The Destination Issue 32 Vol 1

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Ramadan 17 1468 AH.

Saudi Arabia to issue Umrah visas to one lac Pakistanis Saudi Arabia has decided to give visas to one lac Pakistanis, permitting them to perform Umrah on the sacred land of Makkah. A statement from Saudi Arabia’s Karachi Consulate stated that due to technical glitch, some Pakistanis were not issued visas for Saudi Arabia however, the authorities will give them visas in 24 hours. The consulate, while apologizing for the delay, denied all the allegations including corruption leveled against Saudi authorities and assured to facilitate the affectees. Spokesman to Saudi Consulate said that some extremists have also tried to spark chaos between both countries but Saudi Arabia is always keen to serve Muslim people.

O ver 4 0 0 development schemes to be completed in GB by end of June In Gilgit-Baltistan, over 400 development schemes would be completed by the end of current month under Annual Development Program. A spokesman of Public Works Depar tment (PW D) said, “These schemes are being implemented in ten districts of Gilgit Baltistan at a cost of more than Rs 11 billion.”

He said, “These schemes are related to administration, law enforcement, energy sector, Nat ural Resource Management, Social Work and PSDP sector.”

Pakistan Railways reduces fare by 33pc for Eid-ul-Fitr Pa k i s t a n R a i l w a y s h a s announced special package for three days of Eid-ul-Fitr and reduced the fares by 33 percent, whereas, it has added five exclusive trains for the Eid days. The spokesperson of PR let it be known that the Eid package was approved in the meeting that was chaired by Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique. The first of five exclusive trains will depart from Karachi on June 23 and reach Peshawar via Multan, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Malakwal, Lalamusa and Rawalpindi.

The second Eid special train will reach Rawalpindi from Quetta via Rohri, Khanewal and Lahore. The route of third one will be from Karachi to Lahore through Multan and Faisalabad. Two trains will run from Rawalpindi to Multan and Multan to Rawalpindi. The Eid operation of Pakistan Railways will continue from Friday, June 23 to Wednesday, June 28.

China rolls out green carpet for California on climate Solar power prices in India have hit rock bottom, but it is not all good news for the electricity-starved country as the phenomenon has hit investor confidence and threatens the country’s effort to push its green credentials. Cut-throat competition has driven prices down to unsustainable levels, undermining the booming sector’s viability, according to experts. After the United States withdrew from the Paris climate deal last week, India said it would stick to its huge renewable energy programme.

India is the headquarters of an international solar energy alliance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to reinforce the notoriously polluted country’s green credentials.

Pakistan fully supports peace process in Afghanistan: Sartaj Aziz.

Pakistan gets ‘ guest of honor’

status at China’s world trade fair

By Ansar M Bhatti in Kunming KU N M I NG (CH I NA), JUNE 12 (DNA) Pakistan was extended ‘ Guest of Honour’ status at China’s International Expo that began here on Monday, with eighty participating countries, mainly from South and South East Asia region.

This was a rare move, in the background of growing bilateral relations under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the country’s leading role in building Belt and Road’s initiative of President Xi Jinping. It was the first time that a special pavilion was provided to the Pakistani businessmen, who HAVE set up 224 stalls at the expo, which was named as South and Southeast Asia Investment forum Forum (SSIF).

The SSIF, that was formally inaugurated by the Governor of Yunnan province Chen Hao was also addressed by Pakistan’s Consu late Gener al i n Chengdu Amna Baluch who thanked the Chinese government for its special

gesture of goodwill towards her country, that she hoped will be a great source of help enhancing Pakistan’s export to China and other regional countries, as well as improving balance of payment position She termed the expo as a historical event, giving further boost to their all round par tnership. Pakistan’s Consulate General Amna Baluch further said that the CPEC is a finest example of bilateral cooperation on country-to-country level. Ms. Baluch further said Pakistan attached great importance to China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and considers it as a game changer. She hoped the project will usher in new era of prosperity in the region.

She was confident that it will be a landmark development in developing multilateral collaborative partnership between the two countries.

A business delegation from Pakistan led by former president of FPCCI Zubair Ahmed Malik also attended the opening ceremony.

Zubair while talking to

media people termed the event important and hoped it will further cement relations between Pakistan and China. The weeklong expo was co-sponsored by the gover n ment of Yunnan, China Chamber of International Commerce, SA A RC C h a m b e r of Commerce and Industry and Asean China Center.

The expo provided an opportunity to about 8,000 traders from all around the World to showcase their products in order to upgrade their bilateral trade’s links and mutual exchanges, seeking more and more investment in their respective countries.

The Pakistani products displayed at the expo are mainly leather and marble goods and furniture items and handicrafts The opening day witnessed a huge crowd at Pakistani stalls.

While speaking on the occasion, China Assistant Minister for Commerce praised high of Pakistan’s contribution towards Belt and Road’s initiative. About the CPEC, he said, it was being implemented rapidly,

Azerbaijan and Pakistan enjoy cordial and warm relations Heydar Aliyev Foundation Aid packages distribution ceremony

I n regard with the holy month of Ramadan, Aid packages of Heydar Aliyev Foundation have been distributed to the needy and poor families of a number of villages in Abbottabad area.

The Hon’ble Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan Murtaza Javed Abbasi and the Ambassador of Azerbaijan H.E. Ali Alizada addressed the distribution ceremony at Ghambirr village, Abbottabad.

Ambassador of Azerbaijan Ali Alizada noted that throughout the history peoples of Azerbaijan and Pakistan have communicated with each other, worked together, shared their grief and rejoiced at their success together. Ambassador noted that Azerbaijan and Pakistan enjoy cordial and warm relations in all fields, as well as in humanitarian-social field and pointed out that a number of different humanitarian-social projects were implemented by Heydar Aliyev Foundation of Azerbaijan in Pakistan.

Ali Alizada informed the participantsthat after the devastating earthquake in 2005, Heydar Aliyev Foundation started its work in Pakistan and constructed a new school for girls in Muzaffarabad.

Ambassador noted that during these 12 years Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the First Lady of Azerbaijan initiated a series of healthcare, education, development and humanitarian projects in all provinces of Pakistan, such as the hepatitis vaccinations, checkups and treatments of women and children, donation of ambulances and thousands of blood collection bags to some hospitals, construction of Water Supply Scheme etc. During the holy month of Ramadan, the Foundation hosted iftar dinners to the beneficiaries of Pakistan Sweet Homes and other orphanages in all provinces of Pakistan.

A mbassador emphasized that distribution of Ramadan Aid Packages of Heydar

Aliyev Foundation today in Abbottabad in the Holy Month of Ramadan once again proves intimacy, friendship and solidarity between our peoples.

Also praising Deputy Speaker of National Assembly of Pakistan as an experienced politician and very committed to his region the Ambassador thanked him and representatives of the people of the region for joining the distribution ceremony.

On this occasion, while commending the promoting ties between the two brotherly Muslim countries Hon’ble DeputySpeaker added that the visit of the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to his constituency is one of its kind visit and that such events would further take our friendly relations to new heights.

hoping that the two-counties’ bilateral cooperation to this effect will deliver a great amount of benefits to the people of Pakistan and help them to improve their living conditions.

Executive com mittee’s members of SSIF said here at news conference that the event has become a regular feature and proved very successful in increasing trade column of the participating countries, as well as deepening people-to-people. The Chinese government, they said attached high priority to this joint forum, pushing forward their common economic interest and promoting regional connectivity.

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Qatar hosted Taliban at request of US govt: Qahtani

DOHA— Qatari foreign minister’s special envoy on counterterrorism Mutlaq-AlQahtani has said that Qatar hosted the Taliban at the request of the government of the United States.

“The Gulf country hosted the Taliban by request of the US government and as part of Qatar’s open-door policy, to facilitate talks, to mediate and to bring peace,” Al-Qahtani told Al-Jazeera.

He added that, “Qatar was facilitating the talks between the Americans, the Taliban and the gover nment of Afghanistan.” There was no immediate comment from the US.

Al-Qahtani said, “Domestically, we have enacted proper laws, we have our national committees on terror financing and counterterrorism. We also have our preventive action plan.”

He added that, “The country focuses on preventive diplomacy, trying to solve conflict, using our good offices, trying to bring people and civilizations with different faiths to mutual understanding, coexistence and tolerance, while also paying a lot of emphasis on unemployment, because we believe unemployment is one of the causes of terrorism or one

of the root causes of violent extremism that could lead to terrorism.”

Al-Qahtani’s statement comes after US President Donald Tr ump accused Qatar of “historically” funding “terrorism at a very high level” - an allegation Qatar denies. The US president has not provided any evidence for his accusation.

It may be mentioned here that the Taliban opened an office in Qatar in 2013, but the Qatari government later shut it down. However, Taliban leaders are still said to be in Doha.

2 Tuesday - June 13, 2017

THE DESTINATION

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL PHOTO OF THE DAY

Chinese students eager to learn Urdu anticipating job opportunities

Kala Paani, Deosai plateau, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

Exclusive photo by The Destination Team

EU warns Israel against settlement units in Occupied West Bank The European Union has war ned Israel about its plan for setting up new settlement units in the West Bank. In a statement, the EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini said Israel’s continued policy of settlement expansion is illegal under international law and further complicates the prospects for viable two-state solution. She reiterated support for a negotiated two-state solution in the region saying it is the only way to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of both parties and achieve just and lasting peace.

Israel has approved construction of approximately 1,800 new settlements in the West Bank.

Pakistan to hold 35th International Carpet Exhibition in October

BEIJING—Urdu may be a bit more challenging than other languages, but a growing number of Chinese students are choosing to learn it anticipating opportunities to be offered by Chinese companies carrying out development projects in Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The history of Urdu started with establishment of first Urdu Language Department at Peking University in 1951.

Later, the universities in the Chinese cities of Xian and Guangzhou also set up Urdu departments.

Beijing Foreig n St udies University (BFSU) has been teaching Urdu since 2007 and till now two batches of its students have completed their degree, Head of Urdu Department, School of Asian and African Studies, School of Asian and African Studies Urdu Departments Head Zhou Yuan said in an interview.

Out of total rolled-out students, a few have got admissions on scholarships in foreign universities for higher education while some joined different companies. At present, the third batch of 20 students is studying Urdu, she added.

The BFSU will send its students to National University of Modern Languages (NUML),

Islamabad and Government College University, Lahore for six months during third year of their studies to get a better chance to improve their speaking and writing skills.

In this regard, the university gets financial support from the government of Pakistan and Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, Zhou Yuan, who has adopted a Pakistani name ‘Nasreen’ told APP here.

She informed besides, teaching language to the students of Urdu department, the university organizes competitions of Urdu calligraphy, speech contest and cultural activities to aware the students about Pakistan and its people.

“Such activities not only increases interest of Urdu learning but it enhances standard of Urdu language among Chinese students,” Yuan Yuhang (Shabnam), who is teaching Urdu at the University for the last one year after quitting her job from a bank.

Zhou Yuan said many Chinese students are learning Urdu at different universities and institutes around the country, including Beijing.

The reasons for learning Urdu vary. Some have been romanced by Pakistan’s culture, food and landscape; other by the beauty of the language itself. Yet, others see

Pakistan’s professional boxer and two-time silver flyweight world champion Muhammad Waseem made the nation proud after being declared as world’s top-ranked boxer by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

The flyweight class, in boxing, ranges in fighters weighing between 49 kg (108 lb) and 52 kg (112 lb).

Waseem is the first Pakistani boxer to be listed as the number one boxer in the flyweight

category. He is scheduled to participate in WBC’s two training fights, to be held in Panama, later in July. Waseem will fight for the gold title in the flyweight category later in September this year. In the latest rankings of flyweight category released by the WBC, Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Junior and Great Britain’s Andrew Selby hold the second and third spots respectively.

learning Urdu as a practical means of eventually working with Chinese companies carrying out different projects under CPEC framework in Pakistan.

To cope with the demand, several universities in Shanghai, Tianjian, Kunming, Urumqi and Inner Mongolia are considering setting up Urdu departments, Zhou Yuan said.

Today, the Urdu department of her university has a batch of 20 Chinese students. They are attracted by the prospect of an affordable education and a job. Some of them hope to get a job with a Chinese company in Pakistan.

Others will go on to further studies in foreign countries and chance of good jobs in Chinese universities, diplomatic service, banks, hotels and airlines etc, she added.

A Chinese student having a Pakistan name ‘Rabia’ said she intends to become an Urdu teacher after completing her study. “I have a passion to learn Urdu and teach this language of our deeprooted friendly country to my countrymen.”

To a student Zhang Yi (Afia), Urdu is an interesting and beautif ul lang uage. She admitted although it is difficult to learn Urdu, but it is imperative as she wants to learn more about Pakistani

culture.

T he C h i ne s e s t u d e nt s , Mehtab, Mehrin and Alizeh also spoke about their interest in Urdu and vowed to play important role in enhancing Sino Pak friendship and economic cooperation.

Other Chinese students, Moosa, Junaid and Amer said they are learning Urdu to further promote cultural and people to people contact.

They said the number of students is increasing with the passage of time because of job opportunities for Chinese who can also speak good Urdu. Students can see the tides changing and expect that knowing Urdu would mean more job opportunities, in Pakistan and in China.

This is reflected in many students’ responses when asked about their interest in learning the language. Another student said while he is interested in learning different languages, ‘choosing Urdu is aimed at starting my own import and export business”.

The increased interest in learning Urdu means that more students from around China are interested to enlist in the University, hence, we are considering for launching a new batch to accommodate more students, Zhou Yuan concluded.

Pakistani boxer makes country proud by becoming top-ranked flyweight class boxer

Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association has invited the major countries of the world including South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member states to participate in 35th International Carpet Exhibition being held in Pakistan in October this year.

This was stated by Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association Senior Vice Chairman Riaz Ahmed while talking to media persons on his arrival after sixday long visit to China. He was also accompanied by Carpet Institute Chairperson Saeed K han and Major (Retired) Akhtar Nazir.

The China Beijing International High Tech Expo was held from June 8-10 in China. The event showed products li ke showcase state-of-the-art technologies,

spread cutting-edge ideas, release industrial policies, and promote international economic & technical cooperation etc. in the Business Services, IT & Technology industries.

The Pakistani delegation leader said that a large number of participants of the fourday event shown keen interest in Pakistani products and also assured to participate in the 35th International Carpet Exhibition in Pakistan.

Riaz Ahmed further said that Pakistani Carpets are among the top Carpets in the world and its exports could be enhanced further with the help of the government.

He said that Pakistani Carpet Manufacturers are working hard to enhance its demand in inter national market.

But, he said, unfortunately, Pakistani government is not supporting the industry. He

said Indian carpet industry is fully sponsored by Indian government. He urged the government to support the exporters of Carpet Industry so that Pakistan could get benefit through its exports.

The Pak istan Car pet Manufacturers and Exporters Association chief said that, he represented Pakistan alongwith his delegation at their own. He said that Pakistani delegation has discussed different ways and means with the other delegates from China, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Maldives and other international delegations participated in the China exhibition.

He said that all the delegates have been invited to participate in the forthcoming Carpet Exhibition being held in October this year in Pakistan and all the delegates

have assured to participation in the exhibition.

He said that 12 Pakistani stalls were staged in the China exhibition, however, 50 stalls were arranged by Indians there.

He vowed to lead the SAARC countries in Carpet producing if the Pakistani government take interest and support this industry like India and other counties.

He said that China Economic Corridor in Pakistan as well as One Road One Belt also came under discussion with various delegations during their visit to China.

Riaz appealed the government to support the upcoming exhibition in October 2017 in Pakistan to gain the positive results of the exhibition, which could be also beneficial in export of Pakistan Carpet industry in the world.

OIC launches appeal in connection with Orphan’s Day

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called on member states to undertake appropriate activities to raise awareness about the orphans’ issues and their needs. OIC has launched the appeal in connection with the Orphan’s Day. Natural

disasters, wars and crises across the Islamic world particularly in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan and Afghanistan have resulted in the loss of many human lives, leaving in their wake hundreds of thousands of orphaned children.

Qatar-Gulf crisis: Moscow, Doha agree to make joint efforts to resolve issue

Moscow and Doha have agreed to make joint efforts to resolve the row between Gulf countries and Qatar through peaceful means.

An understanding to this effect came during a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lav rov with his Qatar’s counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in Moscow. Sergei Lavrov said

Moscow was ready to act with the consent and the interest of the parties concerned to help resolve the diplomatic row through talks. In his remarks, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman said Qatar was committed to solving the issue through dialogue and termed Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf as the most appropriate format for such talks.

THE DESTINATION

Tuesday - June 13, 2017

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NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

T

he economic growth of Turkmenistan is carried out on the basis of the national and state programs for short and long term periods.

Today, Turkmenistan has the diversified, multifunctional economy presented by enterprises of power industry, oil and gas production, oil-processing, chemical and petrochemical field, mechanical engineering and metal-processing, objects for producing building materials, light and food industry. The growth rate of Turkmenistan’s GDP made up 10,2% in the year 2013 as compared to 2012. The growth volume of industrial production accounted for 7,3%. In comparison with the previous period the growth rate of investments equaled to 7,1%, the size of wages amounted to 11%. At present, in the country, under the leadership of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, grandiose reform us are under way in the framework of the national and state programs, which are aimed at the diversification of the national economy and at the achievement of innovative character.

In this context, traditional sectors have considerably grown over the recent years: oil and gas complex, power engineering, agriculture, construction, transport and communications.

At the same time, a lot of work is being carried out for the formation of new sectors of the economy: chemical, textile and building materials industries, telecommunications and other high-tech spheres. Special programs have been worked out such as the “National program for socio-economic development of the country for 2012-2016.” They are targeted at the further enhancement of the above named branches for medium-term prospect. Turkmenistan actively develops its foreign economic relations with other countries. Today Turkmenistan has established trade relations with 103 countries of the world. Presently, Turkmenistan has trade relations with 103 states. In 2012, the growth of the foreign trade turnover accounted for 102%. The total volume of hydrocarbon resources amount to 45.44 billion tons of oil equivalent. In 2012 Turkmenistan produced more than 69 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 11 million tons of oil. The Program on the development of oil and gas complex of Turkmenistan stipulates the increase of gas production up to 250 billion cubic meters, and oil – 110 million tons by the year 2030.

Possessing by more than 24 trillion cubic meters proven reserves of natural gas, as well as taking into account the peculiarities of the geographical location, Turkmenistan implements the policy of diversification of its international cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, on the basis of an equal partner access to the sources of Turkmen hydrocarbons and their means of delivery. This involves the creation of multivariate transportation pipeline infrastructure on the conclusion of Turkmen energy resources to international energy markets.

Following this, the country along with the traditional routes, in 2009, implemented two new major projects of exporting its energy resources to the world market: the gas pipeline ChinaTurkmenistan and the second gas pipeline Turkmenistan-Iran. The countr y together with its partners launched its gas pipeline on the route of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India.

Turkmenistan is highly interested in the projects on export of its energy to the European direction.

Along with the geographical diversification, the structural diversification of the energy sector of Turkmenistan is being gradually implemented through the creation of new, primarily, process industries, based on hydrocarbon raw material.

Turkmenistan believes that the joint implementation of international transport projects in Central Asia and the Caspian basin are also important, taking into account the unique geographical location in the region.

The power system of Turkmenistan is associated with the combined power system of Central Asia and is capable of exporting large amounts of electricity to Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Tajikistan and other countries in the region. The potential of the energy industry in the country is constantly increasing: the construction of new power plants and power lines, the reconstruction and modernization of existing power facilities. In accordance with the Presidential Decree as of February 25, 2011,the construction of high voltage overhead power lines and substation complex began in Lebap and Mary provinces, as well as the reconstruction of existing substations and spare parts for power plants. Upon the completion of these works, Turkmenistan will be able to increase the export of electricity to Afghanistan five times.

The capacity will also allow exporting electricity to Pakistan and Tajikistan. Turkmenistan

Rana Tahir Shahbaz

Founder and Chief Editor: Rana Tahir Shahbaz Editor: Tayyaba Imran Contact #: 051-8314196 Fax#: 051-8315196 Mob#: 0300-8503803, 0347-5959747 www.thedestination.com.pk info@thedestination.com.pk

Economy of Turkmenistan has great opportunities for the development of different sectors of chemical and petrochemical industries, including the use of resources of already developed fields and industrial development of new deposits of chemical raw stock.

In 2009, the construction of ore-dressing and processing complex were launched on the outskirts of Garlyk settlement in Lebap province, where a range of deposits of potassium salts were opened in the ore-mining region GaurdakKoytendag. The construction of a mining complex on the production of potash fertilizers, per se, symbolizes the birth of new mining branch for the Turkmen economy, based on the vast resource base. Thus, Garlyk deposit of potassium salts is capable to produce fertilizers in the volume of 1-1.5 million tons annually and in the future that figure will reach up to 4 millions. The cost of the first stage of the complex is about 1 billion USD. Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the development of transport and communication system (railways and roads, sea and river ports, pipelines) as an essential part of infrastructure for the sustainable development of the country’s economy. Large-scale international projects in the transport sector initiated by President GurbangulyBerdimuhamedov are aimed to give a significant boost to regional and interregional economic cooperation. In this context, the construction of the railway Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran is relevant and economically viable. In 2010, there was the detailed consideration of the Turkmen initiative on the creation of the transport corridor from Central Asia to the countries of the Persian Gulf. The ceremony of the commissioning of the Turkmenistan-Kazakhstan part of the railway KazakhstanTurkmenistan-Iran took place on May, 2013.

At present, the length of railways in Turkmenistan is 3,080 miles. Over the years of independence, it has increased by

Writers are requested to send their contributions at editor@thedestination.com.pk

Parliamentary, mayoral elections underway in Europe

In Europe, voting is underway in France, Italy and Kosovo for parliamentary and mayoral elections.

In France, voting is being held in the first round of parliamentary elections and opinion polls suggest that new President Emmanuel Macron’s Republic on the Move party is set to emerge from the June 18 second-round vote with a solid governing majority. In Kosovo, parliamentary election is in progress today after collapse of the government in no-confidence motion last month. And Italians are casting their votes to elect municipal mayors ahead of parliamentary election.

UAE looks into humanitarian cases of Emirati and Qatari families DU BA I — Un it e d A r a b Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan di rected on Sunday to take into account the humanitarian situation of UAE and Qatari families in recognition of the “brotherly people of Qatar,” UAE state news agency WAM reported

on Sunday.

Last Monday, the UAE cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and demanded Qatari citizens living in the UAE to leave the country within 14 days. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, along with six other mostly Arab states accuse Qatar of sponsoring

“extremism and terrorism.”

In order to implement the president’s directives, the Ministry of Interior has set up a hotline to receive such cases and take appropriate measures to help them.

The source said these measures were in line with the statement issued by the UAE

that severed ties with the State of Qatar for the pretexts mentioned in the resolution and its procedures.

The statement underscored the UAE’s commitment to the well being of the brotherly Qatari people as a natural extension of the brotherly UAE people.

UNITED NATIONS—UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is touring Central Asia, Saturday witnessed one of the worst environmental disasters as he visited the Aral Sea, once the world’s fourth largest inland sea, that has now shrunk to about a quarter of its original size due to human mismanagement, where he urged the world to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated.

“The Aral Sea’s progressive disappearance was not because of climate change, it was mismanagement by humankind of water

resou rces,” Secret ar yGeneral Guterres Said after visiting Muynak, the ‘cemetery of ships’ once a port city but now devoid of all water.

“It also shows that if in relation to climate change, we are not able to act forcefully to tame this phenomenon, we might see this kind of tragedy multiply around the world,” he warned.

Lack of fresh water feeding the sea slowly dried it up, increasing the salinity of the area, with serious impact on human health and agriculture.

sure that such tragedies will not be repeated.

Earlier in the day, Guterres held a meeting with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, where they discussed collaboration between the UN and the country in the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and regional matters.

Shrinking Aral Sea underscores need for urgent action to save planet’s resources

The environmental disaster was precipitated by diversion of tributary rivers which drained into the Aral Sea for irrigation projects nearly half a century ago.

Ter ming the cat ast ro phe “probably the biggest ecological catastrophe of our time,” one that demonstrated that ‘men can destroy the planet,’ the Secretary-General called on everyone to make the Aral Sea a lesson and to mobilize the whole international community to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change and to make

The UN chief also met with representatives of the civil society and visited Samarkand, one of the oldest inhabited cities in Central Asia.—DNA

900 kilometers. New railway lines have been constructed: Tejen-Sarahs, TurkmenabatAtamurat, Dashoguz-Urgench, Ashgabat-Karakum-Dashoguz. Powerful economic potential leads to an annual increase in the volume of cargo transportation. In 2011 the volume of cargo transportation made up 104% as compared to the previous year. Turkmenistan is one of the largest international transit centers of railway transportation by the lines of “NorthSouth,” “West-East.” Radio relays lines and Trans-Asian-European fiber-optic communication line between Shanghai and Frankfurt were constructed; its length in the territory of Turkmenistan makes about 1400 kilometers. All settlements of Turkmenistan are provided with a stable connection.

The main objectives of the country’s agricultural sector is to meet food demands of population, provide processing industry with raw materials, increase production efficiency, form new economic relations and consistently strengthen food security.

Today Turkmenistan is fully self-sufficient in basic foodstuffs. In 2011 Turkmenistan became one of the grain exporting countries. 217,000 tons are set for sale, including 150 tons of wheat, and the rest - in the form of flour.

During the years of independence export-oriented textile industry with modern high-tech equipment was created in Turkmenistan, 60 textile complexes and enterprises with the most advanced and efficient equipment were built and commissioned into operation. This enabled to increase the refining capacity of cotton produced in the country from 3 to 55 percent. Between 1995 and 2010, the production of cotton yarn and cotton fabrics increased by 8 times. During the same period the export of textile products with a label “Made in Turkmenistan” increased by 29 times. Currently, about 80 percent of manufactured textile products are exported to the European Union, the USA, Canada, Russia, Turkey, Hungary, China, the Baltics, Ukraine and other countries.

The annual volume of products and industry output reached an average of $300 million dollars.

The investment activity of the economy has led to the rapid growth of the construction industry of Turkmenistan. In addition to large-scale public construction projects, industrial, recreational, cultural facilities, such as the creation of the Avaza National Tourist Zone,the large-scale construction of dwelling houses are being carried out within the National program for the reform of social and living conditions in villages, towns, cities, districts and etrap centers for the period up to 2020. Its main task is to create a high standard of living of the rural population, similar to urban, ensure balanced social development in all settlements of the country. Residential mortgage with the most favorable terms is extensively developed. (source: pakistan.tmembassy.gov.tm)

Troops subject even disabled person to brute force in IOK SRI NAGAR—troops and police personnel are not sparing to subject to brute force even disabled persons in the occupied Kashmir. Indian forces’ personnel beat two physically-challenged persons to pulp in Shopian, the Kash mir Media Ser vice (KMS) reported on Saturday.

Eyewitnesses told media men that youth held anti-India demonstrations near Tak Masjid Chowk and Bongam Chowk. “Two physically-challenged persons were basking near Bonbazar Chowk when a police patrolling party while chasing the protesters caught hold of them and beat them up ruthlessly,” they said.

“The forces personnel broke two teeth of a deaf and dumb youth,” the witnesses said, adding that he was rushed to a private clinic for treatment.

Shooting for an upcoming Pakistani film completes in Turkey Ambassador of Pakistan Sohail Mahmood has said that efforts are underway to further promote Pakistan-Turkey collaboration in joint production and exchange of films and TV serials.

He was addressing a press conference held at the conclusion of the shooting for an upcoming film “Wajood” by Pakistan’s most accomplished and well-known director, producer and actor Javed Sheikh.

“Wajood” has been shot at various locations in Turkey -including Rize, Antalya and Istanbul. Its cast consists of leading actors from Pakistan’s film industry, with Danish Taimur playing the lead role.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood noted that 2017 marks the 70th Year of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and Turkey and added that the Pakistan Embassy, in collaboration with relevant Turkish authorities and institutions, is organizing

cultural and literary events to celebrate this milestone in a befitting manner. He hoped that the release of this movie, Wajood, would be an important part of such celebrations.

Referring to the revival and revitalization of the film industry in Pakistan, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood said this transformation is part of a larger process in which phenomenal growth of Pakistani music, visual and preforming arts, and literature has taken place. A key element of this growth and expansion is the deeper involvement of younger artists -- who are highly motivated, talented, and enterprising.

Lauding the multidimensional talents of Javed Sheikh and his role as a mentor for the new generation of artists, Ambassador Sohail underscored that Javed Sheikh has introduced Turkey’s breathtaking natural beauty and the

warmth and graciousness of the Turkish people to Pakistani audiences through his earlier films including “Chief Sahib” made in 1995.

It is also heart-warming that in the last few years, the entertainment industry in Pakistan and Turkey has played an important role in bringing the two brotherly people even closer to each other, said the Ambassador.

He added that while Turkey has a well-established and experienced film production and distribution chain, Pakistan, with its nearly 200 million population, has a strong viewer market with an increasing desire for quality entertainment. This creates immense opportunities for the producers in both countries to distribute and display their films and drama serials in each other’s markets.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Javed Sheikh highlighted the theme of the movie as well as

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its cast and production team.

He than ked A mbassador Sohail, the Pakistan Embassy and the Turkish authorities for providing all possible facilitation and support during the shooting.

He also spoke highly of the love, affection and respect of the Turkish people for the people of Pakistan, which he and his crew members consistently experienced first-hand during their stay. Thanking Turkish Airlines for its support of the movie, Javed Sheikh underlined that the remarkable scenic beauty of Turkey, and especially of Rize for the first time ever, will be transmitted to the Pakistani people with the release of Wajood and tourism will surge.

Pakistan’s Consul General in Istanbul Dr. Yusuf Junaid and Shaan Agha of Azad Films also spoke while the film’s heroine Saeeda Imtiyaz and other leading cast were present.

THE DESTINATION

4 Tuesday - June 13, 2017

100,000 youth to be trained in IT in 2017: Ahsan ISLAMABAD—Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal says one hundred thousand youth will be given training in information technology this year. In an interview, he said Pakistan is in a better position to take off in this field and scholarships are being awarded to talented youth under the US-Pakistan Knowledge corridor.

He said this will also help produce well trained manpower for the country. He said this year 35.5 billion rupees have been earmarked for higher education sector which will be increased to fifty billion rupees next year.

Replying to a question about China Pakistan Economic Corridor, Ahsan Iqbal said that projects under CPEC

offer immense dividends for socio-economic development of Sindh and Balochistan as most of the energy and infrastructure projects within the ambit of CPEC are in Sindh and Balochistan.

He said construction of new roads in Quetta, Turbat, Panjgur and Sohrab will revamp the communication network of Balochistan.

The Minister said universities have been established in Turbat and Gwadar while efforts are underway for up gradation of Khuzdar Engineering University and setting up of university in Qila Saifulllah.

He said elements raising objections to CPEC are impeders of progress and development of the country.

The Minister said the CPEC is

aimed at progress of the whole country and civil and military leadership of the country are

working in perfect harmony for the completion of this monumental project.

Merkel Says All Gulf Nations, Iran, Turkey Must Work to Ease Qatar Crisis German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed concern about the situation in Qatar.

Speaking in Mexico, she urged all Gulf nations, and also Iran and Turkey, to work together to resolve the regional dispute. Merkel said it would be impossible to sort out the very unsettling situation unless all regional actors were involved.

Meanwhile, Turkey has called for lifting of a blockade on Qatar after approving legislation on deploying Turkish troops there. After approval of the bill, President Tayyip Erdogan vowed to keep suppor t i ng Qat a r af ter and rejected accusations to support terrorism.

compr ising Chinese and Pakistani artists, musicians, d a nce r s, phot og r aphe r s, anthropologists, writers and filmmakers riding on 15-fully equipped vehicles would reach Gwadar in 30 days from Urumqi.

Caravan would pass through Athushi, Thumshuk, Shulay, Shefu, Akto and Tashgul in China, and Gilgit to Peshawar, Lahore, Multan, Dera Ismail Khan, Quetta, Sukkur, Karachi and Gwadar in Pakistan.

Problem in Pakistan is not availability of food but its price ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Sunday demanded steps to ensure food security as the problem in Pakistan is not linked to the availability of food but its prices which are out of the reach of many.

It expressed reservations over government response to the looming food security threat as global problems have exacerbated food insecurity across the globe.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said Pakistan is capable to defeat all threats irrespective of the front. He was interacting with the troops during his visit to LOC in Muzaffarabad sector where he was given a detailed by the local Commander regarding operational situation, Indian ceasefire violations and response by Pakistani troops. The Army Chief appreciated the operational readiness of troops and their exemplary high morale and motivation for fulfillment of assigned mission.

General Bajwa also hailed Kashmiris on both sides of the LOC for their determination against Indian brutalities and reiterated that Pakistan shall continue its support for right of self-determination to

Kashmiri brothers in occupied Kashmir.

On the occasion, the troops unreservedly shared with the army chief their feelings about Indian atrocities and their ceasefire violations

targeting innocent civilians.

They pledged that no Indian misadventure shall go without a befitting response. The Army Chief was also briefed about the ongoing communication infrastructure

development by FWO. He appreciated the work saying that Army shall continue to play its role in nation building projects.

Judges are being threatened on daily basis: Barrister Mansur Sarwar Khan of NA 114 PM Nawaz is creating obstacles for JIT investigating Panama on directions of Supreme Court of Pakistan.

For these reasons PTI like all civilised societies had asked for the resignation of PM because it’s not difficult but impossible to investigate a person who has not even

agreed to play cricket under neutral umpires. The legions of GODFATHER are attacking the Supreme Court on media houses. Our glorious army and highly independent judges are being threatened on a daily basis; if this is a new normal of PMLN then let a word go worth to all friends and foes

that PTI will defend all institutions with blood sweat and toil.

A situation is being created which could create circumstances conducive for terrorism by proxies of India. We condemn all attempts by government to create obstructions to justice and create chaos in the country.

14, the goal of the oceans,” she said, adding that it had also focused on many long-term issues related to the health and well-being of the blue.

She underlined that, “The goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development were integrated, indivisible and universal, and it was imperative that all of its dimensions, economic, social and environmental were pursued in a balanced and integrated manner.”

“This shared understanding of the nature of the development agenda must underpin the ongoing efforts to successfully implement SDG 14. Only such an integrated and balanced approach will ensure the conservation and sustainable use of the Ocean,” Ambassador Lodhi said.

The Pakistani Envoy said, “The oceans’ health was closely linked with the problem of climate change, and, as a primary regulator of the global climate and an effective carbon sink, the ocean held the key to all future solutions to combat the phenomenon. As such she called for effective implementation of the Paris Agreement as climate change was truly a global problem.”

“It does not discriminate between countries. None of us can afford the luxury of opting out of efforts to combat this problem. Those who seek to opt out will do it at their own

nation’s peril,” she added.

Pointing out that Pakistan was among the countries that would be most grievously affected by the sharp decline in the ocean’s health, Ambassador Lodhi said, “Pakistan was one of the key littoral states of the Arabian Sea, which was one of the major biological productivity zones among the world’s oceans.”

“Recent erratic trends in the annual monsoons, climatic variability and unpredictability, compounded by the changes resulting in the natural environment are having an adverse impact on biological productivity, as well as biological diversity of the area,” she added.

Pakistan, she said was undertaking a number of steps to strengthen the country’s

national capacity to undertake Marine Scientific Research in an effort to increasing oceanographic knowledge that would lead to improving ocean health and biodiversity, as also to enhance productivity and food security provided by the Ocean.

The week-long conference, where some 6,000 delegates participated, was sponsored

by Sweden and Fiji. It ended with the adoption by consensus of a 14-point Call for Action where the participating Heads of State and Government and senior representatives “affirm our strong commitment to conserve and sustainably use our oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.”

Pakistan committed to work with int’l community to improve health of oceans: Maleeha

Pakistan, China to embark upon Cultural Caravan on CPEC route Pakistan and China will embark upon Cultural Caravan on CPEC route to strengthen region’s economic, cultural connectivity, showcase soft image and trade potential of the region.

M i n ist e r of St at e for I n for mat ion Ma r r iy u m Aurangzeb along with Chinese Minister for Culture would formally launch the Cultural Caravan from Urumqi (China) in August this year.

T he 6 0 - m e mb e r t r ou p e

Army Chief appreciates operational preparations of troops at LoC

Government should increased investment to ensure food security for the whole population many of whom are finding it difficult to get adequate food, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW. He said that Government must launch comprehensive food security survey so that policymakers can plan on the basis of ground realities.

Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that proper food at reasonable price

is the basic right of everyone but millions are deprived of it.

He said that global agricultural production must be enhanced by 50 percent by 2050 to feed nine billion people, as the majority of world’s poor and malnourished lives in Saarc region which cannot excel due to unending political disputes.

The population is growing at a rapid pace while agricultural production continues to recede due to climate change posting

new challenges, he added.

Production can not be enhanced when farming community is dissatisfied, he said, adding that issues confronting farmers should be tackled on preference.

The risk can be alleviated through policy reforms, investment and innovative ways to increase production and access to food, he observed.—DNA

NEW YOR K—Pakistan’s per manent representative to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi has said that Pakistan remains committed to working closely with the international community to improve the health of our oceans.

“Pakistan would play an active role in the efforts to reverse the decline of world’s oceans health resulting from decades of irresponsible human activity,” she said while speaking at the UN Ocean Conference in New York.

Emphasizing that the ocean was the collective heritage of mankind, she said, “This vital source, however, was in grave and unprecedented danger.

Marine pollution, acidification and excessive exploitation of natural resources have done serious harm to the waters that are our lifeblood. The world needs to come together to make a collective commitment to reverse this.”

In her remarks, Ambassador Lodhi said she encouraged to see the level of interest this conference had engendered. “By bringing together the political leadership, scientific community, innovators, activists, policymakers and other stakeholders, the Oceans Conference has reinvigorated our collective resolve to achieve the targets of Sustainable Development Goal

Qatar agrees to listen to Gulf countries’ concerns: Kuwait

Qatar blockade: US urges Gulf states to ease restrictions

Kuwait says Qatar has agreed to listen to the concerns of other Gulf countries. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid al-Sabah was quoted by KUNA news agency as saying that his country would continue its efforts to patch a rift within the Gulf.

Meanwhile, Iran has sent four cargo planes of food to Qatar. In a related development, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu discussed the row between Qatar and its fellow Arab states on a phone call.

The United States has urged the Gulf countries to ease the blockade on Qatar. In a statement, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said blockade is causing unintended humanitarian consequences and affecting the US-led fight against the Islamic State militants.

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi freed from prison in Zintan

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam Gaddafi has been freed from prison in Zintan region by a local militia after five years of detention. The militia had captured Saif al-Islam in Zintan in November 2011 as he was fleeing to neighbouring Niger after opposition fighters seized Tripoli.