The Destination Issue 44 Vol 1

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Shawal 06, 1468 AH.

US urges NATO countries to send combat troops to Afghanistan The United States has urged NATO to send combat troops to Afghanistan in order to complete security mission there.

The US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis after a meeting with foreign ministers in Brussels told news persons that they must finish the job in Afghanistan.

He said that NATO has made a commitment to Afghanistan for freedom from fear and terror and you cannot let this be undone.

“We stand with our Security Forces and our blood is for our motherland”

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PM reviews foreign policy priorities of the country

Tribal elders in Parachinar expressed full confidence and trust in Pakistan Army

Putin, Trump will meet next week

US President Donald Trump will hold his first meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany next week.

According to White House, President Trump wants to develop a more constructive relationship with Russia.

UNSC decides to drawdown of peacekeepers in Darfur region The UN Security Council has decided to drawdown its peacekeeping mission in Darfur region of Sudan. The council voted unanimously to approve a British-drafted resolution that will cut the number of troops and police serving in the area.

B r i t i s h PM w i n s vote of confidence in Parliament

The legislative programme of May’s minority govt was approved by 323 votes in favour. British Prime Minister Theresa May has won a vote of confidence in Parliament by a narrow margin. With support from the small Democratic Unionist Party, the legislative programme of May’s minority government was approved by 323 votes in favour and 309 against in the 650-seat Parliament.

Russia wants to extend counter-sanctions on EU till end of next year

Russia says it wants to extend counter-sanctions on the European Union till end of next year, after the block formally extended its economic sanctions on Russia. This was stated by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev while speaking at a cabinet meeting in Moscow. Russia has banned wholesale imports of fresh food products from many Western countries since 2014, in retaliation for the EU sanctions.

Turkey condemns arming of YPG Kurdish militia by US

Turkey has reiterated its opposition to the US arming of Kurdish YPG militia in Syria.

Talking to reporters in Ankara today, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said the US officials would understand that this was the “wrong path”. He said Turkey will retaliate against any cross-border gunfire from the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria and will not remain silent in the face of activities by terrorist groups against Turkey abroad.

8,000 schools to be converted on solar system in KP by end of this year The government of KPK has approved more than two billion rupees for equipping the provincial government schools with solar energy.

Gener al Qa ma r Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visited Parachinar, Kurram Agency yesterday.

COAS was briefed in details about security situation and recent terrorist incidents.

COAS interacted with local tribal elders and representatives of the sit-in. Offering dua for Shuhadas, COAS expressed his grief on loss of precious lives. COAS said that he was abroad and on return weather delayed his attempts to visit Parachinar.

Meanwhile Commander Peshawar Corps and IGFC were present at Parachinar and implemented directions of COAS in taking care of the victims and the affected families. He said

that we as a nation have given unprecedented sacrifices in war against terrorism and we shall succeed.

“Our enemies shall never succeed to lower our resolve or to divide us” COAS remarked. Appreciating FC KP and local administration for their efforts, COAS acknowledged their contributions. To date 126 brave soldiers of FC KP alone have laid their lives and 387 have got injured while performing security duties in Kurram Agency only. “FC KP is a professional force inclusive of all tribes and sects performing their duties selflessly” COAS said.

Speaking at the occasion Tribal elders expressed their

full confidence and trust in Army and its leadership.

“We stand with our Security Forces and our blood is for our motherland. We all are Pakistani’s and Muslim” the elders remarked. Later COAS also met representatives of sit-in and listened to their concerns. “While administrative concerns will be pursued with the executive body, suggestions regarding security mechanism are being incorporated forthwith. We can only be effective when locals are part of the security and vigilance” COAS said. COAS said that Pakistan Army shall continue its efforts to bring back normalcy in the country. He said that threat

continues to reside across the border in Afghanistan with ISIS gaining strength there. “We need to remain united, steadfast, prepared and vigilant against this threat which has an agenda of exploiting sectarian faultline. “Our security forces are symbol of national integration so is our security apparatus; we are one nation”. “Also, a greater Pak-Afg border coordination and security cooperation is required in this regard” COAS remarked.

Com ma nde r Peshawa r Corps Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmed Butt and IGFC KP were also present at the occasion.

Economy sustains its development drive: SBP report KARACHI—The economy has maintained its growth momentum, says State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) third quarterly report on state of Pakistan’s economy released here on Friday. The growth in real GDP remained at its upward trajectory, and increased to a decade-high of 5.3 percent in FY17, it said adding that economic indicators like private sector credit and investment also posted encouraging picture, whereas inflation remained below the target. The report also highlighted the revival in the agriculture sector during the fiscal year 2017 (FY17), which was supported by favorable policy measures, including subsidy on fertilizer, reduction in sales tax on tractors, and increased access to finance.

Better agriculture had, in turn, positive spillover for trade and manufacturing sectors, argued by the report.

Further, Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)-related activities also continued to boost construction related industries. The overall improvement in business sentiments along with supportive policies (historic low interest rate, high infrastructure spending and better law and order) has encouraged a number of firms to pursue expansion plans, as observed by the SBP report. This was reflected in a significant surge in private sector credit offtake during FY17, with a sizable share of fixed investment loans. At the same time, an increase in machinery imports was also noted. The report also mentions the decline in exports and worker remittances, which along with the increase in imports led to a higher current account deficit as compared to the last year.

On the financing side, the official external inflows in JulMar FY17 stood around the same level as last year, while both FDI and FPI inflows increased. Although SBP’s

foreign exchange (FX) reserves declined during this period, these are sufficient to comfortably finance more than four months of imports.

Regarding fiscal situation, the Report observes an increase in the fiscal deficit to 3.9 percent of GDP during JulMar FY17. The expenditure side of the fiscal operations remained well-managed with a contained growth in current expenditure and a robust growth of about 15 percent in the development expenditures. However, growth in tax revenues remained less than the target. The report also underscores the importance of sustainable levels of current and fiscal accounts in order to maintain the prevailing growth momentum, and hard-earned economic stabilization.

Our Staff Reporter/Agencies I SL A M A BA D — P r i m e Minister Nawaz Sharif has said trade, investment and scientific collaboration should be the strategic pillars of Pakistan’s foreign Policy.

He was chairing a highlevel meeting in Islamabad on Friday to review foreign policy priorities of the country in the wake of recent developments in and around Pakistan and the emerging global and regional scenario. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan attaches high importance to its continued partnership with the United States and stressed the need for securing peace and stability in the region through sustained dialogue.

He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare initiatives on Afghanistan and also on building economic and trade linkages to promote Pakistan’s development. Nawaz Sharif also emphasized to proactively highlight the serious human r ig ht v iolat ion s bei ng

committed in the Indian Occupied Kashmir and the denial of the right of selfdetermination to Kashmiris.

He expressed his disappointment over the complete silence in the US-India joint statement on the atrocities being committed by the Indian Security Forces against innocent Kashmiris.

The Prime Minister also reiterated his priority for a peacef u l neig hbou rhood and resolution of disputes through dialogue. He appreciated China’s role for improving Pak-Afghan relations. He also recalled his recent meeting with President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of SCO Summit and their agreement to evolve a bilateral and quadrilateral mechanism for controlling cross-border terrorism.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of highlighting the unmatched contributions and sacrifices made by Pakistan in fighting terrorism and of projecting Pakistan’s soft image. He

particularly stressed that Pakistan should progressively end its reliance on foreign assistance and funding by developing and generating its own resources.

Taking note of the virtual suspension of medical visas, especially for those needing urgent transplants, the Prime Minister directed that immediate steps be taken to provide such medical facilities across Pakistan at reasonable prices.

Nawaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the status of strategic partnership with China and the launch of CPEC, reviving the strategic dialogue with the US, strong relations with Russia, major improvement in relations with Central Asia culminating in Pakistan’s membership of SCO. He said that these achievements were facilitated by significant gains made in fighting terrorism and in achieving economic turnaround.

NATO unable to respond to growing terror threat, says Russian Foreign Minister

Agencies MOSCOW—NATO is continuing to shatter security structures in Europe, but is unable to respond to terrorism, which is the major threat, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday. The attempts to adapt institutions of the bipolar standoff era to the

21th century’s realities are doomed to failure, Lavrov told the Primakov Readings, a summit of experts, diplomats and politicians in memory of Russian outstanding politician Evgeny Primakov. “In particular, the North Atlantic Alliance still remains in the logics of the Cold War, trying to justify

its own existence. ”NATO has been unable to respond to the growth of major threat - terrorism, and continues shattering security institutions in Europe,” Lavrov said. However, this runs counter to the aspirations of Europeans, he noted.

Uzbekistan won 17 medals of Asian Championships Rhythmic Gymnastics

The Asian Championship in Rhythmic Gymnastics (9th among seniors and 15th among juniors) was held in Astana from June 24 to June 27, 2017. It was attended by 150 strongest gymnasts from 14 countries in Asia. The sets of awards for the title of Champions of Asia for the individual and group program of competitions in individual types of allaround - in the team, in individual and in certain types of exercises were played.

Adult gymnasts from Uzbekistan won eight medals of different dignity, becoming silver prizewinners in the team championship. Anastasia Serdyukova

won first place in individual all-around. She became a two-time winner in the final of the exercise with maces and the final of the exercise with ribbon. Sabina Tashkenbaeva in the same competitions won two “silver”, having also received a bronze medal in individual all-around.

The combined team for group exercises on the results of the final exercise with five hoops took second place. At the competitions the national team for group exercises was represented by Alina Kasimova, Dinara Ravshanbekova, Ksenia Alexandrova, Guzal Raymanova, Karina Tagaeva,

Safiya Bozorova.

The team of juniors from Uzbekistan brought the country 9 medals of different dignity. In the individual program of competitions Tahmina Ikromova took the second place in the all-around and got two “gold” in the final of the exercise with the ball and in the final of the exercise with the ribbon. In the exercise with the hoop Tahmina won a silver medal. Lola Zakirova became the owner of “gold” in the exercise with maces, and won the “silver” in the exercise with the ball.

The combined team of juniors in group exercises

received bronze medals in all-around and in the final of the exercise with 10 maces. As part of the team for group exercises were students of the Republican Specialized Children and Youth Sports School of the Olympic Reserve (RSCYSSOR) for gymnastics: Ekaterina Fetisova, Shahrizoda Arzimatova, Dinara Izzatullaeva, Shahrizoda Kayumova, Anastasia Tikhonova, Sunajon Sotimboyeva. In the team championship juniors became owners of “silver”.

(Courtesy: ut.uz)

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THE DESTINATION

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL PHOTO OF THE DAY

Canadian mining firm demands $4.4bn from Romania WA S H I N G T O N — A n embattled Canadian mining company said Thursday it was seeking $4.4 billion from the Romanian government for blocking its attempts to develop a massive gold mine that could bring in billions of dollars.

Gabriel Resources is seeking damages over the longstalled plans to develop Europe’s largest gold mine in Romania’s Rosia Montana region and plans to file a claim with a World Bank arbitration panel on Friday, the company said. The $24 billion gold mine is the company’s sole asset, and it has been battling for two decades for permission to develop it. The delays have caused Gabriel’s share price to plummet nearly 100 percent from a peak in 2011,

Phander Valley in Ghizer District is one of the most scenic valleys with easy access both from Gilgit and Chitral. It takes 5 to 6 hours from Gilgit to reach Phander valley which is commonly called “Little Kashmir”. Phander Lake is one of the most famous tourist spots in the entire region.

CEO Jonathan Henry said.

“We were a $3-billion company when Romania was telling us that everything was okay and we were going to get an environmental permit,” he told. “Now Romania’s not even talking to us.” The Romanian government granted the company a license in 1999 to mine in the area, but the project has sparked nationwide protests.

Environmentalists have warned that the use of cyanide to extract the gold could leave groundwater contaminated although the company pledged to observe strict environmental safeguards. But public concerns have been stoked by memories of 2000’s catastrophe at Baia Mare, where a tailings dam burst,

contaminating local rivers in the worst European environmental disaster since the Chernobyl nuclear accident.

Residents also object to the project which could damage 2,000-year-old underground Roman mining galleries -a potential UNESCO World Heritage site.

Gabriel Resources had hoped to produce 500,000 ounces of the precious metal annually from an area holding 17 million ounces but local authorities have repeatedly refused permits and violated the company’s commercial rights while ignoring efforts at conciliation, according to the company.

Gabriel said it planned to lodge its claim on Friday with the World Bank’s International Center for Settlement of Investment

Disputes, taking the most significant step in a arbitration process started in 2015.

The World Bank arbitration body is one of a small number global institutions created to resolve international business disputes.

Bilateral treaties frequently mandate that complaints be handled by such panels, to avoid the domestic court system. Romanian authorities will have until February to respond to the company’s demand, with a hearing not expected until 2019, and a decision not until 2020.

Gabriel Resources share price on the Toronto Stock Exchange increased more than seven percent following the announcement to CAN $0.30.—DNA

Palestinian President telephones Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

China Focus: “Hong Kong pulls at my heartstrings”: Xi

Chelsea set to profit handsomely

HONG KONG (Xinhua)—”Hong Kong’s development has always pulled at my heartstrings,” Chinese President Xi Jinpingsaid here Thursday, just two days ahead of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China. “I’m pleased to have set foot in Hong Kong once again after nine years,” Xi said on his first trip to the Asian financial hub as China’s top leader.

“Hong Kong’s development has always pulled at my heartstrings,” he said, adding that he was looking forward to experiencing in person new changes Hong Kong had undergone over the years.

Xi arrived at the Hong Kong International Airport on Thursday. He and his wife Peng Liyuan were greeted by a group of high-ranking officials at the airport, including Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and Chief Executive-elect Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

The Chinese president’s three-day tour in Hong Kong will see him attend celebrations marking Hong Kong’s 20th return anniversary and the inauguration of the HKSAR’s fifth-term government. He will also inspect the HKSAR. Celebrations scheduled for the next few days to mark the occasion include artistic performances, a fireworks display and a flag-raising ceremony among others.

Already, streets of Hong Kong are decorated with Chinese national flags and HKSAR flags, while outdoor big screens carried celebrating messages. “I believe that through the series of events to be staged in Hong Kong, our determination and confidence in developing and building a better Hong Kong will surely be enhanced,” he said. According to Xi, the upcoming return anniversary would be an important as well as joyous occasion for both the country and Hong Kong.

He said his Hong Kong tour would serve to express best wishes for the HKSAR, showcase the central government’s support for Hong Kong, and help the region plan its future.

Xi congratulated the HKSAR on the great achievements it has made over the past 20 years since its establishment, and encouraged the HKSAR to create new glory. The central government, which has offered strong backing for Hong Kong in the past 20 years, will as always support the HKSAR in growing its economy and improving people’s well-being, Xi said. He also said he would join people from all walks of life in Hong Kong to review the SAR’s extraordinary 20-year journey, sum up its experience and plan the future to ensure the smooth and long-term successful practice of the “one country, two systems” policy.

FIRM COMMITMENT The Chinese president has more than once stressed the central government’s commitment to the “one country, two systems” principle during his first day in Hong Kong. On Thursday afternoon, Xi, accompanied by outgoing HKSAR Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, met with senior figures of the SAR’s executive, legislative and judicial bodies. During the meeting, Xi said the practice of “one country, two systems” has been very successful in Hong Kong. The concept has led to Hong Kong’s peaceful return to China, a rare case in Chinese and foreign histories, where lost lands were mostly recovered by force, he said. After its return in 1997, the special administrative region system provided for by China’s Constitution

and the Basic Law of the HKSAR took root in Hong Kong.

The region has managed to retain prosperity and stability, despite the severe impacts of the Asian financial crisis, the SARS outbreak, and the global financial crisis, Xi said. “Our practice has fully proven that ‘one country, two systems’ is absolutely correct and is pulsing with life,” the president said.

In a separate meeting with Leung, Xi said the central government fully acknowledged his work during his five-year term of office. With the strong support of the central government, Leung had led the HKSAR government to earnestly implement the principle of “one country, two systems” and the HKSAR Basic Law, and made arduous efforts to solve deep-rooted problems accumulated over the years in Hong Kong and expand the HKSAR’s space for future development, Xi said. Leung and the HKSAR government have staunchly safeguarded national sovereignty, security, development interests, and social stability, making positive contributions to the undertaking of the “one country, two systems,” he said.

“The central government fully trusts you and fully acknowledges your work,” Xi told Leung.

NEW DEALS The Chinese mainland and Hong Kong inked two agreements here on Wednesday on investment as well as economic and technical (Ecotech) cooperation under the framework of the mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). According to the investment agreement, the mainland will provide the most favored treatment to Hong Kong. Hong Kong can also enjoy more preferential treatment in such sectors as shipping, aircraft manufacturing and energy exploration.

The agreement on Ecotech emphasizes mainland’s support to Hong Kong in participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

On Thursday afternoon, Xi also attended a signing ceremony for cooperation agreement on the development of the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Under the agreement, the mainland and Hong Kong will carry out cooperation in areas including relics display, personnel training and people-to-people exchange. The Palace Museum and Hong Kong authorities already signed last year a memorandum of cooperation on the Hong Kong Palace Museum. The collection of artworks at the Palace Museum will be displayed at the Hong Kong Palace Museum to enrich the cultural life of Hong Kong.

Xi showed great interest in the cultural and art development of Hong Kong, and was briefed on the planning of the West Kowloon Cultural District, and the site selection and building of the Hong Kong Palace Museum. The district can not only provide local residents with a convenient cultural and entertainment site, but is also conducive to the cultural and innovative industry development in the HKSAR, Xi said. The president said that he hoped the HKSAR can carry forward the traditional culture, play its role as a platform facilitating Chinese and Western cultural exchanges, and promote cultural exchange and cooperation with the mainland. Xi also watched some selections of Cantonese opera performed by children.

He said that traditional cultural forms including Cantonese Opera had new development opportunities after Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. He encouraged performers in Hong Kong and the mainland to carry out more exchanges with and learn from each other.

ISLAMABAD—President of Palestine Mr. Mahmood Abbas telephoned Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

The Palestinian President expressed grief over the heavy loss of precious lives and injuries in the Oil Tanker Fire incident that occurred in Bahawalpur. During the telephonic conversation, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that the Bahawalpur incident was a very tragic accident that had occurred on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr and the entire nation was struck with grief. He apprised that the government has taken all possible measures to help the victims. The Prime Minister thanked the Palestinian President for his concern and empathy.

Both leaders exchanged Eid greetings and the Prime Minister also expressed good wishes on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan for the government and people of Palestine. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan has always supported the just cause of Palestine’s freedom and will continue to provide moral and diplomatic support to the brotherly people of Palestine in their struggle.—DNA

Trump travel ban comes into effect for six countries

The controversial US travel ban on people of six mainly Muslim countries and all refugees has come into effect. People without close family or business relationships in the US now could be denied visas and barred entry. The rules apply to people in Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, as well as all refugees.

Immigration rights activists and lawyers said they would be at hand at major US airports ready to help arrivals and ensure those with valid visas were allowed in. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court partially upheld the ban.

Ending occupation only way towards lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace: UN officials UNITED NATIONS—Top United Nations officials Friday declared that ending the occupation is the only way to lay the foundations for enduring peace that meets Israeli security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty. “It is the only way to achieve the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people,” Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a message to a forum held at UN Headquarters to mark 50 years since the start of the

1967 Arab-Israeli war, which resulted in Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jer usalem, Gaza and the Syrian Golan.

In the message, read out by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Guterres said that it is time to return to direct negotiations to resolve all final status issues on the basis of relevant UN resolutions, agreements and international law. It is also time to end the conflict by establishing an independent Palestinian State,

side by side in peace and security with the State of Israel, he added.

The occupation, he noted, has imposed a heavy humanitarian and development burden on the Palestinian people.

“Generations of Palestinians have grown up in crowded refugee camps, many in abject poverty, and with little or no prospect of a better life for their children.”

Resolv i ng t he Isr aeliPalestinian conf lict will remove a driver of violent

extremism and terrorism in the Middle East, the SecretaryGeneral added, and “open the doors to cooperation, security, prosperity and human rights for all.” Ms. Mohammed, in her own remarks, said today is an occasion not only to reflect on the costs and consequences of 50 years of occupation, but also to look ahead at what must be done to end this situation. “I understand the deep sense of despair of the Palestinian people.

THE DESTINATION

Saturday - July 01, 2017

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NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

T

he festival possessing wide popularity today has been held since 1997 by the initiative Rana Tahir Shahbaz of the First President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and under the patronage of UNESCO. “Sharq taronalari” takes place biennially under the support of the Ministry of Culture and Sports Affairs of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, National Television Broadcasting Company of Uzbekistan, Pop music union “Uzbeknavo”, the Union of Composers of Uzbekistan, and Samarkand regional government. The main goals and objectives of the festival are: wide popularization, preservation and development of the best achievements of traditional music, education of the young generation in the spirit of continuing national traditions and further expanding its international creative communications. The program of “Sharq taronalari” festival includes contest of traditional music performers from different countries, as well as scientific and practical conference with musicologists, composers and performers. A rich program of “Sharq taronalari” representing the diversity of traditional musical cultures of the world is becoming more and more significant event not only for Uzbekistan or Central Asia, but for the participating countries of the whole world.

Festival history

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

International Music Festival “SHARQ TARONALARI — August 2017” Samarqand—Uzbekistan

Samarkand which is included into the World Heritage List of UNESCO can doubtlessly be called as the “Pearl of the East”. Standing on the crossroad of the Great Silk Road, it took and preserved until present times the culture, art and unique architecture of the ancient world civilizations.

Historical monuments of Samarkand impress contemporaries by their beauty and greatness.

On one of these unique monuments of architecture - Registan square - every biennium between 25th and 30st of August International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari” (“Melodies of Orient”) is held on regularly organized under the patronage of UNESCO. International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari” (“Melodies of Orient”) is one of the biggest

festivals in Central Asia. The main aims and objectives of the festival are to popularize widely the best achievements of national music art, to preserve and develop great traditions of people, to encourage talents in musical and vocal sphere, as well as to spread in further international creative ties, to strengthen cultural-spiritual cooperation, to praise peace, friendship and ideas of mutual sympathetic.

The first International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari” (“Melodies of Orient”) took place in 1997 at which participated musical groups and performers from 31 different countries. Today it became one of the most popular and famous festivals not only in Central Asia but also abroad. The bright evidence to this is that year after year not only the number and the artistic level of participants are increasing, but also geographical range of participating countries is widened. Thus, at the 7th International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari” that was held on in 2009, participants from more then 50 countries

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

attended the event. It became a good tradition to undertake international scientific conferences, devoted to particular aspects of music, at which participate scientists and scholars from all over the world. Each Festival, that was held on in Samarkand is unique and exclusive.

Participant Countries

Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belarus, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina-Faso, Canada, Chili, China, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Palestine, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sudan, Syria, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunis, Turkey, Turkmenistan, UAE, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia.

Organizers of the Festival • • • • •

Ministry of Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Samarkand Regional Municipality.

Concert Association “UZBEKNAVO”; National Television and Radio Company of Uzbekistan; Union of Composers of Uzbekistan;

• • • • •

Competition on the best performance of a national song and instrumental music; Scientific - theoretical conference; Сoncert programs at gardens, halls and other venues of Samarkand city; Awarding Ceremony and Gala-Concert.

Excursion for participants of the Festival on sights of Samarkand city.

Festival Arrangements

International Jury

The International Jury will be formed to judge the competition.

The bright national characteristics, pithiness, high level of performing skill of singers, the Oriental dressing and artistic skills on the stage are the main criteria of the evaluation of jury.

Awards

The following awards are established by the Festival Organizing Committee for the winners of the Competition.

• Grand Prix -US$10,000 • The first prize (2) - US $ 7,000 for each • The second prize (2) - US$ 5,000 for each • The third prize (2) - US$ 3,000 for each  Art Associations, Funds, International and other organizations may establish their own special prizes.

All participants of the Competition will be awarded with special diplomas. (source: sharqtaronalari.uz/regulations)

Qatar ready to discuss ‘legitimate issues’ with Arab states

Qatar says it is ready to discuss “legitimate issues” with Arab states to end the regional crisis but some of their demands are not reasonable. In a statement, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said Doha has no links with Islamic State militants, alQaeda or Hezbollah and hence demand for severing links with them is not possible. He further clarified that making demand of expelling members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard’ is also unreasonable as they do not exist in the kingdom.

Romania’s new cabinet wins confidence vote in parliament

Ending Israeli occupation only way to lay foundations for lasting peace in Middle East: UN SG

BUCHAREST—Romania’s new cabinet, headed by Social Democrat Mihai Tudose, won a vote of confidence in parliament. A total of 275 Members of Parliament (MPs) -- 42 more than the minimum threshold of 233 -- voted in favor of the new government, while 102 MPs voted against.

There was no suspense in the confidence voting in the parliament, as the main ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD), along with its junior partner Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE), have a majority in the 465-seat assembly. About half of Prime Minister Tudose’s 27-member cabinet is made up of ministers from the previous cabinet headed by outgoing prime minister Sorin Grindeanu, which was overthrown last week after a no-confidence motion in parliament.

The government structure remains almost unchanged, with the exception of the addition of a third deputy prime minister instead of the current two. The newly established post of deputy prime minister will not have a portfolio, while the original two are also in charge of the

ministry of regional development and ministry of environment respectively. Tudose, 50, was designated as the country’s new prime minister on Monday by President Klaus Iohannis, who accepted the candidate proposed by the parliamentary majority.

Tudose was the acting economy minister in the government led by his predecessor Grindeanu and had been in the same position from December 2014 to November 2015 in a previous Social Democratic government. The ruling coalition toppled its own cabinet on June 21 amid a tense relationship between the leadership of the major ruling PSD and the prime minister who refused to resign even after his party withdrew political support for him and expelled him from the party. The PSD leadership claimed they removed Grindeanu over his failure to pass most of the party’s legislative program, which includes measures like tax cuts, salary increases for public servants and a sovereign-wealth fund of 11.2 billion U.S. dollars to promote infrastructure investment.

United Nations has underlined the need to end Israeli occupation to lay the foundations for enduring peace in the Middle East. In a message to mark 50 years since the start of 1967 Arab-Israel war, the U N Secretar yGeneral Antonio Guterres

said it is the only way to achieve the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. The UN Secretary General called for return to direct negotiations to resolve all final status issues on the basis of relevant UN resolutions, agreements and international law.

Pakistan keen to strengthen bilateral ties with UK: Dar

ISLA M A BA D — M i n ister for Fi na nce Mohammad Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan was keen to work with the UK for further strengthening bilateral ties and broaden economic cooperation.

Talking to Acting British High Commissioner, Richard Crowder who called on him, the Minister said that after having achieved macroeconomic stability, the government was now focused on attaining higher, sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The minister and the Acting High Commissioner discussed the current state of bilateral ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. He said that Pakistan achieved a GDP growth rate of 5.28 percent in fiscal year 2016-17, the highest in a decade, and the

growth target for FY 2017-18 was set at 6 percent. Pakistan and the UK have a strong and historic partnership with mutual cooperation in various areas, he added. He appreciated the continued support of the British Government, including through DFID, for different initiatives and projects in Pakistan aimed at socioeconomic development. The Acting High Commissioner briefed the Finance Minister on the upcoming Family Planning Summit being hosted by DFID in London on July 10-11,2017.

He was accompanied by Ms. Judith Herbertson, Deputy Head of Department for International Development UK (DFID) in Pakistan. Secretary Economic Affairs Division also participated in the meeting.

Published by Rana Tahir Shahbaz from Office # 2 , First Floor, Abbasi Plaza , Bani Gala Islamabad (ph: 051-8314196, fax: 051-8315196) & Printed at Roohani Art Press Islamabad

THE DESTINATION

4 Saturday - July 01, 2017

Pakistan, Australia agree to enhance cement trade, economic relations CA N BER R A— P r e sid e nt of the Lahore Chamber of Com merce and I ndust r y (LCCI) Abdul Basit and Pakistan High Commissioner in Australia Naela Chauhan Fr id ay i n a me et i ng at Canberra agreed to further cement trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Australia. During the meeting, there was also a consensus to adopt new methodology to expedite the volume of twoway trade.

Naela Chauhan said, “Pa k ist a n i Consulate i n Australia would share available business opportunities and would pave way for joint ventures between the private sectors of the two countries.”

She said, “Private sector would have to play an important role to enhance existing trade volume that does not match the potential of the two countries.”

She appreciated the LCCI efforts to promote external trade of Pakistan and promised to extend beset cooperation to promote bilateral trade.

LCCI President Abdul Basit said, “Pakistani Missions abroad should establish display centers for Pakistani products and cultural centers to promote Pakistani culture.

These measures would help Pakistani products to get due share in the global market and would also attract foreigners towards Pakistan.”

Abdul Basit said, “The size of global market for Halal products is estimated dollar

3 trillion. Pakistan is a natural base for Halal products. If we could acquire 10 percent share in its trade then we can easily enhance our exports by more than two times.” He said, “Australia and Pakistan have been steady trading partners.

With regard to major exporting countries of Pakistan, Australia takes 26th position. Similarly, Australia comes at 16th rank among the top importing countries to Pakistan.”

“We are concerned about the comparatively low level of exports to Australia which results in unfavourable trade balance”, the LCCI President said and added that the current level of exports to Australia does not match the actual export potential of Pakistan.

He said, “Our Embassies or High Commissions along with their subsidiary consulate offices have certain role to play to facilitate the business community of Pakistan who are

very eager to develop trade relations with their counterparts in major economies.” He said, “Any trade related information sharing with the chambers of commerce in Pakistan by the respective commercial sections of our embassies/high commissions can provide a lead to grab the possible business opportunities.” The LCCI President said, “The commercial sections of other countries regularly share market surveys and commercial intelligence reports with their business communities which become basis to evaluate the chances of greater trade links. Pakistan will certainly welcome to have the same response from our own commercial sections on regular basis.” He said, “Trade diplomacy is another important tool that greatly helps in paving ways between two countries to increase the bilateral trade relations.”

US action of declaring Salahuddin terrorist denounced SR I NAGA R , J U N 30 (DNA) - The High Court Bar Association (HCBA) of the occupied Kashmir on Friday denounced the action of the US administration of declaring the Chief of Hizbul Mujahideen, Syed Salahuddin, as a terrorist.

The HCBA spokesman in a statement issued in Srinagar said that US administration’s move was aimed at pleasing India for economic gains.

He said that the decision would not affect the ongoing indigenous and legitimate struggle of the people of Kashmir demanding their right to self-determination, guaranteed to them by the UN resolutions and by the

Indian leaders through their pledges and promises. “ T he HCBA wa nt s to impress upon US that joining its hands with India, which has terrible violation of human rights record in Kashmir and whose relations with its neighbours are deteriorating day-by-day and who is engaged in a systematic genocide of people of Kashmir for the last 70 years, puts a question mark on its regard and respect for democracy and human rights and is bound to tarnish its image further and early the US understands it, will be better for it and its people,” he said.

The Spokesman reminded

the US government of its moral obligation to get the UN resolutions implemented because the UN Commission for India and Pakistan constituted in 1948 and which later passed resolutions guarantying right to selfdetermination to the people of Kashmir and which were accepted by both India and Pakistan, consisted of five members with US nominated

by President of Security Council, as its head. He also condemned the arrest and detention of Hurriyet leaders and activists in every nook and corner of occupied Kashmir and demanded their unconditional and immediate release.

Pakistan on an upward growth trajectory: Envoy LYON—Ambassador of Pakistan to France Moinul-Haque on Friday said that Pakistan is on an upward growth trajectory since last four years and experiencing robust growth since last four years. He expressed these views during his meeting with Francois Turcas, President of Union of Regional Small and Medium Companies in Lyon. The Ambassador is on a three days (June 29 to July 1) visit to Lyon as a part of his outreach initiative to promote Pakistan in various important regions of France.

The Ambassador invited Turcas to visit Pakistan and explore the immense possibilities of bilateral cooperation with the growing and vibrant small and medium enterprise sector of Pakistan. The Ambassador said, “France has a developed and successful model of Small and Medium-Sized Enter prises (SME) and Pakistan can learn from French experience.”

He said, “Pakistan can also learn from France the water conservation technique to overcome its water shortages.” He said, “Pakistan has a big market of 200 million and over 40 French companies are pursuing successful business in Pakistan

in diverse sectors including energy, infrastructure petroleum marketing, aviation and super stores business.”

Turcas showed keen interest in business trade and investment opportunities offered

by Pakistan and promised to work with Pakistan Embassy to plan a visit of SME delegation to Pakistan to explore business trade and business opportunities. Meanwhile the Ambassador has said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its bilateral relations with France.

He was talking to the Members of Franco Pakistan Association of Lyon during a reception given to the Ambassador by the Pakistan community living in Lyon. While addressing the members Franco Pakistan Association, the Ambassador said, “Pakistan considers France an important friend and partner.

Both the countries enjoy excellent relationship and efforts are under way to bring about quantum jump in existing level relationships.” He noted with satisfaction that, “France has emerged third largest foreign direct investor in Pakistan whereas bilateral trade between the two countries in the outgoing year of

2016-17 has registered 16 percent increase.”

He said, “These are positive developments and we need to build on them by increasing the existing level of interactions among the business persons, traders, investors and students of the two countries.”

He said, “Pakistan community in Lyon is highly respected by the French authorities due to their hardworking nature, law abiding attitude and their gestures of love for the other communities living in France.”

T he A mba ssa dor also thanked the Franco Pakistan Association for their valuable assistance in setting up of Pakistani Pavilion in Multicultural village of Lyon during his three days stay in Lyon.

The Ambassador will inaugurate the Pakistani pavilion in Multicultural village setup by the town hall of Lyon and will hold meetings with the political and business leadership of the Lyon city which is the second biggest city of France.

Rene Paul Martin Denavit honorary Consul of Pakistan to Lyon and Alan Reocreux, economy counsellor of Pakistan to France were also present on the occasion.

Curfew, restrictions imposed in IOK to prevent demos against India, US ISLAMABAD—The authorities have imposed curfew and others restrictions in Srinagar and other towns of the territory to prevent people from staging anti-India demonstrations after Friday prayers, today.

According to KMS, the authorities have enforced curfew under the jurisdictions of police stations of Nowhatta, Maharajganj, Rainawari, Khanyar and Safakadal in Srinagar to prevent the demonstrations after Friday prayers. The authorities have also imposed restrictions in all other towns of the territory by deploying Indian troops and police personnel in strength to restricted movement of the people.

Call for the demonstrations has been given by joint resistance leadership and United Jihad Council against fresh wave of illegal and arbitrary crackdown on Hurriyat leaders, activists and youth by Indian police and troops across the Kashmir Valley.

The demonstrations are also aimed at registering protest against the US administration’s unjustified action of declaring the Hizbul Mujahideen Chief, Syed Salahuddin, as terrorist to appease the Government of India.

Menace of terror to be crushed with unity: DG ISPR

DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor has said the menace of terror will be crushed with unity. Talking to the media persons in Parachinar on Friday, he said security of every area of the country is important for us. He said additional reinforcements have arrived in Parachinar

while safe city project for the area has also been started. He said Pakistan has decided to completely fence its border with Afghanistan. He said the fencing will be done in two phases. In the first phase, fence will be built in the most sensitive areas.

Rs 5177.305mln released for Communications Division projects under PSDP

ISLAMABAD—The government has released Rs 5177.305 million for Communications Division projects excluding National Highway Authority ( N H A) sche me s u nde r Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) so far.

An official source Friday said, “A total of 5285.265 million had been allocated for the Communications Division projects other than NHA in the PSDP of ongoing fiscal year.” For construction of Central Police Office of Motorway Police at G-11/1, Rs 222.196 was allocated out of which Rs 120.661 million has been released so far.

For construction of Green Line Bus Transit System in Karachi, Rs 5,000 million was allocated which has been released too. The Rs 23.403 million allocated under PSDP for enhancement of Training capabilities of Construction M a c h i n e r y Tr a i n i n g Capabilities (Phase-IV) at Islamabad has been released.

He said, “Out of Rs 34. 748 million allocated for construction of complex for N H&MP at Rahim Yar Khan, 28.235 million has been released.” The Rs 4.916 million allocated for NTRC Operational Research Wing have also been released.

Cooperation among Afghanistan, China, Pakistan to bring prosperity LA HOR E —T he SA A RC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an apex body of chambers in the region on Thursday said trilateral cooperation among Afghanistan, China and Pakistan would bring about prosperity and peace in the region. Talking to the media persons here, SA A RC C h a m b e r Vic e President Iftikhar Ali Malik said: “We will continue to play its vital role for the promotion of trade with Afghanistan and special Afghan desk has also been set up to facilitate traders of either country. China is proposing a trilateral mechanism for cooperation for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and coordination of counter terrorism actions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.” He said China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan had a long tradition

of interactions and Pakistan was one of the largest trading partners of Afghanistan as it exported goods and services worth approximately $3 billion annually. He said the next phase of CPEC, as part of the wider One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, would be extended to Central Asia via Afghanistan. He said:” If we look into the CPEC, it has four main components: transit and trade, infrastructure, energy cooperation, and economic integration. Afghanistan can be helpful when it comes to all these components”. Iftikhar Malik said Afghanistan was a natural transit corridor and most of its own infrastructure projects could be aligned with OBOR. He added there were very close people-to-people and business-to-business relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.