The Destination Issue 37 Vol 1

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ISLAMABAD ISSUE: 37 VOL: 1

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Ramadan 22 1468 AH.

China, United States to hold diplomatic dialogue

China and the United States will hold their first diplomatic and security dialogue next Wednesday in Washington.

Chinese State Cou ncilor Yang Jiechi will co-chair the dialogue with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis. The two sides will exchange views on Sino-US relations and other issues of common concern.

DG IB CONFIRMS GATHERING OF ‘LOW-DOWNS’ ON JIT MEMBERS

KP govt to provide scholarships to top 20 position holders from each BISE

PESHAWAR—The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has planned to provide scholarships to top twenty position holders from each Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) in the province. Sources at Elementary and Secondary Education Department said that Rs 260 million have been allocated for this purpose. Each student will be given Rs 1.2 million annually.

PR decides to procure new specific locomotives Pakistan Railways has decided to procure new specific locomotives for shunting purpose to increase revenue and improve performance. The decision was taken at a meeting in Lahore on Friday with Chairperson of Pakistan Railways Parveen Agha in the chair. The meeting was apprised that existing locomotives are fifty to fifty five years old and most of these have completed their life.

High Commissioner felicitates Pakistan Cricket Team H.E . Sye d I bne Abba s , Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK felicitated Pakistan Cricket Team on reaching the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal after their extraordinary victory against England at Cardiff. In his message to the team, the High Commissioner commended the teamwork, self-belief and discipline of the players. He hoped that team’s winning streak would continue in future as well. The High Commissioner also wished them splendid success in the upcoming final at The Oval in London.

OIC Chief calls upon India to stop excessive acts of systematic HR violations of Kashmiris OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen has called upon India to immediately stop excessive acts of systematic human rights violations of Kashmiri people.

In a statement, he reiterated OIC’s principled position in supporting Kashmiris in their just struggle for their right of self-determination.

The Secretary General noted that the Kashmiris remain victims of the denial of their inalienable rights to selfdetermination and have been suffering from the non-implementation of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. Condemning the continued use of force by the Indian security forces, he expressed his sorrow over the recent incidents resulting in the death and injury of several Kashmiris.

ISLAMABAD—The Director General of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) Aftab Sultan confirmed in his report to Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan that the bureau gathered ‘low-downs’ on the Joint Investigation Team (JIT).

DG IB took the stance that Panamagate is Pakistan’s high profile case, and it has impacts on national politics, therefore, IB collected the details of JIT members.

Aftab Sultan said, “The accusations of threatening the members of investigation team are totally wrong.”

The IB informed SC in its report that,

“The Directorate General of Intelligence Bureau gathers intelligence on matters having bearing on national importance.”

“As a regular practice, the bureau collects low-downs of the government personnel and other subjects of interest working on important positions. Such low-downs are maintained for ready reference.”

IB further stated that, “The matter of low-downs leaks is of great concern, and investigation is being carried out in this regard as well.”

“It is hereby confirmed that low-downs of JIT members were collected since Panama

Leaks case is a high profile case having serous repercussions on the political fabric of the country. How the said low-downs leaked is a matter of great concern and is being investigated.”

Furthermore, the bureau termed the hacking of Facebook account of Bilal Rasool or any member of his family by IB totally wrong.

“The Bureau, however, categorically denies allegations of hacking of facebook of Bilal Rasool or his family, or infringing privacy and causing harassment of any JIT member or his family.”

PM to visit Turkey, Kuwait, Qatar to ease tensions

ISLAMABAD—In bid to ease tensions in Persian Gulf, Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif is all set for Kuwait and Turkey tours where he would take Emir Kuwait and Turkish President into confidence and the trio would exert pressure on Saudi and Qatari leadership to solve rift through diplomatic means. PM would also visit Qatar.

The date for the tours was not finalized owing to PM’s appearances before joint

investigation team (JIT) probing Sharif’s offshore assets.

Earlier, Nawaz along with army chief visited Saudi Arabia where he held talks with Saudi leadership.

The rupture in Arab diplomatic relations with Qatar and military alliance suspension raises the stakes for many non-Arab Muslim nations especially Pakistan. It threatens to jeopardize their relations with

Qatar and force them to choose between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Pakistan has opted to remain neutral and act as meditator.

Saudi Arabia along with its allies UAE, Egypt and Bahrain have cut ties with Qatar after accusing it of harboring hostile elements.

Nisar directs to complete INGs registration by next month

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has directed t o complet e reg ist r ation of all International Non-Gover nmental Organizations (INGOs) according to the new rules and regulations by next month.

Chairing a high level meeting in Islamabad on Friday, he said completion of registration process under the new regulations will bring transparency and prove

vital for Pakistan’s security.

The Minister said the new system is further aimed at strengthening partnership between government and non-governmental organizations. He directed to ensure all possible assistance to all the registered INGOs to make their work easier.

The meeting was told that so far 66 INGOs have formally been registered, whereas rest of the applications is being reviewed.

The meeting also approved registration of three more INGOs, while ten others were not allowed registration and fate of 36 other INGOs will be decided next month.

It was decided that three months grace period will be given to those INGOs, which are denied registration so that they can complete their ongoing projects.

PM none cooperation with JIT and targeting institutions leading country to chaos.

The appearing of PM before j.i.t was a cosmetic event for public consumption for salvaging a man brutally exposed for corruption he has done over three decades.

PM did not cooperate with investigators and refused to answer any questions on the pretext that No one can question him on his private business.

PM read out a written speech which had no nexus

with realities of issues being probed. In simple parlance PM like all members of his family failed to give money trail a central point being questioned.

PM is in office though, but out of power; the crises is snowballing and PMLN is giving new wine in on bottles.

It’s renaissance of institutional solidarity; though the PM is trying to politizise a

pure and simple case.

He looked like a dead man on the wrong side of history and endeavours to take down the country if he is shown the door.

WE call upon the people of Pakistan to stand in solidarity with SC, and j.i.t and seek back our country form the Sicilian mafia that is destroying our country.

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Pakistan urges UN to take grave HR violations

by Indian forces in occupied Kashmir

Pakistan has urged the United Nation to take grave human rights violations perpetrated by Indian forces in Occupied Kashmir. In a statement at the 35th session of U N Human Rights Council in Geneva, Pakistan said that Indian forces killed over 100

young unarmed Kashmiri protestors in recent time.

It is said the occupied Indian blinded hundreds of Kashmiris, including children, and injured over 16,000 protesters with live ammunition, pellet guns and gas shells. It further said that continuing Indian

brutalities are a cause of deep anguish and pain for the Kashmiris and a slur on respect for human rights globally. The statement urged the international community to force Indian to put an immediate end to the ongoing bloodshed of innocent Kashmiris.

Menace of terrorism to be eliminated through operation Radd-ul-Fasaad: COAS Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa says Pakistan has fought terrorism indiscriminately and this menace to be eliminated through operation Radd-ul-Fasaad. He was addressing participants of National Security and War Course at National Defence University Islamabad. The Army Chief said terrorism has no religion, sect or ethnicity and should not be linked with any particular religion or belief. General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that the full spectrum of threat demands comprehensive national response and our Army is fully engaged

in enabling that response in coordination with other institutions of the state. He said Pakistan Army is committed

to defence and security of the country and will continue to perform with support of the people of Pakistan.

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THE DESTINATION

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL PHOTO OF THE DAY

820 small dams, 8 medium dams constructed in Balochistan

Ladyfinger Peak, is a distinctive rock spire in the Batura Muztagh, the westernmost subrange of the Karakoram range in Pakistan.

PIA becomes a complete computerized organization K A R AC H I — Pa k i s t a n International Airlines (PIA) has achieved yet another milestone of its history by becoming a completely computerized and “paperless” organization.

After the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Web Applications (Web ticketing and checkin) this can be termed as big achievement on its line of credits.

This was decided in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister’s Advisor on Aviation Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan. He instructed for the complete commencement of paperless environment in the national flag carrier.

He was briefed about the completion of ERP in all spheres of airline. The results of ERP implementation have been ver y effective and

ISLAMABAD—Senate functional committee on problems of less developed areas in its meeting was told that 820 small dams and 8 medium dams have been constructed in Balochistan while work on 234 more small dams and 4 medium dams is under process.

The committee, however, observed that out of these 820 dams, around 600 dams have been filled with mud because of lack of effective work during construction. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Senator Usman Khan Kakar at the Parliament House and was attended by Senators Sardar Muhammad A z a m K h a n Mu s a k hel , Dr.Jehanzeb Jamaldini, Mir Kabeer Muhammad Shahi and Khalida Parveen, officials

from ministry of Water and Power, WAPDA, and Chief Officers of six DISCOs. The committee while discussing the projects in less developed areas observed that Malakand division witnesses small floods every year but in last few years flood water has been uncontrollable and has brought about severe damage to property.

Se n at or s obse r ve d t h at Balochistan has mountainous terrain where rainfall is excessive and despite having much need of water there are no proper water reservoirs.

Water reservoirs will not help in flood prevention but will also store water and recharge water.

The Committee was told that National Flood Protection Plan is a programme of ten

years and has been allocated Rs. 325 billion in budget for the next year. It was stated that much attention will be given to building reservoirs and other flood preventive measure in less developed areas under this plan. Senators observed that Balochistan needs small dams instead of big ones as they will help the population in better way.

The committee was also given details by different DISCOs regarding the demand of electricity, allocation and electricity drawn in their respective areas. QESCO representative told the meeting that the transmission lines can handle 900 Mega Watts as allocated, however, the actual demand of the area is now more than 1700 Mega Watts. He told the meeting that in city areas load

shedding is 12-14 hours while in agriculture and rural feeder load shedding is around 16-18 hours a day.

The committee recommended that feeders of QESCO should be given relief and it should experience the same load shedding as is the policy of government in other urban and rural areas. The committee also condemned blocking electricity of whole feeder if some of the consumers are not paying bills, rather asked for taking action against the offenders. The committee was also briefed about the targets given by NEPRA to respective DISCOs against line losses and the work of DISCOs in this regard.—DNA

PM desires Pakistan to be recognized as brand of quality tourism: PTDC encouraging. It was briefed

by PIA Management that paperless environment will be glitch free.

The airline will not only have swift decision making in its working but also significant

volume of savings will be achieved which amounts to millions of Pak Rupees every year.

Sardar Mehtab congratulated PIA management on enhancing convenience to

its customers. He especially appreciated the efforts of Chairman and management of PIA in this regard.

Thar coal mining, 660MW power project to completed ahead of scheduled time

MITHI—Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) Chief, Shamsuddin Ahmed Shaikh has said that Thar coal mining and 660MW power project in Thar Block II will be completed ahead of the scheduled time and the commissioning date is set at June 3, 2019.

“Despite declaring Gorano reservoir project technically and environmentally sound by the judicial committee of Sindh High Court, we are ready to talk with the protesters to remove their concerns which were created by misinformation,” he said while addressing an Iftar Dinner ceremony in Mithi.

Sharing the details of the coal mining project, Shaikh

said, “The company has achieved 40 percent of mining and 33 percent progress on the power projects in 15 months after the financial closure achieved in April 2016.”

“The total duration envisaged for completion of the project was set at 42 months, but the pace of the work ensures us of its completion in 38 months instead,” he added.

He asserted that he strongly believes that, “Benefits from the coal projects in Thar should go to the locals of Thar before the rest of the country and that’s why, the company has started interventions in education, health, livelihood,

and drinking water sectors for the people of the area – and the schemes have already started benefiting the locales.”

Member of Sindh Assembly from district Tharparkar, Dr. Mahesh Malani said, “Thar Coal Block II project is one of the largest of the energy schemes of Pakistan and it is a blessing for the people of Thar.”

Dr. Malani assured that, “Sindh Government through its elected representatives is ready to guarantee that no damage would occur to the locales living around the Gorrano Reservoir. The government was considering a package for the Gorrano community which would

be announced soon.”

Addressing the question pertaining to the technicalities of the Gorrano reservoir, he said, “The feasibility study has been prepared by the reputable international firms and it is in no one’s favour to challenge their reports which have been carefully drafted after comprehensive research considering all aspects.”

He said, “Contrary to the misconception spread by certain elements, the project shall benefit the Thar and Tharis on a large scale which would surely change the face of the area from being a poverty-stricken to a prosperous region.”

ISLAMABAD–Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Ch. Abdul Ghafoor Khan on Friday said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif desires that Pakistan should be recognized as brand of quality tourism all over the world so that it can contribute to the economy by earning foreign exchange for the country. “It is now the time to promote a soft tourist friendly image of Pakistan over the world and for this purpose, cooperation between different organizations and involvement of public private partnership is required,” he said during a meeting with Special Advisor to Prime Minister Sardar Mehtab Abbasi.

The MD said, “There are

countless opportunities for Pakistan where 5 out of 14 world’s highest peaks and largest glaciers are present.

The valleys, lakes, deserts and other tourist attractions make it matchless from the world. The cultural and historical milieu with unique cuisine are world famous.”

He said, “We are about to launch Islamabad City Bus Tour Service very soon.

Chakwal has been declared as Model Tourist District and meetings with the heads of Chambers of Commerce and Industries are also in progress.”

The MD told that, “Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed that PTDC should take all measures to promote and develop tourism industry in Pakistan. For

the purpose, PTDC will also be provided with required funds.”

He briefed that, “Existing PTDC motels are being upg r a ded a nd we a re exploring new areas new motels will be setup. There are numerous places in Pakistan, where tourist facilities can be developed and PTDC will play a pivotal role in this development. We are working in sports, fine arts and health tourism to introduce new features of tourism in the country.”

He said, “We are in process of finalizing some agreements with international airlines and to educate youth in the sector, proposals are under consideration with different universities

to introduce B.S. degree programs through Higher Education Commission (HEC) so that we may input quality manpower to the sector.” “We have requested the Pr ime Minister to include tourism in National Development Plan and also retain PTDC on federal level,” he added.

Sardar Mehtab Abbasi said, “The efforts of PTDC in development and promotion of tourism in the country are appreciable and we are hopeful that with proper publicity and promotion, the tourism industry in Pakistan will flourish. Government of Pakistan is willing to provide all support for the purpose.”

Turkey ready to mediate in Qatar crisis: FM Cavusoglu Turkey has the expressed desire to play a role of mediator for the settlement of the diplomatic row in Gulf region. This was stated by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu while speaking to reporters in Kuwait at the conclusion of his official visit to Qatar. He said Turkey wants the crisis to be resolved through dialogue with all parties coming together. The Turkish minister would leave to Mecca later today to hold talks with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz alSaud on the Gulf crisis.

THE DESTINATION

Sunday - June 18, 2017

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NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

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he news that Turkmenistan will be the first country in the Central Asian region to host the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2017 drew a wide response all over the world and became a landmark event in the life of the country.

The decision of the Olympic Council of Asia was a striking result of the large-scale scale activity conducted under the patronage and with direct participation of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to promote sports and physical culture in the country and facilitate its integration in the global sports processes. This was focused on at the briefing held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan to mark the OCA’s decision to make the Turkmen capital as the host city of V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.

The objectivity of the OCA’s choice of Ashgabat as the capital of the continental multisport event follows the great efforts taken by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who gives considerable significance to promotion of physical culture and sports as the priority aspects of the state policy. In the capacity of the Vice Premier in charge of the sports sector Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Acting initiated the activity aimed at organizing Asian Games in Turkmenistan.

In early 2000 the country started developing a qualitatively new approach to organizing and promoting the physical culture and sports movements. At the same time, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov initiated and supported the new sports policy in the country. In particular, the representatives of the International Olympic Committee, heads of the Olympic Council of Asia and other leading international sports organisations visited Turkmenistan at the invitation of the Turkmen leader. On the initiative of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Olympic Council of Asia was held in Ashgabat in 2006, during which the decisions aimed at enhancing the status of Ashgabat as one of the sports capital of the world. At that time the firm foundation for Turkmenistan’s involvement in the international Olympic movement was laid.

After Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov assumed office, he defined as promotion of physical culture and sports, development of the spiritual and physical potential of the nation as a priority of the national policy. Chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Turkmenistan, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who is a staunch supporter of a healthy lifestyle, pays particular attention to promotion of the sports and physical culture and healthy lifestyle movement.

That is vividly illustrated by the fact that the World Health Day was included into the calendar of the national holidays on the initiative of the Turkmen leader. The Health National Programme was developed and is being successfully implemented under the patronage of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who was in charge of the health sector for many years. A number of clinics, diagnostic and treatment centres meeting international standards have been built in Turkmenistan in recent years. 10,000 seat stadiums were built in all velayats of the country. A number of sports facilities including hippodromes, motorcycle racing tracks, sports and health improvement centres are under construction throughout the country.

The results of the Turkmen leader’s strategy aimed at promoting the health of the nation include new schools and kindergartens with gyms, basketball and volleyball courts, tennis courts, swimming pools built all over the country. Children’s health improvement centres in Geokdere settlement near Ashgabat and in the Avaza national tourism zone, the world-class seaside resort on the ecologically pure Caspian coast offer the favourable conditions for recreation.

The artificial river in the Avaza is a venue for the competitions in rowing and canoeing, sailing regattas. In the near future, a ski complex with skating rinks and aqua parks will be built there.

Of total, 119 sports schools and 128 sports facilities are to be built in Turkmenistan till 2020.

Turkmen sport has received powerful incentives to develop through the open door policy pursued by the Turkmen leader, wide international cooperation, organisation of large-scale sport competitions in the country and wider involvement of Turkmen athletes in the Olympic movement. The participation in XXIX Summer Olympic Games in Beijing gave a strong impetus for our sportsmen. As is known, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov arrived in the Chinese capital to attend the official ceremony of opening the 20008 Olympic Games and address the Turkmen team with words of encouragement.

The President of Turkmenistan emphasizes that the Government will continue to make every effort to improve the health of citizens, bring up a physically strong, diligent younger generation, promote the sport and physical culture and Olympic movement in the country, and create the favourable conditions for Turkmen sportsmen so that they will represent our Motherland in a worthy manner at international competitions and their victories will enhance the country’s prestige.

Rana Tahir Shahbaz

Celebration held for 20th anniversary of PLA’s stationing in HKSAR

A meeting was held at a barrack on Stonecutters Island to celebrate the 20th annive r sa r y of t he People’s Liber at ion A r my ( PLA) being stationed in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). An order conferring an honorary title on a special operations force under a brigade of the PLA

Hong Kong Garrison, signed

by Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), was read at the meeting, and an honorary flag was bestowed.

Nearly 400 people including Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Tung Chee-hwa,

HKSAR Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, and central and local government and military officials, legislators, political advisors and public figures were present at the meeting. The PLA Hong Kong Garrison is responsible for the defense of Hong Kong since its return to the motherland in 1997.—CRI

OMC aims for Muscat International Airport among world top-20

Improvements to Muscat International Airport are going full steam ahead and companies have been invited to tender to build a new warehouse and provide maintenance services in the passenger terminal building. The Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC) on Thursday said it

“would like to invite international and local companies registered with the Tender Board to bid” to do the required work.

The work includes design and supervision consultancy services for construction of a central warehouse building at the airport. OAMC is also looking for a company that can design,

supply and install storage systems, equipment and tools for maintenance workshops.

In addition, the airports management company is inviting tenders for comprehensive operation and maintenance services of electromechanical and civil facilities in the passenger terminal building.

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

Turkmenistan The first Central Asia state to host Asian Indoor Games

By the way, President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, who visited our country last year, was impressed greatly with the scale and pace of changes taking place in Turkmenistan.

“Present-day Turkmenistan where progressive reforms are being successfully implemented to guarantee a happy and prosperous life to the Turkmen people sets an example for many countries of the world,” said the head of the largest continental sport organisation.

One of these unique facilities, which has no analogues in the Central Asian region and will become a venue for the Asian Indoor Games, is the Olympic Village. As is known, the project of an unprecedented scale and significance is initiated

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

Digital signature introduced in Nepal Police

Nepal Police has introduced digital signature system to make its operation more systematic and effective.

Inspector General of Police Prakash Aryal officially inaugurated the system by sending a communication with digital signature to the Metropolitan Police Office and all five regional police offices amid a function organised in the NP Headquarters. On the occasion, Managing Director of Thapathali-based Nepal Certifying Company Pvt Ltd Purushottam Ghimire handed over seven units of digital signature kit to IGP Aryal. The company has obtained license to issue digital signature and certificate in Nepal for secured and authentic electronic transactions. Kishan Pandey, an IT officer at the company, gave a presentation on the use of

digital signature.

With the introduction of digital signature, it will be used for communication among the NP Headquarters, Metropolitan Police Office and all five regional police offices. According to the NP, digital signature system was launched to make official communication secure and reliable besides preventing chances of fake correspondence and phony communications. This system helps the concerned officials to verify the authenticity of a communication or correspondence technically. As many as 40 police personnel have also undergone training on the management of digital signature, which is basically a way to ensure that an electronic document such as e-mail, spreadsheet and text file is authentic.

Erdogan calls on US, Saudi Arabia to join Astana talks Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the United States and Saudi Arabia to join the Astana talks aimed at bringing peace to Syria. In an interview, he said fifth round of talks would be held in Astana soon. A

cease-fire in Syria brokered

by Turkey and Russia led to the Astana talks, which are being held parallel to UN talks in Geneva to find a political solution to the sixyear old conflict.

by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. On November 5, the President of Turkmenistan attended the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Olympic Village in Ashgabat – the multipurpose sports complex, which will have over 30 facilities including the Paralympics complex and rehabilitation centre; the investments worth about US$ 2 billion will be allocated at the first construction phase.

The policy pursued actively and consistently in the country to promote sport and physical culture enabled Turkmenistan to win bid to host one of the largest international sporting events – Asian Indoor Games, which will take place for the first time in the Central Asian region.

The decision of the Olympic Council of Asia to hold the Games in Ashgabat is a striking illustration of the high international prestige of our country, the policy of wide international cooperation and friendliness pursued by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, evidence of respect and recognition of the indubitable progress made by Turkmenistan in the political, socio-economic and other spheres, its commitment to the lofty humanistic ideals of the Olympic movement.

As is known, since the policy of reforms was launched on the initiative of the leader of the Turkmen state, sport in Turkmenistan had become a bright symbol of ascent of new heights of civic spirit, progress and constructive endeavours. The motto ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body’ has become incredibly popular among young citizens of the country largely due to the example set by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Taking up the lead of the President of Turkmenistan, our youth makes doing sports a rule of their lives that helps boys and girls become not only physically strong but also strengthen their will, insistence and persistence in coping with any difficulties, achieving new heights in studies and work, mastering professional skills. This is recognized by the world community.

Our people take pride in the Turkmen leader’s sports achievements – President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov holds one of the highest of the oriental martial arts titles – the 6th Dan Black Belt awarded in the autumn of 2008 by the World Karate Federation and the certification for the holder of the 7th Dan Black Belt. In recognition of the great services to the international sports community the height award of the Olympic Council of Asia – the Order of Merit was awarded to the leader of Turkmenistan, and this year President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov became a member of the Japanese Karate Do Federation.

By the way, during his foreign visits Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov usually finds time to do sports and is interested in the experience in developing the sport sector in different countries and organizing large-scale sporting events. Such were the Turkmen leader’s visits to many countries, including Germany, Belarus, Qatar, which has recently won the bid to host the World Football Cup in 2022.

Certainly, the OCA’s decision to hold Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games will offer a powerful impetus to promote the sport and physical culture movement in our country. The good incentives were provided to youth on their way to the good health, physical and spiritual self-perfection by the Spots Games in various sports initiated by the President in the epoch of new Revival. In accordance with the Resolution of the President the teams of secondary, vocational and higher schools, ministries and departments, velayats and Ashgabat were involved in the competitions organized under the motto “Turkmenistan – the Country of High Spirit and Health” The establishment and organization of massive competitions among professional sportsmen as well as admirers of physical activity vividly evidence Turkmenistan’s real support for and contribution to the international Olympic Movement, an embodiment of the Turkmen leader’s strategy for promoting physical culture and sport in the country and bringing up youth, who will be spiritually rich and physically perfect.

It was reported at the above mentioned briefing at the MFA of Turkmenistan that in accordance with the host city contract the Organizing Committee will be established in Turkmenistan in the near future. It is envisaged that the competitions will be organized in such sports as field and track athletics, weightlifting, basketball, volleyball, handball, mini football, free style and Graeco-Roman wrestling, judo, taekwondo, goresh, tennis and table tennis, gymnastics, cycle racing, etc.

“Our duty and ultimate goal is to support and promote the sport and Olympic movement, actively involve youth in it and give citizens access to sport and physical culture from childhood, form the habit of working, establish the values underlying a healthy lifestyle, diligence and constructive endeavours,” emphasizes the leader of the Turkmen state. The Olympic Village, where best athletes’ of Asia will compete for medals and titles in seven years, is to serve these purposes. (source: turkmenexpo.com)

China moves ahead in global innovation rankings

The first-ever middle-income country to join the world’s top 25 innovative economies in 2016, China this year continues moving ahead on the list by three notches, displaying a strong performance in several indicators, according to the latest Global Innovation Index (GII) released.

Ranking 22 on the GII this year, China again becomes the only exception in the top 25 of the innovation list, with the rest 24 all being high-income economies. A closer look into the general index shows that China moves up one spot to the 16th position in innovation quality, retaining its position for the fifth consecutive year as the top middle-income economy and getting closer to high-income economies.

This movement can be attributed to a number of strong indicators, including domestic market scale, knowledge workers, patents by origin, high-tech exports, and industrial designs by origin, all of which top their sub-rankings.

European countries take eight places out of the top 10, with Switzerland remaining its No. 1 position in the GII for the seventh consecutive year. It’s followed by Sweden and Netherlands, the latter having leaped from the ninth last year to the third in 2017. The United States remains at the fourth, followed by the UK and Denmark, the rest in top 10 being Singapore, Finland, Germany and Ireland.

The GII findings also reveal a large gap between high-income and middle-income economies, and without China, the difference in average scores between these two groups is expanding in many indicators.

Overall, the top 10 on the GII perform better than the 11-25 group in all seven pillars of indicators: institutions, creative outputs, knowledge and technology outputs, business

sophistication, market sophistication, infrastructure, and human capital and research.

“Efforts to bridge the innovation divide have to start with helping emerging economies understand their innovation strengths and weaknesses and create appropriate policies and metrics,” said Soumitra Dutta, Dean of SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University, a joint releaser of the GII. “This has been the GII’s purpose for more than ten years now.”

Unusually, this year’s GII, under a theme of “Innovation Feeding the World”, gives a special attention to food and agriculture.

It foresees innovation as the key to sustain food production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management in the next decades, when agriculture and food sector will face an enormous rise in global demand and increased competition for limited natural resources.

“We are already witnessing the rapid, worldwide emergence of ‘digital agriculture,’” said Bruno Lanvin, INSEAD Executive Director for Global Indices. “Now there is an urgent need for ‘smart agriculture’ to optimize supply and distribution chains and foster creative new business models that minimize pressure on land, energy and other natural resources -- while addressing the needs of the world’s poorest.”

Jointly released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Cornell University, and INSEAD, the 2017 GII is in its 10th edition this year. The rankings are now a leading benchmarking tool for business executives, policy makers and others seeking insight into the state of innovation around the world.

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 Sunday - June 18, 2017

FPCCI trade delegation visits Lebanon KARACHI—A high profile delegation comprised of 28 business dignitaries from various sectors of Pakistan on the invitation of Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Hariri visited Lebanon from May 13-18, 2017.

The delegation was headed by IrfanSarwana, Vice President FPCCI. During the visit, the delegation held various high level meetings with the Government Officials and representatives of Business community of Lebanon. During the meetings the leader of the Pakistani delegation Irfan Ahmed Sarwana briefed the hosts that Pakistan is a business friendly country

and offers good opportunities to foreign investors in many fields like agriculture, capital goods, sports, surgical instruments etc.

Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Hariri mentioned that Tourism Indust r y is well developed in Lebanon and accounts for 10 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In addition to it the Prime Minister informed that the Lebanon offers bright prospects of Industrial, banking, agriculture and transport equipment sector.

Moreover the Pakistani delegation also had an exclusive meeting at the Ministry of Economy

and Trade with Jacqueline Melhem during which various aspects of boosting trade ties between the two countries were reviewed and discussed including the exchange of trade delegation, organizing Solo country Trade Exhibitions and cooperation in various sectors of mutual interest etc.

T he delegation sig ned fou r Me mor a ndu m s of Understanding (MoUs) with Chambers and Associations in Lebanon namely (i) The C h a m b e r of C o m m e r c e Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon (C C I A - B M L) , ( i i ) T h e C h a mb e r of C om me r c e,

Additional electricity to be added to national grid by early 2018: Dar

ISLA M A BA D — Federal Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Friday said that additional electricity will be added to the national grid by early 2018 through completion of ongoing projects, which will signif icantly reduce load-shedding.

This he said after witnessing the signing of loan agreement for “Sustainable Energy Sector Refor m Program (Subprogram III)” between Government of Pakistan and Asian Development Bank (ADB) amounting to US$ 300 million at the Ministry of Finance.

Tariq Pasha, Secretar y, Economic Affairs Division (EAD), signed the Loan Agreement with Xiaohong Yang, Country Director, ADB. The Finance Minister congratulated ADB, EAD and Finance Division on successful negotiations leading to the signing of loan agreement.

He expressed appreciation for ADB’s continued support and partnership with Pakistan, including in the energy sector. The Finance Minister reiterated the government’s determination to resolve the issue of energy in Pakistan.

The principal objectives of the said program are to improve the reliability, sustainability and affordability of the government’s energy sector in order to support econom ic g row t h. T he reform program will help in improving the financial viability of the power sector by better managing tariff and subsidies, improving sector performance and opening the market to private participation. This will result in better transparency and accountability of institutions in the power sector.

WB approves $233mln package to help Pakistanis access finance

ISLAMABAD—The World Bank (WB) has approved a package of $223 million to help millions of Pakistanis, especially women and the poor, to get access to financial services and to improve living conditions in parts of Karachi.

The project would improve access to financial and banking services for 50 percent of all adults, half of them women, throughout Pakistan by 2020.

It will also boost private sector credits to small and medium businesses to 15 percent from 7 percent in 2015.

“The two new projects have a strong element of inclusion that is at the heart of the World Bank’s partnership with Pakistan, especially where women, youth and the poor are concerned,” said Illango Patchamuthu, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan.

Patchamuthu said that five percent of the world’s unbanked population lived in Pakistan.

We need to change this to empower people financially, especially women, adding Karachi contributes about 15 percent of the country’s economy and the World Bank’s support would improve public spaces, mobility, and safety for its citizens.

The Financial Inclusion and

Infrastructure Project will provide $137 million to help millions of Pakistanis, especially women and the poor who do not have bank accounts and cannot get loans, to have access to these and other financial services. It will upgrade Pakistan’s payment systems to ensure affordable and faster payment services. The project is designed to implement selected actions of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, according to WB press statement issued.

“Our goal is to provide transparent and accessible financial services including micro and small loans to individuals and firms, particularly women and women-owned businesses in Pakistan,” said Gabi George Afram, the project’s Task Team Leader. Afram said that we would be working closely with the Central Directorate of National Savings to provide more efficient and convenient access to financial services to 7 million clients through computerization of their financial systems.”

The $86 million Karachi Neighborhood Improvement Project would benefit almost one million residents, business owners and commuters by improving living conditions in

the Saddar, Korangi and Malir areas of Karachi. It will help improve the safety, accessibility, and attractiveness of public spaces in Karachi, such as streets, parks, city squares and pedestrian areas. It will ensure equal access to all including women, youth and the poor.

The project would also make it easier for the public and investors to access services such as construction permits and business registrations.

“This project represents the start of a long-term partnership between the city of Karachi and the World Bank Group and will help strengthen confidence in the city’s administration among residents,” said Jaafar Friaa, the project’s Task Team Leader.

This project would support the setting up of a multimember Steering Committee that includes the local government, civil society and private sector. It will guide the development of the city by laying out a vision .Both credits are financed by the International Development Association, the World Bank’s fund for the poor, with a maturity of 25 years, including a grace period of 5 years.

Industry and Agriculture of Tripoli and North Lebanon, (iii) T he Associat ion of Lebanon Business People in the World; and (iv) The Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Sidon and South Lebanon.

Irfan Sarwana expressing the importance of Free Trade and Preferential Trade Agreements stated that, “Such institutional arrangements are imperative for the growth of trade and economy.”

He f u r t h e r a d d e d t h a t , “Pakistan’s export to OIC Countries was about $ 1.6 billion and import was $5 billion having a significant imbalance

of more than $3 billion, therefore he stressed that Pakistan should also focus on untapped and unconventional markets to improve the trade figures in favor of Pakistan.”

He shared that, “Despite several challenges Pakistan’s economy is performing well and all indicators are in favor of Pakistan.” Pakistan Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon gave a grand reception to the Pakistani delegation which was also largely attended by the representatives of the Lebanese trade industry, Business dignitaries and Government officials of Lebanon. DNA

Sanctions on Iran still hampering IP gas pipeline project

ISLAMABAD—A few international sanctions on Iran including ‘dollar transaction’ are causing delay in execution of the much awaited IranPakistan (IP) gas pipeline project, official sources in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources Friday said.

“As soon as the sanctions are completely lifted, practical work will be started on the project,” they said.

Answering a question, the sources informed that Pakistan had conveyed to Iran that international financial institutions were not ready to finance this project due the dollar transaction ban.

They said there was another issue of the ‘snapback’ clause, under which sanctions could be revived against Iran in case it violates its nuclear deal with the West. “The transaction of dollars has not been allowed and investors are not willing to finance due to ‘snapback’ clause which may lead to sanctions again on the project,” they said and added ‘Snapback’ is the provision of re-imposing the sanctions, if Iran was in non-compliance.

The sources said Pakistan was ready to complete the gas pipeline within 30 months in its part once the sanctions on

Iran were lifted. They said the government had allocated Rs 25 billion in the current fiscal year for the development of gas infrastructure across the country including the IP project.

Sharing details of the project, they said Inter-Governmental Framework Declaration was signed between the two countries on May 24, 2009, while GSPA had reached on June 2009. Subsequently, Pakistan issued sovereign guarantee on May 28, 2010. Project consultant was appointed on April 11, 2011, while the design, feasibility, route survey and other formalities of the project were completed on September 8, 2012. The 56-inch diameter pipeline will initiate from South Pars gas field Iran and end at Nawabshah covering a distance of around 1,931 kilometer with 1,150 km portion in Iran and 781 km in Pakistan.

The implementation is to be done on the basis of a segmented approach whereby each country will be responsible for construction of pipeline in the respective territory.Around 750 mmcfd gas flow in the pipeline is projected to help generate around 4,000 MW electricity also, along with creating job opportunities in backward areas of Balochistan and Sindh.

KARACHI—In order to meet the public demand for fresh currency notes on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr 2017, the State Bank of Pakistan Banking Services Corporation (SBP BSC) relaunched the SMS Short Code based service (8877) for issuance of fresh currency notes on the occasion of this Ramzan as well from June 12, 2017. The service has been made available through a network of 1002 e-branches of banks in 120 cities and 16 field offices of SBP BSC across Pakistan. This service has once again attracted overwhelming response of the general public.

So far around 1.6 million individuals have obtained booking code out of which around 40 percent have received fresh cash from the above branches against surrender of exchange value. Given the capacity of

the bank branches to handle customers, we expect that the service will reach its maximum limit of bookings in few days and further bookings will be not possible thereafter.

The booking service will be closed after reaching its maximum limit, expected by end of June 20, 2017 and as such no booking code will be issued thereafter. However the member of general public who would have obtained booking code for issuance of fresh cash shall be eligible to draw the same up to close of business on Friday the 23rd June 2017 subject to validity of the booking code.

It would be pertinent to mention that apart from this SMS service banks may continue to provide fresh notes to their customers from their branches and ATMs as sufficient quantity is being provided.

SBP’s fresh currency notes service receives overwhelming public response