻭں ﮔﮯ‪ ،‬ﻳہ ﺻﺭﻑ ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﺳﮯ ﺟﻧﻭﺑﯽ ﺍﻳﺷﻳﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﺷﺭﻕ‬ ‫ٰ‬ ‫ﻣﻭﺍﺻﻼﺗﯽ ﺭﺍﺑﻁہ ﮨﯽ ﻧﮩﻳں ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﻧہ ﺻﺭﻑ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭨﻳﻠﯽ ﮐﺎﻡ ﮐﮯ ﺷﻌﺑﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺑﻠﮑہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﯽ‬ ‫ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺟڑی ﮨﻭﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺍﺱ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺧﺻﻭﺻﯽ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺯﻭﻥ ﺑﻧﺎﺋﮯ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ۔‬

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‫‪August 29, 2013‬‬ ‫‪Thu‬‬ ‫ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺮﻗﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺳﮯ ﻭﺳﻄﯽ ﺍﻳﺸﻴﺎ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻼﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﺷﺎﮨﺮﺍﻩ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻤﻴﺮ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺪ ﻣﻠﮏ‬ ‫ﻣﻴﮟ ﺍﻗﺘﺼﺎﺩی ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺗﺮﻗﯽ ﮐﺎ ﻧﻴﺎ ﺑﺎﺏ ﺷﺮﻭﻉ ﮨﻮﮔﺎ۔ ‪ --‬ﻧﻮﺍے ﻭﻗﺖ‬ ‫ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ‪ :‬ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺳﮯ ﻭﺳﻁﯽ ﺍﻳﺷﻳﺎ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻼﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﺷﺎﮨﺭﺍﻩ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﻣﻠﮏ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﺎ ﻧﻳﺎ ﺑﺎﺏ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻥ ﺧﻳﺎﻻﺕ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻅﮩﺎﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻗﺎﺳﻡ ﺍﺗﻬﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﮯ ﭼﻳﺋﺭﻣﻳﻥ ﺁﻏﺎﺟﺎﻥ ﺍﺧﺗﺭ ﻧﮯ ﺩﻭﺳﺭی ﺍﻧﭨﺭ ﭨﺭﺍﻧﺱ ﻣﻠﭨﯽ ﻣﻭڈﻳﻝ‬ ‫ﭨﺭﺍﻧﺳﭘﻭﺭﭨﻳﺷﻥ ﺍﻳﻧڈ ﻻﺟﺳﭨﮏ ﻧﻣﺎﺋﺵ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻭﻗﻊ ﭘﺭ ﻣﻧﻌﻘﺩﻩ ﮐﺎﻧﻔﺭﻧﺱ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﺎﺏ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﮐﻳﺎ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ‬ ‫ﺑﻧﺩﺭ ﮔﺎﮨﻭں ﮐﯽ ﮐﺎﺭﮐﺭﺩﮔﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺑﮩﺗﺭی ﺍﻭﺭ ﺷﭘﻣﻧٹ ﺑﺎﺭﺑﺭﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﮯ ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﮐﻭ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﭨﺭﺍﻧﺳﭘﻭﺭﭨﻳﺷﻥ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﺗﻌﻠﻖ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﺍﺩﺍﺭﻭں ﺑﺷﻣﻭﻝ ﺷﭘﻧﮓ ﭘﻭﺭٹ‪ ،‬ﺭﻳﻠﻭﻳﺯ‪ ،‬ﺍﻳﺋﺭﻭﻳﺯ‪ ،‬ﻧﻳﺷﻧﻝ ﮨﺎﺋﯽ ﻭے ﺍﺗﻬﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮐﺳﭨﻣﺯ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﮨﻡ‬ ‫ﺁﮨﻧﮕﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﺿﺭﻭﺭی ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺍﻧﭨﺭ ﭨﺭﺍﻧﺱ ﻧﻣﺎﺋﺵ ﻭ ﮐﺎﻧﻔﺭﻧﺱ ﻣﻘﺻﺩ ﮐﮯ ﺣﺻﻭﻝ ﮐﺎ ﺑﮩﺗﺭﻳﻥ ﺫﺭﻳﻌہ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺍﺳﮯ ﺗﻭﺍﺗﺭ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﻣﻧﻌﻘﺩ ﮨﻭﻧﺎﭼﺎﮨﻳﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻧﻣﺎﺋﺵ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺗﻅﻡ ﭘﻳﮕﺎﺳﺱ ﮐﻧﺳﻠﭨﻧﺳﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﻳﺟﻧﮓ ڈﺍﺋﺭﻳﮑﭨﺭ ﻋﺎﻣﺭ ﺧﺎﻧﺯﺍﺩﻩ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺏ ﻳہ ﻧﻣﺎﺋﺵ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮐﺎﻧﻔﺭﻧﺱ‬ ‫ﺳﺎﻝ ﻣﻳں ﺩﻭ ﺑﺎﺭ ﮨﻭﮔﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺱ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻧﻌﻘﺎﺩ ﻻﮨﻭﺭ‪ ،‬ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ ﺷﮩﺭﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺑﻬﯽ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ‪ ،‬ﻧﻳﺷﻧﻝ ﺳﻳﻧﭨﺭ ﻓﺎﺭﻣﻳﺭی‬ ‫ﭨﺎﺋﻡ ﭘﺎﻟﻳﺳﯽ ﺭﻳﺳﺭچ ﮐﮯ ڈﺍﺋﺭﻳﮑﭨﺭ ﺟﻧﺭﻝ ﻭﺍﺋﺱ ﺍﻳڈﻣﺭﻝ )ﺭﻳﭨﺎﺋﺭڈ (ﺁﺻﻑ ﮨﻣﺎﻳﻭں‪ ،‬ﺍﻧﭨﺭﻧﻳﺷﻧﻝ ﭼﻳﻣﺑﺭ ﮐﮯ ﭼﻳﺋﺭﻣﻳﻥ ﻁﺎﺭﻕ‬ ‫ﺭﻧﮕﻭﻥ ﻭﺍﻻ‪ ،‬ﮐﻣﺷﻧﺭ ﺳﻧﺩﻫ ﺭﻳﻭﻧﻳﻭ ﺑﻭﺭڈ ﺩﺍﺋﻭﺩ ﭘﻳﺭﺯﺍﺩﻩ‪ ،‬ﺳﻭﻝ ﺍﻳﻭی ﺍﻳﺷﻥ ﺍﻳﺋﺭﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻣﻧﻳﺟﺭ ﺍﻓﺳﺭ ﻣﻠﮏ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ‬ ‫ﻣﺎﮨﺭﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺧﻁﺎﺏ ﮐﻳﺎ۔‬

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August 30, 2013 Fri All Day

‘Pak, China have entered into strategic economic cooperation’ -- Daily Times ‘Pak, China have entered into strategic economic cooperation’

* Ahsan Iqbal says stability must to transform Pakistan into a knowledgeable economy Staff Report ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Professor Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan and China’s cooperation has entered into a new era of strategic economic cooperation.

He said this while speaking to media on the occasion National Development and Reforms Commission, China’s Vice Chairman and Minister Zhang Xiaoqiang’s visit to Gwadar port.

“While both Pakistan and China enjoy closest political relations we failed to translate this goodwill into a strong economic cooperation. The volume of trade between the two countries is meagre $12 billion. The present leaderships of both the countries are committed to fixing this imbalance. We must learn lessons from Chinese experiences. The link between reforms, development and stability is most critical in developing any economy. In order to transform Pakistan into a knowledgeable economy we must ensure stability and become a symbol of hard and quality work in the world,” he added.

He said Gwadar Port has great economic potential in the development of this region. Its development will bring job opportunities and economic development to Balochistan. We hope that under Chinese company the work of Gwadar Port development will speed up. Projects to connect Gwadar Port with road network are being fast tracked. Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province with rich natural resources. In the past lip service was paid to development of Balochistan but present government believes in actions. Development of Balochistan is one of key objectives of Pakistan 2025 Plan. The future belongs to education and knowledge.

Unfortunately, Balochistan is lagging behind other provinces in education indicators.

Those targeting teachers in Balochistan are doing biggest disservice to Balochs by denying Baloch youth opportunities of quality education which is the key to a prosperous future.

He said we wholeheartedly welcome Akhtar Mengal’s taking oath as Member of Balochistan Assembly. Resolution of all political disputes can be found with strengthening of democratic institutions. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is committed to bringing an end to bloodshed in Balochistan. Those who are helping to promote terrorism and violence in Balochistan are not friends of the Baloch, they are enemies of Pakistan and using some elements inside Balochistan for their ulterior motives.

He said during previous regime of PML-N Makran Coast Development Master Plan was developed under Pakistan 2010 Programme, which was scrapped by Musharaf government. Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms has been directed to revive the plan. Makran coast offers great opportunities for development. The 750 kilometres stretch of coastline can bring enormous opportunities for local population. We invite all political forces in Balochistan to join us in transforming Balochistan into a developed province through education, infrastructure building and good governance.

All Day

Malik, ministers welcome Chinese delegation in Gwadar -- The News

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Senator Kamran Michael, and Balochistan Chief Minister, Dr Muhammad Malik, welcomed the Chinese delegation in Gwadar accompanied by Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal. A statement issued here on Thursday said that the purpose of the delegation to visit Gwader was to analyse the development activities and on ground situation for future projects in Gwader. It said that the Chinese delegation was led by Vice 1073

August 30, 2013 Continued Fri Chairman NDRC, Zhang Xiaoqing, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Sun Weidong and CEO COPHL (China Overseas Port Handling Limited). Balochistan Chief Minister gave a detailed briefing about overall development related activities in that province. While emphasising on the importance of Gwader, he mentioned that the area has strategic importance as it is the key route to all Central Asian States and China.Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal discussed overall policy framework and potential opportunities for Chinese investment. He declared Gwader the gateway to economic corridor. D r Malik mentioned four areas of interest to seek Chinese assistance including education, health, jobs for the local people and port development. The Chinese Vice Chairman NDRC, mentioned his interest in communication sector, particularly roads, railways’ and port development. --APP

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August 31, 2013 Sat All Day

China to invest in Gwadar projects -- Dawn

QUETTA: China has shown interest in investing in projects pertaining to communications, port, education and solar energy in the port city of Gwadar.

At a meeting held in Gwadar on Thursday, a delegation of the China National Reforms and Development Commission offered assistance for the development of Mirani dam command area in Kech district and execution of a solar energy project in Gwadar, besides bringing investment in other sectors in Balochistan.

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Federal Minister for Development and Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Port and Shipping Kamran Michael and provincial Chief Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Mohammad attended the meeting. The Chinese delegation comprised commission’s Vice Chairman Zhang Xiao Jiang, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Wei Dong and a Chinese consular based in Karachi, Ma Yaou.

The meeting mulled over a number of projects, including launching of KarachiPasni-Gwadar ferry service in collaboration with China, construction of low-cost or free of cost housing schemes for the people of Gwadar, provision of loans to government employees in Balochistan and technical assistance for running water pumps and boats with solar energy.

Members of the Chinese delegation said China would extend technical support for the establishment of small industries in Gwadar and units for boat manufacturing and processing of fish and dates. Education projects would be initiated for local youths.

The meeting was informed that Chinese doctors would frequently visit Gwadar for providing medical facilities to local people.

It was decided that local people would be provided employment in industries and other projects to be carried out by Chinese investors.

The meeting was informed that China would construct dams for the preservation of rainwater and establish marble-cutting factories.

The chief minister said the planned railway track from Kashgar to Gwadar would boost trade and economic links between Pakistan and China and general employment opportunities in the region.

He said the local people of Gwadar would be main beneficiary of these projects.

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September 1, 2013 Sun All Day

No issues with construction of Gwadar port by China: US -- APP No issues with construction of Gwadar port by China: US Hina Mahgul Rind Sunday, September 01, 2013 KARACHI: The US government has no objections to the construction of a harbour at the Gwadar Port by China as it sees it as another world-class port, generating new avenues for the development of the province, a US official said on Saturday.

Addressing the entrepreneurs at the Startup Cup business competition, US Consul General Michael Dodman said, the United States that the US has no issues with this progress.

“It is great to have another world class port, which will generate new avenues for the development of the people of Balochistan. It will help develop the region and create new jobs and opportunities in the country.

He said that his government has no objection to the harbour construction rather he will like to have some firms of his country to invest in the projects there.

Dodman said that the port will serve as a transit point to the supplies for Afghanistan and Central Asian states. “It is great to have another world class port,” he added.

The US military’s exit from Afghanistan will increase transportation of army and other cargoes through Pakistan, which serves as the transit route, he said, adding that the US Embassy in Islamabad is in close cooperation with the government of Pakistan and the Karachi Port authorities to handle the flooding supplies expected in 2014.

He said the US is interested in improving bilateral trade ties with Pakistan and for that the US is trying to tap those opportunities.

The US believes that fast growing businesses are the key to the Pakistan’s economic future, Dodman said.

Under the Startup Cup competition, young entrepreneurs from across the region are receiving training and guidance for their businesses.

The event was organised by the Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Islamabad Chapter and funded by the United States Department of State. The aim of the programme was to help identify and assist aspiring young entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into successful businesses.

Dodman said that small and medium businesses are the key drivers of the economy and Pakistan. The US has designed a new economic plan for Pakistan called Venture Capital Fund for small scale entrepreneurs, which will be launched later this year.

Later talking to newsmen, he said a new initiative of generalized system of preferences (GSP) has been undertaken to help underpin Pakistan’s economy through zero-rated facility to access the US markets for exports.

He expressed the hope that the startup cup will open new opportunities in Pakistan to generate jobs and bring about fresh investment to boost the country’s economy.

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September 1, 2013 Continued Sun All Day

Pak-China Economic Corridor to bring prosperity in region -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD - Pak-China economic corridor is the most significant project as it would usher in a new era of economic progress and prosperity for both countries and would benefit this region as well as the whole world.

These remarks were made by Li Sahao Tong, Commercial Counselor, Embassy of China, while exchanging views with local businessmen at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

He said economic corridor offers bright future to Pakistan and China and investors of both countries should take advantage of this opportunity for make investment and start joint ventures. He said China Airlines is soon going to start its flights from Beijing to Islamabad and Karachi and it would facilitate businessmen of both countries to exchange visits for exploring trade promotion and mutual cooperation.

He said launch of direct flights by Rayyan Air between Islamabad and Kashgar would also help in improving Pak-China bilateral trade.

He stressed that entrepreneurs of both countries should meet frequently to explore all avenues of bilateral cooperation and strengthen commercial relations. He said ICCI should invite a delegation of China Chamber of Commerce & Industry to Islamabad to promote direct interactions.

He assured that Chinese Embassy would try its level best to facilitate Pakistani entrepreneurs in grant of visa so that they could visit China for business promotion.

In his welcome address, Zafar Bakhtawari, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said Pak-China economic corridor has created a new hope in business community for better business prospects.

He was of the view that this corridor would not only improve bilateral trade and economic relations, it would also promote goodwill between the two nations.

He said construction of roads and railway links from Gwadar to Kashgar would take time and as a short term strategy, both countries should give priority focus to connecting their major cities through direct air links to facilitate two-way trade. It would also help in laying the foundation for long-term economic relations between Pakistan and China.

He said China should grant multiple visas to Pakistani businessmen so that they could frequently visit China. He said both countries should adopt liberal visa policy to promote commercial ties up to the potential. He said currently Pakistani businessmen have to go to Guangzhou via Hong Kong which is costly and time wasting and China should start a direct flight from Guangzhou to Lahore to facilitate enhanced exchange of trade delegations.

He assured that ICCI would work closely with Chinese Embassy for promoting bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries.

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September 2, 2013 Mon All Day

Pak-China economic corridor a significant project: Chinese official -The News

Islamabad: Pak-China economic corridor is the most significant project as it would usher in a new era of economic progress and prosperity for both countries and would benefit this region as well as the whole world.

These remarks were made by Li Sahao Tong, Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of China, while exchanging views with local businessmen at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). He said economic corridor offers bright future to Pakistan and China and investors of both countries should take advantage of this opportunity for make investment and start joint ventures.

He said China Airlines is soon going to start its flights from Beijing to Islamabad and Karachi and it would facilitate businessmen of both countries to exchange visits for exploring trade promotion and mutual cooperation. He said launch of direct flights

by Rayyan Air between Islamabad and Kashgar would also help in improving PakChina bilateral trade.

In his welcome address, Zafar Bakhtawari, ICCI President, said Pak-China economic corridor has created a new hope in business community for better business prospects. He was of the view that this corridor would not only improve bilateral trade and economic relations, it would also promote goodwill between the two nations.

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September 3, 2013 Tue All Day

’PNS Aslat’ a testament of Pak-China ever-lasting friendship -- Business Recorder

KARACHI: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said the construction of F-22P frigate 'Aslat' with China's assistance was a testament of the everlasting bond of friendship between the two countries.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan deeply valued the resolute Chinese support in all domains and expressed confidence that cooperation on defence would strengthen for improving peace and stability in the region.

Addressing at the ceremony of commissioning of the country's first indiginously-built frigate PNS Aslat at Karachi Shipyard here, the Prime Minister said Pakistan's foreign relations with China form a pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy.

He said Pakistan's strategic location could be only exploited to its advantage through development of maritime sector and a capable navy.

He said Pakistan Navy was effectively defending and acting as a source of security for international trade plying off the country's coast.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that the construction of Aslat frigate was completed within the contractual timeline.

He said bringing all four frigates into service within eight years was a remarkable achievement for a programme of this complexity and scale.

He commended the dedicated workers, engineers, technicians of Karachi and Hudong shipyards for their hard work, professionalism and dedication.

He appreciated the contribution of Ministry of Defence Production and Project Directorate at Naval Headquarters, who worked purposefully to make this programme a success.

He thanked the team of China Shipbuilding Trading Company for their support and particularly Wang Dieje, Assistant President of China Shipbuilding Trading Company for his dedication and expert handling of the construction of fourth frigate in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the government was fully cognizant of the needs of Pakistan Navy and the maritime sector and assured that the government would explore all avenues to enhance their capabilities.

He said that Pakistan and China share a close and time-tested relationship stretching back to the 1950s. He said Pakistan viewed its relationship with China as enduring, multidimensional and deep rooted.

He mentioned former Chinese president Hu Jintao who described the Pak-China friendship as "higher than the highest mountains and deeper than the deepest oceans".

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan was located at the crossroads of major civilizations and trade routes, and its geo-strategic and geo-economic importance in the present times demanded concerted efforts with regards to regional and global security.

"We are, therefore, engaged and are contributing effectively to fight the forces that are out to destabilize and destroy international order," he said.

He appreciated the efforts of Pakistan navy in safeguarding Arabian Sea - the conduit for vital shipping lanes that are jugular veins of global economy.

He said Pakistan Navy's efforts in combating international terrorism and piracy despite limited number of ships were commendable.

Nawaz Sharif said warships are nothing more than just a metal structure, but it is their crew that gives them heart and soul.

He asked the commissioning crew at the ship to ensure excellence and uphold these standards for others to emulate.

The Prime Minister acknowledged Chinese cooperation in development of Gwadar Deep Water Port which he said has strengthened the maritime infrastructure in Pakistan and opened new vistas of economic growth and prosperity in Baluchistan.

He expressed hope that the port would become a major game changer vis-?-vis the trade and the economy of the region when rail and road routes from Makran coast to the Western region of China through Khunjrab are developed.

Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad in his welcome speech said Pakistan's defence policy was based on peaceful co-existence with other states. He said the country had no aggressive designs against any other country.

He said that Pakistan Navy was fully prepared to safeguard the country's maritime interests.

He said the commissioning of indiginously-built PNS Aslat was a commitment of 1079

September 3, 2013 Continued Tue Pakistan Navy to augment its capabilities through self-reliance.

The Naval Chief presented a memento of PNS Aslat to the Prime Minister.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Husain and Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad were present.

Earlier, the Prime Minister reviewed the guard of honour. A contingent of Pakistan Navy presented salute to him.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2013

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Pak, China Think Tanks moot heralds a new chapter in friendship -Business Recorder

BEIJING: Ambassador Masoood Khalid has said that the inauguration of ChinaPakistan Thin Tanks forum heralds the opening of a new chapter in the fields of intellectual and people-to-people exchanges.

Addressing the First Annual meeting of the China-Pakistan Think Tanks that concluded here on Sunday, Ambassador Khalid said that the purpose of the meeting was to celebrate Pakistan-China friendship, to recount what we have achieved in the past and to look towards what more we can achieve in the future.

Pakistan and China, Ambassador said are bound together by unique fraternal ties that have withstood global and regional upheaval, and remained impervious to political changes taking place within our own countries.

"In fact, we have seen this inherent strength of the relationship on display when the near-simultaneous change of leadership in China and Pakistan was followed almost immediately by high-level visits," he observed.

First, newly-elected Chinese Premier Li Keqiang paid a visit to Pakistan in May when he embarked on his first overseas trip. Then, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif made China his first port of call to China after assuming office.

Both these visits have, he said reaffirmed the permanent and strategic nature of our ties.

Indeed, Prime Minister Sharif's visit in July has helped strengthen the relationship by putting economic cooperation at the centre of our bilateral agenda. This is a historic change of course; a reorientation, he noted.

He pointed out that the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor would be the flagship project for this new phase in the growth of our relationship.

He was delighted to note that discussions in the forum devoted a lot of time to Gwadar, a landmark project.

By linking the Gwadar port via Karakoram Highway with Xinjiang, he said the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor will be a transformational project for our two economies.

It dovetails perfectly with the Chinese government's strategy for developing China's inland provinces. It will spur bilateral trade and investment and allow us to make better use of the elaborate institutional architecture already in place to support an enhanced economic engagement, he added.

He said it will invigorate mechanisms like the Pakistan-China FTA, Pakistan-China Joint Energy Working Group and the Pakistan-China Joint Investment Company.

Finally, as an engine for economic integration, the Economic Corridor could act as a game-changer for the whole region, he said.

He maintained that mindful of this opportunity to forge a new destiny, our two governments are actively working together to ensure speedy implementation of this project.

In this connection, he said that just recently, a high-powered delegation led by Vice Chairman Zhang Xiaoqiang of the National Development and Reform Commission visited Pakistan to meet with their Pakistani counterpart agencies and performed the initial spadework.

They had fruitful discussions and have returned with a better understanding of what needs to be done for the Corridor project to take off the ground.

He said that on bilateral cooperation in the cultural, people-to-people and education spheres, this has been a relatively neglected facet of our relationship.

While the high degree of mutual trust seen at the leadership level between Pakistan and China and is matched by the depth of love and affection among our two peoples, there exist few forums that bring together students, thinkers, artists and young entrepreneurs from the two countries on one platform. In that sense, the inauguration of this annual event is a step in the right direction. But there is need to do more. It is especially important that the rich narrative of our friendship is 1080

September 3, 2013 Continued Tue transmitted to our young people.

Ambassador Khalid lauded the splendid work being done by the Pakistan Study Centers at Tsinghua and Peking Universities here, at the Fudan University in Shanghai and the Sichuan University in Chengdu for doing outstanding job in promoting education and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

He also shed lights on Pakistan's pivotal role in regional and international affairs and noted that as time for withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan is getting closer, therefore there is need for closer coordination between Pakistan and China is greater than ever.

Both Pakistan and China share the same aspirations for Afghanistan.

Pakistan will continue to support China on all its core issues whether these pertain to Taiwan, Tibet or Xinjiang, he observed.

Maintaining close strategic cooperation with China on all bilateral and global issues, Ambassador said, has been and will remain the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy.

Ambassador Khalid on the occasion highly praised Professor Li Xiguang, Director Tshingua University Centre for Pakistan Culture and Communication Studies.

He said without his tireless efforts successful holding of this forum would not have been possible.

Professor Li has rendered extraordinary services for the promotion of PakistanChina relations, he added.

Ambassador Masood Khalid termed Professor Li, as a true friend of Pakistan.

China-Pakistan economic corridor for energy, trade, transport, and industrial development, equity-based economic growth, regional geopolitics, foreign policy challenges, scientific and technological cooperation, higher education, cultural cooperation were the major topics discussed at the forum.

The two day meeting was hosted by China's Tsinghua University Centre for Pakistan Culture and Communication Studies, China-Pakistan Joint Think Tank, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and the Academy of China and World Agendas.

On the occasion, Senator Mushahid Hussain, Chairman of Pakistan-China Institute was given award for outstanding contribution towards Public Diplomacy.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2013

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September 5, 2013 Thu All Day

52,000 tons of urea to reach Gwadar port tomorrow -- Business Recorder

The first shipment of 52,000 tons of urea, imported by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), will reach Gwadar port on Friday. In July this year, the Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet had directed the TCP to import urea on an urgent basis aimed at ensuring sufficient urea supply during upcoming crop season.

The TCP was asked to import 0.3 million tons of urea to avoid any shortage in the domestic market, which is facing some shortfall due to slow production by the local fertiliser producerrs because of gas curtailment Following the directives of the ECC, TCP successfully awarded tenders to the three different parties for the import of the said quantity. First consignment under this import is reaching here on Friday, 2013 from China, sources said.

As per schedule given by the supplier, the first ship namely "MV Global Brave" carrying about 52,000 tons of urea will reach Gwadar port on Friday evening. The ship has already sailed from China for Pakistan. Another shipment is scheduled to arrive on September 12, 2013 from China.

Besides import of urea from international market, the TCP is also importing the commodity from Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) against $100 million credit grant of Saudi Fund for Development. Under the credit facility so far some 164,000 tons of urea has reached Pakistan, while remaining some 40,000 will arrive till December 2013.

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FPCCI discusses projects for economic uplift of Balochistan -- Daily Times

KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has prepared proposals for the economic revival of Balochistan pertaining to trade facilitation, fisheries, agriculture and mining which were discussed in meetings held with representatives of the federal and provincial governments in Gwadar.

Mir Naveed Jan Baloch Vice President of FPCCI in meetings with Ahsan Iqbal Federal Minister for Planning and Development and Dr Abdul Malik Baloch Chief Minister of Balochistan briefed the government representatives about the need for creating greater opportunities for trade and transit trade with neighboring countries by opening Gwadar-Gabd, Mand-Pishin and Panjgur-Chedagi borders with Iran and Noshki border with Afghanistan for trade and immigration.

He said Gwadar Port should be activated with maximum involvement of the local community, in order to ensure stability and prosperity in the areas surrounding the Port.

Later a detailed presentation was made by FPCCI to the Balochistan Chief Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Mohammad. Baloch said shrimp and fish farms should be set up on the coastal belt with the associated packing and processing infrastructure so that seafood might be exported directly from Balochistan instead of transporting it elsewhere.

He said foreign assistance might be sought for developing the fisheries sector, as well as for developing expertise in livestock and dairy farming. Similarly, slaughter houses and meat processing plants could be set up with foreign assistance in border areas (such as Chaman and Taftan) to facilitate exports to Iran and Afghanistan.

Baloch said he had asked the government of Balochistan to set up a Balochistan Stone Development Company on the pattern of Pakistan Stone Development Company, which would have equal representation from the public and private sectors and would be a more effective way of addressing issues pertaining to mining of marble, minerals and ores in Balochistan, which was now a provincial subject after the 18th Amendment.

He said the Chief Minister had assured him the government of Balochistan was also 1082

September 5, 2013 Continued Thu working on the proposals FPCCI had submitted earlier for the uplift of the provincial economy.

The Balochistan government was planning to organise a Balochistan Forum shortly, which would serve the purpose of exploring opportunities for trade and investment in the province.

Regarding the possibility of new routes with neighboring countries, he said the Chief Minister had held discussion with the Iranian side already. The Chief Secretary asked FPCCI to maintain close coordination with the Balochistan government and said local and foreign investors would receive maximum support and protection from the government in any projects that would benefit the province. staff report

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Govt, FPCCI discuss projects for economic uplift of Balochistan -Pakistan Observer

Thursday, September 05, 2013 - Karachi—The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has prepared proposals for the economic revival of Balochistan pertaining to trade facilitation, fisheries, agriculture and mining which were discussed in meetings held with representatives of the federal and provincial governments in Gwadar recently.

Mir Naveed Jan Baloch, Vice President of FPCCI said that in meetings held with Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning and Development and Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, Chief Minister of Balochistan, he briefed the government representatives about the need for creating greater opportunities for trade and transit trade with neighboring countries by opening Gwadar-Gabd, Mand-Pishin and PanjgurChedagi borders with Iran and Noshki border with Afghanistan for trade and immigration. He said that Gwadar Port should be activated with maximum involvement of the local community, in order to ensure stability and prosperity in the areas surrounding the port.

Later, in a detailed presentation that was made by FPCCI to the Balochistan Chief Secretary, Mr. Babar Yaqoob Fateh Mohammad, Mr. Naveed Baloch said that shrimp and fish farms should be set up on the coastal belt with the associated packing and processing infrastructure so that seafood may be exported directly from Balochistan instead of transporting it elsewhere. He said that foreign assistance may be sought for developing the fisheries sector, as well as for developing expertise in livestock and dairy farming. Similarly, slaughter houses and meat processing plants may be set up with foreign assistance in border areas (such as Chaman and Taftan) to facilitate exports to Iran and Afghanistan.

Mr. Naveed Baloch also said that he had asked the Government of Balochistan to set up a Balochistan Stone Development Company on the pattern of PASDEC, which would have equal representation from the public and private sectors, and would be a more effective way of addressing issues pertaining to mining of marble, minerals and ores in Balochistan, which is now a provincial subject after the 18th Amendment.

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September 8, 2013 Sun All Day

Urea consignment arrives -- Business Recorder

KARACHI: A ship “MV Global Brave” carrying 52,000 tons of urea, arrived Gwadar port on Saturday.

This urea consignment has been imported by Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) for domestic consumption to avoid nay shortage of commodity during up coming crop season.

“First urea consignment of 52,010 tons reached Gwadar port on Saturday morning and discharging of commodity has also started”, TCP official confirmed. He aid that another shipment of 30,000 tons from China is expected to arrive on next Tuesday.

Distribution, transportation and bagging of imported urea will be handled by M/s National Fertilizer Marketing Limited (NFML) to ensure timely availability of urea in the local market.

Following the directives of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet TCP is engaged to import urea on urgent basis aimed to ensure sufficient urea supply during upcoming crop season. Overall, state-owned grain trader has finalised deals for the import of 0.3 million tons of urea to avoid any shortage in the domestic market.

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September 11, 2013 Wed All Day

Corridor to bring Beijing and Islamabad closer -- REUTERS

Links between Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang region and Pakistan have been historically strong through centuries with merchants from both countries travelling and trading via the Silk Road that connected the two countries. The bonds are set to get stronger with both governments –who consider themselves “all-weather friends” -- having agreed to set up the ambitious economic corridor linking Kashgar in northwest China and Gwadar port in western Pakistan, off the Arabian Sea. (The port was built and is now managed by China.)

The two countries are already linked by the Karakoram Highway that connects the Kashgar to Abbottabad in Pakistan.

Around 230 km from south of Kashgar lies the Khunjerab Pass which is the land border crossing between the two countries.

With the new economic corridor, modern links will strengthen older ones.

“It was a natural need for the two countries. When it takes off, the corridor, according to some estimates, could bring around $ 80 billion to Pakistan in trade benefits to begin with,” said Abdul Mujeeb Chaudhry, director, corporate and commercial, Rayyan Air, which operates the only international flight taking off from Kashgar connecting it to Islamabad.

The one-and-half hour flight became operational last August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day and so far is doing well, Chaudhry told HT in Kashgar this week.

Even now, a large number of Pakistani traders and businessmen frequent Kashgar, crossing the border into China in long-distance buses from various cities on the other side; some have had their bases in the city for years.

“Pani pilaye aapko?,” (Can I offer you some water?) asked Ahmed, clad in a Pathan suite that set him apart from the local Uyghurs, as he delicately laid out golden earrings, rings, trinkets and tiny bottles of perfume from Pakistan on a tray in his little kiosk.

Around him the old bazaar of Kashgar was in thick flow last Sunday noon with sellers making a pitch for everything from Uyghur tea, mink coats (for about Yuan 3000), women’s stockings, carpets and pillows and blankets with local-style embroidery on it.

Two shops down the crammed market, Rashid Khan was another Pakistani selling an identical assortment of women’s jewellery and perfume. Business is okay, both said, as they enthusiastically broke into Hindi, a language rarely spoken in the city of Uyghurs, Tajiks, Kazaks, Kyrgyz, and course the Han Chinese.

Ahmed said he was from Faisalabad and was doing business in Kashgar for the last 10 years, selling his wares, which he claimed, were made in India.

The corridor would further strengthen economic ties between the two countries and also generate employment in Pakistan, said Latif Khan, another Pakistani trader.

Kashgar’s direct India connection has long been relegated to history. Till 1947, the British ran a consulate in the city, located close to the Id Kah mosque and behind the Qinibagh hotel. The Communist Party of China (CPC), according to the plaque outside the building, allowed India and Pakistan to jointly use it for a few years till the facility was revoked in the early 1950s.

The original colonial building still exists today but instead of diplomats and diplomatic cables it now has Chinese chefs and menu cards –it now houses a Chinese restaurant.

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September 14, 2013 Sat All Day

Chinese Companies ready to invest in Pakistan’s energy sector: Lou Sang -- Business Recorder

ISLAMABAD: Many Chinese companies have shown interest to explore Pakistan’s energy sector for making investment in hydro, solar and wind energy projects and help it in overcoming its energy problems, said Luo Sang, Vice Secretary of Sichuan Chamber of International Commerce during a meeting with Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Zubair Ahmad Malik, President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry was also present at the occasion.

Lou Sang said they have come to Pakistan to explore Pakistani market for investment opportunities so that more Chinese companies could come to Pakistan for direct investment and joint ventures.

He said Pakistan fruits are quite famous in China, especially in Sichuan Province and Pakistan could further improve exports of its fruits to China by improving their packaging quality.

He said Sichuan Chamber of International Commerce is one of the biggest trade bodies of China and its main objective is to promote Chinese companies in the whole world.

He stressed for developing close liaison with Pakistani Chambers of Commerce to contribute positively to the promotion of trade and investment between Pakistan and China.

In his welcome address, Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said exchange of visits by the Pak-China Prime Ministers have opened a new chapter of thriving relations between the two countries.

He said business communities of is very optimistic about the Pak-China economic corridor project as it would unravel a new phase of business and economic opportunities not only for two countries, but also for the whole region.

Zubair Ahmad Malik, President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry said business community of Pakistan is quite upbeat to establish strong relations with Chinese counterparts and keeping in view this fact, FPCCI has opened its two representative offices in China, one in Chengdu and the other in Kunming.

The purpose of opening these offices is to promote direct connectivity between the private sectors of both countries so that they could expand bilateral trade relations in all potential areas.

Copyright INP (Independent News Pakistan), 2013

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The Kashgar-Gwadar corridor -- The News

The prime minister recently held live televised proceedings on the likely alignments for the proposed Kashgar to Gwadar rail and road links. Since the two pre-feasibility studies on the subject were conducted during my tenure as chairman Pakistan Railways, I thought that such an important issue being aired live was pretty useful.

The rail route from Kashgar to Gwadar would have some strategic but phenomenal economic significance. In addition to serving as a commercial and trade conduit for the two countries the new route has the potential of opening up those areas of the country that have been denied rail connection even 65 years after Partition.

The primary reason Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan and the interior of Balochistan have severely lagged behind the rest of the country is because of an absence of railway connection. Almost all of Sindh and Punjab have developed while only Nowshera, Mardan Peshawar, Haripur and Quetta-Chaman in the other two provinces have manageddecent economic development. This is so because raw material and finished goods could be easily and cheaply transported by rail.

We should not forget that till the recent past the safest and quickest form of passenger communication was by rail and investors would shy away from cities that did not have railheads. Pakistan Railways has taken a severe beating over the last 20 years but it could be turned around – though not quite so easily.

It is, therefore, important to ensure that a route that serves the undeveloped parts of the country be selected for the rail and road corridor from Kashgar to Gwadar. It 1086

September 14, 2013 Continued Sat would be a tragedy for the marginalised areas of Pakistan if the new alignment is superimposed on the existing railway and motorways east of the Indus. That would have adverse economic consequences for much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Strategic considerations demand that the road and rail axis not be concentrated close to each other.

Two parallel but geographically apart road and railway networks should be developed on either sides of the River Indus. I propose the following alignment for both the new railway and highway.

The route from Kashgar could pass through either the Kilik and Mintaka passes, since these are closer to Kashgar, or else under the Khunjerab Pass. The former passes were the traditional caravan route and would provide an alternate communication link to Gilgit, perhaps through the Ghizr area, and then to the rest of the country in addition to the existing Karakoram Highway. The exact alignment would be determined by detailed studies; two prefeasibility studies have already been undertaken by the Pakistan Railways in 2006. These need to be converted into feasibility studies leading to a detailed engineering and design investigation.

This route would then pass close to Gilgit and lead to Jaghlot and Raikot. The Skardu traffic would take off from Jaghlot. Since the KKH from Raikot to Basha (105 kilometres) would in any case be inundated by the Diamer Bhasha lake a new rail/road alignment on the left bank of the Indus would need to be constructed so that a tunnel could be bored under the Babusar Pass. From there through tunnels, galleries and ‘open to the sky’ rail-road it would be aligned towards Mansehra, then Abbottabad and on to the Havelian Railhead which is already connected to Rawalpindi.

From Havelian the new railway line should follow the general route of the motorway to Peshawar by crossing the River Indus near Hund. This would lead to Mardan, Charsadda and Peshawar and then to Kohat, Serai Naurang, Dera Ismail Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan and Kashmore. There is an existing railway line from Kashmore to Dadu and Karachi which, of course, needs improvement.

We must appreciate that the present right bank of the Indus route has already reduced the distance from Peshawar to Karachi by nearly 300 miles and the new railway line would also be short. No new line should be constructed along the existing railways, east of the Indus, but instead these should be strengthened to speeds of 140-200 kilometres per hour from Rawalpindi to Lahore, Multan and Karachi. In these sections rail speeds have to be increased by track and signalling improvements rather than by duplicating rail services.

The need to extend the dual line from Lahore to Rawalpindi is of course a priority.

This arrangement would be more cost effective as well. The new railway line from Kashmore should open up Balochistan and needs to pass through or close to Khuzdar, Turbat and Gwadar. It would link Quetta with the existing track for the minerals of Saindak, Reko Diq and other mines to be transported to Gwadar for export. More importantly central Balochistan would be opened for communication leading to rapid economic growth.

Only those people who have seen Turbat, Punjgur, Awaran, Kharan and Khuzdar know how under developed these areas are. They deserve a better deal from the state. In the years to come Dera Ismail Khan will be the breadbasket of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after the province starts utilising its full share of water. Today the bulk of the export and import trade to and from Afghanistan uses the right bank of the Indus route with the activation of the Bannu-Mir Ali road leading to the Ghulam Khan Customs Post on the border. A pre-feasibility study conducted by the Railways in 2005 for the right bank of Indus line is available.

In the years ahead this railway line could be extended to Afghanistan as well because the Torkham line has a very steep climb. The Quetta-Chaman line is more feasible though is not without its technical difficulties. A railway line from Dadu to Gwadar would be a waste of money – money that could be better utilised elsewhere for the railways. The existing Gwadar to Karachi Highway is adequate to cater to 1087

September 14, 2013 Continued Sat the immediate needs of the port.

A decision is now due. What is required is getting the strategic vision correct even if it costs an extra year or two. The chief ministers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan need to remain on board.

The writer is a former chairman of Pakistan Railways and Wapda.

1088

September 15, 2013 Sun All Day

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Pak-China joint exercise continues -- APP

Air operations are being conducted to validate joint air power employment concepts in the ongoing joint air exercise ‘Shaheen-II’, between Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Chinese Air Force (PLAAF). The exercise involves complex air operations for mutual learning as well as improving the coordination and interoperability of both the air forces, said a PAF press release issued here on Sunday.The exercise ‘Shaheen-II’ is providing an opportunity to combat crew of both the air forces to acquaint themselves with applied tactics of air power in near real scenario. It is pertinent to mention that the first exercise of this series ‘Shaheen-I’ took place in March 2011 in Pakistan at an operational air base of PAF. The PAF conducts such exercises on regular intervals both inland and abroad. It has been participating in a number of international air exercises with some of the best air forces of the world, including the United States Air Force (USAF), Italian Air Force, Turkish Air Force (TuAF), Royal Saudi Air Force, Jordanian Air Force and those of other allied countries.

Chinese firms ready to invest in energy sector -- The Nation

ISLAMABAD - Many Chinese companies have shown interest to explore Pakistan’s energy sector for making investment in hydro, solar and wind energy projects and help it in overcoming its energy problems, said Luo Sang, Vice Secretary of Sichuan Chamber of International Commerce during a meeting with Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Zubair Ahmad Malik, President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry was also present at the occasion.

Lou Sang said they have come to Pakistan to explore Pakistani market for investment opportunities so that more Chinese companies could come to Pakistan for direct investment and joint ventures. He said Pakistan fruits are quite famous in China, especially in Sichuan Province and Pakistan could further improve exports of its fruits to China by improving their packaging quality.

He said Sichuan Chamber of International Commerce is one of the biggest trade bodies of China and its main objective is to promote Chinese companies in the whole world. He stressed for developing close liaison with Pakistani Chambers of Commerce to contribute positively to the promotion of trade and investment between Pakistan and China.

In his welcome address, Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said exchange of visits by the Pak-China Prime Ministers have opened a new chapter of thriving relations between the two countries. He said business communities of is very optimistic about the Pak-China economic corridor project as it would unravel a new phase of business and economic opportunities not only for two countries, but also for the whole region.

Zubair Ahmad Malik, President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry said business community of Pakistan is quite upbeat to establish strong relations with Chinese counterparts and keeping in view this fact, FPCCI has opened its two representative offices in China, one in Chengdu and the other in Kunming. The purpose of opening these offices is to promote direct connectivity between the private sectors of both countries so that they could expand bilateral trade relations in all potential areas.

1089

September 16, 2013 Mon All Day

Why most Pakistanis are satisfied with the Sharif government’s first 100 days -- Saudi Gazettee Why most Pakistanis are satisfied with the Sharif government’s first 100 days

Irshad Salim The majority of Pakistanis are satisfied with the first 100 days of the Nawaz Sharif government, a survey shows.

Prime Minister Sharif received 62 percent approval of the masses across the country for his government’s performance during its first 100 days, a survey conducted by PILDAT revealed Sunday.

Sharif’s policy of seeking harmony within state institutions and provincial governments was given the highest rate of approval. His reaching out on key foreign policy issues also received popular approval.

According to the survey, 46 percent of the people gave a good performance rating to the government in dealing with the issue of terrorism, while 52 percent gave it a positive rating for coping with the electricity shortage.

Regarding its performance on key foreign policy issues, including relations with the United States, China and India, the Sharif government was given a 57 percent positive rating.

In the last week of August, I listed some key factors that appeared to be going in favor of the government’s performance indicator. These factors appear to complement the findings of the survey.

Some of these factors I considered to be politically mature, statesman-like and synergistic: Political factors: 1. Letting PTI rule KP and NPP rule Balochistan.

2. Appointing a harmonious, go-getter team of cabinet members and ministers.

3. Curtailing the extravagance and showing off which was the symbol of the previous government.

4. Neutralizing MQM politically and selecting Mamnoon Hussain from Karachi for the presidential slot.

5. Visits to China and then Saudi Arabia to establish the point that Pakistan is in favor of regional solutions not the international big game.

6. Sharif’s peace overtures to India in the belief that “you can change friends and enemies but not neighbors”.

7. Maintaining good relations with the military and respecting the decisions of the judiciary while ignoring media criticism — all three of whom are key players in Pakistan today.

8. Understanding that the terror issue is a menace to the economy and announcing the formation of a high-level command and control authority forum.

9. No trace of corruption being used as an instrument to govern and appease political players.

10. Telling the US bluntly to stop the drones in exchange for facilitating a peaceful withdrawal by bringing the Taliban to the table.

1090

September 16, 2013 Continued Mon 11. No political handouts or compromises seem to have been made so far.

12. No policy of revenge or reactionary moves has been detected. The Sharif government’s team appears serious and mature and is taking steps to conduct business. Ministers do not appear on daily talk shows.

13. In short, politics is being conducted on the basis of statesmanship and nationalistic fervor.

Economic factors: 1.The inclusion of Gwadar in the Chinese economic corridor will change the destiny of the nation as a whole as it will affect all four provinces allowing all ethnic groups to share in the benefits.

2. The Gadani Power Park is an excellent move which joins together China, Balochistan and Punjab as equity partners with Sindh supplying coal and equity as well.

3. Money will be borrowed from the IMF instead of begging for grants in exchange for political favors to appease international players active in the region.

4. The government announced that load shedding will not end soon, and backed it up by announcing measures to increase the power output. It also reached out to India and Iran to purchase power.

5. China has been brought into the Iran-Pak pipeline in an attempt to offset US pressure.

6. A motorway will be built from Karachi to Lahore and a subway constructed in Karachi and Lahore.

8. Steps have been announced to achieve 100 percent education in Punjab and to bring Mohammad Sarwar from the UK to serve as Governor of the largest province.

This appears to have also immediately checkmated PTI’s popularity in the UK and Punjab.

Notwithstanding the correlation between my observations and the results of the PILDAT survey, it must be noted that the Western media has yet to report adversely on issues of governance, performance, and corruption.

However, a worsening economy coupled with terrorism and sectarianism remain the focus of national and Western media for understandable reasons.

Implicit in the PILDAT survey results and my observations is the general opinion that the nation fully understands the Sharif government’s predicament and the mess it is trying to tackle, and that it is willing to go along with the government as long as corruption, extravagant spending, favoritism, loot and plunder, cronyism, disregard for rule of law, provincialism, etc., all of which unfortunately were hallmarks of Zardari’s government, are checkmated, if not fully eliminated during the next five years.

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September 17, 2013 Tue All Day

Pak-Turkey enjoy people-to-people contacts: Pervaiz Rasheed -- APP Pak-Turkey enjoy people-to-people contacts: Pervaiz Rasheed

Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Pervez Rashid has said that Turkey and Pakistan have people to people contacts as Pakistanis are warmly welcomed in their country. Talking to Radio Pakistan, Information minister said that Turkey has helped Pakistan especially in the building of its infrastructure. He said that Islamabad and Ankara will sign different agreements during the current visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Turkey, He added that both the countries will jointly take steps for the economic development of Pakistan. He maintained that the incumbent elected government is determined to further strengthen Pakistan’s ties with Turkey. To a question he said Pakistan is facing problems of poor economy, energy crisis and worst law and order situation and cooperation of Turkey in this regard will be beneficial for Pakistan.

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September 20, 2013 Fri All Day

Pak keen to be first to ride on China's man space mission -- APP Pak keen to be first to ride on China's man space mission

BEIJING - Chairman of the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission Ahmed Bilal has said that if China starts taking foreign astronauts to outer space, we would like to be the first candidate.

"We also want to cooperate with China in remote sensing technology and educating the public about space," the China Daily quoted Bilal here.

He was in China to attend the five-day United Nations/China Workshop on Human Space Technology, which opened in Beijing on Monday.

A total of 150 participants from more than 20 nations and regions attended the conference. They are expected to discuss new space projects, microgravity research, international cooperation as well as awareness education for the public. “We would like to train astronauts from other countries and organisations that have such a demand, and we would be glad to provide trips to foreign astronauts,� said Yang Liwei, Deputy Director of China Manned Space Agency. Yang said that China will also welcome foreign astronauts who have received training to work in our future space station.

China is willing to provide training and open the Chinese space station to foreign astronauts, he said.

Yang, country's first astronaut, who went into space in 2003, said many countries submitted proposals to the Chinese government during the development of the space station, hoping China would help train their astronauts and then send them to the station to conduct scientific experiments.

The purpose of including foreign participants in our space programmes is not only that these nations can send their people to outer space, but also that we will enable them to develop their own space projects, he added.

China has been involved in a host of cooperative projects with other nations, according to Yang.

Tracing the history of cooperation, he said that China and Russia have collaborated on astronaut training, spacecraft technology and extra-vehicular suits, and "we are cooperating with our French counterparts on a variety of experiments in astrobiology and space medicine."

Furthermore, he said that Chinese and German scientists also performed astrobiological experiments during the unmanned Shenzhou VIII mission in 2011.

Receiving congratulations on the 10th anniversary of his space mission, Yang said China is also determined to assist other developing economies in the space flight, noting that existing cooperative projects between China and developing economies focus on the application of astronautic and space technologies, and training for professionals.

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Pakistan plans to establish industrial parks and economic zones along the proposed Kashgar-Gwadar trade corridor -- The News

LAHORE: Pakistan plans to establish industrial parks and economic zones along the proposed Kashgar-Gwadar trade corridor that will connect China’s western autonomous regions with Balochistan, official sources said on Thursday.

As per the alignment of Kashgar-Gwadar or Pak-China Motorway, this trade corridor will be around 2,000km long within the territory of Pakistan, crisscrossing snow-caped mountains, narrow valleys, lush green fields, sand dunes and dry hills.

In addition, this new trade corridor will provide Chinese traders a link to deliver their goods to the international markets through the Gwadar Port. If compared with the Chinese ports, this is the shortest possible route to the western provinces of China, the officials said.

The economic corridor is being developed as part of a strategic partnership between the governments of China and Pakistan, which was announced a few months ago. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Secretariat has formally been inaugurated in Islamabad with an aim to transform the strongest political relations in economic relations, they said.

Before getting approval of the industrial parks and economic zones from the federal 1093

September 20, 2013 Continued Fri government, the Ministry of Industries & Production is in the process of giving final shape to the proposed plan that has been prepared by its subsidiary National Industrial Parks Development & Management Company (NIP), the officials said.

It is proposed to set up trans-freight stations along the Kashgar-Gwadar corridor to facilitate trucks / containers, carrying heavy goods. The plan to establish transfreight stations has been prepared, keeping in view the importance of an organised transport sector for the development and welfare of the population.

When transport systems are efficient, it is observed, they provide economic and social opportunities and benefits that result in positive multipliers effects such as better accessibility to markets, employment and additional investments. Therefore, an efficient transport system is a key for developing this economic corridor, the officials said.

They said that the transport sector plays a pivotal role in the overall economic growth. It is observed that economies, which possess greater mobility are often those with better opportunities to develop than those suffering from scarce mobility.

Reduced mobility impedes development, while greater mobility is a catalyst for development. Mobility is, thus, a reliable indicator of development. It is also necessary as freight transport industry in Pakistan is highly fragmented, as per the plan.

Assessing various logistic aspects and other allied issues, it has been observed that the most suitable locations for setting up economic zones / industrial parks and trans-freight stations are the major exits of Kashgar–Gwadar corridor located close to the nearby cities. The size of the economic zone / industrial park will depend on the availability of the raw materials, agricultural production, mineral deposits, local skill set and overall connectivity, location advantages and economic strength of the particular area.

Each economic zone will target specific products and services, while analysing the availability of local raw material, workforce and other factors, according to the plan.

The proposed sites of freight terminals and industrial parks included Sust, Gilgit, Abbotabad, Lorala, Kohlu, DG Khan, Bhakkar, Rajanpur, Kashmore, Jaccobabad, Khuzdar, Basima, Punjgur, Turbat and Gwadar.

1094

September 24, 2013 Tue All Day

‘Pakistan, China can collectively do wonders’ -- BR ‘Pakistan, China can collectively do wonders’

KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Muhammad Haroon Agar has expressed that Pakistan and China can collectively do wonders as the economic and commercial activities are now focusing towards Asia. With enhancement of Pak-China mutual economic and cooperation, regional trade and trading with SAARC, ECO and Central Asian blocs can multiply to manifolds.

Exchanging views with the Consul General of China Excellency Ma Yaou during his maiden visit to KCCI, Agar urged fresh Chinese investment in energy, infrastructure, metro-railways, mass-transit, dams projects which are direly needed to uplift economy and further strengthen Pak-China friendly relationship and economic cooperation. staff report

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Linkage of Gwadar Port with Karakorum Highway will multiply Pakistan -- Pak Observer Tuesday, September 24, 2013 - Karachi—Ma Yaon, Consul General of China has said that linkage of Gwader Port with Karakorum Highway will support logistics.

Present volume of bilateral trade is $12 Billion; Chinese Exports to Pakistan are $9 Billion while imports from Pakistan are $3 Billion Exchanging views on his visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry he said that establishing direct banking channel between two countries he said that ICBC Bank of China has established its branch in Karachi while Pakistani banks can open their branches in China with the permission of concerned authority.

Consul General of China stated that China and Pakistan are great time-tested friends. Both countries have been committed to develop closer bilateral relations and further broaden their economic engagement for achieving common development. Opportunities for joint ventures in different sector do exist.

So far, China-Pakistani economic and trade cooperation has seen good progress.

Pakistan is a safe haven for Chinese investment. Pakistan has very good potential in different fields. China is also giving new face to its industry with sector diversification. China-Pakistan’s trade and economic cooperation has seen good progress.

He hoped that Pakistan’s exports to China will multiply as China is a huge market to showcase brands of Pakistan. Pakistani textile products are also popular in China.

Commenting on direct Air connectivity he stated that presently direct flights to Beijing are available only from Islamabad while direct flights to Guang Zhou and Shanghai will start soon. He stated that China holds immense tourist attraction and 20 million tourists visit China every year as the country holds an open tourism visa policy.

The Chinese Consulate General accords maximum consideration to business visas for KCCI members and visa is processed on priority. He informed that Chinese investment in Pakistan was mainly in the mines and energy. Saindak project is the flagship of Pakistan-China Friendship in mines. China has also invested in Energy projects of coal and wind in Pakistan, he said.

Muhammad Haroon Agar, President KCCI while speaking on the occasion said that Pakistan and China can collectively do wonders as the economic and commercial activities are now focusing towards Asia. With enhancement of Pak-China mutual economic and cooperation, regional trade and trading with SAARC, ECO and Central Asian blocs can multiply to manifolds.

Exchanging views with the Consul General of China Excellency Mr Ma Yaou during his maiden visit to KCCI, Haroon Agar urged fresh Chinese investment in energy, infrastructure, metro-railways, mass-transit, dams projects which are direly needed to uplift economy and further strengthen Pak-China friendly relationship and economic cooperation. He said that Chinese cooperation with Pakistan reached 1095

September 24, 2013 Continued Tue high points with substantial investments from China in Pakistani in infra structural expansion, including the noted projects in the Pakistan deep water port in Gawadar and establishment of road and railway link from Gwader till Kasghar via Karakorum Highway.

He added that in view of Pak China Friendship which is deeper than ocean, greater than Himalaya, growth in mutual cooperation is essential to uplift Pakistan’s weakening economy. He said Karakorum Highway is a remarkable example of mutual cooperation and is the symbol of friendship and understanding. More than 11,000 Chinese engineers, technicians and workers are rendering their valuable services in progress and development of Pakistan. He said that Chinese investment in Pakistan increased many folds in key sectors including port development, roads, railways, mobile telephones communication technology, hydro and thermal power, mining, electronics, and nuclear energy.

A large number of Chinese companies are working in Pakistan in oil and gas, IT and telecom, power generation, engineering, automobiles, infrastructure and mining sector. Both countries have Free Trade Agreement and its first phase of five years is completed and negotiations for second phase for the next five years are in process. He urged that FTA should be effectively explored for mutual benefits of both friendly nations. Public as well private sector Pak-China joint ventures are need of time owing to immense investment potential in Pakistan.

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Pakistan, China commit to broaden economic relations -- The Nation

KARACHI - Consul General of China Ma Yaou has said that Pakistan and China are committed to develop closer bilateral relations and further broaden their economic engagement for achieving common development.

During his visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industries he said, opportunities for joint ventures in different sector do exist. So far, China-Pakistani economic and trade cooperation have seen good progress. Pakistan is a safe haven for Chinese investment.

China-Pakistan’s trade and economic cooperation has seen good progress. He said that linkage of Gwader Port with Karakorum Highway will support logistics. Present volume of bilateral trade is $12 billion; Chinese exports to Pakistan are $9 billion while imports from Pakistan are $3 billion.

Commenting on direct air connectivity he stated that presently direct flights to Beijing are available only from Islamabad while direct flights to Guang Zhou and Shanghai will start soon. He stated that China holds immense tourist attraction and 20 million tourists visit China every year as the country holds an open tourism visa policy. Exchanging views on establishing direct banking channel between two countries he said that ICBC Bank of China has established its branch in Karachi while Pakistani banks can open their branches in China with the permission of concerned authority.

He stated that the Chinese Consulate General accords maximum consideration to business visas for KCCI members and visa is processed on priority. He informed that Chinese investment in Pakistan was mainly in the mines and energy. Saindak project is the flagship of Pakistan-China Friendship in mines.

China has also invested in energy projects of coal and wind in Pakistan.

KCCI’s President Muhammad Haroon Agar while exchanging views with the Consul General of China urged fresh Chinese investment in energy, infrastructure, metrorailways, mass-transit, dams projects which are direly needed to uplift economy and further strengthen Pak-China friendly relationship and economic cooperation.

He said Karakorum Highway is a remarkable example of mutual cooperation and is the symbol of friendship and understanding. More than 11,000 Chinese engineers, technicians and workers are rendering their valuable services in progress and development of Pakistan.

President KCCI hoped that current China-Pakistan bilateral trade volume of $12.4 billion will touch to $15 billion during next few years.

Former President KCCI Anjum Nisar, Senior Vice President KCCI Shamim Firpo, Vice President Nasir Mehmood and Managing Committee Members also participated in the meeting.

1096

September 24, 2013 Continued Tue All Day

Pakistan, China vow to enhance ties in defence production -- APP

Minister for Defence Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain on Tuesday said China has great potential in ship-building sector and Pakistan wants the Chinese to invest and extend technological support in this regard. In a meeting with visiting Chinese delegation headed by Zhang Jianhua, Vice Administrator from SASTIND, the Minister said Pakistan wants to raise the relationship status to a strategic level with its time-tested friend. The meeting reviewed all pending issues and problems and emphasized for their smooth redressal on priority. He said China and Pakistan enjoy deep and trusted relations and Pakistan considers the friendship deeper than the ocean.

Rana Tanveer highlighted that fast paced method for addressing issues of bilateral concern put in place in shape of Joint Committee Mechanism. This will ensure growth of Sino-Pak cooperation in field of Defence Production.

Earlier, in a meeting with the delegation, Secretary Defence Production, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Tanvir Tahir emphasized the need of streamlining matters of defence cooperation.

He said a system of forecasting potential problems needs to be put in place to ensure swift collaboration. Open competition between Chinese companies for laying down tenders was stressed upon to make Pakistan’s procurement cost beneficial.

During the meeting, Vice Administrator SASTIND ensured that future talks and collaborations under Minister’s patronage will surely flourish.

He praised far-sighted approach of the Minister for building of new shipyard.

A dinner was also hosted in honor of Vice Administrator and his visiting delegation Monday night. The dinner was attended by Secretary Defence Production, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Tanvir Tahir, Lt. Gen. Syed Wajid Hussain, Maj Gen Raza, Maj Gen Qaiser, AVM Asad Lodhi, Maj Gen Omer, Rear Admiral Adnan Nazir and officers from Pakistan side.

Chinese delegation included Mr. Yao Wen, Mr. Sun Tian, Ms Zhan Chunli, Sr. Col Pei Jianguo, Mr. Ma Wei Hua, Mr. Xu Bensheng, Lt Col Li Yingfeng and others.

The Chinese delegation also held meeting with Maj Gen Raza Muhammad.

Earlier in the day the delegation met senior officers at General Headquarters, Joint Services Headquarters, Air Headquarters and Naval Headquarters.

The meetings are termed as highly fruitful and hopefully the collaborations will further expand in future.

1097

September 25, 2013 Wed All Day

China CSG, Pak NTDC agree to cooperation -- Daily Times

LAHORE: As a follow-up visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to China in July this year, a five-member delegation of China Southern Power Grid Company Limited (CSG) under supervision of Wang Jiuling visited National Transmission and Despatch Company Limited (NTDCL) at the WAPDA House on Tuesday.

Nawaz had asked China to send its power sector experts to transfer their technical and professional prowess among Pakistani engineers.

NTDC Managing Director Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman gave a detailed briefing about operations of NTDC, ongoing projects and future expansion plan. In addition, he proposed that NTDC would like to benefit from experiences and technical expertise of CSG in terms of network optimisation, introduction to new technologies, improvement in algorithms of control system and capacity building of engineers and technicians.

To achieve this objective, he proposed that in addition to training sessions, engineers of two companies might work together on projects, control systems and operation and maintenance assignments.

China CSG Vice President Wang Jiuling said that CSG was transmitting and distributing electricity in five provinces of China since 2002. The capacity of CSG into 2013 has risen to 263,000 megawatts (MW). CSG is comparatively a young company in China but has met demand of 230 million population spread over one million square kms. The demand in CSG is rising at 8.0 percent annually.

He agreed to the proposal of NTDC to have close relationship so as to assist NTDC in achieving its objectives that are difficult as well as complex. He proposed to hold further meetings to start work towards achieving these goals. CPPA General Manager Tahir Mahmood, Services Division GM Gulzar Ahmad Bhatti, Projects General Manager Mumtaz Ahmad Bhutta, GSO GM Abdul Qudoos Khan and NPCC Consultant Masood Akhtar were also present on this occasion.

Later the Chinese delegation visited Technical Services Group (TSG) NTDCL, where chief engineer Arshad Mirza informed the delegation that TSG was providing grid maintenance, operation and live line training to its staff. The head of Chinese delegation also offered advanced-training facilities in these areas in CSG Training Centre China.

Chinese delegation also met WAPDA Secretary Khalid Akhlaq Gilani, who briefed the delegation about the hydropower projects being implemented by WAPDA. There is a huge hydropower potential in the country and WAPDA is working on a number of projects in the hydel sector to develop this potential to meet the country’s energy needs. Pakistan looks forward to friendly countries for investment, cooperation in capacity building and technology transfer to boost the share of hydel power production in the energy mix.

1098

September 30, 2013 Mon All Day

Pakistan, China determined to further strengthen strategic partnership: President -- APP

President Mamnoon Hussain on Monday said Pakistan and China were determined to further strengthen their all-weather and multifaceted friendship, that has always stood the test of time. “Our friendship is rooted in a shared history and cultural heritage. Our brotherly and fraternal ties have grown from strength to strength every year”, the President said while speaking at a ceremony held here at the Chinese Embassy to celebrate the 64th anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China. The ceremony was attended among others by Federal Ministers, Members of the Parliament, diplomats, senior civil and military officers and mediapersons.

The President said that the newly elected leaderships in both the countries were determined to take this strategic relationship further in the coming years.

“We are committed to forging stronger ties so that the extraordinary narrative of our friendship is transmitted to our next generations”, he remarked.

The President said the highly successful visits of Premier Li Keqiang to Pakistan in May and Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to China in July this year have further cemented this relationship.

He said Pakistan looks forward to early progress on Pakistan-China Economic Corridor and building on existing cooperation in areas of mutual interest and by exploring new avenues for fruitful collaboration.

“Pakistan and China remain committed, as ever, to work together to fashion a better, more prosperous future for our children, and to ensure that they inherit a more peaceful and harmonious world”, the President maintained.

Mamnoon said China’s extraordinary rise over the past 64 years bears testimony to the wisdom of its leadership and the genius of its people.

“China has become a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for the peoples of developing countries around the globe”, he said, adding, Pakistan rejoices in China’s phenomenal success and supports its efforts for the promotion of peace and harmony in the region and the world.

The President extended felicitations to Chinese Ambassador, the officials of the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad as well as to the government and people of China on the auspicious occasion of their country’s founding day.

The President also availed the opportunity to ask Ambassador Sun Weidong to convey his best wishes for President Xi Jinping’s good health and happiness; and for the continued progress and prosperity of the Chinese people.Ambassador Sun Weidong of China in his welcome remarks at the reception said China and Pakistan are close and friendly neighbors, and all-weather strategic partners.

The two peoples are not only friends, but also brothers, he said, adding, “ChinaPakistan friendship is deeply rooted in our hearts, and has become a noble belief with the passing of time.”

Ambassador Sun referred to the recent strong earthquakes in Balochistan, in which Pakistan suffered heavy casualties and property losses, and said Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang immediately expressed condolences to Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif respectively.

He said the Chinese people have always stood together with the people of Pakistan in time of need, adding, they speak from the bottom of their heart that, “iron brother, keep it up!”.

Ambassador Sun said the emergency relief supplies provided by the Chinese government have arrived in Karachi, and the Red Cross Society of China has provided financial assistance to the Pakistani side, adding, the staff members of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan donated voluntarily for the people in quake-hit area of Pakistan.

“We are convinced that under the leadership of the Pakistani Government, the brave Pakistani people will surely overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes, and achieve lasting stability and economical development.”

He said China and Pakistan have a tradition of mutual support and help, adding, the Chinese people will never forget that Pakistan has always stepped forward and given its precious support to China when it met difficulties.

Ambassador Sun mentioned an old Chinese saying that goes, “Friendship between chess playmates lasts less than a day. Friendship between diners lasts less than a month. Friendship based on power and influence lasts less than a year. Only 1099

September 30, 2013 Continued Mon friendship based on shared values lasts a lifetime.”

He said China-Pakistan friendship based on shared values, adding, it will not only last a lifetime, but also endure from generation to generation and last forever.

The Ambassador said China-Pakistan relationship is an example of state-to-state relations, adding, this year, Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have exchanged visits successfully within six weeks, reached a series of important consensus.

Currently, the two sides are actively implementing these important consensuses, and jointly planning and constructing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, he added.

Ambassador Sun said the two sides attach more attention to the pivot projects of the transportation infrastructure, the energy and economic zones along the corridor, which will combine China’s “Western Development” strategy and “Opening up to the West” policy together with Pakistan’s blueprint for national development, and benefit the peoples of our two countries and the region.

The two sides will enhance the friendly exchanges in various fields and learn from each other, he said, adding, the two sides will strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, and jointly safeguard peace and stability of region and world.

Ambassador Sun recalled that the late Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai paid his first visit to Pakistan in December 1956 and during that visit, he said, “The people of China and Pakistan must live together in friendship, which shall grow with each passing day.”

“We are glad to see that, his predictions have come true after half a century. We believe that, with the joint efforts of both sides, our friendship and cooperation will have an even brighter future. Let’s work hand-in-hand to push forward ChinaPakistan Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a new high”, he maintained.

Later President Mamnoon Hussain along with Ambassador Sun Weidong and other dignitaries cut the special cake to mark the Chinese founding day event.

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October 7, 2013 Mon All Day

Senate body for early completion of projects in Gwadar -- Radio Pakistan The Senate Sub-Committee on Finance directed the authorities concerned to complete the ongoing projects as early as possible.

Convener of the committee‚ Senator Sardar Fateh Muhammad Muhammad Hasni said on the occasion that the bureaucracy is causing delay in the projects which results in increase of the cost of the projects.

Terming the Gwadar Water Plant Project as the world's most expensive project‚ Sardar Fateh Muhammad Muhammad Hasni said that the machinery of the project‚ which was initiated for the provision of clean drinking water to the people‚ has been rusted. He directed to identify the responsibles and submit a report in this regard to the committee.

He said that the senate committees are important parts of the Parliament and its members are answerable to the people.

He said that the system can be put on the right path by taking strict action against the corrupt people.

Taking notice of the differences in briefing and written detail‚ Senator Fateh Muhammad said that the government departments are playing anti people role as not a single project was completed in time and by following delaying tactics‚ the original cost of the project increased manifold which caused a huge burden on the national exchequer.

The committee was informed that an amount of Rs. 984 million has been issued for the MGD water plant‚ Gawadar.

The installation of the machinery has been completed and after the completion of the project‚ five million gallon of clean water will be available on daily basis and the consumers will have to pay only 0.7 paisa per gallon.

Senator Kulsoom Perveen and Senator Humayun Mandokhel suggested that it would have been better to provide water to the Gawadar project by linking it with the Mirani Dam through pipes.

For the project of land erosion in Pasni town‚ Rs 125 million have been received out of total allocation of Rs 941 million.

It was also informed in the meeting that for the provision of water and land for industrial zone in Gawadar‚ only Rs 60 million were received out of total allocation of Rs 839 million.

An application has been sent in this regard to the ministry of water and power for the issuance of funds. The Planning Commission has informed that the required funds would be issued within three days‚ the committee was told.

The committee decided that all the members of the committee would visit all of the ongoing projects of Balochistan.

The committee also decided that Auditor General of Pakistan‚ Accountant General of Pakistan‚ all former chairmen of Balochistan Development Authority‚ Secretary Ministry of Finance and Secretary‚ Ministry of Law will attend the meeting.

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Senate body for early completion of projects in Gwadar -- APP

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Sub-Committee on Finance directed the authorities concerned to complete the ongoing projects as early as possible.

Convener of the committee, Senator Sardar Fateh Muhammad Muhammad Hasni said on the occasion that the bureaucracy is causing delay in the projects which results in increase of the cost of the projects.

Terming the Gwadar Water Plant Project as the world's most expensive project, Sardar Fateh Muhammad Muhammad Hasni said that the machinery of the project, 1101

October 7, 2013 Continued Mon which was initiated for the provision of clean drinking water to the people, has been rusted. He directed to identify the responsibles and submit a report in this regard to the committee.

He said that the senate committees are important parts of the Parliament and its members are answerable to the people.

He said that the system can be put on the right path by taking strict action against the corrupt people.

Taking notice of the differences in briefing and written detail, Senator Fateh Muhammad said that the government departments are playing anti people role as not a single project was completed in time and by following delaying tactics, the original cost of the project increased manifold which caused a huge burden on the national exchequer.

The committee was informed that an amount of Rs. 984 million has been issued for the MGD water plant, Gawadar.

The installation of the machinery has been completed and after the completion of the project, five million gallon of clean water will be available on daily basis and the consumers will have to pay only 0.7 paisa per gallon.

Senator Kulsoom Perveen and Senator Humayun Mandokhel suggested that it would have been better to provide water to the Gawadar project by linking it with the Mirani Dam through pipes.

For the project of land erosion in Pasni town, Rs 125 million have been received out of total allocation of Rs 941 million.

It was also informed in the meeting that for the provision of water and land for industrial zone in Gawadar, only Rs 60 million were received out of total allocation of Rs 839 million.

An application has been sent in this regard to the ministry of water and power for the issuance of funds. The Planning Commission has informed that the required funds would be issued within three days, the committee was told.

The committee decided that all the members of the committee would visit all of the ongoing projects of Balochistan.

The committee also decided that Auditor General of Pakistan, Accountant General of Pakistan, all former chairmen of Balochistan Development Authority, Secretary Ministry of Finance and Secretary, Ministry of Law will attend the meeting.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2013

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October 8, 2013 Tue All Day

Gwadar Port vital for development of Balochistan -- APP

ISLAMABAD: Senator Humayun Khan Mandokhail has said that Gwadar Port is very important for development of the region especially for the people of Balochistan.

Talking to Radio Pakistan, he said although the capacities of small dams are low however, they help to raise the underground water level.

He added small dams should be constructed because they are very useful for Balochistan.

He maintained due to deteriorating law and order situation development works have been badly affected in Balochistan province.

He went on to say that militants don't create hurdles in the way of water projects because they know it is basic need of the people of Balochistan.

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October 9, 2013 Wed All Day

Mushahid to leave for China for enlightening usefulness of Pak-China economic corridor -- SANA

ISLAMABAD, (SANA) Chairman of Pakistan-China Institute, as well as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence & Defence Production, Senator, Mushahid Hussain, has been invited to deliver a keynote address at a major foreign policy conference in Beijing next month.

The invitation was personally delivered by Dr Hu Hao, Deputy Director General of the host think tank, China Center for Contemporary World Studies (CCCWS), which is holding the International Conference on ‘Global Trends and China in the Next Decade’.

The conference convenes in Beijing on November 7-8. Senator Mushahid Hussain will also chair the concluding session of the Conference.

During the meeting with Dr Hu Hao, Senator Mushahid Hussain welcomed the recent visit of China’s President Xi Jinping to Central Asia, where he announced China’s support for the ‘Central Asia Economic Belt’, linking Chinese economic and trade cooperation with the region, and said the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor would weave in well with the concept of the Central Asia Economic Belt.

He said Pakistan’s economic future, resolution of energy crisis and security and stability are linked to the success of the Economic Corridor with China.

In this regard, Senator Mushahid expounded the concept of ‘Greater South Asia’ which was based on broadening of the South Asian subcontinent’s regional linkages driven by energy and economic integration with China, Myanmar, Iran and Afghanistan, and which would eventually be linked on the east with Kunming and on the west with Kashgar.

Referring to the coming decade, the period till 2025, Senator Mushahid Hussain said this period would see the weakening of the use of force and military occupations, efforts to resolve long-standing conflicts like Kashmir, Korea and Palestine, the decline of the West, the rise of China, the resurgence of the ‘Asian Century’ and unraveling of the status quo in the Middle East.

He also hoped that Asian countries, particularly India, should resist the temptation to join a New Great Game with a return to a Cold War mindset, and he strongly opposed any ‘containment of China’ strategy as some in the West are suggesting.

Senator Mushahid Hussain, thanked Dr Hao for the honour to address the distinguished gathering in Beijing, where over 100 scholars, specialists, intellectuals and policy-makers from all over the world will apply their minds to the challenges and opportunities in the coming decade. Dr Hu Hao appreciated the role played by Senator Mushahid Hussain in promoting ties with China in his capacity as Chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute and also congratulated him on leading two successful delegations of parliamentarians from Pakistan to Afghanistan and Azerbaijan recently.

Ends-SANA-PR-AK

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October 11, 2013 Fri All Day

Gwadar Port to be made functional’ -- BR Gwadar Port to be made functional’ Staff Report KARACHI: Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Kamran Michael has said the Gwadar Port will be made fully functional in next five months, as almost 60 percent of development work on roads has been completed.

This port will connect gulf region and Middle East to Southeast Asia. It is vital for national growth and in securing economy of Pakistan.

The federal minister informed that government is striving to extend trade avenues and boosting business in the country. “We are going to buy four oil tankers for our fleet after which will be able to extend fleet of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) up to 15 by the end of this year,” he told.

The minister was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session of 3rd International Conference and Exhibition on Shipping, Logistics and Supply Chain Management 2013. Event was organised by the Publicity Channel in collaboration with Ministry of Ports and Shipping, Pakistan International Freight Forwarding Association, Pakistan Shipping Agents Association and Air Cargo Agents Association.

Michael told that ship-breaking industry is being moved to Port Qasim for which 170 acres of land is earmarked and development work is carried on. About 3,000 industries are being moved to Port Qasim. An uninterrupted electric supply will be ensured there for which 500 megawatts (MW) electricity will be produced through coal plant. British government will also help in producing another 600 MW with solid waste at Karachi Port, he added.

The federal minister said that IT database system is being installed and will be made functional within next month at all ports. This will help to track containers movement throughout and status of customs duty be also monitored.

Responding to questions of journalists about letter of Sindh government to port authorities with regard to possession of government land, Michael said that they have not taken any illegal possession of Sindh government land and in most of cases they have possession of their own land. Future of ports and shipping industry is very bright. We are trying our best to curb corruption in my ministry. We have identified more than 3,000 ghost employees in Karachi Port Trust after which we have installed biometric attendance machine to ensure transparency. We should all work together for the promotion of economy, he added.

Earlier in his welcome address Publicity Channel CEO Naeem Qureshi said that this event was aimed to share the latest information about developments and technical advancement in the sector all over the world, particularly in Pakistan. It will promote shipping and logistic industry through joint ventures, public private partnership, technology, investment and networking, he added.

Giving introduction about the event, conference director Mehmood Tareen said that logistic industry is critical for business enhancement but its needs are overlooked.

Transfreight Managing Director and FIATA Senior Vice President Babar Badat said that 95 percent of logistics is being done in containers through shipping globally.

Ministry of Transport and Logistics is much needed in Pakistan. It shouldn’t only be a ministry of shipping and ports. Now logistic is needed from its start point to consumers. Almost 45-50 percent trade of many countries is regional as part of their GDP, whereas our GDP trade is only 5.0 percent.

Talking on the topic of inter-regional trade potential of Pakistan, Agility Logistics Chief Executive Officer Moin A Malik said that regional trade is very important in today’s world. Almost 44 million containers move in Asia between different ports 1105

October 11, 2013 Continued Fri and its biggest volume is 4.5 million between Europe to Asia.

This industry is growing at fast pace. It was four billion worth trade a decade before which is increased by 86 billion in 2011. Almost 22 times growth is noticed within Asia alone. China global trade is estimated at 2.38 trillion dollars by 2012 and Central Asian trade was 104 billion dollars in 2012, he mentioned.

Pakistan is on a very important and strategic geographical location. We have potential through highways. Our current logistic trade is 0.3 percent of GDP which will be 2.3 percent in coming five years and this could be a game changer, Malik suggested and urged to address issues including improve logistic infrastructure, security, curbing corruption, difficult custom procedures and government policies.

He requested federal minister to take notice of zero performance of National Trade Corridor five years program as not a single target is achieved. Poor infrastructure, non-existed railway system, technology, legislation, regulatory mechanism, people and trainings are great impediments to the growth of this sector, he observed. “We have generated Rs 20 million fund to initiate formal training program to develop human resource. We will generate another Rs 30 million in coming months.

Government should support this initiative and provide land for this program,� Malik requested to federal minister.

Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) Chairman Muhammad Siddique Memon said that shipping has most important role in logistics and now it’s growing.

PNSC is now in business of oil and bulk carrier and now planning to add more tankers in its fleet. We are a profit earning organization now and have earned 1.9 million profits last year, he added.

Senator Abdul Haseeb khan in his address demanded federal minister to dissolve all boards of public enterprises and induct people of good repute in new boards including PIA, Pakistan Steel, KPT, Port Qasim, WAPDA etc, as they all are a great hurdle itself in progress of these organisations. He also requested prime minister to take notice of this situation.

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October 15, 2013 Tue All Day

LCCI for early revival of FTA with China -- BR

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) will play its role for early revival of Pak-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The LCCI President Sohail Lashari, Senior Vice President Mian Tariq Misbah and Vice President Kashif Anwar were talking to a delegation of All Pakistan Paper Merchants Association (APPMA) at the LCCI on Monday.

The 19-member APPMA delegation led by Khamis Saeed Butt and comprising All Pakistan Paper Merchants Association (APPMA) President Mian Amjad Hussain, Senior Vice President Malik Ahad Amin, Honorary Senior Vice President Khawaja Nadeem, former APPMA president Qayyum Raza and others met LCCI officebearers to congratulate them. Lashari said that the LCCI would soon write letters to Ministry of Commerce and Federal Board of Revenue for renewal of Free Trade Agreement with China.

He said that the LCCI would also provide details of the products which are not manufactured in Pakistan so that they could be included in the new FTA. On the issues of Sales Tax, Income Tax and Wealth Tax, the LCCI president said that the Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif had already constituted two committees with the LCCI which would be looking into the problems being faced by the business community.

He said that the LCCI would take up all tax related issues with the Excise & Taxation Committee. About the shortage of electricity, he invited the APPMA members to participate in LCCI plans to produce electricity on self-generation basis.

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Senior Vice President Mian Tariq Misbah said that that an acute shortage of electricity and deteriorating law and order situation in some parts of the country have pushed the economy to wall at a time when the country is in need of an accelerated growth.

He said that in these circumstances, the role of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the country and other sector-specific trade organisations like APPMA, working at the national level, become more important and relevant. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Vice President Kashif Anwar urged the APPMA office-bearers to continue to guide their members about the events at the international economic front so the people attached with the paper business could be able to do their business with peace of mind.

1107

October 18, 2013 Fri All Day

Gwadar Port to be functional in 5 months -- br

The government is working on a plan to equip ports with modern facilities.

According to officials of Ministry of Ports and Shipping, an IT based database system will be installed and made functional during next month at all the ports. This will help track the movement of containers and status of custom duty, Radio Pakistan reported on Friday.

They said the ship breaking industry is being moved to Port Qasim with 170 acres of land earmarked and development work planned for the purpose. About 3000 industries are being shifted to Port Qasim.

An uninterrupted electric supply will be ensured there for which 500 megawatt of electricity will be produced through a coal plant. The British government will also help in producing another 600 megawatt with solid waste at Karachi Port.

The officials also said that Gwadar Port is expected to become fully operational in the next five to six months. Almost sixty percent work on linking roads has been completed.

1108

October 19, 2013 Sat All Day

Finishing touches: Gwadar Port to be operational in six months -- The Express Tribune,

Officials of the Ministry of Ports and Shipping on Friday said that the government is working on a plan to equip ports with modern facilities. They said that an IT based database system will be installed next month at all the ports which will help track movement of containers.

The officials said that the ship breaking industry is being moved to Port Qasim with 170 acres of land earmarked and development work planned for the purpose, whereas about 3000 industries are being shifted to Port Qasim.

They said that uninterrupted power supply would be ensured with 500MW of electricity production through a coal plant while another 600MW will be added with the help of the British government after utilisation of solid waste at Karachi Port.

The officials said that the Gwadar Port is expected to become operational in the next five-six months and almost 60% work the road linkage has been completed.

All Day

Pak, China optical fiber cable work to be initiated soon -- BR

ISLAMABAD: Work on laying of cross-border optical fiber cables between Pakistan and China will be initiated soon.

According to Radio Pakistan quoting special communication organization Gilgit Baltistan sources that a team has paid a trip to Sost and Khunjarab, in upper Hunza recently and inspected the plan area.

Sources said that this project will help increase volume of business and provide easy and cheap tele-communication facility to the tourists and businessmen in both countries.

1109

October 20, 2013 Sun All Day

Pak-China optical fibre cable work to be initiated soon -- APP

ISLAMABAD: Work on lying of cross-border optical fibre cable between Pakistan and China will be initiated soon.

According to Radio Pakistan quoting special communication organisation Gilgit Baltistan sources that a team has paid a trip to Sost and Khunjarab, in upper Hunza recently and inspected the plan area. Sources said that this project will help increase volume of business and provide easy and cheap telecommunication facility to the tourists and businessmen in both the friend countries. app

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Trade with China -- BR

The World Bank, in its recent report 'Pakistan the Transformative Path', has expressed its optimism about the prospect of accelerating the momentum of Pakistan's FTA with China. Therefore, bolstering trade through FTA may be made a main agenda item, along with proposed Kashgar-Gwadar trade corridor, development of Gwadar port and construction of motor highways to link Pakistani ports with Chinese markets.

But at the same time it is also important to evaluate the cost-benefit analysis of each of these projects, for long-term, before prioritizing the projects. Equally important is to analyse how these projects would be able to translate their futuristic benefits into meeting goals of economic development, in the short run, to improve our precarious trade deficit, boost our shrinking exports and revitalise the faltering economic growth - hovering at three percent of GDP. There has to be a progressive strategy for the much needed economic revival of Pakistan.

Exports-led growth is one of the many ways for the economic revival of Pakistan.

This goal can be attained by accelerating Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China as suggested by a World Bank report. This initiative seems most feasible in the present scenario when the fiscal space for development projects like Gwadar is highly constrained owing to the balance of payment crisis. Unfortunately, negotiations on FTA, signed in 2007, were not a moot point in the recent spate of high level meetings between Pakistan and China and remain the missing link so far in the entire paradigm of economic engagement. Now when the World Bank has highlighted its significance it must be given a serious consideration by the policy makers.

Indeed, it is worrisome that Pakistan's exports to China suggest a stagnant position over the last 6 to 7 years; showing a lack of export diversification in the Chinese market. The major challenge for Pakistan, therefore, is to make FTA substantially effective to harness reasonable terms of trade and increase product competitiveness at par with other successful FTAs in Asia. As trade economists suggest it is a way to expand trade volume, arrest the decelerating export growth, increase investments thus reducing the current account deficit and contributing to socio-economic development of a country both in the short and long term.

To begin with, it is important to negotiate, skilfully, some favourable tariff concessions for Pakistan's exports- which lag behind consistently - so that they can be competitive in the Chinese market. If products like leather, manufactured garments, surgical instruments, mangoes, rice, oranges, fish, gem-stones, cement; with comparative advantage but losing competitive edge, procure duty free or reduced tariffs, it will be a great stimulus for boosting our staggering exports to China, standing at a meagre $3 billion. This must be accompanied by improved infrastructure development, establishing export processing zones and industrial parks, including energy provision, in major industrial hubs of Karachi and Punjab, further bolstering the stalled trade activity. This will not only add to economic growth but also reduce our escalating trade deficit.

Furthermore, Pakistan has great potential of investment in energy, mining, infrastructure, metro-railways, mass transit and dams and FTA can increase the scope of Chinese investment in these sectors; opening a gateway for socioeconomic development and numerous employment opportunities in short and medium terms. There is a separate investment chapter under FTA which ensures 1110

October 20, 2013 Continued Sun investment protection and promotion, expropriation, compensation for losses, transfers, subrogation and dispute settlement between parties, making it a preferred frame-work for investors Increased exports through FTA would help reduce our reliance on traditional export markets of the US, the EU and the Middle East despite higher tariffs, and increased transportation cost, accompanied by a drop in demand of industrialised countries due to economic and debt crises. Diverting trade to second largest merchandise economy of the world will have 'trade creating effect' as suggested by the World Bank; expanding our narrow export base by opening new avenues to a vibrant destination of one billion growing middle-class consumers in China. For example, China's per capita possession of resources is far below the world average making it a net importer of minerals from Pakistan. The export of minerals may be further accentuated under FTA keeping in view the growing market demand.

The success in developing a new trade-axis with China will depend on how tactfully Pakistan bargains its position, particularly when China seems to be inclined to offer some concessions owing to the renewed strategic importance of Pakistan in the changed geo-economic scenario. In order to serve as an energy and economic corridor for China, Pakistan must demand a trade corridor through FTA for its declining exports. Later on, this may be used as a stepping stone for a wider deal with the 10-nation Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in a high growth region of the world.

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October 22, 2013 Tue All Day

Pak-China trade volume to rise to $10b in 2 years -- The Nation

AHORE: China, the major potential market of Pakistani hand-knotted carpet, would help the carpet industry to enhance its competitiveness and tap the future market of China.

LAHORE: China, the major potential market of Pakistani hand-knotted carpet, would help the carpet industry to enhance its competitiveness and tap the future market of China.

This was stated by representatives of Chinese delegation, who after attending a carpet exhibition in India along with Indian carpet industry stakeholders reached Pakistan through Wagha with a view to attend the four-day Pakistan hand-knotted carpet mega show 2013, being opened on Tuesday, Oct 22 at Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore.

They said that they would be delighted to help the Pakistani carpet industry with its up-gradation, and thereby enabling it to tap the Chinese market.

They said that China has already laid the foundation for establishment of a business development centre in Pakistan, to extend research and development assistance to the Pakistani industry.

They said that FDI worth around $ 769 million have flown into Pakistan from China over the past five years, and some $ 11.7 million have flown in from Hong Kong.

During last fiscal itself, around $120.9 million and $ 80.3 million came to Pakistan in FDI from China and Hong Kong, respectively, they said.

They added that the trade volume between the two countries is expected to rise to $ 10 billion over the next two years. Last fiscal, trade between the two countries stood at $ 5.704 billion.

On this occasion, Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) newly-elected central chairman Akhtar Nazir Khan Cooki also talked to media after receiving Chinese and Indian delegation at Wagha border.

He said though Pakistan is also in favour of enhancing mutual trade, still it necessitates some foreign direct investment from China.

The PCMEA chairman informed that more than 150 foreign delegates mainly from China, India, Nepal, Spain and Germany have reached Pakistan to participate in this exhibition.

The chief organizer of the carpet show and vice chairman of the PCMEA (NZ) Kamran Razi said besides participation of regional countries, foreign guests including direct importers, interior decorators, architects, home furnishing companies and colour combination experts from the US, Europe, Far East, Australia, Middle East and Africa have also been invited to attend the event. "So this will be a huge business activity that would certainly improve the image of the country at international level," he said.

He stated that the visiting Chinese delegation would also explore opportunities of joint ventures for encouraging economic activities between the two nations, besides inking a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

To enable Pakistan to tap the emerging handmade carpet market in China, the delegation has offered research and development assistance to the producers of handmade carpet in Pakistan.

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October 23, 2013 Wed All Day

100 local companies attending China fair -- The Dawn

KARACHI, Oct 23: Over 100 Pakistani enterprises are exhibiting their products at Western China International Fair (WCIF) which opened on Wednesday at Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province in central China.

More than 50 countries, including Pakistan are participating in the fair wherein Pakistan’s official participation is being organised by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).

FPCCI President Zubair Ahmed Malik and Pak-China Business Council Patron-inChief Tariq Sayeed were also attending the fair.

Pakistani handicrafts, leather goods, furniture, food items including rice and spices as well as gift items were attracting a large number of visitors, Zubair Ahmed Malik informed Dawn over telephone.

He further said that mutual trade between Pakistan and China had exponentially increased during the past decade.

Tariq Sayeed said that such events could eventually help Pakistan reduce its trade deficit with China.

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Brussels offers fish packing services as per international standards -- BR ussels has formally offered Pakistan his services and expertise in fish packing and preserving at international standards and to improve cold storage facilities at Gwadar Port. Ambassador of Belgium in Pakistan Peter Claes called on Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Kamran Michael here on Tuesday.

Federal Minister said the Ministry would purchase fish from domestic fishermen and after packing and preserving it at international standards, it would be exported to European market, particularly to Belgium. Federal Minister said, "This joint venture of two friendly states will be worth of million of euros to Pakistan exchequer."

Federal Minister appreciated the offer of Belgium for scholarships to Pakistan Marine Officers into Belgium on which home work had been completed. Belgium Ambassador formally invited the Federal Minister to visit Belgium and to meet business community of Belgium. Peter Claes also appreciated the step of the government for vesting her trust on a Christian Community person to elevate him a pivotal port folio that was an acknowledgement of the capabilities of Senator Michael and provided him the opportunity to play his role in progress and prosperity of the nation.-PR

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Gwadar-Turbat Hoshab Road: PC1 cost revised upward to Rs 18 billion -BR The construction cost of Gwadar-Turbat Hoshab Road has been revised upward to Rs 18.379 billion in the PC1 from Rs 5.687 billion because of National Highway Authority's inability to complete the project even after the completion date was revised upward by five years.

Senior officials of NHA and Ministry of Communication informed the Senate SubCommittee on Finance here on Monday that the cost of all the three sections of road has been revised upward by in the amended PC-1. The original cost of 54kilometer road from Gwadar to Dasht was estimated at Rs 1.527 billion with completion date of September 2006, but NHA failure to compete the project led to upward revision of cost to Rs 2.494 billion and completion date to June 2008.

However, the project was not completed even on the upwardly revised date of June 2008 and now is expected to be completed in June 2013. According to NHA overall progress was 60 percent.

The cost of 63 kilometers section of the road from Dasht-Turbat went up from Rs 1.699 billion to Rs 3.687 billion with upward revision in completion date from September 2006 to February 2012, but the implementing authority was unable to 1113

October 23, 2013 Continued Wed complete the project even on the revised completion date. The project now, as NHA stated before the committee, is expected to be completed in June 2013. According to NHA, the cost of 76 kilometers section road from Turbat to Hoshab was revised upward to Rs 3.166 billion from original Rs 1.933 billion with completion date from September 2007 to February 2012 but the project could not be completed even in 2012 and now the completion is expected in June 2013. The meeting was informed that 34 kms link service road from adjoining villages has been completed with a cost of Rs 940 million in November 2011. The NHA official said that law and order situation was major obstacle in timely completion of development projects in Balochistan. Members said that the law and order situation was not a major problem till 2006 when these projects were to be completed and the problem started in 2007 and worsened in subsequent years.

Chairman of the sub-committee Fateh Muhammad Hassani stated that Ministry of Communication and NHA should come up with the list of the sites of the development project where security is an issue so that the committee could devise some modalities regarding security arrangements for early completion of infrastructure related development projects in Balochistan aimed at linking them with Gwadar sea port. The committee also decided to invite Inspector General Police along with Chief Secretary Balochistan after Eid for their input on the issue of law and order to address the problem amicably.

Senior officials of NHA stated that National Assembly Standing Committee on Communication has rejected a proposal for incorporating security component in the PC1 of all the development projects of Balochistan on ground that it would set a wrong precedent and other would also start demanding security component in their projects.

The representative of Finance Ministry said that keeping in view the importance of the matter, the ministry would support provision of funds for security component for development projects in Balochistan. However, approval of the proposal would depend on how effectively NHA and Planning Commission would plead the case.

Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr Nadeem-ul-Haq said he has been requesting the government to stop approving development projects for the next three years so that the ongoing projects could be completed first but 'pressure' was not letting this happen.

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October 24, 2013 Thu All Day

China to give 3200MW electricity to Pakistan -- Saach

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Land for international airport at Gwadar acquired, senate panel told -BR

Lahore: China has officially offered power starving Pakistan to give 3200 Mega Watt electricity.

Punjab’s energetic chief minister Shahbaz was offered this export during his talks with Chinese officials at Uromqi.

The mega power project would take three years time to be completed giving a boost to the country stumbling to fulfill its power needs.

Welcoming the offer, Shahbaz Sharif says that experts will assess the cost effectiveness of the project.

Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz leader is in China these days to pave ways for bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and China.

- See more at: http://www.saach.tv/2013/10/24/china-to-give-3200mw-electricity-topak/#sthash.JxbI6oyd.dpuf

Land has been acquired for the construction of an international airport at Gwadar, the Senate's Sub-Committee on Finance was informed on Tuesday. An official of the Ministry of Defence briefed the Committee about the Gwadar airport. The committee decided to have another briefing next month on the issue.

It was informed that the government allocated Rs 600 million for this purpose in the current fiscal year while the total cost of the airport was estimated at Rs 7.6 billion.

The committee proposed that the airport should be designed to accommodate future extensions. The meeting was informed that the Gwadar airport would have a runway with a length of around 10,000 feet and 150 feet width, enabling it to handle large aircraft and flights. The meeting was presided over by Senator Fateh Muhammad Hassni.

An official of Planning Commission stated that there was a need to update the airport's feasibility study because it was now five years old and the cost of the project might have been considerably increased. The committee stated that Gwadar's road, rail and air connectivity was critical for the economic development of the province and the country.

Senator Kulsoom Perveen observed that operationalisation of the Gwadar port would financially strengthen the province and decrease its dependence on the federal government.

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Shahbaz eyes 1,000mw solar plant from China -- THE NATIONS

LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif who arrived in China on Wednesday on a two-day visit to explore possibilities of setting up solar energy plants in Pakistan, visited solar plant at Hami, 600km away from Urumqi without taking rest after arriving at Urumqi, provincial metropolis of Xinjiang province of China. Presently this plant is generating 1000mw electricity.

Chinese officials assured the Chief Minister of their whole-hearted cooperation for providing solar energy to Pakistan as he inspected various sections of the solar park for three hours and obtained latest information about solar energy.

Vice Governor of Xinjiang, Kuraish Mehsut hosted a banquet in the honour of Chief Minister Punjab. Chinese Federal and Provincial senior officials, representatives of ruling party and important traders of China attended the banquet.

On arrival, Shahbaz Sharif was warmly greeted by the high officials of the Foreign Affairs Office of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Ambassador Masood Khalid and a large number of traders and entrepreneurs.

Soon after arrival, the Chief Minister met with Li Jian Hua, the Chief Executive Officer of TBEA Group and later left for inspecting solar energy power plants in Xinjiang and its adjoining areas.

While talking to his hosts, the Chief Minister said that addressing the energy crisis was one of the top priorities of the present government and in this respect he had a lot of expectations from this visit.

He appreciated China’s keen interest and cooperation in addressing energy crisis and infrastructure development of the country. He pointed out that PML-N govt led 1115

October 24, 2013 Continued Thu

by Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was committed to addressing energy shortfall thus returning brightness in the country. He said that meeting the energy shortfall will galvanise economic activity, unleash an era of economic prosperity and brighten the country’s future.

Shahbaz Sharif said: “When our factories and Mills will start getting power supply, they will function with full capacity, thus provide job opportunities to the common man�.

The Chief Minister appreciated the warm welcome accorded to him on his arrival and said it illustrated the warmth both sides have in our relationship.

Vice Governor Xinjiang province, Mai He Su Ti Kurexi hosted a banquet in honour of the Chief Minister and his entourage. Later, while talking to media, Shahbaz Sharif said that the recent visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to China had proved a harbinger of a new chapter in the history of Pak-China relations and increased the prospects of cooperation in various sectors including energy between the two countries. Replying to a question, the Chief Minister said that he is ready to visit any country to rid the nation of darkness due to loadshedding.

He said that besides China, Pakistan was also making efforts to have cooperation of other countries including Germany and Britain in energy sector.

Addressing the participants of the banquet, Chinese Vice Governor said that every Chinese was proud of Pak-China friendship. Kuraish Mehsut said that he is deeply impressed with the speed and working style of Chief Minister Punjab Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. He expressed his belief that Pakistan will not face energy crisis for a long time in the presence of leaders like Shahbaz Sharif.

Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz expressed the hope that Pakistan will succeed in overcoming energy crisis by replicating Chinese model. He said that the assurance of cooperation by Chinese leadership had highly encouraged his government.

Earlier, on his arrival at Urumqi on a two-day visit, the Chief Minister was accorded warm welcome by the senior officials of Chinese Foreign Ministry and office-bearers of traders organisations.

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October 25, 2013 Fri All Day

Shahbaz seeks Chinese help in energy projects -- BR

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the government is giving priority to solar energy sector as a short-term strategy to control energy crisis in Pakistan. Addressing the Chinese investors in Xinjiang on Thursday, the Chief Minister said that the present government had initiated different projects to generate electricity, however, maximum attention was being paid to generate solar energy to rid the people of loadshedding as soon as possible.

He said that a solar energy park was being constructed in Punjab with a capacity of generating 1000 megawatts of electricity. "This park will be among the largest solar energy parks in the world and there is a need for Chinese co-operation in implementation of the project," he added. The Punjab CM said that he had not come to China to seek aid but had brought proposals for launching joint ventures in Pakistan. He assured that all kind of facilities would be provided to Chinese investors for this purpose. The Chief Minister was of the view that the energy projects being launched in Punjab with the co-operation of Chinese investors would prove to be a milestone in Pak-China friendship.

Shahbaz also visited different factories and witnessed the manufacturing of windmill equipment, power transformers and solar cells. Speaking to media persons before his departure from China, Shahbaz said that China had helped Pakistan in every hour of need and the Chinese leadership had also assured full co-operation in the future as well.

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October 26, 2013 Sat All Day

Chinese team discusses Nandipur power project with Shahbaz -- BR

A delegation of Chinese company Dongfang Electric International, which is working on Nandipur power project, led by company's chief, Han Zhiqiao met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Friday. Provincial Minister for Energy, Sher Ali Khan, Secretary Energy and Managing Director Nandipur power project, Captain Mehmood (Retd), concerned officials as well as Vice President Dongfang Electric International Zhang Guorong and Project Manager, Chen Youping were also present on the occasion.

Matters regarding completion of Nandipur power project were discussed in the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz said that Nandipur power project is of vital importance and should be completed as early as possible. He said that PML-N government has revived this project and transported machinery from Karachi after which work is being carried out expeditiously on the project.

Government wants to complete this project even before the stipulated period with the co-operation of the Chinese company as this project will help in resolving energy crisis in the country, he added. He further said that Nandipur power project will serve as another shining example of Pak-China friendship and it is hoped that due to sincere efforts, the project will become operational at the beginning of next year.

He said that China is a trustworthy friend of Pakistan and his recent visit will help in opening up new avenues of co-operation between the two countries in energy sector. Shahbaz offered co-operation to the officials of the Chinese company in other energy projects in Punjab to which the chief of Dongfang Electric International (DEC) thanked the CM and assured to cooperate in other energy projects in Punjab as well. Han Zhiqiao said that special attention is being paid to the standard of construction of the project. He said that he is deeply impressed with the working style of CM Shahbaz Sharif whose speed of execution of projects is unbelievable.

He said that Shahbaz Sharif is playing an important role in strengthening Pak-China friendship.

1118

October 29, 2013 Tue All Day

Pak space engineers, scientists getting training in China -- BR

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People-to-people contact must to further Sino-Pak relations’ -- Daily Times

BEIJING: A number of Pakistani engineers and scientists are getting space sciences training in China, said a senior official here.

"Hundreds of space engineers and scientists from several countries including Pakistan and Nigeria have received training in China since 2005," Li Lan, Deputy General Manager of the Communications Satellite Division of China Great Wall Industry Corp, said in an interview.

China Great Wall Industry Corp is the country's only commercial provider of international launch services and satellite in-orbit delivery. Providing training for space professionals from developing economies was aimed at enhancing their capacity in satellite operations and space technology application, he said.

China and Pakistan share a long history of space technology cooperation.

Pakistan's first low-orbit satellite, BADR-A, was launched by China in 1990.

If China starts taking foreign astronauts to outer space, we would like to be the first candidate," said Ahmed Bilal, chairman of the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission. We also want to cooperate with China in remote sensing technology and educating the public about space," China Daily quoted him earlier.

China launched a communications satellite PAKSAT-1R for Pakistan from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province in August 2011.

The satellite was China's first in-orbit delivery to Asian customers and also the first commercial satellite export to international users.

PAKSAT-1R was now providing a range of services, including broadband Internet, telecom and broadcasting, covering some regions of Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, and the eastern Africa.

The contract for the PAKSAT-1R was signed in 2008 between China Great Wall Industry Corporation and the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission of Pakistan.

Chairman SUPARCO, Ahmed Bilal who recently attended two international conferences on space sciences in China, in an interview said that space technology applications act as a catalysts in socio-economic development.

Pakistan, he said also wanted to get maximum benefits from spaces technology applications and the present government is attaching great importance to it.

Space Technology Applications are now playing an important role in human life and were being commonly used with full efficacy by shipping lines, airlines, in the fields of agriculture, medicines, spreading education, survey for dam constructions, road alignments, disaster management etc, Bilal observed.

Li Lan said the training to engineers and scientists covers satellite operations, space technology and engineering that can greatly enhance their knowledge of satellite operations.

China Great Wall Industry Corp, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, has launched 43 satellites and assisted in 37 more launches for international clients from 18 countries and regions, according to the company's latest statistics.

LAHORE: Experts at a symposium on Monday stressed the need for people-topeople contact between China and Pakistan to boost relations between the two countries.

They were speaking at a seminar entitled ‘Pakistan-China Relations: The Future’ organised by Punjab University Pakistan Study Centre (PSC), on Monday, which was addressed by specialist of South Asian Affairs, expert of Pakistan Studies from China and a faculty member of Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Zhou Rong.

Speaking on occasion, Zhou Rong discussed China-Pakistan relations in three parts – strategic, economic and cultural relations. He recalled the past when both countries cooperated in defence field. He highlighted China’s role in Pakistan-India wars and said these relations were not just confined to joint exercises. Both the countries have launched joint military weaponry projects and have been cooperating in development of missile and nuclear systems.

Talking about the economic relationships, he said it was going to improve further in near future. Both countries on government as well as private level have been joining 1119

October 29, 2013 Continued Tue hands to launch new economic ventures. Pakistan’s recent proposal for economic corridor from the Shanghai to Gwadar is important, as it will open new venues in fields of economic development of Pakistan, he added.

He stressed on enhancing the people to people contact and said understanding the languages of both sides was an essential for that purpose. He stressed upon students to learn Chinese language so that they could understand about Chinese culture and society.

Director Pakistan Study Centre Prof Massarrat Abid said the learning of each other’s language will be most helpful in strengthening the cultural and social bond between people of the two countries.

She said these friendly ties could be more strengthened if people to people contacts were established on regular basis, adding in this regard, more academic exchanges, initiation of student exchange programmes between universities of China and Pakistan, exchange of cultural delegations will be beneficial.

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October 30, 2013 Wed All Day

Pakistan, Japan should cooperate in civil sector projects’ -- Daily Times ISLAMABAD: Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain said on Tuesday that Japan and Pakistan should look into avenues where both countries could venture into civil sector development projects.

The minister met Ambassador-designate of Japan Hiroshi Inomata at in his office on Tuesday. Hussain said that since defence cooperation with Japan is very limited, therefore, ventures on the civil side where Japan could extend support are of much importance to Pakistan.

Referring to second shipyard to be built in Gwadar, the ambassador said the proposal “very fruitful” in enhancing relations between the two countries.

“The new shipyard project will uplift shipping industry of Pakistan and will serve as a good harbour for ships trading in the region. It will also act as a gateway to Gulf,” the minister told the ambassador. The minister also commended the police structure of Japan and called it a successful model to be followed by the rest of the countries, including Pakistan. Later, a delegation of Nigeria and Tajikistan met Ministry of Defence Production Additional Secretary Maj Gen Raza Muhammad.

1121

November 6, 2013 Wed All Day

Pak-China economic corridor to play active role in emergence of new regionalism: Mushahid -- BR

ISLAMABAD: Chairman, Senate Defence Committee, Senator Mushahid Hussain Wednesday highlighted the various dynamic regional context that will define PakChina relationship.

Addressing a workshop on "Doing Business with China", organized by COMSATS institute and Pakistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce in his capacity as Chairman, Pakistan-China institute, he said the shift in the balance of power from East to West with the rise of China as a pillar of strength, stability and security, has defined 21st century as the Asian Century.

"China has emerged as an economic, political and regional power in the world while Pakistan with its friendship with China could also emerge as powerful country to be a part of this Asian century", he added.

Elucidating his concept of "Greater South Asia," he said Pak-China economic corridor would play a crucial role in emergence of new regionalism in South Asia.

This South Asia, he explained, would include China, Iran, Afghanistan and stretch all the way to Myanmar and will be knit together by cooperation in energy and economy.

The Chairman stated the vision enunciated by the new leadership in China has immense bearing on the region.

The Chinese leadership, he said, envisions sharing prosperity, peaceful, development and security in the region, particularly its neighbours "Pak-China Economic Corridor, Central Asia Economic Belt and Kunming-Yangon-Chittagong railway are a part of the vision of President Xi Jinping".

He said there are infinite opportunities for Pakistan's entrepreneurs and businessmen to reap the fruits of such changing regional context.

Citing the examples of Thar Coal and Nandipur Power projects, he cautioned that Pakistan must address certain issues to facilitate a greater Pak-China cooperation.

He said there should be a special force for industry and protection of foreign workers

1122

November 13, 2013 Wed All Day

Foreign investment to boost Pak economy: Nawaz -- The News ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said that foreign investment in Pakistan would provide a much needed boost to the economy and generate employment opportunities.

While talking to President of China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company (CSOC) Xu Ziqiu who called on him at the PM House, the premier said that Pakistan had a growing strategic relationship with China and it welcomed new and innovative ideas in all fields.

He said that investment in construction and manufacturing sectors not only provide an impetus to the economy but at the same time generates employment opportunities. He said that Pakistan has always welcomed the Chinese investment which had been a source of strengthening of ties between the two countries.

1123

November 15, 2013 Fri All Day

Pak-China joint military exercise begins -- BR

Pakistan-China Joint Military Exercise YOUYI-IV aimed at sharing mutual exchange of experience and information through a comprehensive training programme in real time, commenced near Jehlum on Monday. The joint exercise, spread over a period of two weeks, is fourth in the series in which Special Forces from both sides will participate. According to ISPR, the Exercise YOUYI-IV is a brigade level joint exercise between the two armies.

Chinese army being well equipped and highly technical, in nature is very meticulous, keen and equally professional in their approach. During last joint exercise in China they demonstrated high sense of professionalism and friendship towards Pakistan.

Exercise YOUYI, which literally translates "Friendship" between two countries, started in 2004. So far three exercises have been conducted, including two in China and one in Pakistan. These exercises were mandated to boost existing professional relationship between the two friendly Armies. It may be mentioned here that Pakistan and China enjoy extremely close and brotherly relations since their inception, which have matured and strengthened over the years.

The forthcoming Joint Military Exercise YOUYI-IV will certainly pave the way for further cementing existing bilateral relations between the two countries. Senior military leadership from both sides will also attend the exercise. The YOUYI-IV exercise will be a true manifestation to a famous Chinese phrase "Pakistan China friendship is higher than the mountains and deeper than oceans".

1124

November 22, 2013 Fri All Day

World Fisheries Day: seafood export-based policy being evolved: Michael -- BR Federal Ports and Shipping Minister, Kamran Michael, on Thursday said the government is evolving a fresh fisheries policy with a clear view to augment export of the country's key seafood products especially tuna and shrimp species. Being the chief guest at a seminar, which WWF-Pakistan and Marine Fisheries Department (MFD) jointly organised, on Promoting Rights Based Approaches for Fishermen at a hotel to mark World Fisheries Day, he said the government will include fishermen's views in exports related policies.

He said the government will bring the fishermen community into the country's mainstream business affairs to end their financial and social miseries. He said the government will ensure that the fishermen receive a better price for their catch on the local market.

He said the government plans to import fibre glass fishing vessels which will have general packet radio service (GPRS) facility and life protection tools to help the fishermen carry out deep-sea operations in all weathers without troubles.

Michael said the government is going to import 50 such boats which the fishermen will be offered on instalments. He vowed the government will ensure a better lifestyle to the seafarer community. Michael also assured the stakeholders of the government's seriousness to implement the EU specifications to increase the country's seafood export especially tuna fish and a variety of shrimp species to the European markets.

He pointed out that the government plans to develop fish harbour and its ancillary packaging units in Gwadar with the help of Belgium. He said the development of the harbour will help fishermen of Gwadar find better price for their catch. Speedy-cargo vessels will be imported to help the country's seafood export reach gulf nations quickly and at cheap cost, he said, adding that the there are about 13 companies interested in bidding for the import of such vessels.

Sindh Fisheries Minister, Jam Khan Shoro said the provincial government is developing fisheries infrastructure to facilitate the fishermen especially building of floating jetties in the creeks. He said Karachi fish harbour is also being upgraded through expansion of facilities on modern lines. He appealed to the federal government to support fisheries projects in the province.

Director General, Marine Fisheries Department, Shaukat Hussain in his welcome address said the government is taking steps to develop the country's fisheries sector. Resources are dwindling in the wake of excessive fishing which has badly hit the livelihood of a fisherman. He said the increasing fishing fleet has a serious impact on the marine resources especially in the coastal waters.

Fisheries Advisor to Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Haji Akbar Askani, stressed the need for a wider development in the coastal areas with a view to improve living conditions of the poor fishermen. He said the Balochistan government will fully support the federal government's development projects in the province.

All Day

‫ ﮐﺎﻣﺮﺍﻥ ﻣﺎﺋﻴﮑﻞ‬،‫ ﺑﻴﻠﺠﻴﻢ ﮐﮯ ﺍﺷﺘﺮﺍک ﺳﮯ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻧﻔﺮﺍ ﺍﺳﭩﺮﮐﭽﺮ ﺑﮩﺘﺮ ﺑﻨﺎ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻴﮟ‬-Al-Akhbar ‫ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﭘﻭﺭﭨﺱ ﻭﺷﭘﻧﮓ ﺳﻳﻧﻳﭨﺭ ﮐﺎﻣﺭﺍﻥ ﻣﺎﺋﻳﮑﻝ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﻣﺎﮨﯽ ﮔﻳﺭی ﮐﯽ ﺻﻧﻌﺕ ﮐﻭ ﺟﺩﻳﺩ ﺳﻁﺢ ﭘﺭ‬:‫ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ‬ ‫ ﺍﺑﺗﺩﺍﺋﯽ ﻁﻭﺭ‬،‫ﺍﺳﺗﻭﺍﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﻳﮯ ﮨﺎﻟﻳﻧڈ ﺳﮯ ﺟﺩﻳﺩ ﺟﯽ ﭘﯽ ﺍٓﺭ ﺍﻳﺱ ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﺳﮯ ﻟﻳﺱ ﻓﺎﺋﺑﺭ ﺑﻭﭨﺱ ﺩﺭﺍٓﻣﺩ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﻳں‬ ‫ ﻓﺎﺋﺑﺭ ﺑﻭﭨﺱ ﭘﺭ‬،‫ ﺑﻭﭨﺱ ﺟﻠﺩ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﭘﮩﻧﭻ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﯽ ﺟﻧﮩﻳں ﺍﻗﺳﺎﻁ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻟﻳﺯ ﭘﺭ ﻣﺎﮨﯽ ﮔﻳﺭﻭں ﮐﻭ ﻓﺭﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ‬50‫ﭘﺭ‬ ‫ﻻﺋﻑ ﺟﻳﮑﭨﺱ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻓﺭﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﯽ ﺗﺎﮐہ ﻣﺎﮨﯽ ﮔﻳﺭﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺯﻧﺩﮔﻳﻭں ﮐﻭ ﻣﺣﻔﻭﻅ ﺑﻧﺎﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺳﮑﮯ۔‬ ‫ ﻓﺷﺭﻣﻳﻥ‬،( ‫ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﻳہ ﺑﺎﺕ ﺟﻣﻌﺭﺍﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻘﺎﻣﯽ ﮨﻭﭨﻝ ﻣﻳں ﻭﺭﻟڈ ﻭﺍﺋﻠڈ ﻻﺋﻑ ﻓﻳڈﺭﻳﺷﻥ )ڈﺑﻠﻳﻭڈﺑﻠﻳﻭ ﺍﻳﻑ‬ ‫ ﻣﻳﺭﻳﻥ ﻓﺷﺭﻳﺯ ڈﭘﺎﺭﭨﻣﻧٹ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﻓﺵ ﮨﺎﺭﺑﺭ ﺍﺗﻬﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺷﺗﺭﮐہ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺎﮨﯽ ﮔﻳﺭﻭں ﮐﮯ‬،‫ﮐﻭﺍٓﭘﺭﻳﭨﻭﺳﻭﺳﺎﺋﭨﯽ‬ ‫ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻭﻗﻊ ﭘﺭ ﺻﻭﺑﺎﺋﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﻓﺷﺭﻳﺯ ﺍﻭﺭ‬،‫ﻋﺎﻟﻣﯽ ﺩﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻧﺎﺳﺑﺕ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻧﻌﻘﺩﻩ ﺗﻘﺭﻳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﺎﺏ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﮩﯽ‬ ‫ ڈﺍﮐﭨﺭ ﺍٓﺻﻑ‬،‫ ﻣﻳﺭﺍﮐﺑﺭ‬،‫ﻣﻌﻅﻡ ﺧﺎﻥ‬،‫ ﻓﻳﺻﻝ ﺍﻓﺗﺧﺎﺭ‬،‫ ڈﺍﺋﺭﻳﮑﭨﺭ ﻓﺷﺭﻳﺯ ﻏﻼﻡ ﻣﺣﻣﺩ ﻣﮩﺭ‬،‫ﻻﺋﻳﻭﺍﺳﭨﺎک ﺟﺎﻡ ﺧﺎﻥ ﺷﻭﺭﻭ‬ ‫ﮐﻣﭘﻧﻳﻭں ﺳﮯ‬12‫ ﺣﺑﻳﺏ ﷲ ﻧﻳﺎﺯی ﺍﻭﺭ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ ﻧﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺧﻁﺎﺏ ﮐﻳﺎ۔ ﺳﻳﻧﻳﭨﺭ ﮐﺎﻣﺭﺍﻥ ﻣﺎﺋﻳﮑﻝ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮨﺎﻟﻳﻧڈ ﮐﯽ‬،‫ﮨﻣﺎﻳﻭں‬ ‫ ﺟﺩﻳﺩﻓﺎﺋﺑﺭ‬،‫ﮨﻣﺎﺭﺍ ﺭﺍﺑﻁہ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺟﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮨﻣﻳں ﻗﺎﺑﻝ ﻋﻣﻝ ﻗﻳﻣﺕ ﺩے ﮔﺎ ﺍﺱ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﯽ ﺳﮯ ﮨﯽ ﻳہ ﺑﻭﭨﺱ ﻣﻧﮕﻭﺍﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ‬ 1125

‫‪November 22, 2013 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Fri‬‬ ‫ﺑﻭﭨﺱ ﻣﻳں ﻟﮕﮯ ﺟﺩﻳﺩ ﺟﯽ ﭘﯽ ﺍٓﺭ ﺍﻳﺱ ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﮐﯽ ﻭﺟہ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺎﮨﯽ ﮔﻳﺭ ﺯﻣﻳﻧﯽ ﺭﺍﺑﻁﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺭﮨﻳں ﮔﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﮔﻬﺭﻭں‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺭﺍﺑﻁﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺭﮨﻳں ﮔﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﻣﻳں ﺳﻣﻧﺩﺭی ﺣﺩﻭﺩ ﮐﯽ ﻧﺷﺎﻧﺩﮨﯽ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺻﻼﺣﻳﺕ ﮨﻭﮔﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﭼﻬﻳﺭے ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺳﻣﺕ ﻧﮩﻳں ﺑﻬﻭﻟﻳں ﮔﮯ ﺟﺑﮑہ ﻭﻩ‬ ‫ﺩﻭﺳﺭے ﻣﻣﺎﻟﮏ ﮐﮯ ﺳﻣﻧﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺣﺩﻭﺩ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻋﺑﻭﺭ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮐﺭﻳں ﮔﮯ۔ ﺍﻧﮑﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﺧﻠﻳﺟﯽ ﻣﻣﺎﻟﮏ ﮐﻭ ﻣﭼﻬﻠﻳﻭں ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺑﺭﺍٓﻣﺩ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﻣﭼﻬﻳﺭﻭں ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﺍﺳﭘﻳڈی ﺑﻭﭨﺱ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﺗﻌﺎﺭﻑ ﮐﺭﺍﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﮐﻡ ﻻﮔﺕ ﻣﻳں ﺻﺭﻑ ‪ 2‬ﺩﻥ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﻣﭼﻬﻠﯽ ﺧﻠﻳﺟﯽ ﻣﻣﺎﻟﮏ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ ﮔﯽ‪ ،‬ﻓﺿﺎﺋﯽ ﺭﺍﺳﺗﮯ ﺳﮯ ‪90‬ﺭﻭﭘﮯ ﻓﯽ ﮐﻠﻭ ﺑﺭﺍٓﻣﺩ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﻣﭼﻬﻠﯽ ﺍﺳﭘﻳڈی‬ ‫ﺑﻭﭨﺱ ﮐﮯ ﺫﺭﻳﻌﮯ ﺻﺭﻑ ‪ 2‬ﺩﻥ ﻣﻳں ‪5‬ﺳﮯ‪10‬ﺭﻭﭘﮯ ﻓﯽ ﮐﻠﻭ ﺧﻠﻳﺟﯽ ﺭﻳﺎﺳﺗﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺑﻬﻳﺟﯽ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﮯ ﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺑﺭﺍﺋﮯ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻳﻧڈ ﺷﭘﻧﮓ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﺑﻳﻠﺟﻳﻡ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺍﺷﺗﺭﺍک ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﺍﻧﻔﺭﺍﺍﺳﭨﺭﮐﭼﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﭘﺭ ﮐﺎﻡ ﮨﻭﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﻭﮨﺎں ﮐﻭﻟڈ ﺍﺳﭨﻭﺭﻳﺞ ﻗﺎﺋﻡ ﮨﻭﻧﮕﮯ‪ ،‬ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺎﮨﯽ‬ ‫ﮔﻳﺭﻭں ﺳﮯ ﻣﻧﺎﺳﺏ ﻗﻳﻣﺕ ﭘﺭ ﻣﭼﻬﻠﯽ ﺧﺭﻳﺩ ﮐﺭ ﺟﺩﻳﺩﺗﺭﻳﻥ ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﺍﻧﮑﯽ ﭘﻳﮑﻧﮓ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ‪ ،‬ﺍﺱ ﻁﺭﺡ‬ ‫ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺎﮨﯽ ﮔﻳﺭﻭں ﮐﺎ ﻣﻌﻳﺎﺭ ﺯﻧﺩﮔﯽ ﺑﻠﻧﺩ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻧﮩﻳں ﻣﭼﻬﻠﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﻣﻌﺎﻭﺿہ ﻣﻠﮯ ﮔﺎ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻥ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﻣﺎﮨﯽ ﮔﻳﺭﻭں ﮐﯽ ﻓﻼﺡ ﻭ ﺑﮩﻭﺩ‪ ،‬ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺧﻭﺷﺧﺎﻟﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﺟﺎﻣﻊ ﭘﺎﻟﻳﺳﻳﺎں ﻣﺭﺗﺏ ﮐﺭ ﺭﮨﯽ‬ ‫ﮨﮯ۔ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﺑﻧﺩی ﮐﮯ ﺧﺎﺗﻣﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﻳﻭﺭﭘﯽ ﻳﻭﻧﻳﻥ ﮐﻭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺳﮯ ﭨﻭﻧﺎ ﻣﭼﻬﻠﯽ‪ ،‬ﺟﻣﺑﻭ ﺟﻬﻳﻧﮕﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ ﻣﭼﻬﻠﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﺳﻳﻝ ﮨﻭﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺏ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﺍﺱ ﺑﺎﺕ ﮐﯽ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﮨﻡ ﻣﭼﻬﻠﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻣﻳں ﻋﺎﻟﻣﯽ‬ ‫ﻣﻌﻳﺎﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺑﺭﻗﺭﺍﺭ ﺭﮐﻬﻳں‪ ،‬ﺻﻭﺑہ ﺧﻳﺑﺭ ﭘﺧﺗﻭﻧﺧﻭﺍ ﺳﮯ ﻏﻳﺭﻗﺎﻧﯽ ﻁﺭﻳﻘﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﻣﭼﻬﻠﻳﻭں ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺭﻭک ﺗﻬﺎ ﻡ ﮐﻭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻳﻘﻳﻧﯽ ﺑﻧﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ۔ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺳﻭﺍﻝ ﭘﺭ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﻣﭼﻬﻳﺭﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﻣﻝ ﮐﺭ ﻣﭼﻬﻠﻳﻭں ﮐﺎ ﻣﻧﺎﺳﺏ‬ ‫ﺭﻳٹ ﻁﮯ ﮐﺭﻳں ﮔﮯ۔ ﺻﻭﺑﺎﺋﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﻓﺷﺭﻳﺯﺟﺎﻡ ﺧﺎﻥ ﺷﻭﺭﻭ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﻣﺎﮨﯽ ﮔﻳﺭﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺣﺎﻟﺕ ﺯﺍﺭ‬ ‫ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﻓﻧڈﺯ ﻣﮩﻳﺎ ﮐﺭے‪ ،‬ﺍﮔﺭ ﻓﺷﺭﻳﺯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﺎﮨﯽ ﮔﻳﺭﻭں ﮐﺎ ﻣﻌﻳﺎﺭ ﺯﻧﺩﮔﯽ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ ﺗﻭ ﺳﻣﻧﺩﺭی ﺧﻭﺭﺍک‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﺑﺭﺍٓﻣﺩ ﻣﻳں ﺑﻬﯽ ﺗﻳﺯی ﺍٓﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ۔‬

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November 23, 2013 Sat All Day

Gwadar Port is blessing for Pak economy -- The Frontier Post

Gwadar Port is far away from economic hub of Pakistan due to absence of infrastructure communication facilities which are a prerequisite to for supporting the port operations and a strong link with the rest of the economic centers of the country.

Taking over of Gwadar Port by China is a blessing for the economy of Pakistan it means that China has assured to develop hinterland infrastructure to link the port with rest of the country. When the hinterland is developed it will have a great spill over the economic activities that would be taken up by China for shipments of goods to and from Western part of China which is comparatively less developed when compared to Western China and China desires to develop its western part as well for which it will be using our Gwadar Port�

Actually China needs Gwadar Port more than Pakistan to carry out its development plans in the Western China which is far away from Eastern coast and transportation of goods would be much costlier than what it would cost through Gwadar Port. So far Western China is the most deprived part of that country because all the industrial developments have been taken place in the Eastern part of China which has well equipped import and export facilities. Even if the Chinese products transport to its eastern part through Gwadar Port it will be cheaper in terms of money and time consumption. So for the forthcoming industrialization in West of China would be in need of Gwadar port for import and export purposes. Hence the take over of Gwadar Port by China will generate a great deal of economic activity in this part of the world and that would have a simultaneous spill over for the economic growth of Pakistan.

China besides development of hinterland infrastructure around Gwadar will also be developing motorways and have already developed a dry port at SUST border.

Chinese have also converted Shah Rahe Resham by making it a 40 ft wide motor way which can two containers side by side for transportation. Apart from other things the western part of China is much closer to the access of oil and gas from Gwadar port, they can also lay a pipeline for conveying gas and oil from Gwadar Port. This will generate employment and services sector in Pakistan and benefits to the people of Pakistan especially in Baluchistan would be enormous and that would be opening of prosperity to Baluchistan so far the most deprived province in the country.

To carry out all these projects we need political stability, honest and dedicated leadership having direction in their minds to develop Pakistan rather than working for their own interests. There is a flow of economic benefits in Pakistan especially in Baluchistan however this require capacity to explore and guide these economic flow for the benefit of the country, therefore we need a leadership having capacity to exploit plenty of economic resources to give a turn around to the economy of Pakistan. Economy is flowing like water in Pakistan the only thing required to grab this flow of economic opportunities.It is just like water if you would store the water you will not develop dams, you will be at the losing end.This new elected government is the turning point for the economy of the country.

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November 25, 2013 Mon All Day

Increase in Balochistan’s fish production -- The Dawn

Balochistan's fish catch is increasing under the provincial government’s strategy to meet growing domestic demand and export earnings.

In 2012, Balochistan produced 147,000 tonnes of fish and shell fish, up nine per cent from 135,000 tonnes in 2011. Though it is the biggest-ever output, officials of fisheries department say it is half the potential fish catch of 300,000 tonnes.

They attribute the increase in fish catch to more efficient employment of 7,000 plus fishing boats, use of better fishing nets and hard work of fishermen.

Sea-cat fish, Hair-tail fish, Indian Mackerel, Sardines, Small Croaker and the most sought-after Tuna are the main fish species found in Balochistan. In 2012 their cumulative catch they made up about 50 per cent of the total fish production in the province, according to officials.

They say that more than three dozen species of fish and shell fish including shrimp and lobsters are netted in on regular basis from eight main landing sites along the coastal areas including those of Gwadar and Pasni.

“Improved security and brisk operational activities at Gwadar Port by the new government continue to facilitate fishing at these two sites,” says an official of provincial fisheries department, adding that fish catch from there during the current year is also on the rise.

In 2012, fish catch from Pasni and Gwadar was about 45 per cent of the total fish production in Balochistan.

Industry sources say fishing activities at six other main landing sites (Damb, Gaddani, Jiwani, Ormara, Pishukan and Surbandar) are also progressing well and they hope that overall 2013 fish haul in the province would easily cross 155,000tonne mark. They say that about 10 per cent of total fish catch of Balochistan is consumed within the province, another 10-20 per cent finds its way into Karachi’s main fish markets and the remaining 70-80 per cent is exported.

Provincial authorities state that on the one hand they are taking measures to enhance marine fish resource and on the other hand, they are also trying to promote farm fish production, both through existing sources and by facilitating establishment of new fish farms.

All of this is covered under a comprehensive medium-term plan for boosting fish output. Sizable investment for both improving marine and inland fish catch would be made available out of a $35.5 million Gwadar-Lasbela Livelihoods Support Project being run with financial assistance from International Fund for Agriculture Department.

Around 55,000-60,000 people in Balochistan are engaged in fishing, 60 per cent of them on permanent basis, and sustaining their livelihood comes under the purview of this programme. Besides, some other programmes aimed at enhancing fish production funded by the provincial and federal government include construction of fish landing jetties and harbour facilities at Damb, Jiwani, Pishukan and Surbandar.

Establishment of fish processing plant at Pasni is another project of this category.

With a coastline of 750km, marine fishing in Balochistan has eight main landing sites, or the areas from where fish is caught, and 30 other smaller sites. Bulk of fish catch is from marine resources and fresh water fish makes up just six per cent of the overall fish production. Efforts are being made to increase production of fresh water fish at small dams and open ponds of water.

Promotion of dedicated fish farms is another area where recently some enterprising local people have made some investment and are waiting for the government support. “We’ve been involved in fish farming in Balochistan for the last two, three years,” says Murshid Ali, a Karachi-based businessman who runs multiple fish 1128

November 25, 2013 Continued Mon farms in Balochistan.

“I had set up the first farm with just half a million rupees. That’s the minimum amount one needs to start this business,” he says, adding that the number of his fish farms has now risen to three. He says half a dozen types of fishes are breeding in his fish farms but laments that except for some technical help from the provincial Fisheries Department, official support is lacking. Officials of Fisheries Department say they are providing comprehensive knowledge and technical know-how to intending fish farmers about the fish species that can be bred in fish farms, environmental requirements conducive to their farming and typical meals for each type of fish.

They stated that Pakistan needs to learn a few lessons in inland and farm fish production from countries like India, Bangladesh and Myanmar where fish catch has grown phenomenally in recent years. Exchange of visits of local fish farmers and their counterparts in these countries can help promote fish farming in Balochistan.

As compared to fresh water fish and farm fish, potential for production growth is many times more in case of marine fish in Balochistan. Quick exploitation of this potential is hitting snags primarily because of over-fishing by local fishermen without any substantial increase in biomass or total fish stock.

Illegal and unreported fishing by large vessels that pass through Balochistan coastline is another impediment. They say that temporary bans on fishing in breeding season and faster efforts to keep fish-holding waters from being contaminated are two policy responses for stock of fish to rise.

In order to stop foreign vessels from fishing illegally, international marine affairs authorities are being invited to probe the issue and take corrective measures.

Marine fish catch can be improved by augmenting fishing boats, training fishermen on best practices of maximising per-visit fish haul, improving on-boat preservation of fish and investing in fishing nets and gears. All this requires financial resources.

Similarly, establishment of modern fishing farms, proper upkeep of seed fish, manufacturing of fish meal and research on breeding techniques, all are money matters.

“Part of that money is being arranged from international institutions and out of annual development plans of the provincial and federal government,” says a senior official of Balochistan’s Fisheries Department. “But a great part of it must come from the private sector, chances for which are promising.”

Pakistan’s seafood exports rose 34 per cent to $85 million in Q1FY14. If the growth trend is sustained, big profit-making fishing companies would likely invest in areas like marine fish hauling and fish farming. —Mohiuddin Aazim

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November 26, 2013 Tue All Day

Chinese firms offer Gwadar-Khunjrab rail link -- The Nations

LAHORE - Consortium of two leading Chinese construction companies, CREC and Sinotec, has offered to construct strategic Gwadar-Khunjrab Rail Link at an estimated cost of Rs250 billion including Rs160 billion for infrastructure and Rs90 billion for locomotives on electric traction basis in four years on soft term loan.

The offer was made on behalf of the Chinese companies Consortium by Mr. Song Shuan Ping in a presentation before Railways Minister Khwaja Sa’ad Rafique in Islamabad. The loan so offered can be professional loan, commercial loan or as a grant and will be payable in seven years period.

Pointing out strategic importance of Gwadar –Khunjrab Rail Link, Mr Song Shuang Song listed a number of benefits which would accrue both to Pakistan and China as well as other countries of the region once the project is implemented and it becomes operational. He said the rail link will enhance the security of Pakistan and stabilize the region due to its strategic importance, main aim of the link is to connect the Central Asian Republics with Pakistan Railways network, the link will boost to a great extent trade relations between China and Pakistan, China will be able to receive cargo to and from Gwadar along the shortest route from Gwadar to Khunjrab.

He further pointed out that this rail link can also be used to supply oil from Persian Gulf to all Pakistan and Xianjiang China, can also provide access to China to Iran, enhance tourism in Northern Areas and Balochistan besides generating employment opportunities in the Northern Areas of Pakistan.

Making the presentation, the Consortium representative strongly pleaded for electric traction as compared to present diesel traction on which Pakistan Railways is being run and said that the adoption of electric traction can provide electricity for train lighting and air-conditioning and also to the railway stations for operational purposes in this era of power shortage.

He said electric traction also has substantial financial benefits estimated to be around Rs32 billion per annum through saving on account of fuel and lube oil, maintenance and overhauling, less staff required, elimination of power vans, nontransportation of diesel oil, long life and short turn around time.

Highly appreciating the presentation and the offer of financial assistance to implement Gwadar –Khunjrab Rail Link, Railways Minister Khwaja Saad Rafique said that China is a great time tested friend of Pakistan and number of Chinese companies are already working in different sectors in Pakistan for various years. He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has more than once highlighted strategic importance of Gwadar-Khunjrab Rail Link adding that the offer of the Chinese companies consortium will be given due consideration on top priority basis by all concerned and a decision taken as soon as possible. He said the govt is attaching high priority to put the Pakistan Railways back on track and make it financially as well as commercial viable and profitable once again ensuring provision of best possible facilities and amenities to the travelling people across the country.

It may be mentioned here that CREC (China Railway Engineering Corporation) is the third largest construction company in the world, has built more than 50 thousand kilometers of rail lines, over 5760 kilometers of bridges, 4700 km of tunnels, 3400 km motorways and 566 km metropolitan railways in different countries .

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November 27, 2013 Wed All Day

Gwadar-Khunjrab Rail Link: Chinese conglomerate offers to build crucial rail link -- The Express Tribune KARACHI: A conglomerate of two leading Chinese construction companies, China Railway Engineering Corporation and Sinotec, has offered to construct the GwadarKhunjrab Rail Link at an estimated cost of Rs250 billion. This cost includes Rs160 billion for infrastructure and Rs90 billion for locomotives on electric traction. This investment is designed on a four-year, soft-loan term basis.

The offer was made to Minister for Railways Khwaja Sa’ad Rafique on behalf of the consortium in a detailed presentation carried out by Song Shuan Ping. The loan can be treated as a professional loan, commercial loan or a grant and will be payable in seven years.

Pointing out the strategic importance of Gwadar-Khunjrab Rail Link, Ping listed a number of benefits which could be availed once the project was operational. “The main aim of the link is to connect the Central Asian Republics with the Pakistan Railways Network,” said Ping. “This will immensely improve trade relations between China and Pakistan.”

Ping further pointed out that this rail link can be used to supply oil from the Persian Gulf to Pakistan. Additionally, this network will bring tourism in Pakistan and create employment in Balochistan.

While presenting their proposal, the representatives of the consortium suggested using electric traction as compared to the currently used diesel traction. They added that the use of electric traction will bring an added benefit of electricity on trains and railway stations. The team pointed out that electric traction has substantial benefits of approximately Rs32 billion per annum which included saving fuel cost, less staff required and elimination of power vans.

Rafique appreciated the offer by the Chinese companies. “Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has highlighted the importance of the Gwader-Khunjrab Rail link several times,” said Rafique. “The offer will be given serious consideration and a decision will be reached soon.”

All Day

Pakistan govt plans new shipyard at Gwadar port -- APP

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government is considering setting up a new shipyard at Gwadar port for an expansion in business activities as well as employments, revealed by Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain.

He was speaking at the steel cutting ceremony of Fleet Tanker Manufacture for Pakistan Navy at Karachi. The fleet tanker is being manufactured with the cooperation of Turkey.

The Minister said ship building industry is playing an important role in generating employment opportunities and the government intends to make this industry more viable in the region.

He said Karachi Ship Yard earned over 400 million rupees through tax revenue during the last financial year.

Rana Tanveer Hussain said there are vast opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in various fields between Pakistan and Turkey. He stressed the need for utilizing these opportunities for the benefit of both peoples.

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November 28, 2013 Thu All Day

Gwadar-Khunjrab rail project: Chinese consortium offers to build -- BR

A consortium of two leading Chinese construction companies, China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC) and Sinotec has offered to construct strategic Gwadar-Khunjrab Rail Link at an estimated cost of Rs 250 billion including Rs 160 billion for infrastructure and Rs 90 billion for locomotives on electric traction basis in four years on soft term loan.

The offer was made on behalf of the Chinese companies Consortium by Song Shuan Ping in a comprehensive presentation to Railways Minister Khwaja Saad Rafique here on Wednesday, which was attended by Senior officials of the Railways and other ministries concerned.

The loan so offered can be professional loan, commercial loan or as a grant and will be payable in seven-year period. Pointing out strategic importance of GwadarKhunjrab Rail Link, Song Shuang Song listed a number of benefits which would accrue both to Pakistan and China as well as other countries of the region once the project was implemented and it became operational.

He said the rail link would enhance the security of Pakistan and stabilise the region due to its strategic importance, main aim of the link was to connect the Central Asian Republics with Pakistan Railways network, the link would boost to a great extent trade relations between China and Pakistan, China would be able to receive cargo to and from Gwadar along the shortest route from Gwadar to Khunjrab.

He said that this rail link could also be used to supply oil from Persian Gulf to all Pakistan and Xianjiang China, provide access to China to Iran and enhance tourism in Northern Areas and Balochistan, besides generating employment opportunities in the Northern Areas of Pakistan.

The consortium representative strongly pleaded for electric traction as compared to present diesel traction on which Pakistan Railways was being run and said pointedly that the adoption of electric traction could provide electricity for train lighting and air-conditioning and also to the railway stations for operational purposes in this era of power shortage.

He said electric traction also had substantial financial benefits estimated to be around Rs 32 billion per annum through saving on account of fuel and lube oil, maintenance and overhauling, less staff required, elimination of power vans, nontransportation of diesel oil, long life and short turn around time. Highly appreciating the presentation and the offer of financial assistance to implement GwadarKhunjrab Rail Link, Saad Rafique said, "China is a great time tested friend of Pakistan and a number of Chinese companies are already working here in different sectors.-PR

1132

‫‪November 29, 2013‬‬ ‫‪Fri‬‬ ‫ﭼﻴﻦ ﮐﯽ ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﮐﻮ ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺧﻨﺠﺮﺍﺏ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻴﺎﻥ ﺍﻟﻴﮑﭩﺮک ﺭﻳﻠﻮے ﻻﺋﻦ ﺑﭽﻬﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﭘﻴﺸﮑﺶ‬ ‫‪-- Nawa e Waqat‬‬ ‫ﺍﺳﻼﻡ ﺁﺑﺎﺩ )ﺍے ﭘﯽ ﺍے( ﭼﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺧﻧﺟﺭﺍﺏ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺍﻟﻳﮑﭨﺭک ﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﻻﺋﻥ ﺑﭼﻬﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﭘﻳﺵ ﮐﺵ ﮐﺭﺩی‪ ،‬ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﭼﺎﺭ ﺳﺎﻝ ﻣﻳں ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﺣﮑﺎﻡ ﻧﮯ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﺧﻭﺍﺟہ ﺳﻌﺩ ﺭﻓﻳﻖ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﻣﻼﻗﺎﺕ ﻣﻳں ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﭼﺎﺋﻧﺎ ﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﺍﻧﺟﻳﻧﺋﺭﻧﮓ ﮐﺎﺭﭘﻭﺭﻳﺷﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳﺎﺋﻧﻭ ﭨﻳﮏ ﻣﺷﺗﺭﮐہ ﮐﻧﺳﻭﺭﺷﻳﺋﻡ ﺑﻧﺎ ﮐﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﺧﻧﺟﺭﺍﺏ ﮐﮯ ﺩﺭﻣﻳﺎﻥ ﺭﻳﻠﻭے ﻟﻧﮏ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﺎ ﭼﺎﮨﺗﯽ ﮨﻳں‪ ،‬ﺟﺱ ﭘﺭ ﺍڑﻫﺎﺋﯽ ﺳﻭ ﺍﺭﺏ ﺭﻭﭘﮯ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ‬ ‫ﮔﯽ‪ ،‬ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﺣﮑﺎﻡ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﺱ ﺳﻠﺳﻠﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺧﺭچ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﯽ ﺭﻗﻡ ﭼﻳﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻭ ﭘﻳﺷہ ﻭﺍﺭﺍﻧہ ﻗﺭﺿہ‪ ،‬ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺗﯽ‬ ‫ﻗﺭﺿہ ﻳﺎ ﺍﻣﺩﺍﺩ ﮐﮯ ﻧﺎﻡ ﭘﺭ ﺩے ﮔﺎ۔‬

‫‪1133‬‬

‫‪All Day‬‬

December 1, 2013 Sun All Day

38 projects worth Rs 244.5 billion approved by CDWP -- BR

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Saturday considered as many as 42 development projects and approved 38, costing Rs 244.5 billion with a Foreign Exchange Component of Rs 68 billion. The projects are related to energy, water resources, education, governance, science & technology, social welfare and agriculture sectors.

A meeting of the CDWP was held under the Chairmanship of Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development & Reform. The projects costing more than Rs 1 billion approved by the CDWP were referred to Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) for final approval.

The CDWP approved Pakistan-China Economic Corridor feasibility study for a rail track to connect Gwadar with Karachi through a 700 kms rail track from Gwadar to Basima and Basima to Jaccobabad via Khuzdar measuring 1,048 kms. Feasibility study for a new rail track from Havelian to Pak-China border was also approved.

Feasibility studies for Karachi-Lahore 1,160 kms Motorway, and MuzaffarabadMirpur-Mangla N-5 Expressway were also approved.

The meeting also approved a project costing Rs 400 million to upgrade Larkana Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy (LINAR).The project costing Rs 880 million for construction of Abbas Institute of Medical Science, Muzaffarabad AJ&K (Phase-II) was also approved. Three projects for construction of barracks for GilgitBaltistan Scouts were approved.

In water resources, project feasibility study of small dams in KP, costing Rs 128 million, Chao Tangi Small Dam in South Waziristan Agency (FATA) costing Rs 798 million; construction of Palai & Kundal Dam District Charsadda, KP costing Rs 999 million; flood protection bund on river Chenab at Muzaffargarh-Khangarh, costing Rs 395 million; feasibility study for construction of Bhimber Dam project, AJ&K at a cost of Rs 86 million; Construction of Shadi Kaur Storage Dam at a cost of Rs over 6 million; revised project of Kachhi Canal costing Rs 57 billion which will irrigate 100,000 acres of land in Dera Bugti were approved.

In energy sector, Harpo Hydro Power Project costing Rs 11.6 billion, Dubair Khawar Hydro Power Project costing Rs 27 billion, Distribution Rehabilitation Energy Loss Reduction Project (ELR) of Pesco at a cost of Rs 7.8 billion, Power Distribution Expansion (DOP) of Pesco, Rs 17 billion Land Acquisition Project for Dasu Hydro Power Project, establishment of Hydro Power Training Institute (HPTI) at Mangla costing Rs 568 million; Refurbishment and Upgradation of generating units of Mangla Power Station enhancing the capacity from 1,000 MW to 1,310 MW costing Rs 50 billion; Power Distribution Enhancement Investment Programme Lesco, Gepco, Pesco, Iesco, Fesco & Hesco over $160 million; construction of 35 MW Nagdar Hydro Power Project costing Rs 7 billion and construction of Dowarian Hydro Power Project Neelum Valley were approved.

Project for establishment of Federal Government College of Home Economics, Management Sciences, and a project for improving Human Development Indicators and literacy through NCHD for Rs 13 billion were also approved. Project to improve agriculture growth in Sindh costing Rs 9 billion and project of Nutrition Support for Sindh at a cost of Rs 4 billion were also approved by the CDWP. Minister for Planning, Development & Reform, Ahsan Iqbal directed that all project proposals should be put up on website for scrutiny by experts and citizens to bring transparency in development programmes. He directed the Ministry of Water & Power, and Chairman Wapda to set up Expert Advisory Group for helping provinces to prepare small hydro power projects.

He asked Ministry of Water & Power to expedite investment policy for private sector to invest in small hydro power projects, as the availability of fund in public sector is limited and constrained. "We must promote private sector in energy sector. If there is pro-private sector policy, we may harness more than 30,000 MW by developing small dams in Northern Areas of Pakistan," he said.

1134

December 1, 2013 Continued Sun He directed the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) to develop key performance indicator in development to achieve universal primary education, as achieving 100 percent literacy is critical for Pakistan''s future. He said, in the past, we ignored human and social capital and today paying a big price for this mistake.

He said knowledge, energy and infrastructure sectors are critical for our future development. He directed the Ministry of Planning, Development & Reform to ensure discipline in project management and a committee was formed with representatives of all provinces, AJ&K and Gilgit-Baltistan to make recommendations on eliminating wastage in development projects and streamlining the procedure in developmental sector.

1135

December 3, 2013 Tue All Day

JF-17 production with China’s support -- The News

The Pakistani security apparatus and allied engineers not only produced the JF-17 Thunder prototype in a record period of two-and-a-half years as against a period of 8-9 years taken in the advanced world on the first model of a combat aircraft, they have also taken the Pakistani contribution in the avionics’ preparation to the optimum level of 70 per cent of the Pak-China joint endeavour and to a satisfactory figure of 58 per cent in the preparation of other essential components.

Talking to The News, Pakistani functionaries who had been working in commanding positions in the manufacture of the JF-17 Thunder disclosed that China’s cooperation has been efficiently reciprocated by Pakistani engineers and technicians whose talent has been acknowledged by Chinese scientists.

Given the high level of this talent, the JF-17 Thunder aircraft can be easily compared even with some highly efficient blocks/models of F-16 especially in the area of avionics. Avionics in fact has enabled the JF-17 planes to acquire considerable airpower edge over the adversary’s aircraft.

And in the area of acceleration forces that enable the aircraft to overcome the gravitational pull, JF-17 is a G-8 plane as compared with F-16 that is a G-9 plane (G denotes acceleration force applied against the Gravitational pull to lift the aircraft).

In this manner, JF-17 is no less capable and efficient an aircraft than many advanced planes of the world.

While the credit for accomplishing this excellence goes primarily to the Chinese friends, the role of Pakistani engineers, technicians and officials has been equally remarkable as also acknowledged by the Chinese company Avic (China Aviation Import-Export Corporation).

One of the prime factors that provided fresh impetus to JF-17 co-production was the frequent visits of senior functionaries of PAF to different parts of the world to procure international specifications, including those matching with first-class American aviation standards that are rated as the best standards. It was due to these exclusive efforts of PAF seniors or their frequent visits to countries having soft corner for Pakistan that a G-8 aircraft was produced.

As for the difference between G-8 and G-9, that is only due to metallurgy in use of both China and Pakistan. According to sources, producing a G-8 aircraft was not an easy task too. For this purpose the PAF seniors also sought the technical assistance of experts of a Middle Eastern country that is not much friendly with Pakistan. That diplomatic overture of PAF did work well and the aircraft with many capabilities no less than most of the modern warplanes of the contemporary world came into production within a record, brief period of two to two-and-half years.

Chinese friends are happy over the vigorous input of Pakistani engineers and functionaries that they say has resulted in a big success of international level with export orders expected from many countries. Appreciation has been especially expressed for Pakistanis’ fine diplomacy and specification-collecting skills.

When The News posed a question what hope the people of Pakistan should pin on its pride co-production, JF-17 Thunder, the sources replied: “It is now one of the best and most reliable combat planes of the world as, apart from the G-8 versus G-9 factor, its radar range is 60 aeronautical miles which comes on a par with advanced international standards. Moreover, JF-17 is equipped with a far more advanced BVR system i.e. Beyond Visual Range system that gives it an edge over the enemy aircraft which it can hit from a considerable distance and move far away with full speed in a flash after firing the missile.

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December 6, 2013 Fri All Day

Gwadar port: 49,387 tons of urea shipment arrives -- BR

First shipment of 49,387 tons of urea, imported by the state run grain trader, has reached Gwadar port on Thursday. In October this year, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), of the Cabinet,. directed Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to import 0.5 million tons urea to ensure sufficient urea supply during upcoming crop season.

Following the directives of ECC, TCP successfully awarded five tenders to the five different parties for the import of 0.5 million tons of urea. First consignment under this import has reached on December 5, 2013 from Oman, sources said.

As per schedule given by the supplier, the first ship namely "MV Bulk Costarica" carrying about 49,387 tons of urea has berthed at Gwadar port. Another shipment of 50,000 tons is scheduled to arrive on December 9/10, 2013.

Besides import of urea from international market, TCP is also importing commodity from Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) against $100 million credit grant of Saudi Fund for Development. Under the credit facility so far some 164,000 tons of urea has reached Pakistan, while remaining quantity will arrive till December 2013.

It may be mentioned here that TCP is only responsible for import of urea, while its distribution, transportation and bagging will be handled by M/s. National Fertiliser Marketing Limited (NFML) to ensure timely availability of urea in the local market.

All Day

‫ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻮ ﺩﻳﮕﺮ ﺻﻮﺑﻮں ﻭ ﻣﻤﺎﻟﮏ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻼﻧﮯ ﮐﻴﻠﺌﮯ ﻣﻮﺍﺻﻼﺗﯽ ﻧﻴﭧ ﻭﺭک ﮐﻮ ﺑﮩﺘﺮ ﺑﻨﺎﻳﺎﺟﺎﺭﮨﺎ‬ ‫ ﺭﻭﺯﻧﺎﻣہ ﺁﺯﺍﺩی‬-- ‫ ﭼﻴﻒ ﺳﻴﮑﺮﭨﺮی‬،‫ﮨﮯ‬ ‫ ﭼﻳﻑ ﺳﻳﮑﺭﭨﺭی ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺑﺎﺑﺭ ﻳﻌﻘﻭﺏ ﻓﺗﺢ ﻣﺣﻣﺩ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ‬: ( ‫ﮐﻭﺋﭨہ) ﺥ ﻥ‬ ‫ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﻋﻅﻳﻡ ﺍﺛﺎﺛہ ﮨﮯ ﺟﻭ ﻣﻠﮏ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺍﺳﺗﺣﮑﺎﻡ ﻣﻳں ﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﺭﺩﺍﺭ ﺍﺩﺍ ﮐﺭے ﮔﯽ۔ ﺻﻭﺑﺎﺋﯽ‬ ‫ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﯽ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﻓﻌﺎﻟﻳﺕ ﻣﻳں ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﺣﺻﮯ ﮐﺎ ﮐﺭﺩﺍﺭ ﺍﺩﺍ ﮐﺭے ﮔﯽ ﺍﻥ ﺧﻳﺎﻻﺕ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻅﮩﺎﺭ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ‬ ‫ﭼﮯﺋﺭﻣﻳﻥ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﺗﻬﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﺩﻭﺳﺗﻳﻥ ﺟﻣﺎﻟﺩﻳﻧﯽ ﺳﮯ ﺑﺎﺕ ﭼﻳﺕ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﮐﻳﺎ۔ ﺟﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﺟﻣﻌہ ﮐﮯ ﺭﻭﺯ ﻳﮩﺎں‬ ‫ﺍﻥ ﺳﮯ ﻣﻼﻗﺎﺕ ﮐﯽ۔ ﻣﻼﻗﺎﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺗﻌﻠﻖ ﺍﻣﻭﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﮐﯽ ﻓﻌﺎﻟﻳﺕ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺻﻭﺑﺎﺋﯽ‬ ‫ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﮯ ﮐﺭﺩﺍﺭ ﮐﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﺯﻩ ﻟﻳﺎﮔﻳﺎ۔ ﭼﻳﻑ ﺳﻳﮑﺭﭨﺭی ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﭼﮯﺋﺭﻣﻳﻥ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﺗﻬﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻋﮩﺩے ﭘﺭ‬ ‫ﻣﺳﺗﻘﻝ ﺑﻧﻳﺎﺩﻭں ﭘﺭ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻓﺳﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻳﻧﺎﺗﯽ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﻓﻌﺎﻟﻳﺕ ﮐﮯ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ے ﺍﮨﻡ ﭘﻳﺷﺭﻓﺕ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﮐﮯ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ‬ ‫ﻧﺗﺎﺋﺞ ﺳﺎﻣﻧﮯ ﺁﺋﻳں ﮔﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺣﻘﻳﻘﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺗﺻﻭﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺣﻘﻳﻘﺕ ﻣﻳں ڈﻫﺎﻟﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﻳﺎﺩ ﺑﻧﮯ‬ ‫ ﮨﻣﺳﺎﺋﻳہ ﻣﻣﺎﻟﮏ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﺎﻟﺧﺻﻭﺹ ﭼﻳﻥ ﺳﮯ ﺑﺫﺭﻳﻌہ ﺭﻭڈ‬، ‫ﮔﯽ۔ ﭼﻳﻑ ﺳﻳﮑﺭﭨﺭی ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﻭ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ ﺻﻭﺑﻭں‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﺭﻳﻝ ﻣﻧﺳﻠﮏ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺗﮑﻣﻳﻝ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﺭﻭﻣﻭﺷﻥ ﺯﻭﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻗﻳﺎﻡ ﺳﻣﻳﺕ ﺑﻧﺩﺭﮔﺎﻩ‬ ‫ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺩﺭﮐﺎﺭ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺗﻭں ﮐﻭ ﭘﻭﺭﺍ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﺳﮯ ﺭﻭﺍﺑﻁ ﮐﻭ ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﻣﻭﺛﺭ ﺑﻧﺎﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﺣﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺳﮯ ﺻﻭﺑﺎﺋﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺫﻣہ ﺩﺍﺭﻳﻭں ﺍﻭﺭ ﮐﺭﺩﺍﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺍﺩﺍﺋﻳﮕﯽ ﮐﻭ ﻳﻘﻳﻧﯽ ﺑﻧﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ۔‬

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December 8, 2013 Sun All Day

Foreign investors taking keen interest in Punjab -- The Nations

LAHORE - Efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and the Punjab government with regard to promotion of foreign investment in the province have started yielding results. After the offer by Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif to foreign investors for providing conducive atmosphere for investment, investors of Turkey, China and Iran are taking keen interest in making investment in various sectors.

Pak-China friendship and long term policy of cooperation of PML-N government with China has also opened new avenues for Chinese investors in various sectors including textile sector. Chinese Investment Institution Shandong Ruyi Technology Group Company Limited has announced that it will purchase 52% controlling shares of Masood Textile Mills Limited in Pakistan. Masood Textile Mills Limited is the largest company of Pakistan with regard to exporting cotton yarn. Punjab Board of Investment and Trade and Pak-China Bureau have played an important role with regard to investment and sale and purchase of shares between both these companies.

Due to the role of both these institutions of Punjab government, new avenues with regard to investment by other foreign companies in textile sector will open.

A number of Chinese textiles companies have recently visited Pakistan with the collaboration of China Textile and Apparel Council. Similarly, a representative delegation of textile industry from Pakistan also visited China in October 2013 so that cooperation in textile sectors between both the countries could be promoted.

1138

December 9, 2013 Mon All Day

ANALYSTS SAY CHINA’S INVESTMENTS IN PAKISTAN ARE A CHANCE TO BOOST TRADE AND GAIN A CHEAPER WORKFORCE TO SATISFY DOMESTIC DEMAND. -- APP

Pakistan’s inauguration of construction on its largest nuclear power plant on Nov. 26 is the latest example of its increasing reliance on big-money Chinese infrastructure projects.

Cash-strapped Pakistan, plagued by a bloody homegrown Taliban insurgency, is battling to get its shaky economy back on track and solve a chronic energy crisis that cripples industry. With its ties with the U.S. unpredictable and held hostage to populist sentiment, Islamabad has sought Beijing’s help to fix some of these problems. Chinese companies employing over 10,000 Chinese engineers and workers are working on more than 100 major projects in energy, roads and technology in Pakistan, according to officials, with an estimated $18 billion expected to be invested in the coming years.

“Some projects are being done by the government, then most of the projects are being done by the Chinese companies, by the provinces and also with the state enterprises and authorities,” says Ahsan Iqbal, federal minister for planning and development. “In the energy sector, Chinese engineers are building up to 15 power projects that include hydel (hydroelectric), thermal and nuclear plants.”

Pakistan faces an electricity shortfall of around 4,000 megawatts in the summer, leading to lengthy blackouts that make ordinary people’s lives a misery and have strangled economic growth.

To combat the crisis, Pakistan has sought Chinese help in building power generation projects, including nuclear, across the country. Aside from the 2,200 MW project near Karachi launched by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chinese companies built two of Pakistan’s three operational reactors.

Chinese engineers are also busy constructing a 969 MW hydropower project in Kashmir. They have also committed to generate 6,000 MW of electricity from coal and wind in Sindh province.

But the cooperation goes beyond energy.

Visiting in May during his first overseas trip after taking office, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang linked growth in his country’s restive west with that in Pakistan, saying the two sides wanted to create an “economic corridor” to boost development. The concept involves improving road and rail networks to link China through Pakistan to the Arabian Sea and planning minister Iqbal said its benefits would extend to other neighboring countries.

“The biggest flagship project is going to be the economic corridor. I hope with its completion, we will be able to create opportunities not just for China and Pakistan but for the entire region,” he said. “If the economic corridor is constructed, trade between China and India can also take place from this corridor. Similarly, trade between China and Central Asia and also between India and Central Asia can take place,” Iqbal said.

In January the Pakistani cabinet approved the transfer of Gwadar port, strategically located in Balochistan province, to a Chinese state-owned company. Once the road network is improved, Gwadar will slash thousands of kilometers off the distance oil and gas imports from Africa and the Middle East have to be transported to reach China.

After six years of a bloody Taliban insurgency, and threat of expat workers being kidnapped and beheaded by militants, many foreign firms are wary of investing in Pakistan. Chinese engineers on construction sites are guarded at all times by armed policemen, however, and are happy with their time in Pakistan.

“Pakistani people are very friendly with Chinese. That is why I am here since last 1139

December 9, 2013 Continued Mon three years and I will spend some more years over here,” said Wang Yanjun, supervising a road-building project in Muzaffarabad, the main town in Pakistanadministered Kashmir. “They provide respect and support to Chinese, so cooperation between China and Pakistan is increasing. I think we will do much more development projects in future than now.”

Wang Yanjun’s company China Xinjiang Beixin has already worked on projects in Pakistan ranging from roads to airports.

Another engineer, Wang Songqiang of China International Water and Electric Corporation, is looking after the construction of a shopping center in Muzaffarabad.

“Our company is working in 38 countries, but we have special feelings while working here in Pakistan,” he said.

Pakistan and China presently have annual bilateral trade of around $12 billion and are trying to take it to $15 billion in the next three years, though Iqbal said Sharif is dreaming of doubling even this volume.

For China, investing in Pakistan’s crumbling infrastructure is a chance to boost trade but also about using its southwestern neighbor’s workforce as it seeks to keep prices down while satisfying growing domestic demand.

“Some industries are becoming very costly in China and their government feels they can get cheaper labor in Pakistan for those factories, which includes electronics and autos,” said Ahmed Rashid Malik, senior research fellow at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad. “For that they need energy in Pakistan and investing in Pakistan’s energy sector can prove beneficial for China in future.”

But there are dissenting voices, raising worries about possible corruption in the somewhat opaque deals struck between Pakistani government departments and provincial administrations and Chinese firms. “The capacity of Pakistani bureaucracy and the issue of transparency in this whole development plan is a source of concern for me,” said Senator Mushahid Hussain, chairman of the Pakistan China Institute and a strong advocate of Pakistan-China friendship. “There have been allegations of corruption against them in the past, so it’s a challenge for us to utilize this opportunity which came to us through Chinese cooperation,” he added.

1140

December 10, 2013 Tue All Day

China to establish lab on Small Hydro Power Plants -- APP

All Day

Pak, China relationship has glorious past, bright future -- Agence France-Presse

ISLAMABAD: China will assist Pakistan for establishing a joint research and testing lab and training centre, worth RMB 1.78 million, on small Hydro Power Plants at Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET).

This was disclosed during the meeting of Federal Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid with the four members Chinese delegation headed by Dr. Xu Jincai, Deputy Director General ,Chinese National Rural Electrification Institute (NREI).

The delegation visited the Pakistan Council for Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET) as a "follow on the project" approved by the Chinese ministry of Science and technology under the Pak -China protocol of the 17th Session.

Talking to delegation, the Minister said Pakistan and China enjoy close and cordial relations and there is need to learn from each other's experience and adopt best practices in the field of Science and Technology.

"There is great potential to enhance mutual cooperation, business ties and trade between the two countries".

The Chinese delegation expressed their willingness for the timely completion of the project and said that their country is interested to strengthen relations with Pakistan.

Secretary MoST, Kamran Ali Qureshi, DG PCRET Dr. Khalid Islam, D.G PCRET and Senior Scientists of the ministry were also present during the meeting.

SHANGHAI: Pakistan-China friendship has a glorious past as well as a bright future and would continue to act as a stabilizing force for the entire region, said Ambassador Masood Khalid here earlier Tuesday.

In his his keynote speech at the prestigious Fudan University in Shanghai on 'Pakistan's Foreign Policy with Special Reference to China', Ambassador Khalid said Pakistan's relationship with China commanded a unique place in Pakistan's foreign policy and strategic calculus.

Tracing the historic evolution of Pakistan's foreign policy, the Ambassador said Pakistan had faced enormous challenges since its birth in 1947.

"It was a brand new country that had to develop its economy, industry and government structures from scratch," Ambassador Khalid noted.

At the same time, Pakistan was a small country in a volatile region and faced with a hostile neighbour many times bigger in its size in economic and military muscle.

This forced Pakistan to concentrate its energies and financial resources into safeguarding its independence and territorial integrity. As a result, the quest for security became an important driver of Pakistan's foreign policy and has continued to shape the country's response to key foreign policy challenges throughout its history.

Ambassador Khalid said another focus of Pakistan's foreign policy is on complementing the country's economic and development agenda, adding that Pakistan is a developing country strategically situated on the intersection of South, West and Central Asia.

Pakistan, he said was blessed with a large number of young population and rich natural resources. Despite severe security challenges in the region and periodic natural calamities, Pakistan's economic growth has remained resilient.

Turning to Pakistan-China relations, Ambassador Khalid said Pakistan's unique, win-win relationship with China has been vital in helping Pakistan meets its key security and development challenges.

Beginning in 1950, when the world was still in the grip of the Cold War, the friendship between Pakistan and China has grown from strength to strength.

He pointed out that Pakistan played a key role in restoring rightful seat of China in the Security Council, besides acting as an intermediary in the secret diplomacy that resulted in the historic Sino-U.S. rapprochement in 1971, which was perhaps the most momentous foreign policy event of the past 50 years.

Over the years, cooperation between Pakistan and China has grown to cover a range of areas of mutual interest, including defence, infrastructure development, energy, education as well as multilateral areas, such as UN reforms and climate change.

Ambassador Khalid said that, following Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to China in July, Pakistan and China had embarked on a historic mission to build a Pakistan1141

December 10, 2013 Continued Tue China Economic Corridor that would transform the region and act as a catalyst for economic integration between China and South and Central Asia.

Ambassador Khalid said he was confident that relations between the two allweather friends would continue to flourish as Pakistan-China friendship enjoyed the support of the ordinary people, especially the youth, of the two countries.

1142

December 11, 2013 Wed All Day

China, Afghanistan, Pakistan agree to enhance cooperation for security in Afghanistan, region -- Pak China Institute KABUL, Dec. 11:- China, Afghanistan, Pakistan agreed to enhance cooperation during the two-day third round of China- Afghanistan- Pakistan trilateral dialogue which concluded in Kabul on Tuesday, CCTV reported.

Chaired by Ambassador Sultan Ahmad Bahin, director general of 3rd Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Ambassador Luo Zhaohui, director general of Asian Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, and Muhammad Iftikhar Anjum, director general of Afghanistan Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, the three sides agreed to cooperate and to maintain the security in Afghanistan and in the region.

The three countries agreed that under the current situation it is of great significance for three Foreign Ministries to hold the trilateral dialogue and exchange views on regional situation and cooperation between the three countries, stressing that dialogue will play a positive role in enhancing friendly cooperation between the three countries and maintaining peace and stability in the region.

In the meeting, the three countries also discussed regional situation, and acknowledged that Afghanistan is going through a period of transition and handover of security responsibility to Afghan National Security Forces and 2014 presidential election. Afghanistan needs its neighbors to play a positive role in maintaining peace, smooth election and stability in the region.

It was agreed that the three sides to cooperate and to maintain the security in Afghanistan and in the region. Both China and Pakistan reiterated that peace and stability in Afghanistan is in their national interest and they support the"Afghan-led and Afghan-owned" reconciliation process. China and Pakistan support the efforts of the Afghanistan High Peace Council in this regard.

The three countries supported the role played by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for peace and stability in the region. The meeting welcomed the successful visit by President Hamid Karzai to Pakistan and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Kabul as a step for improving cooperation between two countries.

The three parties highlighted the importance of countering the common threats of terrorism, extremism and separatism.

In the two-day meeting which opened on Monday, the three sides agreed to verify and share information on security threats to Chinese companies and personnel working on different projects in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The meeting highlighted the importance of counter-narcotics campaign especially due to the nexus between terrorism and drug money, and stressed that a comprehensive strategy is needed to address this issue.

The three countries expressed satisfaction with the third trilateral dialogue, considering it as an important undertaking for the three countries to enhance mutual understanding, trust and friendship and agreed to jointly address their common concerns.

All the three sides agreed that the regional cooperation to ensure stability in the region is heading in the right direction and welcomed the outcome of the Istanbul Conference held in Almaty on April 26,2013, and welcomed the readiness of the People's Republic of China to host the next Ministers Meeting of Istanbul Process in China by 2014.

The three sides welcomed the first Track-II trilateral dialogue in Beijing in August 2013, as well as the first joint visit of Afghan and Pakistani parliamentarians to China in September 2013.

1143

December 11, 2013 Continued Wed The Chinese and Afghan sides welcomed Pakistan's offer to host the second TrackII Trilateral Dialogue in Islamabad in 2014.

The Afghan and Pakistani sides welcomed China's offer to host the second joint parliamentary delegation as well as the second joint media delegation from Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2014.

The Chinese and Pakistani sides supported the Afghan proposal of establishing a joint trilateral association of journalist, as well as a trilateral friendship group of parliamentarians.

In the meeting, the Chinese side agreed to host the next China - AfghanistanPakistan trilateral meeting in China in 2014.

1144

December 12, 2013 Thu All Day

China ready to finance Thar coal project: SECMC chief -- The Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: As International Financial Institutions (IFIs) refuse to extend financing to develop Thar coal reserves, China has offered to provide $900 million for mining and setting up power plants, seeking a guarantee from the federal government in order to go ahead with the offer.

This was stated by Shamsuddin A Shaikh, Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

He said that the SECMC required $1.2 billion for the Thar coal mining and power projects, which no IFI was ready to extend due to environmental issues and Pakistan’s credit history.

“China is the only country which is ready to extend financing but it wants a guarantee from the federal government to list Thar coal among the top 3 to 4 priority projects,” said Shaikh, adding that Chinese banks were ready to extend $900 million, out of which local banks would provide $300 million.

He demanded that the federal government list the Thar coal project as a priority to secure financing from China. He further said that the government of Pakistan should include the Thar coal project in the Pak-China Economic Corridor project.

He said that it is important that a conversion policy be made with incentives for use of local coal to encourage the use of indigenous resources and save precious foreign exchange.

“All new conversion projects based on imported coal should be subject to blending with Thar coal at 20% at least to scale up mining at Thar,” he said.

He also asked that the power policy be amended to include Thar-based power projects enabling the Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB) to issue the requisite Letter of Intent (LOI) for Thar based plant.

Shaikh said that Pakistan’s power sector suffers from shortages as well as an expensive energy mix. Pakistan’s effective power generation stands at 16,000 MW, which is currently short by approximately 5,000 MW, and will worsen as power requirements increase to 26,000 MW by 2020.

“Pakistan’s energy mix is neither sustainable nor affordable as approximately 40% of power generation is dependent on imported fuel. It is, therefore, imperative to curb our dependence on expensive imported fuel and develop indigenous resources that can help provide energy security,” said Shaikh. “Import of coal is very risky as its prices cannot be predicted, coupled with our currency devaluation which would again take us back to the current unsustainable position.”

Contrary to general perception, Shaikh said, the quality of Thar lignite compares favourably with other lignite being used around the world for power production.

“Among the four established quality measures of coal which are heating value, sulphur, Ash and moisture content, Thar coal is superior in three quality aspects as compared to lignite currently being used in Germany, India and Bulgaria for power generation,” he added.

He said that the SECMC was a joint venture with the Sindh government, which owns 51% of the share while SECMC owns 49%.

“Now, SECMC wants to keep 26% of the shares and Pakistan State Oil (PSO) will get 23%,” Shaikh said.

All Day

Pak-China Economic Corridor to help strengthen regional integration: Ahsan -- Pak Radio

The Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said trade and investment environment in the country is gradually improving due to the prudent policies of the government.

Addressing a conference in Islamabad on December 11‚ he said that the world perceptions about Pakistan in respect of trade and investment have also changed.

Ahsan Iqbal said that Pak-China Economic Trade Corridor projects will help strengthen regional integration and connect South Asian countries with the Central Asian states turning the region into a trade and commercial hub.

The Minister stressed the need for adopting innovative and efficient engineering techniques for cost cutting construction of infrastructure development in the country.

He said that overcoming the infrastructure bottle necks is the top priority of the government and short-term and long term plan are being formulated for the 1145

December 13, 2013 Fri All Day

Gwadar-Kashghar Motorway to facilitate transit trade -- APP

All Day

Thar coal project to be financed by China -- Pak Tribune

ISLAMABAD: The tentative alignment for the Gwadar-Kashghar Motorway has been cleared subject to feasibility studies containing commercial, technical and hydraulic aspects of the project.

An official from Communications Ministry informed Thursday that the project would facilitate transit trade in the country.

It would have economic zones en-route and allow reaping full benefits of development including economic and social uplift and jobs creation in the country.

He said the corridor from Kashgar to Khunjerab and Gwadar would not be merely a transportation link, but also energy and telecommunication corridor.

This project will also be a great help in regional connectivities, he said and added passing primarily through hinterland it was expected to affect fast track development of backward areas.

He said Pakistan would establish industrial parks and economic zones along the proposed Kashghar-Gwadar trade corridor that would connect China’s western autonomous regions with Balochistan.

As per the alignment Pak-China Motorway, the trade corridor will be around 2,000 kilometres long within the territory of Pakistan, crisscrossing snow-capped mountains, narrow valleys, lush green fields, sand dunes and dry hills.

He said this new trade corridor would provide Chinese traders a link to deliver their goods to the international markets through the Gwadar Port.

If compared with the Chinese ports, it was the shortest possible route to the western provinces of China, the official added. app

Islamabad: China has offered to provide $900 million for mining and setting up power plants after the refusal of International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to extend financing to develop Thar coal reserves, whereas the decision is seeking a guarantee from the federal government in order to go ahead with the offer.

This was stated by Shamsuddin A Shaikh, Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

He said that the SECMC required $1.2 billion for the Thar coal mining and power projects, which IFI was not ready to extend due to environmental issues and Pakistan's credit history.

"China is the only country which is ready to extend financing but it wants a guarantee from the federal government to list Thar coal among the top 3 to 4 priority projects," said Shaikh, adding that Chinese banks were ready to extend $900 million, out of which local banks would provide $300 million.

He further added that the government of Pakistan should include the Thar coal project in the Pak-China Economic Corridor project.

"All new conversion projects based on imported coal should be subject to blending with Thar coal at 20% at least to scale up mining at Thar," he said.

Shaikh said that Pakistan's power sector suffers from shortages as well as an expensive energy mix.

Pakistan's power generation stands at 16,000 MW, which is currently short by around 5,000 MW, and will worsen as power requirements increase to 26,000 MW by 2020.

"Import of coal is very risky as its prices cannot be predicted, coupled with our currency devaluation which would again take us back to the current unsustainable position."

"Among the four established quality measures of coal which are heating value, sulphur, Ash and moisture content, Thar coal is superior in three quality aspects as compared to lignite currently being used in Germany, India and Bulgaria for power generation," he added.

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‫‪December 13, 2013 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Fri‬‬ ‫‪He said that the SECMC was a joint venture with the Sindh government, which‬‬ ‫‪owns 51% of the share while SECMC owns 49%.‬‬ ‫‪End.‬‬

‫‪ -- Nawa-e-Waqat‬ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺮﻗﯽ ﮐﯽ ﭼﺎﺑﯽ‪...‬ﺣﻖ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺎﺕ … ﺷﺎﮨﺪ ﻣﺤﻤﻮﺩ‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﺍﺳﻣﺑﻠﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﺧﻁﺎﺏ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺍﮨﻡ ﻣﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﭘﺭ ﻗﻭﻡ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﺍﻋﺗﻣﺎﺩ ﻣﻳں ﻟﻳﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑڑے ﻭﺍﺿﺢ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺻﺎﻑ ﻁﻭﺭ ﭘﺭ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﻭﻩ ﻗﻭﻡ ﮐﻭ ﺩﻟﮑﺵ ﻧﻌﺭے ﺍﻭﺭﭘُﺭﺗﻌﻳﺵ ﻭﻋﺩے ﮐﯽ ﺧﻳﺎﻟﯽ‬ ‫ﺟﻧﺕ ﻣﻳں ﻧﮩﻳں ﺭﮐﻬﻳں ﮔﮯ۔ ﭘﯽ ﭘﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺍﺗﺣﺎﺩی ﺟﻣﺎﻋﺗﻭں ﻧﮯ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﻧﺎﮐﺎﻣﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺑڑﻫ ﭼڑﻫ ﮐﺭ‬ ‫ﺣﺻہ ﻟﻳﺎ۔ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺣﺎﻟﺕ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﺍﻳﺳﯽ ﮔﻭﭨﯽ ﻓٹ ﮐﯽ ﮐہ ﺍﺏ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﯽ ﺍﮐﻧﺎﻣﯽ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺣﺎﻟﺕ ﮐﻭ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺍﺻﻝ ﺟﮕہ ﭘﺭ ﻻﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺟﺎﻣﻊ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﭘﻼﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﮨﻭﮔﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻳہ ﮐﺎﻡ ﺍﺗﻧﺎ ﺁﺳﺎﻥ ﻧﮩﻳں‬ ‫ﺟﻭ ﻋﺎﻡ ﺁﺩﻣﯽ ﮐﻭ ﻧﻅﺭ ﺁ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻣﮕﺭ ﺍُﻣﻳﺩ ﭘﺭ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﻗﺎﺋﻡ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﺳﻳﺎﺳﯽ ﺟﻣﺎﻋﺗﻭں ﮐﻭ ﻭﻁﻥ ﻋﺯﻳﺯ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺍﻭﺭ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ ﻣﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﺳﮯ ﻧﮑﺎﻟﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﻣﺷﺗﺭﮐہ ﺍﻳﺟﻧڈﺍ ﺟﻠﺩ ﻻﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﭘﺭ ﺯﻭﺭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﺱ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﻟﺋﮯ ﻣﻳﺎں ﺻﺎﺣﺏ ﮐﻭ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﺳﻳﺎﺳﯽ ﺟﻣﺎﻋﺗﻭں ﮐﺎ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﺩﺭﮐﺎﺭ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﻗﻭﻡ ﺍُﻣﻳﺩ ﮐﺭﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﺟﻣﮩﻭﺭی‬ ‫ﻁﺎﻗﺗﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﮨﻭ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﯽ۔ ﻣﻭﻻﻧﺎ ﻓﺿﻝ ﺍﻟﺭﺣﻣﻥ ﭨﻬﻳﮏ ﮐﮩﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں ﮐہ ﺍﻣﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻐﻳﺭ‬ ‫ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﯽ ﺍﮐﻧﺎﻣﯽ ﮐﻭ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﺗﺎ۔ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﺍﺱ ﭼﻳﺯ ﮐﯽ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﺑﺎﺗﻳں ﮐﻡ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﻋﻣﻝ ﺗﻳﺯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻋﻣﻝ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﮨﯽ ﮨﻣﻳں ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺍﺱ ﻭﻗﺕ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺎﺭﻳﺦ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺍﻳﺳﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﭘﮩﻠﯽ ﺑﺎﺭ ﺳﺎﻣﻧﮯ ﺁﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﮐﻭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﻋﺳﮑﺭی ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳﻳﺎﺳﯽ ﻗﻭﺗﻭں ﮐﯽ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﺣﻣﺎﻳﺕ ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﮔﺭ ﻣﻳں ﻳہ ﮐﮩﻭں ﮐہ ﻳہ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺧﺎﺹ ﺟﻣﮩﻭﺭی ﻋﻭﺍﻣﯽ‬ ‫ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮨﮯ ﺗﻭ ﻳہ ﺩﺭﺳﺕ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺍﭼﻬﺎ ﺟﻣﮩﻭﺭی ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﮐﺎ ﮨﻭﻧﺎ ﺍﺷﺩ‬ ‫ﺿﺭﻭﺭی ﮨﮯ۔ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﺍﻗﺩﺍﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺳﻳﺎﺳﺕ ﮐﮯ ﻓﺎﺭﻣﻭﻻ ﭘﺭ ﻋﻣﻝ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﻳہ ﺍﮨﻡ ﭼﻳﺯ ﺑﻠﻭچ ﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﺩے ﺩی ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺟﻣﮩﻭﺭی ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﷲ ﮐﮯ ﻓﺿﻝ ﺳﮯ ﮨﻣﺎﺭے ﭘﺎﺱ ﺍﺱ ﻭﻗﺕ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﺏ ﺻﺭﻑ ﻋﻣﻝ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ‬ ‫ﮨﮯ۔ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺍﮨﻡ ﮨﻳں۔ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻣﻥ ﻭ ﺍﻣﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺣﺎﻟﺕ ﺳﺏ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺳﺎﻣﻧﮯ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻣﻠﮑﯽ ﻭ ﻏﻳﺭ ﻣﻠﮑﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭ ﺍﺏ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﻣﻳں ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﻧﮩﻳں ﮐﺭﺭﮨﺎ۔ ﺍﮔﺭ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻣﻥ‬ ‫ﮐﻭ ﺑﺣﺎﻝ ﮐﺭﻟﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﺗﻭ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﭼﻳﺯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮐﻭﺋﯽ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮨﻭﮔﯽ ﻣﮕﺭ ﻋﻣﻝ ﺿﺭﻭﺭی ﮨﮯ۔ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺣﻠﯽ ﺷﮩﺭ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﺱ ﻭﻗﺕ ﻋﺎﻟﻣﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﺟﮕہ ﮨﮯ ﻳﮩﺎں ﺍﻣﻥ ﻭ ﺍﻣﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺻﻭﺭﺕ ﺣﺎﻝ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ‬ ‫ﻋﻼﻗﻭں ﺳﮯ ﮐﺎﻓﯽ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﺱ ﻟﺋﮯ ﻋﺎﻟﻣﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭ ﮐﻣﻳﻭﻧﭨﯽ ﺍﺱ ﻭﻗﺕ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻣﻳں ﺩﻟﭼﺳﭘﯽ ﻟﮯ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں‬ ‫ﺻﺭﻑ ﮨﻣﻳں ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺗﻳﺎﺭی ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﮨﮯ۔ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﺳﮯ ﮨﯽ ﻭﮨﺎں ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﮨﻳں۔ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ‬ ‫ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﺍﺏ ﻏﻳﺭ ﻣﻠﮑﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﮐﺎ ﺳﻭچ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻳﮏ ﭼﺎﺑﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻳہ ﭼﺎﺑﯽ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﮯ ﭘﺎﺱ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺧﻭﺩ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺩﻟﭼﺳﭘﯽ ﻟﻳﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺭﮨﻧﻣﺎ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﻣﻳں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﺍﻳﻣﺎﻥ ﺭﮐﻬﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﻭ ﭘﺳﻧﺩ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻋﺯﺕ‬ ‫ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺍﺱ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺯﻧﺱ ﮐﻣﻳﻭﻧﭨﯽ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﺳﮯ ﺑﮩﺕ ﺳﺎﺭی ﺍﻣﻳﺩﻳں ﮨﻳں۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﻁﺭﻑ ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﻧﻅﺭ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ڈﺍﻟﯽ ﺗﻬﯽ۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﻗﻳﺎﻡ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍُﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺳﺎﺑﻖ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﺎﺭﻧﺎﻣﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺳﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺁﺝ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻭﺟہ ﻣﻳں ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺁﮔﮯ‬ ‫ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺍﮨﻡ ﭘﻠﻳٹ ﻓﺎﺭﻡ ﮨﮯ۔ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﻳﺎﺩ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ‬ ‫ﺭﮐﻬﯽ ﺗﻬﯽ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﯽ ﺧﺩﻣﺎﺕ ﮐﻭ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﻗﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﻧﮕﺎﻩ ﺳﮯ ﺩﻳﮑﻬﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﺧﻭﺩ ﺫﺍﺗﯽ ﻁﻭﺭ ﭘﺭ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺳﺭﮔﺭﻣﻳﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺍﺿﺎﻓہ ﺩﻳﮑﻬﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺧﻭﺍﮨﺷﻣﻧﺩ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﺍﻧﺷﺎء ﷲ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﻭ ﻋﺎﻟﻣﯽ ﺳﻁﺢ ﮐﺎ ﺍﮨﻡ ﺍﮐﻧﺎﻣﯽ ﺯﻭﻥ ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺍﭘﻧﺎ ﮐﺭﺩﺍﺭ ﺍﺩﺍ ﮐﺭے ﮔﯽ ﮐﻳﻭﻧﮑہ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﻭ ﺧﻭﺷﺣﺎﻟﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺳﻧﮓ ﺑﻧﻳﺎﺩ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﺭﮐﻬﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﻭ ﺧﻭﺷﺣﺎﻟﯽ ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ﺳﻔﺭ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺳﮯ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﯽ ﭨﻳﻡ ﺍﺱ ﭘﺭ ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﺗﻭﺟہ ﺩے ﮔﯽ۔‬

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‫‪All Day‬‬

December 15, 2013 Sun All Day

Gwadar-Kashghar Motorway to facilitate transit trade -- APP

The tentative alignment for the Gwadar-Kashghar Motorway has been cleared subject to feasibility studies containing commercial, technical and hydraulic aspects of the project. An official of the Communications Ministry informed APP on Sunday that the project would facilitate transit trade in the country. It would have economic zones en-route and allow reaping of full benefits of development inluding economic and social uplift and creation of jobs in the country. He said the corridor-from Kashgar to Khunjerab and Gwadar-would not merely a transportation link, but it would be also energy and telecommunication corridor.

This project will also be a great help in regional connectivities, he said and added that passing primarily through hinterland, it was expected to affect fast track development of backward areas.

He said Pakistan would establish industrial parks and economic zones along the proposed Kashghar-Gwadar trade corridor that would connect China’s western autonomous regions with Balochistan.

As per the alignment Pak-China Motorway, this trade corridor will be around 2,000km long within the territory of Pakistan, crisscrossing snow-capped mountains, narrow valleys, lush green fields, sand dunes and dry hills.

He said that this new trade corridor would provide Chinese traders a link to deliver their goods to the international markets through the Gwadar Port.

If compared with the Chinese ports, this was the shortest possible route to the western provinces of China, the official added.

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December 16, 2013 Mon All Day

China to help establish joint research laboratory at PCRET -- BR

China will assist Pakistan in establishing a joint research and testing lab and training centre, worth RMB 1.78 million, on small Hydro Power Plants at Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET) This was disclosed during the meeting of Federal Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid with a 4-member Chinese delegation headed by Dr .Xu Jincai, Deputy Director General, Chinese National Rural Electrification Institute (NREI). The delegation visited the PCRET as a "follow on the project" approved by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology under the Pak-China protocol of the 17th Session.

Talking to the delegation, the Minister said Pakistan and China enjoy close and cordial relations and there is a need to learn from each others experience and adopt best practices in the field of Science and Technology.

"There is great potential to enhance mutual co-operation, business ties and trade between the two countries," he added. The Chinese delegation expressed their willingness for the timely completion of the project and said that their country is interested to further strengthen relations with Pakistan.

Secretary MoST, Kamran Ali Qureshi, DG PCRET Dr Khalid Islam, DG PCRET and senior scientists of the ministry were also present during the meeting-PR

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Pakistan Railways to procure 58 locomotives from China -- Pak China Institute

Islamabad, Dec 16: Pakistan Railways will procure fifty-eight locomotives from a Chinese company as part of the plan to improve its overall performance, according to a news report of Radio Pakistan.

These fifty-eight locomotives would be supplied in two years.

In the first batch‚ twenty-three locomotives would be supplied and put on trial. After satisfactory performance of the first batch‚ the remaining locomotives would be acquired.

The sources said as a result of the measures introduced by the government‚ earnings of Pakistan Railways have substantially improved in the first five months of the current financial year.

It generated revenue of over 1339 million rupees from cargo operations alone as against about 507.6 million rupees during same period last year‚ showing 163% increase.

The department is trying to create a balance between passenger and freight operations to generate more revenue and narrow down the gap between earning and expenditure

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December 18, 2013 Wed All Day

China welcomes holding Pak-India DGMOs moot -- APP BEIJING, Dec 18 (APP): China on Tuesday welcomed holding of a meeting between director generals military operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India next week. Both Pakistan and India were important nations in South Asia, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, when her attention was drawn towards the media reports that a meeting of DGMOs of the two countries is slated for December 24 to discuss ways to prevent violation of ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC). Hua, at a regular press conference here, said the steps initiated by the two sides for improvement of their relationship would have great significance for the whole region.

She said as a friend and neighbour of both India and Pakistan, China was stay committed to supporting the two sides in solving their differences through dialogue and consultation.

The decision to hold DGMO-level talks was taken by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York in September this year.

According to media reports the initiative for holding DGMO meeting was moved by Pakistani side and was subsequently accepted by the Indian counterpart.The DGMOs will reportedly meet at the Attari-Wagah border on December 24.

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JF-17 strengthened Pak defence: PM Nawaz -- Geo News

KAMRA: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Wednesday that the JF-17 aircraft had strengthened Pakistan’s defence.

Addressing the rolling out ceremony of the 50th JF-17 Thunder aircraft at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Prime Minister Sharif said the defence of the country remained a top priority for the government.

Prime Minister Sharif added that the country’s defence strategy was being devised keeping in view the contemporary professional requirements as no battle could be won with outdated technology and discarded strategies.

“The new technology and modern expertise have transformed our defence into a great force ... We want that our defence forces should be ever ready for any contingency,” The prime minister praised the role of the Pakistan Air Force and said the country's skies were secure because of them.

Prime Minister Sharif said Pakistan and China were effectively translating their friendly and brotherly relations into development projects for the mutual benefit of their people. He mentioned the Pakistan China Economic Corridor project which would link Gwadar to China through Khunjrab Pass and said that economic zones would be set up along the Corridor. The project would have far reaching impact on the future of both countries he added. Nawaz Sharif said cheap labour in Pakistan would also contribute to the smooth materialization of projects with China.

Prime Minister Sharif also expressed Pakistan’s desire for peaceful relations with neighbouring countries particularly India and Afghanistan. The prime minister welcomed the upcoming meeting of the Directors General Military Operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India on December 24.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony PAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt said the Air Force was in need of new aircrafts.

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Undoubtedly Pak's defence is impregnable, says PM

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said Pakistan's defense is top priority of the government.

Addressing a rolling out ceremony of 50th JF-17 Thunder aircraft at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra on Wednesday‚ he said Pakistan's new defense 1151

December 18, 2013 Continued Wed policy is being formulated keeping in view the ground realities.

The Prime Minister termed production of JF-17 Thunder aircraft as a milestone in the way of self reliance in the sector of defense production and promotion of the Pak-China friendship.

He said Gwadar Port‚ Chashma Nuclear Power Project‚ Karakoram Highway are the glaring precedents of the Pak-China friendship.

Nawaz Sharif said that the government will ensure fulfillment of the requirements of the defence forces to make country's defense invincible.

Nawaz Sharif also formally inaugurated joint manufacturing of first aircraft of Block-2 JF-17 thunder jet.

Pakistan and China also signed an agreement to establishing a joint marketing and sales team for JF-17 Thunder.

Jointly manufactured by Aviation Industry Corp of China and the PAC Kamra, JF-17 Thunder is originally a Chinese product, with the related technology shifted to Pakistan in the recent years.

Regarded as a third-generation multipurpose combat jet, the JF-17 Thunder, in technical terms, is known as FC-1 Fierce Dragon.

The PAF says, it is the only armed force across the globe to have developed its own fighter jet aircraft. It says, the JF-17 can carry a variety of missiles and bombs, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles.

It merits recalling here that PM Nawaz Sharif along with a delegation of PAC Kamra had visited Turkish Aerospace Industries in September this year to witness demonstration of T-129 Advance Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter.

The contemplated export of JF-17 Thunder was also discussed then, the PAF sources said.

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December 19, 2013 Thu All Day

China to assist NIO to determine gas hydrate potential -- The Nations

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Pakistan launches production of new fighter jet -- Pak Tribune

ISLAMABAD : National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) with technical assistance from China, has initiated a project, under which seismic data acquired by different oil and gas companies and other research institutions from offshore areas of Makran will be processed to determine the gas hydrate potential. After initial assessment of samples, NIO geologists are scheduled to conduct geological survey of the Gwadar and adjoining area. NIO is planning a detailed oceanographic survey of the area onboard Pakistan Navy’s survey vessel, officials at Ministry of Science and Technology told APP, here.

NIO has prepared a Country Paper regarding the gas hydrate potential of Pakistan offshore area, official said, adding NIO has already undertaken preliminary studies of the island that emerged at Gwadar and extrusions off Basal River. The exact location of the island that appeared after the earthquake on September 24,2013, is West Bay of Gwadar.

Oficial said tests conducted by NIO confirmed the presence of methane gas that was escaping into the air from a number of vents on the island,which is odourless and inflammable. Giving details, official said , three earth extrusions also appeared in the offshore area off Basel River Mouth towards the west of Ormara.

“Technically these extrusions cannot be called islands. Two of the three extrusions remained under water, the third was slightly above the water level. No gas emissions were observed from these three extrusions”.

He said the island that has recently emerged in the West Bay of Gwadar will be washed away by the sea in a few months,after losing gas pressure, adding the process has already started.

According to preliminary studies conducted by NIO, the Makran coastal belt has extensive resources of gas hydrates which are frozen methane.

The methane is reported to be present at couple of hundred meters below the sea floor. Many aspects of gas hydrates are being investigated worldwide to understand their origin, their occurrence, the factors that affect their stability, and the possibility of using this vast resource in the world energy mix. “However, gas hydrates present both scientific and technological challenge, as they are yet to be tapped commercially”, official added.

KAMRA: Pakistan on Wednesday launched the production of a new version of combat aircraft JF-17, which features upgraded avionics and weapons system.

The plane, to be called Block-II JF-17, will be manufactured at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex west of Islamabad, which has so far produced 50 oldermodel Block-I JF-17s for the air force. The complex on Wednesday formally handed over the 50th indigenously produced Block-I JF-17 Thunder aircraft to the air force at a ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The JF-17 Thunder has been co-developed and co-produced with the China National Aero-technology Import and Export Corporation.

"The indigenous manufacturing of JF-17s will not only lead to self-reliance and industrialisation but will also further strengthen Pakistan's friendship with China," Nawaz told the ceremony. "The first Block-II JF-17 will be ready by June next year," chief project director Air Vice Marshal Javaid Ahmad told AFP. The Block-II will have improved versions of avionics sub-systems, air-to-air refuelling capability, additional weapons carriage capability and some extra operational capabilities.

Ahmad said several countries in Central Asia, South America and Africa had shown interest in buying the new plane. The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex has the capacity to roll out 16-25 aircraft per year.

While speaking on the occasion, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt highlighted the importance of JF-17 aircraft for the PAF. He said that the aircraft had been designed to fulfil PAF's operational needs and its induction would help PAF to replace its aging fleet of fighter aircraft. The air chief highlighted the fact that there was close cooperation between the aviation industries of China and PAC, and the JF-17 project was the strongest link in this context.

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December 19, 2013 Continued Thu End.

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Senate body asks Navy to handover 584 acres of land to GPA -- APP ISLAMABAD,Dec 19 (APP):The Senate’s Standing Committee on Ports and Shipping on Thursday decided that Pakistan Navy should handover 584 acres of land to Gawadar port authority. The Committee which was chaired by senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, heard the statements of all sides and deirected Pakistan Navy to vacate 584 acres of land and hand over it to Gawadar port authorities.The committee also directed government of Balochistan to arrange 1000 acres of land for Pakistan Navy as a substitute adding the Ministry of Ports and Shipping will pay the cost of land to Balochistan government.

The committee discussed in detail to resolve land dispute and vowed to develop the Gwadar Port at any cost because it is the biggest project in the country’s history.

The Committee heard the statements of all sides and deirected Pakistan Navy to vacate 584 acres of land and hand over it to Gawadar port authorities.

The committee also directed government of Balochistan to arrange 1000 acres of land for Pakistan Navy as a substitute adding the Ministry of Ports and Shipping to pay the cost of this land to Balochistan government The senate body urged the Federal government to direct Gawadar Port Authority to initiate developmental projects and take the possession of 84 acres of land of Pakistan Navy.

It is pertinent to mention here that dispute of 584 acres of land was started between Pakistan Navy and Gawadar port Authority, a few years back due to which development work at Gawadar port had not been started.

The Committee discussed in detail the issues pertaining to the operational aspects of Gwadar, problems in the way of handing over the land which has been bone of contension between various institutions.

Gwadar Port can contribute a lot in development of the Pakistan’s economy once it’s fully operational, the committee discussed.

The meeting was attended by senators, Mrs. Naseema Ihsan, Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Nasir, Malik muhammad Rafique, secretary ministry of ports and shipping Habeeb Ullah, chairman Gawadar Port Authority, Navy administration, member board of revenue.

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Work on Pak-China Economic Corridor in full swing: Tariq Fatemi -APP

Work on Pak-China Economic Corridor in full swing: Tariq Fatemi PDF Print E-mail ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi has said development of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor is a matter of high priority for both sides and the work on the project is in full- swing. He said the corridor envisages connectivity, development of rail and road links, fiber optic cable, energy projects and development of special economic zones, Radio Pakistan reported on Thursday. The Special Assistant said the corridor is a historic project which would trace the prints of old “Silk Route” and will connect China with Pakistan and onwards with Central Asia and East Europe. Tariq Fatemi said that it would not only benefit and bring prosperity to both countries but also generate economic activity, peace and stability to the people of the whole region.

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December 22, 2013 Sun All Day

Nigeria can meet energy needs of Pakistan: Envoy -- The Nations

LAHORE - President Mamnoon Hussain will visit Nigeria next month to cement bilateral relations and boost cooperation between the two countries in many sectors, especially energy, defence, agriculture and textiles, said Nigerian envoy to Pakistan.

During the upcoming visit of President Mamnoon Hussain, high-level exchanges are on the cards to explore opportunities for cooperation in energy, defence, civil aviation, agriculture and textiles.

Nigerian Ambassador to Pakistan Dauda Danladi has said that large scope of cooperation existed between Nigeria and Pakistan in the field of trade and business.

Danladi, while responding to the queries of The Nation Editor Salim Bokhari and Waqt TV Director News Hafiz Tariq, during his visit to Nawa-i-Waqt Group office here on Saturday, said Pakistan and Nigeria shared commonalities in a number of areas. The two countries are members of the UN, Commonwealth, OIC and D-8 and a number of Pakistanis have been working in Nigeria since 60s. He said Nigeria is rich in oil and gas while Pakistan has a lot of expertise, particularly in agriculture and textile sectors, and both the countries can mutually benefit from each other. He said Nigeria was a thriving economy of Africa and wanted attention of Pakistan which hitherto had paid much to Asia and Europe.

He said Pakistan needed energy and Nigeria can help it in a big way. The ambassador also underscored the need for people-to-people contacts and contacts at the level of chambers and business community not only for the sake of promoting trade and business ties and to attract investment to each other but to counter the negative narratives about this country as well.

He said before he took over in 2012, situation was not much good but in a year much headway has been made in this direction. He said Nigeria is revolutionising its agriculture to bring 79 milion acres of land under cultivation and Pakistan can help a lot in this regard through machinery and know-how.

Similarly, he said Pakistan has also a big textile sector which can have share in the Nigerian textile imports to the tune of $ eight billion a year. Danladi also invited Pakistanis to invest in fertilizer sector of Nigeria which has vast reserves of gas, adding Nigeria can not only meet the need of its own but also that of Pakistan and Asia. He said Nigeria had set up export zones and a duty system to the benefit of investors.

About the cooperation between the two countries on defence side, he termed it appreciably encouraging and said their services chiefs had been exchanging visits and Nigerian senior officers are passing out from the National Defence College, Islamabad. He appreciated Pak-China manufactured JF-17 aircraft while mentioning National Industrial Complex being built in Nigeria. To a question on the ‘negative narratives’ against Pakistan, the ambassador said they are somewhat exaggerated as security problems confront every state at various degrees. He said he visited chambers in various cities of Pakistan and went to Balochistan and other parts, but nowhere found threats of security.

He mentioned the President of Pakistan’s visit to Nigeria in January 2014 and said during that visit exchange of views are expected on establishing Business Forum, PTA, besides signing of MoUs in different sectors and finding out means to promote business ties at the government and individual businessmen level. He said Nigeria which has vast manpower and natural resources has opened itself to the world and Pakistan can also benefit from this opportunity.

Responding to a question on the law and order situation in Nigeria, he said today the world had become a global village and added with reference to Afghanistan situation that effect on one part inevitably reaches another. He said for Nigeria, peace in Afghanistan is of vital import, so it also wants Pakistan to play a key role in this regard. He said Nigerian government has adopted effective measures to keep activities of the extremist parties under control. He said as an OPEC and African Union member, Nigeria is pursuing the policy of respecting sovereignty of every country and non-interference in the affairs of others. When asked if Nigeria also faces the same US pressure as does Pakistan, he said in the name of human rights violation or others, many face it directly or indirectly through the UN. To a question on the US drone attacks on the Pakistan soil, he passed careful remarks that this matter should be settled through negotiations and in an amicable manner.

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December 25, 2013 Wed All Day

China commits $6.5 billion for Pakistani nuclear project -- The Ecnomic Times ISLAMABAD: China has committed $6.5 billion to finance the construction of a major nuclear power project in Pakistan's port city of Karachi as it seeks to strengthen ties with its strategic partner, Pakistani officials said.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif broke ground on the $9.59 billion project last month but officials have provided few details of how they plan to finance it.

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China unveils ‘road map’ for cooperation with Pakistan in 2014 -- Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: China on Monday outlined its ‘road map’ for cooperation with Pakistan in 2014, declaring the outgoing year ‘a year of development, a year of achievements and a year of harvest’.

“Firstly, we should deepen the strategic relations. China would like to work with Pakistan to keep the tradition of high-level exchanges, and enhance mutual support on issues involving the major interests of the two countries,” Ambassador Sun Weidong told a select group of journalists here at the Chinese Embassy.

“We should share experiences in governing a state. We should further strengthen China-Pakistan friendship by promoting exchanges of political parties, parliamentarians, local governments, think tanks, youth and media,” the ambassador said. The envoy termed Sino-Pak cooperation in energy and development sectors as top priority and hoped that exchange of experiences could open new avenues for economic and social construction of both countries.

“Secondly, we should strengthen cooperation in all fields. We will take energy and infrastructure cooperation as a top priority, push forward construction of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), so as to promote economic development of Pakistan and improving livelihood of Pakistani people,” he said, and pointed out that bypass project of Attabad Lake of Karakorum Highway, the Gwadar Port East Bay Motorway, the Reconstruction Project of Flood-Damaged Highway and ChinaPakistan Cross-Border Cable Project could be the ‘Early Harvest Projects’.

The ambassador said Chinese companies wanted to invest in the energy sector and were willing to participate in water, thermal, solar, wind and civil nuclear power generation projects. “We should make full use of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and hold the second round of tax reduction negotiations on the second phase of the FTA. We should deepen cooperation in the fields of defence, maritime, agriculture, and law enforcement.” The ambassador said Pakistan and China need to promote people-to-people exchanges. He announced that China will send one thousand Chinese teachers to Pakistan in the next five years.

“We will continue to encourage youth delegations to exchange visits, invite more Chinese cultural troupes to Pakistan. We are also planning to build up a cultural centre in Pakistan,” the ambassador said. On regional and international affairs, the ambassador said the two countries should push forward Afghanistan peace process, support the SAARC cooperation process, maintain regional peace and promote common development. The ambassador appreciated the Pakistani government for its efforts to bring economic development and social stability.

“We are delighted to see reported 5% GDP growth rate in the first quarter of the 2013-2014 fiscal year and FDI rising to $340 million.” The ambassador hailed Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and urged the international community to respect Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and provide it support on an ‘equal footing’. “China supports Pakistan in formulating and implementing counter-terrorism strategies according to its own requirements. We appreciate that measures have been taken by the Pakistani side to ensure the safety of Chinese citizen and institutions.”

The ambassador said his government gives priority to the China-Pakistan relations, while relations with China remain cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. “It is because the two peoples have nationwide consensus on being friendly to each other,” he said.

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December 25, 2013 Continued Wed All Day

Two-day symposium on Pak-China Economic Corridor begins -- BR

A symposium on Pak-China Economic Corridor began here on Tuesday in which experts were of the view that the project will significantly usher an era of long lasting economic benefits to the region and beyond. Diplomats, analysts and scholars from leading universities across China are participating in a two-day symposium began at the prestigious Peking University in Beijing.

The participants would critically evaluate the Economic Corridor project, which would link China's western regions with the Gwadar Port. The project plan included laying of a network of railroads and energy pipelines. Underling the significance of the project, experts termed it importance for China's foreign policy and regional diplomacy.

The Charg Affaires of the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing Shujjat Ali Rahtore, deputised for Ambassador Masood Khalid. Addressing the opening ceremony, Rathore described the Pak-China Economic Corridor as the 'lag ship project' for the new phase of Pak-China relations that would significantly expand the economic dimension of their relationship.

He said the Pak-China Economic Corridor sprang from the two countries' recognition of Pakistan's immense potential to become an energy and trade corridor for China as well as Central and West Asia.

Rathore further said that the project would act as a catalyst for economic integration in the region and accelerate development in northern Pakistan as well as China's Western region. Earlier, former ambassador of China to Pakistan and Director General Asia Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Luo Zhaohui, briefed the audience on various dimensions of the Economic Corridor project.

Ambassador Luo said the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor would supplement China's policy for developing its western inland regions and fits perfectly into China's broader strategy for the region. He described Pakistan as China's timetested friend who had stood by China through every challenge and adversity.

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December 26, 2013 Thu All Day

Chinese investors offer to invest in energy sector -- The News

PESHAWAR: A group of the heads of Chinese investment companies, who called on Chief Minister Pervez Khattak on Wednesday, offered to invest in the energy sector particularly hydel power generation in Malakand division.

Welcoming the offer, the chief minister said the Chinese companies had shown interest to make huge investment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A handout said Pervez Khattak held a meeting with the investors here.

They included Zhang Lida (EO China Beijing company Ltd), Chen Qijin, Tao Xiujuan, Ms Zhai Lei, Cao Wenjian (Chairman Pak-China Investment Company), Zhang Yanzi, Madam Luxiao (CEO HP Winner Lighting & Design Marketing Hangzho China) and Energy Lamps Unit Ltd representatives. Rafaqatullah Babar, advisor to CM on Economic Affairs and In-charge Investment Promotion Cell, Muhammad Ashfaq Khan, Principal Secretary to CM, Khalid Pervez, Additional Chief Secretary, Sahibzada Saeed Secretary Energy & Power, Secretary Planning & Development, Heads of SHYDO and KPHA and others attended the meeting.

The meeting termed the energy designs and models of Chinese companies safe, successful and environment friendly that could withstand extreme weather conditions and sustained minimal damage in earthquakes and floods. “The projects could create thousands of job opportunities for local engineers, skilled and unskilled youth,� the handout said. Pervez Khattak directed the relevant authorities to provide all facilities to the investors under one-window operation.

He said the provincial government would take effective steps to provide security to the Chinese investors and meet all the requirements to secure their investment. He said the foreign investors would never feel any insecurity in the province.

The Chinese investors said that they had no reservations about their security or safety of investment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and they considered it their second home. They said that they would be pleased to engage the local people in economic activities.

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December 27, 2013 Fri All Day

Chinese firms to get land for industrial zones free of cost -- The Nations

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CM sees increase in Chinese role in Pak energy sector -- APP

LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that in addition to economic corridor, plan has been made to construct industrial zones with the cooperation of Chinese companies which would be given free of cost land by the Punjab government.

He said that the project of economic corridor from Kashgar to Gwadar is of great importance, as it would increase trade volume between both the countries.

He expressed these views while talking to the delegation of prominent Chinese TV channel Xinjian here on Thursday. Chairman Information Technology Board Umer Saif, Press Secretary to Chief Minister Shoaib Bin Aziz, Secretary Information Momin Agha, DGPR Athar Ali Khan and other concerned officials were also present on the occasion.

The Chief Minster said vision of Chinese leadership, economic development and hard work of the people is a role model and thanked Chinese leadership for extending cooperation in the development and prosperity of Pakistan.

Chief Minister said that the Pakistani government is streamlining relations with friendly countries on new lines for putting the country on the road to progress and China is on the top of the list. He said that the project of economic corridor between Pakistan and China will prove to be a new chapter of development and prosperity in the region. He said that Gwadar Port is the glorious example of Pak-China friendship. He said that Chinese company China Harbor is constructing infrastructure at Gwadar Port.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is taking steps on emergent basis for overcoming energy crisis. He said that a number of agreements have been made with various Chinese companies for coping with energy crisis. He said that besides Gadani and Port Qasim, Chinese companies are also cooperating in installing coal power plants in Punjab. He said that during his recent visit to China, Aronchi province has expressed interest for providing 3,000MW electricity to Pakistan through transmission line. He said that Federal Government is marching forward speedily on the project of getting electricity from Aronchi province. He stressed the need for further promoting economic and trade relations between Pakistan and China.

He expressed the hope that time will certainly come when Pakistan and China will jointly install energy projects of 40,000mw. Shahbaz Sharif also gave an interview to Chinese TV Channel and talked about Pak-China relations.

Lahore

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif Thursday said Pakistan and China enjoyed historic, friendly ties, and China had always supported Pakistan in every hour of trial.

Terming Pak-China friendship higher than Himalaya, deeper than ocean, sweeter than honey and stronger than steel, the chief minister said that vision of Chinese leadership, economic development and hard work of the people was a role model for the world.

He thanked the Chinese leadership and people for extending cooperation in the development and prosperity of Pakistan.

A number of Chinese companies are working in various sectors in Pakistan, he said and added that the project of economic corridor from Kashgar to Gwadar was of great importance.

He said that the volume of trade between the two countries would increase manifold and new job opportunities would be created due to the construction of economic corridor. He expressed these views while talking to a prominent Chinese TV channel Xinjian here.

Information Technology Board chairman Umer Saif, Press Secretary to Chief Minister Shoaib Bin Aziz, Secretary Information Momin Agha, DGPR Athar Ali Khan and other officials concerned were also present.

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December 27, 2013 Continued Fri Talking to the delegation of Chinese TV Channel Xinjian, Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was streamlining relations with friendly countries on new lines for putting the country on the road to progress and China was on the top of the list.

He said that the project of economic corridor between Pakistan and China would prove to be a new chapter of development and prosperity in the region. He thanked Chinese leadership on the cooperation for constructing economic corridor.

The chief minister said that planning of constructing industrial zones and economic corridor had also been made where land would be provided to Chinese companies free of cost. He said that Gwadar Port was the glorious example of Pak-China friendship and a Chinese company, China Harbor, was constructing infrastructure at Gwadar Port.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan was taking steps on emergent basis for overcoming energy crisis.

He said that a number of agreements had been made with various Chinese companies for coping with energy crisis.

He said that, besides Gadani and Port Qasim, Chinese companies were also cooperating in installing coal power plants in Punjab. He said that during his recent visit to China, Aronchi province had expressed interest in providing three thousand megawatt electricity to Pakistan through transmission line.

He said that the federal government was working fast on the project of getting electricity from the Aronchi province. The chief minister said that China and India had promoted relations in economic field by setting aside their border disputes. He said that the volume of mutual trade between China and India had reached 75 billion dollars. He said that Chinese companies were installing energy projects of 20,000 mw in India. He stressed the need for further promoting economic and trade relations between Pakistan and China. He was hopeful that Pakistan and China would jointly install energy projects of 40 thousand megawatt in future.

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Pak-China nuclear cooperation under IAEA safeguards: Pakistan rejects 'smear' campaign -- APP

Pakistan on Thursday rejected smear campaign against Pakistan-China nuclear cooperation and made it clear that the co-operation is exclusively for peaceful purposes fully covered under IAEA safeguards.

Speaking at the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said that Pakistan-China nuclear co-operation is in conformity with international commitments of both parties. "Obviously we understand that there is campaign and it is spearheaded by those who are themselves responsible for spreading nuclear technology outside the NPT [Non-Proliferation Treaty] and IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] mandates," she said.

She said that the co-operation helps Pakistan in overcoming shortages of electricity and it serves the interest of the country, as nuclear energy is a part of our energy mix. She pointed out that Pakistan has 40 years of experience in maintaining and safeguarding its civilian nuclear power plants.

"They have been operated with safety and security. Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), an autonomous regulatory body, regulates the safety and security of civilian nuclear materials and facilities," she said, adding that it works closely with IAEA and benefits from the recommendations and guidance it receives from the agency.

She said that Pakistan is party to the convention on nuclear safety as well as the two international conventions of early notification and assistance. "We realise that the expansion of nuclear power calls for a higher level of responsibility. We are 1161

December 27, 2013 Continued Fri cognisant of our responsibilities and are fully committed to ensuring safety and security of these power plants that we acquire for nuclear energy," she said, adding that Pakistan fully abide by the safeguards of IAEA. On the recent US drone attack, she said, "Pakistan strongly condemns the attack in Miranshah and these should be stopped," adding that these strikes are counterproductive having human rights and humanitarian implications.

She said that drone strikes constitute dangerous precedent in inter-state relations and have negative impact on government's efforts to bring peace and stability in the country and in the region.

She said drone strikes are violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that Pakistan has been raising its concern over drone strikes with the US administration and at the UN. To a question, she said the use of technology to kill even high-value target was not justified, if it is violation of the international law and results in killing of innocent civilians. "Militants are in many other places not just in tribal areas of Pakistan.

Generally the concept is that any technology is not worthy of use if in the process of killing five militants it kills one innocent human being...that's the cost of the technology," she added.

She added that using a method which is fundamentally flawed and illegal even for a positive purpose cannot be justified. "Therefore, this is not our policy that if some high-value target is killed, we would show leniency against such attacks," she made it clear.

She said steps are being taken to build international consensus‚ which exists now and is getting strong to bring about a change in this policy, adding that Pakistan would be tabling a resolution against drones in the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

About Pakistan's relationship with the US following withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan‚ she said that the relationship between the two countries was diversified and not a single specific.

She said the two countries are already engaged in co-operation in defence‚ economic‚ power and educational fields and this co-operation would continue. However, she said that it was not clear about the US presence in Afghanistan following 2014, adding that the kind of Pak-US collaboration in this regard would depend on events in Afghanistan and the kind of US presence in that country.

Commenting on the recent verdict of the International Court of Arbitration in Kishan Ganga dispute‚ she said the court has upheld its earlier decision prohibiting depletion below dead storage level as a general principle on run of the river projects. Without going into the controversy of claiming victory or loss on the issue, she said that there is a need to implement the decision in letter and spirit.

She also welcomed Indian External Affairs Minister's statement that there was no option but talks between Pakistan and India. She pointed out that the only way forward to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries is dialogue and resolution of these issues is only way to establish durable peace in the region.

Responding a question, she said a number of Pakistani prisoners are languishing in Indian jails and once they complete their sentences, they are being sentenced in some other cases. "That's why people are languishing in Indian jails for long times.

This is a humanitarian issue on both sides because nobody should be punished for a crime longer than what he deserves," she added.

She confirmed that Pakistan Minister of State for Commerce will have a meeting with Indian Commerce Minister on the sidelines of a SAARC meeting in New Delhi next month. They would review the roadmap that was agreed upon by commerce 1162

December 27, 2013 Continued Fri secretaries of the two countries in September 2012 for trade liberalisation, but the process was disrupted as the composite dialogue process was stalled, she added.

About DGMOs' meeting, she said that the meeting was a very positive step forward and the two sides have agreed on the need to maintain peace and tranquility on the Line of Control (LoC) and to stay in touch with each other so that incidents and situations are not allowed to blow up and controlled at the local level.

She said that Pakistan and India have agreed on a mechanism for travels between the two parts of Kashmir, adding that there are crossing points and the bus service.

"We do not consider movement of Kashmiris as illegal. But there are smugglers and drug traffickers. Trans-national crimes is an issue and states have to work together to stop that," she added.

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December 29, 2013 Sun All Day

China biggest buyer of Pak cotton -- APP

KARACHI: China has become the biggest buyer of Pakistan cotton this year — it has purchased about 2,80,000 bales — after the signing of the trade pact with Pakistan early this year, according to informed sources.

While 30,000 bales were purchased out of the old crop early this year, about 2,50,000 bales are understood to have been bought from the current crop.

Nearly 70,000 bales of cotton, which have already been registered by the State Bank of Pakistan, will be shipped to China from Karachi during the next week.

The registration for the remaining bales of cotton, to be supplied to China by Pakistan out of the current crop, is expected to be made by the State Bank of Pakistan by next month. The parties concerned are believed to have already applied for the registration of the deal. After China, Hong Kong becomes the next main buyer of Pakistani cotton with purchases of about one lakh bales of cotton from the current crop.

The export performance of cotton this year was the best in past five years, as a result of huge purchases by China.

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December 31, 2013 Tue All Day

China welcomes Pak, India efforts for ensuring peace on LoC -- APP

BEIJING, Dec 25 (APP): A spokesperson of Foreign Ministry here Wednesday said China welcomes the efforts and progress made by Pakistan and India for ensuring ceasefire at Line of Control in Kashmir. The spokesperson made the comments on a meeting held between Director Generals Military Operation (DGsMO) of Pakistan Army and Indian Army Tuesday that reiterated resolve and commitment to continue efforts for ensuring ceasefire, peace and tranquility on the Line of Control (LOC). At the meeting between DGsMO Pakistan Army, Maj Gen. Aamer Riaz and his Indian Counterpart, Lt. Gen. Vinod Bhatia, both the sides also agreed to carry forward the positive spirit of DGsMOs meeting. The improvement of relations between the two countries is of vital importance to regional peace, stability and development, spokesperson remarked in a statement. As the neighbor and friend of Pakistan and India, China will, as it always does, support Pakistan and India in properly resolving relevant disputes through peaceful dialogue, the spokesperson added.

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CROWN OF THE BEST COMMERCIAL SCHEMES

The title “Gwadar's largest commercial scheme� Al-Noor cargo city holds this distinct.

Al-Noor cargo city is also known as Gwadar's first strategic commercial scheme.

Al-Noor cargo city is situated in the mid of Gwadar airport and Gwadar sea port. It has one-kilometer wide front on the 205ft wide main Baluchistan Broadway and 150ft wide Existing coastal highway.

Al-Noor Cargo City gives an eye-catching stance to both local and international investors due to its strategic location. In addition, just 1500 yards distance to Deep Sea East Bay gives another edge to Al-Noor Cargo City.

GWADAR NEWSBOOK 2014 www.alnoorgwadar.com/newsbook2014

I n a ssoc ia t ion w it h

AL-NOOR CARGO CITY GWADAR NEWS & UPDATES From January 2014 to December 2014

GWADAR NEWSBOOK 2014

January 7, 2014 Tue All Day

‘Pak, China share decades old cooperation in energy sector’ -- BR

BEIJING: Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif said on Tuesday Pakistan and China shared decades old cooperation in energy sector and several projects between the two countries illustrated their close cooperation. He was addressing the two-day 3rd Pakistan-China Joint Energy Working Group and the 1st Energy Working Group meeting of Pakistan-China Economic Corridor here.

The meeting was presided over jointly by Chinese Executive Administrator of National Energy Administration (NEA) Shi Yubo and Khuwaja Muhammad Asif.

The minister expressed the confidence that joint efforts would lead to creation of even greater linkages and inter-dependence for mutual benefits in energy and power sectors and thereby contribute towards further strengthening of PakistanChina friendship. He said following the visit of the Premiers of both countries, and in line with the vision of the economic corridor, the energy working group meeting further added to the economic and energy cooperation.

He said that Pakistan at present needed construction of critical infrastructure in power generation and laying of a network of new transmission lines system as well as up-gradation of the existing obsolete network.

He pointed out that several projects had been identified for collaboration between the two countries aimed at power generation and transmission in addition to the existing projects.

The minister said in this regard, Pakistan wanted to take benefit of Chinese companies, who were blessed with requisite experience in power generation and transmission sectors. The governments of the two countries are determined to create conducive environment for investors to collaborate for mutual benefit and setting up of Pak-China Economic Corridor is the right step in this connection, he noted.

The minister said there was a realization to shift the proportion of Pakistan's energy mix towards cost-effective and affordable fuel resources.

He said Pakistan was endowed with abundant energy resources and had one of the largest indigenous coal energy reserves. Mining and power plants were being set up to tap the resource.

Highlighting the generation of low cost electricity, the minister said Pakistan offered immense potential for coal based power generation, hydro and renewable resource power generation in different parts of the country, including Gilgit-Baltistan bordering China.

He said the government had approved an ambitious project for the construction of 6600 MW Power Park at Gaddani. Chinese investment is welcome in coal-based power plants as well as construction of jetty and infrastructure there, he noted. He said Pakistan had already signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) yesterday with Gezhouba Group for setting up 660 MW power plant in Gaddani.

Pakistan intends to build massive power infrastructure, including transmission lines and grid stations to evacuate power from the new power projects, he said adding that investment from Chinese friends was being sought not only for the new power projects but even for the existing transmission up-gradating.

This will also help overcome the problem of transmission losses, he added.

The miister said said he was excited about Pakistan-China Energy Corridor, and wanted to share with the Chinese friends the advantages emerging from its strategic position as Pakistan being located on the cross-road of Central Asia, South Asia, West Asia and China.

He looked forward to investment especially in the planned Solar Power Park in province of Punjab. He pointed out that some of Chinese companies were keenly interested in these projects. He said the Chinese side could assist Pakistan in mapping its landscape for renewable energy, particularly wind power. In addition, construction of coal-based power pants also in Punjab, apart from other parts of the country was also being looked at, he added.

Appreciating presentations made by both sides on energy policy planning, power and renewable energy, the minister said their input was very valuable for formulating energy strategy.

He said, "We have abundant resources for alternative energy in Pakistan. Besides, huge coal deposits of 175 billion tons, that can be used for generation of low cost electricity."

Speaking on the occasion, Executive Administrator of National Energy Administration of China (NEA) Shi Yubo said the meeting provided an excellent 1166

January 7, 2014 Continued Tue platform as both sides discussed issues of mutual interest and listened to initiatives that laid a solid foundation for cooperation.

He said meetings had raised the cooperation mechanism and level of energy cooperation dialogue, as well as successfully identified priority areas of cooperation.

He hoped that Chinese enterprises would invest more in Pakistan, and help build energy infrastructure under the economic corridor.

He said China was well aware of Pakistan's energy shortage and it would continue to support Pakistani friends in addressing the deficiency.

Khawaja Asif said the size of Chinese market and its power generation capacity was enormous and China had a lot to offer to Pakistan.

Pakistan was not only looking at investment in power generation but also in comparable and compatible transmission networks, he added. He sought Chinese investment in coal, hydel, renewable and other forms of energy generation, as well as in the transmission networks .

He said thE government was also looking at the privatization prospects, particularly of the transmission networks both of existing as well as for laying new transmission lines.

Minster Khawaja Asif acknowledged and lauded Chinese support, assistance and guidance in overcoming Pakistan's energy requirements.

Later on, Minister Asif and Shi Yubo signed minutes of the meeting that mark another milestone in Pak-China economic cooperation.

Ambassador Masood Khalid, senior officers from the energy sector of Pakistan and Chinese corporate executives were present at the Working Group's meeting.

Khawaja Asif met Chairman of the EXIM bank of China Li Ruogu in the evening and discussed with him financing of various energy related projects, and also appreciated the bank's cooperation and assistance.

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January 8, 2014 Wed All Day

Chinese delegation seeks possibilities to link SW Pakistani Gwadar port -- KUNA

ISLAMABAD, Jan 8 (KUNA) -- A high level Chinese delegation visited the southwestern Pakistani port Gwadar to seek out possibilities of linking the port through road and rail with China and other regional countries to make it fully functional for future trade and economic activities.

According officials, the 15 members Chinese delegation was headed by DG Department of International Cooperation Ministry of Transport, Mr Yang Zan. The delegation met officials of Gwadar port authorities to discuss the plan of the proposed Pak-China Economic Corridor. Under the Pak-China Economic Corridor project, the port would be linked through road and rail up to Kashgar that would be a shortest route for China to use Gwadar port for its future trade with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Central Asian states, Iran and other regional countries.

During the meeting, it was observed that Gwadar port could prove to be an economic hub and future's successful big deep seaport after it was made fully functional. The Gwadar Port Authority chairman, Dosteen Khan Jamaldani said that Pak-China Economic Corridor has great importance in the success of Gwadar port and it will create many jobs in Pakistan.

The government of Pakistan has planned to lay a high-speed railway track northern Peshawar city to southern Karachi city at a cost of USD 2.8 billion. The Chinese officials expressed deep interest in investment in various sectors including energy, road construction and expansion of Gwadar port.

In a major development, Pakistan and China have agreed to set up an energy planning working group to help Pakistan wriggle out of its energy crisis. China will also play pivotal role in completing the feasibility study of the 6600MW Gadani Power Park and development of its power transmission and transformation circuit and power distribution and distribution grids.

The revelations were made during the third Sino-Pak energy working group and first energy working group of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor meeting held in Beijing, said officials.

All Day

Chinese delegation visits Gwadar port -- Daily Dawn

QUETTA: A high-level Chinese delegation visited Gwadar on Tuesday and discussed the possibilities of linking the port through road and rail with China and other regional countries to make it fully functional for future trade and economic activities.

In the meeting between the delegation — headed by Mr Yang Zan, DG Department of International Cooperation Ministry of Transport — and the officials of Gwadar port authorities, the plan of the proposed Pak-China Economic Corridor was also discussed. It was observed that it could not achieve goals of economic development and progress and prosperity until Gwadar port was made fully functional.

Under the Pak-China Economic Corridor Gwadar Port would be linked through road and rail up to Kashgar that would be a shortest route for China to use Gwadar port for its future trade with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Central Asian states, Iran and other regional countries.

It was also observed that Gwadar port could prove to be an economic hub and future’s successful big deep sea port till it was not linked with China and other countries of the region.

Sources said that Chinese officials expressed keen interest in investment in various sectors including energy, road construction and expansion of Gwadar port. The port’s expansion was the part of its actual plan under which more berths would be constructed. They also vowed to take all possible efforts to provide maximum required facilities to make Gwadar Port fully functional.

Briefing the meeting, Gwadar Port Authority chairman Dosteen Khan Jamaldani said Pak-China Economic Corridor has great importance in the success of Gwadar port and it will create many jobs.

He further informed the meeting that the province has great potential in various 1168

January 8, 2014 Continued Wed sectors and specially minerals. “Heavy mineral based industries could be set up in Balochistan,” he said.

The government also determined to make Gwadar Port and perfect port of the region that would provide best trade facilities to entire region. The construction of Pak-China Economic Corridor is also part of its future planning.

The official of the 15 members’ Chinese delegation also visited Gwadar port where they were briefed about the future planning of the government. Joint Secretary Ms Rukhsana Rehman, DS railway Quetta division Faiz Muhammad Bugti, Director General National Highways Authority Mushtaq Ahmed and Deputy Commissioner Gwadar Dr Tufail Ahmed were also attended the meeting.

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January 10, 2014 Fri All Day

Pakistani scientist wins prestigious Chinese academic award -- BR

BEIJING: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the country's top science academy conferred its 2013 Award for International Scientific Cooperation on renowned Pakistani scientist Dr Atta-ur-Rahman.

He was the first ever Pakistani to get this prestigious award. Dr Atta-ur-Rahman is the president of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS). He is a leading scientist in the field of organic chemistry.

He won the award for his contributions in boosting scientific cooperation between PAS and CAS. He promoted a Pakistan-China doctorate programme and has sent over 390 students to Chinese universities and academic institutions to pursue PhDs, the CAS said in a statement here on Thursday.

Dr Atta due to his preoccupation and commitment could not manage to personally receive the award. An other scientist, Xiao-Fan Wang, a Chinese-American from the Duke Cancer Institute was also awarded CAS award. Xia, is a leading scientist in the molecular biology of tumours.

Wang has played an important advisory role in China's science and education system reform and promoted the establishment of an evaluation system in Chinese universities and academic institutions that includes participation by international experts, according to the CAS. The CAS also said that Wang has made unremitting efforts to lift the academic status of Chinese scientists globally and helped Chinese academic institutions to select and cultivate talent.

Established in 2007, the CAS award is aimed at honoring foreign scientists for their contributions in Chinese-foreign research cooperation.

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January 11, 2014 Sat All Day

$2 billion investment in textile industry: Punjab government, Chinese group sign MoU -- BR

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Punjab government and prominent Chinese Shandong Ruyi Group for investment of two billion dollars in textile sector and setting up textile industry in garments of industrial zone. Vice Chairman Punjab Investment Board Syed Maratab Ali on behalf of Punjab government, while Chairman Shandong Ruyi Group YAFU QUI signed the agreement.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Provincial Ministers Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, Muhammad Shafiq, Advisor Dr Ijaz Nabi, MNA Asim Nazir, concerned officials and senior officials of Chinese Group were present on the occasion. Under the agreement, Chinese group will invest $2 billion in textile and garments industry in Punjab whereas Chinese group will also invest in garments industrial zone being established near motorway.

Talking to the media on the occasion of signing ceremony of MoU, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that the agreement of investment in textile sector between the Punjab government and Shandong Ruyi Group is a welcome step. He said that due to this agreement, not only new job opportunities will be created in textile sector but exports of the country will also increase considerably.

He disclosed that Chinese group under a joint venture with Masood Textile, wants to invest two billion dollars in Punjab. The Chief Minister said that vast opportunities of investment exist in textile and garments industry in Punjab and trade of billion dollars is being made in both the sectors. However, he said that Pakistan has still to do a lot in garments and textile sectors. Therefore, Punjab government keeping in view the feature requirements has decided to establish garments industrial zone near Motorway for which a board has been constituted and the persons associated with private sector have been included in this board, he added.

The Chief Minister said that besides Chinese companies, European, Turkish and Middle East companies will also be invited to invest in garments industrial zone. He said that only serious investors would be given land for setting up industry in garments industrial zone as after getting the status of GSP Plus, Pakistan has got duty free access to European markets.

Shahbaz Sharif said that planning is being made to provide uninterrupted electricity to garments industrial zone. He said that initially a plant of 25 megawatt will be set up while under long term planning, provision of uninterrupted electricity to the industries would also be ensured. Replying to another question, the Chief Minister said that load-shedding will certainly be overcome and the foundation stone of power plants to be run through coal and solar will be laid in a few months. While mentioning Pak-China friendship, he said that China is a trustworthy friend of Pakistan which has always helped Pakistan in every hour of trial.

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January 13, 2014 Mon All Day

Pak China nuclear deal will help Pakistan in mitigating power shortage -The Nations A Chinese scholar, welcoming the Pak-China nuclear cooperation said it would help mitigate Pakistan’s energy shortage besides deepening bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries. Defending strongly the civil nuclear cooperation between Pakistan and China, the executive director of the Pakistan Study Center at Sichuan University, Chen Jidong, in daily Global Times writes that in late December China has committed to extend a loan of $6.5 billion for the construction of a major nuclear power project in Karachi, The China National Nuclear Corporation also promised to finance the project with two reactors of 1,100 megawatts capacity each. Each of the two will be larger than the combined power of all operating reactors in Pakistan now, according to Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Ansar Parvez.

He said a number of joint declarations signed by the two countries have shown their plans for civilian nuclear cooperation. By aiding Pakistan through civilian nuclear programs, Chinese nuclear companies can secure more business deals with Pakistan to help Islamabad in meeting the demands for civilian use of nuclear power.

Nonetheless, both the US and India showed concerns that the cooperation between China and Pakistan is aimed at the civilian nuclear deal sealed between the US and India during the George W. Bush administration. They also expressed worries over Pakistan’s history of nuclear proliferation.

These concerns are nothing but obstruction in nuclear cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad. If people worry such cooperation may turn to military uses, then the cooperation between the US and India should also generate the same concerns, he argued.

As far as selling nuclear technology to other countries is concerned, the international community has acknowledged that it was the conduct of an individual Pakistani rather than that of the Pakistani government, he said.

The government still has the right to the peaceful civilian use of nuclear power.

Currently, the military and civilian nuclear programs in Pakistan are under strict control and are safe, or else China would not have cooperated with it.

The Taliban do pose a threat to the country’s security, but they are far from acquiring the capability to take over Pakistan’s nuclear assets, the scholar said.

He said that US does not have a favorable relationship with the Muslim world. For the past decade, the US has been involved in conflicts with Muslim countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and most recently with Syria.

Therefore, the US-led West worries that in case any nuclear materials fall into the hands of the terrorists, it will be exposed to danger. But this is only an excuse that the West makes up so as to intervene or even control the use of nuclear power in Pakistan, the only Muslim country to have nuclear weapons.

In developing civilian nuclear cooperation with Pakistan, China has in fact downplayed these Western concerns and taken into the consideration the whole picture of South Asia.

One complexity of the situation in South Asia is that the two major countries, India and Pakistan, do not share friendly relations. So when India expresses its concerns over Pakistan’s civilian nuclear cooperation with China, China understands it and responds to its inquiries, saying the cooperation was for peaceful purposes and subject to the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

China and India have also talked about potential for bilateral cooperation on civilian nuclear usage for several years, although the discussions have always been stuck at the initial stage. Some factors determine the process, such as mutual trust between China and India, but at least so far, China’s diplomatic gestures show it is willing to make efforts toward this goal.

China takes a balanced and pragmatic approach when developing ties with both Pakistan and India, said Chen Jidong.

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January 14, 2014 Tue All Day

Gwadar Port: Senate panel for settling land issue with Chinese company -- BR

The Senate Standing Committee on Ports and Shipping on Monday underlined the need to resolve the issue of handing over 84 acres of land to the Chinese company as well as complete all the transportation links to make Gwadar Port operational.

The meeting presided over by Senator Fateh Muhammad Hassani also recommended to settle the issue before the Chinese company starts operation at Gwadar Port.

The committee also expressed concern when it was informed that the Finance Ministry has rejected a summary moved by Chairman Gwadar Port seeking Rs 1.5 billion to purchase dredges for Port Authority. The committee urged the government to provide Rs 1.5 billion Gwadar Port Authority. The committee was also informed that an amount of Rs 400 million would be required to purchase alternate land in case of any objection by investor against 85 acres of land now with Pakistan Navy.

The meeting directed National Highway Authority (NHA) to complete N-85 and M-8 to connect the highways of Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and all the districts of Balochistan with the port. The meeting was informed that a cell has been set up at the Prime Minister Secretariat to facilitate Chinese companies and investors and a ministerial level meeting of the two countries is scheduled to take place in Beijing in the current month and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) has already started work.

The chairman of the committee said as has been recommended by the subcommittee Pakistan Navy should hand over 500 acres land immediately to Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) and federal government should take possession of remaining 84 acres. The sub-committee had recommended Pakistan Navy to hand over 500 acres land immediately to Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) for setting up of free zone while federal government would take the possession of remaining 84 acres. The sub committee had further proposed that the Balochistan Board of Revenue (BBR) should arrange alternate 1,000 acres of land for Pakistan Navy against 500 acres, for which Port and Shipping Ministry would arrange finance.

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January 15, 2014 Wed All Day

Nuclear power generation will help revive Pak: Global Times -- APP

BEIJING, Jan 15 (APP): China’s financial offer for construction of two nuclear power plants in Karachi will help revive Pakistan’s dwindling economy that would help in job generation, fast infrastructural growth and mitigate social unrest. According to an article published here in influential daily Global Times, Pakistan has long been plagued by a severe power shortage and ensuing social unrest. The Pakistani government views nuclear energy development as a favourable long-term power generation plan, as its economy is at a critical growth stage due to prolonged load shedding.

China in late December committed to provide at least $6.5 billion for Pakistan’s construction of a nuclear power plant in Karachi. China National Nuclear Corporation will provide the loan to construct twin nuclear reactors that are scheduled to be completed in 2019. China’s assistance for the nuclear power project in Karachi will also help guarantee its own energy security. In turn, Pakistan’s economic growth will also be helpful to China, the writer argued in his article.

Adjacent to the Persian Gulf, Pakistan serves as a mouth for China to import resources, notably petroleum and natural gas, from Iran and Iraq, said the article based on an interview from Yang Cuibai, professor with the School of Law at Sichuan University.

In February 2013, the China Overseas Port Holding Company took over the operation of the Port of Gwadar, the vicinity of which is home to approximately twothirds of the world’s oil reserves.

It is no surprise that the Pak-China nuclear power cooperation caused unease in US and India, who have cooperated on nuclear issues for the last several years.

But the deal is a win-win situation that helps meet Pakistan’s energy demand and boost economic and social development while strengthening the bilateral ties.

Pakistan heavily depends on hydropower, but water level is subject to variations from time to time, especially in winter. Therefore hydropower is not as reliable as nuclear energy.

From political and diplomatic perspectives, Pakistan serves as a bridgehead for China to further develop friendly ties with West Asian and North African nations as well as regions suited on the Indian Ocean.

A politically stable Pakistan will help ensure the safety of the world’s second largest economy, China, whose interests could otherwise fall victim to the terrorism rampant across West Asia.

Pakistan has a population of nearly 200 million on its small territory and an alarming population growth rate, imposing crushing burden on its already lagging economy.

The whole of akistan has an electricity demand of about 16,500 megawatts while the power supply is only 12,000 to 13,000 megawatts.

Poverty, high unemployment rate, violent crime, religious unrest and a wide spectrum of other social issues can partly be attributed to chronic blackouts.

Those living in extreme poverty or who remain unemployed are a potential target of terrorist recruitment. Being properly hooked up to the power grid is a precursor for modern education and employment.

To begin with, there is a huge influx of investment from Chinese enterprises in Pakistan and its neighboring Afghanistan and Iran.

Furthermore, the development of the Silk Road economic belt and the 21st century maritime Silk Road proposed by China will greatly benefit from China’s intimate cooperation with Pakistan as the traditional Silk Road passed through the northern area of the country.

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January 17, 2014 Fri All Day

Chinese firm to set up 25 hydel power stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa -BR The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Chinese company CINOTEC to establish 25 hydel power stations on different sites along Swat River to produce 500MW electricity within a period of four years.

The signing ceremony was held at the Chief Minister Secretariat. Director CINOTEC, Song and KP Secretary Energy Sahibzada Saeed signed the agreement document on behalf of their respective organisations. President CINOTEC, Jin, Advisor to CM on Economic Affairs, Rafaqatulllah Babar, Vice Chairman, Board of Investment &Trade (BoI&T), Mohsin Aziz and other concerned officials were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak paid rich tributes to both government and people of China for their support to Pakistan. He said that the offers of Chinese companies to overcome energy crisis in Pakistan was testimony to the fact that Pak-China friendship was sincere and true.

Earlier, CINOTEC director told the CM that feasibility of hydel power stations at three different sites along Swat River was being prepared and would be completed within next few months which would be followed by the construction works.

CINOTEC will get loans from Chinese banks for all these projects.

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January 19, 2014 Sun All Day

Pakistan, Morocco agree to boost trade and commercial ties -- APP

ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP): Pakistan and Morocco on Sunday agreed to give priority to boosting trade and commercial cooperation by finalizing Preferential Trade Agreement between the two countries at an early date. This was agreed in a meeting between Advisor to Prime Minister Sartaj Aziz and Foreign Minister of Morocco Salahuddin Mizwar which was held on the sidelines of the 20th Session of OIC’s Alquds Committee convened in this ancient Moroccan town. The two sides decided to call the second session of their Joint Ministerial Commission in April in Pakistan for which the Moroccan Foreign Minister will visit Pakistan.

Pak-Morocco Joint Business Council will also be revived. Aziz said that a forward move in negotiations for a Pak-Morocco PTA, stalled since 2008, was imperative if the bilateral trade was to be enhanced which at present was in Morocco’s favour.

The two sides also agreed to facilitate issue of business visas and increase exchange of business delegations to improve their commercial cooperation in addition to exploring extra means of doing this.

Mizwar said that Morocco was a completely open market and would welcome increased business cooperation particularly with the brotherly Islamic nation of Pakistan.

Both sides held that the closeness and goodwill that existed in political field must be reflected in economic and commercial cooperation. Aziz said that the people of Pakistan look forward to welcome King Mohammad VI, under whom the Kingdom has made enviable progress in all fields.

Frequency of bilateral visits on other levels should also be increased. Mizwar lauded Pakistan’s active participation in the Alquds Committee meeting.

He said that Pakistan has always played a proactive role in the Palestinian cause and resolving other issues facing the Muslim Ummah.

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January 20, 2014 Mon All Day

China reveals its cards for investing $20 billion in Pakistan -- The News

ISLAMABAD: China is demanding that all mega power projects, including the Bhasha Dam, Gaddani and Lakhra coal plants, the Tarbela Extension project and many transmission lines, be handed over to China without any international bidding process, and Beijing will directly invest $22 billion in Pakistan.

The Nawaz Sharif government is eager to accept this huge Chinese offe, and a loophole in the PPRA rules is being used to hand over all these mega projects to China.

“Beijing will extend the preferential and medium term soft loans of $22 billion to Pakistan against the guarantees of the government of Pakistan”, a senior official who was part of the recent meeting of the Pak-China Joint Working Group (JWG) held on January 7-8 in Beijing told The News.

“We have carved out a plan to capitalise on the opportunity that Beijing has extended to Pakistan. Under the plan, Chinese companies will be offered the coal and hydropower and huge transmission line projects under a direct contracting regime which is not against the PPRA rules,” the official said.

The Ministry of Water and Power has already sent a summary to the Law Division for vetting. The vetted summary allowing the mechanism ofadoptingthe direct contracting regime will then be sent to the Ministry of Finance for a final nod. In case of no objection, the projects will be given to the Chinese companies.

The Chinese companies have, the official said, refused to take part in international competitive bidding (ICB) to get the contracts in Pakistan’s power sector arguing if Pakistan wants funding from Beijing for various projects, then it will also have to hand over the projects.

Top officials in the power ministry have found a way out of introducing a direct contracting regime, which is permissible in the PPRA rules, to accommodate the desire of Chinese companies.

In the Joint Working Group meeting held in Beijing an 18-member Pakistan delegation took part. The meeting was co-chaired by Wu Xinxiong, of the Energy Administration (NEA) of China and Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Water and Power.

Beijing offered the huge credit line based on insurance to promote and sustain the development of Chinese energy projects in Pakistan.

During the recent visit to China, the Three Gorges Corporation extended an offer for 100 percent funding for Pakistan’s most strategic project, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, worth $11.8 billion that will have a capacity to store 8 million acre feet of water and generate 4,500 MW of electricity. The Chinese company said it will provide the whole funding but the project should be handed over to it without holding any International Competitive Bidding (ICB).

The said company showed its willingness to immediately release $5 billion to Pakistan for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam so that it could start constructing the dam.China has also offered to install the coal power project of 660 MW in Gaddani and 2x600 MW coal based projects in Thar and 2x600 MW coal based project in Lakhra.

Pakistan needs almost $16 billion investment to develop the Power Park of 600 MW in Gaddani with jetting and a transmission line. China has also offered to provide $4 billion for evacuation of 6,600 MW through the transmission line, but it demanded the handing over of the project of transmission lines.

China also offered $700 million for the Tarbela extension V project which if completed will provide 1,400 MW electricity at cheaper rates. The Tarbela Extension IV project of 1,400 MW is already under way and will be completed by 1177

January 24, 2014 Fri All Day

Pak, China for enhancing trade ties thru economic corridor -- Daily Times

LAHORE: Chairman APTMA Punjab S M Tanveer welcomed Chinese delegation on Thursday.

He called APTMA for identifying trade and investment potential between the Chinese province Xinjiang and Pakistan’s province Punjab.

He said both governments of Pakistan and China were serious about enhancing trade ties through the Economic Corridor.

He also assured the visiting Chinese delegation from the Division of Foreign Economic and Technical Cooperation Department of Commerce of Xinjiang that APTMA would extend full cooperation for forging synergies between the two brotherly countries.

The visiting Chinese delegation identified trade potential between Xinjiang and Punjab.

S M Tanveer said Punjab has a strong textile industry base, as 75% Textile Industry is located in the north and it will not hesitate in exploring new avenues with Chinese counterparts with the expansion of economic corridor.

The leader of the Chinese delegation apprised objectives of the visiting Chinese delegation to explore the possibility of cooperation in the textile and energy sectors of Pakistan.

The delegation members held meetings with government officials followed by a visit to APTMA. He said China foresees great opportunity for cooperation with Pakistan and therefore the Chinese delegation is visiting Pakistan to get upfront information about potential areas.

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January 28, 2014 Tue All Day

Gwadar to serve as trade corridor for Central Asian, East Asain, Gulf -APP

ISLAMABAD: Economist Dr Saboor Ghayur has said regional trade is very important for the development of business activities.

Talking to a private news channel, he added Pakistan's trade with regional countries including India and Afghanistan will be very beneficial for it.

He said that the Pakistani exporters will get the market of one billion people as a result of trade with India.

He said if we export goods directly to India then the cost of transportation will be very less than by sending the goods through a third country.

To a query, Mr Saboor said Pakistan can provide trade link to China and other countries for the export of their goods.

He added that Pakistan can earn one billion US dollars by providing trade corridor to regional countries.

He said Central Asian Countries can get shortest possible trade route through Gwadar port.

Head department of International Relations, National Defence University Islamabad, Dr Muhammad Khan also said Gwadar port can act as bridge between Central Asia, East Asia and Gulf.

He added Gwadar port has very important strategic location for the promotion of regional trade and it can serve as trade corridor for the entire region.

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January 29, 2014 Wed All Day

Implementation of Early Harvest Programme under PCEC to get nod in February -- APP

BEIJING: Pakistan and China are resolved to start from this year implementation of various projects of Early Harvest Programme, envisioned under Pak-China Economic Corridor (PCEC).

In this regard the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) is expected to meet in Beijing next month.

The all important meeting will discuss the feasibility reports, financing and other related aspects and will give final touches and accord priorities to launch various projects.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Prof. Ahsan Iqbal is due here in February after Chinese New Lunar Year holidays to lead Pakistani side in JCC meeting, Ambassador Masood Khalid informed mediapersons on Wednesday.

The JCC will also discuss swift implementation of short, medium and long term projects stretched over 2030 under mega PCEC. Earlier, the first meeting of the joint working group on planning of the Pakistan China economic corridor had concluded last Friday in which a threadbare discussion took place on proposed projects to be included in the PCEC. The working group will submit its recommendations to JCC for consideration.

The Pakistani side was led by Rizwan Bashir Khan, Senior Economist at the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform. The officials from Railways, Water and Power Ministry, Chairman National Highway Authority (NHA) and Chairman Gawadar Port Authority also participated in these meetings.

The Chinese side was represented by Ma Xin, the Director General of the Department of International Cooperation of National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

The PCEC will not only be beneficial for both countries but also for the region, said Ambassador Masood Khalid adding that it will also usher in an era of prosperity and progress in the region.

Meanwhile, the month of January saw hectic activities in terms of holding a number of high level meetings as 2014 is packed with Pakistan-China bilateral activities.

The new leadership who came at the helm of affairs in 2013 in Pakistan and China have committed to work together in all dimensions to further deepen political, economic, defence, culture and people-to-people contacts.

The government, led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has accorded top priority to address the chronic energy crisis, and took a number of swift initiatives to cope with the situation with the support of Chinese leadership.

To start with energy related activities in 2014, Beijing, early January hosted the ministerial level 3-day, 3rd Joint Energy Working Group (JEWG) moot in tandem with first Pak-China Energy Working Group meeting under PCEC that took important decisions. Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif led Pakistani side.

A number of leading Chinese power companies and corporations have evinced keen interest to explore energy market of Pakistan, which is rich of natural resources particularly in hydal, coal, wind, solar, beside biogas and biomass, said the Ambassador.

The Ambassador, referring to certain inspired reports and stories which recently appeared in media regarding Chin's investments in Pakistan, said these were incorrect and misleading.

He said that to give further impetus to People-to-People contacts a number of activities on both sides have been chalked out for 2014.

A high-level delegation from ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) will visit Pakistan soon, while a Pakistan Senate delegation led by Chairman Senate will visit China. A 100-member Pakistan Youth delegation will also pay a visit to China this year.

"The traditional high-level political interaction will be maintained so as to further strengthen and consolidate Pakistan-China Friendship", remarked Ambassador Masood Khalid.

He said that the prestigious Tsinghua University has launched Pak-China Information Corridor to apprise the Chinese people of enormous economic, political and market potential in Pakistan.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of sister cities of Shanghai and Karachi, said Ambassador Masood Khalid adding that in this regard, the Sindh Government 1181

January 29, 2014 Continued Wed and Shanghai Municipal Government were planning various activities.

Pakistan and China are also working on a plan to celebrate the year 2015 as the Year of Friendly Exchanges in a befitting way, he said.

He said the Embassy of Pakistan on its own, was planning to organize a number of cultural activities such as the holding of an art exhibition, literary festival, food and costume show this year.

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February 1, 2014 Sat All Day

ICBC to open branch in Lahore -- Business Recorder

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) is going to open its branch in the provincial capital where services of corporate financing, investment banking, foreign deposits, project loans and working capital loans will be available. ICBC President in Pakistan, He Shenghu, informed Punjab Education and Tourism Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan during a meeting here on Friday, disclosed an official.

Wang Weiming, General Manager ICBC Lahore Sales and Service Centre, Chinese Commercial Counsellor in Pakistan Lee, President Pak-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry Shah Faisal Afridi and Relationship Manager ICBC Aqdas Jehanzeb were also present on the occasion.

ICBC President said their bank is one of the largest banks in the world, and after Islamabad and Karachi, it is going to open its branch in Lahore. He said the facility of business and banking will be available to the exporters and importers in Chinese currency instead of dollars.

Chinese Commercial Counsellor Lee said Pakistan is the only friendly country of China that never deviated from its principled stance about China. He said in future China will be the strongest superpower, whereas China has already proved of being an economic giant in the world. While terming the expansion of network of ICBC in Pakistan a welcome step, the Minister expressed the hope that as a result of promotion of exports and imports in Chinese currency, the monopoly of dollar on Pakistan's economy will decrease gradually.

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February 7, 2014 Fri All Day

Gwadar-Kashghar route: JCC to meet next week at Beijing to finalise modalities -- Business Recorder

The Joint Co-operation Committee (JCC) of Pak-China Economic Corridor would meet in the second week of the current month in Beijing (China) to finalise the modalities for making Gwadar-Kashghar route operational, said chairman National Highway Authority (NHA) Shahid Ashraf Tarar.

"China is going to invest billions of dollars in the project, accordingly they have big say in the designing of the project," said NHA Chairman while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Communications, which met with Daud Khan Achakzai in the chair here on Thursday.

The committee expressed serious concerns over the re-designing of GwadarKashghar route, saying that major cities of Balochistan including Quetta and Zhob had been excluded from the route, while the most disturbed areas of the province had been made part of the route after redesigning. Committee member Zahid Khan also raised objections over the design of the route, saying Peshawar had been excluded while Islamabad and Hawailian would be linked to the route, which was not justifiable.

Chairman NHA informed the committee that China was focusing on three points including utilisation of existing tracks to make the project operational at the earliest.

They also wanted to seek the shortest possible way, besides connecting more economic zones, Tarrar added. Senator Kamil Ali Agha said construction of new route would be no more than 18-20 percent and the existing roads would be upgraded under the project. However, the project should be completed in the best interest of the country as no neighbours are happy with the project.

The Committee recommended that Chinese authorities should be informed that law and order on the proposed route was not good, therefore other road should be utilised covering most populated areas with good economic opportunities like Quetta. Chairman NHA informed that the concerned authorities would be apprised of the Committee recommendation; however China, the main investor was firm on its design and stance while Pakistan had little to say in that regard.

Tarrar further said the federal government had earmarked Rs 12 billion in the Public Sector Development Programme for 2013-14 for Balochistan, of which Rs 3.4 billion have so far been released. The committee expressed annoyance over the nonimplementation of its recommendations regarding the promotion of NHA officers which was due since long. The Ministry informed that there was a status quo in promotion order of officers/officials issued by Islamabad High Court in writ petition filed by Tanveer Ishaq on April 3, 2013. Altamash Khan, GM (Engineer BS 20) has also filed a writ petition before IHC for promotion, but the matter is still sub-judice.

On the stay application of the officers'' concerned filed with the main petition, the High Court has passed restraining order dated October 1, 2013.

The committee members observed that the promotion to the deserving officers should be given immediately, as it was their due rights, they are waiting since long.

Minister of State Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmad assured the committee to resolve the issue soon and the committee would be apprised in this regard.

All Day

Pak, Chinese firms sign contract for coal-based plant -- The News

LAHORE - PR- Sitara Chemicals has signed contract with Chinese company Shandong Yangkoan Engineering Design Co Ltd for 35MW coal based power plant, a joint venture between the Pakistani and Chinese company.

Contract was signed at a local hotel by Sitara Chemicals Industries Ltd Chief Executive Adrees and representatives of Chinese company Shandong Yangkoan Engineering Design Co Ltd in the presence of chief guest Federal Minister for Mines & Minerals Abid Sher Ali Khan.

This project will be completed within the time frame of two years and become a value added binding force in strengthening Pakistan-China friendship.

Chief Executive Sitara Chemicals said it is a ‘redefining moment’ for Sitara Chemicals to ensure uninterrupted power supply to its plants round the year.

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February 7, 2014 Continued Fri He said, “We proudly announce to take initiative of 35MW coal based power plant with a reputable Chinese company having the distinguished technological excellence in designing coal power plants. This plant will prove to be a milestone in the history of Sitara Chemicals.�

Giving briefing to media, Federal Minister for Mines & Minerals Abid Sher Ali Khan said resolving energy crisis is one govt’s top priorities. We praise the visionary approach of Sitara Chemicals Ltd for this self-reliant initiative of coal based power plant. He hoped that Pakistan will overcome the energy crisis through the pivotal role of corporate sector and government of Pakistan with the patronage of China.

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February 16, 2014 Sun All Day

Pak hopes for early implementation of key projects with China -- APP

Beijing: Ahead of his first visit to China, Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain on Sunday hoped to speed up implementation of bilateral agreements on energy cooperation besides the economic corridor through PoK, a project which has raised concern in India.

Hussain hoped to reach consensus with China to accelerate the projects relating to?energy in order to overcome power shortage.

"The people of Pakistan will be grateful to Chinese people and government for their help in energy sector," Hussain told the Chinese media in Islamabad ahead of his three-day visit to the country starting from February 18.

Hussain hoped that the execution of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (PCEC) which is to be built from China's Xinjiang province to Pakistan's Gwadar Port should also be accelerated.

"The project is going to be a monument of the century," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Hussain as saying.

It will benefit not only Pakistan and China, but also the whole region involving billions of people, he said.

The second meeting of the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of the PCEC will be held on February 18 coinciding with the visit of Hussain to finalise the implementation of mutually agreed projects.

PCEC, which will run through a 200-km tunnel, has raised concerns in India as it is planned though the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Besides the PCEC, China has recently extended USD 6.5 billion assistance to Pakistan to help to build two 1100 mw nuclear power plants with Chinese technology.

China's nuclear technology transfer to Pakistan drew flak from the US and India as it is being done without obtaining the approval from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as done by India under the India-US nuclear accord.

China asserts that it is done under the safeguards of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Chinese Foreign Ministry said China would accord "high and top priority" to Hussain's visit.

During his visit, Hussain would hold talks with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders.

Hussain said China is Pakistan's really best friend and Pakistan always stands by China, adding that the relations between the two countries stood the test of time.

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February 17, 2014 Mon All Day

Pak-China investment company to invest in renewable energy, infrastructure development projects -- APP

ISLAMABAD, Feb 17 (APP): Pak-China Investment Company will invest in renewable energy and infrastructure development projects in Pakistan. Decision to this effect was made during a meeting of Pak-China Investment Company Limited (PCICL) held here on Monday under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance Senator, Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Cao Wenjian, Managing Director PCICL on the occasion briefed the Finance Minister that his company has the total assets worth Rs. 16 billion in Pakistan and has been investing in sectors like fuel and energy, ports and shipping, sugar and fruits, Cement and construction, engineering, telecommunication and IT, finance and insurance and fertilizers, of which the first three constitute 46% of the total investment.

The PCICL is focusing on promoting Chinese investment and trade between the two countries.

The management of PCICL will like to make equity investments in joint ventures of Chinese and Pakistani companies, said Mr. Wenjian.

In future Pak-China Investment Company has one of its core strategy to invest in the power sector as it has been the priority of the present government to solve the energy crisis.

Pak-China Investment Company Limited has also made it a part of its core strategy to promote joint ventures of local and Chinese investors/companies, said the MD. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar appreciated the resolve of PCICL that it plans to promote close cooperation between China Development Bank (CDB) and Government of Pakistan and that it wants to work as an advisory on privatization and foreign direct investment to Chinese investors who have plans to invest in Pakistan.

The Minister further appreciated that PCICL wants to promote government’s public private partnership initiatives with a focus on infrastructure development and development of Special Economic Zones.

The PCICL told the Finance Minister that it is looking forward to invest in commercially viable projects especially all infrastructure related projects (including rail and road network), agriculture, chemical, engineering sectors, renewable energy (solar, wind, bagasse, hydro etc.) and oil and gas development sectors.

Cao Wenjian told the Minister that Vice Governor PCICL plans to visit Pakistan in the last week of March and will like to meet the Finance Minister.

The Finance Minister welcomed the proposed visit of Vice Governor PCICL and said that the leadership of China and Pakistan wants to take their existing relationship to a new height in future.

The meeting was also attended by Shahnawaz Mehmood, Dy. Managing Director Zhang Yanzhi, Chief Finance Officer, Tariq Mehmood, Head of corporate Finance Ms. Liu Haining, Head of China Advisory and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance.

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February 18, 2014 Tue All Day

Pakistan Looks to China for Big Energy and Infrastructure Projects -Wall Street Journal

BEIJING—Pakistan's president is looking to strike agreements with China for joint energy and infrastructure projects valued at an estimated $20 billion as part of a strategy to build a trade and transport corridor between the countries.

Mamnoon Hussain, who began a visit to Beijing on Tuesday, was expected to oversee the signing of memorandums of understanding on projects to be completed by 2018, including upgrades of road and rail links and construction of an airport in the Chinese-built Arabian Sea port of Gwadar

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February 19, 2014 Wed All Day

Chinese firm to finance power projects -- The News

Pak-China Investment Company Limited (PCICL) has decided to finance power sector projects in Pakistan, an official said on Tuesday.

In future, Pak-China Investment Company is going to invest in the power sector, as it has been the priority of the present government to resolve the energy crisis, the official said.

With Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in the chair, a meeting of PCICL took place at the Ministry of Finance.

Cao Wenjian, managing director of PCICL, briefed the finance minister that the company has the total assets worth Rs16 billion in Pakistan and has been investing in the sectors such as fuel and energy, ports and shipping, sugar and fruits, cement and construction, engineering, telecommunication and IT, finance and insurance and fertilisers, of which the first three constitute 46 percent of the total investment.

PCICL is focusing on promoting Chinese investment and trade between the two countries. The management of PCICL will like to make equity investments in joint ventures of Chinese and Pakistani companies, Wenjian said.

Pak-China Investment Company has also made it a part of its core strategy to promote joint ventures of local and Chinese investors / companies, the managing director said.

Dar appreciated the resolve of PCICL that it plans to promote close cooperation between China Development Bank (CDB) and Pakistan and that it wants to work as an advisory on the privatisation and foreign direct investment to Chinese investors who have plans to invest in Pakistan.

The finance minister also appreciated PCICL’s desire to promote government’s public-private partnership initiatives with a focus on infrastructure development and development of Special Economic Zones.

The PCICL managing director said that the company is looking forward to invest in the commercially viable projects, especially all infrastructure-related projects, including rail and road network, agriculture / chemical / engineering sectors, renewable energy (solar, wind, bagasse, hydro, etc) and oil and gas development sectors.

The meeting also decided to issue bonus shares to meet the minimum capital requirement of the company as required by the State Bank of Pakistan. No fresh injection of funds would be required.

Wenjian said that the vice governor of the China Development Bank plans to visit Pakistan in the last week of March and will like to meet the finance minister.

Dar welcomed the proposed visit of the CDB vice governor and said that the leadership of China and Pakistan wanted to take their existing relationship to a new height.

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February 21, 2014 Fri All Day

China to provide $900m for Gwadar development -- The News

KARACHI: China has agreed to provide $900.05 million to develop infrastructure projects in Gwadar, official sources told The News on Thursday.

The decision was taken at the Pak-China Joint Cooperation Committee meetings held in Beijing on February 18 and 19 and to that effect, memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed, said the sources.

The Pakistani delegation was led by the Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal while the vice chairman of the National Development Reform and Finance Commission of China, Zhang Xiaoqiang, represented the Chinese side. According to Pakistani officials in the know, China expressed its interest to develop the projects on its own.

China now intends to build the 19-km Eastbay Expressway connecting the port to the coastal highway at an estimated cost of $66.04 million, said the official. The two countries had signed an MoU in May last year for the construction of the expressway. The official said that China also plans to fund the construction of the breakwater at a cost of $94.34 million and spend another $739.67 million for the development of infrastructure in Gwadar city.

Under the integrated development plan for Gwadar city, $32.55 million will be allocated for the development of infrastructure for the free trade zone and export promotion zones, $37.97 million for facilities for fresh water treatment and supply, $21.7 million for the construction of a 300-bed hospital and $9.43 million for building of technical and vocational institutes, said the official.

China has also agreed to finance the setting up of a coal-based power plant in the port city at a cost of $638.02 million.

The official said that pacts to extend the Karakoram highway and construct the Gwadar International Airport were also signed. Earlier, China not only constructed the Gwadar Port but also provided 80 percent ($248 million) of the initial funds to the Gwadar Port Authority for the construction of the port.

Gwadar port, which was envisioned as a trans-shipment port and shipping hub for the landlocked Central Asian States, Afghanistan and Western China, lacks basic infrastructure facilities.

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February 24, 2014 Mon All Day

Railways to lay new track to link Karachi and Gwadar -- Business Recorder

Pakistan Railways (PR) is planning to lay track to link Karachi to Gwadar seaport to facilitate traders. PR sources told APP on Sunday that the new track would fulfil the needs of transportation of goods to Gwadar in future. Moreover, the PR was in contact with China for preparing studies for construction of Khuzdar, Baseemah, Jacobabad and Dera Ghazi Khan main line ( ML-2) and China would finalise the studies till the end of December 2015.

China will bear all expenditures of the study of laying the new railway line. The PR is focusing on speeding up revenue generating activities under the direction of Minister Khwaja Saad Rafique.

The PR is also working on restoration of ECO train for Turkey via Tuftan and Zahdan. The train will help traders of Turkey, Iran, India and Pakistan to transport their goods.

The department is also planning to construct a dry port for container-holding at Havelian near Abbotabad for facilitating trade with China. After construction of the port, about two million tons of goods could be transported between Khunjrab and Havelian. The PR minister hoped the railways would soon be able to overcome its deficit.

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February 25, 2014 Tue All Day

EIB agrees to provide 100m for 128MW Pak hydro project -- APP

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing a 100m long-term loan to Pakistan to finance the construction of the 128MW Keyal Khwar Hydropower project.KWF would offer financial support for the project, a statement from the EIB said, The Technology Times Reported.Alvarez, who is in charge of the EIB’s operations in Asia, said, “The EIB is committed to support the investment in renewable energy and helping countries around the world reduce carbon emissions.At the same time the EIB is pleased to be able to support Pakistan in this important sector, addressing the increased demand of energy in the country.” The investment will provide a clean and reliable supply of electric power contributing to climate change mitigation, which is a fundamental goal of the EU, he maintained.This is the fifth project supported by the EIB in Pakistan. Since it began lending in Asia in 1993, the EIB has provided more than 5.1 billion on long-term basis.

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February 26, 2014 Wed All Day

Gwadar port: China approves nine projects worth $1.8 billion, Senate body told -- Business Recorder

China has approved nine projects worth $1.8 billion in a bid to fully develop Gwadar port, which will be completed in next 2-3 years, said chairman Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Dostain Khan Jamaldini. China has prepared its master plan for Gwadar port where five companies are ready to invest, however all these would be possible on handing over the remaining free zone area of the port, said chairman GPA while briefing the senate standing committee on Ports and Shipping after his return from China while attending the 2nd meeting of the Joint Co-operation Committee (JCC) of Pak-China Economic Corridor, held in Beijing (China).

The committee, which met with Sardar Fateh Muhammad Hassani in the chair, was informed that in the light of decision taken in the meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Ports & Shipping held on December 19, 2013, the total area of land and its cost in Pishukan have been worked out again by Commissioner Makran Division, the Government of Balochistan as per the prevailing market value. The PC-I has been initiated by Gwadar Port Authority through the Ministry of Ports & Shipping for the approval of the Planning Commission along with allocation of funds from the PSDP in the fiscal year 2013-14 amounting Rs 474.87 million, the chairman GPA added.

A summary has also been submitted to the Prime Minister's office for approval of the recommendations made by the Senate Standing Committee held on January 13, 2014 seeking his approval for handing over the remaining land at Gwadar port.

The chairman GPA further informed the committee that a decision was made by Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC) on December 2, 2008 for importing wheat, fertilizer and coal through Gwadar port. Regrettably, the decision was not fully implemented by Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). During last 5-6 years, not a single ship carrying wheat and coal has been routed through Gwadar Port.

Further a significant share of fertilizer is being imported through KPT/PQA; The ECC in its meeting held on August 23, 2011 also took serious note on breach of its earlier decision.

It was further revealed that total cargo imported through Gwadar Port including total wheat imported via 26 ships was 963,609.140 tons, urea imported via 136 ships 4,800,483.956 tons and total wheat & urea 162 ships 5,764,093.096 tons. However, the committee expressed serious reservations over the ECC decision about the reducing share of Gwadar port in handling the imported urea, saying that if the port is not fully operated by extending all road and railways links and required land, how it would be developed. The committee also expressed serious concern over the absence of Chairman Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) from the meeting and directed him to ensure his presence in the next meeting. The committee was informed that cranes worth million dollars are becoming outdated, as no commercial ship arrived the port since it was made operational.

Gwadar Port Authority has made its stance clear that all ships importing wheat, fertiliser and coal may be diverted to Gwadar Deep sea port as already directed by Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC). Full operationalisation of Gwadar port has been hampered as the ECC decision was not implemented, therefore, the Government of Pakistan may implement the ECC decision, the chairman GPA added. Expressing serious annoyance over the absence of Secretary Water and Power, the committee moved privilege motion against him and sent his case to privilege committee.

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February 28, 2014 Fri All Day

Chinese delegation visits ICCI -- APP

Islamabad : A 23-member delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs led by Cen Hongkai, Deputy Secretary General of Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government, visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry to hold B2B meetings, explore business matchmakings, strengthen economic cooperation and promote trade & investment with Pakistan. The delegation was representing enterprises of trade, building materials, home appliances, lighting, machine & equipment and project contracting etc. Representatives of Board of Investment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Development of Authority were also present at the occasion.

Speaking at the occasion, Cen Hongkai, head of Chinese delegation said that Pakistan and China have huge potential to further enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and complement economies of each other. He said Pakistan has made attractive investment policies, which provide lot of investment opportunities to Chinese investors. He said Pakistan is an important country in South Asia offering good business prospects that has prompted Chinese entrepreneurs to come and explore Pakistani market for business matchmaking, joint ventures and investment.

He said recent visits of Prime Minister and President of Pakistan to China and signing of MoUs of cooperation in various fields truly reflects the keen urge of the leadership of both countries to further strengthen and deepen bilateral relations.

Highlighting the economic potential of Zhongshan City, he said after 30 years of reforms and opening up, the city has fostered 23 industrial clusters in the fields of home appliances, hardware, lighting and casual wear etc. Zhongshan’s GDP in 2013 reached $44.51 billion with exports of $35.63 billion and outbound investment of $422 million. 18 Fortune Global 500 corporations have set up 26 enterprises in Zhongshan, which shows its rising economy and huge business potential. He said Pakistani investors should visit Zhongshan City and join hands with Chinese counterparts for economic prosperity of both countries.

Addressing the delegation, Shaban Khalid, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), said that Pakistan feels proud of its historical and time-tested friendship with China. He said Pakistani people have great regard & respect for Chinese government and people. He said being located at a strategic location, Pakistan offers tremendous opportunities of foreign investment in all major sectors of its economy including energy, exploration of mineral resources, oil & gas, manufacturing, agriculture & services sectors etc.

He said many Chinese companies are already working in Pakistan and rendering valuable contribution in infrastructure development, energy & other projects. He emphasized that more Chinese investors should come to Pakistan as lot of positive things are happening in Pakistan. Pak-China Economic Corridor and grant of GSP Plus status to Pakistan by the European Union have created lot of new opportunities for local and foreign investors. It is high time that Chinese investors should set up joint ventures and make direct investment in areas of interest in Pakistan.

Shaban Khalid said Pakistan and China have signed a Free Trade Agreement and entrepreneurs of both countries should take more initiatives to fully exploit this facility for promoting bilateral trade. He assured that ICCI would provide all possible cooperation in bringing Pak-China private sectors even closer for further promoting bilateral trade and economic relations.

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March 1, 2014 Sat All Day

Development work on EPZ Gwadar on priority -- Pak Observer

Saturday, March 01, 2014 - Karachi—”The establishment of Export Processing Zone in Gawadr will produce conducive environment for economic uplift of the country and will help in enhancing Pakistan’s trade relationship with the international community”.

These views were expressed by Chairperson Export Processing Zones Authority, Ms. Rabiya Javeri Agha while presiding over a meeting with EPZA management/officials. It is worth mentioning here that the creation of Export Processing Zone in Gawadar will help provide ample opportunities to bring local and foreign investment. This requires expediting the work on project under high priority. By establishing the Gwadar Zone, trade activities of the country as well as of the region will get a chance to accelerate further.

“Gawadar Port has a unique identity and it is of prime importance for Middle East and Gulf countries too. To harness the immense economic potential of the port, we must devise a comprehensive and workable strategy to get maximum benefits from this natural gift. It will produce plenty of employment opportunities for the local residents of the Baluchistan province”. Ms. Agha added. A Committee was also constituted at the meeting to initiate the work on the project.

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March 4, 2014 Tue All Day

Chinese business delegation meets Chairman BOI -- APP

ISLAMABAD, Mar 4 (APP): A delegation of Chinese company China Gezhouba Group met on Tuesday with Special Assistant to Prime Minister and Chairman Board of Investment, Dr. Miftah Ismail to discuss the signing of MoU with BOI, investment projects and the visit of the company’s President. The delegation comprised of Chief Finance Officer Tao Jie, Chief Commercial Officer Deng Siwenand Syed Ahmed local representative of China Gezhouba Group. Tao Jei briefed the Chairman BOI that China Energy Engineering Group is interested in the development of infrastructure and power projects in Pakistan. He said that they can participate in the projects as EPC in the projects related to Pak-China Corridor and can also offer financing/loans for undertaking these projects.

In this regard, the president of the company will visit Pakistan next week and during the meeting with Prime Minister, an MOU of strategic corporation will also be signed with BOI. He further identified that the company will participate in the bidding of Gaddani Coal Project and also interested inJamshoro Power Project.

He said that they will also work on EPC for jetty and transmission lines. We should work seriously to mature the investment of $10 Billion during the due course of time.

He further said that as the company is involved in large number of mega infrastructure projects in China and other countries, we offer the company to bid for the construction of Hyderabad-Sukhar road.

The company was also involved in the construction of Jhang road, a part of Lahore to Multan Motorway.

It is a sole state owned company and provides full range of engineering services including feasibility studies, design, procurement, consultancy, planning, financing, construction, management, operation etc.

The company has substantial business interests in over 60 countries worldwide with and established presence in countries such as Pakistan.

China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) is affiliated with China Energy Engineering Group Company Limited (CEEC).

They have developed strategic relationships with a number of financial institutions and have undertaken a large number of mega infrastructure projects in China and other countries.

The three core business sectors of CGGC are Construction engineering and related engineering technology research, Hydropower investment (construction and management) and real estate development and management.

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March 5, 2014 Wed All Day

China to spend Rs 26 billion to develop Gwadar Port in fiscal year 2015: National Assembly body told -- BR

Federal Minister for Port and Shipping Kamran Michael has informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Port and Shipping that Chinese Government would spend Rs 26 billion to further develop Gwadar Port during the next fiscal year 2014-15.

The minister was briefing the NA Standing Committee on Ports and Shipping, which met here on Tuesday, with Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah in the chair, to discuss the details of Ministry of Port of Shipping and its attached departments' budgetary proposals for Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2014-15. The Minister said that his ministry had requested the government to allocate Rs 10 billion for Gwadar Port in next fiscal year's PSDP. Dostain Khan Jamaldini, Chairman Gwadar Port Authority, informed the committee that the Port had not yet been made fully operational owing to different reasons especially due to the ongoing unrest in Balochistan province and financial crunch.

He said that since 2007, 5.6 million tons of different goods had been handled at the Port and two ships carrying different goods were docking at the Port every month.

He said that Government of Pakistani and the Chinese firm, responsible for completion of the Port, were committed to complete all Port-related works within next two years.

He informed that the National Highway Authority (NHA) was constructing N85 highway at fact pace to connect the Port with the Central Asian countries. "Once the Port becomes fully operational, it will help earn billions of rupees for the country," he said, adding that the Gwadar Port will become a hub of business activities, as it will be the only deep waters port available to Central Asian nations. The committee was informed that a fuel storage facility was also under construction at the Port and it would be completed within next one year.

MNA Nabeel Gabol said that development of the Gawadar Port was one of the major reasons behind the insurgency in the Balochistan as well as in the country, as, according to him, some international forces did not want the Port become operational, which will not only connect China and Pakistan but will also become a corridor for the international trade of Central Asian countries.

He said that 585 acres of land of the Port was occupied by Pakistan Navy and the government should allocate land to PN at any other place so that the work on the much-needed Port can be completed. The meeting was informed that Rs 500 million were required for the construction of security system on non-concessional area, Rs 130 million for the construction of breakwater, Rs 2.8 billion for the construction of bridging berthing area and channel for the additional terminal.

Furthermore, Rs 80 million required for the replacement of existing navaids of Gwadar Port, Rs 360 million for bringing some changes to the master plan of the Port and Rs 30 million for the rehabilitation of harbour road. Kamran Michael informed the committee that in recent past the Ministry had vacated 70 acres of land from land mafia in the limits of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and stern action would be taken against the people involved in illegal activities.

All Day

Halal foods: ‘Pak-China should cooperate’ -- The Express Tribune,

LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that Pakistan had an important role to play in the international livestock market.

He was talking to a Chinese delegation associated with halal food and livestock industries led by Chinese Qinghai Group chairperson Wang Xihui. Sharif said the demand for Halal food was increasing worldwide. A slaughter house had been set up in Lahore where meat processing was carried out using modern methods. Xihui said his group wanted to promote cooperation in halal food and livestock sectors.

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March 5, 2014 Continued Wed All Day

Pakistan makes strong push for international goal on energy access -APP

UNITED NATIONS, March 5 (APP): Pakistan has called upon the international community to establish a new international goal on providing universal access to energy for all. Addressing a meeting convened by Pakistan Permanent Mission to the UN here, Ambassador Masood Khan said that there is near consensus on establishing a three-pronged international goal aimed at providing international support in promoting access to modern energy services, enhancing efficiency and doubling the share of renewable energy sources in the global energy mix. Around forty senior diplomats, from developed and developing countries including Brazil, India, China, Norway, Denmark, South Africa, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, France and office of the UN Secretary General attended the meeting.

Pakistan, Denmark and Norway have been leading an effort at the United Nations to push for establishing an international framework as part of the post-2015 Development Agenda and associated goals on access to energy for all.

Ambassador Masood Khan, while appreciating the UN Secretary General Ban KiMoon for his initiative on Sustainable Energy for All, called upon international community to ensure establishing a robust global partnership for cooperation and development to succeed in this important objective. Ambassador Khan also termed the lack of energy for poor in South Asia as one of the foremost challenges facing humanity. He said that out of 1.6 billion people living in South Asia today, nearly 800 million people lack access to electricity.

The UN Secretary General’s Advisor on Energy, Ms. Elizabeth Thompson underlined that need for ensuring that an international framework should not work in silos but rather forge key linkages with other sectors such a health, water, food and women empowerment.

The Norwegian Ambassador, Geir Pederson and Denmark’s Ambassador, Ib Peterson lauded Pakistan’s strong and constructive engagement in pushing for such an international framework and extended his government’s support in this endeavor.

Last year, Prime Minister Mohammed Nawaz Sharif, during his visit to New York in September, held a trilateral meeting with his Norwegian Counterpart, Jen Jens Stoltenberg and the Minister for Development Co-operation of Denmark, Christian Friis Bach.

The three leaders agreed to push for an international framework on energy which will not only provide assistance to energy starved countries, mobilize the private sector but also deal with the challenge of climate change by doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

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March 6, 2014 Thu All Day

Pak-Saudi ties celebrated on board Pakistan Navy ship in Jeddah -- APP

ISLAMABAD, Mar 6 (APP): Consul General of Pakistan in Jeddah, Aftab A Khokher has stated that relationships between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were beyond any limits He was speaking as chief guest at a reception, held in Jeddah on Tuesday night at Pakistan Navy ship “PNS ALAMGIR” that is on goodwill visit to Saudi Arabia, according to a message received here from Jeddah on Thursday. Consul Generals of different countries, diplomats, dignitaries, media persons, officers of Saudi Navy and a large number of community members with families were also present on the occasion.

Consul General Aftab Khokher welcomed the officers and JCOs of Pakistan Navy to Saudi Arabia and said that relationships between two brotherly countries Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are excellent at all levels.

He said, “our brotherhood has transcended the vicissitude of time. The relations are not based on political expediency; rather it is etched deep in the heart of every Pakistani and Saudi national. We care about each other more in practice than in words.”

He said that Pak-Saudi relations are of strategic nature and such goodwill visits of naval ships from friendly countries further strengthen their bonds.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of relations between Pakistan and Royal Saudi navies. He emphasized that such visits are source of strength between the armed forces of both countries.

Commander of the ship Captain Abdul Muneeb welcomed the guests on board and informed about the goodwill mission and briefly highlighted the state of the art systems available at PNS ALAMGIR. Later, Consul General Aftab A Khokher and Commander of Ship Captain Abdul Muneeb cut the cake to celebrate long lasting friendship of Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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March 7, 2014 Fri All Day

China to make more investment in energy sector: Shahbaz -- Observer

Friday, March 07, 2014 - Lahore—Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that China would further invest in the energy sector of Pakistan to reduce the energy crisis. In a an interview, the Chief Minister said that China would also invest in Pakistan in the construction of Gwadar port, highways, solar energy and wind power projects; he hoped these projects would make the country self-sufficient in power. He hoped that China’s investment would boost the employment opportunities in Pakistan which would further magnify the development and stability of the country.

He said that China would invest in 16 energy projects in Pakistan which have the capacity to produce 21,000 MW electricity in the system. He said that the last year visits of Prime Ministers from both the sides after assuming power manifested that the two nations have strong bonding. President Mamnoon Hussain also paid his first official visit to china that reflected the old friendly ties between both the countries. To a question, he said that China assists Pakistan in different power projects which will increase the country’s capacity of power generation.

He met several CEOs of big chinese companies during the visit which resulted in enormous investment in power generation projects. He farther said that Pak-China economic corridor was a gigantic development project that encouraged private sector to make maximum investment in energy and infrastructure development in Pakistan.

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March 11, 2014 Tue All Day

22,000MW of electricity to be added within 7 years: Iqbal -- The Express Tribune

LAHORE: The government has signed energy generation projects with China through which 22,000 megawatts (MW) of energy will be added to the system in the coming five to seven years, said Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal.

The country’s total energy production is 22,000MW, with the same amount being added to the grid in this time span, Iqbal said, while speaking at the International Marketing Congress (Marcon).

The government is focused on overcoming the development lag of the last 14 years, he said, adding that the government was turning towards China as its Foreign Direct Investment was very low in the context of the relations the two countries enjoy.

To strengthen economic cooperation, Pakistan has signed an agreement for the development of the Karakoram Highway, construction of six lane MansehraIslamabad and Lahore-Karachi Motorways. Through this, the country will be connected to the North-South corridor. Construction of a modern Airport in Gwadar, linking of the Gwadar deep sea port to the northern part of the country is also part of the plan. Through this, Pakistan will become a connecting bridge for the NorthSouth and East-West regions and play a pivotal role in regional connectivity and development, Iqbal said.

Development in Gwadar and the Gadani coal generation project will start a new era of prosperity and economic development in Balochistan, said Iqbal, adding that the Thar Coal power generation project will change the fate of the people of Sindh.

Iqbal said that the government’s vision is to bring about an industrial revolution in Sindh through Thar coal as reserves there could generate electricity for the next 200 years.

Poverty, unemployment, law and order issue, hopelessness is the main tides faced by the government and we are committed to turn these tides during the next five years, he stated.

Iqbal believed that Pakistan has been run on the ‘sale paradigm’ and the time had come to shift to the ‘marketing paradigm’. The government is focused on producing and exporting items which were in line with international market requirements, Iqbal said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2014.

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China to invest $50 billion in energy, infrastructure projects till 2017 -- BR China is to invest $50 billion in energy and infrastructure projects in Pakistan till 2017 of which $35 billion investment is anticipated in energy sector. This was disclosed by the Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal at a recent meeting of federal cabinet, presided over by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In the anticipation of massive investment from China, the government has decided to assign army for the security of Chinese workers in Pakistan.

Official documents available with Business Recorder reveal that the prime minister stated that the infrastructure projects included Lahore-Karachi Motorway, the Karakorum Highway and expanding the capacity of Gawadar Port. In the transportation sector, the railway line from Peshawar to Karachi would be modernised and upgraded. In the energy sector, ten projects had been approved in Gadani (Balochistan) and six in Thar (Sindh).

The prime minister informed the cabinet that during the last eight months, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) had doubled. China has agreed to invest $4.5 billion each year in Pakistan for the next seven years. This investment of $31.5 billion by one country is unprecedented in the history of Pakistan. According to the prime minister, share of Balochistan in the Chinese investment would be 38%. He pointed out that the size of Pakistan's PSDP was only Rs 425 billion which is quite small for a large population of 180 million. Unfortunately, even this amount is not properly utilised.

The quality of projects in the country is poor and they suffer from inordinate delays and resultant cost escalation.

In the Neelum-Jhelum project, the cost has increased from Rs 87 billion to Rs 220 billion. In another case, the original cost of Rs 5 billion has escalated to Rs 35 billion 1202

March 11, 2014 Continued Tue and the project is still incomplete. He further stated that the Chinese investment will spur unprecedented growth in the country, for which we need to develop capability and capacity to absorb and manage it.

The prime minister argued that it is imperative for improved governance and economic development in the country that a special team of officers who possess the requisite capability, commitment and zeal are assigned important responsibilities. He instructed the minister for planning and development to accelerate work on governance reforms.

The prime minister asked minister for planning and development to provide further details of Pak-China Joint Co-ordination Committee visit to China. The minister for planning and development informed the cabinet that during the visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to China in July last year, an agreement was reached on the establishment of an "Economic Corridor". During the visit of the Vice Chairman, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to Pakistan, three working groups were set up, one each for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure sectors.

Initially, projects to the tune of US $15-20 billion were approved. However, he added that because of hard work during the last six months and confidence of the Chinese government on Pakistani leadership, the number of projects has increased.

"We have tried to identify those projects that can benefit the country in the short term. These Early Harvest Projects would now amount to $50 billion. These projects would be completed by 2017," Ahsan Iqbal added. The projects include coal, solar and wind based electricity generation units. An investment of $35 billion is anticipated in the energy sector. These projects would generate 23,000 MW whereas the total generation of electricity in the country till date is only 21,000 MW. The Lahore-Karachi Motorway, expansion of the Gawadar Port and integrated development of infrastructure in the Gawadar area would bring in further investment of $11 billion. The Karachi-Peshawar railway track will be upgraded. The minister for planning and development also pointed out that the Chinese expected us to work at a fast pace and avoid unnecessary delays. He also emphasised the need for improving internal security as concern was expressed by the Chinese government on this account, especially with respect to the security of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan.

The cabinet observed that the security of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan was an immediate concern. It was suggested that till the capacity of civil law enforcement agencies is improved, the task of providing fool proof security to the Chinese nationals may be assigned to Pakistan Army. The prime minister agreed to the proposal of assigning the security of the Chinese workers to Pakistan Army.

The minister for finance stated that according to JETRO, Pakistan would soon become the second choicest place for Foreign Direct Investment in the world due to improved economic performance. This will be possible if consistency in policies is maintained. He added that Pakistan has also announced 3G auction, which is expected by March/April.

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Lahore-Karachi Motorway 'Chinese company can start construction work this year' -- BR Additional Secretary Communications Aurangzeb Haq has said that development vision of Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif envisions speedy development in the communications sector. He expressed these views while talking to Zye and Tan-Guo Fu, the heads of two leading Chinese companies CRBC and CSCEC respectively. On this occasion, Chairman NHA Shahid Ashraf Tarrar, Member Planning Raja Nosherwan, and other high officials were also present.

Aurangzeb Haq discussed with the two delegations matters relating to Pak-China Corridor. Head of CRBC in Pakistan Zye, while replying to a question, said his company could submit feasibility report, design and survey of Rai Kot to Islamabad Road Section by June 30, this year, whereas Chinese engineers had already 1203

March 11, 2014 Continued Tue reached Pakistan to start off the construction work.

Head of the CSCEC, Tan-Guo Fu said his company could start construction work on Lahore-Karachi Motorway this year; the design work was already completed and land acquisition for the project was yet to be completed. Additional Secretary Communications assured the delegation that land acquisition would be completed soon and said the government intended to expand the road network to neighbouring countries to facilitate trade, tourism, industry and agriculture of the country that would ultimately boost the economy.

Chairman NHA Shahid Ashraf Tarrar, while talking to the heads of the companies elaborated the role of NHA in materialising the goals set in Pak-China Corridor and further said China was a trusted partner of Pakistan that had major contribution in rapid progress of Pakistan. The Chairman said such high level meetings would contribute to further promote mutual understanding.-PR

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March 14, 2014 Fri All Day

China to invest $4 billion in Pak Railways: official -- The News

ISLAMABAD: China has agreed to finance the upgrading of a rail network on its mainline and to construct a state-of-the-art dry port at Havelian by investing $4 billion during the next three to four years.

“Now the Ministry of Railways has been assigned to carry out a feasibility study for upgrading the rail network from Havelian to Karachi on its mainline (ML-1) which will be accomplished in the next seven to eight months,” a top official of the Ministry of Railways confirmed to The News here on Thursday.

The rail link from Gwadar to Karachi will also be established.The feasibility study will unveil the exact cost of these railway projects but according to rough estimates calculated by the concerned high-ups, the total investment requirement will be standing at around Rs300 to Rs400 billion. Both sides have also finalised the timelines, so these railway projects could be accomplished within the tenure of PML-N led regime.

Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique told The News on Thursday that the government was working on a revitalising plan for the Pakistan Railways under which it would be turned around from a loss making to profit making entity over the medium term. Under this vision, he said, the rail linkages with neighbouring countries, including China, India and Turkey, would be established over the medium term.

However, official sources said that under the Vision 2025, which is under preparation, the Ministry of Railways has been vying its options to link Khunjerab with Havelian through the rail network but it requires substantial cost and long term plans to make it happen.

Pakistan has requested China to provide interest free loans to finance rail upgrading network, he said and added that the exact mode of financing by the Chinese side was not yet finalised but Beijing was considering different options, including soft loans with mark up of one to two percent to execute these projects.

In order to develop the western China, the industrial goods would be transported through the Karakoram Highway (KKH) by upgrading the road network from Khunjerab to Havelian and then through the rail network consignments would be transported to the port city of Karachi. On the other side, the rail network from Gwadar to Jacobabad will ensure transportation of trade goods.

“China has agreed to finance these mega projects in the recently-concluded early harvest programme signed by both the sides in Beijing,” said the official.In a bid to establish the Pak-China Economic Corridor, both countries have decided to establish rail, road and sea links to promote trade and economic activities.

Special economic zones will also be established on the sidelines of routes linking through rail and road network for exploiting the existing economic opportunities in this region.The sources said that the government was also planning to upgrade 27 kilometers line through Wagah under its short term plan. The Monabhao rail link between Pakistan and India does not require upgrading at the moment, he concluded.

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Oil and refinery sector: five Chinese companies keen to invest in Gwadar -- BR

Chairman Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Dostain Khan Jamaldini has said that Several Chinese companies have shown keen interest to invest in the oil and refinery sector in the Gwadar. While China has already approved nine projects worth $1.8 billion in a bid to fully develop Gwadar port, he said while talking to APP. "The Chief Executive Officer of China Overseas Port Holding Company, Zeng Qing Song is in Gwadar for last three days. Issues pertaining to make port fully functional discussed during the course of meeting," he noted. "Five companies of China, keen to invest in Gwadar approached us, he said adding that every day we receive 1205

March 14, 2014 Continued Fri response from the reputable companies willing to initiate work with us in Gwadar," he maintained.

The company holding the control of Gwadar port would invest $775 million, While $1.8 billion would be spent for the expansion of port and development of the Gwadar city. Road linking Gwadar to rest of the cities would complete by 2015, he said adding work on rail track was also underway. Jamaldini has stressed that local population of Gwadar district of Balochistan were the real beneficiaries of the uplift projects underway in the Port City.

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March 15, 2014 Sat All Day

Seeking development: Planning for Gwadar continues -- The Express Tribune,

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Michael has said that the present administration is serious in their motive to see development taking place at the Gwadar port area.

He said that through Chinese investment, an economic corridor would be established for the development of Gwadar Port and Memorandum of Understanding/agreements had been signed and an amount of $1.20 billion was to be spent on the port’s development.

The amount will be invested in two to three years, he added. Senator Kamran Michael stated this during a meeting at his ministerial secretariat in Islamabad.

Unveiling further details, Michael said that the prime minister’s approval has already been taken under which the Gwadar airport and road infrastructure will be upgraded and brought at par with the latest international facilities. Similarly, development of hospital, school and vocational training institutes will be built at Gwadar, he said.

More berths at Gwadar port will also be established that would attract international famed companies and their investments, he added.

“The consulate generals of various countries have been taken to Gwadar for a detailed lookout. Some of these have shown interest in Gwadar for business ventures,” said the senator. “The consulates of Belgium and Holland have specifically shown interest for business ventures at the port.”

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Pak, China groups ink MoU to set up explosives factory -- The Nations

WAH CANTT - An MoU has been inked between Wah Nobel Group of Companies and Gezhouba Explosives Co. Ltd, China on Friday to set up an explosives factory through a joint venture for mining, energy engineering, infrastructure construction and urban control blasting. Kawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Defence and Water and Power was the chief guest of the Ceremony. Rana Tanvir Hussain, Federal Minister for Defence Production and Federal Secretary were also present on this occasion. Through, this joint venture future requirement of commercial explosives required for the mega infrastructure project being initiated by present government will be met. The company will introduce the new technology for production of latest commercial explosives and mobile manufacturing unit technology for bulk emulsion explosives in hydropower engineering.

Wah Nobel (Pvt) Ltd with over 50 years of experience in commercial explosives and blasting accessories manufacturing is a joint venture of Wah Industries Ltd, SAAB AB of Sweden and Al-Misehal of Saudi Arabia.

Gezhouba Explosives Co. Ltd, China is a leading large-scale corporation in commercial explosives industry of China. It has an experience of over 40 years and is fully qualified in production and sale of commercial explosives materials and contracting services for blasting and demolition in China.

Addressing on this occasion Lt Gen Muhammad Ahsan Mahmood, HI(M) Chairman POF remarked that safe and secure environment would be provided to the Chinese Firm during their stay and hoped that this joint venture would be completed in the shortest possible time. Chairman POF Board expressed his pleasure that the joint venture with the Chinese company would further strengthen our relations with China. From Wah Nobel side Syed Naseem Raza, Chief Executive Wah Nobel Group gave a detailed presentation and apprised the Ministers and other dignitaries about the future project being undertaken with the help of Chinese.

He further added that this project would bring in direct foreign investment in Pakistan through a joint venture company. From Chinese side Chen Xiaohua, President of China Gezhouba Group International Engineering Co. Ltd, gave a detailed briefing with activities of Gezhouba Group. He assured that his company would invest into this project and realise the MoU in shortest possible time.

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March 16, 2014 Sun All Day

‘Pakistan has 4th largest livestock population in the world -- APP

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Railways plan to lay new track between Karachi, Gwadar -- APP

LAHORE, March 16 (APP): Pakistan has the fourth largest livestock population with over 180 million cattle in the world. This was stated by Chairman Punjab Halal Development Agency (PHDA), Justice ® Khalilur Rehman in an exclusive talk with APP here on Sunday.

He said that keeping in view the realities, it was practicable to tap a major share in a rapidly growing global Halal market by projecting and developing Pakistan as a Halal hub and branding its products in international markets.

At the stage, trade of Halal products is around US$ 3.0 trillion in global Halal markets, in which Pakistan has only $29 million share which can be expanded rapidly in diversified areas including meat and by-products, milk and allied industries, financing, tourism, hoteling, beverages, cosmetics, confectionary, pharmaceutical and personal care etc, he added.

He said that PHDA had framed a draft to make legislation on import and export of Halal products in which a violater would be awarded imprisonment up to three years with fine of Rs 0.1 million to Rs 1 million. He said the draft of the law was ready and would soon be presented in the federal cabinet for its approval and then in the National Assembly. After the Halal Act, the PHDA would be a certification body which was a requirement for export at international level, he added.

He said that Punjab Halal Development Agency was a Halal development organization run by the government of Punjab. PHDA aims at formalizing the Halal sector i.e. Halal products’ certifications, Halal business projection, capacity building, compliance regime of Halal food safety standards together with branding Pakistan as a Halal hub in the world.

Talking about objectives of PHDA, he said it aimed to promote the Halal industry of Pakistan especially meat. It is going to prove a unique platform to galvanize Halal exporters.

He said their mission was to promote compliance of prescribed Halal standards and certification systems in the light of Shariah advisory services.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 16 (APP): The Ministry of Railways (PR) is planning to lay track to link Karachi with Gwadar seaport to facilitate traders and generate revenue and reduce deficit of the organization. The new track would fulfil the needs of transportation of goods to Gwadar in future, an official source in the Ministry of Railways told APP here. Moreover, the Railways was in contact with China for preparing studies for construction of Khuzdar, Baseemah, Jacobabad and Dera Ghazi Khan main line ( ML-2), he added. The official source said that China would finalise the studies till the end of December 2015 and will bear all expenditures of the study of laying the new railway line.

Pakistan Railways was focusing on speeding up revenue generating activities of the department under the direction of Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique.

He said that Pakistan Railways is also working on restoration of ECO train for Turkey via Taftan and Zahidan.

The train will help traders to transport their goods through train to Turkey, Iran, India and Pakistan.

The department is also planning to construct a dry port for container-holding at Havelian near Abbotabad for facilitating trade with China.

After construction of the port, about two million tons of goods could be transported between Khunjrab and Havelian.

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March 17, 2014 Mon All Day

Chinese firm to execute power projects in KP -- APP

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will issue a 30-year operational license to a Chinese company for executing power projects in the province.

The survey team of the company would start its work from Shoghore, Chitral soon after receiving no objection certificate (NOC), said a handout. It added that after collecting statistics of the flow of water in all four seasons of the year in the area the company would start construction of the power house from next year.

In this connection a meeting was held on Sunday that was attended by Adviser to Chief Minister Rafaqatullah Babar and representatives of Chinese hydel power company Zhongnan Engineering Corporation and mineral company Tuny-Pak Minerals. Expressing interest in investment in hydel power and mineral sectors of the province, the Chinese companies requested for issuance of NOC. Mr Babar appreciated the offer and said that it was a welcoming gesture that the interest of investment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by neighbouring friendly country Peoples’ Republic of China was increasing.

He said that Chinese companies had made investment of billions of dollars in different sectors in the province. He assured Zhongnan Engineering Corporation of issuance of NOC for establishment of hydel power station in Shoghore area of Chitral and said that company could start work from next week.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr Babar said, was rich in natural resources and had huge potential in hydel power and mineral sectors. “The issuance of licences has been started to different national and international companies for exploiting these potentials,” he added.

The representatives of the company told Mr Babar that their survey team would start work soon after receiving NOC for Shoghore Chitral. After collecting statistics of the flow of water in all four seasons of the year in the area, they company would start construction of power house from next year, they added.

The electricity produced from the power station, which will be completed in one and half year, will be provided to local industrial units at subsidised rates.

Mr Babar said that under one-window operation of the provincial government, the Investment Promotion Cell would provide all necessary facilities with immediate effect to all domestic and foreign companies.

He said that for future power projects, the company would be issued a 30-year operational licence and the tariff would be fixed according to the policy evolved by the provincial government.

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Rs.17,374 mln released for various power sector projects so far -- APP

ISLAMABAD, Mar 17 (APP): The government has released Rs.17374.170 million out of Rs.51,543.425 million allocated for various power sector projects so far under the current fiscal year Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). According to Planning Commission data, an amount of Rs.17,000 million was allocated for the construction of Diamer Basha Dam Project Land Acquisition (4500 MW) in the PSDP which has been released for the said purpose. A sum of Rs.54 million has been released for setting up 132 KV Sub stations at Deep Sea Port Gwadar, Rs.30.400 million for 132 KV Sub stations at Singhar Housing Scheme Gwadar and Rs.40 million for 132 KV T/line Balozai Balochistan.

Similarly, an amount of Rs.25.200 million was released for 33 KV transmission line from 132 KV grid stations Thana Bula Khan, Rs 21 million for construction of 132 KV grid station at Dera Bughti and 132 KV Sui-Dera Bughti transmission line, Rs.37.770 million for construction of 132 KV grid station atMall and 132 KV SDT Noshki-Dalbandin transmission line.

A sum of Rs. 100 million was also released for the study of Master Plan of 6600 MW Pakistan Power Park at Gaddani, Balochistan while Rs.45.600 million was released for electrification of village in Dera Bughti.

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March 18, 2014 Tue All Day

China to invest $4 bln in Pakistan Railways: Saad -- Pak Tribune

LAHORE: Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has said Chinese investment and supply of coal will play a significant role in boosting performance of Pakistan Railways.

Addressing a news conference in Lahore‚ he said China will invest 32 billion dollars in Pakistan. Out of this amount‚ four billion dollars investment will be made in Pakistan Railways.

He said no recommendation regarding privatization of the Railways is under consideration.

The minister said private investment will be welcomed in Pakistan Railways through a transparent manner.

He said steps are underway to utilize Railways land in a proper way.

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Export market: TDAP urged to develop China-focused strategy -Express Tribune

LAHORE: Pakistan’s exports can make a major breakthrough by evolving an exclusive export development strategy focusing on China, said Shah Faisal Afridi, Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) president, while speaking to newly-appointed Trade Development Authority Pakistan (TDAP) CEO SM Munir.

There is a vast scope for export of Pakistani carpets, fruits, leather, textiles and gemstones as well as different kinds of minerals to be exported to China, said Afridi adding that the country had lately succeeded in penetrating the carpet market and hoped to showcase its popular brand of mangoes this year.

He underlined that both sides had recently-held negotiations on the second phase of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that would further help improve bilateral trade.

Prominent Chinese businessmen, who visited last year, along with their premier have placed orders worth $450 million for import of different items from Pakistan, Afridi said. He urged the TDAP chief to ensure competitive prices, quality control and expansion of industrial base on sound footings in Pakistan to tap the vast Chinese market.

He drew attention of the new TDAP chief towards Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s first overseas trip in May last year to China, when eight agreements and Memorandums of Understanding were signed, including the most important one on Pakistan-China Economic Corridor.

He disclosed that both countries were working on a four-pronged strategy of road, optic fibre, energy pipelines and railway connectivity, along with setting up Special Economic Zones (SEZs) along with the corridor to jump-start economic activity.

The Chinese government was also encouraging the private sector to make maximum investment in energy and infrastructure development in Pakistan, he added.

“The coming months will see more progress towards the implementation of corridorrelated projects,” PCJCCI president added. He reiterated to develop an exclusive strategy for boosting Pakistan’s exports to China that will help make a paradigm shift in export development of the country.

He was confident that TDAP would be able to set historical milestones in boosting country’s exports under Munir. He assured to extend the sincerest cooperation of his chamber as well.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18th, 2014.

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Nawaz invites international investment in energy sector -- APP

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan will provide necessary safeguards to foreign investments, and urged international companies to invest in Pakistan for best returns.

He said this while meeting a delegation led by the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) President Jia Zhiqiang that called on Nawaz at the PM's House Islamabad on Monday.

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March 18, 2014 Continued Tue The meeting was also attended by Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Privatisation Chairman Muhammad Zubair, Board of Investment Chairman Mifta Ismail and other senior officers.

While welcoming the delegation, the PM said that Chinese investments would boost the economy of Pakistan, and that China was willing to invest $35 billion in various infrastructure projects within 3 to 5 years.

The PM further said that investments in Pakistan would yield high dividends to foreign investors as the business-friendly environment of Pakistan offers great opportunities.

"Moreover, the government of Pakistan will provide sovereign guarantees to the investors in order to safeguard their investment," the PM said. The SGCC president informed the PM that the SGCC was managing around 70 percent of the power transmission lines in China.

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Pak-China Economic Corridor: Chinese team due in April to discuss development projects -- BR

A high-level Chinese delegation is scheduled to arrive here next month to discuss various development projects related to Pak-China Economic Corridor. Sources said on Monday that Chinese President Xi Jinping was also likely to visit Pakistan in September, 2014, for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) pertaining to various projects with regard to Pak-China Economic Corridor.

They said that China wanted to prepare a joint feasibility of common parameters for the development projects of Pak-China Economic Corridor. The federal government had set 30th June 2014 as deadline to concerned authorities for preparing a feasibility report for the construction of Lahore-Karachi Motorway, the sources added. They said that the Prime Minister had already approved the alignment of the Economic Corridor starting from Khunjerab Pass and ending at Gwadar and Lahore-Karachi Motorway.

The sources said that a new Motorway from Multan to Sukkur would be initiated in the first phase. Two projects, components of the Economic Corridor - Karakoram Highway and Multan-Sukkur portion - were approved in the second meeting of the Joint Co-operation Committee (JCC) of Pak-China Economic Corridor. China State Construction Engineering Corporation and Frontier Works Organisation of Pakistan would jointly work for the construction of these two projects. A new road link from Islamabad to Khunjerab would also be constructed under Pak-China Economic Corridor. A railway line from Rawalpindi to Khunjerab is also planned to be laid. The sources said that Pakistan would benefit in terms of security and revenue from PakChina optic fibre project and for this project, $40 million had been provided by Chinese telecom firm Huawei.

The project would be completed within a span of two years, the sources said adding that successful implementation of the project would provide Pakistan with a direct telecom access to China and the Central Asian States. The project would also facilitate trade, tourism and IT in the region and generate economic opportunities particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan. The sources said that 22,000 MW extra would be generated due to Chinese investment in various energy projects. For this propose, Gadani Power Projects would be the first priority.

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March 20, 2014 Thu All Day

Pakistan invites Bahrain to invest in Gwadar, energy -- Pak Tribune

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has offered Bahrain an opportunity to invest in Gwadar Port and its energy and mining sectors, encouraging the Gulf monarchy to take advantage of the liberalised investment regime that in return will help Islamabad attract capital to boost its flagging economy.

"Bahrain has expertise in oil and infrastructure projects and Gwadar Port and the energy sector may be attractive for the Gulf country," said Dr Musaddaq Malik, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister.

He was speaking at the Bahrain-Pakistan Business Forum, held on Wednesday to mark the current visit of King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Islamabad.

As many as 17 memoranda of understanding were signed between Pakistan and Bahrain and between Bahraini government and Pakistani investors. The agreements were aimed at venturing into new areas and expanding existing facilities set up in Bahrain by Pakistani investors.

Malik pointed out that China would invest $33 billion over five years in Pakistan, of which $18 billion would be pumped into infrastructure projects. He suggested that Bahraini investors should become equity partners of China to explore the opportunities.

He told the investors that they could also set up power plants in Pakistan – an area where the country offered a minimum 17% guaranteed rate of return with sovereign guarantees. In return, Pakistan can provide human capital and invest in the food sector, the areas where Bahrain is in need of external help.

Trade between the two countries stood at just $250 million per annum while in the last six years Bahrain invested only $18.7 million in Pakistan, said Miftah Ismail, Chairman Board of Investment, at the conference.

Ismail asked Bahraini investors to invest in Thar coal and copper and gold mines in Balochistan. The kind of technology and financial resources required to discover coal, gold and copper were missing in Pakistan, leaving the mines unexplored, he said.

The value of Thar coal is estimated at $9 trillion while the size of Pakistan's economy is only $250 billion. Similarly, he said, copper mines were spread over 30,000 square kilometres and contribution of the mining sector to the economy was less than half a percentage point, 0.4% of GDP to be precise.

Ismail was of the view Bahrainis were more interested in the banking sector and equity market while other sectors of interest could be healthcare, education, food, textile, manufacturing, information and communications technology, industrial, professional and commercial services.

A lot more needed to be done to improve the dismal figures of bilateral trade, suggested Dr Hassan Fakhro, Bahrain's Minister of Industries and Commerce while speaking at the conference.

He asked Pakistan's business community to invest in the food sector that offered them immense opportunities.

Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir offered Bahrain an opportunity to invest in the textile sector in order to get advantage of the 10-year duty-free access to European markets. In the same manner, Pakistan could also benefit from the free trade agreement between Bahrain and the US by establishing industrial units in the Gulf state.

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March 20, 2014 Continued Thu All Day

Chinese company to build power plants at Gadani -- Pak Tribune

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Water & Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif said on Tuesday that government is taking every possible measure to overcome the load shedding issue, Our Sources reported.

In this regard Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB) and Chinese company Gehzuoba has signed an agreement for the setting up of four 660 MW coal-fired power plants at Gaddani with an investment of $3.5 billion.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that Chinese Company will work on several coalbased power projects that will provide Pakistan 2640 Mega Watt of electricity.

According to sources Chinese investments will provide a boost to the economy of Pakistan as China is willing to invest $35 billion in various infrastructure projects within 3 to 5 years.

The Minister further informed there are several foreign companies that are willing to invest for Gaddani Power Park.

End.

All Day

Dar for exploring potential of ship building industry -- APP

ISLAMABAD, Mar 20 (APP): Minister for Finance, Mohammad Ishaq Dar here on Thursday said that the ship building industry has huge potential due to long deep sea shores of the country. Chairing a meeting regarding proposal for building new shipyards along Pakistan’s coasts, he said that in line with the true potential and ideal location, ship building industry could contribute towards national economic development and poverty alleviation. The Minister said that during last 8 months industrial sector had performed well and it is the vision of the PML (N) leadership to make Pakistan a country that could prosper and develop as per its potential.

He said that it is the responsibility of the government to attract key industrial projects like shipyard industry as major triggers for further industrial growth.

He assured full support of the Ministry of Finance to Ministry of Defence Production for the projects which could help generate economic activity and attract valuable foreign expertise and investments.

He stressed the need to train and utilize abundant local human resource which would contribute to employment opportunities and increased per capita income.

Chairman Ship Building Association, Vice Admiral ® Iftikhar Ahmad Rao, gave a detailed presentation on global shipyard industry and emphasized that the nations which realized the importance of seas benefitted and became great powers.

He said that maritime sector was prime source of new growth, employment and social cohesion in the developing countries.

He informed that the world GDP grew at an average of 3.6% per annum, whereas sea trade grew at 4.3% per annum in the last 50 years.

In other words, world’s GDP grew eight times, whereas, sea trade grew 13 times in the last half century, he added.

He said that China started ships building in the 1990s and today it is the global leader with 41 % share, followed by South Korea and Japan with 33% and 20% share respectively.

He informed that there are over 1000 shipyards in China and even India had over 100 shipyards. In comparison, Pakistan has only one shipyard, Karachi Shipyard Engineering Works (KS&EW) with two small dry docks.

He underlined deep sea shore, abundance of labor force and location as Pakistan’s advantages in comparison to other regional countries.

He briefed the meeting about plans for two world class shipyards on joint venture basis at Gwadar and Port Qasim and informed that these shipyards projects will attract major investment from foreign shipyard companies.

Iftikhar Ahmad said that this initiative of building two shipyards at Gwadar and Port Qasim had been pending, since 2008, and no progress has been achieved during the last five years.

He emphasized that Gwadar is being a new port; a shipyard over there will greatly help the port itself.

The Minister for Defence Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain informed the Finance 1214

March 20, 2014 Continued Thu Minister that a shipyard takes five years to be completed/ operational and we need to expeditiously complete the necessary approval process in order to achieve progress in ship building sector.

He informed that the Federal Government can provide land and related infrastructure as its equity in the proposed shipyards. The rest of the investment will be made by foreign companies which are leading the industry.

The meeting was also attended by Finance Secretary, Dr Waqar Masood, Maj Gen Raza Muhammad, Acting Secretary, Ministry of Defence Production, Rana Assad Amin, Advisor to the Finance Ministry and senior officials of the Ministries of Finance and Defence Production.

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March 23, 2014 Sun All Day

Gwadar Port: Blueprint for free trade zone to be ready in May -- The Express Tribune

A Chinese company will submit a blueprint for the free trade zone at Gwadar port along with a business and marketing plan to the Pakistani authorities by May 2014, a senior official said on Saturday.

“The deadline for submitting the master plan of free trade zone along with a comprehensive business and marketing plan for the port has been set in May this year to get a formal approval from the government,” Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Chairman Dostain Khan Jamaldini told The Express Tribune.

After that “steps will be taken to formally start business and trade via the strategic port,” Jamaldini said.

“The company will formally start its business activities in the port after approval of these two major plans by the government of Pakistan,” Jamaldini said.

The next step would involve acquiring funds from the Chinese government and inviting private Chinese investors to inject money into various businesses in the free trade zone of the port.

In this regard, he said, a meeting with a delegation of Chinese businessmen is scheduled for March 27 in Karachi to discuss issues related to the investment opportunities in the free trade zone in the port.

In August 2014, the Chinese premier is expected to visit Pakistan to sign some memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to kick off businesses.

Under the short-term plan, Islamabad and Beijing want to develop Gwadar port, whose control has already been given to China, in a bid to attract investment in different sectors to make it a hub of economic activities.

The GPA chairman said another delegation of Chinese businessmen would also arrive in Pakistan on Monday to explore the opportunities for business in the port.

Jamaldini said development work on the port was under way and land measuring 2,300 acres for a free trade zone would be handed over to the port authorities shortly.

“This land is under the control of Pakistan Navy, Coast Guards and provincial government of Balochistan and formalities in this regard has been completed,” he added.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Balochistan Additional Chief Secretary Aslam Shakir Baloch said the provincial government would take immediate steps to resolve the port issue.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23rd, 2014.

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March 25, 2014 Tue All Day

China will support Pakistan to grow as Asian economic tiger: Deputy Chinese Ambassador -- Online News

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Chinese Envoy to Pakistan Yao Wen on Monday said that China will provide full support in development and infrastructure projects like Gawader Port, Karachi Lahore Motorway and Silk Rout Economical Corridor by constructing Karakarum High Way which will help Pakistan to grow as Asian Tiger.

The Deputy Ambassador of China to Pakistan was addressing the closing ceremony of 4 days Pak- China Business Forum 2014 here at Pak-China Friendship Centre that was organized by COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT).

Yao Wen observed that his country is interesting to set up Silk Rout Economical Belt and Marine Economical Rout to boost economical ties among South Asia, Central Asia and Middle East. He also urged to extend the business and trade ties between Pakistan and china especially when it comes to private business companies interactions.

Chinese Deputy Envoy mentioned that the leadership of both the countries vows to strengthen the deep time tested relationship between the two countries, adding that both the neighbours enjoy the trust bonds.

He also appreciated the efforts laid down in making the event a success, while acknowledging the participation of businessmen from both countries who have actively participated in the forum.

Yao Wen also urged to promote the trade and business relations between the private entrepreneurs and companies from both sides of the border terming it pleasant to monitor the signing of 50 Memorandum of Understandings(MOUs) between the Pakistani and Chinese companies during Pak-China business Forum 2014.

The Chinese Diplomat emphasized on the fact of having stronger bilateral relations between the two countries. Furthermore, he also highlighted that China has been working for the betterment of Pakistan in different sectors/ projects major are Gawadar Port, Karachi Lahore Motorway, and Karakoram Highway and Economical corridor.

Stressing to strengthen the bilateral relations across the borders, Deputy Ambassador said to develop the Silk Route Economical Belt for the revival of trade and economy in the region. Ending the speech, he appreciated the efforts that were made to make the Pak China Business Forum 2014 a success.

Secretary Board of Investment Imran Afzal Cheema mentioned the need to improve further the trade and economic ties between Pakistan and China saying that “we welcome more and more Chinese here to not to miss the golden investment opportunity.”

Highlighting the salient features of government’s incentives for the foreign investors, he maintained that foreign investors could hold 100 percent equity, other then cheap labour and low taxes for them.

Imran Afzal Cheema Secretary Chairman Board of Investment also thanked the management of CIIT. He also acknowledged Chinese and Pakistani Industrialists for showcasing their projects.

Dean of business faculty CIIT, Dr Qaiser Abbas disclosed that last year 32 Chinese companies were here for the forum, the number now has extended up to 139.

Most important development was the agreement inked by a Chinese company to develop a technology part worth US $ 5m here in Pakistan.

Dr. Juneed Zaidi, Rector CIIT said in his closing remarks that India is exporting billions of dollars IT services to China, why Pakistan not get share. There are great 1217

March 25, 2014 Continued Tue opportunities to expend bilateral trade.

It is pertinent to mention here that during Pakistan-China business forum 2014, total 63 MOUs have been inked between the various private Chinese companies and their Pakistani counterparts.

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March 28, 2014 Fri All Day

Investors envisage Pak-China corridor as great business opportunity -APP

ISLAMABAD: Pak-China Economic Corridor will usher in a new era of economic development between the two countries as it will bring revolutionary progress, especially in Balochistan and Kashgar, Chinese businessmen said here Friday.

A delegation of Guangzhou Global Chamber of Commerce of China Friday visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) led by its Vice Chairman Zhong Shi. Speaking on the occasion Zhong Shi, said the businessmen of both countries should take maximum benefit of the Free Trade Agreement signed between Pakistan and China to improve bilateral trade.

He said the bilateral trade has reached US$ 12 billion and there is great potential to improve it.

He said many Chinese companies were already working in Pakistan while many more were looking at it as a promising country for investment and joint ventures.

He said ICCI and Guangzhou Global Chamber should strengthen bilateral collaboration to bring the private sectors of both countries even closer.

On the occasion, ICCI Acting President, Khalid Chaudhry said China was the largest trading partner of Pakistan and many Chinese companies by working in Pakistan are rendering great contribution to the economic development of our country.

He said the grant of GSP Plus to Pakistan by the European Union has created many new opportunities for investment and Chinese investors should take full benefit of such opportunities by investing in Pakistan's textile sector.

Energy sector of Pakistan also offers tremendous prospects to foreign investors and Chinese companies should also enhance investment in this sector to earn lucrative returns.

He said the Pak-China Economic Corridor project is one of the greatest initiatives that both countries have agreed to execute and its implementation will bring plenty of economic benefits for both countries.

He said Chambers of Commerce of both countries should ensure frequent exchange of trade delegations to fully tap all untapped areas of mutual cooperation and added that ICCI delegation will participate in the forthcoming Canton Fair in China.

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March 30, 2014 Sun All Day

Pakistan to build 2 shipyards at Gwadar and Port Qasim -- APP

It is reported that Pakistan’s government announced plans to set up two new shipyards at Gwadar and Port Qasim.

Japanese and Korean firms will provide investments on build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said the ship building industry will have huge potential for Pakistan because of its deep seashores. Market participants point out that the demand for shipbuilding plate will increase.

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April 4, 2014 Fri All Day

Chinese company to invest $2bn in Apparel Park -- Daily Times

LAHORE: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Punjab government and a prominent Chinese company, Shandong Ruyi Group, at the Chief Minister’s Office on Thursday.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was the chief guest on the occasion. Under the agreement, the Shandong Ruyi Group will make an investment of $2 billion in the Quaid-i-Azam Apparel Park and will also cooperate in its designing, planning and construction. The Punjab government will provide all-out facilities to the Chinese group on a priority basis. The Chinese group and the Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company (PIEDMC) will jointly work on the project.

PIEDMC Chairman SM Tanvir and Shandong Ruyi Group Executive President Arie Qiu signed the document.

Earlier, a delegation of Shandong Ruyi Group and Huaneng Shandong led by Luan Shun met the chief minister.

The Chinese group also showed keen interest in investment in the energy sector and expressed the desire to set up two coal power plants of 660 megawatts in Sahiwal and two similar plants of 135 megawatts in industrial estates, besides considering establishment of coal power plants near coal mines in Salt Range.

Talking to the delegation, Shahbaz expressed gratitude to the Ruyi Group for taking interest in investment in the energy and textile sectors. He said that Chinese companies were also extending cooperation to Pakistan in projects of generation of electricity from solar and other sources.

He said that maximum facilities were being provided to Chinese investors in Punjab.

He welcomed the agreement between Shandong Group and PIEDMC regarding Quaid-i-Azam Apparel Park project. The Chinese group is also making investment of billions of dollars in the industrial estate in Faisalabad. Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government has provided a favourable atmosphere for investment and the country was moving forward in the right direction under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

He said that Pak-China friendship has stood the test of time and package of investment of $32 billion by China reflected strong relationship between the two countries. He said that Pak-China friendship was touching new heights in the current tenure of Muslim League-N. Referring to the iron ore reserves in Rajua, Shahbaz Sharif said that a historic agreement had been signed with a Chinese company MCC for exploration of iron ore deposits in Chiniot. He said that the Punjab government wanted to modernise mining sector and operate it in an organised manner for generating job opportunities. He said that cooperation of Chinese group in mining sector would be welcomed. Shandong Ruyi Group leader Luan Shun said that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had executed glorious projects in Punjab and he was deeply impressed with his style of work. He said that there were opportunities for setting up coal power plants near coal mines in Punjab. The chief minister also hosted a luncheon in the honour of the Chinese group.

Meanwhile, Shahbaz Sharif presided over a meeting on nutrition, promotion of dairy products and potable water projects, during which he was briefed on nutrition, promotion of dairy products and drinking water projects by Nestle Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that Pakistan could earn huge foreign exchange through livestock and dairy development. He said that an effective strategy would be adopted for the promotion of livestock and development of dairy sector. He said that a substantial increase could be made in the export of milk products through improvement in the processing system. He said that Turkey had made unparalleled progress in dairy development during the last one decade and the Punjab government would consider Turkish model for promotion of dairy sector. He said that a delegation of the Punjab government would soon visit Turkey for this purpose. The chief minister said that nutrition has great importance for human health and a balanced diet is essential for the human body. He said that Punjab government had evolved a big project for providing clean drinking water to the citizens and a sum of Rs 12 billion has been allocated for Saaf Pani Project this year.

He said that the government had fixed the target of provision of clean drinking water to every citizen during next four-and-a-half years. He said that water was a blessing of Allah and there was a need to avoid its wastage. Shahbaz said that water resources could be saved through better water management.

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April 4, 2014 Continued Fri All Day

Gwadar to be a glittering port -- Observer

Friday, April 04, 2014 - MINISTER for Defence Production Rana Tanvir Hussain has made a welcome statement that a state of the art big shipyard to build heavy commercial and naval vessels will be established at the Gwadar Port. The Minister who returned after visiting shipyards in China, said, in an interview with this newspaper, that after thorough study, Pakistan will seek cooperation to start building new shipyard as per international standards and practices.

The shipbuilding industry has a huge potential due to long deep-sea shores of Pakistan. The Ministry of defence production in a recent presentation given to a high level meeting chaired by the Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, highlighted that Pakistan has many advantages in comparison to other regional countries to establish new shipyards, because if its deep sea shores, abundance of labour force and strategic location in the region. Presently Pakistan has only one shipyard and engineering works with two small dry docks, in Karachi. The ship building industry could contribute to national economic development and poverty alleviation. It could help generate economic activity and attract foreign expertise and investments.

Gwadar Port which was completed in 2006 is strategically located on the western end of Balochistan coast and if due attention was given to its development, the port could generate billions of dollars in revenues and create at least two million jobs.

Gwadar has the potential to be developed into a full-fledged regional hub and a trans-shipment port in the future. Thus Gwadar offers the best choice for the establishment of a shipyard due to its vast soil and less population. In fact there is need to implement other projects in Gwadar which have been pending since long including a major industrial zone, establishment of oil refineries and the idea of the Minister for a shipyard. These projects would make Gwadar major port in the all important region and turn it into a glittering port city. It would give tremendous boost to economy of Pakistan in general and Balochistan in particular. We would request Rana Tanvir Hussain to personally prioritize the building of Shipyard and other projects at Gwadar Port because such mega projects could bring economic turn around.

All Day

PM desires agreement signing with China -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD - Directing to speed up the development projects through better coordination among the departments, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed Federal Minister for Planning to sign a framework agreement with the Chinese government for funding of the mega projects.

The PM expressed these views while chairing a high-level meeting regarding Pakistan-China Economic Corridor and early-harvest development projects here in the PM House Thursday.

Federal Minister for Water & Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Special Assistant to PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi and concerned senior government officers.

During the meeting, the Federal Minister for Planning apprised the PM that two working groups have been established for early-harvest projects in the Transport Infrastructure and Energy sectors. The Prime Minister directed that better coordination among line departments should be ensured to fast track development projects.

Various options for funding of Karachi to Lahore Motorway project were discussed.

The Prime Minister was told that Multan-Sukkur section of the Karachi-Lahore Motorway is being built by Chinese, while remaining sections would be constructed on Built-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis.

Prime Minister directed that international firms should be invited to participate in the biding of these sections and the process should be completely transparent.

It was informed that rehabilitation plan for Lahore-Islamabad Motorway has been finalised with a cost of Rs. 36 billion and will be completed in 18 months from date of start of work.

It was informed that early-harvest projects included 1320 MW Coal-Based Power Projects (IPP) at Port Qasim, 660 MW Coal-Based Power Projects (IPP) at Gaddani

by Power China, 1100 MW Kohala Hydro Power Project, 873 MW Suki Kanari Hydro Power Project, 720 MW Karot Hydro Power Project, 3.5 MT/A Coal Mining Project Thar Block-II SECMC, Solar Power Park at Bahawalpur, Karachi-Lahore 1222

April 4, 2014 Continued Fri Motorway, Construction of East-Bay Expressway at Gwadar and Hospital at Gwadar (300 beds) and are ready for ground-breaking this year.

PM DIRECTS TO MODERNISE RAILWAY STATIONS Appreciating the additional revenue generation by good governance by Pakistan Railways, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed for refurbishment and modernization of railway stations across the country for the facility of train users.

Premier Sharif was informed during the briefing on Thursday on the working of Pakistan Railways that an additional target of Rs.4.5 billion was achieved this year while another Rs. 5 billion losses were controlled by better management of the department running in massive loss since long.

The meeting held under the chair of Premier Sharif at the Prime Minister's House, which was also attended by Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and senior government officers.

The Prime Minister was informed that request for proposals regarding feasibility study of Islamabad-Murree-Muzaffarabad Railway Link will be floated in the second week of April this year.

The PM was apprised about the functioning of Railways, its history, present status and future direction. During the briefing, the Prime Minister was told that the present administration of Pakistan Railways is focused on the core business of transportation of goods and people.

It was decided to reconstitute Railway's Board with better representation from private sector. The PM was told that work on Karachi Circular Railway would be initiated soon.

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April 8, 2014 Tue All Day

PM reviews progress on Pak-China Economic Corridor, infrastructure projects -- APP

Apr 8 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said energy and infrastructure projects are the backbone of the country’s economy and these projects need to be completed as early as possible. The Prime Minister expressed these views while chairing a progress reviewing meeting regarding Pakistan-China Economic Corridor and infrastructure projects here at the PM House. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi and senior government

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April 9, 2014 Wed All Day

Chinese investment to be secured, provided best returns: PM -- The News

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said that energy and infrastructure projects were the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and these projects needed to be completed as early as possible.

While chairing a progress review meeting on the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor and infrastructure projects at the PM House, Nawaz Sharif said that the government would ensure that Chinese investments in Pakistan were secure and would provide the best returns.

He further said that he would also discuss cooperation between Pakistan and China on these projects with the Chinese leadership during his visit to the upcoming Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) conference being held in China from April 9-11.

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal apprised the prime minister that a framework agreement with the Chinese government for funding of projects had been finalised. The premier was also apprised on the status of Karachi-Lahore Motorway project and rehabilitation plan for the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway.

Nawaz said that energy sector projects were of vital importance to Pakistan’s economy and these were on the highest priority of the government. During the briefing on energy sector projects, the premier was told that the master plan for the Pakistan Power Park at Gadani had been completed and the feasibility for jetty and infrastructure would be completed by June 2014.

Briefing was given on early-harvest projects, including 1,320MW Coal-Based Power Projects (IPP) at Port Qasim, 660MW Coal-Based Power Projects at Gadani by Power China, 1,100MW Kohala Hydro Power Project, 873MW Suki Kanari Hydro Power Project, 720MW Karot Hydro Power Project, 3.5MT/A Coal Mining Project Thar Block-II SECMC, Solar Power Park at Bahawalpur, Karachi-Lahore Motorway, Construction of East-Bay Expressway at Gwadar and hospital at Gwadar (300 beds).

Meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi and senior government officers.

Muhammad Saleh Zaafir adds: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will discuss full spectrum of ties and cooperation with his Chinese counterpart on Friday next in Hainan province city Boao in the light of the framework agreement.

He is leaving for China today (Wednesday) to attend the Boao Economic Forum for Asia as distinguished guest on special invitation of the Chinese government where he will have several meetings with important world leaders on the brinks of the forum including a bilateral structured meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang. He will also deliver key-note address on issues to be discussed by the forum.

The sources told The News that Prime Minister Nawaz travelling to far-flung province Hainan of China by a small plane with a small delegation. He will return home on Saturday, the sources said.

All Day

Nawaz-Li 3rd meeting within a year signifies warmth in bilateral relations -- APP

BEIJING, Apr 9 (APP): All eyes will be focused on the meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Premier Li Keqiang on the fringes of Boao Forum for Asia on Thursday as both leaders will sit across the table for 3rd time within a span of less than a year. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei, in a regularly press conference here on Wednesday, said that the meeting between the two leaders will 1225

‫‪April 9, 2014 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Wed‬‬ ‫‪give further impetus to our all weather friendship and enhance cooperation.‬‬

‫‪ -- Express‬ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻴﮟ ﺍﻳﮑﺴﭙﻮﺭٹ ﭘﺮﺍﺳﻴﺴﻨﮓ ﺯﻭﻥ ﮐﻴﻠﻴﮯ ﺯﻣﻴﻦ ﻣﺨﺘﺺ‬ ‫ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ‪ :‬ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻳﮏ ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﺍﻳﮑﭨﺭ ﺯﻣﻳﻥ ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﺭﺍﺳﻳﺳﻧﮓ ﺯﻭﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﻣﺧﺗﺹ ﮐﺭﺩی ﮔﺋﯽ‪ ،‬ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺗﮑﻣﻳﻝ ﺳﮯ ﺭﻭﺯﮔﺎﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻭﺳﻳﻊ ﻣﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﻣﮩﻳﺎ ﮨﻭں ﮔﮯ‪ ،‬ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﮨﯽ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺭﺍٓﻣﺩﺍﺕ ﻣﻳں ﺑﻬﯽ ﻧﻣﺎﻳﺎں ﺍﺿﺎﻓہ ﻣﻣﮑﻥ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﺭﺍﺳﻳﺳﻧﮓ ﺯﻭﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻳڈﻭﺍﺋﺯﺭی ﮐﻣﻳﭨﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺩﻭﺳﺭﺍ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﮔﺯﺷﺗہ ﺭﻭﺯ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻧﻌﻘﺩ‬ ‫ﮨﻭﺍ‪ ،‬ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﺭﺍﺳﻳﺳﻧﮓ ﺯﻭﻥ ﺍﺗﻬﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﯽ ﭼﻳﺋﺭﭘﺭﺳﻥ ﺭﺍﺑﻌہ ﺟﻭﻳﺭی ﺍٓﻏﺎ ﻧﮯ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺻﺩﺍﺭﺕ ﮐﯽ۔ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﺳﮯ‬ ‫ﺧﻁﺎﺏ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﺭﺍﺑﻌہ ﺟﻭﻳﺭی ﺍٓﻏﺎ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﻳﻭﺭﭘﯽ ﻳﻭﻧﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﻧﺏ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﺟﯽ ﺍﻳﺱ ﭘﯽ ﭘﻠﺱ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﺳﮩﻭﻟﺕ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻧﯽ ﺑﺭﺍٓﻣﺩﺍﺕ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﺑﻬﺭﭘﻭﺭ ﻣﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﻣﮩﻳﺎ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﮨﻳں‪ ،‬ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻳﮏ ﮨﺯﺍﺭ ﺍﻳﮑڑ ﭘﺭ ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ‬ ‫ﭘﺭﺍﺳﻳﺳﻧﮓ ﺯﻭﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻗﻳﺎﻡ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﺍﺳﭨﻳﮏ ﮨﻭﻟڈﺭﺯ ﮐﯽ ﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺿﺭﻭﺭی ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﺭﺍﺳﻳﺳﻧﮓ ﺯﻭﻥ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﻬ ﺯﻣﻳﻧﯽ ﺭﺍﺳﺗﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻣﺣﻝ‬ ‫ﻭﻗﻭﻉ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﺎ ﭘﺭ ﺍﮨﻣﻳﺕ ﮐﺎ ﺣﺎﻣﻝ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﭼﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﻣﺗﻌﺩﺩ ﺍﮐﻧﺎﻣﮏ ﺯﻭﻧﺯ ﭘﺭ ﻣﺷﺗﻣﻝ ﺍﮐﻧﺎﻣﮏ ﮐﻭﺭﻳڈﻭﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻗﻳﺎﻡ ﮐﺎ ﻓﻳﺻﻠہ‬ ‫ﮐﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﮐﮯ ﺫﺭﻳﻌﮯ ﺍٓﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺩﻧﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺭﻓﺗﺎﺭ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﻌﺎﺷﯽ ﺳﺭﮔﺭﻣﻳﻭں ﮐﮯ ﻓﺭﻭﻍ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﺑﻬﺭﭘﻭﺭ ﻣﺩﺩ ﻣﻠﮯ ﮔﯽ۔ ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﺭﺍﺳﻳﺳﻧﮓ ﺯﻭﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮕﻝ ﻓﺭﻳﻡ ﻭﺭک ﮐﮯ ﺗﺣﺕ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭﻭں‬ ‫ﺍﻭﺭ ﺻﻧﻌﺗﯽ ﻳﻭﻧﭨﺱ ﮐﻭ ﮨﺭﻣﻣﮑﻥ ﭨﻳﮑﺱ ﻓﺭی ﺳﮩﻭﻟﺗﻳں ﻣﮩﻳﺎ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﺍﺱ ﻣﻭﻗﻊ ﭘﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ڈﻳﻭﻟﭘﻣﻧٹ ﺍﺗﻬﺎﺭﭨﯽ ﮐﮯ ڈﺍﺋﺭﻳﮑﭨﺭ ﺟﻧﺭﻝ ڈﺍﮐﭨﺭ ﺳﺟﺎﺩ ﻧﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﺭﺍﺳﻳﺳﻧﮓ ﺯﻭﻥ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺑﺎﺭے ﻣﻳں ﭘﺭﻳﺯﻧﭨﻳﺷﻥ ﺩی ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﻣﻳں ﺷﺭﻳﮏ ﻣﮑﺭﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﮐﻣﺷﻧﺭ ﻧﮯ ﻳﻘﻳﻥ ﺩﮨﺎﻧﯽ ﮐﺭﺍﺋﯽ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ‬ ‫ﭘﺭﺍﺳﻳﺳﻧﮓ ﺯﻭﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻗﻳﺎﻡ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﺯﻣﻳﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻳﻭﭨﻳﺷﻥ ﮐﺎ ﻋﻣﻝ ﺟﻠﺩ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﮐﺭﻟﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ‪ ،‬ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﻳﮑﺳﭘﻭﺭٹ‬ ‫ﭘﺭﺍﺳﻳﺳﻧﮓ ﺯﻭﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻳڈﻭﺍﺋﺯﺭی ﮐﻣﻳﭨﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺍٓﺋﻧﺩﻩ ﺍﺟﻼﺱ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﻣﻧﻌﻘﺩ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻓﻳﺻﻠہ ﮐﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ۔‬

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April 10, 2014 Thu All Day

Business Progress on Gwadar EPZ reviewed -- Dawn

KARACHI: The second meeting of the advisory committee on Gwadar Export Processing Zone was held on Wednesday to review its progress, a press release said.

The Meeting was chaired by Ms. Rabiya Javeri Agha, Chairperson Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA).

She said the authority needed support of stakeholders to develop 1,000 acre land of Gwadar EPZ for creating employment in the region and increasing exports, keeping in view strategic road networks linking Pakistan with Western China. The participants unanimously endorsed that initially 1,000 acres area earmarked as Gwadar EPZ may be developed and its progress may be given in the next meeting scheduled to be held in Gwadar.

Pakistan and China also agreed to establish economic corridor by setting-up different economic zones to give impetus to economic activities for achieving higher growth in years to come. Ms. Javeri Agha also intimated that EPZ legal framework had embodied all viable, operational models to provide a tax-free facility to industrial houses and investors.

Dr. Sajjad, Director General Gwadar Development Authority, also gave a presentation on the Master Plan of Gwadar. On the occasion, Commissioner Makran also assured that the mutation of land in favor of Gwadar EPZ will be settled.

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China-Pak ties strengthening with passage of time: chief minister Punjab -- BR Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that relations between China and Pakistan are strengthening with the passage of time and every meeting between the leaderships of the two countries cements these ties. He said that a new history of economic co-operation between the two countries is being written during the tenure of Pakistan Muslim League-N government.

He was talking to the heads of various investment companies of private and public sectors during his visit to China on Wednesday. Matters regarding promotion of mutual co-operation in energy, infrastructure and transport sectors were discussed on this occasion. The Chief Minister said that economic and trade contacts between Pakistan and China have intensified during the few months of the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and this era can be termed as a new chapter in the history of Pak-China relations.

He said that the new era of economic co-operation, investment and mutual trade between the two countries would leave a positive impact on Pakistan's economy.

He said that historic investment package of 32 billion dollars by China for Pakistan is a unique example of bilateral relations.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Chinese leadership and the government are fully aware of the seriousness of energy crisis in Pakistan and fully realise the problems being faced by the country and want to help Pakistan overcome these issues. That is why, he said, China has announced a historic economic package for Pakistan. He said that joint ventures would be launched in energy, infrastructure and transports sectors under this package.

The Chief Minister further said that Pakistan is like a second home for Chinese investors and special incentives and facilities are being offered to them in Pakistan especially Punjab. He said that due to this fact, Chinese investment companies are taking benefit from investment opportunities in Pakistan. He said that Chinese companies should make maximum investment in Pakistan especially in Punjab and earn the profit as it is their right.

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April 11, 2014 Fri All Day

Pak-China relations: Special incentives being offered to Chinese investors, says Shahbaz -- The Express Tribune

The purpose of Pakistan’s government leaders’ foreign visits is to overcome the energy crisis, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Thursday. He said with help from friendly countries, infrastructure, transport and education sectors would be developed rapidly. Sharif was talking to the media in Bao on the second day of his visit to China.

The chief minister said for the first time that agreements for mutual cooperation had been signed with China, at the provincial level. He said an agreement for iron ore exploration in Rajwa, Chiniot, had been signed with a Chinese company at the beginning of the month.

The chief minister said that in the wake of grant of GSP Plus status, the government had started a project with the cooperation of a large Chinese group to set up the Quaid-i-Azam Apparel Park which will be equipped with the latest facilities. He said development of textile and garments sectors was of vital importance. He said the Chinese group would be investing $2 billion in the project. The same group has expressed interest in setting up two coal power plants of 660 megawatt each in Sahiwal and two plants of 135 megawatt each in two industrial estates. The chief minister said that the cooperation of Chinese companies reflected the growing trade and economic relations between the two countries.

Sharif said China had always played a part in the progress and development of Pakistan, and a new era of Pak-China friendship had begun. He said the friendly relations between the two countries had turned into useful economic ties.

Sharif said the investment-friendly policies of the present government had restored the confidence of foreign investors and several Chinese companies were investing in energy, infrastructure and transport sectors. He said special facilities and incentives were being offered to Chinese investors.

Sharif also thanked the Chinese for the hospitality shown to him at both official and unofficial levels.

The chief minister and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also met the Chinese Prime Minister Li Ke Qiang and Exim Bank President Li Ruogu.

The chief minister said Pakistan attached a lot of importance to its relations with China. He said China’s rapid growth was a model for all countries, including Pakistan.

The chief minister also attended a session on Reviving the Silk Road: A Dialogue with Asian Leaders. Sharif also met the chief executive officers of investment companies in the energy, infrastructure and transport sectors.

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April 13, 2014 Sun All Day

Bound for China -- The News

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has staked the country’s economic future on China.

From handing over control of the port city ofGwadar to proposing a Pakistan-China Economic Corridor that connects Gwadar to China through Azad Kashmir, Pakistan’s destiny is now linked to trade and investment from China. Even for our energy woes we are seeking a Chinese solution, offering them no-bid contracts to fund and construct dams. Thus, Nawaz Sharif’s visit to China – his second since assuming power – for the Boao Asia Forum was a chance not just to expound on his own government’s vision and performance but to secure further Chinese support. In a meeting with his counterpart Li Keqiang, Nawaz tried to finalise plans for the economic corridor, which has drawn protests from India – an ally China would prefer not to alienate right now. The primary purpose of the meeting was economic, with Nawaz asking for more investment in energy and infrastructure.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif also went along for the trip, signing an agreement with a Chinese company to begin iron ore exploration in Punjab. The only false note was struck by the partisan nature of the delegation as there is no reason to bring along the chief minister from only the province in which the PML-N is in power. The federal government should be trying to encourage deals for all provinces, regardless of who may be ruling them.

Nawaz’s keynote address at the Boao Asia Forum was similarly concerned with matters economic. His main theme was the revival of the New Silk Road, an idea first floated by the Chinese last year. Sensing an opportunity to benefit from the increased trade along these routes, Nawaz pointed out that Pakistan is China’s link to both the Middle East and Central Asia. As enticing a prospect as this sounds, it will come for naught until there are significant improvements in the law and order situation and the energy crisis is dealt with. Chinese concerns about terrorists using Pak territory for attacks on China also need to be addressed on an urgent basis.

Nawaz claimed that his government had cleared the circular debt and reduced the energy shortfall. What he failed to mention is that the debt is accumulating once again and loadshedding is as bad, if not worse, than it was last year. Until we are able to deal with this, the prime minister can talk all he wants about economic power shifting from the west to the east but we will not be partaking in this new economic order.

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Pak-China Economic Corridor: Chinese team to visit Gwadar by end-April -- Express Tribune

A high-level Chinese technical team will visit Gwadar by the end of this month to examine the deep seaport and infrastructure sites for the proposed Pakistan-China Economic Corridor.

This is for the first time top Chinese experts will examine the proposed roads and rail tracks for the economic corridor from Gwadar port, in Balochistan, to Kashgar, in China.

“We will arrange meetings and physical visits of the Chinese technical team at the port and infrastructure sites to examine technical feasibilities of infrastructure,” said Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Chairman Dostain Khan Jamaldini.

This visit will be followed by another by officials of Chinese financial institutions – including China’s Exim Bank, the chief financier of the mega project – to set modalities for provision of funds to execute the project, he added. He said the technical team might give some suggestions for further improvement in infrastructure.

Pakistan has also asked the Chinese company – responsible for operating the Gwadar port – to submit the masterplan of a free trade zone along with a comprehensive business and marketing plan for the port to get a formal approval, which will pave way for starting businesses at the free trade zone of the port.

Under the short-term plan, the two countries want to develop the Gwadar port, whose control has already been given to China, in a bid to attract investment in different sectors to make it a hub of economic activity, especially for regional countries.

Some Chinese businessmen and investors have already visited Pakistan to explore trade opportunities in the free trade zone as well as in the proposed economic corridor.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 13th, 2014.

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April 13, 2014 Continued Sun All Day

PM chairs meeting on Pak-China Economic Corridor -- APP

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PTV, CCTV sign co-op agreement -- APP

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting regarding Pakistan-China Economic Corridor and early-harvest developmental projects in the PM’s House.

The meeting was attended by Water and Power Minister Khawaja Asif, Railways Minister Saad Rafique, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi.

The planning minister apprised the meeting that two working groups have been established for early-harvest projects in the transport infrastructure and energy sectors.

The PM directed that better coordination among departments should be ensured to fast track development projects. Moreover, Nawaz issued directions to sign a framework agreement with the Chinese government for funding of projects.

Various options for funding of Karachi-Lahore motorway project were discussed.

The PM was told that Multan-Sukkur section of the Karachi-Lahore motorway was being built by Chinese while remaining sections would be constructed on BuiltOperate-Transfer (BOT) basis.

He directed that international firms should be invited to participate in the biding of these sections and the process should be completely transparent.

It was informed that rehabilitation plan for the motorway has been finalised with a cost of Rs 36 billion and would be completed in 18 months. Nawaz directed that flow of traffic should not be affected during the rehabilitation work.

Nawaz observed that land acquisition costs for the motorway were on the higher side and directed to rationalise these costs. He also directed that a comprehensive master plan for Port Qasim be prepared so that it is fully equipped for coal import for coal-based energy projects.

During briefing on energy sector projects, the PM was told that master plan for Pakistan Power Park in Gaddani has been completed and feasibility for jetty and allied infrastructure will be completed by June 2014.

The meeting was informed that early-harvest projects, including 1320MW coalbased power projects (IPP) at Port Qasim, 660MW coal-based power projects (IPP) at Gaddani by Power China, 1100MW Kohala hydropower project, 873MW Suki Kanari hydropower project, 720MW Karot hydropower project, 3.5 MT/A coal mining project Thar Block-II SECMC, solar power park in Bahawalpur, Karachi- Lahore motorway, construction of east-bay expressway and 300-bed hospital in Gwadar and are ready for ground-breaking this year.

The Chinese Central Television (CCTV) and Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on mutual cooperation in the field of broadcasting that would enable CCTV News and CCTV 9 documentary channel landing rights in Pakistan.

According to the press release released Sunday, the MoU was inked by CCTV Vice President Zhu Tong and PTV Managing Director Muhammad Malick. Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khalid also witnessed the signing ceremony.

PTV MD Muhammad Malick in his remarks following the signing ceremony said: “Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, taking special interest in fostering institutional media cooperation, has directed Pakistan media authorities to facilitate China Central Television (CCTV) to commence its transmission into Pakistan at the earliest by enabling it to secure landing rights in Pakistan”.

Amongst other developments on the China-Pakistan media cooperation, both television networks would be sharing programming content including that on dubbed entertainment as well as Chinese language learning on a regular and reciprocal basis, Malick explained, adding that he deemed the MoU, soon to be followed by a formal agreement, to be a milestone in media relations between the two countries.

Zhu Tong said that he was excited seeing media and broadcasting cooperation moving from strength to strength and he looked forward to seeing mutual exchange of programs increasing rapidly in the near future. Ambassador Masood Khalid, on 1230

April 13, 2014 Continued Sun the occasion, said that he was heartened to see China Pakistan media relations gaining momentum and described the event as significant in Pak-China media cooperation. He said that he looked forward to the MoU taking the shape of a concrete agreement and opening up new vistas of cooperation in broadcasting media.

The CCTV is the predominant state television broadcaster in mainland China. The CCTV has a network of 45 channels broadcasting different programmes and is accessible to more than one billion viewers.

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April 15, 2014 Tue All Day

Ormara to have Navy installations -- The News

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy’s (PN) Coastal Line Commander Rear Admiral Arif Hussaini has said that the Navy is fully prepared to guard the coast and sea limits of the country in addition to protecting Pakistani commercial ships and the foreign vessels.

He said that for broadening PN’s scope, the installations of the Navy would be made in Ormara Naval Base instead of Karachi where the project of constructing a naval base is in full swing. He said this during a talk at Ziarat. Other officials were also present on the occasion.

He further said that Gwadar would become an industrial city. In between the industrial cities of Karachi and Gwadar, the city namely Gor Mara would be set up as an educational city and the same for entertainment. Hussaini informed that the PN’s vessels on Karachi Port and other installations were turning useless due to contaminated sea water. In addition, there is no room for naval installations in Karachi that’s why PN will make its modern installations at Jinnah Naval Base of Ormara.

To a question, he said that during the Mehran Base incident, the P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft were destroyed and in return it was not possible to hope for receiving new P-3C aircraft from the US. Hussaini said that all over the world, the most modernised cities were built on the sea coasts, whether it is Australia, Japan, the UAE or other developed countries.

He said that PN was providing the facilities of healthcare and education for the people of Gwadar and the population of Ormara.

Earlier, Balochistan chief minister visited Ormara and assured that he would allocate adequate amount for the hospitals of Jinnah Base and Ormara, cadet college and school in the federal budget for the year 2014-15.

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April 16, 2014 Wed All Day

CM, EPWG China discuss projects under Pak-China Economic Corridor -- APP LAHORE, April 16 (APP): A high-level delegation of Energy Planning Working Group (EPWG) of China here Wednesday called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and agreed to make rapid progress on the projects of energy, transport and other sectors under Pak-China Economic Corridor. The delegation was led by Administrator National Energy Administration

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Pak, China to jointly alleviate poverty -- The Nations

FAISALABAD-The strengthened ties between Pakistan and China in agriculture and education sectors would help ensure food security and alleviate poverty from the region, says a meeting of Pakistani and Chinese experts.

The meeting was held between a four-member Chinese delegation from the Xingjiang Agriculture University, China and UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan. The delegation was headed by vice president of the Varsity Gao Fashui, Foreign Affairs Director Keremu Yili, Food Sciences College Deputy Dean Yang Zhi Jiang and College of International Education Deputy Dean Zhang Jian Lei. The meeting decided to collaborate in programmes of exchanging students’ delegations to work together in the areas of agriculture, energy, livestock and climate change.

The meeting also approved to set up a Confucius centre here in order to enhance the bilateral relations in cultural, education and other sectors.

Gao Fashui assured the UAF of Xingjiang Agriculture University’s full cooperation to cope with different agricultural challenge. He said that joint efforts would become fruitful for flourishing the sector. He said that environmental sciences, livestock, climate changes, energy and agriculture are the areas to be especially improved.

The vice chancellor said that the food security is one of the major concerns for the globe. He lauded the steps being taken on the part of China to flourish not only the industry and agriculture but also the all areas of the life. He said the collaborative efforts with the counterpart would help increase the agrarian production.

Talking about the challenges facing Pakistan, he said ever increasing population was also contributing to the aggravating food insecurity issue. He said that lack of the adoption of the latest practice was the barrier to the uplift of agricultural sector, hampering advantage from the potential.

He lauded the steps being taken by the government for the uplift of the agricultural sector. Later, the vice chancellor along with delegation inaugurated the Academia Industry Linkage and Learning Centre set up at the main campus in collaboration with Seminis- Monsanto.

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April 17, 2014 Thu All Day

China extends cooperation to bring Pak out of energy crisis -- Observer

Thursday, April 17, 2014 - Lahore—A high level delegation of Energy Planning Working Group of China called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at Chief Minister’s Office here today. The delegation was led by Administrator National Energy Administration Zhang Yuqing and included senior officials of National Energy Administration, coal department, research institutes, Exim Bank, China Development Bank and investment companies in energy sector. Provincial Ministers, Federal Secretary Water & Power, Chairman Planning & Development, Additional Chief Secretary Energy and concerned officers were present.

The meeting agreed to make rapid progress on the projects of energy, transport and other sectors under Pak-China Economic Corridor. Welcoming the 34-member Chinese delegation of Energy Planning Working Group of China to Lahore, the Chief Minister said that the historic friendship between Pakistan and China has turned into useful economic contacts. He said that China has always stood by Pakistan in the hour of need and Pakistani nation is proud of its trustworthy friendship with China. He said that Pak-China friendship is higher than Himalayas, deeper than oceans, stronger than steel and sweeter than honey.

Shahbaz Sharif said that China has extended commendable cooperation for bringing Pakistan out of energy crisis. He said that shortage of electricity has caused irreparable damage to Pakistan’s economy. He said that investment package of 32 billion dollars for Pakistan announced by China for seven years is a splendid gift for the people of Pakistan. He said that energy projects of 20 thousand megawatts will be started in the country including Punjab under the investment package. He said that Chinese government has also ensured plants, machinery as well as investment in energy projects in Pakistan. The Chief Minister said that the power projects to be implemented with the cooperation of China will greatly help in overcoming energy crisis in the country.

He said that coal power plants of ten thousand megawatts in Punjab and solar power plants of one thousand megawatt have been identified under this package.

Shahbaz Sharif said that during his recent visit to China in the company of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif an agreement was finalized with a consortium of Chinese companies for establishing two coal power plants of 660 megawatt at Sahiwal. He said that documents were also exchanged with the consortium of the Chinese companies during the visit. He said that foundation stone of two coal power plants of 660 megawatt will be laid in Sahiwal next month and Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will be the chief guest on this occasion. He said that the first turbine of Nandipur Power Project will start generating 100 megawatt electricity in May. He said that Nandipur Power Project would be completed during the current year.

He said that Punjab government is also making an agreement of solar project of 100 megawatt during the next few days and this project will be set up by the government with its own resources.

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Pak maritime trade to further boost as China accelerates planning to re-connect Maritime -- APP

BEIJING, April 17 (APP): The maritime trade of Pakistan will get further boost through inter-connectivity as the Chinese government is stepping up the planning of reviving the Maritime Silk Road in the 21st century, with port construction as the priority, according to local media.The plan is expected to focus on infrastructure construction of countries along the route, including ports of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the China Securities Journal said.China will coordinate customs, quality supervision, e-commerce and other agencies to facilitate the scheme, which is also likely to contain attempts to build free trade zones.

The 21st century Maritime Silk Road was proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in a speech on strengthening economic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations during his visit to Indonesia in October.

Southwest China’s Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are strong options for being one end of the route.

The Maritime Silk Road dates back to as early as 2,000 years ago, when ancient 1234

April 17, 2014 Continued Thu merchants sailed from China’s eastern coast, passing Southeast Asia, Southernmost of India and East Africa, all the way to the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, strengthening economic ties and cultural communication.

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April 18, 2014 Fri All Day

'Kashgar-Gwadar corridor to bring prosperity to Gilgit-Baltistan people' -- Bremen, Germany Construction of Kashgar- Gwadar economic corridor would help Pakistan to earn billions of rupees every year through export of fruits and livestock to China and other neighbouring countries.

The main strength of economy of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) depends largely on fruits and horticulture, and after the construction of the said economic corridor, BG would be able to introduce locally produced items in international markets besides earning foreign exchange, said Deputy Director Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP)- Gilgit, Sabz Ali Khan. There is an increasing demand of fruits and vegetables in China it would be a great opportunity for GB to export local produce to big Chinese market He said efforts have to be made to improve the livelihood of the mountaineers in the years ahead, and added that one of the options available is to process the fruit locally to increase its shelf life and to add to its value, so that it may be transported economically.

He said due to lack of interest of past governments towards Gilgit- Baltistan's infrastructure people here remained unable to gain maximum advantages from locally produced items including fruits, vegetables, live stock, gems, minerals and tourism sector. The present government, in collaboration with China, is working on war footing to develop infrastructure of Karakorom Highway, from China to Islamabad, he said.

Presently fruits and vegetable producers of GB often complain that they are facing difficulties in exporting their produce to China because of a number of health and sanitary requirements such as product certification, labelling standards, import approval requirements and delays in customs clearance, he said Sabz Ali suggested the provincial government to establish a local institution with the capacity to inspect organic produce intended for export, under the guidance of the Chinese State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ). These trained inspectors should also assist the farmers and exporters in complying with certification requirements, he added.

To a query he said incident of Ata Abad, land sliding and damage to Hunza River, badly hurt transportation system in Gilgit-Baltistan. The road which leads GilgitBaltistan to China got completely disrupted but now the work on reconstruction of road has been completed and the imports and exports activities through Sost border are continuing without any interruptions.

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Pak, China universities ink students exchange agreement -- BR

GUANGZHOU: National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Islamabad and China's Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS), Guangzhou, Friday concluded a Memorandum of Understanding on Academic Cooperation and a Student Exchange Agreement.

The documents were signed by Maj Gen Masood Hasan (Retd), Rector NUML and Prof. Zhong Weihe, President GDUFS. The initiative of the MoU and the agreement between the two Universities was launched and facilitated by the Consulate General of Pakistan in Guangzhou.

Under the MoU on Academic Cooperation, the NUML would set up a NUML International Center of Education (NICE) on the premises of GDUFS. NUML will initially assign academicians/ instructors at the NICE for English and Urdu languages and subsequently extend it for other languages.

The two institutions would also promote cultural, educational exchange, collaboration and technical cooperation.

The Student Exchange Agreement would provide students from both the institutions the opportunity to learn about the cultural and academic life of the counterparts and foster joint academic research work in areas of common interest.

The students of both the Universities would also have the opportunity to complete up to one year of their course at the other University.

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April 19, 2014 Sat All Day

$1.6 billion being spent in Gwadar: PM -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD - The federal cabinet, which on Friday approved fixing LNG price for services project at 0.66/MMBTU, was informed that $1.6 billion will be spent on Gwadar seaport and airport.

Several amendments in laws were approved and endorsements were accorded to various Memoranda of Undersigning (MoUs) with different countries during the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Addressing his cabinet, the PM stated that public money is sacred and “we should ensure its judicious and efficient spending”. He said the economy is his government’s top priority and they were providing equivalent attention to all parts of Pakistan.

The prime minister told his colleagues that Gwadar was being developed as a model city and a socio-economic package has been planned for it. Gwadar seaport and airport were being built on modern lines and $1.6 billion will be spent on these projects, he said, adding that he himself will monitor these projects.

PM Nawaz Sharif said development in Balochistan was also a priority area for them and development plans to put that province on road to progress were being implemented expeditiously. The socio-economic package for Balochistan includes provision of skilled manpower through training of human resource in different sectors, including health and education, while development of health and education infrastructure to cater for the people has also been planned.

Later, the cabinet approved the tariff of $0.66/MMBTU for LNG services project secured through competitive bidding process by Petroleum and Natural Resources Ministry. The cabinet also decided that the policy guidelines of the tariff shall be conveyed to Ogra. The cabinet further decided that the other aspects of the commercial agreement will be settled between the two parties, SSGC and EPTL. Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi informed that the price of LNG is competitive with the international market. He said the contract will be for 15 years and will provide 200 MMBTU of LNG in first year which would be increased to 400 MMBTU from the second year.

The cabinet deferred amendment in CDA Ordinance-1960. It approved proposed amendments in the Patent Ordinance-2000 regarding electronic publication of patent journals. It granted approved, in principle, draft bill for Creation of joint Maritime Information Organisation (JMIO)" The cabinet also approved amendment in Foreign Exchange Regulation Act-1947 (FERA, 1947), besides approving SBP (Amendment) Bill-2010 and the SBP Banking Services Corporation Ordinance (Repeal) Bill 2010.

The federal cabinet considered the Constitution (Twenty-First Amendment) Bill-2013 and referred it to the relevant committee for further consideration. Two amendments were proposed in Practitioners and Bar Councils Act-1973. It approved one amendment and deferred the 2nd for further deliberations. The cabinet approved Equity Participation Fund Repeal Bill-2014. It also approved reconsideration of the decision of the cabinet regarding repealing of Section 27B of the banking Companies Ordinance-1962. The cabinet deferred Right to Information Bill-2014 and PM directed for further consultations with opposition and stakeholders.

The meeting considered a bill titled the Islamabad Subordinate Judiciary Service Tribunal Act-2014 and referred it to Law Division for review. Approval in principle was granted to start negotiations with Turkey on MoU in the field of environment.

Approval was also given to start negotiations and approval for signing Memorandum of Cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Turkmenistan and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. Formal approval was accorded for signing of MoU with China on Raikot Islamabad Section of ChinaPak Economic Corridor by China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

Federal cabinet approved in principle negotiations on the draft agreement between Pakistan’s defence ministry and UAE interior ministry for secondment of qualified technical military personnel (Drum majors) to UAE. The cabinet approved signing of MoU with Tanzania and negotiating draft MoU Vietnam on defence cooperation. It also gave approval for signing of revised draft agreement between defence ministries of Pakistan and Russia on military cooperation. The cabinet however deferred approving negotiations for agreement with South Africa on defence industrial cooperation. The PM directed that the matter of production in defence sector is of immense importance and the cabinet should be briefed on the matter in 1237

April 19, 2014 Continued Sat detail.

The cabinet gave approval for signing of protocol for the period from Nov 2004 to Nov 2012 and approval for revision of protocol with China for scientific and technical cooperation in surveying and mapping. It approved starting negotiations on the agreement on economic cooperation with Czech Republic. It approved initiation of negotiations for signing of reciprocal agreement and MoU with Qatar. The cabinet also approved in principle negotiations on MoU between Supreme Audit Institutions of Pakistan and Vietnam on cooperation on auditing in public sector.

Cabinet meeting approved initiation of negotiations of State Bank of Pakistan with central banks of France, Philippines and Kenya for signing MoUs on cooperation in banking supervision and exchange of information. It approved framework agreement in housing development signed during the visit of PM to Turkey on 16-18 September, 2013. It also approved start negotiations between National Productivity Centre of Turkey and National Product. The cabinet approved cooperation in the field of higher education and scientific research between with UAE. The meeting approved starting negotiations for MoU with on imposition of import restriction on archaeological material. It approved starting negotiations with Djibouti on exemptions for the holders of diplomatic and official passports and approved signing of agreement with the Lao People's Democratic Republic for the same. The cabinet meeting approved ratification of an agreement on transfer of offenders between Pakistan and Yemen. It approved signing MoU with South Africa for cooperation in combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals.

Federal cabinet gave ex-post facto approval, in principle, to start negotiations and signing of protocol on compliance of phytosanitary requirements with Russia. It gave permission for entering into an agreement concerning the export of manpower from Pakistan to Italy. The cabinet also approved signing of MoU with Turkey on sister seaport relation and cooperation. The cabinet approved signing MoU in the fields of standardisation, metrology, certification, accreditation and the other related activities with Jordanian institution of standards and metrology (JISM).

The cabinet approved starting negotiations for MoU on cooperation in preventing and combating pollution from ships with Iran. On this occasion the issue of pollution in Pakistan seawaters also came under discussion. The PM was told that Pakistani seawater has become a dumping ground for ship waste. He directed ports and shipping minister to take concrete steps to reduce sea pollution. The cabinet granted approval to the MoU signed between Iran power generation, transmission and distribution management company (TAVANIR) and National Transmission and Des-patch Company (NTDC) in the field of electricity transmission.

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April 21, 2014 Mon All Day

Pak, Chinese armies on ‘Peace Angel’ mission -- The Nation

RAWALPINDI - A two-week-long Pak-China joint military exercise commenced on Sunday near Rawalpindi.

According to ISPR, flags of both the countries were hoisted and national anthem played to mark the opening of joint military exercise at a ceremony.

Major General Hamayun Aziz of Pakistan Army and senior colonel Liu Agiou of People’s Liberation Army China represented their respective counties in the opening ceremony.

The joint exercise is aimed at sharing mutual experience and information in medical field through a comprehensive training programme in near real time environment.

The exercise is particularly designed within the scope of disaster relief operations caused due to massive floods and terrorist attacks on relief camps. The exercise will also provide an opportunity to exchange latest technological advancement in medical field to improve medical operations during peace and war.

The joint military exercise ‘Peace Angel 2014’ will certainly pave the way for further cementing the existing bilateral relations between the armies of the two countries.

Our Monitoring Desk adds: An Indian naval ship on Sunday arrived at the Chinese port of Qingdao to take part in rare naval exercises with vessels from China, Pakistan and other nations, Indian media reported on Sunday.

INS Shivalik, an indigenously built stealth frigate has been invited by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy to take part in the event marking its 65th anniversary.

This is the Shivalik's second visit to China as it had visited Shanghai last year along with three other Indian naval ships as part of a goodwill tour as the two countries attempt to build maritime cooperation.

An Indian naval ship also took part in the PLA Navy's 60th celebrations in 2009.

Si gnificant feature of the Shivalik's tour this year is that it takes part in joint naval exercises being organised by PLA Navy in which a naval ship from Pakistan, besides vessels from Bangladesh, Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia and few other countries are scheduled to take part.

A Pakistani naval destroyer was the first to arrive at Qingdao port.

The naval exercises involve search and rescue besides joint communication and coordination.

The PLA Navy has cancelled an event involving a parade of the fleet in which President Xi Jinping, the head of the Chinese military, was scheduled to take part.

It was cancelled in view of the ongoing efforts to search for the Malaysian airliner which went missing with 239 passengers onboard, 153 of them Chinese nationals.

The US reportedly did not send any of its ships to take part in the event, while China has not invited Japan.

A Chinese naval spokesman said the Japanese navy was not invited due to ‘erroneous’ policies of Japan's leadership over the disputed islands in the East China Sea. The US and Japan however would take part in the 21-member Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) being held on the sidelines. India, along with Bangladesh and Mexico are the observers in the event.

WPNS member countries include Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Indonesia, Japan, Cambodia, Tonga, Malaysia, New Zealand, Brunei, Papua New Guinea, China, Peru, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Russia, Vietnam, Thailand and the US. The programme will last till April 24.

PAF CHIEF CALLS ON AZERI PM Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, called on Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Artur Rasizade on Sunday.

Both the dignitaries remained together for sometimes and discussed various matters of defence and military cooperation, says a press release issued here.

The Air Chief assured high officials of Azerbaijan of strengthening military as well as civilian cooperation between the two countries in general and the two Air Forces in particular.

Later in the day, the Air Chief called on Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov, Defense Minister Azerbaijan, and Major General Ramiz Tahirov, the Air Forces Commander of Azerbaijan.

Earlier, the PAF chief, who is on a three-day official visit to Azerbaijan, also visited Defense Ministry, Military Academy of the Armed Forces Azerbaijan, High Military School, and Education and Training Center of the Armed Forces.

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April 22, 2014 Tue All Day

Pak Navy gets recognition of WPNS -- APP

Pakistan Navy was formally accorded the Observer Status of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) on Tuesday.

The decision to this effect was announced at the plenary meeting of the 14th WPNS meeting at Qingdao, China which was attended by the naval chiefs and high level reps of the member navies.

WPNS was formed in 1988 to enhance cooperation amongst the navies of West Pacific rim nations. Since then, the WPNS has emerged as an important regional maritime collaboration forum. It comprises of 21 member navies namely, Australia, Brunei, Combodia, Canada, Chile, China, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Tonga, United States, Vietnam and four Observer navies which include Bangladesh, India, Mexico and now Pakistan.

The WPNS aims to increase cooperation and interoperability amongst international navies, as well as to build trust and confidence between the member countries by providing a framework to enable the discussion on maritime issues of mutual interest, exchange of information and personnel and demonstration of capabilities.

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April 24, 2014 Thu All Day

Nawaz Sharif arrives in Gwadar -- The Nations

Gwadar- Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrives in Gwadar to review the law and order situation of Balochistan, as well as development projects in the province.

The Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, along with the senior provincial minister Nawaz Sanaullah Zahri, received him at PNS Akram Base. The PM will be briefed on the law and order situation. He is expected to meet key provincial ministers during his meeting. Sharif will also chair a meeting on the developmental projects in the province.

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April 26, 2014 Sat All Day

Pakistan hints at economic corridor from Gwadar to Kashgar -- Daily Times

LAHORE – President Mamnoon Hussain on Saturday said that an economic corridor was going to be established from Gwadar to Kashgar which will strengthen the economy of not only Pakistan, but also the neighbouring countries including Iran, Nepal, Russia, Middle East and the Central Asian Republics.

Was addressing the concluding ceremony of the South Asia Labour Conference, he urged SAARC member countries to work together to fight poverty, ignorance, social injustice and intolerance. He hoped that the conference would be helpful in evolving an effective labour policy and improving socio-economic lift of the working class.

Mamnoon said the day was not far away when Pakistan would be a very important country of the region within a span of five years and play a dynamic role for regional development. He suggested that labour conferences should be held in all SAARC states turn by turn to enable the members to benefit from the experiences of one another for the betterment of their masses.

The president said more than half of the population of Pakistan consists of youth and there was a great need to develop the human resources of the country. The representatives of International Labour Organisation and the European Union also attended the conference.

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‫‪April 27, 2014‬‬ ‫‪Sun‬‬ ‫ﭘﺎک ﭼﻴﻦ ﺍﻗﺘﺼﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺪﺍﺭی ﺳﮯ ﺧﻄﮯ ﻣﻴﮟ ﺧﻮﺷﺤﺎﻟﯽ ﺁﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ‪ ،‬ﺻﺪﺭ ﻣﻤﻨﻮﻥ ﺣﺴﻴﻦ ﻓﻮﭨﻮ‪ :‬ﭘﯽ‬ ‫‪ -- Alakhbar‬ﺁﺋﯽ ڈی‬ ‫ﻻﮨﻭﺭ‪ :‬ﺻﺩﺭ ﻣﻣﻠﮑﺕ ﻣﻣﻧﻭﻥ ﺣﺳﻳﻥ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﮔﻠﮯ ﭘﺎﻧﭻ ﺳﺎﻝ ﻣﻳں ﺧﻁﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺍﮨﻡ ﻣﻠﮏ ﺑﻧﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻻ‬ ‫ﮨﮯ ﺟﺏ ﮐہ ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺧﻭﺷﺣﺎﻟﯽ ﺁﺋﮯ ﮔﯽ۔‬ ‫ﻻﮨﻭﺭ ﻣﻳں ﭘﮩﻠﯽ ﺟﻧﻭﺏ ﺍﻳﺷﻳﺎﺋﯽ ﻟﻳﺑﺭ ﮐﺎﻧﻔﺭﻧﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺍﺧﺗﺗﺎﻣﯽ ﺗﻘﺭﻳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺧﻁﺎﺏ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭﺍﻥ ﺻﺩﺭ ﻣﻣﻠﮑﺕ ﮐﺎ ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ ﮐہ‬ ‫ﺁﺝ ﭘﻭﻟﻳﻭ ﮐﮯ ﮐﻳﺳﺯ ﮐﯽ ﻭﺟہ ﺳﮯ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻧﻳﻭں ﭘﺭﺑﻳﺭﻭﻥ ﻣﻠﮏ ﭘﺎﺑﻧﺩی ﮐﯽ ﺑﺎﺗﻳں ﮨﻭﺭﮨﯽ ﮨﻳں ﺍﺱ ﻗﺳﻡ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺎﺗﻳں ﮐﺭﻧﮯ‬ ‫ﻭﺍﻟﻭں ﮐﻭ ﻣﻠﮏ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻣﻥ ﻭ ﺍﻣﺎﻥ ﮐﺎﻣﺳﺋﻠہ ﮨﻣﺎﺭﺍ ﺍﭘﻧﺎ ﭘﻳﺩﺍ ﮐﺭﺩﻩ ﻧﮩﻳں۔ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻧﺻﻑ ﺳﮯ ﺯﺍﺋﺩ ﺁﺑﺎﺩی ﻧﻭﺟﻭﺍﻧﻭں ﭘﺭ‬ ‫ﻣﺷﺗﻣﻝ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻧﺳﺎﻧﯽ ﻭﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﮐﻭ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﺩﻳﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺍﺷﺩ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﺁﺋﻧﺩﻩ ‪ 5‬ﺳﺎﻝ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺧﻁﮯ ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺍﮨﻡ ﻣﻠﮏ ﺑﻥ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﻳﺎﺩی ﻭﺟہ ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﯽ ﺗﻌﻣﻳﺭ ﮨﮯ‪،‬ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺳﮯ ﮐﺎﺷﻐﺭ ﺗﮏ‬ ‫ﻭﺳﻁﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻭﺳﻁﯽ ﺍﻳﺷﻳﺎﺋﯽ‬ ‫ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﮐﮯ ﻗﻳﺎﻡ ﺳﮯ ﻧہ ﺻﺭﻑ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺑﻠﮑہ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ‪ ،‬ﻧﻳﭘﺎﻝ ‪ ،‬ﺭﻭﺱ ‪ ،‬ﻣﺷﺭﻕ‬ ‫ٰ‬ ‫ﺭﻳﺎﺳﺗﻭں ﺳﻣﻳﺕ ﮨﻣﺳﺎﻳہ ﻣﻠﮑﻭں ﮐﯽ ﻣﻌﻳﺷﺕ ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﺿﺑﻭﻁ ﮨﻭﮔﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺭﻭﺯﮔﺎ ﺭ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻭﺍﻗﻊ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺑڑﻫﻳں ﮔﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻣﻣﻧﻭﻥ ﺣﺳﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﻣﺣﻧﺕ ﮐﺷﻭں ﮐﯽ ﻓﻼﺡ ﻭﺑﮩﺑﻭﺩ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﻋﻼﻗﺎﺋﯽ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﺧﻭﺵ ﺁﺋﻧﺩ ﮨﮯ ﮐﻳﻭﻧﮑہ ﺑﺎﮨﻣﯽ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ‬ ‫ﺳﮯ ﮨﯽ ﺧﻁﮯ ﮐﮯ ﮐﺭﻭڑﻭں ﺍﻓﺭﺍﺩ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻌﻳﺎﺭ ﺯﻧﺩﮔﯽ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﺑﻧﺎﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺳﮑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ‪ ،‬ﻭﻩ ﺍﻣﻳﺩ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں ﮐہ ﺳﺎﺭک ﻟﻳﺑﺭ‬ ‫ﮐﺎﻧﻔﺭﻧﺱ ﺳﮯ ﺭﮐﻥ ﻣﻣﺎﻟﮏ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻳﮏ ﻣﻭﺛﺭ ﻟﻳﺑﺭ ﭘﺎﻟﻳﺳﯽ ﻭﺿﻊ ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻣﺣﻧﺕ ﮐﺷﻭں ﮐﯽ ﺳﻣﺎﺟﯽ ﻭﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺯﻧﺩﮔﯽ‬ ‫ﻣﻳں ﺑﮩﺗﺭی ﻻﻧﮯ ﻣﻳں ﻣﺩﺩ ﻣﻠﮯ ﮔﯽ ‪ ،‬ﺍﺱ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻼﻭﻩ ﺟﻧﻭﺏ ﺍﻳﺷﻳﺎﺋﯽ ﻟﻳﺑﺭ ﮐﺎﻧﻔﺭﻧﺱ ﮨﺭ ﺳﺎﻝ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻑ ﺭﮐﻥ ﻣﻣﺎﻟﮏ ﻣﻳں‬ ‫ﻣﻧﻌﻘﺩ ﮨﻭﻧﯽ ﭼﺎﮨﺋﮯ ﺗﺎﮐہ ﻋﻼﻗﺎﺋﯽ ﻣﻣﺎﻟﮏ ﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﮐﯽ ﻓﻼﺡ ﻭﺑﮩﺑﻭﺩ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺩﻭﺳﺭے ﮐﮯ ﺗﺟﺭﺑﺎﺕ ﺳﮯ ﻓﺎﺋﺩﻩ ﺍﭨﻬﺎ‬ ‫ﺳﮑﻳں۔‬

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April 28, 2014 Mon All Day

PR working to connect Gwadar to Kashgar through rail link -- Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways is actively working to implement Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision of connecting Gwadar to Kashgar through rail link.

According to an official source, Railways Minister Khwaja Saad Rafiq, among other proposals for next Public Sector Development Programme, has included a scheme for setting up a dry port at Havelian as part of Pakistan-China economic corridor.

The second important project in the regard is up-gradation of ML-1 railway track from Karachi to Peshawar, which currently can accommodate trains with 100-120 kilometer per hour speed. The up-gradation will increase speed up to 150 kilometer per hour.

The project also includes dualisation of track from Khanewal to Peshawar, which will help curtail the travel duration between Karachi and Peshawar.

The source said that due to certain initiatives, a decrease of Rs 7 billion has been recorded in Pakistan Railways losses in last 10 months, which were Rs 36 billion when Ghulam Ahmed Bilor left the ministry.

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April 30, 2014 Wed All Day

Pakistan to be most vital country of region soon: Mamnoon -- The News Pakistan to be most vital country of region soon: Mamnoon

KARACHI: Pakistan will be the most vital country of the region soon given the steps being taken by the federal government in all endeavours.

So said President Mamnoon Hussain while addressing the members of the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs (PIIA) at the Governor’s House, Karachi, Tuesday evening.“Pakistan is God’s greatest blessing but on account of a series of unfortunate developments, we have not been able to realize its worth”, Mamnoon said. He said that Kashghar and Gwadar were planned to be connected by road and rail which would give a fillip to economic development. After the completion of this economic corridor, he said, not only Pakistan and China but all the countries of the region would be the beneficiaries.

“China will be investing dollars 32 billion in our infrastructural projects and Pakistan will be the most vital country of the region”. Mamnoon said.“The ushering in of democracy in May 2013 has been a milestone development of the country’s history and our manifesto is to improve the economic lot and the living conditions of the commonfolk”, he continued.

In this context, he stressed his government’s resolve to work hammer and tongs to mitigate the power shortage in the country and to arrest inflation. In this regard, he announced that the present government had already brought inflation down to a single digit figure. Foreign exchange reserves, he said, were maintaining a steady upward climb.

Manpower, he said, was the country’s greatest asset. “However, if we don’t provide opportunities to our youngsters, it will be disappointing”, he said, and added that the government had a number of education advancement programmes on the anvil.

He also mentioned the youth employment and talent schemes that the government, he said, had on the anvil.Coming to the matter of foreign policy, he said that Pakistan’s foreign policy would be one of reconciliation with neighbours and there would be a special endeavour to mend fences with India and Afghanistan. It was for this reason, he said, that the first foreign dignitary Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had met after his election was a representative of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. “We shall vigorously pursue the matter of mutually advantageous trade with India”, he said, and in this context mentioned the trade going on between the two halves of Kashmir. He said that it was his government’s endeavour to remove the glitches along the Line of Control in Kashmir.

Pakistan, he said, was aware of the changes taking place in the region and would base the formulation of the policy on these changes. In this regard he mentioned the recent Afghan elections and the exit of the US forces from there.

Ties with Russia, he said, were very favourable through various international forums and the Russian offers to build various infrastructural projects for Pakistan. Coming to ties with the US, he said that no doubt there were hiccups but ties, on the whole, had been positive. Both countries, he said, had common values.

Pak-European Union (EU) ties had been cordial, he said, and in this regard mentioned the grant of GSP status to Pakistan by the EU recently. The EU, he said, had been a major investor and trading partner.

Talking about Pakistan’s economic conditions, he said that there were factors that could prompt the purchase of 9 billion dollars worth of the recently issued Eurobonds but the government preferred to purchase worth just $2 billion of them as purchase worth of 9 billion would have exerted a heavy pressure on the dollar which could have hit our exports. As a goodwill gesture, Mamnoon announced a gift of Rs1 million to the PIIA. The president spoke in Urdu with a little smattering of English. In fact all the 1246

April 30, 2014 Continued Wed speakers chose to speak in Urdu.Earlier, Dr Masooma Hassan, Chairperson, PIIA, in her very chaste and crisp Urdu, thanked the president for having agreed to attend the occasion despite his busy schedule. She hailed his role in the strengthening of democracy. She narrated the genesis of the PIIA back in 1930 in New Delhi and the service it had rendered in helping the governments in Pakistan frame the foreign policies.

Journalist SM Fazal, thanked the president for the donation of Rs1 million and mentioned the important place the institute was given at an international conference in Australia.Journalist Agha Masood compered the proceedings.

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Sri Lanka Requested to Establish Trade Office in the Strategic Port of Gwadar -- News LK The Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan, Pakistan, Mir Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali, along with a group of provincial assembly members, called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees this morning.

At the meeting, Jamali requested Sri Lanka to establish a trade office in the strategic Port of Gwardar, which is located in Balochistan. The port will serve as a gateway to the strategically significant Strait of Hurmoz, which has been described as the world’s most important oil choke point with 16 million barrels of crude oil transiting every single day. The port is a part of a larger effort by Pakistan to establish a Pakistan-China economic corridor.

President Rajapaksa also briefed the visiting provincial members of the significance of the Hambantota Port, which revives the historic silk route and is also strategically located just 10 nautical miles away from the world’s busiest east-west shipping lane.

In addition to collaboration in the shipping sector, Jamali also requested President Rajapaksa for assistance in the education sector to train math, science and English teachers in his Province. While expressing how thrilled they were to see Sri Lanka win the T20 Cricket World Cup this year, the provincial members appreciated great friendship with Sri Lanka. “ Even though we’re in two different countries, our hearts are together,” Speaker Jamali told President Rajapaksa adding that he wanted to expose the members to “countries which are very brotherly and have mutual respect."

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weeratunga and Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs Mrs. Kshenuka Senewiratne were present for the meeting.

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Zong to pay $516m licence fee in one go -- The Nations Zong to pay $516m licence fee in one go

ISLAMABAD - Zong, the only cellular company that won 4G along with 3G, has decided not to avail the option of paying licence fee in instalments and has decided to make the whole payment of $516 million in one go.

China Mobile (Zong) has won two licences, 3G in 2100 MHz band and 4G in 1800 MHz band, 10 MHz in each band. Company has bought 3G license for $306 million and 4G licence against $210 million. Government had given the opportunity to all companies to deposit 50 per cent upfront and the remaining could be paid in 5 instalments in 5 years but the said company has decided to make the whole payment upfront. “We are going to make the whole payment of more than $500 million. We have decided to pay in dollars instead of Pak rupees”, Chief Executive Officer, Zong Dr Fan Yunjun, said while addressing a news conference here on Tuesday. He also termed it a demonstration of friendship between Pakistan and China.

Dr Fan Yunjun also said that the company was going to launch 3G services very soon in the country. During the press briefing he also gave a video presentation on 1247

April 30, 2014 Continued Wed the difference between 3G and 4G. Dr Zong also said that with the penetration of only 10 per cent broadband, GDP will grow by 1.4 per cent additionally. The voice communication, he said, has been increasing in Pakistan and Zong’s customer base increased from 10 million in 2011 to 25 million till March 2014.

“Now we will support digital society in Pakistan,” he said and added that the 3G and 4G services would benefit banking sector, transportation, security and many other sectors of the economy by putting in place value addition to maximise growth. On the subject of affordability of 3G and 4G services, he said, “Zong has already introduced the cheapest tariff for calls and internet services and in the future it will come up with more option to cater the needs of subscribers and to attract more customers”. Regarding improving services in Pakistan, he said that there was still need for bringing improvement in services. “We are improving our network and things will further improve in this regard,” he added.

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‫‪May 1, 2014‬‬ ‫‪Thu‬‬ ‫‪ -- APP‬ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺮﻗﯽ ﮐﻴﻠﺌﮯ ﺳﻴﺎﺳﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻋﺴﮑﺮی ﻗﻴﺎﺩﺕ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺻﻒ ﭘﺮ ﮨﮯ‪ :‬ﻭﺯﻳﺮﺍﻋﻈﻢ‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﺎ ﮔﻭﺩﺍﺭ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﻧﮯ ﭘﺭ ﺁﺭﻣﯽ ﭼﻳﻑ ﺟﻧﺭﻝ ﺭﺍﺣﻳﻝ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﭘﺭﺗﭘﺎک ﺍﺳﺗﻘﺑﺎﻝ ﮐﻳﺎ۔ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ﮐﮩﻧﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺳﻳﺎﺳﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻋﺳﮑﺭی ﻗﻳﺎﺩﺕ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺻﻑ ﭘﺭ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ‪:‬ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﺎ ﮨﻳﻠﯽ ﮐﺎﭘﭨﺭ ﭘﯽ ﺍﻳﻥ ﺍﻳﺱ ﺍﮐﺭﻡ ﺑﻳﺱ ﭘﺭ ﺍﺗﺭﺍ ﺗﻭ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻭﻗﻊ ﭘﺭ ﺁﺭﻣﯽ ﭼﻳﻑ ﺟﻧﺭﻝ ﺭﺍﺣﻳﻝ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ‬ ‫ﺍﻧﮑﺎ ﺍﺳﺗﻘﺑﺎﻝ ﮐﻳﺎ۔ ﺍﻥ ﮐﮯ ﮨﻣﺭﺍﻩ ﮐﻣﺎﻧڈﺭ ﺳﺩﺭﻥ ﮐﻣﺎﻧڈ ﻟﻔﻳﭨﻧﻧٹ ﺟﻧﺭﻝ ﻧﺎﺻﺭ ﺧﺎﻥ ﺟﻧﺟﻭﻋہ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺗﻬﮯ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﮨﻣﺭﺍﻩ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻠﯽ ڈﺍﮐﭨﺭ ﻋﺑﺩﺍﻟﻣﺎﻟﮏ ﺑﻠﻭچ‪ ،‬ﻭﻓﺎﻗﯽ ﻭﺯﺭﺍ ﺍﺳﺣﺎﻕ ڈﺍﺭ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺣﺳﻥ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﮩﻧﭼﮯ۔ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺭﻗﻳﺎﺗﯽ ﮐﺎﻣﻭں ‪ ،‬ﭘﺎک ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺭﺍﮨﺩﺍﺭی ﺳﻣﻳﺕ ﺩﻭﺳﺭے ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﻭں ﭘﺭ ﺗﻔﺻﻳﻠﯽ ﺑﺭﻳﻔﻧﮓ ﺩی ﺟﺎﺋﮯ‬ ‫ﮔﯽ۔ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻭﻗﻊ ﭘﺭ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﮐﮯ ﺍﺳﺗﻘﺑﺎﻝ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺻﻭﺑﺎﺋﯽ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺛﻧﺎء ﷲ ﺯﮨﺭی ﺑﻬﯽ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﺗﻬﮯ۔‬

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May 2, 2014 Fri All Day

Bilateral ties: China promises energy support, says Weidong -- The Express Tribune

Ambassador of China to Pakistan Sun Weidong has said that his country would provide Pakistan with advanced energy technology to improve the country’s transmission and transformation system.

In an interview with Radio Pakistan, the ambassador said China would also give energy management expertise to Pakistan in a bid to deal with the issue. “China was already executing the Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project, Tarbela expansion and Nandipur Power Project,” said Weidong. “Additionally, the Chinese government has been encouraging Chinese institutions to finance Port Qasim, Thar Coal Power Project and other renewable energy projects.”

Weidong added that China would also uplift the energy cooperation with Pakistan and wanted the latter to take full advantage of the bilateral energy working group.

“Pakistan-China friendship is at its full momentum based on solid public support and strong people to people contact.”

He said the visits of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain was of great significance. “PM Sharif visited China twice within a year and both counterparts exchanged visits within a six-week period.”

Highlighting the economic ties between Pakistan and China, Weidong said bilateral trade in 2013 had risen to $14.2 billion witnessing 14.5 % increase than the previous year.

Chinese investment in Pakistan increased to $1.2 billion during the same period with 99.9% increase over the last year.

Weidong informed that Chinese investment in Pakistan had touched $2.2 billion, making the latter its second largest trade partner and its largest investment destiny.

According to Weidong, China is implementing various projects in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) states, maintaining close cooperation with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) countries in addition to supporting regional projects like Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Pipeline (TAPI), Iran-Pakistan pipeline and KASA. Commenting about the planned Pak-China Economic Corridor, Weidong said the project would comprise energy, transportation projects and an economic zone that would cover all major parts of Pakistan thus bringing people from both the countries closer.

He also mentioned the two meetings of the joint cooperation committee on the project in which both the sides agreed to accelerate the implementation of related projects.

“Additionally China and Pakistan are engaged in upgrading the Karakorum Highway and Chinese companies are interested in working on various other projects including highways, railways, urban metro system, ports and shipping.”

Weidong said China was also building a cross-border fiber optic cable project to enhance connectivity between the two countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2nd, 2014.

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'Exhibitions, exchange of delegations must to boost Pak-China trade' -BR

Tariq Sayeed, Vice President CACCI, Founder and former president SAARC CCI, former president FPCCI and Patron-in-Chief Pak-China Business Council, said that trade can only grow if we participate in exhibitions in each other's country and exchange delegations frequently. Pakistan-China friendship is truly time tested, truly good and deeper than ocean and higher than mountains.

Tariq Sayeed spoke about FPCCI's participation in the Kunming exhibition every year in China. However, he said there is still the room for a lot of improvement in Pak-China relations. Tariq Sayeed also said that now, we are exporting textiles to China, whereas we are also getting export orders for towels, which is a positive development. We have signed an FTA, an investment agreement and two agreements on services. We also have a currency swap agreement with China, while we have set up a working group on energy.

Tariq Sayeed said that Kunming offers Pakistan a good platform for exhibiting our products, B2B meetings and for taking delegations. The Kunming fair has a very 1250

‫‪May 2, 2014 Continued‬‬ ‫‪Fri‬‬ ‫‪bright future because the Chinese are promoting it in South Asia very well. They are‬‬ ‫‪visiting all countries of the South Asian region to invite businessmen to participate,‬‬ ‫‪which is a great way of attracting interest. Tariq Sayeed further stated that volume‬‬ ‫‪of bilateral trade between the two countries increasing day by day and has crossed‬‬ ‫‪US $14 billion. However, the share of Pakistan's exports is not significant as‬‬ ‫‪compared to imports from China but there are still many business opportunities‬‬ ‫‪available for increasing Pakistan's exports. Pakistan's exports to China are nearly‬‬ ‫‪US $3 billion while imports from China to Pakistan are approximately US $11 billion.‬‬ ‫‪He said that today, Pakistan is exporting non-traditional items such as handmade‬‬ ‫‪scarves and handmade textiles to China, besides rice, which is a very positive‬‬ ‫‪development.-PR‬‬

‫‪ -- Such TV‬ﭼﻴﻦ ﮐﺎ) ﺗﺎﺋﭙﯽ( ﮔﻴﺲ ﭘﺎﺋﭗ ﻻﺋﻦ ﻣﻨﺼﻮﺑﮯ ﻣﻴﮟ ﺷﻤﻮﻟﻴﺖ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻨﺼﻮﺑہ‬

‫‪All Day‬‬

‫ﭼﻳﻥ ﻧﮯ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺑڑﻫﺗﯽ ﮨﻭﺋﯽ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﻳﺎﺕ ﮐﮯ ﭘﻳﺵ ﻧﻅﺭ ﺗﺭﮐﻣﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ‪ ،‬ﺍﻓﻐﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ‪ ،‬ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ‪ ،‬ﺑﻬﺎﺭﺕ ) ﺗﺎﺋﭘﯽ(‬ ‫ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺷﻣﻭﻟﻳﺕ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺑﻧﺎ ﻟﻳﺎ۔ﻳہ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ ﺍﻳﺭﺍﻥ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﮐﻭ ﺩﺭﭘﻳﺵ‬ ‫ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﯽ ﭘﺎﺑﻧﺩﻳﻭں ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎﻋﺙ ﺳﺎﻣﻧﮯ ﻻﻳﺎ ﮔﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺧﺑﺭﺭﺳﺎں ﺍﻳﺟﻧﺳﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺭﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺳﮯ ﭼﻳﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﺗﺎﺋﭘﯽ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﺑﭼﻬﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑہ‬ ‫ﺑﻧﺎ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﺳﮯ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﮐﻭﺭﻳڈﻭﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺗﺑﺩﻳﻝ ﮨﻭﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔‬ ‫ﺭﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻁﺎﺑﻖ ﺑﻧﮕﻠہ ﺩﻳﺵ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﮨﯽ ﺗﺭﮐﻣﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺳﮯ ﺭﺍﺑﻁہ ﮐﺭ ﭼﮑﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﮐﮯ ﭘﺎﺱ ﺍﺱ ﮔﻳﺱ ﮐﮯ ﻭﺳﻳﻊ‬ ‫ﺫﺧﺎﺋﺭ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺗﻭﺍﻧﺎﺋﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﻳﺎﺕ ﭘﻭﺭی ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺗﺎﺋﭘﯽ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺣﺻہ ﺑﻧﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﮐﻭﺷﺵ ﮐﺭ‬ ‫ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں۔ ﺣﮑﺎﻡ ﻧﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﺟﻳﺳﮯ ﮨﯽ ﺗﺭﮐﻣﺎﻧﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑﯽ ﮔﻳﺱ ﮐﻣﭘﻧﻳﻭں ﮐﮯ ﻣﺎﺑﻳﻥ ﮔﻳﺱ ﻧﮑﺎﻟﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ﻣﻌﺎﮨﺩﻩ‬ ‫ﺣﺗﻣﯽ ﺷﮑﻝ ﺍﺧﺗﻳﺎﺭ ﮐﺭے ﮔﺎ۔‬ ‫ﭼﻳﻥ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑﻧﮕﻠہ ﺩﻳﺵ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﻣﻳں ﺷﺎﻣﻝ ﮨﻭﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﻳﮯ ﻣﺫﺍﮐﺭﺍﺕ ﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﮐﺭﺩﻳﻧﮕﮯ۔ ﭼﻳﻥ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﮨﯽ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ‬ ‫ﺁﭘﺭﻳﺷﻧﻝ ﮐﻧﭨﺭﻭﻝ ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﮐﺭ ﭼﮑﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺟﮩﺎں ﺍﺱ ﻧﮯ ﺍﻧڈﺳﭨﺭﻳﻝ ﺳﭨﯽ ﮔﻳﺱ ﭘﺎﺋپ ﻻﺋﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺩﻟﭼﺳﭘﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻅﮩﺎﺭ ﮐﻳﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ‬ ‫ﻟﻳﮑﻥ ﺍﺱ ﻣﻧﺻﻭﺑﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻏﻳﺭ ﻳﻘﻳﻧﯽ ﺻﻭﺭﺗﺣﺎﻝ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻳﮏ ﻋﺭﺏ ﻣﻠﮏ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻣﺭﻳﮑہ ﮐﯽ ﻁﺭﻑ ﺳﮯ ﺩﺑﺎﺅ ﮐﻭ ﺩﻳﮑﻬﺗﮯ‬ ‫ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﺍﭘﻧﺎ ﺍﺭﺍﺩﻩ ﺗﺭک ﮐﺭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﺗﻬﺎ۔‬

‫‪ -- Jhang‬ﮔﻮﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻮﺭٹ ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺮﻗﯽ ﮐﯽ ﭼﺎﺑﯽ‪...‬ﺣﻖ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺎﺕ … ﺷﺎﮨﺪ ﻣﺤﻤﻮﺩ‬ ‫ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﺍﺳﻣﺑﻠﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺍﭘﻧﮯ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﺧﻁﺎﺏ ﻣﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺍﮨﻡ ﻣﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﭘﺭ ﻗﻭﻡ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﺍﻋﺗﻣﺎﺩ ﻣﻳں ﻟﻳﺎ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺑڑے ﻭﺍﺿﺢ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺻﺎﻑ ﻁﻭﺭ ﭘﺭ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐہ ﻭﻩ ﻗﻭﻡ ﮐﻭ ﺩﻟﮑﺵ ﻧﻌﺭے ﺍﻭﺭﭘُﺭﺗﻌﻳﺵ ﻭﻋﺩے ﮐﯽ ﺧﻳﺎﻟﯽ‬ ‫ﺟﻧﺕ ﻣﻳں ﻧﮩﻳں ﺭﮐﻬﻳں ﮔﮯ۔ ﭘﯽ ﭘﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﺱ ﮐﯽ ﺍﺗﺣﺎﺩی ﺟﻣﺎﻋﺗﻭں ﻧﮯ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﻧﺎﮐﺎﻣﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺑڑﻫ ﭼڑﻫ ﮐﺭ‬ ‫ﺣﺻہ ﻟﻳﺎ۔ ﻗﻭﻣﯽ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺣﺎﻟﺕ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻧﮩﻭں ﻧﮯ ﺍﻳﺳﯽ ﮔﻭﭨﯽ ﻓٹ ﮐﯽ ﮐہ ﺍﺏ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﯽ ﺍﮐﻧﺎﻣﯽ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺣﺎﻟﺕ ﮐﻭ ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺍﺻﻝ ﺟﮕہ ﭘﺭ ﻻﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺟﺎﻣﻊ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﭘﻼﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﮨﻭﮔﯽ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻳہ ﮐﺎﻡ ﺍﺗﻧﺎ ﺁﺳﺎﻥ ﻧﮩﻳں‬ ‫ﺟﻭ ﻋﺎﻡ ﺁﺩﻣﯽ ﮐﻭ ﻧﻅﺭ ﺁ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻣﮕﺭ ﺍُﻣﻳﺩ ﭘﺭ ﺩﻧﻳﺎ ﻗﺎﺋﻡ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﺳﻳﺎﺳﯽ ﺟﻣﺎﻋﺗﻭں ﮐﻭ ﻭﻁﻥ ﻋﺯﻳﺯ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺍﻭﺭ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ ﻣﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﺳﮯ ﻧﮑﺎﻟﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﻣﺷﺗﺭﮐہ ﺍﻳﺟﻧڈﺍ ﺟﻠﺩ ﻻﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﭘﺭ ﺯﻭﺭ ﺩﻳﺎ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﺱ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﻟﺋﮯ ﻣﻳﺎں ﺻﺎﺣﺏ ﮐﻭ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﺳﻳﺎﺳﯽ ﺟﻣﺎﻋﺗﻭں ﮐﺎ ﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﺩﺭﮐﺎﺭ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﻗﻭﻡ ﺍُﻣﻳﺩ ﮐﺭﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﺟﻣﮩﻭﺭی‬ ‫ﻁﺎﻗﺗﻳں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﮨﻭ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﮔﯽ۔ ﻣﻭﻻﻧﺎ ﻓﺿﻝ ﺍﻟﺭﺣﻣﻥ ﭨﻬﻳﮏ ﮐﮩﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں ﮐہ ﺍﻣﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻐﻳﺭ‬ ‫ﻣﻠﮏ ﮐﯽ ﺍﮐﻧﺎﻣﯽ ﮐﻭ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮐﻳﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﺗﺎ۔ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﺍﺱ ﭼﻳﺯ ﮐﯽ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ ﺑﺎﺗﻳں ﮐﻡ ﮐﯽ ﺟﺎﺋﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﻋﻣﻝ ﺗﻳﺯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻋﻣﻝ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﮨﯽ ﮨﻣﻳں ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻣﻳں ﺍﺱ ﻭﻗﺕ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺎﺭﻳﺦ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺍﻳﺳﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﭘﮩﻠﯽ ﺑﺎﺭ ﺳﺎﻣﻧﮯ ﺁﺋﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺟﺱ ﮐﻭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﻋﺳﮑﺭی ﺍﻭﺭ ﺳﻳﺎﺳﯽ ﻗﻭﺗﻭں ﮐﯽ ﻣﮑﻣﻝ ﺣﻣﺎﻳﺕ ﺣﺎﺻﻝ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﮔﺭ ﻣﻳں ﻳہ ﮐﮩﻭں ﮐہ ﻳہ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺧﺎﺹ ﺟﻣﮩﻭﺭی ﻋﻭﺍﻣﯽ‬ ‫ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮨﮯ ﺗﻭ ﻳہ ﺩﺭﺳﺕ ﮨﻭﮔﺎ۔ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﻳﻠﺋﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺍﭼﻬﺎ ﺟﻣﮩﻭﺭی ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﮐﺎ ﮨﻭﻧﺎ ﺍﺷﺩ‬ ‫ﺿﺭﻭﺭی ﮨﮯ۔ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ﺍﻗﺩﺍﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺳﻳﺎﺳﺕ ﮐﮯ ﻓﺎﺭﻣﻭﻻ ﭘﺭ ﻋﻣﻝ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻭﺋﮯ ﻳہ ﺍﮨﻡ ﭼﻳﺯ ﺑﻠﻭچ ﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﮐﻭ‬ ‫ﺩے ﺩی ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﺟﻣﮩﻭﺭی ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﷲ ﮐﮯ ﻓﺿﻝ ﺳﮯ ﮨﻣﺎﺭے ﭘﺎﺱ ﺍﺱ ﻭﻗﺕ ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﺏ ﺻﺭﻑ ﻋﻣﻝ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ‬ ‫ﮨﮯ۔ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﺩﻭﻧﻭں ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺍﮨﻡ ﮨﻳں۔ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺍﻣﻥ ﻭ ﺍﻣﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺣﺎﻟﺕ ﺳﺏ ﮐﮯ‬ ‫ﺳﺎﻣﻧﮯ ﮨﮯ۔ ﻣﻠﮑﯽ ﻭ ﻏﻳﺭ ﻣﻠﮑﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭ ﺍﺏ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﻣﻳں ﻣﺯﻳﺩ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﻧﮩﻳں ﮐﺭﺭﮨﺎ۔ ﺍﮔﺭ ﮐﺭﺍﭼﯽ ﮐﮯ ﺍﻣﻥ‬ ‫ﮐﻭ ﺑﺣﺎﻝ ﮐﺭﻟﻳﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﺗﻭ ﺍﺱ ﺳﮯ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﭼﻳﺯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﮐﻭﺋﯽ ﻧﮩﻳں ﮨﻭﮔﯽ ﻣﮕﺭ ﻋﻣﻝ ﺿﺭﻭﺭی ﮨﮯ۔ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺣﻠﯽ ﺷﮩﺭ‬ ‫ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﺍﺱ ﻭﻗﺕ ﻋﺎﻟﻣﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﺟﮕہ ﮨﮯ ﻳﮩﺎں ﺍﻣﻥ ﻭ ﺍﻣﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺻﻭﺭﺕ ﺣﺎﻝ ﺩﻳﮕﺭ‬ ‫ﻋﻼﻗﻭں ﺳﮯ ﮐﺎﻓﯽ ﺑﮩﺗﺭ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺍﺱ ﻟﺋﮯ ﻋﺎﻟﻣﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭ ﮐﻣﻳﻭﻧﭨﯽ ﺍﺱ ﻭﻗﺕ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻣﻳں ﺩﻟﭼﺳﭘﯽ ﻟﮯ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں‬ ‫ﺻﺭﻑ ﮨﻣﻳں ﺍﭘﻧﯽ ﺗﻳﺎﺭی ﮐﺭﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺕ ﮨﮯ۔ ﭼﻳﻧﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﺳﮯ ﮨﯽ ﻭﮨﺎں ﻣﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﮨﻳں۔ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ‬ ‫ﺑﻧﺎﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺩ ﺍﺏ ﻏﻳﺭ ﻣﻠﮑﯽ ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﻣﻳں ﺳﺭﻣﺎﻳہ ﮐﺎﺭی ﮐﺎ ﺳﻭچ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮨﻳں۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﯽ ﺍﻳﮏ ﭼﺎﺑﯽ ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﻳہ ﭼﺎﺑﯽ ﻧﺋﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﮯ ﭘﺎﺱ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﺧﻭﺩ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﻣﻳں ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﻩ ﺩﻟﭼﺳﭘﯽ ﻟﻳﻧﮯ ﻭﺍﻟﮯ ﺭﮨﻧﻣﺎ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ‬ ‫ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﻣﻳں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﺍﻳﻣﺎﻥ ﺭﮐﻬﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﻭ ﭘﺳﻧﺩ ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺍﻭﺭ ﺍﻥ ﮐﯽ ﻋﺯﺕ‬ ‫ﮐﺭﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں ﺍﺱ ﻟﺋﮯ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺑﺯﻧﺱ ﮐﻣﻳﻭﻧﭨﯽ ﮐﻭ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﺳﮯ ﺑﮩﺕ ﺳﺎﺭی ﺍﻣﻳﺩﻳں ﮨﻳں۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ﻁﺭﻑ ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩی ﻧﻅﺭ ﻣﻳﺎں ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ ڈﺍﻟﯽ ﺗﻬﯽ۔ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﺎ ﻗﻳﺎﻡ ﺑﻬﯽ ﺍُﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺳﺎﺑﻖ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ‬ ‫ﮐﮯ ﺍﮨﻡ ﮐﺎﺭﻧﺎﻣﻭں ﻣﻳں ﺳﮯ ﺍﻳﮏ ﮨﮯ۔ ﺁﺝ ﺑﻬﯽ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﯽ ﺣﮑﻭﻣﺕ ﮐﯽ ﺗﻭﺟہ ﻣﻳں ﺳﺏ ﺳﮯ ﺁﮔﮯ‬ ‫ﮨﮯ ﺍﻭﺭ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﯽ ﺗﺭﻗﯽ ﮐﺎ ﺍﻳﮏ ﺍﮨﻡ ﭘﻠﻳٹ ﻓﺎﺭﻡ ﮨﮯ۔ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﯽ ﺑﻧﻳﺎﺩ ﻭﺯﻳﺭﺍﻋﻅﻡ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﻧﮯ‬ ‫ﺭﮐﻬﯽ ﺗﻬﯽ ﮔﻭﺍﺩﺭ ﭘﻭﺭٹ ﮐﮯ ﻟﺋﮯ ﻧﻭﺍﺯ ﺷﺭﻳﻑ ﮐﯽ ﺧﺩﻣﺎﺕ ﮐﻭ ﺑﻠﻭﭼﺳﺗﺎﻥ ﮐﮯ ﻋﻭﺍﻡ ﻗﺩﺭ ﮐﯽ ﻧﮕﺎﻩ ﺳﮯ ﺩﻳﮑﻬﺗﮯ ﮨﻳں‬ ‫‪1251‬‬

‫‪All Day‬‬

May 3, 2014 Sat All Day

‘Chinese companies willing to invest in Pakistan and work with genuine partners’ -- Daily Times ‘Chinese companies willing to invest in Pakistan and work with genuine partners’

FAISALABAD: Wang Zihai President of Chinese Companies working in Pakistan has appreciated a proposal of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) to launch joint ventures by utilizing the existing infrastructure of local industries and said that he would like to arrange match-making meetings between willing and prospective entrepreneurs from China.

He was talking to Engr. Suhail Bin Rashid, President FCCI to discuss the follow-up of the visit of Yantai Chamber to FCCI on March 29, 2014.

He said that Chinese Companies are very comfortable in Pakistan and more companies are willing to invest in Pakistan if they are provided opportunities to work with genuine and willing partners. He said that Pak-China Chamber will arrange a Chinese Textile Machinery Exhibition in Faisalabad within next couple of months.

It will not only help Chinese companies to market their products but also help local textile tycoons to further improve their quality of products by replacing old machinery with the state of the art technology and equipments.

He said that the Exhibition would be arranged in collaboration with FCCI in the display center of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. He also expressed his strong desire to work with FCCI for the establishment of a ‘collaborative Research Institute’ to provide required information to Pakistanis as well as Chinese Investors by conducting sector specific market intelligence and surveys etc.

Wang also discussed establishment of Chinese Training Institute to impart training to enhance productivity of local workforce in addition to teaching them how to work with Chinese engineers and companies. This Center will also offer ‘Chinese Language Course’ for the workers attached with Chinese managers and supervisors.

Earlier Engr Suhail Bin Rashid substantiated his idea of joint ventures with Chinese companies and said that the local industrial units having infrastructure, machinery and technical know. The Chinese investors and traders willing to expand their business could pay their equity and start production without any delay.

He also offered space in FCCI complex for a proposed Chinese Cell and said that this location will enable Chinese firms to have direct access to the 4500 members of FCCI. They could also utilize the facilities of auditorium and board room for holding conferences and meetings within the Chamber’s premises.

Regarding training of Pakistani work force President FCCI said that 14 public sector training institutions are available in Faisalabad that could immediately start required training courses of different duration to meet the requirement of skilled workforce for Chinese companies.

These institutes could also start tailor made programs for the Chinese industries, he added He said that we are holding a meeting just today to discuss and prepare feasibility report regarding potential industrial units who intend to join hands with Chinese investors and this information would be immediately shared with the Pak-China chamber.

Farhan Latif, Founder Member of the Pak-China Chamber said that Wang has agreed to set up collaborative research institute in National Textile University where infrastructure is already available. The Chinese firms will provide only teaching staff and other necessary gadgets to start various courses.

Salahuddin Hanif Secretary General Pak-China Chamber provided software for the translation of business documents from Chinese to English and from Chinese to English language. He also assured to provide another android based programme to translate Chinese into English and vice versa.

The meeting was attended by Ch Muhammad Asghar, VP FCCI, Rehan Nasim Bharara former VP FCCI, Jaleel Ahmad Malik, Rana Ikram Ullah and others who also shared their views on this occasion.

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May 4, 2014 Sun All Day

PR working to connect Gwadar, Kashgar -- APP

Pakistan Railways is actively working to implement Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision of connecting Gwadar to Kashgar through rail link.

Sources said that Railways Minister Khwaja Saad Rafiq, among other proposals for next Public Sector Development Programme, has included a scheme for setting up dry port at Havelian as part of Pakistan-China economic corridor.

The second important project in the regard is up-gradation of ML-1 railway track from Karachi to Peshawar, which currently can accommodate trains with 100- 120 kilometer per hour speed.

The up-gradation will increase speed up to 150 kilometer per hour. The project also includes dualization of track from Khanewal to Peshawar, which will help curtail the travel duration between Karachi and Peshawar.

The source said that due to certain initiatives, a decrease of Rs 7 billion has been recorded in Pakistan Railways losses in last 10 months, which were Rs 36 billion when Ghulam Ahmed Bilor left the ministry.

The source said process of acquisition of 58 new locomotives in Railways’ fleet would be completed by the end of this year, which will bring a prominent change in the public transport system. These locomotives have American and German machines.

Pakistan Railways has already increased its freight services and now 26 freight trains are functional. This initiative has increased railways revenues.

At present, 96 locomotives are engaged with passenger trains.

According to the source, Pakistan Railways is also working on commercialization of its various services, which will further increase its revenues.

1254

May 5, 2014 Mon All Day

Media role vital to transfer Pak-China friendship to new generation:Pervaiz Rashid -- APP

ISLAMABAD, May 5 (APP): Federal Minister for information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Senator Pervaiz Rashid said on Monday that media could play an important role in transferring Pak-China friendship to the new generation.

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May 6, 2014 Tue All Day

Pakistan, Afghanistan to resolve CASA-1000 tariff issues soon -- BR

Pakistan and Afghanistan Tuesday expressed their commitment to expeditiously resolve the tariff issues related to Central Asia-South Asia-1000 (CASA-1000) project.

The commitment was made during the meeting of Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar with Deputy Minister of Finance of Afghanistan, Mustafa Mastoor at the sidelines of 47th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Development Bank (ADB) at Astana Kazakstan.

The Finance Minister highlighted the importance of this project for regional integration which he said would also strengthen the bilateral relationship.

Dar congratulated the Afghanistan government on holding of successful and peaceful Presidential elections in Afghanistan.

The Finance Minister also held a meeting with Assistant Governor, China Development Bank, Xiaoyu Zhao.

He appreciated the China Development Bank's role in the formation of the PakChina Investment Company Limited and also for its interest to invest in Pakistan's infrastructure projects.

Assistant Governor, Zhao assured the Finance Minister of the Bank's continued interest in the development projects undertaken by the present government.

1256

May 9, 2014 Fri All Day

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: PM approves over $38bn projects -Pakistan Today

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has approved the over $38 billion worth China-Pakistan Economic Corridor prioritised/early harvest projects and directed the Ministry of Planning and Development to seek approval of the federal cabinet prior to formally signing an agreement with China.

Copy of the official document disclosed that Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform had sent a summary regarding 18 different projects including power, roads, railways, Gwadar port, energy sector etc of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to the premier Nawaz and sought his nod, which he gave and directed the officials to put the projects before federal cabinet for formal approval during its next sitting.

After getting final approval from cabinet, Pakistan will ink five years long agreements with China. These projects will be extendable for the next five years as well, as per the provision of proposed projects. However, if any country is interested to make an end to the agreement then it will have to inform the other country six months prior to the initiation of next five years span of time, an agreement clause says.

It is noteworthy that though the said summary containing projects of the economic corridor was sent to various government departments, ministries as important stakeholders of these projects, unfortunately not a single stakeholder bothered to share comments/ view point with the planning ministry, officials said.

Earlier, the two countries during the 2nd Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting held in Beijing-China on February 19, 2014 resolved to translate the high level of mutual trust and cooperation and agreed that the Economic Corridor, by combining China and Pakistan's respective development strategy, would be conducive to their goals of developing economy and improving people's livelihood as well as bring benefits to regional common development and prosperity. "The two sides should work together to ensure that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor starts to take practical shape soon and yields tangible benefits," a Joint statement between the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on " Deepening China-Pakistan Strategic and Economic Cooperation" issued on February 19, 2014 stated.

Documents also revealed that planning ministry has included high priority early harvest projects (HPEHP) worth $34.490billion. Some of the projects with estimated cost are mentioned in below for convenience: 2x660mw coal based power projects (IPP) at Port Qasim with estimated cost$1.800billion, Jetty plus infrastructure of Gaddani as IPP (preferably) or public sector with estimated cost of $1.000b, 10x66omw coal based power project at Gaddani $9.000b, Power Evacuation from Gaddani to National Grid (IPP) $2.000b, 3.5MT/A coal mining project Thar Block-II SECMC $0.800b, 2x660mw coal based power projects at Sahiwal (Government of Punjab) $1.8oob, 2x660mw coal based power projects at Sheikupura (IPP) $1.800b, 2x33omw Thar power coal plant SCMC $0.800b, solar power park at Bahwalpur $0.160b, 2793mw (Three) hydro power projects with estimated cost of $3.00billion, Karakoram high way (phase-II) with estimated cost of $3.500b, rehabilitation & up gradation of Karachi-Lahore plus Peshawar (ML-1) Railway track with estimated cost of $3.650b, Gawadar Package $1.060b, Orange Line (underground in Lahore) with estimated cost of $1.6oob, Jhimpar wind power 200mw with estimated cost of $0.320b etc.

It was also learnt from the document that Karakoram highway (phase-I) up gradation and reconstruction of 487km, Karachi-Lahore motorway Multan-Sukkur section (375km), up gradation/rehabilitation of ML1, construction of dry port at Havelian, Eastway Expressway (18.9km), Gawadar International Port and many other related projects are part of the overall document approved by the premier.

Energy sector projects are also included in the list of projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor prioritized/early harvest projects that have so far been approved by the premier.

End. 1257

May 11, 2014 Sun All Day

Pak China media cooperation urged by Chinese scholar -- Pakistan Today

Chinese media scholar Jin Qiang, who is currently visiting Pakistan to write a research book on Pakistani media, has urged the media institutions of Pakistan and China to enhance collaboration in joint research projects and journalist exchanges to boost people to people ties

He made these comments while meeting with Director General, South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI), Dr. Maria Sultan during a visit to her Office.

Says a press statement issued on Sunday.

In the meeting both the scholars, exchanged views on enhancing bilateral cooperation between School of Journalism of Hebei University, China and SASSI University in the academic and research programs.

The Director General briefed the various research projects of SASSI and lauded the initiatives of Hebei University School of Journalism for such an unprecedented project focusing on media of Pakistan and assured her cooperation to accomplish the research work.

While highlighting the Pakistan China bilateral economic partnership, Dr. Maria Sultan added that Pakistan and China need to explore new dimensions of cooperative partnership while media is vital power to boost this partnership boost people to people ties, scholarly exchanges, and joint research programs, she added.

Mr. Jin Qiang is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Pakistan China Institute, under the chairmanship of Senator Mushahid Hussain, to write a book on the Pakistani journalists, focusing various aspects of the media, its evolution, press laws, role and challenges in last six decades. The travelogue book will be published in Chinese and English language while the book will be first book on media of Pakistan being written by a Chinese scholar.

1259

May 13, 2014 Tue All Day

Pak-China economic corridor envisages industrial cooperation from Gawadar to Kashgar: Bokhari -- APP

KASHGAR: Chairman Senate Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari has said that Pakistan China Economic Corridor envisages close trade relations and industrial cooperation from Gwadar to Kashgar.

He said this while addressing a reception hosted in honor of the Senate delegation by the Chairman of the Chinese People's political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The Chairman Senate is leading a delegation of Senators including Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari, Rozi Khan Kakar, Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah, Begum Najma Hameed, Haji Muhammad Adeel and Mufti Abdul Sattar.

The invitation of this visit was extended by Chairman of the CPPCC. The Chairman Senate expressed his pleasure to visit Urmuqi. "I was highly impressed by the insight of the leaders as well as their warmth for Pakistan", the Chairman Senate added.

He said that Urmuqi is a great cultural and historical city. "I am glad that Urmuqi and our historical city Peshawar have sisterly relations".

Both cities are repository of great cultural heritage, the Senate Chairman remarked.

He emphasized the need to deepen relations between Urmuqi and cities of Gilgit and Baltistan and our Northern Areas. He also underscored the need to further enhance educational and cultural links. "I am so grateful to the Chinese People's political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) to give us an opportunity to see Urmuqi", Nayyer Bokhari stated.

He said that Pakistan and China have stood by each other during the most testing times, and added, "We need to even further strengthen this strategic partnership in the 21st century."

He said that Pakistan will continue to support China on the issues of its core interest, i.e, Taiwan, Tibet and East Turkish Islamic Movement.

He condemned the terrorism attacks that have recently occurred in Xinjiang. He appreciated the development which China has achieved in the last thirty years under wise Chinese leadership and Communist Party's unrelenting efforts to change the destiny of China.

He expressed the confidence that China will be able to realize the "Chinese dream" envisioned by President Xi Jinping.

His vision of Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Cooperation is in accord with our own perspective of economic and regional integration.

He also mentioned the establishment of Kashgar Economic Zone and said that it will promote economic and business linkages between our business communities.

He thanked the CPPCC leadership for the hospitality and warm reception. It is pertinent to mention that the delegation will proceed to Beijing today where it will meet the Chinese President Xi. Jinping and senior leadership of the CPPCC.

1260

May 14, 2014 Wed All Day

Multibillion rupees to be allocated for mega projects -- The News

ISLAMABAD: The government will finance multibillion rupees mega development projects in the upcoming Budget 2014-15, including Lahore-Karachi Motorway, Metro Bus service, various projects of Pak-China Economic Corridor regarding establishment of rail and road linkages, official sources told The News on Tuesday.

The government has decided to include Havelian Dry Port, upgradation and construction of rail link from Havelian to Gwadar, upgradation of Karakoram Highway, land acquisition for Lahore-Karachi Motorway, completion of Metro Bus service in Rawalpindi / Islamabad and construction of Dasu and Bhasha hydropower projects in the next Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), the officials said.

“All ministries / divisions have forwarded 150 to 200 development projects for inserting into the Public Sector Development Programme for 2014-15 but the government has decided to include a few mega projects in the list for the next fiscal year,” the officials said.

However, they confirmed that the Planning Division has not yet finalised the list of PSDP projects as Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has left for US on Monday night and would return back within the next few days.

Sources close to the minister said that Iqbal had given instructions to the federal secretary of the Planning Division regarding the government’s priority for the next PSDP. The exercise to sort out projects continued on Tuesday and the list will be finalised within the next few days, the sources said.

According to an official communication sent out by the Finance Division to the Planning Division, the available resource envelop for the next PSDP stood at Rs525 billion against a revised allocation of Rs425 billion for the outgoing fiscal year.

Initially, the government had envisaged Rs540 billion for the PSDP in the ongoing fiscal year but Rs115 billion allocated has been linked with the FBR’s desired collection of Rs2,475 billion, the sources said.

After the FBR’s inability to achieve its initial tax target, the PSDP was also slashed downward from Rs540 billion to Rs425 billion, they said.

On Metro Bus project in the twin cities of Islamabad / Rawalpindi, the government had already released Rs7.5 billion and the remaining amount of Rs15.5 billion would be earmarked in the next PSDP, the sources said.

For the laptop scheme, the sources said, it was not part of the PSDP so the Finance Division had released Rs4 billion for this initiative.

The Finance Division had allocated bloc allocation in the last budget to undertake different initiatives of the incumbent government, including absorbing a half of interest payment cost of the PM’s Youth Loan Programme, Rs3.5 billion for the interest-free loans and some other schemes.

The government has envisaged four priority areas for the next development budget, including energy, human resource, infrastructure development and improved governance as forefront in its development agenda, the sources said.

The government has finalised its priority list, as funds for those low priority projects would be stopped where only 25 percent funds were spent so far the sources said, adding that the government would give top priority to those development projects in the next PSDP where 70 percent work has been completed and the remaining 30 percent resources would be allocated to accomplish it within a year.

The sources also said that the projects where 50 percent work has been completed, 1261

May 15, 2014 Thu All Day

PM approves nine projects worth US$1.7bn to make Gwadar port functional -- APP

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Michael on Thursday informed the National Assembly that Prime Minister has approved nine projects costing US $1.7 billion to make Gwadar Port functional.

Replying during Question Hour in the House, the minister said that the port is the third Deep Sea Port of the country which is ready in all respects to cater for both import and export.

Presently it is handling import of bulk urea of TCP as per decision of ECC and in near future it will handle the export goods also.

Gwadar Port can handle ships of 50,000 DWT making it comfortable for the imports as well as importers to ship maximum cargo on single large ship, the minister informed.

Parliamentary Secretary Industries and Production Rao Muhammad Ajmal Khan said that the government did not determine the prices of cement.

Cement industry is in the private sector as such prices are governed by market mechanism only and the government has no control on any price fixation, Rao Ajmal added.

He said that prices of several items including cement are monitored by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and as per report retail prices of cement for the week ended on April 2014 at federal and provincial capital cities were as follows Islamabad Rs 513, Lahore Rs 515, Karachi Rs 533, Peshawar Rs 501 and Quetta Rs 550 per bag.

Parliamentary Secretary said that the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) is the apex SME development organization, working under the administrative control of Ministry of Industries and Production.

He said SMEDA is taking key initiatives for the establishment and promotion of new domestic and small industries in the country including SMEDA help desk services which provide guidance to new and existing SMEs. Rao Ajmal said that SMEDA has prepared around 170 pre-feasibility studies and the objective of the pre-feasibility study is primarily to facilitate potential entrepreneurs in project identification for investment.

Prefeasibility studies cover various aspects of project concept development, startups and production, marketing, finance and business management, he added.

Rao Ajmal said that Prime Minister's Youth Business Loans (PMYBL) for young entrepreneurs is a facility provided by the government to encourage private persons to establish their small scale businesses and industries.

PMYBL is covering Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

SMEDA provided business counselling to the loan applicants.

1263

May 16, 2014 Fri All Day

Civil N-tech co-op to continue: China -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD - Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, Sun Weidong, has said his country would continue its assistance to Pakistan in acquisition of civil nuclear technology within the UN framework.

The Chinese ambassador Thursday won hearts of the members of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, which invited him for briefing on Pak-China bilateral ties and cooperation in various fields. Chairman of the committee Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari moderated.

On the occasion, Weidong said that his country is coordinating with Pakistan in five sectors including energy, water management, defence, agriculture and communication.

He briefed the committee on the status of various projects being undertaken in Pakistan.

In this regard, he cited numerous Chinese projects like the Gwadar-Kashgar economic corridor, electricity projects in Port Qasim, Bahawalpur, transfer of technology for environment-friendly thermal power plants, and numerous highways and motorways projects.

Ambassador Weidong also emphasized the need for promoting people to people contacts to further cementing the bilateral ties between the two brotherly neighbours and highlighted the efforts for promotion of Chinese language in Pakistan The Chinese ambassador also highlighted China’s active participation in acquisition of recently privatized 3G and 4G technologies, and would also be investing further in communications sector.

“China desires transparent elections in Afghanistan, since these elections are important for Afghanistan”, he stressed; “since Afghan masses had suffered a lot and had struggled through all their sufferings,” he added.

He also expressed China’s cooperation with Pakistan in the war against terror, since China was also a victim of terrorism as perpetuated by ‘East Turkmenistan Movement’, while joint production cooperation for manufacturing of warplanes like JF-17, and J-100 was also underway.

The committee member Mahmood Khan Achakzai felt that Chinese interaction in Pak-India relations could help a lot, while PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi paid glowing tributes to unique featured Pak-China relations.

1264

May 18, 2014 Sun All Day

TCP imports 61,000 tonnes of urea under Saudi facility -- APP

KARACHI: The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has so far imported around 60,795 tonnes of urea under a credit facility of $125 million given by Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), official sources said on Saturday.

Though the exact quantity of imported urea would depend on international market prices but official estimates place the quantity in the range of 320,000 to 335,000 tonnes.

Sources said that vessel Ocean Flower with 30,000 tonnes of the fertiliser is expected to arrive at Gwadar Port on Monday.Earlier a vessel New Legend Pearl unloaded 30,795 tonnes of urea at Gwadar Port on April 24 and another vessel 30,000 tonnes at Qasim Port on May 4.

However, official sources confirmed that urea unloaded at port Qasim’s fully automated bulk cargo terminal averted handling losses of up to 600 tonnes which has translated into financial savings to the tune of Rs28-29 million for the TCP. The sources said that another vessel loaded with urea is expected is to arrive on May 23.

Financial agreement to this effect was signed between Economic Affair Division and SFD on February 17, 2014 and commercial agreement between TCP and SABIC was signed on March 26, 2014.

According to agreed shipment schedule the import of entire quantity will be completed by March 2015. However, as per commitment SABIC will supply 170,000 tonnes urea by end June this year.Sources said that last year credit facility of $100 million was provided by SFD against which TCP imported 267,000 tonnes urea from SABIC.

1265

May 19, 2014 Mon All Day

NHA attaches top priority to early completion of Gwadar link roads -APP

ISLAMABAD, May 19 (APP): National Highway Authority (NHA) has beenattaching top priority to complete the ongoing federal road projects to connect Gwadar with rest of the country.

All Day

Pak-China govts working for implementation of 32b package: Shahbaz -APP LAHORE, May 19 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that governments of Pakistan and China are working speedily for the implementation of Chinese development package of 32 billion dollars for Pakistan.

1266

May 20, 2014 Tue All Day

RAC puts Pak-China friendship on display -- APP

Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) Tuesday held an inter-collegiate poster competition to highlight development agreements recently signed between Pakistan and China.

More than 60 students from different colleges of Rawalpindi and Islamabad participated in the contest titled “Journey of development from Kashgar to Gwadar.�

The economic corridor Gwadar-Kashgar is considered a milestone in the history of Pak-China friendship, which would benefit three billion people in the region.

Leading artist, Mehmood Ali and RAC Resident Director Waqar Ahmed adjudged the competition.

Sumaira Sultan from RAC bagged first position, Fartashiya Khan from GovernmentWaqar-un-NisaCollege clinched second position, while Faryal Masood from Governmentt College Gawalmandi and Shewana Zareen from PostgraduateCollege got third position collectively.

Shiza from Government SirSyedCollege, Wah Cantt secured fourth prize.

Addressing the prize distribution ceremony, Senator Najma Hameed said PakChina friendship and bilateral cooperation is unprecedented, which is taking roots with each passing day. She also highlighted various aspects of bilateral ties between the two friendly neighbouring counties, and its impact on regional progress and prosperity.

1267

May 21, 2014 Wed All Day

China-Pak economic corridor to boost trade, tourism, industry: NHA Chairman -- APP China-Pak economic corridor to boost trade, tourism, industry: NHA Chairman

ISLAMABAD: Chairman National Highway Authority (NHA), Shahid Ashraf Tarrar has said that Pakistan-China economic corridor will boost, trade tourism, industry and agriculture of the entire region.

He expressed these view while talking to a representative delegation of GilgitBaltistan Legislative Assembly.

He said that communications sector has been the top priority of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

The delegation was given a detailed briefing on Raikot-Islamabad Highway. n this occasion, Member Planning NHA Raja Nosherwan, General Manager Design Asim Ameen and other high officials were also present.

While highlighting the significance of the said project, the Chairman said that the Prime Minister is putting special emphasis on China-Pak Economic Corridor so that trade ties with China and Central States could be further strengthened and the region could witness rapid economic growth and prosperity.

The Chairman NHA said that this highway is also important because four new dams close to this highway namely; Thakot, Pattan, Dassu and Diamer Basha have also been planned.

He said that these dams will help the country overcome its power shortage.

The delegation was told that 487 kilometers long Raikot-Islamabad Highway project is part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor on which a memorandum of understanding was signed between Pakistan's Ministry of Communications and China Road and Bridge Corporation on 19 February this year in China.

Under the project, Raikot-Islamabad Highway will start off from Pak-China border and will connect to the existing Karakoram Highway and reach Islamabad and will be further extended to Gwadar in the near future.

Chinese ships will use this route as a trade corridor for their world trade through sea because the Kashghar-Gwadar route is much shorter than Kashghar-Beijing route, and by taking on this route, the ships will save their travel time by two weeks.

The realignment of the 24 kilometers of the existing Karakoram Highway is also part of this project, and this highway will be 2 lane from Khajrab to Mansehra, 4 lane from Mansehra to Islamabad and 6-lane from Islamabad to Gwadar. Work on its feasibility study is in full swing and will be completed by June this year.

To accommodate the four proposed dams along this highway, the National Highway Authority plans to reconstruct 230 kilometers of the Karakoram highway under the new design.

The members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly thanked the Chairman NHA and forwarded some valuable suggestions regarding ongoing projects.The delegation included Members Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly Saeed Afzal, Ibadat Ali, Assistant Executive Engineer Gilgit-Baltistan Council Secretariat Mahmood Hussain.

All Day

Journey of development from Kashgar to Gwadar highlighted at RAC -The News Journey of development from Kashgar to Gwadar highlighted at RAC

The Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) organised a poster competition titled ‘Journey of Development from Kashgar to Gwadar’ highlighting agreements with the Republic of China for the construction of motorway from Gwadar to Kashgar.

The Gwadar-Kashgar Economic Corridor is an important milestone in the history of Pak-China friendship and this project would benefit three billion people in the region.

More than 60 students from Rawalpindi and Islamabad participated in the competition. Famous artist Mehmood Ali and RAC Resident Director Waqar Ahmed adjudged the competition.

According to their decision, Sumaira Sultan from RAC bagged first position, 1268

May 21, 2014 Continued Wed Fartashiya Khan from Government Viqar-un-Nisa College, Faryal Masood from Government College, Gawalmandi, and Shewana Zareen got third positions collectively, while Shiza from Government Sir Syed College, Wah Cantonment, secured fourth prize.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Senator Najma Hameed said that the Pak-China friendship and cooperation have moved forward at an “unprecedented” pace during the present phase. The vision of collaboration and connectivity shown by the leadership of the two countries is likely to “usher in a new era (of development and progress) for the region,” she added.

RAC Resident Director Waqar Ahmed was of the view that students highlighted Pak-China friendship through their brush nicely.

1269

May 22, 2014 Thu All Day

Chinese team visits Gwadar port -- APP Chinese team visits Gwadar port

GWADAR: A Chinese delegation visited the Gwadar deep sea port on Wednesday to review arrangements for making it functional.

Gwadar Development Authority Director General Dr Sajjad Hussain Baloch gave a detailed briefing to the delegation on Gwadar Port, Gwadar City and other projects pertaining to Gwadar.

The Chinese delegation expressed their interest in investing in Gwadar City, steel industries, cement factories, fisheries, ship breaking yard, fibre boat making, tourism and others.

The delegation was informed that work on phase-1 of Gwadar was completed while feasibility report to connect it with Khanjrab via rail and road links was also prepared.

The Chinese officials offered their cooperation for provision of different civic facilities in Gwadar city including the electricity supply, sewerage system and others.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2014

All Day

Railways to establish rail links between Gwadar-Jacobabad -- APP Railways to establish rail links between Gwadar-Jacobabad

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Railways was considering two proposals to establish new rail links between Gwadar and other parts of the country in connection with China-Pak Economic Corridor.

One proposal for linking Gwadar with Karachi along Makran Coastal Highway is 700 km and second aims Linking Gwadar with Jacobabad via Turbat, Punjgur, Besima and Khuzdar is 1048 km, an official of Pakistan Railways told APP. A PC-II amounting to Rs. 135.500 million for carrying out feasibility studies of the above mentioned proposed links has been approved by Planning Commission for which funding would be provided in fiscal year 2014-15.

The official said that actual ground work would commence after completion of the feasibility study.

The project could be completed by 2017-18 provided the financial and economic viability of the scheme is established and availability of requisite funds is ensured as determined in the feasibility study, he added.

He said the proposals are also a part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor framework.

1270

May 23, 2014 Fri All Day

Pak, China sign $1.6b Lahore Metro Train agreement -- Observer

Pak, China sign $1.6b Lahore Metro Train agreement Friday, May 23, 2014 Shangai—Signing ceremony of historic $1.6 billion agreement for first ever Metro Train Project in Pakistan took place at Shangai Thursday.

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif signed on behalf of the Pakistan government, while Chairman National Development and Reform Commission China, Xu-Shaoshi signed the agreement on behalf of China.

Chinese President Mr. Xi. Jiping and President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain were also present on the occasion.

Terming the agreement on Metro Train Project with China as historic, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that today is a day of great rejoicing for the people of Pakistan. He said that Metro Train Project would prove to be a landmark in the history of the country as it would provide modern and better travelling facilities to the general public, besides brining about a revolution in the transport system.

He said the Chinese government will provide investment for Metro Train Project, while Chinese companies will design, construct and monitor the project, whereas Punjab Government would provide all necessary facilities in this regard.

All Day

Pak-China Corridor: Rs 250 billion allocation proposed for 19 projects -Business Recorder

Ministry for Planning, Development and Reforms has proposed allocation of Rs 250 billion for 19 Pak-China Economic Corridor projects for 2014-15 under Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) but the Finance Ministry is reportedly facing difficulties in arranging Rs 200 billion, it is learnt.

According to sources, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is holding a meeting on a daily basis in the Prime Minister Office to discuss Pak-China Economic Corridor and other development projects. Finance Minster Ishaq Dar and Minster for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, secretaries and high officials of related ministries are attending the meetings. The source said during a meeting the prime minister was informed that Rs 250 billion was proposed by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms but the Finance Ministry indicated its inability to arrange Rs 200 billion though it stated that China may extend Rs 50 billion loan to Pakistan for these projects.

The sources said the prime minister has directed the two ministries to give a detailed briefing on the financing and cost of the Corridor projects. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government has placed as many as 19 projects on priority basis defined as to be completed during its tenure.

The estimated cost of 19 projects is $34.49 billion. Most of the projects relate to energy and include: 2x660 MW Coal-Based Power Projects (IPP) at Port Qasim, estimated cost $1.8 billion, Jetty+Infrastructure at Gaddani as IPP (preferable) or public sector, estimated cost $1 billion, 10x660 MW Coal-Based Power Projects at Gaddani, estimated cost $9 billion, Power Evacuation from Gaddani to National Grid (IPP), estimated cost $2 billion, 3.5 MT/A Coal Mining Project, Thar Block-II SECMC, estimated cot $0.8 billion, 2x660 MW Coal-Based Power Projects at Sahiwal (Government of Punjab), estimated cost $1.8 billion, 2x 660 MW CoalBased Projects at Sheikhupura (IPP), estimated cost $1.8 billion and 2x330 MW Thar Power Coal Plant SCMC, estimated cost $0.8 billion.

Other energy projects include Neelam-Jehlum Transmission Line estimated cost $0.15 billion, and Jhimpir Wind-Power 200 MW, estimated cost $0.32 billion, Solar Power Park at Bahawalpur, costing $0.16 billion, and 2,793 MW (three) Hydro Power Projects, costing $3 billion (i) 720 MW Karot Hydro Power Project (ii) 873 MW Suki Kanari Hydro Power Project; and (ii) 1,100 MW Kohala Hydro Power project.

The transport sector projects included Karachi-Lahore-Motorway (Mandate on BOT 1271

May 23, 2014 Continued Fri basis), cost $2 billion, Karakoram Highway (Phase-II) Raikot to Islamabad, cost $3.5 billion, Fiber Optic Project, cost $0.050 billion, Rehabilitation & Up-gradation of Karachi-Lahore-Peshawar (ML-1) Railway Track, cost $3.65 billion, Gwadar Package estimated cost $1.0600 billion, and Orange Line (Underground in Lahore), cost $1.6 billion. Sources told Business Recorder that Pakistan negotiating team was reluctant to accept some of the conditions that were proposed by the Chinese, however, these conditions including agreeing to the use of Chinese companies, equipment and engineers, were finally accepted after reportedly receiving instructions from Pakistan.

1272

May 24, 2014 Sat All Day

Govt prioritises mega development projects in PSDP Govt prioritises mega development projects in PSDP

-- The Nations

ISLAMABAD - The government on Friday approved multibillion rupees mega development projects for the upcoming budget 2014-15, including Lahore-Karachi Motorway, Metro Bus service, Construction of New Rail Link from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad via Murree and other important projects.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting to give a final look at the public sector development programme (PSDP) before presenting it at Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) and National Economic Council (NEC). The APCC will meet on Monday to approve the PSDP as well as macroeconomic plan for next fiscal year. Sources informed that federal government has given much importance to the mega projects as against small/ medium projects in the budget for upcoming fiscal year. Therefore, the government has approved multibillion projects in budget.

The high level meeting under the chair of Prime Minister has approved the LahoreKarachi Motorway projected. Sources informed The Nation that Lahore-Karachi Motorway has been divided into three phases, with estimated cost of Rs700 billion.

The land acquisition cost has been estimated at Rs60 billion which will be made part of the PSDP list for next fiscal year. The first two phases of Lahore-Karachi Motorway having a cost of Rs332 billion will be financed through PSDP. Similarly, the meeting has also approved other mega projects like Construction of Faisalabad - Khanewal M-4 Motorway 57 km and Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus project. The meeting also approved the allocation for Construction of Diamer Bhasha Dam (4500 MW), Dasu Hydro Power Project (2160 MW). It has also approved the initiatives of feasibility study for construction of New Rail Link from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad via Murree, Feasibility study for construction of New Rail Link from Havelian to China border, Feasibility Study to connect Gwadar with Karachi through rail, Approach roads to New Islamabad International Airport, New Gwadar International Airport project, Jetty and Infrastructure development at Gaddani, Gwadar Port Economic Free Zone project and Pak-China Technical & Vocational Institute at Gwadar and Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park at Lal Sohnra Park Phase-II (600 MW).

It is worth mentioning here that government has allocated Rs 525 billion for public sector development programme (PSDP) for the upcoming financial year 2014-15 against the revised allocation of Rs 425 billion of the outgoing fiscal year. The APCC would approve the PSDP on Monday.

The federal government did not issue the working paper to ministries/ divisions or provinces prior to the APCC meeting to incorporate their suggestions/ proposals in the development budget. The government would present the working paper in the meeting to be held today. The representatives of provincial governments especially from Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may argue that they are unprepared because of non-availability of the working paper.

The APCC meeting, to be presided over by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, would be attended by ministers for development from four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and all the federal secretaries and heads of autonomous corporations.

Under the macroeconomic plan for next fiscal year, which is likely to be approved in today’s meeting, the government would set GDP growth target at 5.1 percent and inflation at eight percent for upcoming financial year 2014-15.

Meanwhile, the official statement issued here stated Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that we have embarked upon the road to progress and the projects initiated by our government will usher our country into an era of prosperity.

These projects will not only create millions of job opportunities in the country but also raise the living standard of our people.

Prime Minister told the participants that each penny in our kitty is a public trust and emphasised upon efficient use of public money. Prime Minister was given a detailed briefing on the PSDP projects included in the next financial year budget. PM was told that each project, whether small, medium or large has been evaluated with reference to cost, importance, priority and time frame. The meeting was attended by Minister Finance Ishaq Dar, Minister Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Hamza Shahbaz MNA, Capt (r) Safdar MNA and senior officials of the concerned ministries.

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May 24, 2014 Continued Sat All Day

Pakistan, China sign deal to set up largest power transmission system -APP

ISLAMABAD: China has agreed to set up three heavy electricity transmission lines in Pakistan, in the first-of-its-kind project that will help Pakistan check the spiraling energy crisis by efficiently transporting power from generation sites to end users through a reliable and effective transmission system.

Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in Islamabad between National Transmission and Despatch Company Limited (NTDCL) and the China Electric Power Equipment and Technology Co Ltd (CET), the latter will develop three 600 KV power transmission lines from south to north.

"One 600kV will be set up from Gadani to Faisalabad, one 600kV transmission line from Gadani to Lahore and one 600kV transmission line will be developed from Matiari to Lahore on the basis of Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOT)," according to the agreement.

The NTDCL is Pakistan's national grid company responsible for the transmission of the electric power services between the generators and the distributors through the national grid.

The CET is the international arm of the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), the largest utility company of the world and the seventh largest company in the world with assets exceeding $ 340 billion and international investments in grids in Brazil, Phillipines and Portugal.

"This is the single largest investment on BOT basis in the transmission lines sector history of Pakistan," Shahid Malik, CET's representative in Pakistan told. "The project once completed will give Pakistan a new robust transmission system."

The NTDCL will facilitate the CET in identifying the routing of the project and the locations of the substation(s) if any, the agreement reads, adding that the Chinese company will conduct its own study, with support and assistance of the NTDCL, to determine the technical feasibility and economic viability of the project.

"The NTDCL, on behalf of the government of Pakistan, will coordinate with federal and provincial entities concerned during the conduct of feasibility study and in subsequent project activities," it said, and added that the project is subject to approval by the PPIB, NEPRA and all other relevant authorities.

The NTDCL will provide CET the land for the substation and right of way for the transmission line.

"The project will not be treated less favourably than other transmission IPP projects in accordance with the applicable laws and policy," the MoU, which is to be governed by the laws of Pakistan, reads.

The project will be processed on fast-track basis and the timelines of development will be expedited as much as possible subject to mandatory requirements under relevant policies and regulations, the agreement, which is effective for a period of 12 months or till the execution of LOI, whichever is earlier, says.

The NTDCL, after the commercial operations date, will pay a service fee comprising of O&M and recovery of investment made by the CET during the term of the project.

The demand for electric power in Pakistan is sharply increasing due to increasing population and the growing industrialization. However, Country's obsolete transmission and distribution system is unable to sustain the load, causing frequent tripping of grid stations and the electricity load shedding.

Another major factor is that most of the hydropower electricity is generated in the North and most of the thermal power is produced in the South, contrary to the maximum load areas that are in the central part of the country. A reliable and 1274

May 24, 2014 Continued Sat effective transmission system is vital in this scenario especially so that the generated power could reach the end user with minimum losses.

End.

All Day

PM orders land acquisition for Diamer-Bhasha dam -- The Nations PM orders land acquisition for Diamer-Bhasha dam

ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister has asked the relevant authorities to ensure the completion of the land acquisition process of Diamer-Bhasha dam in most probably

by August, 2014, Chairman Water and Power and Development Authority (Wapda) told The News on Friday.

Zafar Mehmood said the volume of allocation for this purpose will be decided in a meeting of the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) that is to meet next Monday.

Sources in the Finance Ministry and Planning Commission said the APCC is likely to recommend Rs525 billion federal development budget for 2014-15 with 4.14 percent gross domestic product growth for the ongoing fiscal and projected growth of 5.1 percent for the next fiscal year. The recommendations need the approval of the National Economic Council.

The NEC that is to meet with the Prime Minister in the chair on May 29 will finalise the development budget outlay and the allocation for the Diamer-Bhasha dam project, Mehmood said.

“I’m going to the site of the dam to accelerate the process of land acquisition, which will be completed in the current calendar year.”

About the funding of the project, the Wapda Chairman said that Pakistan would first exhaust the option of the international financial institutions (IFIs), including the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, for acquiring the loans for this mega project.

To a question, he said that Manila-based ADB has never refused to lend the loan for the project. However, it says that since the project is too huge, it requires mammoth financing and the bank is unable to arrange this fund on its own.

The ADB says it is ready to fund, if other main donor banks also participate in extending the loan.

The Wapda chief said Pakistan’s government is hopeful to persuade the main IFIs for arranging the funds for this important project.

He said the PM has also opposed the Dasu dam allocation for which the World Bank is ready for funding.

However, the executive board of the bank will soon decide about the volume of loan to be extended for Dasu dam.

Wapda officials said that detailed drawings of the dam would be completed by March 2008. As of August 2012, the project faced several setbacks due to major sponsors backing out from financing the project.

Both the World Bank and ADB refused to finance the project as according to them its location was in the disputed territory. They asked Pakistan to get a no objection certificate from neighbouring India.

But on 20 August 2013, the Finance Minister Ishaq Dar claimed to have convinced the World Bank to finance the Diamer-Bhasha project without the requirement of the NOC from India. He also said that the ADB had agreed to become the lead finance manager for the project.

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May 24, 2014 Continued Sat On 27 August 2013, Dar said that the work would start on both Dasu and DiamerBhasha dams simultaneously. He also said that the Diamer-Bhasha project would take 10 to 12 years to complete.

The meeting held with the Prime Minister in the chair approved the allocation for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam (4,500 megawatts), Dasu hydropower project (2,160 MW), Faisalabad-Khanewal M-4 Motorway 57 kilometers and RawalpindiIslamabad metro bus project.

The meeting also discussed and approved the initiatives of the feasibility studies for the construction of a new rail link from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad via Murree, new rail link from Havelian to Pak-China border, railway link between Gwadar and Karachi, approach roads to New Islamabad International Airport, New Gwadar International Airport project, Jetty and Infrastructure development at Gaddani, Gwadar Port Economic Free Zone project and Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute at Gwadar and Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park at Lal Sohanra Park phase-II (600 MW).

In the meeting, the PM said: “We have embarked upon the road to progress and the projects initiated by our government will usher our country into an era of prosperity.

The said projects will not only create millions of job opportunities in the country but also raise the living standard of our people.”

The PM was presiding over the meeting to finalise the public sector development programme’s allocation for the next financial year.

The premier directed the officials to expedite the initiation of the work on LahoreKarachi motorway. He was told that the work on this project would be started by the end of the current year.

The PM told the participants that each penny in the national kitty was a public trust.

He emphasised on an efficient use of public money.

The Finance Minister, Minister Planning Ahsan Iqbal, member of parliament Hamza Shahbaz, Capt (Retd) Safdar and senior officials of the concerned ministries attended the meeting.

PM was told that each project, whether small, medium or large had been evaluated with reference to cost, importance, priority and timeframe.

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May 25, 2014 Sun All Day

China keen to invest in setting up refinery at Gwadar -- The News

KARACHI: A delegation of China Logistic Association met members of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and said that they are ready to make investment in the establishment of an oil refinery at Gwadar, a statement issued by the FPCCI said on Saturday.

Ma Renhong, secretary general of the Logistics Association of Guangdong Province, China, said that there were already investment in Gwadar and China is also ready to make further investment for the establishment of cold storage, warehouses and oil refinery in Gwadar.

The new proposed Silk Road will link Gwadar Port with the Kashgar and would create huge employment opportunities for the backward provinces of both the countries, he said.

“This also creates huge opportunities for establishment of economic and industrial zones,” the statement quoted Renhong, as saying. He invited the Pakistani businessmen to participate in the fifth Guangzhou International Logistics Equipment and Informationization Exhibition to be held in June.

In his address of welcome, Zakaria Usman, president of the FPCCI, said that the Gwadar Port will provide a shortest route for trade to China and Central Asian economies.

“Gwadar Port will be a milestone in increasing not only bilateral trade but also integrating the regions of Central Asia and South Asia economically,” he added.

Pakistan’s geographical proximity to the landlocked Central Asia and relatively under-developed Western China and the mutual trust that marks Pak-China relations are two of the main causes for Chinese interest in building the Gwadar Sea Port, the FPCCI chief said.

He expressed the hope that China’s investment in Pakistan will strengthen trade relations between the two countries from the present bilateral trade of $12 billion to $15 billion by 2015.

Usman said that Pakistan attaches great importance to Pak-China friendship and appreciates the interest of Chinese companies to invest in the development projects in the country.

All Day

Gwadar Port to help boost trade with China, CAC FPCCI -- The Nations Gwadar Port to help boost trade with China, CAC FPCCI

Karachi - The Gwadar Port will provide a shortest route for trade to China and Central Asian economies.

This was stated by the Mr. Zakaria Usman President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on the visit of Chinese delegation to FPCCI. He said that Gwadar port will be a milestone in increasing not only bilateral trade but also integrating the regions of Central Asia and South Asia economically.

Pakistan’s geographical proximity to the landlocked Central Asia and relatively under-developed western China and the mutual trust that marks Pak-China relations are two of the main causes for Chinese interest in building the Gwadar Sea Port, he added. He expected that China’s investment in Pakistan would strengthen trade relations between the two countries from present volume of bilateral trade US$12 billion to US$ 15 billion by 2015.

He said that Pakistan attaches great importance to Pak-China Friendship and appreciates interest of Chinese companies to invest in development projects in the country. The Chinese delegation comprised five members led by Mr. Ma Renhong Secretary General of the Logistics Association of Guangdong Province, China.

Renhong stated that their association is first logistic association, which is making investment in Gwadar and their country is ready to make investment for the establishment of cold storage houses, ware houses and oil refinery in Gwadar. He further said that new proposed Silk Road will also link Gwader port with the Chinese 1277

May 25, 2014 Continued Sun city Kashgar and will create huge employment opportunities for the backward provinces of both countries. This also creates huge opportunities for establishment of economic and industrial zones. He also invited the Pakistani businessmen to participate in 5th Guangzhou International Logistics Equipment and Informationization Exhibition to be held in June 2014.

From FPCCI side, the meeting was also attended by Mr. Shaukat Ahmed Senior Vice President FPCCI and Mr. Khurram Sayeed Vice President-FPCCI and other prominent businessmen. The meeting was concluded with the presentation of the FPCCI Crest to Chinese delegation.

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May 27, 2014 Tue All Day

Making presence felt: Chinese group to set up exhibition centre at Gwadar -- The Express Tribune

The capacity of the exhibition and display centre will be for more than 50,000 different Chinese products, said the official.

ISLAMABAD: The Chinese Guangdong Logistic Industry Association will establish a huge display and exhibition centre at Gwadar port with capacity of displaying more than 50,000 varieties of Chinese products at a time.

This was agreed by a six-member delegation of the Guangdong Logistic Industry Association, who visited the port along with the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Chinese Overseas Ports Holding Company, Pakistan to examine the port for establishing one of the largest exhibition centres of Chinese goods.

A senior official of the Gwadar port told The Express Tribune that the delegation led by the general secretary of the Guangdong Logistic Industry Association visited Gwadar Port from May 22 to 24 and met port officials and businessmen at Gwadar.

The Chinese industrialists agreed to establish one of the largest exhibition centres in Pakistan over a land piece of 25-acre. The capacity of the exhibition and display centre will be for more than 50,000 different Chinese products, said the official.

According to the official, after establishing this display centre, there will not be a need for Pakistani businessmen to visit China for import and export purposes, rather they will be able put their orders to the representatives of hundreds of Chinese companies available at the display centre.

The official said that soon formal agreements will be signed between Pakistani authorities and Guangdong Logistic Industry Association, where Pakistan will provide land in the port and the association will establish the exhibition centre and make the investment. The official was hopeful that more such business delegations will huge investment to the port.

Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Dostain Khan Jamaldini said that development work on the port has started, and all efforts are being made to make it operational at the earliest possible time as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has given it highest priority. He said that the Chinese company responsible for operation of the port had also submitted a business and marketing plan a few ago, which is under review.

The next step would involve acquiring funds from the Chinese government and inviting private Chinese investors to inject money into various businesses in the free trade zone of the port.

All Day

Pakistan focusing on infrastructure development program: Ahsan -- APP ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Reform, Professor Ahsan Iqbal here on Tuesday said that Pakistan was focusing on infrastructure development program through which South Asia, China and Central Asia could be integrated for the development and prosperity of the region.

Talking to a delegation of Chinese Communist Party headed by Director General, Tian Duanhui, the Minister said that Pakistan and China should work closely to strengthen partnership at all levels.

He said that region could see greater economic development and prosperity through Pak-China mutual projects like Pak-China economic corridor.

"Pak-China friendship is the cardinal principle of Pakistan's state policy no matter which party is in power", he added.

Every political party, every citizen sees Pak-China friendship with utmost respect and esteem.

The minister said that unprecedented success of China was a model for every country which was fighting to eliminate poverty and underdevelopment and to achieve prosperity.

He said that economic transformation required aligning political stability with economic reform in the country adding that Chinese leadership had been successful in coupling political stability and economic change which led to tremendous progress and prosperity of China.

Pakistan, he said needed to learn from the experience of China to enable sustainable development adding that PMLN government came in power on the agenda of economic development and had been successful in stabilization the economy during last year.

Through long term planning in the form of Vision 2025 to be launched next month, inclusive growth and development of the country would be sought, he added.

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May 27, 2014 Continued Tue The delegation also attend a session on `Governance, Capacity Building and National Development which was organized by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform.

The delegation is visiting Pakistan to share Communist party of China's governance capacity building strategy and lessons for Pakistan. It will also learn the good practices that are being used in Pakistan.

Addressing the session, Tian Duanhui said that Pakistan and China were two brotherly countries and should learn from each other's experiences.

He said that fundamental reason of unprecedented development of China was the presence of strong central government and political stability adding that reforms and economic development were closely linked with the stability of the country.

In China all state organs supported economic reforms and consolidated thegovernment`s reform agenda, he added.

While addressing the session, Prof. Fan Jida, Chinese Academy of Governance said that from 1978 to till date China had been successful in maintaining the economic growth rate of 10% which made China the second largest economy of the world with per capita income more than US$ 16,000.

He said that unprecedented economic growth was achieved through four guiding principles including market oriented reforms based on incentive system, were brought in China by encouraging people to innovate and excel in professions.

Secondly, reforms were introduced incrementally after successful pilot projects, thirdly, a balanced approach was used in introducing economic development and reforms keeping political stability in the country, he added.

Finally, collective wisdom was used in decision making by involving, learned, scholars and researchers in the process of decision making, he added.

He further told that after 1978, China adopted more open policy by developing relations with the neighboring countries and in order to consolidate its policy and to take it one step ahead in 21st century China was liberalizing through Pakistan China Economic Corridor and Silk Road Economic Corridor.

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May 28, 2014 Wed All Day

Govt allocates Rs73 billion for Pakistan-China trade corridor -- APP Govt allocates Rs73 billion for Pakistan-China trade corridor

ISLAMABAD: The PML-N led government has envisaged an allocation of over Rs73 billion in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the next budget 2014-15, in order to execute development projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the News learnt on Tuesday.

According to a list of PSDP projects cleared by the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) the government is going to utilize over Rs 49 billion on construction of roads and motorway under CPEC in the next fiscal year.

The APCC will be presented before the National Economic Council (NEC), which is scheduled to meet on May 29 under chairmanship of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The government has also envisaged an allocation of Rs 30 billion for land acquisition, relocation of utilities and compensation for 859 kilometer long LahoreKarachi Motorway in the next budget.

According to the sources, the Lahore-Karachi Motorway is going to be accomplished in next three years on cost sharing basis.

The PSDP for 2014-15 envisaged an allocation of Rs 6 billion for Lahore-Abdul Hakeem Khanewal Section (276 km) on BOT basis with GOP share of 30%. The total cost of this project stands at Rs 41.400 billion out of which the government is going to allocate Rs 6 billion.

Under CPEC, the government has allocated Rs 5.5 billion for Multan - Sukkur Section (387 km) with credit financing share of 90:10 percent in the next budget.

Islamabad will provide financing share of 10 percent out of total estimated cost of this project stood at Rs 245.983 billion.

The government’s allocation for Sukkur - Hyderabad Section (296 km) on BOT basis has been envisaged at Rs 3 billion in the next PSDP for 2014-15 against total cost of Rs 44.400 billion.

Also allocated is Rs 4.5 billion for Raikot - Havelian - Islamabad Section (460km) of the Karakorum Highway with credit financing of 90:10 plus land by Chinese bank and GOP respectively.

Under the Ports and Shipping Division, the PSDP for 2014-15 will finance eight projects in shape of CPEC initiatives in the next fiscal year.

The government has envisaged an allocation of Rs 691 million for acquisition of land for Gwadar Port Free Zone. In addition expenditures of Rs 50 million for construction of break waters, Rs 400 million for construction of Eastbay Expressway, Rs 50 million for dredging of berthing area and channel for additional terminal, Rs 300 million for Infrastructure Development for EPZA and GIEDA, Gawadar, Rs 400 million for Necessary Facilities of Fresh Water Treatment, Water Supply and Distribution Gawadar, Rs 200 million for Pak-China Technical & Vocational Institute at Gawadar and Rs 100 million for Up-gradation of Existing 50 Bed Hospital to 300 beds at Gwadar have also been earmarked.

For improving Railways under CPEC initiatives, the government has earmarked Rs 100 million for conducting Feasibility Study to connect Gwadar with Karachi, Feasibility Study from Gwadar to Besima and from Besima to Jacobabad via Khuzdar.

The government has allocated Rs 10 million for establishing China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Support Project at Ministry of Railways, Rs 250 million for feasibility study for Up-gradation/Rehabilitation of Mainline 1 (MLI) and New Dry Port at Havelian (Balder) in District Haripur under China-Pak Economic Corridor.

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May 28, 2014 Continued Wed Another Rs 300 million has been allocated for Feasibility study (PC-II) for Construction of New Rail Link from Havelian to Pak China Border (682 K.M).

In order to meet requirements of power sector under CPEC, the government has allocated Rs 1 billion for jetty plus infrastructure at Gaddani, Rs 10 billion for Power Evacuation from Gaddani to National Grid (Faisalabad) and Rs 10 billion for Power Evacuation from Gaddani to National Grid.

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May 29, 2014 Thu All Day

Economy to be dominant in Pak-China ties: Shahbaz -- APP

FAISALABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said Pakistan-China friendship is being converted into an economic engagement as a Chinese company will invest Rs200 billion in the Ruyi Masood Textile Industrial Park.

Addressing the ground-breaking ceremony of the industrial park to be set up at the M-3 Industrial City here on Wednesday, the chief minister said the Chinese leadership and people had taken a conscious decision to support Pakistani people in every field and the Chinese group had extended a helping hand to Pakistan in the hour of need.

He said the initiative of Chinese group would bring heavy investment to Pakistan that would benefit the people and make the industrial park a hub of trade activities.

He said the project would promote the textile sector that would ultimately strengthen the national economy. It would provide employment to thousands of people, enhance the workers’ expertise and increase textile exports.

He said the plant would be made functional within days as the government had completed the entire process within seven months.

CM says China’s industrial park initiative to bring heavy investment The chief minister claimed after four years abundant electricity would be available for the people and they would not face unemployment, dearth of healthcare facility owing to power suspension.

He said the country would soon produce 4,000MW electricity through a single project like China.

He said the Chinese company would also set up two 270-megawatt each coal-fired generation plants at the industrial park.

Yafu Qiu, the chairman of Shen Dong Ruyi, the company establishing the industrial park, also spoke on the occasion.

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May 30, 2014 Fri All Day

European fish import from Pakistan to begin through Gwadar Port in two months: National -- Business Recorder

The European countries have lifted ban on fish import from Pakistan which would begin in next two months through Gwadar Port, bringing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the country besides boosting exports as well as increase the port throughput significantly.

This was stated by the port and shipping minister Kamran Michael while briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Ports and Shipping, which met here on Thursday with Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah in the chair. "Since the Gwadar Port establishment it could not be operational optimally and resultantly no significant increase was observed in trafficking," the minister said.

Dostain Khan Jamaldini Chairman Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) said that no export is being made through the port since its establishment and only urea and wheat is being imported. However, now the country is self-sufficient in wheat as well and only urea is being imported. The country has imported about 5.8 million metric tons of urea and wheat since the port was made operational, the chairman added. He further said that Trade Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has tendered to import about 150,000 metric tons of urea where major chunk would be imported through Gwadar Port. Minister said that China has planned to set up warehouses and processing zone at Gwadar Port after import/export would increase through the port and resultantly handsome revenue would be generated.

Dostain Khan said the former port operator M/s Port Singapore Authority Gwadar International Private Ltd was unsuccessful in bringing business to the port and future expansion of its infrastructure. Similarly, GPA was unable to fulfil its obligations, ie, provision of land for free zone and providing immediate connectivity as spelled out in the port operation Concession Agreement. Since May 2013 the port Concessional Right are transferred to the new operator China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited (COPHCL). Both sides have agreed on a long-term bilateral trade and economic corridor programme, ie, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). During 2013-14 a number of decisions were taken and plans were approved, which are in process of being executed.

To resolve an obligation of GPA, the government is providing funds for establishment of Gwadar Port Free Zone. The Free Zone would be managed by the subsidiary of COPHO, namely, Gwadar Free Zone Company. Its execution will start in 2014-15. Port will cater for transshipment; export and import (through processing and manufacturing at local level) will bring Foreign Direct Investment to the country, boost exports, and would increase the port throughput significantly.

Chairman GPA further said that to resolve the port connectivity with the highway network, the earlier planned project, "Construction of Gwadar Port Eastbay Expressway" has now been agreed upon for funding under Opec. The project is in appraisal phase and its execution will start during the 3rd quarter of 2014-15, he added. Chairman further said that Gwadar is the only deep sea port of the country however during last three year no dredging at the port has been carried out which negatively affecting the port standard. However after nod of Prime Minister now the GPA will start the dredging work again with a cost of Rs 1.5 billion.

Chairman GPA said that 13 projects worth Rs 2.45 billion related to the development of Gwadar port are proposed in next financial year while 3 projects worth Rs 130.5 million were proposed for the outgoing fiscal year and would be completed by June 30. He further said that the new operator (COPHC) has stared "recovery' of existing available infrastructure & equipment on the port. COPHC is finalising Operational Plan of the port in consultation with GPA. GPA has suggested that the recovery phase of the Operational Plan should be completed by December 2014 so that a good throughput level is agreed for 2014-15.

Chairman GPA said that Secretary General Ma Renhong along with his team of Guangdong Logistics Industry Association, Guangzhou, China apprised GPA that they are interested to open a large exhibition / display of more than 50,000 Chinese 1284

May 30, 2014 Continued Fri products & brands at Gwadar Port. The proposed exhibition display center will be established on 25 acres of land. The proposal is currently under negotiation between GPA and GLIA who have agreed in principle to consider this unique trade and commerce initiative at Gwadar port. This large display center is expected to be completed in the second half of 2015. The team leader also apprised GPA of establishing "Marine Silk Route" between Guangdong and Gwadar via sea.

All Day

Pak-China friendship turns into economic contacts: CM -- APP

LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that PakChina friendship has turned into useful economic contacts and energy projects of 20,000 megawatts will be set up in the country including Punjab under Pak-China Economic Corridor. He said that journey towards light and elimination of darkness has started and within a few years, agriculture will develop, economy will strengthen while industrial sector will flourish and Pakistan will be able to stand on its own feet.

The Chief Minister expressed these views at the signing ceremony of memorandums of understanding between a prominent Chinese group Shandong Ruyi and different industrial groups of Punjab at Chief Minister’s Office, here on Thursday. Chairman Shandong Ruyi group Yafu Qiu, senior officials of Huang Shang Dong, China, Provincial Ministers, Chief Secretary, prominent industrialists and notable from different walks of life were present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister said the project of Ruyi Masood Textile Park in Faisalabad is a very important step towards strengthening of Pak-China friendship and according to an estimate, an investment of Rs 200 billion will be made in the textile park. The Chief Minister said that 1320 mw coal power plant being set up with the help of China in Sahiwal will start production of electricity in December 2016. He said that the Chinese group is making total investment in the coal power plant. He said that investment of billions of dollars by Chinese investors in Pakistan is a big gift for which Pakistani nation is grateful to Chinese investors. He said that Chinese investors have taken a lead by making investment in development projects in Pakistan which is a proof of their deep love and affection for the Pakistani nation.

He said it is high time for Pakistani investors to come forward and make maximum investment in the interest of the nation.

Chairman Shandong Ruyi group, Yafu Qiu while speaking on the occasion said that Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif is a very dynamic and practical person and his deep love and sincerity has motivated Chinese investors to invest in Pakistan. He said that his group will try its best to complete energy projects even before the timeframe in accordance with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab.

Earlier, four memorandums of understanding were signed between Shandong Ruyi group and different industrial groups of the Punjab. Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif was the chief guest on the occasion. On behalf of Shandong Ruyi Group, Masood Textile Mills and JK Spinning Mills, Chairman Shandong Ruyi Technology Group Limited Yafu Qiu, Chief Executive Officer Masood Textile Mills, Shahid Nazir and Director JK Spinning Mills Faiq Javed signed the document. Under a joint venture, Shandong Ruyi Group and JK Spinning Mills will set up a fabric printing unit of 200 million meter annually at Ruyi Masood Industrial Park. With regard to MoU between Shandong Ruyi Group, Masood Textile Mills and Crescent Sugar Mills, Chairman Shandong Ruyi Technology Group Ltd. Yafu Qiu, Chief Executive Officer Masood Textile Mills Shahid Nazir and Naveed Gulzar of Crescent Sugar Mills signed the document. Crescent Sugar Mills as a joint venture with Chinese group will establish weaving unit of 20000 power looms at Ruyi Masood Industrial Park. Shandong Ruyi Science and Technology Group Company Ltd and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd, Karachi Branch also signed an MoU. Under the agreement, both the institutions under PakChina economic development strategy will promote mutual cooperation in the projects of textile and related infrastructure and a project development coordination group will be . Shandong Ruyi Group and Pak-China Investment Company Ltd. also signed an MoU under which speedy measures will be taken regarding the implementation of the projects under Pak-China Economic Corridor.

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May 31, 2014 Sat All Day

New CIIT capmus to be established at Gwadar -- Observer New CIIT capmus to be established at Gwadar

Islamabad—Federal Minster for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid, said that government will soon establish a new campus of COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) in Gawadar.

Federal Minster for Science and Technology made these remarks during a meeting with the Chief Minister Balochistan Dr.Abdul Malik on Friday . Highlighting the importance of the CIIT Gawadar Campus the Minister said that market oriented disciplines would be taught to the students like Marine sciences, Geo physics, Information Technology, Management Sciences and Oceanography. He reiterated the commitment of the government and said that development in the field of science and technology was the top priority of the present government.

The CIIT campus at Gawadar will provide a quality education to the students of Balochistan in their own province, the Minister added. He also offered scholarships for the Students of Balochistan at the CIIT main campus at Islamabad. Dr. Abdul Malik readily accepted the offer and expressed his gratitude to Mr. Zahid Hamid and the federal government for opening campus of this prestigious institute in Gawadar which will definitely go a long way in the economic prosperity of the people of Balochistan.—APP

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June 12, 2014 Thu All Day

Economic corridor Country to benefit from uplift in west China: Ahsan -APP Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pak-China Economic Corridor gives more advantages to China as it would help it develop western part of the country. "We wanted to tag ourselves with the project to take advantage of the development in western part of China," he said, adding that "while it gives advantage to China, Pakistan also gets opportunity to take benefit."

In response to questions of senators that maximum benefit of the project would go to China, he said that China would have taken another route for the planned development of its western part if Pak-China Economic Corridor was not undertaken. Senator Talha Mehmood and others said that Pakistan has been unable to take full benefit of the opportunity. China needs Pakistan's support to develop western part through the project; he said adding that maximum benefit of the economic corridor would go to China.

Senators have raised voice of dissent on change of original route here on Wednesday during the Senate Standing Committee on Finance presided over by Nasreen chaired. We will not accept change of route because Pashtuns and Balochs have been completely cut off in the new route, said Senators Ilyas Balour, Fateh Muhammad Hussani and Talah Mehmood. Talah Mehmood said that the Maulana Fazlur Rehamn had also spoken to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the issue and was later conveyed that change of route because Chinese government wanted. Talha added that when chief of his party raised the issue with Chinese Ambassador, he said that the Chinese government said it has nothing to do with it.

While expressing serious concerns over change in original route, the committee recommended to the government that route alignment of Pak-China Economic Corridor must be approved by the Council of Common Interest (CCI).

Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said that the government has decided to go for completion of eastern part in the first phase on Built Operate and Transfer (BoT) basis and in the second phase to western route via D I Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa and Dera Bugti of Balochistan to Gwadar. The Minister said that completion of the eastern rout through Punjab and Sindh would take around four years and once this route would become operational on commercial basis, the government would have resources to undertake the western route as well. He said that completion of west route was not possible as no one is available to undertake it on BOT basis and the government would have to borrow for it.

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June 16, 2014 Mon All Day

PR to lay new track between Karachi, Gwadar -- APP

LAHORE - Pakistan Railways (PR) is planning to lay a track to link Karcahi with Gwadar seaport to promote trade.

The Railways sources told APP on Sunday that the new track would fulfil the needs of transportation of goods to Gawadar in future. Moreover, the PR was in liaison with China for preparing studies about construction of Khuzdar, Baseemah, Jacobabad and Dera Ghazi Khan main line (ML-2) and China would finalise this studies till the end of December 2015. It is important to mention that China would bear all expenditures of the study about laying the new railway line. The Pakistan Railways is focusing on speeding up revenue generating activities under the direction of PR minister Khwaja Saad Rafique.

The PR is also working on restoration of ECO train for Turkey via Tuftan and Zahdan. This train would make possible for traders to transport their goods through train among Turkey, Iran, India and Pakistan. The department is also planning to construct a dryport for container-holding at Havelian near Abbotabad for facilitating those traders in future who import or export goods from or to China. After construction of the port about two million tons of goods could be transported between Khunjrab and Havelian.

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June 18, 2014 Wed All Day

Railways to establish links between Gwadar-Jacobabad -- APP Railways to establish links between Gwadar-Jacobabad

ISLAMABAD -The Ministry of Railways was considering two proposals to establish new rail links between Gwadar and other parts of the country in connection with China-Pak Economic Corridor. One proposal for linking Gwadar with Karachi along Makran Coastal Highway is 700 km and second aims Linking Gwadar with Jacobabad via Turbat, Punjgur, Besima and Khuzdar is 1048 km, an official of Pakistan Railways told APP. A PC-II amounting to Rs. 135.500 million for carrying out feasibility studies of the above mentioned proposed links has been approved by Planning Commission for which funding would be provided in fiscal year 2014-15.

The official said that actual ground work would commence after completion of the feasibility study.

The project could be completed by 2017-18 provided the financial and economic viability of the scheme is established and availability of requisite funds is ensured as determined in the feasibility study, he added.

He said the proposals are also a part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor framework.

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June 28, 2014 Sat All Day

China plans 1,800 km-long rail link with Pakistan that runs through PoK -- The Economic Times Beijing: China has reportedly commissioned a 'preliminary research study' to build an international rail link connecting its border province of Xinjiang to Pakistan.

China has allocated funds for preliminary research on building an international railway connecting its westernmost city of Kashgar in Xinjiang with Pakistan's deepsea Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea, state-run China Daily quoted the director of Xinjiang's regional development and reform commission, Zhang Chunlin as saying today.

"The 1,800-km China-Pakistan railway is planned to also pass through Pakistan's capital of Islamabad and Karachi," Zhang said at the two-day International Seminar on the Silk Road Economic Belt being held in Urumqi, Xinjiang's capital.

"Although the cost of constructing the railway is expected to be high due to the hostile environment and complicated geographic conditions, the study of the project has already started," China and Pakistan have already signed a multi-billion-dollar deal to construct an Economic Corridor through PoK connecting Kashgar with Gwadar by improving the existing Karakorum road link.

China is now running the port just opposite the Gulf of Oman, an important route for oil tankers. China plans to build a pipeline network to download the oil from ships and pump it across to Xinjiang through the proposed pipeline network.

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July 1, 2014 Tue All Day

Pacra maintains ratings of Pak China Investment Company -- APP

The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited (Pacra) has maintained long-term and short-term entity ratings of Pak China Investment Company Limited (PCICL) at "AA-"(Double A minus) and "A1+" (A One plus), respectively. These ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk emanating from a very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. Meanwhile, positive outlook has been assigned to these ratings.

The ratings reflect sovereign parentage - jointly owned by Governments' of Pakistan and China, implying strong sponsors' support. The company's management is drawing a plan to grow its business on multiple fronts. Cognisant of concentration in earnings, the company intends to establish a sustainable non-fund based revenue stream.

In this regard, the role of China Advisory Desk is planned to be strengthened.

Regarding fund based business, besides gradually expanding its loan book, the company has allowed its treasury function to operate in certain new investment avenues. Importantly, the management is committed to strengthen its risk management framework in line with the growth objectives. The ratings draw comfort from the company's robust liquidity and significantly higher capital adequacy providing the company ample room to grow operations.

The outlook on the ratings is positive. This captures the focus of new senior management in developing strategic vision of the company. This is also reflective in business plan with high focus on Chinese investment. Additionally they are also emphasising better control environment including strengthening of policies and procedures. Meanwhile, upholding good governance standards is important.

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Pak-China economic corridor world’s future -- The Nations

LAHORE - Pak China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) President Shah Faisal Afridi said here Monday that Pak-China economic corridor would empower half of the world’s population living in Asia, by developing special trade routes between China and Pakistan.

Appreciating present government’s endeavors for implementing economic corridor project, he termed it the most important agreement signed between Pakistan and China till now, adding that it was future of the world because three billion people from China, South Asia and Central Asia would benefit from this corridor.

Afridi urged government to implement this project in a way that population of Pakistan at large was benefitted. “Pakistan’s prosperity is no more a longer journey as the current leadership is working diligently on such projects whose outcomes would be visible and bright in a shorter period of time,” he observed.

Recently China has commissioned a preliminary research study to construct an international rail link connecting its province Xinjiang’s border to Pakistan.

According to Chinese officials, this new rail link, which runs through the Pamir Plateau and Karakorum mountains, would be one of the hardest to build. The proposal, when implemented, would re-open the economic artery blocked for years, he added.

President PCJCCI said, the federal government had announced six development schemes worth Rs 130 billion under the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor, marking the beginning of a process that would transform the country into a transit hub for the second largest economy of the world.

The reason behind this vital importance was that 60 percent of oil was being imported from gulf countries that reached China after covering the distance of 16,000 kilometres, he said, adding that after the completion of Gawadar Port project, the distance would reduce to 2500 kilometres only which was, from all aspects, more safe and feasible.

He affirmed that in the rapidly changing geo-strategic and security environment, both countries were likely to face many regional and global challenges. It was need of the hour that leadership of both countries should pace up work for cementing the traditional Sino-Pak relationship with an exclusive focus on the economic corridor project that would bring economic prosperity for Pakistan and underdeveloped western region of China as well, he said.

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July 4, 2014 Fri All Day

ECNEC okays Rs 440b development projects

Islamabad—The Executive Committee of National Economic Council on Thursday approved a dozen development schemes worth Rs428 billion including projects related to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and raising of Balochistan Constabulary.

Under the chair of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, the ECNEC also approved the construction of Karachi-Multan-Lahore Motorway Project’s Sukkur-Multan leg. The approval came just days before a Pakistani delegation is set to leave for China to discuss financing issues of infrastructure and energy sector projects that will be completed under the economic corridor project.

The 387-kilometer long Sukkur-Multan project will be completed at a cost of Rs259.4 billion. 90% of the project cost will be funded by China, according to a handout issued by Ministry of Finance after the ECNEC meeting. The remaining cost of the project will come from PSDP. The project is expected to be completed by October 2017 and will be executed by National Highway Authority. The project envisages construction of 387 km long, six lanes, Sukkur-Multan section and is part of 1,148 km Karachi-Lahore Motorway.

The body also approved land acquisition, affected properties compensation and relocation of utilities for construction of the Motorway. This will cost Rs51 billion.

With the approval of the land acquisition and construction of a section of the Karachi-Lahore motorway, the issue of Pak-China corridor route has been settled.

In order to address security concerns on the old western route through Balochistan, the government has opted for the new Eastern route despite protestations from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan parliamentarians.

The old route was along the western lines of the country but passes through some restive areas. Pakistan and China have agreed to construct the economic corridor that will give access to western parts of China to Gwadar port for international trade and secure energy supplies for the future.

The ECNEC approved a project for raising the Balochistan Constabulary at a cost of Rs5.2 billion. The project is aimed at assisting police and district administration in maintaining law and order in the crisis hit province.

The project will see a 10,000 strong Balochistan Constabulary for which 6,000 personnel will be recruited and 4,000 reserve police personnel will be merged into this force to raise it to 10,000 members.

The constabulary will also be responsible for ensuring security along the economic corridor.

The body also approved acquisition of land for establishment of Free Trade Zone in Gwadar at a cost of Rs6.5 billion. The project aims to acquire 2,281 acres of land for establishing a free trade zone at Gwadar Port and 1,627 acres of the required land would be acquired from private land owners.

The meeting also approved the widening and improvement of the 250 km long Kalat-Quetta-Chaman Road section of National Highway N-25 with a revised cost of Rs19.2billion.

At a cost of Rs30.5 billion the ECNEC cleared the Hasanabdal (Burhan)-Havelian Expressway. A project for flood emergency reconstruction of bunds and canals was approved at a cost of Rs26.9 billion. Almost Rs19.2 million of the funds would acquired from foreign loan.

The body also approved a project for evacuation of power from Wind Power Plants at Jhimpir and Gharo Wind Clusters located in district Thatta and Jamshoro in Sindh with a modified cost of Rs11.3 billion.

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July 4, 2014 Continued Fri An amount of Rs4.9 billion, in principle, was also approved for Prime Minister’s programme for provision of laptops. The program aims at distributing 100,000 laptops amongst students studying in any public sector higher education institute across the country.

The ECNEC approved rehabilitation and up-gradation of Trimmu Barrage and Panjnad Headwork’s with a rationalised cost of Rs16.8 billion including Rs14.9 billion loan by Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The meeting also approved dualisation and improvement of 64 km long MandraChakwal Raod project at a revised cost of Rs4.7 billion. The project was originally cleared by former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf but became controversial afterwards.

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July 5, 2014 Sat All Day

NHA asked to start Hassanabdal-Mansehra Expressway projects -- APP

Islamabad— Acting Speaker National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Minister for Religious Affairs and MNA Umer Ayub Khan Friday visited the Head Office of National Highways Authority (NHA).

Chairman NHA, Shahid Ashraf Tarar gave a detail briefing to the Acting Speaker and others about the ongoing projects including Expressway from Hassanabdal to Mansehra, Pak-China Economic Corridor and development work of Hazara Division.

Shahid Ashraf informed that the Expressway between Hassanabdal to Mansehra would comprise of six lanes and the department has completed survey work of the project.

He said that Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the said project which would cost over Rs. 30 billion.

Regarding the project between Pak-China Economic Corridor, the Chairman said that the project would be completed with the cooperation of China.

Shahid Ashraf also gave a detailed briefing about the expansion and carpeting of Khanpur Road between Taxila to Haripur and assured the Acting Speaker that work would be started on the project soon.

Murtaza Abbasi said the Expressway was very important project which would also benefit the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir Valley.

He said the areas of Hazara Division and Northern Areas were rich of natural beauty but foreign and local tourists were facing problems due to poor road infrastructure.—APP

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July 8, 2014 Tue All Day

6 Massive Chinese Projects That Are Reshaping The World -- REUTERS 6 Massive Chinese Projects That Are Reshaping The World

In recent years, Chinese companies have begun a huge wave of construction that is already reshaping the world. Here are six of the most ambitious projects. $32 billion - China-Pakistan economic corridor An enormous project to connect Gwadar port in southern Pakistan to the west of China involves roads, railways and oil and gas pipelines and will eventually give China a highly-coveted port in the Indian Ocean. When the corridor is finished, it will serve as the main gateway for trade between China and the Middle East and Africa.

Control of Gwadar port was transferred to China's state-owned Overseas Ports Holding company in February 2013. Earlier this year, a plan to build an airport at Gwadar was also agreed, as well as the laying of fibre-optic cables between the Chinese border and Rawalpindi. $13 billion - Nigeria's high-speed railway In May, China Railway Construction Corporation inked a £7.6 billion contract to roll out an 860-mile high speed railway across Nigeria for trains traveling at 75mph. So far there have been no details on the route of the line. $11.1 billion - Algeria's East-West Highway project First launched in March 2007, an ambitious project to build a six-lane toll road across Algeria has been hit by confusion, allegations of bribery and delays for workers' salaries.

China Rail Construction Corporation and CITIC won contracts for parts of the highway, while a Japanese consortium also won a construction contract.

When finished the highway will run 756 miles from the Moroccan border to the Tunisian border, connecting Algeria's coastal cities. $1.7 billion - Baltic Pearl Project On the coast of the Gulf of Finland, south-west of St Petersburg, China is building a new town for 35,000 residents.

With £1 billion of investment from the Shanghai Industrial Investment Company, the project was scheduled to take six to eight years but has slowed since the financial crisis.

When finished, the town will have 14,000 apartments, five schools and nine kindergartens, as well as shopping centers, restaurants and cinemas. However, there has been criticism of poor conditions for the construction workers and traffic and access problems getting to the town. $1.5 billion - West Texas wind farm In 2011, Shenyang Power Group (SPG) signed a deal to develop a 36,000 acre wind farm in West Texas, one of the largest in the United States. Chinese-made turbines will power the plant, funded by a £880 million loan from China's ExportImport Bank. $1.3 billion - Nigeria's Zungeru hydroelectric power plant Last July, on a visit to Beijing, Goodluck Jonathan, the Nigerian president, agreed a deal to build a 700MW dam on the Niger river, roughly 90 miles from Abuja.

Construction will take five years and three-quarters of the cost will be loaned by China to Nigeria for 20 years at 2.5 per cent interest.

Additional reporting by Adam Wu

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/six-massive-chinese-projects-shapingthe-world-2014-7#ixzz37fdJEL6t 1296

July 10, 2014 Thu All Day

Joint Pak-Chinese venture to launch electric car -- Business Recorder

A joint Pakistani-Chinese venture intending to launch a tandem type hybrid car has approached the Ministry of Industries and Production (MoI&P) to get pioneer status.

The company''s representative Major General Mian Abdul Qayoom (retired) in a letter to Secretary Industries and Production, Raja Hasan Abbass has given details of the project and issues being faced by the company. Tandem type hybrid car is an electric car with an added petrol extender adding about 100 km range.

According to M/s Qural Cassettes Limited, the company submitted its proposal for the grant of pioneer status as envisaged in the government policy for the manufacture of electric cars in collaboration with M/s SHIHAO LOCOMOBILE, Chongqing of China. However, Engineering Development Board (EDB) did not consider the company eligible for the grant of pioneer status on the following grounds: (i) that the EDB had already granted an approval to M/s. Korakoram Motors for manufacturing electrical cars some time in 2013; and (ii) for grant of pioneer status, it has been stipulated that the applicant would make minimum investment of Rs 500 million.

M/s Qural Cassettes Limited maintains that to the best of its knowledge, Korakoram Motor has not, so far, commenced the manufacture of electric cars, as no such cars are seen on the road. The company argues that the condition for pioneer status is not appropriate as it tends to support only those who are already very rich and denies less privileged investors from "innovating" new ideas/technologies.

Tandem Type hybrid Car, the company adds, would be the first car of its kind produced in Pakistan, which would normally, be run electrically and use the "extender" as a stand-by-for another 100-miles, if the batteries cannot be charged immediately. This would be an ideal transport to be used in cities without causing environmental pollution. The company pleads that this joint venture with Chinese entrepreneurs deserves to be granted pioneer status, along with all other duty concessions permissible to Pioneer Industries, under the existing policy.

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July 11, 2014 Fri All Day

PM directs fast execution of Economic Corridor projects -- APP

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Friday chaired a meeting at the PM's House to review the progress of projects under the Pak China Economic Corridor and directed for their timely completion.

On Gaddani Power Project, the Prime Minister gave instructions to expedite the work on jetty at Gaddani on priority basis.

The Prime Minister said China was an earnest trading partner of Pakistan and its cooperation would yield economic benefits in the country.

He said these projects would end the load shedding of electricity and bring new industries in the country.

The Prime Minister was given a briefing by Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal about the development projects, being undertaken by Chinese companies.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Water and Power Khwaja Asif and Minister for Railways Khwaja Saad Rafiq.

The Chief Minister Punjab said the Chinese collaboration in the projects was a catalyst in expediting the process of development in the country.

Ahsan Iqbal briefed the Prime Minster that all out efforts will be taken to complete the development projects in the span of three years that includes Port Qasim Power Plant of 660 MW, Coal fired Power Plant of 1260 MW in Sahiwal, Wind Power Project of 250 MW in Gharo and 660 MW coal-fired project in Thar.

The Prime Minister was told that timely review and timeline matrix of the respective projects had been formulated.

Ahsan Iqbal said China and Pakistan mutually agreed to follow the timeline.

Special Assistant to PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, Secretary Water and Power Nargis Sethi, Secretary Planning Hassan Nawaz Tarar, Secretary External Affairs Division Saleem Sethi and Secretary Communication Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad were also present.

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July 12, 2014 Sat All Day

China-Pak Corridor, a key initiative to help meet energy shortfall: Ahsan -- APP

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Prof. Ahsan Iqbal has said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a key initiative which will help Pakistan in meeting energy shortfall and linking with regional economies particularly China.

The Minister made these remarks while chairing the meeting of Steering Committee on Energy Projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) here on Saturday.

The minister said Chinese Government was keen to pursue the CPEC and has shown trust in government's policies. However, he said, that "we have to deliver results according to strict timelines and work on full capacity to avail this histroic window of opportunity."

The Steering Committee Meeting reviewed feasibility studies of energy projects under CPEC; demand and supply framework of ongoing and new projects; integrated plan for generation, transmission and distribution; payment modalities of power purchase agreements; curtailing power losses and integrated coal logistics plan for coal power projects.

The Meeting was attended by Chief Minister of Punjab Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Water and Power Khwaja Asif, Secretary Planning Hasan Nawaz Tarar, Secretary Water and Power Nargis Sethi and representatives from Ministry of Railways and Economic Affairs Division.

Addressing the meeting, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal said during his recent visit to China along with Chief Minister of Punjab, the delegation requested Chinese authorities to prioritize Pakistan's energy projects.

Chinese government expressed its full commitment to help Pakistan overcome energy challenge, he added.

The Minister also shed light on the importance of Gaddani Energy Park which has been dedicated as Pak-China Energy Park, which will be country's biggest energy projects with 6,600 Megawatt capacity.

Prof. Ahsan Iqbal stressed on integration of work to bring about synergy.

He called for an integrated plan for coal logistics for energy projects and also directed the committee to address observations of Chinese authorities.

He highlighted that generation of electricity was not the only issue but transmission and distribution mechanism must also be upgraded to take electricity to consumers, as an increase in generation will overload the already over-loaded transmission lines.

He urged the committee members to demonstrate highest quality of work to ensure better results.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister of Punjab Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said that this economic corridor was a golden opportunity for Pakistan.

He said, "It's now or never. We have to accept the challenge and pounce on this opportunity. History will never forgive us if we failed to do so."

He said that everyone including politicians, bureaucrats and technocrats must come together for betterment of Pakistan and bring this country out of darkness.

He shared with the committee that in the last decade energy mix of Pakistan which was tilted towards hydel energy but unfortunately it was shifted to thermal energy which damaged the economy in general and energy sector in particular.

He said "we have to act and act fast."

He directed the authorities to complete the projects by 2017 positively.

Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif informed the committee that the ministry was working on strict timelines and ensuring transparency and timely completion at all costs in projects.

Progress on different energy projects under CPEC such as Coal-Based Power Projects at Gaddani, Jetty + Infrastructure at Gaddani, Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power Park, Rail Projects (ML-I), coal based power projects at Port Qasim was also discussed.

Meeting of Steering Committee will be held frequently to monitor the progress of energy projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Federal Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal also constituted a working group comprising of representatives from Ministry of Ports and Shipping, Ministry of Water and Power, Pakistan Railways and Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform to address the issues related to transportation of coal.

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July 12, 2014 Continued Sat Steering Committee has been constituted by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Planning Prof. Ahsan Iqbal to expedite work on energy projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor on warfooting basis after the recent visit of high level delegation led by Chief Minister Punjab and Federal Minister for Planning to China

All Day

Progress on energy, CPEC reviewed -- Dawn Newspaper, Block N, Lahore, Pakistan

Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Xu Shaoshi after their meeting at Diaoyutai State Guest House.—INP photo Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Xu Shaoshi after their meeting at Diaoyutai State Guest House.—INP photo BEIJING: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal and Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, who are on a three-day visit to China, held several meetings on Tuesday to follow up progress on various energy and infrastructure projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

A statement released by the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing said that the ministers held meetings with the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China Development Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Exim Bank, National Energy Administration (NEA) and heads of Chinese corporate sector.

Ahsan said the meetings helped in developing a roadmap for faster execution of CPEC projects, particularly with reference to their mode of financing.

He said almost all of the ground work including land acquisitions, policy interventions where necessary and other necessary arrangements had been finalised enabling the investment environment to be more conducive and set for execution of the early harvest projects.

Ever since the signing of the landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) in July last year, whereby the two governments had mutually agreed to embark on the project of an economic corridor between the two countries, tangible progress had been achieved, he said.

A meeting of the joint coordination committee overseeing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will be held next month in the federal capital The minister said that in just one year visible progress on the corridor was a “testament to the commitment of the visionary leadership of both the countries to the corridor’s realisation”.

He said that projects in energy sector would help Pakistan overcome its energy crisis and boost economic growth rate whereas infrastructure and transportation projects would improve connectivity and give boost to trade between the two countries.

The minister said that the Gwadar Port was the gateway of the corridor project and would be developed into a modern port city.

He informed that the meeting of the joint coordination committee (JCC) overseeing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would be held and hosted in Pakistan by the end of the next month (August) in Islamabad. The delegation also discussed agenda for the JCC meeting.

Shahbaz Sharif also held several meetings with heads from the Chinese corporate sector and emphasised timely execution, quality control, transfer of technology, localising production, joint collaboration, personnel training, and community social welfare in projects.

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July 13, 2014 Sun All Day

Raikot-Islamabad highway construction NHA’s priority -- APP

Islamabad—National Highway Authority (NHA) will build 487 km Raikot-Islamabad Highway on priority basis as it forms part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

This highway is also important because four new dams close to this highway namely; Thakot, Pattan,Dassu and Diamer Basha have also been planned.

He said that these dams will help the country overcome its power shortage,an official of the NHA informed APP. Highlighting the significance of the said project, the official said that the present government was putting special emphasis on China-Pak Economic Corridor so that trade ties with China and Central States could be further strengthened and the region could witness rapid economic growth and prosperity.

He said that Raikot-Islamabad Highway will start off from Pak-China border and will connect to the existing Karakoram Highway and reach Islamabad and will be further extended to Gwadar in the near future.

The realignment of the 24 kilometers of the existing Karakoram Highway was also part of this project, and this highway will be 2-lane from Khanjrab to Mansehra, 4lane from Mansehra to Islamabad and 6-lane from Islamabad to Gwadar. To accommodate the four proposed dams along this highway, the National Highway Authority plans to reconstruct 230 kilometers of the Karakoram highway under the new design.

He said that Pakistan-China economic corridor will boost, trade tourism, industry and agriculture of the entire region.

The official said that communications sector has been the top priority of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Raikot-Islamabad Highway project will become part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor on which a memorandum of understanding was signed between Pakistan’s Ministry of Communications and China Road and Bridge Corporation in February this year in China.—APP

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July 19, 2014 Sat All Day

China will establish an industrial park in Gwadar -- Dawn

China will establish an industrial park in Gwadar. This was stated during the visit of a delegation from China, led by Liu Jin M, GM Investment Banking Department, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

The other two industrial parks would be established in Lahore and Faisalabad.

Officials of Gwadar Development Authority said the visit was in line with a series of policy initiatives under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and bilateral and multilateral understandings between different Chinese and Pakistani public-sector, as well as private sector companies and organisations.

The objective of ICBC-HBL-Holly group delegation’s visit to Gwadar was mainly to have an on-site investigation for top priority Industrial Park at Gwadar.

Additionally, the team met local businessmen of Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and some investors, who had come from Karachi, Lahore and other parts of Pakistan.

The Chinese investors expressed their interest to jointly work as industrial park / free zone operators, developers and investors.

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July 21, 2014 Mon All Day

New $3 bn LNG project ready for Gwadar -- The News

Another fast-track three billion dollars mega project, an LNG terminal at Gwadar and a pipeline to Nawabshah, is being launched by the Nawaz Sharif government with Chinese collaboration.

In a major strategic move, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources (MoPNR) has decided to build the LNG terminal and pipeline through a Government-to-Government (G2G ) arrangement with China. Experts say this would mean that the project will not be advertised for open international bidding.

“We are running from pillar to post to get this mega LNG terminal-cum-pipeline included in the list of early harvest projects agreed with China and once it is included, it will take three to four years to get commissioned,” Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told The News.

“We have already sensitised the prime minister about the proposed LNG project at Gwadar and hope to get this project in early harvest projects list.”China has promised to provide $35 billion in projects relating to the economic corridor and energy related projects and this new project will also be funded through the same scheme.

Two Chinese companies have already shown interest in building the LNG terminal at Gwadar and lay down the pipeline. The pipeline will require $1 billion and over $2 billion will be needed to construct the terminal with LNG handling and re-gasification facilities and to erect large LNG storages facilities.

“This will be the second LNG terminal as the first fast track terminal is being constructed by Engro’s ETPL (Elengy Terminal Pakistan Limited) at Port Qasim, which is scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2015 but we are hoping that the terminal will be completed by December this year,” the minister said.

Mentioning the LNG project at Gwadar, the minister said, whenever the US sanctions now imposed on Iran are lifted, this Nawabshah-Gwadar pipeline will be extended backwards from Gwadar to MP 250, a point at Pak-Iran border for the import of Iranian gas. Its capacity will be increased to one billion cubic feet of gas per day.

The Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline will have the same specifications with diameter of 42 inches that is proposed for the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline.According to officials, since Pakistan is unable to lay down the 781-kilometre-long pipeline from the Iran border to Nawabshah because of Pakistan’s inability to arrange foreign funding, it has been decided to lay down the pipeline from Gwadar to Nawabshah under the G2G arrangement with China that will transport at least 500 mmcfd after re-gasification of imported LNG. To a question, the official said that LNG terminal to be constructed at the Gwadar Port will have handling capacity of 690 mmcfd and in addition, large LNG storage depots at Gwadar will also be constructed from where after re-gasification, gas will be transported to Nawabshah to be injected into the national gas network.

All Day

China asks Pakistan to submit details of all development projects -- APP

ISLAMABAD: Secretary of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms, Hassan Nawaz Tarar on Monday said that China has asked the Government of Pakistan to submit details of all the development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Support Project.

This was told by the secretary in a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Reform which met under the Chairmanship of MNA Abdul Majeed Khan Khanan Khail.

The session was attended by its members and officials of the ministry.

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July 21, 2014 Continued Mon The secretary told committee members that the National Development and Reforms Commission of China (NDRC) has decided to start work on the development projects as soon as possible.

He said that the purpose of the MoU between China and Pakistan, regarding the China-Pakistan economic corridor, was to increase trade links between the two countries through a network of rail, fiber, optic cables and energy pipelines.

“Pakistan is interested in enhancing foreign investment in the country.

"The government also wants to overcome the current energy crisis, while the Chinese government requires access to Gwadar port,” said the secretary.

Tarar also said that the federal government will not borrow loans from China on behalf of the provinces.

"It will be the responsibility of the provinces to get loans from China for their development projects," he said.

“The government will not take a loan from China for the power projects,” the secretary said.

Tarar also informed the committee that the ministry also forwarded a summary regarding the census to the CCI for approval.

He said that it has been pending for the past year due to the concerns of Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch.

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August 4, 2014 Mon All Day

China's Xi to visit India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka soon -- South Asian Media

Officials say that Xi's visit could be some time next month as dates are being worked out in coordination with the three countries Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to visit India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the coming weeks and his programme is being coordinated with the governments of the three countries.

While Chinese officials maintain that dates are being finalised, Pakistan daily Dawn today reported that Xi will be visiting the country later this month to lay foundation stone for some mega projects.

However officials say that it could be some time next month as dates are being worked out in coordination with the three countries.

It may be that Xi will travel to Pakistan, go to India and later Sri Lanka, according to indications.

In the recent past, Chinese leaders, including Premier Li Keqiang last year visited India first before travelling to Pakistan, a close ally of China.

This will be Xi's first visit to the subcontinent after taking over as president.

Li visited New Delhi last year making it his first destination abroad after taking over office to show the importance the new Chinese leadership attached to ties with India.

Xi's visit to New Delhi figured prominently in the Chinese President's first meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS summit in Brazil last month.

Xi will be the first Chinese President to visit Sri Lanka, which in recent years has become a significant ally for Beijing in the Indian Ocean region specially in the backdrop of China's plans to build a 'Maritime Silk Road' for which it has also invited India to take part.

The Dawn report quoted Foreign Ministry officials as saying that during his visit to Pakistan, Xi would lay the foundation stone of the Lahore-Karachi motorway section and a couple of power generation projects.

During Xi's visit officials of the two countries would also give final touches to the proposed Pakistan-China railway link.

The countries are finalising plans to build an Economic Corridor between China's Xinjiang and Pakistan's Gwadar Port which is being developed by Chinese firms.

China has announced USD 32 billion to be invested in next seven years in various Pakistani projects for infrastructure building and power, the Dawn said.

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August 5, 2014 Tue All Day

Pakistan to lay down gas pipeline from Gwadar to Nawabshah -- The News

Abbasi told The News in an exclusive interview that there are international sanctions on import of natural gas from Iran. He cited as a recent example the fine of about $9 billion imposed on the largest French bank, BNP Paribas, because of its financing transactions with Iran and other countries in violation of the U.S.-imposed sanctions.

However, he added, his government is working to find ways to revive the IP pipeline project.The minister expressed keenness of his government about resolution of the energy crisis in the country at the earliest.

Asked whether the IP project, which is yet to be launched and is bound to miss the deadline of December 2014, is really on track, Abbasi said Pakistan is committed to the IP project. “We need the gas and we want the gas,” he added.

Despite the eagerness expressed by successive Pakistani governments for the project, no government has been able to move ahead on it. Pakistan faces a daily shortage of about two billion cubic feet of natural gas.

The medium-term solution to this problem is import of gas through pipelines or in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Although the outgoing PPP government held ground-breaking ceremony of the IP project in early 2013, no tangible development has taken place related to work on this important project.

The IP gas pipeline project has been conceived to import 750 mmcfd (million metric cubic feet per day) gas from Iran’s South Pars gas field over the Pakistan-Iran border. The project is being implemented on a segmented approach under which each of the two countries is responsible for the construction of the pipeline in its territory.

Iran, which has the world’s second-largest known gas reserve, has already completed most of the work on the pipeline. The exact deadline for the completion of the project is December 31.

Besides reducing the increasing supply-demand gap, imported natural gas is the cheapest and most suitable fuel for power generation. The imported gas will help in reduction of power outages in the country. Moreover, it will lead to avoidance of costly thermal generation through diesel and furnace oil.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum expressed caution at reports Pakistan will receive exemption over the delay in its execution of the project. The official, who asked not to be named, said the petroleum ministry made no such statement, calling it an unsubstantiated report. The confidentiality needed in commercial contracts needs to be maintained, he added.

Islamabad correspondent adds: Iran was told that Pakistan was going to initiate the laying down of 711 kilometers of pipeline from Gwadar to Nawabshah as a part of the LNG import project and whenever the U.S. sanctions on Iran were lifted, the pipeline would be extended by 70 kilometers to Iranian border, said the petroleum minister.

“Whenever the U.S. sanctions are lifted, this Nawabshah-Gwadar pipeline will be extended backwards from Gwadar to MP 250, a point at Pak-Iran border for the import of Iranian gas.”

Pakistan has already invoked the clauses pertaining to force majeure and excusing event written in the agreement in view of the U.S. sanctions that have factually impeded Pakistan from initiating the laying down of the pipeline.

This invocation is to avert the penalty of $2 million per day from January 1, 2015 to be imposed by Iran in case of Pakistan’s failure to lay down by December 31, 2014, the 781 km pipeline from Iranian border to Nawabshah under the gas sales 1307

August 5, 2014 Continued Tue purchase agreement signed between the two countries, Abbasi told this scribe that his ministry was going to table in the meeting of the economic coordination committee the summary of LNG project at Gwadar along with a pipeline to be laid down up to Nawabshah for approval.

The minister said the secretary petroleum and natural resources is to visit Iran some time in this month to sensitize the authorities in Iran that Pakistan is serious on IP project, but it does not initiate the project because of the economic sanctions on Iran.

The minister said the LNG and IP projects will be initiated through the tender process or under the government-to-government arrangement with the help of China.

Companies from China, Japan and Russia have shown interest to build the LNG terminal at Gwadar port and lay down the pipeline, he said. After the ECC approval, “We will try to get this project included in the list of early harvest projects to be pitched before China for funding and completion of the project.”

The pipeline will require $1 billion and over $2 billion be needed to construct the terminal with LNG handling and re-gasification facilities and to erect large LNG storages facilities.

“This will be the second LNG terminal as the first fast track terminal is being constructed by Engro’s ETPL (Elengy Terminal Pakistan Limited) at Port Qasim, which is scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2015) but we are hoping that the terminal will be completed by December this year,” the minister said.

The Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline will have the same specifications with a diameter of 42 inches proposed for the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. According to officials, it has been decided to lay down the pipeline from Gwadar to Nawabshah under the G2G arrangement with China that will transport at least 500 mmcfd after regasification of imported LNG. This pipeline will be connected with Iranian border and import 1 billion cubic feet gas per day. This means that the capacity of pipeline to transport the gas will be at 1.5 billion cubic feet gas per day.The official said that LNG terminal to be constructed at the Gwadar Port will have handling capacity of 690 mmcfd.

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August 6, 2014 Wed All Day

China agree to finance two coal projects in Pakistan -- Gulf Today

Official sources said that China has agreed to finance two coal projects in Pakistan’s desert region of Thar in order to minimise the lingering power crisis in the country.

An official source said that “Financing will be arranged through a mix of local and foreign finance - primarily from China and the equity requirement for both the projects has been completed.”

Thar projects included under the Pak-China economic corridor priority projects list and both mining and power projects have been categorised as Early Harvest Projects.

With two projects, Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company will setup 6.5 million tonne per Capacity Mine (to support 1200MW) with estimated cost of USD 1 billion.

For the second project, Thar Power Company will construct 2x300MW sub-critical mine mouth power plant which is scalable to 5,000MW with an estimated cost of USD 900 million.

According to a presentation made at the energy conference in Woodrow Wilson Centre, Washington DC last month, Pakistan would provide sovereign guarantee of USD 700 million for the Mining Project.

In order to give economic rationale of Thar coal projects, it was stated that 44% of Pakistan’s current energy supply is imported since the annual oil import bill stands at an unsustainable level of around USD 15 billion. Coal conversion can reduce the import bill significantly.

Tariff after coal conversion is estimated to reduce to USD 10 per KWh from the current RFO based tariff of USD 19 per KWh to USD 22 per LWh. The approach is to install new boilers on imported coal and retrofit the remaining plant as required, enhancing plant life in-line with extended PPA term. MoUs have been signed by four RFO based Independent Power Projects (IPPs) with the government of Pakistan for coal conversion.

All Day

Pak-China Economic Corridor to open avenues of cooperation in agriculture sector: first CAC Pakistan Summit opens -- Business Recorder Pak-China Economic Corridor will open up new avenues of co-operation in agriculture sector as it would also pave the way for transfer of technology pertaining to agro-chemicals, pesticides, fertilisers and seeds. This was upshot of speeches delivered at the opening ceremony of 1st CAC Pakistan Summit jointly organised by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and CCPIT Sub-Council for Chemical Industry with the support of Punjab government here on Tuesday.

Provincial Minister for Agriculture Dr Furrakh Javaid, LCCI President Engineer Sohail Lashari, Vice-Chairman CCPIT Sub-Council for Chemical Industry Ma Chunyan, LCCI Senior Vice President Mian Tariq Misbah, Vice President Kashif Anwar, Chairman Standing Committees Sheikh Muhammad Arshad and Jawaid Saleem Qureshi were the main speakers.

There was consensus among the speakers that 'Pak-China Hybrid Wheat Industrialization Co-operation Agreement' would greatly help develop Pakistan's agriculture sector through new varieties of seeds. Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister for Agriculture Dr Furrakh Javaid said the CAC Summit and Exhibition is a unique opportunity for our agriculturists as it would enable them to learn about Chinese expertise in the agriculture sector. He said Chinese cooperation in all fields of the economy is matchless.

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August 6, 2014 Continued Wed The Minister said the Punjab government is striving to educate the farming community as the research in agricultural field would remain useless if it does not reach the farmers. He said Punjab government is taking every possible step to strengthen agriculture sector that is evident from the fact that it has given flat rate of Rs 10.35 per unit for the tube wells. He also expressed the resolve that a subsidy of Rs 14 billion for the agriculture sector would be disbursed after consultation with stakeholders so that the benefit could reach the quarters concerned.

Vice Chairman CCPIT Sub-Council for Chemical Industry Ma Chunyan said that trade of pesticide has an important role in the total two-way business of $12 billion.

She said in 2013, pesticides amounting to $172 million were imported from China while import of fertilizer remained at $309 million.

Ma Chunyan said China is the largest exporter of pesticides chemicals as it exported 300 million types of pesticides in the year 2013. She said 2,400 Chinese enterprises are directly linked to this sector. She said the Chinese co-operation with Pakistani agriculturists would write new success stories in coming years. She said the CAC Exhibition has in its fold chemical, machinery, seeds, pesticides and fertilisers, etc. She also thanked the Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif and LCCI President Engineer Sohail Lashari for extending unmatched support for the successful happening of this mega event.

The LCCI President Engineer Sohail Lashari in his address stressed the need for Public Private Dialogue as a pre-requisite to revolutionise the agriculture sector that holds the key to progress and prosperity. He said it is the only area where a little attention could do miracles as it does not need that amount of electricity required to run the industrial wheel. He said Pakistan is the only country of the South Asia to have CAC exhibition that would certainly strengthen the country's agriculture sector.

He also called for construction of water reservoirs as shortage of water may pose a serious threat to the agriculture sector in coming years. "This is white oil but, unfortunately, we are more focused on black oil instead of taking care of our future generations that are likely to suffer because of water shortage," he said.

Chairman Standing Committee on Agriculture Jawaid Saleem Qureshi urged the government to form task force to deal with the regulatory and marketing issues of the agriculture sector. He said Punjab's agriculture sector could generate extra revenue of over Rs 100 billion if agro-input prices are controlled. He said the subsidy allocated for the agriculture sector could be utilised to provide cheaper fertilisers and pesticides to the farmer by paying GST to the government.

Elaborating the point, he said if the government pays the GST on pesticides and fertilisers through the subsidy it would enable the farmers to have cheaper inputs.

1310

August 8, 2014 Fri All Day

10,400 megawatts projects: Beijing to make required funding -- BR

Pakistan and China have signed an agreement according to which Beijing will fund 14 hydel and thermal power projects of 10,400 MW in Pakistan on first priority list.

Pakistani delegation led by Secretary Water and Power Nargis Sethi comprised senior officials from the Ministry, Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB), Economic Affairs Division (EAD) and Planning Division. The team held detailed negotiations with the Chinese government and finalised an agreement which will later be submitted to the federal cabinet for approval.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has congratulated his energy and economic team on obtaining approval of the Chinese government for putting the following 14 power projects, which would generate 10,400 MW of electricity, on first priority list: (i) Port Qasim (coal fired) 1320 MW; (ii) Sukki Kanari (hydropower) 870 MW; (iii) Sahiwal (coal fired) 1320 MW; (iv) Engro Thar (coal fired- mining of block 2) 660 MW; (v) Muzafargarh (coal fired) 1320 MW; (vi) Gwadar (coal fired) 300 MW; (vii) Quaid-eAzam solar park (Cholistan) 1000 MW; (viii) United Energy (wind power, Karachi) 100 MW; (ix) Dawood (wind power, Karachi) 50 MW; (x) Sachal (wind power) 50 MW; (xi) Sunnec (wind power) 50 MW; (xii) Rahimyar Khan (coal fired) 1320 MW; (xiii) SSRL Thar (coal fired) 1320 MW; and (xiv) Karot (hydropower) 720 MW. These projects would commence immediately and be in operation by the year 2017-2018. In addition, there are few other power generation projects totalling 6445 MW which would be completed in the second phase on a fast track basis.

The Prime Minister said that this gesture of the Chinese government manifests the deep cordial relations the country has with Pakistan as well as showing the confidence of the international community in the policies of the government. The Prime Minister was pleased to note that the MoUs that Pakistan had signed with China in the recent past are now being translated into on-ground projects. He expressed the confidence that this massive addition to the power sector of the country would prove immensely beneficial in overcoming electricity shortages. He said this is part of the government's energy roadmap which aims at ensuring provision of cost effective electricity to the masses. He said these are the fruits of democracy which have started to reach the people.

He said the government's desire and focus is on removing unemployment, eliminating power shortage and bringing economic prosperity and "we will stay the course". When contacted a spokesman for Water and Power said that as and when the team reaches Islamabad, a detailed briefing will be given to media.

1311

August 15, 2014 Fri All Day

Korea offers assistance to build new shipyards at Karachi, Gwadar -- APP ISLAMABAD – While showing keen interest in second shipyard being built in Pakistan, Korea has offered assistance to build the new shipyards at Karachi and Gwadar.

This offer was made to the Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanvir Hussain during his visit to Korea. The minister, who is visiting on invitation of Minister for Defence of Korea Gen (retired) Kim Tae Young, was received warmly by Korean authorities.

Pakistan has appreciated their desire and has asked the Korean authorities to look into it favourably. Besides, Korea showed interest in the ammunition, shipping and aircraft industries and offered further avenues of collaboration.

During the visit, Korean Defence Minister held key meeting with Rana Tanvir Hussain in which he thanked Pakistan for always standing by Korea since 1950's, when it was faced with the wars. Korea, he said is ready to cooperate with Pakistan in all the fields of defence production.

He commended the recent stride in the defence industry of Pakistan and expressed hope for larger and greater avenues of joint collaboration. Pakistani delegation also appraised the Korean authorities of the new B-7 level APCs being indigenously built in Pakistan.

"We have by the Grace of Allah Almighty been able to develop one of the best B-7 Protection Vehicle" the minister said. He also said that the strides in communication systems by Pakistan is significant, however if Korea and Pakistan can further collaborate, it will emerge as one of the best Radio Telecom System.

The minister then held meetings with the Services Chiefs in Korea, Vice Defence Minister Korea, Lee Young Geol. A dinner in honour of the minister was hosted by Korean defence minister which he graciously accepted.

The visit is termed as most successful by Korean and Pakistani authorities.

Pakistani delegation consisted Additional Secretary, Maj Gen Raza Muhammad, and Joint Secretary Air Commodore Farrukh Bashir Defence Attache in Korea from the Ministry of Defence Production.

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August 20, 2014 Wed All Day

China working to dominate sea routes as US loses interest -- The Gulf’s news China working to dominate sea routes as US loses interest

The oceans will be the world’s 21st century battlefields as new and old economic powers will struggle to dominate the maritime trade routes along which 90 per cent of global trade moves, and use their navies to deliver power to where they seek to achieve political or military gain. They also have an eye on the minerals and other treasures under the seas that cover two thirds of the globe.

China has a clear understanding that it needs to control the seas and it has been working to a global blue water strategy for decades. For the rest, it is concerned that the US does not have a similar consensus over its national strategy and is simply trying to stretch out its Cold War navy into an uncertain future.

Former Defence Secretary Robert Gates’ excellent book Duty is very revealing about the short-term thinking Washington. His memoire is full of references to budget cuts and fighting Congressional special interests, and he does not speak of any decades-long duty to preserve freedom on the ocean routes.

The Chinese deep water strategy is defined most recently in the 2013 defence white paper that points to a more strategic focus on maritime development, according to the East West Centre. For the first time both the Communist Party Congress and National People’s Congress agreed that “safeguarding maritime rights and interests” and “protecting overseas interests” were significant goals for the People’s Liberation Army.

And this has been in the making for a long time. Liu Huaqing commanded the Chinese Navy from 1982 to 1988 when he defined a very clear three-stage strategy that was described in the 2006 classic China’s Rising Sea Power by Peter Howarth.

The first stage was for China to be capable of controlling what the Chinese call “the first chain of islands” close to their shores by 2000, and then the “second chain of islands” by 2020, which would take them to the famous Nine-Dash Line that defines China’s claim to all of the South China Sea right up to its worried neighbour’s shorelines. The third phase was to create a blue-water navy capable of exercising global influence by 2050.

Today’s naval dramas Today’s naval dramas in the South China Sea are the outcome of the second phase of Huaqing’s decades-old plan to control the “second chain of islands” as China scuffles with its neighbours including the Philippines, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, and even far away Malaysia.

Only this week the Philippines protested about recent Chinese “sovereignty patrols” after two Chinese survey vessels were spotted near Reed Bank, an oil-rich area 144km from the nearest Philippine coast.

And from May to August this year the China National Offshore Oil Corporation anchored a large oil rig about 120 nautical miles (222km) east of Vietnam’s Ly Son Island and 180 nautical miles from China’s Hainan Island, apparently reinforcing China’s claim that it owns the nearby Paracel Islands.

But is not just China that is looking anxiously to the sea. More than half the world’s annual merchant fleet tonnage passes through the choke points of the four Straights of Malacca, Sunda, Lombok and Makassar. Two thirds of South Korea’s energy supplies, 60 per cent of Taiwan and Japan’s energy and 80 per cent of China’s crude imports all go through the South China Sea, according to Robert Kaplan writing in his new book Asia’s Cauldron.

And that is why what happening in the South China Sea is so important to the Gulf states. They have lost most of their long-term customers in Europe and the Americas, and they are forging new relationships in the Far East with China, South Korea and Japan.

All these states are well aware of the vital importance of Gulf hydrocarbons to their economic survival, but while Japan and South Korea are relying on their ally the US to continue to keep the seas open, China is making its own arrangements.

China has very little interest in the politics of the Gulf and avoids making any political interest in its trading partners affairs, but it does want to buy and transport as much oil and gas as it can from the Gulf.

Indian Ocean ports This is why China has built four ports in the Indian Ocean, which it either controls or has long-term rights: in Chahbahar in Iran which is Iran’s only port outside the Gulf 1313

August 20, 2014 Continued Wed with access to the Arabian Sea, and Gwadar in Pakistan, both of which have land routes running through Iran to Afghanistan, making them potentially the end of an overland trade route from China.

China has also built a substantial port on Ramree Island in Myanmar where a large oil terminal meets oil and gas pipelines running up into China. The fourth Chinese port in the Indian Ocean is their half of Hambantota in Sri Lanka which was opened in 2010.

This means that China does not have to rely on the weakening American will to police the maritime trade routes, and by Huaqing’s 2050 target China could potentially enforce its own preferences on how goods should move through the South China Sea. This would be a serious danger to Japan and Korea and their Gulf suppliers, who need to prepare to counter this threat, even if the Americans are not there to help.

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August 21, 2014 Thu All Day

Gwadar port has bright future, says Chinese envoy -- Dawn

GWADAR: The Chinese Consul General in Karachi, Ma Yaou, has said that his country is playing an important role in the development of the Gwadar port and making it fully functional is part of its efforts.

Speaking at a function at which three buses donated by the China Overseas Port Holding Company were handed over to the education department for local schools, he said Beijing would utilise all available resources for making Gwadar port the best port in the region. He said the Chinese company had determined its priorities for the welfare of local people, especially in the education and health sectors.

He said the proposed ‘economic corridor’ from Gwadar to Kashgar in China would bring economic revolution in the region.

“The Gwadar port has a very bright future and after completion and becoming functional it will emerge as a major economic hub in the region.”

The company has also given a grant to the district hospital and government boys and girls schools in Gwadar.

Gwadar Port Authority’s Chairman Dostain Khan Jamaldini said the town’s distance from China through the corridor would be 1,635km.

He said the authority had prepared a comprehensive plan to ensure that local people benefitted from the port. “The Gwadar Port Authority will implement welfare plans, including health and education projects, with funds to be provided by the China Overseas Port Holding Company.”

He said welfare of local fishermen would not be ignored and steps would be taken to promote the fisheries industry with which a majority of the population of the area was associated.

The chairman of the Chinese company handed over the buses to Education Secretary Ghulam Ali Baloch.

The Chinese consul general also visited the port, civic centre, the Gwadar Development Authority Hospital and the district hospital.

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August 26, 2014 Tue All Day

China: her development will definitely benefit Pakistan -- Daily Tmes China: her development will definitely benefit Pakistan

Since the reform and opening-up was initiated in 1978, China has made remarkable achievements in development. As the former President of the World Bank, Mr. Robert Zoellick comments, “China’s economic performance is a unique development success story. Not only did the economic growth soar with the annual rate of 10%, but hundreds of millions of people were lifted out of poverty. China has become the second-largest economy in the world and shifted to a middle-income country from a low one”. Last year, China contributed to nearly 30% of the global economic growth. Our prosperity is certainly a boon to the world.

At present, China’s economy is generally stable, with steady progress of structural adjustment. In the first half of this year, China’s GDP growth rate has reached 7.4%, a little lower than that of 1980s and 1990s. However it is still hard to earn. In the backdrop of slow recovery and weak growth of the global economy, China’s growth rate is relatively high. It is really remarkable to win such achievements.

China’s economy can be regarded as a blue chip, a rising and potential stock, with a big economy, large foreign exchange reserves and broad market. In particular, the population in the central, western and northeastern regions accounts for over 60% of the national total and per capita GDP has just exceeded 5000 US dollars.

To narrow the gap between urban and rural areas and among different regions will unleash huge potential of growth. No longer in pursuit of soaring growth rate and with more attention on quality and efficiency, China will enter into a new stage of upgrade. As an analogy, compared to a 9 or 10 year-old kid, a young man of 19 or 20 years old will not care much about his growth of height, but the academic performances, which, to China’s economy, means quality, innovation and efficiency.

Enterprise is like a basic cell, whose prosperity influences the whole economy.

China encourages enterprises to strengthen independent innovation, enhance competitiveness and get better profits. We seek not only expansion but strength of the industrial economy; not only “Made in China”, but “Created in China”; not only reasonable price but good quality.

With such achievements, we have to examine and improve ourselves. Although China’s economy as a whole ranks second, its per capita GDP is only 6800 US dollars, ranking after 80 in the world. There are 200 million people living under the poverty level. China is still a developing country over long period of time. The risks and challenges like downward economic pressure and uneven development cannot be ignored.

But in the long run, there are conditions in place for China’s economy to achieve sustained sound growth and embrace bright prospects. We have found a development path in line with China’s national conditions, which we will unswervingly follow. We properly handle the relationship among and between reform, development and stability. Stability is the prerequisite. Without it, nothing can be accomplished or achieved. Reform is the driving force and guarantee of social development and progress. Development is the ultimate objective and endresult.

Today, China’s development, with a strong tenacity, is based on increasing employment, focus on balanced development, stress on improving people’s livelihood and promote social progress. We are able and also confident to keep the economy running in a reasonable range with high quality and efficiency, in order to realize the “China Dream”, which means, to achieve national prosperity, revitalization and people’s happiness.

What does a peaceful and progressive China mean to Pakistan? I think it means more opportunities for development, strong mutual support and expanding common interests. Pakistan is bound to benefit from China’s development. The ChinaPakistan relationship will also be consolidated, enhanced and upgraded in the course of China’s development.

Both China and Pakistan are developing countries, shouldering the shared task of development. As a close and friendly neighbor, we expect a Pakistan that lives up to its full potential, a Pakistan that is stable, strong and prosperous, a Pakistan realizing its own vision and dreams.

Linked by the ancient Silk Road, China and Pakistan has a long history of friendly exchanges. China-Pakistan relationship, over the changing times and international 1316

August 26, 2014 Continued Tue politics sets a good example for state-to-state relations. Over the past year, it has made much new progress: First are the mutual exchanges in political area. Leaders of our two nations have frequently and successfully exchanged visits in recent years. These high-level exchanges have injected impetus for China-Pakistan strategic cooperation. We will maintain high-level exchanges, and improve existing dialogue and cooperation mechanism. We will firmly support each other’s core interests and concerns, further enhancing political cooperation and mutual trust.

Second are mutual benefit and win-win results in economy. The Bilateral trade volume has reached 7.3 billion US dollars from January to June in 2014, with growth rate of 9.97%. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor goes well with substantive results. Currently, we are actively promoting construction and operation of Gwadar Port, starting to construct RuYi-Masood Textile Industrial Park in Faisalabad and lots of power plants like Thermal Power Plant in Port Qasim and Solar Power in Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Bahawalpur. Some other projects are being implemented or soon to be implemented in other parts of Pakistan. These have made significant contributions to the enhancement of local economies and people’s livelihood. Chinese government will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Pakistan, support Pakistan’s economic and promote social development.

Third is sharing weal and woe in security. China supports Pakistan to formulate and implement counter-terrorism strategy based on its own national conditions and for the efforts to maintain the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We should advocate common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security in Asia, strengthen security cooperation, and jointly fight against terrorism forces for regional peace and stability. With the construction of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, more and more Chinese citizens have come to live and work in Pakistan.

We appreciate Pakistan’s efforts to provide a good environment for cooperation and security.

Fourth is the close exchange in culture. This year, an Art troupe from Kashgar has made a fabulous cultural show, arousing strong applause in Pakistan. Chinese delegation of calligraphers and artists successful visited Pakistan and held an art exhibition of more than 100 paintings from 48 well-known Chinese painters. After Islamabad and Karachi, the third Confucius Institute is being built in Faisalabad.

Another 117 students with Chinese government scholarships has gone to China as exchange students. We should further expand friendly exchanges, inherit and carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Fifth is strengthening regional and international cooperation. China and Pakistan play important roles in maintaining peace and justice in the region and the world.

We work together to promote Afghanistan reconciliation process, and achieve peace, stability and development at an early date. China supports Pakistan playing a greater constructive role in regional and international affairs. We would like to work with Pakistan to safeguard peace, stability, development and prosperity in the world.

I do believe that with our joint efforts, the China-Pakistan relationship will maintain the strong momentum of growth and embrace a much brighter future in the coming years.

The writer is the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

All Day

CM Sharif in China to discuss Economic Corridor -- SAMA

BEIJING: Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday arrived in Beijing to attend a meeting of Pakistan-China Joint Coordination Committee, SAMAA reported.

The CM, who is leading 11-member delegation, will finalize agreements on different development projects.

The joint coordination body will approve several projects in energy and infrastructure sectors, besides reviewing progress on Pak-China Economic Corridor, officials said.

According to sources, a final working report would also be prepared on construction of mega power projects in Pakistan with China’s coordination. The body will also 1317

August 26, 2014 Continued Tue review possibilities of construction of more power projects based on coal, wind and solar energy.

The delegation also comprises Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal, Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Malik, Federal Secretary Water and Power Nargis Sethi, Senior Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and other high officials.

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August 28, 2014 Thu All Day

‘China to help Pakistan complete uplift projects’ -- Daily Times

All Day

Chinese president to visit Pakistan -- Dawn

BEIJING: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has already announced Vision 2025 for rapid development of Pakistan adding that he is visualising completion of this vision with the cooperation of China within the stipulated time.

He expressed these views at the third session of Pak-China Joint Working Group held in Beijing on Wednesday to review progress on the proposed mega development project in Pakistan.

Ahsan Iqbal led Pakistani side while Chinese Vice President for Reforms Commission for National Development Xu Shaoshi represented his country.

In his remarks, Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan wants to finalise financial aspects of Pak-China corridor by the end of this year so that physical work on the project could be launched.

He said Pakistan appreciates Chinese assistance for economic development and hope that the forthcoming visit of Chinese President to Islamabad will help expedite pace of our economic progress. He said the government is paying special attention on the completion of mega projects in energy, transport and infrastructure development sectors. He expressed the confidence that Pakistan will be able to complete these mega projects up to 2018. In his remarks, Chinese Vice President Xu Shaoshi said his country wants to expedite development process in the region in collaboration with Pakistan. He said China would continue to work with Pakistan for completion of its development projects.

He said the Chinese government and private electric companies with continue to work for enhancing power generation in Pakistan to mitigate energy crisis. He said China wants to ensure sustainable progress on all mega development projects in Pakistan in the coming years.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China are in regular contacts to firm up dates for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Islamabad next month to witness the signing of about 14 investment agreements of over $10 billion.

In Islamabad, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong met Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss economic cooperation, says an official statement.

“We are happy to see Pakistan-China Economic Corridor moving ahead smoothly,” the statement quoted the ambassador.

Also read: China asks Pakistan to submit details of all development projects He said the ongoing third round of the Pakistan-China Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) was in progress in Beijing and large projects in energy and infrastructure sectors would be taken up with the help of the Chinese government. He said China would continue to take the relations to higher levels. He praised Pakistan’s support for the Asia Infrastructure Development Bank by becoming one of its founding members.

In Beijing, meanwhile, a JCC meeting also discussed agreements to be signed during the Chinese president’s visit. Under the agreements, China would provide financial assistance for 14 energy projects and four major infrastructure projects, including Karakoram Highway Phase-II, development of Gwadar Port and LahoreKarachi Motorway.

The Pakistani delegation to Beijing includes Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and federal secretaries.

Mr Shahbaz Sharif said President Xi’s visit would be of “extraordinary importance”.

He said during the visit the Chinese president would inspect the ongoing power and infrastructure projects and lay the foundation of new projects.

He said contractors for the Orange Line Metro Train project in Karachi would be 1319

August 28, 2014 Continued Thu selected soon.

Mr Ahsan Iqbal said the construction of Khunjerab-Gwadar Motorway would result in wide-ranging economic cooperation in the region.

Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said that the process of acquisition of land for Gwadar Port had been completed. He said the law and order situation had improved over the past year and Balochistan would soon see a new era of progress and development.

APP adds: In Beijing, the Pakistani and Chinese officials reached a consensus to complete several short-term energy- and transport-related projects by 2017.

The consensus arrived at a meeting of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

According to a statement of the Pakistan embassy in China, the meeting was cochaired by Hu Zucai, Vice Chairman National Development and Reform Commission of China, and Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

Mr Iqbal said a consensus had been reached on several power projects, adding that under the agreement 9,000 megawatts of electricity would be made available in the country by 2017-18.

He said Chinese companies would construct the Karachi-Lahore Motorway and the Multan-Sukkur section of the motorway on built, operate and transfer basis.

At Gwadar, he said, a modern airport would be built and a hospital and training facility and industrial parks would be set up.

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August 30, 2014 Sat All Day

A case study of Gwadar -- The Nations LAHORE (PR) - A public defence of a PhD thesis titled, “Role of Maritime Strategy in National Security: A Case Study of Gwadar” was held at National Defence University, Islamabad. Cdr (r) Azhar Ahmad highlighted the importance of his research and convinced the audience about the need of paying more attention to the maritime sector.

He stressed the fact that nations which neglected their maritime sector often remained at the mercy of others. For a country like Pakistan with such a vast coast and geo-strategic location, it is imperative to have a vibrant and effective maritime strategy, to benefit from its maritime potential, he added.

“Pakistan needs to revamp its maritime sector and Gwadar is just the right catalyst to provide the foundation as well as the stimulus,” he added. The audience and the examiners lauded the efforts of the researcher and approved his work for award of a PhD degree.

NDU launched its PhD programme in 2009 and Dr Azhar Ahmad became the first graduate of the pioneer batch. Besides, he is also the first to have earned the coveted degree of PhD in the discipline of ‘Peace and Conflict Studies’ in Pakistan.

He is currently working as a “Distinguished Researcher” with a Chinese think tank and a “Senior Research Fellow” with the Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad.

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September 2, 2014 Tue All Day

Oman grants $17.5m for new Gwadar International Airport -- Observer Staff Reporter

Tuesday, September 02, 2014 - Karachi—The development of New Gwadar International Airport, the part of Pak China Economic Corridor is being carried out

by Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority in collaboration with China Communication and Construction Company for New Gwadar International Airport.

According to CAA, the Oman Government has decided to grant $ 17.5 million for New Gwadar International Airport out of which $ 2.85 million has already been released, which has been utilized for Watch Towers, Boundary Walls and 18 KMs long road. In this respect an amendment to MoU has been agreed already and inked between Air Marshal (Retd) Muhammad Yousaf, Director General Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and Mr. Wang Xiaoping, CEO of M/s China Construction & Communication Company at CAA Headquarters in Karachi.

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September 4, 2014 Thu All Day

China plans to revive Silk Route via rail links -- Daily Times

BEIJING - China is negotiating with Pakistan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan to build three connective railroads to revive the ancient Silk Route and improve regional trade on the economic belt, a pet project of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Huang Shengqiang, head of the China Port Management Office, said Beijing has already opened 25 international airports and land ports as well as 12 special trade areas along the economic belt within the country. It will continue to build regional freight stations and create more trading platforms with Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Nepal. Huang was quoted by the state-run China Daily as saying, "China is planning to build a maze of silk roads, including the Maritime Silk Road (MSR), the pet project of President Xi, for which India has been invited to take part."

China wants India's participation in the BCIM (Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar) corridor, one of the Silk Road plans which connect India and China through Myanmar and a number of ports in the Asian region. The final plans for these silk roads and the objectives were expected to be released in the next few months. On Pakistan front, China has unveiled an ambitious Pak-China economic corridor project connecting the two countries. The multi-billion dollar project aims to connect the two countries with rail, road, oil and gas pipelines besides optic fibre links.

"China will make every effort to advance major cooperation projects that have been signed with countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt to bring tangible results to local residents," Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Yang said yesterday at China-Eurasia Expo at Urumqi. "The economic belt, which comprises more than 50 countries and could benefit more than 3.8 billion people, requires countries to work together to develop trade and lay out goals one step at a time," he said.

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Gwadar Port will serve big ships for 50 years: CHEC -- The News

BEIJING: Shi Yingtao, Vice President China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has said that Gwadar International Port will serve big ships for the next 50 years and will play a vital role in the regional trade and development.

Talking to Jang & The News at CHEC HQs in Beijing, the Vice President of CHEC which is doing major projects like Gwadar Port and Port Qasim in Pakistan stated that the Gwadar Port is being developed through Dredging and the 4,7 kms long channel has been dredged to 14 meter depth.

Gwadar Port is located at the apex of the Arabian Sea and at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, approximately 460 km west of Karachi.

Mr Yingtao stated that a 18.9 kms Eastbay Expressway will be built to help flow of goods from and to Gwadar Port which will also include a 4.3 kms bridge alongside the sea and it will be an engineering marvel. He told Jang and The News that the port is capable to load and unload biggest possible ships simultaneously.

The port berths length is over 700 meters and on requirement the berth length can be increased by two to three times.

The port is being built by CHEC in record time and Government of Pakistan has given the management control of Gwadar Port to China Overseas Ports Holding company.

Mr Yingtao said that CHEC is working on 32 projects and it also includes the Port Qasim project.

In another session with Jang and The News in Beijing, the Chief Economist of Chinese National Development Commission Mr Zhang Anyuan stated that Gwadar Port will be developed as a leading regional port. Mr Zhang said that an airport will be built at Gwadar and also a refinery will be built at Gwadar. A fee zone and Export Processing Zone is also part of the Gwadar Port project.

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September 10, 2014 Wed All Day

China is planning to replicate the model of Shanghai Free Trade Zone (SFTZ) in Gwadar -- The Express Tribune China is planning to replicate the model of Shanghai Free Trade Zone (SFTZ) in Gwadar, said Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) President Shah Faisal Afridi as he highlighted various investment projects on Tuesday.

The official said that China is also planning to invest $50 billion into a number of projects including coal, solar and wind energy till 2017 under the Early Harvest Programme.

He added that these would enable Gwadar to create a nexus among Pakistan, Iran, China and Central Asian States that would ultimately generate billions of dollars in revenues along with several job opportunities.

“The SFTZ is a perfect model to be implemented at Gwadar. It was first used as a testing ground for a number of economic and social reforms in China and it proved very helpful in scaling up the country’s economic growth,” said Afridi.

The zone, he said, incorporated numerous relaxations in different sectors, under the FTZ’s new capital registration system — foreign investors were no longer required to contribute 15% capital within three months and full capital within two years of the establishment of a foreign invested enterprise (FIE).

The ‘one-stop application processing platform’ was introduced at the zone, he said, which meant that applicants may obtain all the necessary documents for the company establishment under one roof.

The Chinese assistance in the development of this port is essential in positively impacting the country’s economy.

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September 11, 2014 Thu All Day

China to invest $50bn in development projects in Pakistan -- APP

ISLAMABAD: China intends to invest as many as $50 billion by 2017 in various sectors of Pakistan's economy, particularly in energy sector to help the country overcome power crisis and help sustainable economic growth, President Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry Shah Faisal Afridi said.

"China has planned to replicate the model of Shanghai Free Trade Zone (SFTZ) by investing $50 billion into a number of projects including coal, solar and wind energy till 2017 under Early Harvest Programme," Faisal said.

These projects would enable Gawadar to create a nexus between Pakistan, Iran, China and Central Asian States that would ultimately generate billions of dollars in revenues along with huge job opportunities in the region.

Afridi said that SFTZ is a perfect model to be implemented at Gwadar, asserting, the SFTZ was first used as a testing ground for a number of economic sectors.

The zone, he said, incorporated numerous relaxations in different sectors, under the FTZ's new capital registration system, foreign investors were no longer required to contribute 15 percent capital within three months and full capital within two years of the establishment of a foreign invested enterprise (FIE).

Meanwhile, official sources said that in addition to invest in power projects, China was also interested in already working in various projects of motorways and railways.

On energy front, Pakistan has been already working to generate about 10400 megawatt electricity with the help of Chinese investment and several projects were already underway to overcome energy crisis.

Beijing has designated three banks including Exim Bank that will provide loans to Chinese companies for investment in power, railway and transport sectors in Pakistan.

Federal government has given advertisements for investment in Gaddani power projects and a competitive bidding process will be initiated for upcoming power plants.

The successful bidders would have to show project feasibility reports to Chinese banks to qualify for the loans, sources said adding Pakistan government would not give any sovereign guarantees to Chinese investors who would install power plants in public-private partnership mode.

China was quite cognizant on the energy problems of Pakistan and that is why it has agreed to invest $34 billion in the energy sector of the country, which is highest Chinese investment in any country.

The Chinese investment would include several projects in Sindh province including transmission of electricity from Thar to Jamshoro after setting up Mitiari transmission line.

In addition imported coal would be utilized in power plants in coastal areas whereas local coal would be utilized for running power plants in Punjab province.

Sources said that vast coal reserves were available in Thar, however due to some quality issues coal would be imported for independent power producers.

For this purpose coal would be imported from South Africa, New Zealand and Indonesia.

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September 13, 2014 Sat All Day

The Chinese president has expressed his desire to visit Pakistan “as early as possible,” Foreign Office said -- Daily Times As per the details, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz met the Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit at Dushanbe, Tajikistan on Friday. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, President Xi conveyed his greetings to President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. “He expressed good wishes and solidarity for the success of his government in its efforts for socio-economic development of Pakistan. President Xi said that he was looking forward to his visit to Pakistan as early as possible,” a statement from FO said.

The adviser said that the government and the people of Pakistan were very keen to welcome the President in Pakistan. His visit would further strengthen excellent bilateral relations. “President Xi terming Pak-China friendship as strategic and all weather, mentioned that these relations would remain insulated to changing time and situations and would strengthen with the passage of time.

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September 19, 2014 Fri All Day

PAK-CHINA JOINT VENTURE IN AUTOMOBILE TO SET EXPORT BASE -- APP

PAK-CHINA JOINT VENTURE IN AUTOMOBILE TO SET EXPORT BASE Friday, September 19, 2014 - Karachi—Leading Chinese group has expressed its interest to make Pakistan an export base country for automobiles under a joint venture with Pakistan in auto manufacturing. M/s. Zotye Holding Group is interested in having a joint venture with Pakistani firm M/s. Raja Group of Industries to make Pakistan the manufacturing base for export of Zotye vehicles to South East Asian markets.

This Chinese group is a modern automobile enterprise taking the R&D and Manufacturing of vehicle, new energy vehicle and key auto parts like engine, auto mould, transmission as its core business. In recent years, Zotye‘s every development and every breakthrough have got much care and kindness from different leaders at all levels. The Chinese state leaders such Xi Jinping, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhendgsheng had visited Zotye many times and given their affirmation and encouragement to Zotye‘s development.

Auto Sector is one of the emerging sectors in Pakistan exports and every effort is being taken by TDAP to promote the exports of Auto sector to the world. In pursuance of this objective Chief Executive, TDAP along with the departmental head of Engineering Division Mr. Athar Jamal Abro had detailed discussion with the said delegation members regarding various possibilities and support, which TDAP can offer. The CE, TDAP also assured the members about his personal commitment towards Auto Sector.

The business delegation comprising senior management from M/s. Zotye Holding Group led by Mr. Steven Xu, Assistant to President accompanied by Mr. Paul Liu, District Manager and Mr. Raja Tariq Rehman, Managing Director of M/s. Raja Motor Company Ltd met with Mr. S.M Muneer, Chief Executive, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan at TDAP-Head-Office, Karachi.

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September 22, 2014 Mon All Day

Only China can help Pakistan get out of economic, energy woes: Analysts -- Dawn

ISLAMABAD - China, a trusted friend can help Pakistan to get out of its economic woes and energy crisis and it has already agreed to invest in Pakistan in different projects.

Realizing the importance of China, when Nawaz Sharif won elections in May 2013 and was poised to become the Prime Minister for an unprecedented third time, he met the visiting Chinese Premier Mr. Li-Keqiang in May 2013. This meeting laid the foundation of economic co-operation between the two countries, taking it to new heights.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chose China for his first official visit after being sworn in to office which not only reflected his commitment to improve the economic conditions of the country but the role he envisaged China could play in achieving this goal. The present government has been holding in-depth talks with Chinese government since it came into power last year to strengthen and widen existing friendly relations between the two countries. The Chinese government committed to facilitate investment by Chinese companies in Pakistan and encourage Chinese companies by giving them comfort for their investments in Pakistan Today, China is one of the countries which not only has one of the largest foreign exchange reserves but has developed State of Art technology in various areas.

Pakistan seeks both China’s technology and investment to improve the life of its people. President of China, Mr Xi Jinping who was recently on a visit to India had to cancel his visit to Pakistan at the last moment, where he was due to sign contracts of 45.6 billion dollars, according to conservative estimates of government of Pakistan. These agreements envisaged an initial investment of 34 billion dollars.

The China Pak Economic Corridor Support Project (CPECSP) was approved by CDWP. Pakistan could have won many new deals upon arrival of Chinese President. According to the sources in the federal ministries of Pakistan many new agreements/MoUs between Pakistan and China in the fields of Energy, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Railways, Communication, Information, Media, Culture etc. were ready to be signed. But still in the recent years Pakistan managed to attract a big chunk of Chinese foreign investment as a continuous process and many projects are under construction. Chinese government and Chinese private companies have already invested in different fields in Pakistan, especially in energy sector, road infrastructure and railways.

In the energy sector fourteen power projects including hydel, wind and coal projects with total investment of 15.5 billion dollars and a total production capacity of 10400 mega watts were likely to be signed during the visit and work on them was expected to start immediately. Besides, projects having total production capacity of 6120 mega watts are also contemplated to be installed with a total investment of 18.3billions dollars. These energy projects would meet the present and future needs of the country in increasing the growth rate and as well as stimulate economic activity which has been long held hostage due to deficiency of power in the country. China is also pouring its investment into alternate energy production.

Bahawalpur solar park which is one of its own kind in South Asia and 100 MW Pakistan Wind energy project-II are under construction in this sector. This series of projects are expected to make the power sector strong contributory element in the National Development Scheme.

Projects for the construction of Lahore-Karachi Motorway and the Raikot-Islamabad section, necessary for the construction of Bhasha, another railway project for the expansion and reconstruction of existing line ML-1 having a length of 1736KMs and Havelian Dry port were also to be constructed with Chinese investment at the cost of US$ 3.7billion. The Chinese had also agreed to invest in the establishment of economic zone, an optical fiber cable project and in the field of communications at the total cost of US$ 1.64billion dollars.

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September 24, 2014 Wed All Day

Pakistan-China economic corridor conference at Intermodal Europe 2014 -- APP Pakistan-China-economic-corridor-conference-at-Intermodal-Europe-2014 24 September 2014

As part of a Spotlight on Asia, the Pakistan-China economic corridor programme will be the focus of a conference session at Intermodal Europe 2014, which takes place from 11-13 November at the Rotterdam Ahoy.

Currently under development, the Pakistan-China (or Pak-China) Economic Corridor programme plans to connect Gwadar Port in southern Pakistan to China’s north-western autonomous region of Xinjiang using highways, railways and pipelines to transport oil and gas.

The conference session, titled ‘Developing the Pak-China Intermodal Economic Corridor to facilitate Sino-Europe Trade’ will be presented by Mr. Aasim Siddiqui, Chairman of the All Pakistan Shipping Association (APSA), which is a stakeholder in the Pak-China Intermodal Economic Corridor programme.

“Pakistan is taking a new leap in the development of an intermodal network across the region with the strategic cooperation of China to develop the Pak-China Economic Corridor” explains Mr. Siddiqui. “It will also strengthen regional trade with South Asia, CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries and Western Europe.”

During the conference session, Mr. Siddiqui will discuss the benefits that the economic corridor will offer, including an efficient and cost effective trade route between Europe and China, and highlight business opportunities, the trade facilitation programme and infrastructure development projects that will result.

“Creating a new trade route can be a painstaking exercise and, as we are not cargo owners, Intermodal Europe 2014 provides us with a platform to share the plans with the businesses that will actually use the China-Pakistan economic corridor, and they can share their apprehensions and expectations,” says Mr. Siddiqui. “It is a good opportunity to raise international awareness of the project, which is still in the development phase, and to get feedback from the right people.”

The trading route will open new routes to create a direct link between Pakistan and China, reported to remove 6000 miles of unnecessary stops at Hong Kong, Singapore or the Middle East for example. a

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October 27, 2014 Mon All Day

Dar signs MoU for establishement of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank -- APP Dar signs MoU for establishement of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

ISLAMABAD - Federal Minister for Finance, Mohammad Ishaq Dar along with representatives of other countries that signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) had a meeting with Chinese President, Xi Jinping in Beijing.

According to a press statement issued by Finance Ministry here, President Xi Jinping on the occasion renewed his commitment to visit Pakistan and said he looked forward to undertaking the visit.

He felicitated Finance Minister Dar and representatives of other countries on signing the memorandum and said it reflected all the parties’ aspiration, determination and action for unity and cooperation in pursuit of common development.

Xi said that he hoped all sides concerned would make concerted efforts to make the AIIB a financing platform of infrastructure construction featuring equality, inclusiveness and high efficiency, and multilateral development bank that meets the demand of all countries in the region.

Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar also congratulated the Chinese President on signing of the MoU on establishment of AIIB and added that government and people of Pakistan eagerly looked forward to his visit. The Minister said the AIIB would complement the efforts of the existing multilateral development banks, the statement added.

He said in Pakistan the need for developing new infrastructure is immense, adding they were happy that the bank would provide financing support for meeting infrastructure deficits in different Asian countries and help improve connectivity within the region. He also conveyed to the Chinese President and the people of China, the best wishes of the Pakistani leadership and people.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister of Finance, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Sunday met Chairman of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) Jiang Jianqing in Beijing and discussed investment opportunities for the bank in various sectors including infrastructure development of Gwadar.

According to a message received here from Beijing, Chairman Jiang Jianqing expressed his gratitude to the government of Pakistan for bestowing him with the Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam award.

He said that he was honoured and pledged support to strengthening Pak-China relationship.

Minister Ishaq Dar appreciated ICBC’s continued support and expansion of its operations by opening up new bank branches in Pakistan.

He said that being the 6th largest in terms of population in the world, having sizeable middle class, a vibrant consumer market and owing to its geographic location, Pakistan was an ideal location for enterprises eyeing the regional market.

He said Pakistan ranked better in ease of doing business index among its neighbours. Together with a liberal investment regime and an enormous natural resource endowment, Pakistan offered promising prospects in assuring attractive investment returns in various sectors including energy, power, mining, agriculture and infrastructure, he added.

He hoped Industrial and Commercial Bank of China’s partnering with enterprises in developing the potential would make it a mutually win-win situation for all parties.

Talking about the China Pakistan Economic Corridor he said both the countries had agreed to a profile of Early Harvest Projects. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) could seize the investment opportunities thus available.

He pointed out that infrastructure development of Gwadar was one key area where the bank’s cooperation could be useful. He said Pakistan’s policy regime in the power sector was very rewarding. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) may therefore consider supporting the Chinese entrepreneurs who are interested in installing power stations as IPPs under the rubric of agreed EHP of CPEC.

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October 28, 2014 Tue All Day

Chinese delegation visits Gwadar -- APP

GWADAR: A 20-member delegation from China comprising entrepreneurs, bankers, public representatives including the Mayor of Handan (Hebei Province) paid a 3-day visit to Gwadar.

The visit was jointly sponsored by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and Habib Bank Limited (HBL), which were working on a concept of development of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gwadar. The said visit was in line with a series of policy initiatives under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and bilateral and multilateral understandings between different Chinese and Pakistani public-sector, as well as private sector companies and organisations.

While visiting Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) the delegation was welcomed by the Chairman GPA, Dostain Khan Jamaldini followed by a detailed presentation about the existing and future initiatives for promotion of sea-route economic activities through Gwadar Deep Sea Port vis-a-vis Gwadar Port Master Plan, enabling Gwadar for serving as a shortest route for Central Asia, South Asia and Middle East, especially linking vital silk route with China.

The chairman GPA called upon the Chinese delegation to make use of the facilities and special incentives including tax exemptions offered by the government of Pakistan and Balochistan government. He said the Sino-Pak relationship was spanning over six decades of time-tested, government-to-government and peopleto-people interactions. He said the natural location of Gwadar Deep Sea Port makes it an ideal port for shipping activities due to its easy access and natural depth. He said the port was already being handled by a Chinese company, which testifies the commitment of the Chinese government for developing the area with the government of Pakistan.

In his keynote address the head of the delegation the Mayor of Handan (Hebei Province), Mr. Gao Heping eulogized the Sino-Pak relationship and said the Gwadar Port could play as a regional hub for inter-state trade activities.

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October 30, 2014 Thu All Day

China to actively support Pak in energy pipelines, railway -- APP

URUMQI - China was giving serious thought to its active participation in construction of Pakistan-China Railway and energy pipelines, senior official of the Chinese government Prof. Gao Jianlong said.

While speaking at media seminar held here on Thursday, he said that there has been rapid growth in Sino-Pak economic partnership in the recent years and hoped China’s participation will be much more in socio-economic development of Pakistan in the coming years. The weeklong seminar, organised by the China’s State Council Information office was being participated by journalists from nine neighbouring countries.

The government and the people of China, Jianlong said wish to see a strong and prosperous Pakistan. China, he said is prepared for construction of second line from Aksu to Kashgar and the railway from Ruoqiang to Hotan. He said that China was pushing forward its all-round partnership with its neighbouring countries including Pakistan.

About Xinjiang Autonomous Region’s trade and economic ties with Pakistan, he said that it was going well and meeting the common needs of their people. He hoped that the construction of new Silk Road will give a big boost to China’s relations with South Asia, Middle East and Central Asian Countries.

He also referred to Pak-China economic corridor project, and said that it would open avenues of bilateral cooperation between the countries in economic, cultural and social fields.

All Day

Immense potential in Pak-China cooperation: Sartaj -- Online

All Day

Thar coal power plant to start production by March 2015 -- APP

Islamabad- Advisor to the Prime Minister on the National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, met the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing ahead of the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, to be hosted by China.

They discussed a wide range of bilateral economic and security issues.

The Adviser said that Pakistan and China bilateral cooperation had deepened over the years and as strategic partners, both countries had a common stake in regional cooperation, peace and stability.

Sartaj Aziz complimented China on hosting the 4th Round of Istanbul Process.

Pakistan and China agreed to intensify efforts to contribute towards peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He said both countries are further reinforcing linkages in various fields including energy, communications, infrastructure, trade and connectivity.

The China-Pakistan economic cooperation had immense potential to promote economic wellbeing of the peoples of the two countries and the region.

The commercial production from Thar coal-fired power generation plant will be ready by June 2018 provided the financial closure is completed by March 2015, said Sindh Engro Mining Company (SECMC) Chief Executive Officer Shamsuddin Ahmed Sheikh.

“We are the biggest investors in energy and coal mining with an investment of US $2 billion in the country,” Sheikh told media during their visit to Tharparkar coal mines,” said a statement issued on Thursday. The visit was organised by Engro Company (PVT) Limited to enable the journalists to see themselves the progress of the project of national importance.

Shamsuddin told the reporters: “Prosperity is inevitable for the people of Pakistan and Thar through exploration of the seventh largest coal mine resources blessed by Allah Almighty to this country.”

He said this year both Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari jointly inaugurated the Thar coal mine for cheap generation of electricity to 1333

October 31, 2014 Fri All Day

'China keen to construct railway, energy pipelines in Pakistan' -- BR 'China keen to construct railway, energy pipelines in Pakistan'

China is giving serious thought to its active participation in construction of ChinaPakistan Railway and energy pipelines, said Professor Gao Jianlong, a senior official of the Chinese government.

While speaking at media seminar held here on Thursday, he said there has been rapid growth in Sino-Pak economic partnership in the recent years and hoped China's participation will be much more in socio-economic development of Pakistan in the coming years. The weeklong seminar, organised by the China's State Council Information office was being participated by media persons from nine neighbouring countries.

Professor Gao said that government and people of China wish to see a strong and prosperous Pakistan. China, he said is prepared for construction of second line from Aksu to Kashgar and the Railway from Ruoqiang to Hotan.

He further said China is pushing forward its all-round partnership with its neighbouring countries including Pakistan. About Xinjiang Autonomous Region's trade and economic ties with Pakistan, he said it is going well and meeting the common needs of their people.

He hoped that the construction of new Silk Road will give a big boost to China's relations with South Asia, Middle East and Central Asian Countries.

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November 2, 2014 Sun All Day

Parliamentary team visits Kashgar special economic zone -- APP

KASHGAR: Pakistan’s Parliamentary delegation led by Parliamentary Secretary Finance and Economic Affairs Rana Muhammad Afzal on Saturday visited Kashgar special economic zone.

It took keen interest in its infrastructure development and connectivity plan with neighbouring countries, especially with Pakistan. Chinese officials regarding various aspects of the economic zone, which is likely to be completed by 2020 briefed the delegation. The delegation observed the integrated project comprised a holistic approach to link up modern means of communication including rail, road links with trade and economic opportunities for both the states.

We have an opportunity to observe the development initiatives being undertaken by the government and the private sector of China by converting Kashgar to regional trading hub in view of its proximity to Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Central Asian Republics.

He said two huge industrial parks and mini cities were being developed in the outskirts of Kashgar with direct investment from the provincial governments and the business community of Guangzhu and other states.

This is a unique development mode where infrastructure is being developed by the public sector and the private sector is provided with land and financial assistance on very convenient and preferential terms. Alongside a huge tax free special economic zone is being developed where custom clearance on speedy business is being provided two-way transactions of goods and services to and from China. He said with these huge developments, Kashgar was likely to transform economically and socially with presently 90 percent ethnic Muslims of this area who might not be economically strong would have job and economic opportunities. Kashgar can serve as a role model for any developing country, including Pakistan. After visiting Kashgar, its proximity to Pakistan approximately 500 kilometers and a flying time of around one hour impressed the delegates and now we realised more than ever before the significance of Kashgar-Gwadar Economic Corridor as a game-changer for Pakistan and China.

Mujtaba Hussain Director General Planning Commission said Pakistan and China economic corridor was strategically important for both keeping in view the growing regional trade and investment collaboration. The ground breaking for early harvest projects would be observed soon following the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

These projects would be completed within a span of two to three years include rail, road networks besides several long and short term energy projects.

There is an integrated communication network which would not only benefit Pakistan but it would benefit China more to help open a new vista of trade with the rest of the world in a record short period of time as well as resources. He said incentives were being given to Pakistani entrepreneurs by offering tax-free zones and introducing rent-free homes and even paying the Pakistani businesspersons stipend for their household.

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November 6, 2014 Thu All Day

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to fund Pak-China economic project Newly-established bank to support developing countries for construction of their basic infrastructure -- Daily Times

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to fund Pak-China economic project Newly-established bank to support developing countries for construction of their basic infrastructure BEIJING – Pakistan-China economic corridor project is likely to get funding from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which is to be functional by the end of next year.

The bank is being set up on the proposal of Chinese President Xi Jinping to support the developing countries for construction of their basic infrastructure. In this connection, twenty-one countries including Pakistan that are willing to join the AIIB have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last week in Beijing.

Prof Gao Jianlong, president of the Xinjiang Academy of Social Sciences, told reporters at journalists seminar held in Urumqi, (Xinjiang Autonmous Region) that AIIB was supposed to finance the mega projects like Pak-China economic cooridor, which is a development programme to connect Gawadar Port to China’s northwestern region of Xinjiang via highways, railways and pipelines to transport oil and gas.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang was among the first advocates of the project.

The New China Silk Road economic project is also likely to get financial support from the AIIB. Prof Gao said that the bank was a major imitative for providing financial support to the developing countries to build up their basic infrastructure, bringing prosperity to their people.

This is as per the dream of the Chinese government to have equal development of the all regional countries on the basis of win-win situation. After completion, the Pak-China economic corridor will serve as a primary gateway to trade among China, Middle East and Africa through Pakistan. Particularly, the oil from the Middle East could be offloaded at Gawadar, which is located just outside the mouth of the Persian Gulf.

The oil would be transported to China through the Baluchistan in Pakistan. Such a link would vastly cut the 12,000-kilometres route that Mideast oil supplies must now take to reach Chinese ports. According to a deal signed in July, the project includes construction of 200 kilometres long tunnel, which will link both the countries and facilitate trade and commuters.

As per the plan, special economic zones would be established along the economic corridor, and Chinese companies have shown willingness to set up industries in the zones. The 21 countries signed the MoU for the establishment of the Bank includes Bangladesh, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Uzbekistan, besides Pakistan and China.

The MOU specifies that the authorised capital of AIIB is 100 billion US dollars and the initial subscribed capital is expected to be around 50 billion dollars. The paid-in ratio will be 20 per cent. AIIB will be an inter-governmental regional development institution in Asia. As agreed, Beijing will be the host city for AIIB's headquarters.

It is expected that the Prospective Founding Members will complete the signing and ratification of the Articles of Agreement (AOA) in 2015 and AIIB will be formally established by the end of 2015. The proposed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will bring benefits to all parties involved, said Chinese Finance Minister Lou Jiwei.

“The global economy remains short of investment. Investment in infrastructure in Asia will expand demand and support global recovery,” Lou said in an interview with Xinhua last week. The size of the bank's capital and investment ratios are yet to be discussed and confirmed.

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November 6, 2014 Continued Thu China could contribute 50 per cent of the bank's capital. “This shows China's determination to establish the bank,” he said, but the final investment is open to adjustment, depending on how many countries participate. “By economic weight, China is still expected to hold the biggest share,” he said.

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PM calls his visit to China monumental -- Daily Times

Nawaz says contracts with Chinese companies to revolutionise infrastructure, energy availability ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that his forthcoming visit to China would be monumental as he would be entering into contracts with Chinese companies for projects worth 45 billion dollars including Pak-China Economic Corridor which would revolutionise the infrastructure and energy availability.

Out of 45 billion dollars, 34 billion dollars would be spent on energy and power sectors and 11 billion dollars would be allocated to infrastructure. This was stated by the prime minister while presiding over the cabinet meeting here during second phase of the ministers’ performance review presentations.

The completion of these projects would bring a big break-through in energy sector and would be a game changer in Pakistan’s economy, he said. The prime minister further said that these projects would be completed in three and half years. “We would not let corrupt elements allow to create any hurdles in the fast pace of completion,” he said. He also directed Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to prioritise these reforms in the next cabinet meeting which would develop Pakistan on modern lines.

Nawaz also said that exports would have to be increased manifold and the government would have to boost it up by 150 billion dollars by 2025, targets given by the Planning Commission. He pointed out that the Neelum-Jehlum power project was delayed due to negligence of officials which has not only wasted time but also has increased its cost from 70 to 300 billion rupees. He said that such corrupt practices would not be allowed in future.

He also directed Ministry of Commerce to take immediate steps with the help of Foreign Office to export rice to Iran and to provide immediate relief to the farmers and to stabilize rice prices in the market. He appreciated performance of Railways Ministry who brought Pakistan Railways back in action from a stand still organisation. He expressed his hope that if these efforts continued Pakistan Railways would become an effective transportation facility in the region.

Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal briefed the cabinet on the performance of his ministry. Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique in his presentation on performance of his ministry stated that major initiatives had been undertaken by the ministry like complete de-politicization, structural reforms at the organisational level, establishment of legal and IT directorates, decentralisation of powers etc.

He stated that the Pakistan Railways was retrieving Railway Land and a Land Record Management Information System was being developed. He said that Railways Ministry was fully aware of the commercial utilization of railway land and a Transaction Advisory Service for Pakistan Railways’ Karachi Division was being hired in this regard. Pakistan Railways was undertaking Customer Facilitation Measures for improved quality of services, the minister added.

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November 7, 2014 Fri All Day

$45b projects to be signed in China: PM -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said his forthcoming visit to China would be monumental as he would be entering into contracts with Chinese companies for $ 45 billion projects, including Pak-China Economic Corridor, which would revolutionise the infrastructure and energy availability.

While presiding over the cabinet meeting convened to review the second phase of the ministers’ performance, the PM said of these $ 45 billion, $ 34 billion would be spent on the power sector while $ 11 billion would be earmarked for infrastructure.

The federal cabinet condemned the recent gruesome incident of lynching a Christian couple in Kasur and resolved to bring the perpetrators to book. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed the resolve that the government would fully monitor the issue and ensure that the culprits involved in this incident were punished.

The PM asked the Ministry of Planning and Development to prioritise reforms in a bid to address major issues at first in public-sector departments. He lauded the performance of the Ministry of Planning and Development and asked it to come up with a series of new reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency of public-service departments and remove the bottlenecks.

The prime minister also reviewed the communication and development projects mentioned by Ahsan Iqbal and said the government was committed to completing all these on time remaining within the allocated budgets.

The minister said there would be no cost escalation of the projects related to power, communications, roads, motorways, Gwadar Port and others. He said the US $ 150 billion target of exports under the Vision 2025 could be easily met if all development projects were completed on time.

On the overbilling, the PM directed Water and Power Minister Khawaja Asif to take all steps to resolve the issue and provide relief to consumers.

Khawaja Asif told the PM that the ministry was adopting a concise mechanism to resolve the overbilling issue, adding it would also point out the basic reason for the overbilling.The PM directed him to bring the elements involved in overbilling to justice and make all-out efforts to address consumers’ complaints.

During the meeting, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique stated that major initiatives, including de-politicization, structural reforms at the organisational level, establishment of legal and IT directorates and decentralisation of powers, had been undertaken by his ministry.

The minister told the cabinet that in the freight sector, a freight company for new business avenues like coal power plants had been established. Moreover, Pakistan Railways had restored container trains for dry ports and inland container terminals, he added.

Spokesman for the prime minister, Dr Musadik Malik, briefing media persons on the meeting, said the government had initiated the process of self-accountability to provide maximum relief to the people, particularly the poor segment of the society.He said that in future the yardstick to judge performance of any ministry would be the steps it had taken to facilitate the general public. He stated the prime minister had directed the Planning Ministry to shift the tilt from debt servicing to development projects and exports to increase the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

The PM lauded the Railways Ministry’s decision to reduce train fares even before decrease in petroleum prices to provide relief to the people.

To a question about the overbilling of electricity, Dr Musadik Malik said three independent audit firms were investigating the issue systematically and after the report of the audit committee responsibility would be fixed. To a question about increase in electricity prices, he said 68 percent consumers were consuming less than 200MW electricity per month and they had not been overburdened.

He said that Pakistan and China would sign various development projects worth $ 45 billion during the prime minister’s visit to China. Under these projects special focus would be on Balochistan where Gwadar Port, Gwadar city and a road from Khuzdar to Gwadar would be constructed with the Chinese assistance, he asserted.

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November 7, 2014 Continued Fri All Day

‘Govt aims to materialise Pak-China trade corridor dream’ -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD - Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said his ministry has focused on materialising the dream of Pakistan-China trade corridor.

He said this during his briefing to Federal Cabinet about the progress of his ministry here on Thursday. The minister said his ministry since inception of the government focused on preparing Vision 2025. He said Vision 2025 was finalised after consultation with all relevant quarters and analysing the development plans of developed nations.

Ahsan Iqbal said government has set the target to achieve six per cent growth rate till 2018. Ahsan Iqbal said implementation of the Vision 2025 is key priority of the Ministry of Planning and development. He said a Monitoring and Delivery Unit has been formed for this purpose.

He said that Planning Commission has been revived and staffed with top class human resource to realise the Government’s development goals. He said we have helped save Rs500 billion during the last fifteen months because of better scrutiny of projects. He emphasised the need for enhancing development fund to gear up the growth rate as well as transfer the fruits of development to the common man.

Ahsan said they are also working on civil service reforms. It is a five step process and will be completed in three months. He said Key Performance Indicators have been formed on institutional level

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November 8, 2014 Sat All Day

NA Parliamentary delegation arrives from China after official visit -- BR

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Pak-China accords to provide one million jobs -- The News

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Parliamentary delegation led by Parliamentary Secretary for Finance, Economic Affairs and Privatization, Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan arrived here on Saturday after a 10-day official visit to China.

The delegation comprising members of the National Assembly, think tank and media was invited for the visit by the Chinese government to further enhance friendly relations and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China.

During the visit, the delegation visited Kashgar Special Economic Zone and hold meeting with Chinese Communist Party (CPC) leaders and senior government officials in Kashgar, Urumqi, Beijing and Shanghai.

In Beijing, the delegation held separate meetings with Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Ministry of China, Liu Jianchao, leader of Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs and attended the seminar on Afghanistan Situation and Sino-Pak cooperation for counter-terrorism.

In Shanghai, the delegation visit the Pudong Economic Zone, Free Trade Zone and Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Talking to APP after the visit, leader of the delegation, Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan said, during its stay, the delegation had an opportunity to observe the development initiatives being undertaken by the government and the private sector of China by converting Kashgar into a regional trading hub in view of its proximity to Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Central Asian countries.

With the development of a huge tax free special economic zone, custom clearance on speedy business is being provided two-way transactions of goods and services to and from China, he added.

Rana Afzal said, with these huge developments, Kashgar is likely to transform economically and socially with presently 90 percent ethnic Muslims of this area who may not be economically strong will have job and economic opportunities.

He opined that Pakistan business community should also take advantage of the incentives offered by the Chinese Government for foreign investment in Kashgar.

The incentives being offered to Pakistani entrepreneurs include tax-free zones and rent-free homes and even paying the Pakistani business persons stipend for their household, he added.

About his meetings with Chinese leaders and government officials, he said that they expressed their resolve to further boost Pak-China deep rooted ties and economic cooperation.

He observed that it is heartening to note that all political forces in Pakistan stand united and unanimous over Pak-China friendship.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2014

Pak-China accords to provide one million jobs

BEIJING/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was accorded a warm welcome when he arrived in Beijing on Friday on a three-day visit to China.

He was greeted by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Sources said that the visit would help in ushering in an era of development, prosperity and generating employment opportunities to over one million youth of the country.

During his visit to China, the prime minister will attend the annual meeting of the held there besides holding meetings with the Chinese president and prime minister.

During his meetings with Chinese president and prime minister, the premier will discuss regional situation and bilateral relations.

Earlier, before his departure to China, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a statement said that his China visit was also aimed at ending loadshedding in the country. “I am going to China only to save my people from one extra loadshedding-ridden atrocious summer. “Despite the damage done in the past two months due to political turmoil, we will make up for the loss come what may,” he said.

Pakistan-China economic corridor projects have far reaching consequences for 1341

November 8, 2014 Continued Sat Pakistan’s economy. These projects will be source of employment for over a million youth of Pakistan. Pak-China cooperation will also create business opportunities for local and international efforts”, he said.

The momentous agreements/MOUs will be signed between Pakistan and China today (Saturday) covering 21 mega projects which attract investment of over $46 billion in Pakistan.The historic ceremony will take place in Great Hall, Beijing.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will sign the agreements on behalf of Pakistan. It will be Pakistan’s biggest foreign economic investment agreement in country’s history.The prime minister has termed the agreements as game changer since his visit is viewed as prosperity and power specific. The diplomatic sources told The News here Friday that the signing of several MoUs reflected depth of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Nawaz would hold bilateral meetings with top Chinese leadership and take part in a dialogue themed “Strengthening Connectivity Partnership” taking place ahead of the APEC Economic Leader’s Summit currently underway in Beijing, in which leaders of Myanmar, Laos, Mongolia, Cambodia, Tajikistan and Bangladesh are also participating.

Chinese President Xi Jinping had to cancel his maiden visit to Pakistan due to the protests and sit-in in Islamabad in September and consequently the country had to endure loss of billions of rupees. In the last three months, Pakistan has endured multiple economic losses due to the sit-ins. Over 21 projects for generating 16,520MW power at an estimated cost of around $33 billion would bring substantial improvement in all the sectors of economy after completion.

The important projects to be completed with the Chinese help include 1320MW Sino-Hydro Resource Project, two 660MW Sahiwal Coal Fired Projects, 2,330MW Engro Thar Coal Fired Project, 1320MW each, Muzaffargarh Coal Power, Rahim Yar Khan, SSRL Thar Coal Projects and Thar Mine Mouth Oracle projects, 1000MW SSRL Thar Coal Block 6, 2640MW Gaddani Power Park Project, 300MW Gwadar Coal, 100MW Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, 50MW Dawood Wind Farm, 100MW UEP Wind Farm, 50MW Sachal Wind Farm, 50MW Sunnec Wind Farm, 870MW Suki Kinari Hydropower Station,720MW Karot Hydropower Station and others.Energy is vitally important for the economy and this has remained on the top of the prime minister’s agenda, ever since he assumed power in June last year.

Both the countries are set to sign agreements to construct various roads, railway and other infrastructure development projects at an estimated cost of around $4 billion. The prime minister would sign an agreement to construct 440 km KKH II Raikot-Islamabad section, Karachi-Lahore Motorway, Havelian Dry Port, Orange Line Project of Lahore, Cross Border Optical Fiber Cable and Hari-Ruba Economic Zone, Sino hydro Resource Limited and Al Mirqab Capital. With Chinese investment, the country’s economy is set to take off and flourish generating numerous employment opportunities for the people of Pakistan, especially the youth.

Prime Minister’s small entourage comprised Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, federal ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Khwaja Muhammad Asif and Special Assistant to PM Syed Tariq Fatemi. Prime Minister Nawaz has travelled by his 12-seat small plane and likely to return tomorrow (Sunday) evening. The visit has unprecedented significance but Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has made it free of any fanfare. The sources vowed that it would be glorious day in Pakistan-China ties history and remembered for the exceptional agreements.

- See more at: http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-33970-Pak-Chinaaccords-to-provide-one-million-jobs#sthash.NPh71poL.dpuf

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November 9, 2014 Sun All Day

Pak-China cooperation: New agreements will end energy crisis: Shahbaz -- The Express Tribune Pak-China cooperation: New agreements will end energy crisis: Shahbaz

The agreements of investment of billions of dollars reflect the full confidence of the government and leaders of China in the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif,” LAHORE: The agreements signed between Pakistan and China will help end the energy crisis in the country, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Sunday.

He was talking to heads of several Chinese companies who met him in Beijing.

“A number of agreements have been signed for generation of power during the visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to China. They will eliminate the energy crisis on a permanent basis and people will be rid of load-shedding,” Shahbaz said.

“The solution of the shortage of electricity will accelerate industrial and trade activities. New job opportunities will also be created, resulting in overcoming poverty alleviation. Low-cost electricity will be available once coal power plants are commissioned with the cooperation of China,” he said.

The chief minister said that the agreements between Pakistan and China for power generation and economic development were an important step towards progress of the country.

“These agreements will prove to be a milestone in bilateral cooperation, strengthening the Pak-China friendship. These projects will be completed speedily and in a transparent manner and will change the destiny of the people of Pakistan.

A new era of progress and prosperity will usher in,” Shahbaz said.

He said that solution of energy crisis at the earliest was essential for the country’s progress.

He said that the interest shown by China in the energy sector was highly encouraging.

“The energy crisis in Pakistan will not have been so serious today if past governments had shown interest in the generation of power from coal,” the chief minister said.

Shahbaz said that the Punjab government was planning to generate electricity from cheaper sources which would yield positive results.

“Special incentives are being offered to foreign investors in the energy sector,” he said.

The chief minister said that the politics of sit-ins and protests had caused a temporary delay in the power projects with the help of China.

“Now these agreements have been signed and it will disappoint the enemies of progress and prosperity of the country.

The agreements of investment of billions of dollars reflect the full confidence of the government and leaders of China in the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif,” Shahbaz said.

He said that completing projects with transparency and speed was a hallmark of the government. “No sit-in or protest can stop the process of progress and prosperity of the country,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10th, 2014.

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November 11, 2014 Tue All Day

16,600 MW projects under Pak-China Economic Corridor to help overcome energy crisis: Ahsan -- APP

16,600 MW projects under Pak-China Economic Corridor to help overcome energy crisis: Ahsan

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal Tuesday said that Energy projects of 16600 Mega Watt (MW) signed under Pak-China Economic Corridor during recent visit of the Prime Minister to China would help overcome energy crisis in the country.

Addressing a press conference here, the minister said that the energy projects would be completed in two phases.

"During the first phase the energy projects of 10,400 MW electricity worth of $15.5 will be completed while in the second phase different projects of 6600 MW electricity will be concluded ", he said adding development of energy infrastructure and up-gradation of system of transmission lines was also included in the agreements.

Ahsan Iqbal said that energy projects of 9000 MW would be completed by 2018 which would mean that the government would be able to eliminate power loadshedding in the country during its tenure.

The minister said that coal-based power plants would generate 7500 MW and the cost per unit of electricity would be about 10 cents which would be far cheaper than that of oil.

He said that under the Corridor, 1000 MW of the largest solar park would also be established in Cholistan while hydal based energy projects would be of 1600 MW. Giving details about Thar Coal Projects, the minister said that in the first phase two projects of 2000 MW would be developed from Thar Coal while under the agreements with China overall 6600 MW Thar Coal projects would be completed He said that a package of $650 million was also included in the agreements for development of Gwadar sea port and airport.

Iqbal further said that 1736 kilometers of railway track would be upgraded which would not only help to ease out transportation system of goods and coal but it would also help improving transportation facility for the passengers.

The Minister strongly condemned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan's statement against Chinese development assistance to Pakistan under "ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor" and said that Pakistan and China are closest friends and enjoy time tested all weather friendship.

"At a time when international investors were shying away from Pakistan due to security environment in the region, decision of Chinese and Pakistani leadership during PM Nawaz Sharif's visit to Beijing to take Pak-China relations to new heights in economic field through China Pakistan Economic Corridor Project is a milestone", he added.

The most critical energy and infrastructure sectors related projects will infuse new life into Pakistan's economy, he added.

He said the projects are in IPP mode as investment projects and rejected Imran Khan's assertion that these projects were being financed through borrowing.

Iqbal said that these projects were coming under the energy policy which was open for all investors from any part of the world.

Hence, the assertion that expensive contracts have been signed with China is "baseless", he added.

"It is not expected from a leader of the stature of Mr Khan, whose party is ruling Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that he would show such immaturity and irresponsibility," he said, adding that Khan had alleged that these loans are being taken at 7 percent interest, which is "incorrect" as these projects were not loans but coming as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country.

"Energy projects with Chinese assistance are a source of oxygen for our economy, which will not only push growth rate of economy upwards by solving energy crisis but also help create millions of new jobs," he said.

"His untimely and undemocratic tactics in the capital caused postponement of Chinese president's visit to Pakistan and now he is making China-Pakistan projects controversial.

To a question, Iqbal said that Population Census in the country would be held by next year as previous census was also conducted by the Pakistan Muslim LeagueN government during its previous tenure.

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November 12, 2014 Wed All Day

CHINA TO INVEST $45.6B IN PAK ENERGY SECTOR: AHSAN -Observer

China would invest $ 45.6 billion in energy and infrastructure development in Pakistan up to 2025. The projects to be undertaken would form part of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor, which would benefit not only entire Pakistan and China but also the neighbouring regions. This was stated by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal while briefing newsmen here Tuesday about agreements signed with China during recent visit of the Prime Minister to Beijing.

Giving details, the Minister said the accords signed include energy projects to produce 16400 MW of electricity. In the first phase, projects with an aggregate capacity of 10400 MW would be completed at a cost of 15.2 billion dollars. In the second phase, projects of the capacity of 6645 MW would be taken up. Projects in the second phase would also include energy related projects of a Jetti in Gaddani, upgradation of existing transmission lines and installation of new transmission lines.

Second phase projects would cost 18 billion dollars. The Minister said work on energy projects of the capacity of 10400 MW would be initiated immediately.

Projects with aggregate capacity of 9000 MW would be completed by 2018 while hydel projects would be completed between 2020 and 2023.

Ahsan Iqbal said projects with a total capacity of 7560 MW would be coal-based with a generation cost of 10 cents per unit, enabling the Government to reduce electricity prices. Projects with capacity of 1600 MW would be hydel based and these too would help produce electricity at reduced cost. He said the energy projects also include 1000 MW Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, which would be the largest solar park in the world.

The Minister for Planning said the third segment of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is upgradation of Karakoram Highway and construction of Karachi-Lahore Motorway. The construction of 832 kilometer roads would cost 5.9 billion dollars. He said as part of the Economic Corridor, 1736 kilometer of railway track would also be upgraded and modernized. Ahsan Iqbal said the upgradation would increase speed of the train from the existing 80 to 140 kilometer per hour reducing time journey from Karachi to Peshawar by about seventy percent. He said the package also include 650 million dollar investment in Gwadar port, airport and other infrastructure.

A mass transit project for Lahore called Orange Line would also be initiated at a cost of 1.6 billion dollar. China would also invest 44 million dollar for cross border optic fiber cable system improving and securing international connectivity. The Minister rejected the impression being created by some vested interests that the projects under China-Pakistan Economic Cooridor would benefit only Punjab and said the biggest beneficiary would be people of Thar where ten energy projects of 6600 MW would be established. Similarly, Suki Kenari energy project of 900 MW would be established in KPK and 725 MW project at Karote in AJK. There would also be 250 MW wind power projects in Sindh.

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Pak-China cooperation: LoI signed for Mahl Hydropower Project -- The Express Tribune Pak-China cooperation: LoI signed for Mahl Hydropower Project

Sheng Zhendong signed on behalf of the sponsoring consortium, while Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB) Managing Director Shah Jahan Mirza signed on behalf of the Pakistan government. PHOTO: PID ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government and a Chinese large-scale enterprise signed a Letter of Interest (LoI) for a 590 megawatt (MW) Mahl Hydropower Project.

The LoI was issued to a consortium of China International Water and Electric Corporation (CWE), a subsidiary of China Three Gorges, and Trans Tech Pakistan.

Sheng Zhendong signed on behalf of the sponsoring consortium, while Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB) Managing Director Shah Jahan Mirza signed on behalf of the Pakistan government.

The Mahl project is a hydropower project set up at the dual boundary of Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and will cost an estimated $ 1.2 billion. Presiding over 1346

November 12, 2014 Continued Wed the 98th meeting of PPIB Board, Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif said the primary focus of the government is on local resources for power generation, with emphasis on coal in the southern region, and on hydro projects in the northern.

The board decided to expedite two projects at Thar coal, namely, 1200 MW by China Power International Holding, and 660 MW by Engro Powergen Limited. The Letters of Interest would soon be issued to both projects.

The board also wants to advertise for the 350MW Athmuqam Hydropower Project to be located on river Neelum in Azad Jammu and Kashmir to renew investor interest in the area.

Asif dispelled the impression that hydro projects in Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa were not under consideration by the federal government.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12th, 2014.

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Russia expresses interest in energy projects in Pakistan -- The Express Tribune Russia expresses interest in energy projects in Pakistan

Ambassador of the Russian Federation Alexey Dedov on Wednesday said Russia is interested in various energy projects in Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported.

“Russia is interested in various energy related projects including CASA-1000, development of Gwadar Liquefying Facility and construction of pipeline between Gwadar and Nawabshah,” Dedov added.

“Pakistan-Russia intergovernmental commission’s meeting is scheduled to take place in Moscow on November 26, which will give new impetus to our bilateral economic cooperation,” he said.

“Bilateral trade volume of the two countries does not coincide with the actual potential and plenty of room exists which needs to be tapped.”

He said a Russian parliamentary delegation is also ready to participate in Asian Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Lahore.

Dedov extended support for the Chinese plan of developing the Silk Route, including the Pakistan-China economic corridor.”

He also expressed hope to succeed in bringing sustainable peace in Pakistan and the region through concerted and collaborative efforts of Afghanistan and other countries.

“Russia and Pakistan are already engaged on the matter and fruitful meetings have taken place recently in this regard, besides terrorism, drug trafficking which stems from Afghanistan is also an area of concern,” Dedov said in an interview to the state-run corporation.

Further he said, Russia will sell Mi-35 helicopters with Pakistan to strengthen its counter-terrorism efforts.

“The deal has been approved in principle; however, further negotiations on details of political-commercial contract are in progress.”

The ambassador also said that Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu will visit Islamabad soon and his agenda of talks with Pakistani counterparts also includes the sale of defence equipments to Pakistan.

Regarding Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Dedov said Russia is actively involved in the process of accession of Pakistan to the organisation as a full member.

“I hope that at next Summit meeting, scheduled to take place in July next year in Russia, full member status will be awarded to Pakistan,” he said, adding, “The documentary work in this regard has already been completed.”

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November 13, 2014 Thu All Day

$1b investment: Chinese firm to set up refinery in Balochistan -- The Express Tribune

Oil refineries import nine million tons of crude oil every year to meet their processing needs. Oil imports cost between $14 and $15 billion. STOCK IMAGE ISLAMABAD: A Chinese company is planning to pour an investment of $1 billion into setting up Pakistan’s first deep-conversion oil refinery in violence-plagued Balochistan, a step that could turn the country into an oil exporter especially to Beijing.

“The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources is in talks with Volant Industry Limited of China about developing a deep-conversion oil refinery in Balochistan,” said an official while talking to The Express Tribune.

In the first phase, the refinery would have annual production capacity of five million tons and it would be enhanced to 10 million tons in the next stage, the official said.

This will not only help meet domestic demand but will also lead to export of petroleum products to neighbouring countries like China.

At present, the designed refining capacity of the country is 13.9 million tons per annum, which will increase to about 18.5 million tons after a new Byco refinery with production capacity of 120,000 barrels per day starts operating at the optimum pace.

Total consumption of petroleum products is estimated at 22 million tons per annum, of which about 13 million tons are imported. Apart from this, oil refineries import nine million tons of crude oil every year to meet their processing needs. Oil imports cost between $14 and $15 billion.

Pak Arab Refinery Limited (Parco), a major oil refinery, has the capacity to produce 100,000 barrels per day and 4.5 million tons per annum.

At present, oil refineries produce 40% of furnace oil consumption after processing crude and making value addition, but they are compelled to sell the product at a lower price, said the official, adding the deep-conversion facility would be able to refine furnace oil twice and sell it at a better price.

Under the economic corridor programme, Pakistan and China plan to lay oil and gas pipelines from the Gwadar Port to China to meet the latter’s energy needs.

“There is a possibility that the proposed refinery will sell petroleum products to Beijing,” the official said.

Earlier, Iran had announced that it was interested in investing $4 billion in setting up a refinery at Gwadar with a 400,000-barrels-per-day capacity.

The plan was part of building an oil pipeline from Iran, which would be extended to China, which also gave its backing to the project. However, because of unresolved issues pertaining to Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, Tehran shelved the plan.

Former president Pervez Musharraf had also coined the idea of establishing a trade corridor to meet Beijing’s energy needs and offered help in constructing a strategic oil pipeline from Gwadar to China’s border.

Beijing is heavily reliant on oil supply from Gulf states, which comes through a very long route, via the Strait of Malacca. The oil supply first reaches Shanghai, or the Chinese east coast, and then travels thousands of miles to reach the country’s western areas.

However, “the Gwadar refinery can provide a much safer, cheaper and shorter route for oil transportation to the west of China through the Karakoram Highway,” a senior official remarked.

A big chunk of Chinese investment in Pakistan has gone to development projects in Balochistan including Saindak copper and gold project in Chagai and lead-zinc mining project in Lasbela.

“The oil refinery planned to be set up by the Chinese firm may also create scores of employment opportunities for the local people,” the official said.

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November 14, 2014 Fri All Day

China Studies Centre set up at GCU -- The News China Studies Centre set up at GCU

Punjab government’s Higher Education Department (HED) has established a centre of excellence for China studies at Government College University (GCU) under the directives from Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who allocated a seed money of Rs 30 million for the centre.

Chinese Embassy Cultural Counsellor Zhang Yingbao, Punjab Education Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, GCU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Khaleequr-Rahman and Secretary HED Abdullah Sumbal Thursday jointly inaugurated the China studies centre on behalf of the chief minister. The university has established the centre at the historical Old Gymnasium Building, built in 1858. John Lockwood Kipling, father of Rudyar Kipling, referred this building as Dark Bungalow in his book.

Speaking on the occasion, VC Prof Rahman said the building had been restored and state-of-the-art facilities were provided for the centre.

He said the centre, besides research at the postgraduate level, would initiate diploma and certificates in China Studies.

He also directed all department of the university coordinate with centre for research in the relevant areas. He said the centre manned with scholars would work to provide intensive research on Chinese language, culture, and economic and political systems besides promoting bilateral relations and most importantly provide strategic guidance in pursuit of common objectives both regionally as well as internationally.

In his message for the inauguration, Ambassador of China to Pakistan Sun Weidong believed the GCU China Study Centre would open a new window for Pakistani friends to have a comprehensive and profound understanding of China and further promote the deep-rooted friendship of both peoples. He appreciated the efforts of Secretary, HED, Abdullah Sumbal for the centre.

Zhang Yingbao pledged to provide books, journals and other research material on history, culture, philosophy and literature of China for the centre besides financial, administrative and academic assistance. He gave away a gift of painting to the centre on the behalf of Chinese ambassador.

GCU Political Science Department Chairperson Dr Khalid Manzoor Butt to look after the centre.

Rana Mashhood said Pak-China friendship was time-tested but people in Pakistan did not know much about China, adding research and teaching of China Studies in Pakistan would help bring both the countries close to each other.

Abdullah Sumbal said the Punjab government would provide full assistance to make CSC a centre of excellence.

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November 15, 2014 Sat All Day

Nineteen agreements: China wants timely and transparent execution -Published in The Express Tribune

China wants to ensure early and transparent execution of all 19 agreements it made with Pakistan during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s recent visit to the People’s Republic, a senior Chinese official in Pakistan said on Friday.

“I ask the media persons to follow all these projects inked as per standard of international code of business to check our claim regarding their early and transparent execution,” he said, addressing a press briefing.

He said of these 19 projects, 13 are related to energy sector. “Some of the energy sector related projects will be completed by 2018,” he said.

The official termed Pak-China Economic Corridor, Gwadar Port and the recently launched Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank as the most significant engagements between the two countries.

“I could not tell the exact value of these projects but for us execution of the same is a challenge as we have signed these documents with firm commitment,” he said.

To a question, the official said they are focusing on execution of these vital projects that will further enhance the friendship between the two countries.

He said China had given Pakistan the status of “Iron Brother” in view of their lasting friendship, mutual cooperation and consensus on almost all issues.

“We will not let our friend to suffer in testing times,” the official said, adding that China’s projects are for all Pakistanis and for all four provinces including Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

He said Pakistan has become the second largest trade partner of China. “With an annual growth of 10%, the balance of trade between the two countries has reached $14 billion,” he added.

He said most of the Chinese companies have already been working in the Pakistani markets since long and they are credible. “However, we will make sure no fake company takes benefit of the situation,” he said.

The official made it clear that China signed all the projects without any political precondition. Citing a series of visits of leadership of both the countries, the official said that it was the greater engagement that also showed strategic thinking behind mutual relations of both countries.

The official, however, confirmed that during the PM’s recent visit, the issue of East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) was also discussed at length. “The ETIM is an international terrorist group and the ideology of the group to use force even against innocent people has become a serious security challenge for China,” he said.

He said China appreciated Pakistani leadership’s response to Beijing’s concerns.

“We appreciate military operation in Fata against militants and we acknowledge sacrifices rendered by Pakistan against menace of terrorism,” he added.

He said Pakistan and China also discussed regional issues and that China supported Pakistan’s peace efforts in Afghanistan. “We are strong friends, iron brothers, and we will keep discussing issues of mutual benefit and mutual cooperation,” the official said.

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Pak-China JF-17 jet nears first foreign deal -- The Nations

ZHUHAI - An unidentified Middle Eastern country is in ‘advanced’ talks to make the first foreign purchase of a fighter jet jointly developed by Pakistan and China.

The joint sales team from the Pakistan Air Force and China National AeroTechnology Import and Export Corporation also known as CATIC, are in advanced talks with 10 other countries to sell the JF-17 Thunder, said PAF Air Commodore Khalid Mahmood, who heads sales and marketing for the fighter jet.

"We are in advanced negotiations with a Middle Eastern country, but the political situation over there has delayed the deal," said Mahmood in an interview at the Zhuhai Air Show, declining to give more details. "But we still expect them to be our first foreign client."

The JF-17 Thunder fighter jet is among several aircraft China is seeking to export, after designating its domestic aerospace sector as a key national strategic industry.

The twin-engine jet was jointly designed and manufactured by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of stateowned Aviation Industry Corp of China, also known as AVIC. The partners are in ‘advanced talks’ with clients in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America for jet sales, Mahmood said. He declined to identify any of them.

Prospective orders will be for the third block of 50 planes, with the Pakistan Air 1350

November 15, 2014 Continued Sat Force having ordered the first two blocks of 50.

Mahmood said there are plans in place for a dual-seater version of the JF-17 Thunder after feedback from potential clients.

The third-generation fighter jet, also known as FC-1 Dragon by the Chinese, can be used for aerial reconnaissance and has air-to-air and air-to-surface combat capabilities.

Flightglobal, an aviation-related website, previously reported that the partnership was close to making its first foreign sale.

A mock up of the single-seat, single-engine JF-17 is on display at the Zhuhai Air Show that started Nov. 11 in the province of Guangdong, along with several others produced by AVIC -- including the J-31, one of China's fifth-generation stealth fighters.

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November 17, 2014 Mon All Day

APEC sees China make progress in Silk Road initiatives -- China Times

China and Pakistan signed several agreements on the sidelines of the recent AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Beijing, including the further development of Pakistan's Gwadar Port, which is expected to become an important part of China's plans to build new Silk Roads, Guangzhou's 21st Century Business Herald reports.

China began investing in Gwadar Port on the southeast coast of Pakistan in March 2002 and it is set to become a key hub for goods to be delivered to China both by sea and land routes in the future, the paper said.

This is because China and Pakistan are building an economic corridor between the two countries which includes the construction of highways, rail links, oil and gas pipelines and communication fiber optic cables.

The report said the corridor will help China link the planned Silk Road economic belt through Central Asia, and build a maritime Silk Road across the Indian Ocean and the Strait of Malacca, both of which were proposed by President Xi Jinping of China in late 2013.

Gwadar is just one of the foreign ports in which China has invested under the Silk Road initiatives, which cover regions with a population of 3.81 billion people. China was involved in three and five other port developments in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

These projects have been announced in the wake of China posting a year-on-year 15.4% decline in investments in Europe, and only a 0.4% increase in the United States in 2013, while seeing a surge of 16.7% to 132.7% in investments in Asia, Africa and Latin America, the newspaper said.

"China's trade with the United States and Russia has peaked and the growth is now being seen in developing countries," said Peng Bo, a research fellow at the Chinese Ministry of Commerce's research institute.

After becoming an economy with excessive capacity, China began looking to expand its overseas market, and the focus on the countries along its planned Silk Roads resulted from Chinese industries' inability to compete with its Western counterparts, the newspaper said.

China also reached a consensus with six Southeast Asian countries during the APEC Summit on building a China-Singapore economic corridor — another part of the Silk Road projects — the report noted.

Most of the countries along the two Silk Roads, according to the newspaper, are still in an early stage of industrialization, with several of them relying on the energy and mining sectors.

The vast population and labor costs in these emerging and frontier markets also provide China with reasons to turn its focus to these regions, since pressures of growing labor costs and a shrinking labor force have weighed on the Chinese economy since 2012, the newspaper said.

After having become the second-largest investor in several Central Asian countries, an expert told the newspaper that China is likely to sign more bilateral agreements and free trade deals in the region, and may plan to take part in infrastructure projects, with its total investments pegged at up to 400 billion yuan (US$65.3 billion).

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No power can undermine Pak-China friendship: CM -- The Nations No power can undermine Pak-China friendship: CM

LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that agreements for ten big power generation projects and more than 40 billion dollars of mutual 1352

November 17, 2014 Continued Mon cooperation under Pak-China Economic Corridor have been signed during the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s recent visit to China.

He was speaking as chief guest at a special reception arranged in the honour of Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong in Islamabad on Sunday.

The chief minister said: “China is a reliable and sincere friend of Pakistan and has generously supported the country in every hour of trial including floods, earthquakes and wars. China is always ready for cooperation with Pakistan in the development of economic, social, defense and technical sectors and Pakistan should fully benefit from the sincere and friendly cooperation of China.”

Provincial Minister for Home Shuja Khanzada, Member Provincial Assembly Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, former foreign secretary Abdul Sattar, diplomats, administrative authorities of Chinese business houses in Pakistan and prominent personalities of Pakistani business community were present in large numbers on this occasion.

The chief minister said that the peoples of Pakistan and China were proud of the friendship between the two countries. He said that China had fully supported Pakistan in every hour of difficulty and always played a positive role like a true friend. He said that China considers Pakistan as a friend and a partner at equal level.

“No power can undermine Pak-China friendship and China with a foreign exchange of four trillion dollars has the second biggest economy of the world. Instead of military confrontation with other international powers, China has carved out a place for itself in the world on the basis of trade, economic cooperation, technology and hard work and Pak-China friendship is unprecedented in the current history,” he added.

Shahbaz Sharif said that China had set up power projects of 20 thousand megawatts in India and the volume of trade between China and India is more than 80 billion dollars. Whereas, he said, the trade between China and Pakistan is about seven billion dollars and Pakistani leaderships are to blame for this as no attempt was made during the last 68 years for expanding cooperation between China and Pakistan and time and resources were wasted. He said that now is the time to move forward and take measures for increasing Pak-China cooperation.

The chief minister said that Pakistan is a peaceful country. He said that it is through peace that India and Pakistan can remove poverty and backwardness of their peoples and bring about progress and prosperity as both the countries are nuclear powers and war is no solution to any problem. He said that Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong has played a commendable role for promoting cooperation between China and Pakistan under Pak-China Economic Corridor.

He said that new avenues of progress and prosperity have opened up in Pakistan due to projects of power generation, construction of infrastructure and cooperation in social and defense sectors under Pak-China Economic Corridor and expansion of this cooperation will be better for the development of Pakistan and this region.

The Chief Minister said that think tanks, notables of every sector, journalists, intellectuals, politicians, diplomats and policy-makers should play their due role in this regard.

Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong while speaking on the occasion said that new avenues of cooperation had opened up between Pakistan and China due to economic corridor. He said that due to special interest and the efforts made by Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, PakChina friendship has strengthened and the mutual cooperation between the two countries will increase with the passage of time.

He said that China has always promoted relationship with Pakistan on priority basis and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s recent visit to China has yielded positive and meaningful results. He said that genuine progress is being made towards promotion of cooperation between the two countries in power, communication, technology, trade, economic and defense sectors and agreements of economic cooperation worth more than 40 billion dollars including implementation of more than 10 energy projects have been signed during the visit. He said that the ongoing cooperation between the two countries will help bring them closer and efforts will continue for promoting bilateral cooperation between China and Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Sunday. Matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations and the agreements of investment of billions of dollars signed between Pakistan and China were discussed on the occasion.

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November 19, 2014 Wed All Day

Chinese President to arrive by end of next month: MoUs to be signed on various infrastructure projects -- BR Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan by the end of next month (December) and the two countries will sign Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) on infrastructure development projects under the China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC), it is learnt.

The Chinese President postponed his visit to Pakistan due to the ongoing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) sit-ins in Islamabad. The three-day visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to China (November 7-10) led to the signing of 19 agreements and MoUs. According to sources, during the visit of the Chinese President, the agreements would include (i) Karachi-Lahore Motorway, Multan-Sukkur section (375 km) estimated cost Rs 245.983 billion, (ii) Karakorum Highway (Phase II) upgradation and reconstruction from Raikot to Islamabad via Mansehra (486 km) estimated cost Rs 353.96 billion, (iii) New Gwadar International Airport, Rs 7.6 billion and (iv) construction of East-Bay Expressway, Gwadar Port (18.9 Km) worth of Rs 14.8 billion etc.

The funding for these projects would be provided by the China Development Bank, Export-Import Bank of China and other Chinese financial institutions. The projects completion date is end of 2017.

Sources clarified that the two countries were unable to sign MoUs for these projects during the Prime Minister's visit to China as they required more work. Sources said that China wanted to give first priority to Karakorum Highway (phase II) upgradation and reconstruction, from Raikot to Islamabad (486 Km) instead of Karachi-Lahore Motorway. China wants to develop trade corridor through Pakistan to the Gwadar port and therefore wants to accord top priority to upgradation of Karakorum Highway but the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government insists on prioritising Karachi-Lahore Motorway. The two sides reached consensus on implementation of CPEC and on construction projects of roads, railways and ports. To start with Kashgar in Xingjian, Khunjerab, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Sukkur, Karachi and Gwadar are selected as the pivot cities.

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November 20, 2014 Thu All Day

ADB pledges financial help for Balochistan -- Dawn

ADB Country Chief Werner Liepach held out the assurance to Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch during a meeting on Wednesday. The Chief Minister’s Adviser on Financial Affairs Kaiser Bengali and Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti, besides some senior officials, attended the meeting.

The ADB delegation was informed about special attention the province needed for improving the standard of life and implementing its development programme.

Also read: ADB approves $197m for Balochistan road project “We are facing fund shortage to rid poverty and build infrastructure linking the new port city of Gwadar with the rest of the country,” Dr Baloch said.

The government had earmarked maximum budget for improving education and health sectors, the ADB was told.

Depletion of underground water to an alarming level could turn the land barren and there was a need to build medium and small sized dams to help replenish it, the ADB team was informed. Investment in mining and other sectors would help in resolving the employment issue.

The team was informed that the deep sea port in Gwadar could not become functional due to non-connectivity through rail and road network.

“We need infrastructure and road connectivity for making the Gwadar facility fully functional,” Dr Baloch said. He said the province needed financial support from international institutions.

Mr Liepach said Balochistan had great potential in various sectors, including minerals and agriculture, and foreign investors could benefit from this opportunity.

“The ADB will extend maximum financial assistance and cooperation,” he said.

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China to honour all its commitments for helping Pakistan in energy crisis, says Sun Weidong -- Pakistan Today

Chinese envoy to Pakistan Sun Weidong has re-assured that his country will fulfil all its commitments to bring Pakistan out of energy crisis and further develop its socioeconomic sector.

Talking to journalist in the federal capital during his visit to COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, he termed the recent visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as highly productive and fruitful. He hoped that the documents signed during the visit will further foster their all-round partnership.

He assured that the agreed documents will be implemented soon, with joint efforts of the governments. The documents are mainly related to energy, besides other sectors that would ultimately benefit to the people of Pakistan.

Ambassador Weidong said that the Chinese government and the leadership attached great importance to their relations with Pakistan. “Our relationship is growing fast with a passage of time, meeting the common aspirations of their people.”

He said they are looking forward for peaceful and prosperous Pakistan and wish to support Pakistan’s its efforts to achieve their targets, particularly in the economic sector.

To question, the ambassador said, it was highly encouraging to see that there is a complete consensus among all sections of the people in the country in regard to further deepening their all-weather and time-tested relationship.

About the recent visit of PM Sharif to China, he further said it helped a lot to undertake and implement some long-term projects such as Pak-China Economic 1356

November 20, 2014 Continued Thu Corridor. The prime minister was received by top state leaders that provided an opportunity to hold wide-ranging talks on the matters of bilateral interest.

Earlier, while speaking at the COMSATS’ briefing, Weidong also assured his country’s support to contribute in promotion of science of technology. They will help the university to undertake its academic targets. “We are ready to support it both financially and with professional input.”

He reiterated China’s maximum role in the development of South-South cooperation. He appreciated the COMSATS’s efforts to strengthen Pak-China longstanding relationship, especially in the education sector. He noted that the university has also done well, in generating business activities, under Pak-China Business Forum. He said the forum will hold its meeting next year.

The ambassador during his visit inaugurated Pak-China Study Centre that has already started functioning at the university, and also addressed the students, highlighting depth of their decades’ old partnership.

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November 21, 2014 Fri All Day

$45.6b China-Pak economic corridor: $33.7b to add 16520MW energy, $9.6b for roads, railways -- Reuters

BEIJING: Chinese companies with the help of their government and banks would invest $45.6 billion in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure projects over the next 6 years.

According to new details of the agreement reported by Reuters on Friday, the Chinese companies will be able to operate the projects as profit-making entities, under the deal signed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during a visit to China earlier this month.

At the time, officials provided few details of the projects or the financing for the deal, dubbed the China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Reuters reported that China has promised to invest around $33.8 billion in various energy projects and $11.8 billion in infrastructure projects.

Two members of Pakistan’s planning commission, the focal ministry for the CPEC, and a senior official at the ministry of water and power shared the details of the projects.

The deal says the Chinese government and banks, including China Development Bank, and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd (ICBC), one of China’s ‘Big Four’ state-owned commercial banks, will loan funds to Chinese companies, who will invest in the projects as commercial ventures.

“Pakistan will not be taking on any more debt through these projects,” said Pakistan’s minister for water and power Khawaja Asif.

Major Chinese companies investing in Pakistan’s energy sector will include China’s Three Gorges Corp, which built the world’s biggest hydro power scheme, and China Power International Development Ltd. Sharif signed more than 20 agreements during his trip to China earlier this month, including $622 million for projects related to the deepwater, strategically important Gwadar port, which China is developing.

The port is close to the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping lane. It could open up an energy and trade corridor from the Gulf across Pakistan to western China that could be used by the Chinese Navy – potentially upsetting rival India.

Pakistan sees the latest round of Chinese investments as key to its efforts to solve power shortages that have crippled its economy.

Blackouts lasting more than half a day in some areas have sparked violent protests and undermined an economy already beset by high unemployment, widespread poverty, crime and sectarian and insurgent violence.

Under the CPEC agreement, $15.5 billion worth of coal, wind, solar and hydro energy projects will come online by 2017 and add 10,400 megawatts of energy to the national grid, officials said.

An additional 6,120 megawatts will be added to the national grid at a cost of $18.2 billion by 2021.

“In total we will add 16,000 MW of electricity through coal, wind, solar and hydel plants in the next seven years and reduce power shortage by 4,000 to 7,000 megawatts,” said Asif. “This will take care of a growing demand for power by a growing economy.”

The CPEC deal also includes $5.9 billion for road projects and $3.7 billion for railway projects, all to be developed by 2017. A $44 million optical fiber cable between China and Pakistan is due to be built.

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November 23, 2014 Sun All Day

After China’s more-than-willing helping hand to Pakistan, Ambassador of Japan -- The Express Tribune

After China’s more-than-willing helping hand to Pakistan, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Hiroshi Inomata has said that Tokyo is adopting a “more cautious” approach when it comes to investing in the country.

China has signed multi-billion dollar deals in various sectors of the Pakistani economy. The agreements will see them predominantly investing in the energy sector, an area where Pakistan needs to make a lot of headway if it hopes to address the power crisis.

In a recently held Pak-Japan Business Forum, the Japanese ambassador was also asked if the country would like to follow suit.

“We are just more cautious,” said Inomata. “We’re not saying China is short-sighted or long-sighted but we have a more cautious approach.”

An interactive session with the Japanese ambassador also saw participants discussing at length bilateral trade between the two countries.

The session named ‘Economic relations between Pakistan and Japan’ was attended by stakeholders from different sectors including textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals and automobiles.

The ambassador also highlighted how bilateral trade between the two countries began, recent ongoing projects across different sectors and factors that hamper further investment and assistance.

Recalling his first visit to Karachi to meet the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, he appreciated Pakistan’s contribution to the recovery of textile sector in postwar Japan.

Bilateral trade that officially started in 1954 has since then been flourishing.

Total exports to Japan amounted to $202 million, while imports valued $1,398 million in 2013-14. Net inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) from Japan in 2013-14 is at $44.1m, of which FDI accounts for 41%.

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November 25, 2014 Tue All Day

Investment in Gwadar: China to help build $3b LNG pipeline and terminal -- The Express Tribune

The $45-billion worth of agreements signed by Pakistan and China earlier this month included a multibillion-dollar LNG pipeline and terminal deal, which will work as an alternative to the troubled gas import project with Iran as the pipeline will be extended to the Gulf state after international sanctions are lifted.

“The agreement was signed during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to China. It is a state-to-state deal and no bidding will be held for the award of contract,” an official told The Express Tribune.

According to initial estimates, the project is expected to cost $3 billion – $1 billion will be needed to lay the pipeline from Gwadar and over $2 billion will be required to construct the terminal with liquefied natural gas (LNG) handling and re-gasification facilities and to develop large storages.

China will meet 85% of the financing needs for constructing the LNG pipeline from Gwadar Port to Nawabshah.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources is seeking the support of economic decision-makers for relaxing the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules.

“The ministry will approach the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to win its approval for easing PPRA rules,” the official said. “This will clear the way for direct award of a lucrative contract to a Chinese state-owned company.”

This will be the second LNG terminal in the country as a fast-track terminal is already being built by Elengy Terminal Pakistan Limited (ETPL) at the Port Qasim, which is likely to be completed in February next year.

The LNG pipeline will be extended from Gwadar to Iran for gas import when sanctions on Tehran are lifted. Its capacity will be one billion cubic feet per day.

The pipeline will have the same specifications that were proposed for the IranPakistan gas pipeline including a diameter of 42 inches.

According to officials, since Pakistan has not been able to lay a 781km pipeline from the Iranian border to Nawabshah because of its failure to tap foreign finances, it has decided to build the pipeline from Gwadar to Nawabshah in partnership with China.

This will transport at least 500 million cubic feet of gas per day (mmcfd) after regasification of imported LNG. Hopes were high as the US and Iran were engaged in crucial negotiations to settle the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear programme with a strong possibility that they would reach a compromise, officials say.

The economic decision-makers have already made their mind that before the curbs are removed they will not push ahead with the gas pipeline project with Iran to avoid its repercussions for Pakistani companies.

The terminal planned at the Gwadar Port will have the capacity to handle 690 mmcfd of LNG. Apart from this, large storages will be constructed at the port from where the LNG, after re-gasification, will be transported to Nawabshah, where it will be injected into the national gas network.

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December 3, 2014 Wed All Day

$45.6b Pak-China Economic Corridor to connect Gwadar with Xinjiang via highways, railways, pipelines -- Customs Today

ISLAMABAD: The establishment of $45.6 billion Pak-China Economic Corridor would change the fate of poor bordering regions economically by connecting Gwadar Port in southern Pakistan to China’s northwestern region of Xinjiang via highways, railways and pipelines to transport oil and gas, stated Yuan Jianmin, a renowned and politically influential personality of Xinjiang province of China.

Yuan, who is an honorary visiting Professor at NUML, holds portfolios of Deputy Secretary General, China Council for International Investment Promotion, Executive Director and MD Sinotrans and CSC Xinjinag Co Ltd., Standing Vice Chairman of Xinjiang Institute of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chairman of Xinjiang International Chamber of Commerce, China. He expressed these views while addressing the gathering of Deans, Directors, Heads, faculty and students of different departments at National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad on the topic of “Pak-China Relations: Pak-China Economic Corridors”.

Yuan said that the idea of connecting different countries of this region economically with one common route was quite old. Different programs had been appearing by different regional players at different times. American Foreign Secretary Hillary Clinton during her visit to India in 2011 floated the idea of an economic zone to connect the North with the South, President of Russia proposed the idea of EuroAsia silk route, Japan extended the concept of Asian Silk route for the region and they all were meant to surround and contain China, he added.

He went on saying that finally Chinese President Xi Jinping presented One Belt, One Road initiative which was the establishment of New Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road to deepen global peace and development through establishment of intensive physical and other forms of connectivity as well as cooperative ties between China and the countries across Eurasia, Africa and beyond.

Pakistani and Chinese leadership had held number of meetings and reached an understanding for the investment of more than billions of dollars to facilitate road and railway links between China and Pakistan, energy and power provision, development of telecom, trade, live stock, coal and hydro power sectors, export of sea food to China and many other products between the two brotherly countries, he enumerated.

He appreciating the role of NUML said that this economic benefit for the region could not be translated into reality without the active participation of NUML as the relation between Pakistan and China was not limited to few people rather we had to transfer our warmth, feelings and knowledge of each other down to our generations.

In this context NUML was at front to carry forward the cause of Pakistan-China Economic Corridor by disseminating the knowledge of Chinese Language and Culture here in Pakistan and Urdu and English in the Chinese institutions and universities of China and especially in Urumqi through the establishment of NUML International Center of Education (NICE).

Speaking at the occasion Director General (DG) Brig Azam Jamal eulogized extensive engagement of Yuan for promoting an understanding and importance of Pak-China Economic Corridor which was going to play a significant role in the development of Pakistan and his key role in endeavours of establishing NICE in Urumqi. Rector NUML Maj Gen (R) Masood Hasan conferred a Letter of Authorization to appoint Yuan as Representative of NUML Affairs in People’s Republic of China and ensured all possible assistance of NUML to Chinese universities and institutions to communicate with the world, reported INP.

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December 6, 2014 Sat All Day

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor — A new vista of development in South Asia -- Pakistan Today Despite its economy being hit hard by flawed economic policies, political chaos, and a wave of terrorism, Pakistan has made a significant breakthrough on the economic front as well as against terrorist outfits.

With the military going all out in North Waziristan Agency and adjoining areas to dismantle the operational infrastructure and hideouts of terrorists, the PML-N government has achieved a landmark goal by signing numerous agreements with the Chinese government.

Though the amount for all agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) a part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is around US$34 billion, around 22 agreements have already been signed between the friendly neighbours.

These include bilateral agreements for Economic and Technical Cooperation; Government’s Concessional Loan Agreement for Construction of Cross-Border Optical Fibre Cable System between China and Pakistan; Signing of Minutes of the 3rd JCC Meeting of CPEC; Signing of MOU on the Outline of Long Term Plan of CPEC; Signing of MOU on Capacity Building for Development of CPEC; Framework Agreement for Construction of Cross-border Optical Fibre Cable System between China and Pakistan; MOU on Cooperation of Textile Garment Industrial Park Projects in Pakistan; and some other projects.

In energy sector, MOU on Surface Mine in Block-II of Thar Coal Mine and the Engro Thar 2X330 MW Coal Fired Power Plant between Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company and China Development Bank Corporation have been signed.

In Gwadar, agreements have been made to construct Gwadar New International Airport; Gwadar Eastbay Expressway; Hospital at Gwadar; Technical & Vocational Training Institute Others included MoUs for development of Thermal Power Assets for Pakistan, HUBCO Power Company Limited (2 x 660MW including Jetty); Memorandum of Facilitation between Port Qasim Electric Power Company Private Limited and Government of Pakistan (2X660); Memorandum of Facilitation Agreement between Govt of Punjab and M/s Huaneng Shandong Rui Group, China for Development of 1320 (2×660) MW Coal Fired Power Project at Qadirabad, Sahiwal; Signing of Framework Facility Agreement on Sukhi-Kinari Hydro Power Project; Memorandum of Facilitation Agreement between Govt of Punjab and M/s China Machinery Engineering Corporation China (CMEC) for 1×660 MW Coal fired power plant at Muzaffargarh.

In Gwadar, agreements have been made to construct Gwadar New International Airport; Gwadar Eastbay Expressway; Hospital at Gwadar; Technical & Vocational Training Institute; Water Supply and Distribution; Infrastructure for Free Zone & EPZs port related Industries and Marine works.

The infrastructure projects planned included Karakorum Highway (KKH) Phase II (Raikot-Islamabad); Karachi-Lahore Motorway (KLM) – (Multan-Sukkur Section); Expansion & Reconstruction of existing Mail Railway Line (ML-1); Peshawar to Karachi Construction of Havelian Dry Port; Orange Line Project at Lahore; and Cross Border Optical Fiber Cable system project.

Significant Energy Projects are being installed of around 10,400 megawatts. Those projects included the Port Qasim Electric Power Company (2X660) 1320 megawatts; Engro Thar Coal-fired Power Plant 660 megawatts; Sindh Sino Resources Power Plant of Thar Coal (Block-1) 1320 megawatts; Gwadar Coal Power Project 300 megawatts; Rahimyar Khan Coal Power 1320 megawatts; Muzaffargarh Coal Power 1320 megawatts; Sahiwal Power Plant 1320 megawatts; Suki Kinari Power Project 870 megawatts; Karot Hydro Power Station 720 megawatts; UEP Wind Power Project 100 megawatts; Sunec Wind Power Project 1362

December 6, 2014 Continued Sat 50 megawatts; Sachal Wind Power Project 50 megawatts; Dawood Wind Power Project 50 megawatts; Quaid-e-Azam Solar 900 megawatts; and Quaid-e-Azam Solar 100 megawatts.

In order to operationalise China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the Chinese government has set up a special economic zone in the historical city of Kashgar, which is the border city between China and Pakistan.

For the purpose of making the economic zone operational, the Chinese government has been involved in constructing a multi-billion-dollar New Kashgar City, where Kashgar Special Economic Zone is being constructed.

The Chinese government plans to complete this economic zone by year 2020, and industrialists have been offered tax-free zone and government’s other concessions.

This economic zone would prove to be the linchpin for trade between China, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and eight other central Asian states which border both China and Pakistan.

Not only a road network is being constructed to ensure swift trade via this link but also a rail network is also being laid to ensure fast delivery of goods to the rest of the world through Gwadar and Karachi ports.

The integrated project has been designed under a holistic approach to link modern means of communication including rail, road links with trade and economic opportunities not only for both China and Pakistan but for entire South Asia region.

These projects would serve as a unique development model where infrastructure is being developed by the public sector and the private sector is provided with land and financial assistance on very convenient and preferential terms.

For the purpose of making the economic zone operational, the Chinese government has been involved in constructing a multi-billion-dollar New Kashgar City With its proximity to Pakistan (approximately 500 kilometres) and a flying time of around one hour, Kashgar-Gawadar Economic Corridor may prove to be a gamechanger for development in Pakistan, India and beyond.

The early harvest projects of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would be completed within a span of two to three years. These include laying of rail, road networks besides several long and short term energy projects.

This trade initiative has strategic importance for China as well as Pakistan as it would provide an opportunity to reach out to the Central Asian states through Pakistan and Afghanistan.

There is an integrated communication network which would not only benefit Pakistan but also China to help open a new vista of trade with the rest of the world in a short period of time. Chinese trade with this route would grow manifold.

The New Kashgar Economic Zone is spread on 6600 acres of land and various provincial governments of China and some private firms are developing their own projects within the tax free zone.

All necessary civic facilities are available in Kashgar New City Project where the preservation of farms is also being ensured. In the eastern part of the Kashgar New City, residential areas, hospitals, parks and other civic facilities are being made available. Since Kashgar borders eight countries, a business city has been named after each country of the region.

The business community of the entire region may benefit from the ambitious project designed to share and expand the trade opportunities for progress and development of South Asia. This would not only help regional governments to fight poverty, illiteracy and religious fanaticism, but also bring development and prosperity of the people of around ten developing states.

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December 8, 2014 Mon All Day

Saad Rafique says Karachi-Gwadar railway project to be executed -- APP

QUETTA: Federal Minister for Railways, Khawaja Saad Rafique has said that Karachi-Gwadar railway track project would be executed in collaboration with China, adding that Sibi-Harnai railway traffic would also be restored.

He was addressing a press conference here on Monday, "No sea port is completed without railway track, therefore, we want execution of Karachi-Gwadar railway track project under Pak-China cooperation," he said.

Saad Rafique said that the federal government would also restore Harnai-Sibi railway track and railway traffic on this track with cost of Rs 02 billion. He added that railway traffic from Sibi railway station would also be restored.

Minister said that he had held meetings with senior officials of Frontier Corps and other law enforcement agencies in Quetta to further tight security of railway trains passing through Balochistan.

He invited anger Baloch leaders to come forward to hold peace dialogues with the government for the cause of peace and development of people of Balochistan. "We are ready to remove reservations of anger Baloch leaders," he said.

In reply to a question, he said that during his stay in Quetta, he had held meetings with the leaders of political parties including Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N, Pashtoonkhawa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Nation Party (NP) and Jamiat Ulemae-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). "We will furnish report on Balochistan political situation to Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif," he said.

He said that recruitment in Pakistan Railways Police would be made on pure merit bas

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December 9, 2014 Tue All Day

Cementing Pak-China ties -- APP

Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Public Security Guo Shengkun visited Pakistan on the invitation of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.

During the three-day visit, Shengkun called on President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He conveyed cordial greetings and good wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang to the president and the PM. Describing Pakistan-China friendship as deeply rooted and un-breakable, he said China has always attached the highest importance to its relationship with Pakistan.

China is ready to work with Pakistan to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, steadily promote the construction of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and continuously enhance the Pakistan-China Strategic Cooperative Partnership, said a statement of the Foreign Office on Monday.

The president and the PM asked Shengkun to convey their sincere greetings and good wishes to the Chinese leadership.

They emphasised that relations with China remained the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. The CPEC is a landmark project in the development of the two countries’ bilateral relations, which are vital for regional security and stability, they said.

Pakistan and China would work together to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism, combating drug trafficking, border management and law enforcement.

Both sides also agreed to accelerate progress on the CPEC and other ongoing economic projects.

During his visit, Shengkun held detailed talks with the interior minister. He also met Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif.

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December 10, 2014 Wed All Day

Chinese delegation visits Gwadar -- AAJ News

QUETTA: A Chinese delegation Tuesday visited port town of Gwadar and inspected different projects being executed in collaboration with China.

The Delegation was headed by Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation of National Development and Reforms Commission China and other members of the delegation include, Lai Xin, DDG Xinjiang Autonomous Region; senior officials of the ministries of transport, foreign affairs, China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau, Chinese Embassy in Pakistan besides the representatives from the China Communications and Construction Company; the China Development Bank; the Export-Import Bank of China; Industrial Commercial Bank of China, the China Overseas Ports Holding Company and China Harbour Engineering Company.

The delegation visited proposed sites of various development projects along with Secretary for Planning and Development and Reforms Hasan Nawaz Tarar, Secretary Ports and Shipping Khizar Hayat Gondal, Chairman Gwadar Port Authority Dostain Jamaldani and Dr. Sajjad Baloch Director General Gwadar Development t Authority and other officials.

Soon after its arrival the Chinese delegation visited the project sites under the Early Harvest / Prioritized CPEC Gwadar Package consisting of nine infrastructure and one recently agreed memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the integrated social sector planning and development of Gwadar region, which stipulates, inter alia, focusing on such initiatives that can provide for human resource development and empowerment through education, health, job creation, poverty alleviation, community development, promotion of tourism and culture vis-vis public ownership of development initiatives, aimed at social well-being of the people in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, the head of Chinese delegation Madam Lin Dajian said that China not only wanted to develop Gwadar port but also working on the vision of the development the people of Gwadar and under the project various socioeconomic projects would be launched soon. He said that with the developing and making the Gwadar port functional jobs opportunities would be created for the people the new port city of Pakistan.

The projects include construction of Gwadar Port Eastbay Expressway with an estimated cost of Rs.14.804 billion; construction of Pak-China vocational training institute with an estimated cost of Rs.984million; facilities of fresh water treatment, supply and distribution of water for Gwadar City costing Rs.13.22billion; 300-bed China-Pakistan friendship hospital with an estimated cost of Rs.9.96billion; construction of New Gwadar International Airport of Rs.26.70billion; construction of breakwaters for Gwadar Port with a cost of Rs.13.00billion; capital dredging for additional channels, turning basin alongside new terminal, costing Rs.2.80billion; 300MW coal-based power plant with an estimated cost of Rs.30.00billion in addition to infrastructure development for free zone, export processing zone and Gwadar industrial area.

The delegation also visited the under construction new airport; proposed site for LNG terminal; newly completed desalination plant; sites designed and earmarked for Gwadar Port Eastbay Expressway and the Gwadar Free Zone; the GDA hospital; GPA’s modern Civic Centre and the Gwadar International Port Terminal.

On the occasion the visiting guests were briefed about the progress of these multidimensional uplift schemes that are hallmark of the decades of people to people and government to government Sino-Pak friendship. Madam Lin Dajian expressed her hope that with the completion of these uplift projects of vital nature a new era of development and prosperity will usher in the region and particularly for the benefit of the people of Gwadar.

Later, in the evening the delegation left for Islamabad to attend the plenary session of Pakistan-China Joint Working Groups on Gwadar.

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December 10, 2014 Continued Wed All Day

Govt prepares master plan to tap potential of Gwadar port -- APP

ISLAMABAD – Ministe for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said that the government had prepared a master plan to tap the potential of Gwadar port.

“We have a master plan as how Gwadar can be developed as a model city like Singapore and Dubai with the availability of commercial services and attraction for tourism,” he said while meeting with a delegation from China Communication Construction Company (CCCC) who called on him here on Wednesday. During the meeting there was a detailed discussion on Pak-China Economic Corridor as to how the road and rail infrastructure will blossom in to economic hub in Gawadar.

“Unlike narrowness of Persian Gulf where it is very difficult for big ships to turn for Middle East, Gwadar is wide and big enough that all the big cargo ships can be offloaded here and from Gwadar the small ships can also carry cargo to Oman, Dubai, Doha and everywhere in Persian Gulf,” the minister said. He said whichever company prompts in getting approval from NDRC in China, it would have more chances of investment in Pak-China Economic Corridor.

He said that there are virgin beaches along the whole Makran Coast because no one has ever traversed such natural beaches it gives a perspective of tourist resort for Pakistan, China and surrounding countries. The federal minister directed the delegation to meet the authorities of National Highway Authority and Ministry of Railways which are important stakeholders of Pak-China Economic Corridor.

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Pakistan proposes Gwadar-Chahbahar Joint Economic Zone -- Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: In order to facilitate the trade among local communities residing in the bordering provinces of the two countries, Iran has proposed the establishment of border markets, while Pakistan proposed Gwadar-Chahbahar Joint Economic Zone.

The two sides floated their proposals to boost and expand volume of bilateral trade during a meeting, which was held between Federal Minister for Commerce Engr Khurram Dastgir Khan and Iranian Minister for Economic Affairs and Finance Dr Ali Taieb Nia on Tuesday. During the talks, Federal Minister for Commerce Engr Khurram Dastgir Khan said that Pakistan wanted to make the current preferential trade agreement with Iran effectively operational and expand it by including more items of trade in the reduced tariff list. He stressed the need to engage in a constructive and positive dialogue to develop trade relations between Pakistan and Iran on mutually beneficial terms and make them more sustainable. He said that Pakistan wanted to enhance the limited trade base between the two countries which currently stands at $217 million and comprises mainly oil and gas from Iran and rice from Pakistan to a broader base, which may include meat, fruits, textile, surgical items, sports goods, gems and jewelry, in addition to rice as the regular items of trade. He was of the view that to start with, the two countries may use barter as preferential mode of trading for a short-term until some suitable and recognised mechanism of payment was chalked out. The Iranian side proposed the establishment of border markets to facilitate the trade among local communities residing in the border provinces of the two countries. They proposed that initially four such markets could be set up which may be increased depending upon their efficacy in the first phase. The Iranian finance minister proposed to develop joint economic zones which would have the necessary facilities to attract investment.

Iran has one such successful zone with Qatar. Dastgir, proposed a GawadarChahbahar Joint Economic Zone which has the potential to grow immensely. The Ministry of Commerce asked the Iranian side to initiate dialogue among the relevant authorities to develop mutually recognised standards and specifications which are accepted all across the two countries. The two sides agreed to develop better data exchange systems between the two countries so that data with the authorities on both sides would be identical and differences may not arise due to lack of coordination.

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December 18, 2014 Thu All Day

High-level meeting to discuss master plan for Gwadar -- Express Tribune

A high-level meeting would be held on December 23 to discuss a master plan for the Gwadar Port, it is learnt. According to sources, the meeting would be held at PBlock Secretariat of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms. Federal Minister for Port and Shipping Kamran Michael, Federal Minster for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of State for Communication Abdul Hakeem Baloch, Board of Investment Chairman Dr Miftah Ismail and other high official would participate in the meeting.

The sources said that in a strategic move, Pakistan and China were set to make headway towards developing a master plan for the Gwadar Port as part of an economic corridor that envisages investment of $12 billion by China. As part of the economic corridor that will turn Pakistan into a hub of regional co-operation, the Gwadar Port will be connected through road, rail and fiber optic links to China help enhance trade between the two countries.

The sources said that the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor was moving ahead smoothly and the third round of Pakistan-China Joint Co-operation Committee (JCC) was currently going on successfully. The next meeting of the JCC would be held in January 2015. Pakistan and China want to develop Gwadar Port, whose control had already been given to China, in a bid to attract investment in different sectors to make it a hub of economic activities. The sources said that under the master plan, an oil city will be set up at the port to meet fuel needs.

The sources said that Commercial Bank of China (CBC) and Habib Bank Limited (HBL) were also working on a concept of development of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gwadar. The sources said that China wanted to keep investment and development in low profile and avoid highlighting in media.

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December 24, 2014 Wed All Day

Bids invited for Pak-China Economic Corridor project -- The Dawn

ISLAMABAD: Bids have been invited from Chinese construction companies and other international and local firms for the multi-billion dollar project of Pak-China Economic Corridor (PCEC), the country’s biggest road project recently launched by the government.

According to a document, the bids have been invited through national and international publications.

Work on one of the sections of the PCEC has been initiated this month under which a motorway from Havelian to Thakot as phase-I of the Islamabad-Raikot section of the corridor would be constructed.

The Havalian to Thakot section of the corridor is being financed by China while other phases will be carried out on the basis of Built Operate and Transfer (BOT).

The second section of the PCEC will be initiated next month for the construction of a motorway from Karachi to Hyderabad. The project has been awarded to the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO).

The third section will be initiated in a couple of months for the construction of Multan-Sukkur Motorway.

Some other sections, including Hyderabad to Sukkur, Lahore to Multan and Sukkur to Multan motorways will be started one by one.

Talking to Dawn, a senior official of National Highway Authority (NHA) said that it was a wrong impression that only Chinese firms would execute work on all sections of the PCEC. Bids had been invited from all international and local firms and any firm could win the contract, he added.

He said in a major strategic shift the NHA’s financial regime had been changed and all mega road projects were being executed on the basis of BOT. In past such projects were conducted through government assistance.

The official said the firms which would invest their money in the PCEC project would be paid through collection of road tax (toll). “We will not give any prior financial guarantee to the firms but they will be given toll plazas, service areas and the rightof-way of the sections they will execute,” he added.

The official said besides the PCEC project some other related projects would also be initiated soon. They included reconstruction of existing Islamabad-Lahore Motorway and Karakorum Highway (KKH) that originates from the Pak-China border.

Talking about the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M-2), the official said according to its original plan it was to be reconstructed after 10 years of its construction but it was not done even after the lapse of 17 years. This project was also being executed on the BOT basis.

Answering a question about a controversy that the NHA has awarded a contract to a firm of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s close aide Saifur Rehman, the head of defunct Ehteasb Bureau or the previous version of National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the official said no contract of any section of the PCEC had been awarded to Mr Rehman.

However, he added, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) had been signed between the NHA and Mr Rehman’s firm for a consultancy study of the PCEC project which was being carried out free of cost.

Published in Dawn December 24th , 2014 1370

December 24, 2014 Continued Wed All Day

Gwadar port: plans ready for development -- BR

Short-, medium- and long-term plans for development of Gwadar port have been prepared by Arthur D Little for business logistics, coal power plants and construction of commercial centres serving Pakistan, western China, Iran, Afghanistan and Middle Asia, gradually making transforming it into a transshipment hub.

According to final draft of Operation Planning for Gwadar Port prepared by China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited November, 2014, in shot-term plan, seawater desalination and a power plant would be improved by the government and warehouses of 10000~20000 m2 in Free Zone (FZ) would be constructed. Service for business logistics and coal power plants ensuring the port's adaptability and service for different cargoes were also included in short-term plan.

Due to lack of utilities, the main task is to create cargo volume by commercial logistics and explore fishery cargo through instruction of aquaculture, based on the advantage of local resource. In future plan, it is also expected to realise the cargo volume generated by harbour industry under the implementation of Gwadar city and port planning. Gwadar would get more opportunity and benefit from China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and energy co-operation between Pakistan and Iran. A logistics corridor of "Gwadar-Quetta-Kandahar" would also be constructed by the government along with developing transit trade with inland states.

In mid-term plan, Gwadar would be developed as one of the transfer and distribution areas of commercial logistics of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) serving for Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan by taking full advantage of the position and policies. It is also planned to start the processing of manufacturing industry in FZ and integration of FZ and implementation of expanding the quay facility at proper time depending on the need of local economic development.

In future under master plan of the Port, industrial parks would be developed behind the port area. Textile, leather, food and trade processing would develop as priority industries in FZ, considering the industry characteristics and labour advantages in Pakistan.

Fertiliser is the only cargo unloaded at Gwadar Port currently. The federal government would improve the existing fertiliser volume till the time Gwadar Port could realise a commercial operation. After the fishery industry in Gwadar region develops to a certain scale, it can directly bring the port freight sources. The freight potential of fishery industry for Gwadar Port is estimated to be 350 - 500 kilo tons per year.

In the long-term plan, commercial centers would serve Pakistan, western China, Iran, Afghanistan and Middle Asia gradually, exploring the possibility of becoming an important transshipment hub and distribution centers between Northeast Asia to Africa and the Gulf.

Meanwhile, the implementation of "Developing Gwadar as Green & Smart Port City should be followed with the effort of Pakistan government. Gwadar Port, which is a core facility support for the city, would develop as an integrated ecological port and essential part of costal industrial 'corridor in Pakistan'.

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Pak-China Economic Corridor to bring economic revolution in Balochistan -- Daily Times

QUETTA – President Mamnoon Hussain has said that Pak-China Economic Corridor Project would bring economic revolution in Pakistan and the people of Balochistan would be the real beneficiaries.

Economic uplift of Balochistan was ignored in the past, he said while talking to Balochistan Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai who called on him at Governor’s House on Wednesday. Terming the Pak-China Economic Corridor project milestone for Pakistan, he said that the local people of Balochistan would be the real beneficiaries of the project. Gwadar-Kashghar Economic Corridor Project besides 1371

December 24, 2014 Continued Wed other issues was also discussed during the meeting.

The president said that the government was striving hard to bring about positive changes in the life style of the ordinary man in Balochistan and other parts of the country. However, he said that it was essential that the people and the provincial government should extend helping hand for the success of the uplift schemes.

The president commended the endeavors of the democratic government and said that effort would continue to maintain pace of the development in the country. The Balochistan governor apprised the president about law and order situation and development being executed by the federal and provincial governments in Balochistan.

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December 25, 2014 Thu All Day

AIIB supporting China’s Silk -- The Nations AIIB supporting China’s Silk

LAHORE (Staff Reporter): The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), with an expected initial capital of US $50 billion, is also supporting China’s Silk Road initiatives, stated Shah Faisal Afridi, President Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) while leading a discussion on significance of Silk Route with members of PCJCCI. He said adding that the concept of Silk Route had emerged to become an important policy instrument on regional connectivity and regional integration. He was confident that Pakistan could turn into the most important westward artery by modernizing and reviving the silk route.

He said adding that the Silk Road Fund will be “open” and welcoming investors from Asia and beyond to “actively” take part in the project. The government of Pakistan should take immediate measures to up-grade the Silk Route to exploit the geographical potential of this location in regional trade. ”Pakistan’s geographical location supplements the potential of the Silk Route and augments scope of its revival”, Faisal Afridi said that the Silk Route has been a famous trade route in the ancient times, which proves that we have a long history of trade through this location.

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December 27, 2014 Sat All Day

Dar briefed on K2, K3 nuclear energy projects -- APP

SLAMABAD: Director General Strategic Plans Division (SPD) Lieutenant General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, called on the Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday and briefed him about the financing mechanism of K2-K3 nuclear energy projects.

Secretary Economic Affairs Division (EAD), Nargis Sethi and DG SPD gave a joint briefing to the Minister about the status of the project and what is the future plan to take this project ahead.

The aforementioned energy projects will be a part of Pak-China Energy Corridor and will be jointly financed by China (EXIM Bank) and Pakistan in a ratio 82 and 18 percent respectively.

Gen. Hayat told the Minister that the project when completed would be the cheapest source of energy.

This project will help a long way in overcoming the energy crunch which is experienced now by the country.

It was also briefed to the Minister that the project would use very secure and highly efficient third generation equipment to make cheapest electricity.

The Minister appreciating the efforts of EAD and Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in making a plan for this project said that the PML-N lead government would take the country where the rest of the developed world stands now.

"When we planned to build the Motorway it was considered ahead of time but now it has increased its value many-fold and if these energy projects are pursued as per planned we shall be able to meet the future energy requirements of Pakistan", he added.

The Minister directed that another meeting should be held on the same projects next week in which all the relevant stakeholders from EAD, Finance, SPD and PAEC should be invited to make presentations of the project details and what steps are to be taken by the government to help make this project a reality.

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December 28, 2014 Sun All Day

Strategic location: Foreign investors flocking to Gwadar port -- The Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: The Gwadar deep seaport has been a place of interest for national and foreign investors, particularly from China and Central Asian states, in the outgoing year.

In 2014, four high-level delegations of private investors and three government delegations from China have visited the strategically located port, according to documents available with The Express Tribune.

Gwadar port is situated at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, just outside the Strait of Hormuz, near the key shipping routes for two-thirds of the world oil supply.

According to details, China’s vice premier led a team of senior Chinese officials, including the director general of the National Development and Reforms Commission and infrastructure experts, for chalking out plans for the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor and infrastructure projects for Gwadar.

A team from the Guangdong Logistics Industry Association (GLIA), led by its secretary general, visited the Gwadar port and apprised the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) that they were interested in opening a display of more than 50,000 Chinese products at the port.

The proposed display centre will be established on 25 acres of land. The proposal is currently being negotiated between the GPA and GLIA, who have agreed in principle to consider this unique trade and commerce initiative at the port. The team leader also apprised the GPA of establishing a marine silk route between Guandong and Gwadar via sea.

Another delegation of senior Chinese officials visited Gwadar with an offer of setting up a steel mill.

The director of the National Development and Reform Commission, Hebi province, and the mayor of Wuhan city led a team of the Investment and Commerce Bank of China (ICBC) and iron and steel investors with an interest to construct a steel mill in Gwadar.

The ICBC has sent two missions to Gwadar with the last one in October. The Chinese investors have now agreed on the proposed site for the steel mill in the Gwadar industrial zone operated by the Balochistan government. The Chinese investors are also exploring different businesses in the Gwadar port duty-free zone.

During the year, the Kazakhstan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, through Pakistan’s foreign ministry, expressed their interest to set up wheat grain silos at the Gwadar port. The GPA and Chinese Overseas Port Holding Companies (COPHC), in principle, have consented to this proposal.

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Work begins on nuclear plant project -- APP

ISLAMABAD: A meeting was informed on Saturday that construction of the second and third phases of the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (Kanupp) had begun after the Sindh High Court had vacated a stay order against the project.

The K-2 and K-3 plants are scheduled to be completed by 2019, the meeting held with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in the chair was told.

The director general of the Strategic Plans Division, Lt Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat, discussed with the minister the financing mechanism for the project. The meeting was told that the project would produce 2,200MW of electricity.

The nuclear energy projects are part of the ‘Pak-China Energy Corridor’ and will be jointly financed by China’s Exim Bank and Pakistan at a ratio of 82 to 18.

China is also providing technical support in setting up the turbines, and the reactors will be designed and built by the China National Nuclear Corporation.

The project is being executed by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission.

“We expect that this project will go a long way in overcoming the energy crunch being experienced by the country,” Mr Dar said.

The minister also discussed the pace of work on the project and was informed that the groundbreaking was held in November last year.

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December 29, 2014 Mon All Day

Pak-China 25 MoUs to promote ties in IT sector -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and China have signed 25 commercial MoUs to promote bilateral cooperation in the IT sector, following IT Forum held in Chinese city of Shenzhen, says a press release received here on Sunday.

Out of 25 MoUs, 15 were by the Pakistani private enterprises and 10 by the COMSATS IT delegation. This was the first-ever Forum of its kind held between the two countries, which was attended by 63 participants from Pakistan and about 200 from the Chinese side.

The Forum was organized by the Consulate General of Pakistan, Guangzhou, China, in collaboration with Shenzhen Science, Technology and Innovation Commission, Shenzhen Software Park, Shenzhen Hi-Tech Park, Shenzhen Science and Technology Business Platform and Shenzhen Software Industry Association.

Participants from Pakistan included Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) represented by its Managing Director, Mr. Asim Shahryar Husain, whereas the COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) was led by its Pro-Rector Dr. Haroon Rashid. Enterprises from Private Sector Software Industry and members of CIIT’s various Software Houses, Telecommunication Study Center, Information Technology Services also attended the Forum.

In his welcoming remarks, the Consul General Babar Amin thanked all the Chinese Government organizations and private sector Associations which rendered their indispensable support to host the Forum. The purpose of the Forum was to bring Pakistan and Chinese counterparts in Software and IT industry together to create a synergy between them.

He emphasized that Software and IT industry in both the countries can benefit from each other’s complementary strength in this field, to achieve a win-win outcome.

Director General of Shenzhen Science, Technology and Innovation Commission, Mr. Lu Jian in his opening remarks informed that Shenzhen’s IT products output in 2013 was worth RMB 1.2 trillion (US$ 200 billion) and its Software products valued RMB 600 billion (US$ 1 billion). Shenzhen’s Software revenue accounted for 1/10th of the total national output.

Welcoming the Consulate General of Pakistan’s initiative to host the Pakistan-China Software and IT Forum, Mr. Liu Jian expressed confidence that it would lay solid foundation for future cooperation. He said that not only was Pakistan a strategic partner, it also offered cost effective advantage and favourable policy environment.

A key note address was delivered by Chinese Software Industry Veteran leader, former President of China Software Association and its current Advisor, Mr. Chen Chong. He said that Pakistan’s potential in Software field is not very well known in China and this Forum was the first major breakthrough in bringing Software enterprises of the two countries together. Mr. Chen assured full support of Chinese Software Industry, to enhancement business ties with Pakistan in the Software and IT fields.Managing Director PSEB, Mr. Hussain presented salient features of Pakistan’s IT Industry and areas of its Software expertise.

He briefed the participants as to why Pakistan should be a preferred destination for Chinese Software outsourcing and joint collaboration. Pro-Rector CIIT Dr. Rashid highlighted the Institutes Software capabilities and how cooperation can be done with the Chinese enterprises on ‘Academia- Industry Collaboration’ model.

Representatives of Pakistan Software Houses Associations (P@SHA), Sultan Hamdani presented the state of Pakistan’s Software Industry and the opportune business advantages offered by it.

The Pakistani participants also visited Shenzhen based major Software and IT companies such as E-Soft, Kingdom Technology Company, ZTE, Huawei, Tencent and Kingdee, on 15-16 December, 2014.

China being the second biggest global Software and IT market, offers huge potential for Pakistan. Simultaneously China can enormously benefit from Pakistan’s Software expertise, especially for English Language interfacing and cost effective solutions. It is expected that enhanced interaction between the relevant enterprises from the two sides will generate significant business in this nontraditional area of the two countries’ trade.

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December 30, 2014 Tue All Day

Work on Lahore-Karachi motorway to begin soon: PM -- The Express Tribune Work on Lahore-Karachi motorway to begin soon: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said construction work for Karachi-Lahore motorway will begin soon , Express News reported.

Addressing the annual awards ceremony of National Highways and Motorways Police in Islamabad, Nawaz said more Motorways projects will be initiated in the country. “The region will become the centre of economic activities due to Pak-China Economic Corridor project,� said Nawaz, adding that it is a matter of great pride that the performance of Motorways and Highways police is being appreciated on the international level.

He said many programmes are being implemented from the school level to make the highways safe and to make the public aware in this regard. The PM also said he wants motorway police be more people friendly.

The premier directed for enhancing the efficiency of the organisation and recruitment of staff on need basis in a transparent manner. The prime minister also announced a 20 percent increase in salaries of Motorway police.

Nawaz Sharif also lauded the performance of Inspector General Motorways Police Zulfiqar Cheema.

Inspector General Motorway police Zulfiqar Cheema while highlighting the performance of Motorway Police said the organisation is a role model for other public sector institutions as it has the highest traditions of public service.

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CROWN OF THE BEST COMMERCIAL SCHEMES

The title “Gwadar's largest commercial scheme� Al-Noor cargo city holds this distinct.

Al-Noor cargo city is also known as Gwadar's first strategic commercial scheme.

Al-Noor cargo city is situated in the mid of Gwadar airport and Gwadar sea port. It has one-kilometer wide front on the 205ft wide main Baluchistan Broadway and 150ft wide Existing coastal highway.

Al-Noor Cargo City gives an eye-catching stance to both local and international investors due to its strategic location. In addition, just 1500 yards distance to Deep Sea East Bay gives another edge to Al-Noor Cargo City.