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Sha’aban-ul-Moazzam 23 1468 AH.
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PM chairs National Economic Council meeting
accompanied me and the world saw that Pakistan unanimously stands for development and it was a very positive message that we are united. – We are focusing on Energy projects. Not only power supply is our priority but we are providing affordable power supply for consumers. – We are focusing on a balanced mix of sources for energy including LNG, Coal, Hydel, Solar and Wind. – Infrastructure is the key to development and we are focusing on roads and communication networks. – Development should not be politicized. Pakistan’s development is everyone’s prosperity. – People centric approach adopted for development planning.
A meeting of National Economic Council chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is in progress in Islamabad. It is expected to approve the Annual Development Plan for the next financial year besides reviewing the achievements of the on-going plan. The Annual Plan Coordination Committee has already recommended to
the NEC development programme worth 2113 billion rupees for the next financial year. T he me et i ng i s b ei ng attended amongst others by the federal and provincial ministers, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provincial chief ministers and the prime minister of Azad Kashmir.
Relations with Pakistan growing, says Swedish ambassador ISLA M A BA D, M AY 19 (DNA) – Ambassador of Sweden Ingrid Johansson has said Swedish embassy has been trying to strengthen trade and economic relations with Pakistan and let me tell you that our efforts have got very encouraging response. The Swedish ambassador expressed these views while speaking on the occasion of nation day reception. Federal Minister for Industries and Production Ghulam Martaza Jatoi was the chief guest. She said there are some new investments from
Sweden but of course we are looking for more such avenues. The ambassador said there are other things that are equally important to improve bilateral relations such as culture. She particularly mentioned Nomad Art Gallery for arranging a paintings exhibition on the occasion. After cake cutting the guests witnessed paintings exhibition and praised art work of the artists. The federal minister also took a round of the exhibition and encouraged the artists.
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Kali Luqman, Kali Jahangir
CHAMAN (DNA) - Pakistan has rejected Afghanistan’s demand to evacuate Kali Luqman and Kali Jahangir as the flag meeting ended without any result, however, both countries agreed to maintain ceasefire till a consensus is reached. Bab-e-Dosti remained closed for the 14th day (Thursday) after the cowardly attack of Afghan forces on Pakistan’s census team in Chaman which claimed 10 precious lives, and injured 46 persons on May 5.
Owing to the closure of border, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s ( NATO) supply line, Afghan transit trade and pedestrian locomotion between Pakistan and Afghanistan, all are suspended. The stoppage of NATO’s supply line and Afghan transit trade have resulted in long queues of vehicles at the border, and thousands of people on both sides are waiting for the border to be unlocked.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Zubair Mahmood Hayaton expressed his confidence in operational preparedness of Pakistan Air Force (PAF). Ac c ord i ng t o a st at e ment, the CJCSC visited the Air Headquarters in Islamabad. On his arrival, he was received by Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, PAF. He was given a detailed briefing on the organization, role and functioning of PAF.
Later on, General Zubair Mahmood Hayat called on Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, in his office. Both the dignitaries remained together for some time and discussed matters of professional interest. Air Chief apprised the CJCSC about various ongoing modernization/ up-gradation programs of PAF. The Air Chief also presented him the new book on PAF titled “PAF Attaining New Heights” at the occasion.
NEC reviewing achievements Pak moves ICJ to rehear Jadhav’s case within six weeks: sources has filed a plea in the International Court of Justice to challenge his death sentence in the appellate court after he was of annual development plan Pakistan (ICJ) on Friday to have the case concerning Indian spy on death sentenced to capital punishment by a military court on April 10. row in Pakistan, Kulbhushan Jadhav reheard within six weeks. Sources have reported that Pakistan is to re-challenge the jurisdiction of the international court after the verdict it released on Thursday granted injunction on Indian plea to defer execution of the convicted spy. Reportedly, Khawar Qureshi would continue to represent Pakistan in the court in capacity of her counsel. Pak team fighting the case in ICJ: Moazzam Ahmad Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to UAE in capacity of an Agent Mohammad Faisal, DG (South Asia & SAARC) in capacity of an Agent Syed Faraz Hussain Zaidi, Counsellor of the Pakistan Embassy in the Netherlands in capacity of an Adviser Q.C. Khawar Qureshi as the Counsel Asad Rahim Khan as the Junior Counsel Joseph Dyke as the Legal Assistant According to the law, Jadhav has the last day remaining tomorrow
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Pakistan rejects Afghanistan’s demand to evacuate
CJCSC expresses confidence in operational preparedness of PAF
National Economic Council meeting starts under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Prime Minister of AJ&K, Governor KPK Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sind, KPK, Balochistan attending. Federal and Provincial Ministers also present. Prime Minister’s remarks during NEC – Pakistan’s Economic indicators have significantly improved and are acknowledged by international financial rating institutions. – 5.28% growth rate is commendable. – Pakistan is now among fastest growing economies. – Federal and Provincial governments are working in harmony for development of the country. – CPEC projects are on fast track. – During Belt and Road Forum at China all Chief Ministers
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A death row inmate is permitted 40 days to challenge the black warrant in appellate court. Within 60 days of verdict of the appellate court, the inmate can make a clemency appeal to the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). A death row inmate is permitted by the law to make the final clemency appeal to the president within 90 days of army chief’s order. The United Nations (UN) court had ordered Pakistan to delay execution of the convicted spy after a hearing was conducted by a 17-member bench on May 15 in The Hague. The reserved verdict was released on May 18 according to which Indian plea was entertainment by the court granting provisional stay of execution of the Indian navy officer who worked for a covert agency to destabilise Pakistan. Pakistan maintained in the court on May 15 that it did not reserve the jurisdiction to hear the case as it was a matter concerning Pakistan’s national stability. Pakistan has a no-tolerance policy towards terrorism, the court was told by London-based counsel Khawar Qureshi.
Pakistan to form new team for ICJ, Sartaj Aziz
Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said Pakistan’s counsel had courageously presented Pakistan’s stance in International Court of Justice on Indian spy Kulbhushan Yadav. Talking to a news channel, he said Pakistan would form a new team of lawyers to present Pakistan’s stance vigorously in the case. Sartaj Aziz said the ICJ had given its point of view on the case to get counselor access. He said Pakistan’s security is very important to us and we have to maintain it as our fundamental sovereign right.
Pakistan has friendly investment policies to promote innovation, entrepreneurship: Anusha
ISLAMABAD, 19 MAY (DNA) - Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom munication Anusha Rahman on Friday said t hat Pa k ist a n has friendly investment policies particularly focusing on promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship. She expressed these views while talking to Senior
Advisor of the International Trade Center of the lead UN Agency for Development of Trade and Commerce (UNCTAD) James Howe Leslie in Islamabad. T he meeti ng discussed many issues of mutual interest including E-commerce platforms and other value chain component as well as E-Solutions.
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Football: World Cup hooligan threat ‘fake’ - Russian official
PHOTO OF THE DAY
Sadpara Lake is a natural lake near Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, which supplies water to Skardu Valley. Sadpara Lake is situated at an elevation of 2,636 meters (8,650 ft) above sea level and is spread over an area of 2.5 km² Exclusive photo by The Destination Team
US companies interested to invest in Pakistan.
A top organiser of Russia’s World Cup dismissed the threat of hooliganism as “overblown” and “fake” on Thursday despite concerns after Russian fans went on the rampage at Euro 2016. Alexander Djordjadze, deputy CEO of the Russia 2018 organising committee, gave assurances that fans would be safe at next year’s tournament and blamed negative media coverage for stirring up controversy. Since well-prepared Russian hooligans struck at Euro 2016 in France, one Russian legislator has called for hooliganism to be made legal and turned into a spectator sport. A British documentary also filmed a leading Russian hooligan warning fans to expect a “festival of violence” next year, when Russia hosts the World Cup for the first time. But Djordjadze, speaking at the World Football Forum in Changsha, China, said hooliganism was “not a problem” for the World Cup. “ We d o n’t s e e a n y
problems with the hooligans. Hooliganism is more endemic for the club football,” Djordjadze. “ T h e Wo r l d C u p a n d Confederations Cup have slightly different population groups coming so we don’t see hooliganism as a security threat. “The security threat comes from terrorism nowadays -- but hooliganism is not a problem.” Djordjadze said South Africa and Brazil, the two last World Cup hosts in 2010 and 2014, also faced questions over security but ultimately hosted successful World Cups. “Of course it’s overblown,” he said, when asked about the threat of fan violence. “It’s overblown by press in certain countries. “Honestly it’s such a miniscule issue compared to preparations for the World Cup. But the World Cup will be very secure, so we encourage fans to come.” He added: “It will be great if people follow their instincts
and come to the World Cup, and not listen to sometimes fake and sometimes overblown news.” Despite playing down the d a nge r of ho ol iga n ism , Djordjadze said the security presence would be high in World Cup host cities, and that Russia would make sure known offenders cannot enter stadiums. “Measures are taken by our security agencies. They know the people who are on the hooligans’ list. They are forbidden to come to the stadiums, similar to the UK practices. So we don’t see it’s a problem,” he said. “In general security will be on
a very high level considering the recent experience in the past years,” added Djordjadze. “But it will not impede the positive fan experience. You will not see (these) people in the arenas.” Djordjadze added that preparations for the World Cup were on track, with all stadiums expected to be completed this year and ticket sales starting in November. The tournament will be played between June 14 and July 15 next year, across 11 Russian cities. Russia is also hosting the Confederations Cup, the traditional warm-up tournament, next month
ISLAMABAD - PTCL, the largest ICT services provider of the country has announced expanding its reach to Europe through Sparkle, its long term partner in the region, leveraging Sparkle’s open ecosystem and rich marketplace at Sicily Hub in Palermo. Sparkle is the international service arm of TIM Group and ranks among the top 10 global operators.
Through the Sicily Hub, PTCL will be able to peer with the world’s major content, media and CDN service providers already active in the Sicily Hub. This hub remains the closest European open ecosystem to the MENA Region. It provides improved latency and overall network efficiency to operators seeking to expand their presence in Europe. The increased quality will
allow PTCL to effectively deliver on-demand as well as bandwidth-intensive content and provide its users with enhanced data experience. With its ever-g rowi ng presence of multi-breed global players, the Sicily Hub continues to expand by attracting new content and interconnections, configuring itself as a rich marketplace where service providers, content and media
players, and system integrators have an opportunity to grow their business. PTCL’s presence in the Sicily Hub will also generate additional efficiencies for PTCL in terms of improved control over routing and IP traffic flows. In addition, Palermo also presents a strategic presence for PTCL as it provides additional access to its SMW4 and IMEWE cable systems.
BEIJING, MAY 18, (DNA) – After building the infrastructure needed to allow China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite (BDS) system to be fully used in Karachi, the company, which developed the system is now looking to provide the satellite navigation service to more countries along the route taken by “One Belt One Road” initiative. UniStrong Science and Technology Co, a Beijingheadquartered global navigat ion sat el l it e syst e m , positioning and timing service provider, successfully
established a regional BeiDou Navigation Satellite system network consisting of five base stations and one processing centre in Karachi on May 21, 2014, a report published in China’s Global Times said. This network, unlike the single point base stations already installed in countries like Thailand, marked the first time China has brought its full BeiDou system with 2-centimeter accuracy to a foreign nation, Zhang Ruifeng, head of the UniStrong’s publicity department told.
PTCL expands its reach to Europe through Sparkle Sicily Hub
The US companies have expressed desire to invest in Pakistan in various sectors. The interest was shown by delegations of Philip Morris International and Pepsico Incorporation and Glaxo Smith Kline Pharmaceutical Company in their meeting with Pakistan Ambassador to the United States, Aizaz Chaudhry in Washington. The Ambassador briefed them on lucrative investment opportunities in Pakistan. Meanwhile, US Senator Angus Stanley King also called on Aizaz Chaudhry and discussed bilateral relations and regional stability. The Ambassador highlighted Pakistan’s remarkable success in economic revival and eradicating terrorism.
RECEPTION HELD ON-BOARD PAKISTANI NAVAL SHIP ZULIFQUAR IN SINGAPORE A reception was co-hosted by H.E Mr. Nasrullah Khan, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Singapore and Captain Faisal Javeed Shei k h, Commanding Officer PNS Zulfiquar day before yesterday on board the visiting Pakistani vessel, Zulfiquar. The ship is in Singapore on a week’s visit to participate in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia2017. The Exhibition is part of a series of events planned by the Singapore Navy to celebrate its Golden Jubilee,
says a press release received here today from Singapore. Welcoming the guests, Capt. Faisal Javeed Sheikh thanked the Singaporean Navy and the people of Singapore for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to PNS Zulfiquar and its crew. He said that maritime collaboration between the two countries in the form regular interactions, visit of senior officers, training cooperation or participation in bilateral and multinational exercises and exhibitions will further strengthen the existing
bonds of friendship and cordial relations between Pakistan and Singapore. After the welcome address, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Singapore, H.E Nasrullah Khan jointly cut PakistanSi ngap or e Fr ie nd sh ip cake along with Vice Admiral Kaleem Shanks, C om m a nd e r Pa k i s t a n Fleet, Commanding Officer Capt. Faisal Javeed Sheikh and Senator Mian Attique and MNA Nazir Bughio who were in Singapore in connection with a WTO workshop and attended the
Northern areas attracts tourists in summers Northern areas attracted a large number of tourists from across the country during current summer season and Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) would be expecting 40 percent increase in the flow of tourits from the previous years. According to the official of PTDC, more than one million tourists, locals and foreigners, would visit the northern areas till the end of the summer season. “The growth in tourists visiting these areas increased by 40 percent as compared
to last year due to measures taken by the government to improve law and order situation in those areas,” he said. Pakistan has great potential for adventure tourism, the country has the world’s highest mountains that are a great attraction. He said that the country has the distinction of having five peaks above 8,000 meters each, including the second loftiest mountain, K-2. Pakistan also has the largest glaciers on the globe outside the polar region, which offers tremendous attraction
for adventurers. The official said the PTDC planned to further streamline facilities for tourists in various destinations. He said that it was a good sign that the people were visiting tourists’ points especially Naran, Ayubia, Swat, Gilgit and Skardu. He said the PTDC has a chain of 39 motels and three restaurants, which were providing the best facilities to tourists. “We were providing international level boarding and lodging facilities,” he added
ceremony. A variety of Pakistani dishes, prepared onboard by Pakistan Navy Chefs were served in an impressive style to the guests. T he re ce pt ion wa s attended by large gathering of guests which included Singaporean parliamentarians, diplomats, senior officers of armed forces, government official, media, members of Pakistani community as well as officers of the High Commission of Pakistan.
Pakistan becomes first nation to benefit from China’s BeiDou system
Chinese entrepreneurs keen for Expect further European integration but not JVs in Construction & Real a ‘big bang’ change Estate in Pakistan BRUSSELS (DNA) - The immediately.” at some point somebody called A Chinese delegation of Qingdao City led by Wang Zhaoming, Vice General Manager, Zhongzhi Architectural Decoration Co., Limited visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry to explore opportunities of joint ventures and business partnerships in the field of construction, building materials and real estate sector with Pakistani counterparts. Speaking at the occasion, Wa n g Z h a o m i n g , V i c e General Manager, Zhongzhi Architectural Decoration Co., Limited said that they have come to Pakistan in pursuits of the objectives of China’s One Belt One Road project. He said Chinese delegation has already visited Lahore and observed good potential for Chinese investors in Pakistan’s building material, electronics and textiles sectors. He said Chinese entrepreneurs were looking for serious partners in Pakistan to enter into JVs in building material, construction, real estate and other sectors for further strengthening bilateral cooperation between China and Pakistan. He also invited ICCI delegation
to visit Qingdao to explore business opportunities. The delegation was representing real estate and construction sectors. Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, I sl a m a b a d C h a m b e r of Commerce and Industry in his welcome address said that CPEC has opened new horizons of long term cooperation between China and Pakistan. He stressed that Chinese investors should explore maximum joint ventures with Pakistani counterparts in CPEC projects. He said many sectors of Pakistan’s economy including real estate, construction, building materials, energy and infrastructure development offered lucrative investment opportunities to foreign investors and urged that Chinese investors should bring technology and machinery to Pakistan to set up industrial units. Khalid Malik, Senior Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the Chinese delegation to ICCI and hoped that their visit would lead to materialization of some good business deals between the private sectors of both countries.
European Union is changing. The U.K.’s historic decision to leave the bloc, the growing anti-EU sentiment in some countries, and, more recently, the election of President Emmanuel Macron in France are molding the EU. According to political analysts, the path forward is further European integration, but don’t expect sudden changes, even though France has just elected a pro-European leader. “I think further integration is inevitable, especially if member states want to make the euro zone sustainable in the long term. However, I don’t expect any ‘big bang’ institutional changes,” Antonio Barroso, managing director at Teneo Intelligence.
Historically, we have seen that European leaders are quite averse to making changes to European treaties on a regular basis. But they could take intermediate steps in the meantime. Daniel Gros, director of the European think tank Center for European Policy Studies, also said that “it is very realistic to expect further integration. But change will take time. Nothing much will change
In the near term, German and Italy – two key European countries – will be concerned with national elections and France will want to reform its economy first. As a result, we are unlikely to see European leaders approving deep changes to the existing framework. “Macron has said that he needs to reform France first, before he can discuss deep euro area reforms with Germany,” Gros from CEPS recalled. “He is not asking for German taxpayers’ money nor Eurobonds. So the most likely compromise will be resources for more investment.” In June 2015, the European Commission published the socalled Five Presidents Report in which European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, along with European Council P r e sid e nt D o n a ld Tu s k , Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem, former European Parliament President Martin Schulz and European Central Bank President Mario Draghi outlined their ideas for how to further integrate the euro area. They admitted the possibility of a debt mutualization instrument – Eurobonds, and the creation of a euro zone finance minister. “I predict that we might have
initially finance minister, but with few powers over and above those of the (European) Commission today,” Gros said. The executive body oversees countries’ economic performances and has the ability to fine them if they do not comply with certain rules, though such power has never been used. “I think that a euro zone finance minister, some reshuffling of European funds to get closer to a euro zone unemployment insurance and further policy harmonization are the most feasible next steps,” Carsten Brzeski, chief economist at ING. “The real huge steps towards financial burden sharing, tax harmonization and loss of national sovereignty are still highly unlikely to happen, even though they should,” he added. The European Union has begun discussing what path to take now that the U.K. is preparing to leave the Union. The European Commission has put five options on the table but it is too soon to see which one the 27 will opt for. No matter the path that will be chosen, France’s new president will be a crucial figure.
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Saturday - May 20, 2017
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NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL Mehr Parwar
Reading development at early grade lays a strong education foundation for entire life of a child. Early reading practice improves comprehension and understanding ability of a child that results in Education Advocacy Officer later years’ education and brings prudent impact on studyingcore Hashoo Foundation, subjects such as science, mathematics and computer. Reading Islamabad ability in early grades make children familiar to the world of imagination and creation which embark learner’s motivation and interest towards studying other subjects in the school.Thus children who mastered their early reading skills attain desirable learning outcomes in education. Unfortunately in Pakistan there is lack of reading culture at home and in schoolthat encourage young learners towards reading. Parents and children spend an ample proportion of their free time in watching T.V or playing games on mobiles and computers. It badly effects children study habits and detract them from reading. That is whythe outcomes in children’s reading competency remainsalarming especially at primary level. Studies of Pakistan Coalition for Education 2016, government primary schools data shows that 52% of children in class 5 can-not read a story and 56% cannot read a sentence in English.This deficiency results in low scores in children’ learning assessmentsthat ultimately causes more dropouts at early grades. Observations in schools reveal that several factors contribute towards this issues such as; traditional teaching approach, teachers’ lack of interest towards bringing change and improvement, inadequate facilities in school & home and lack of parents’support in improving reading skills in their children.Above all the most important aspect thatput the greater impact on child’s learning is lack of parents’ interest and support at home.First lady Laura Bush states, “As parents, the most important thing we can do is read to our children early and often. Reading is the path to success in school and life. When children learn to love books, they learn to love learning.” - Considering this fact education experts and pedagogical
Publishing 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
Parents’ Role in improving Reading Habits of Children in Early Grades leaders suggestparents’ active role and engagement in developing children reading habits at home. First and foremost important thing to remember for parents of early age children is to be aware of the importance of reading in their child’s entire life as well as their role as parents in developing reading habits at home. Obviously, parents can help their young children in reading by creating discussion and
Writers are requested to send their contributions at editor@thedestination.com.pk
Dont want to be compared with Thatcher: PM May HALIFAX - British Prime Minister Theresa May said she stood within the mainstream of British Conservative party thought on Thursday, rejecting the suggestion that she had a distinctive personal approach or wanted to be compared with Margaret Thatcher. “There is no ‘Mayism’. I know you journalists like to write
about it. There is good solid Conservatism, which puts the interests of the country and the interests of ordinary working people at the heart of everything we do in government,” she said at a news conference to launch the Conservatives’ policy pledges before a national election she called for June.
The manifesto included a number of curbs on businesses, which contrast with the freemarket approach taken by Thatcher, regarded by many Conservatives as their most successful leader since World War Two
Pakistan, Turkey discuss ways to strengthen institutional exchanges
The first session of PakistanTurkey regional consultations at Directors-General level between the Foreign Minist r ies of Pakistan and Turkey was held in Islamabad today. The Turkish side was led by Ambassador Fazli Corman, Director General South Asia while Director General
Afghanistan, Iran & Turkey Mansoor Ahmad Khan represented Pakistan side. The two sides held in-depth discussions on regional developments. These discussions were held as part of the on-going process to strengthen institutional exchanges between the two brotherly countries.
GDP growth rate estimated at 6pc in next fiscal year: Ahsan
Sri Lanka, Pakistan Friendship Ramazan Bazaar on Sunday COLOMBO - The Sri LankaPakistan Friendship, Trade and Investment Association will hold its 4th Ramazan Bazaar on Sunday at the Dutch Burger Union, No. 114, Reid Avenue, Colombo 04. The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra will be the chief
guest on the occasion, said a press release issued here on Thursday. Following the huge success of its preceding Ramazan Bazaars, the Sr i Lan kaPakistan Friendship, Trade and Investment Association will be continuing its drive to augment people-to-people contact and bilateral trade
connectivity between the two friendly countries. The Ramazan Bazaar will bid a massive variety of items for the visitors including Eid and Ramzan delicacies ranging from sweet meats, savouries, pickles and chutneys, cosmetics, perfumes, toys, gift items, Mehindi and clothes for the ladies, gents and kids.
The organizers are expecting large number of visitors at the Bazaar. Exciting gifts will be awarded to raffle ticket winners. It is an event not to be missed. The Bazaar will commence at 9:00 am and will conclude at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. The entrance will be free.
Dutch king reveals he has been a KLM pilot for 21 years
AMSTERDAM (DNA) -The King of the Netherlands has revealed that for the past 21 years he has been operating as a pilot for the national carrier, KLM. King Willem-Alexander said in an interview that he had taken to the skies twice a month on short haul services. Despite talking over the intercom to passengers for more than two decades, no one ever realised that the Dutch king was at the controls. On staying undercover the monarch said he was never under obligation to say his name. “The advantage is that I can
always say I am speaking on behalf of the captain and crew to welcome them on board, so I don’t have to say my name. “But then, most people don’t listen anyway,” he said. The 50-year-old royal said being able to leave his royal duties behind to concentrate on flying was “relaxing”. The King will take a break from his pilot duties in order to learn to fly Boeing 737s, KLM’s upgrade of choice for its short haul fleet. The royal said he will only f ly short haul as he needs to be able to return to the Netherlands “in case of an emergency”
171 animals dead in Indian zoo
Donkey trade to bring Chinese investment into KP
PE S H AWA R , 19 M AY (DNA) - In April 2017, it came to light that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is planning to sell donkeys to China as a part of its Rs 1 billion Khyber PakhtunkhwaChina Sustainable Donkey Development Programme. The intent of the programme is to Deer, monkeys, antelopes, an average is less than 50 bring in Chinese investment and birds are among the during the same period,” said into the agriculture sector of unlucky animals an official of the Central Zoo the province. Authority. Delhi zoo along According to cpec.kp.gov.pk, The National Zoological Park with a few other zoos such as the programme would help in Delhi, India has recorded the Nandankanan Zoological develop the socio-economic the highest mortality of 171 Park near Bhubaneshwar, status of those communities animals - among all major Arignar Anna Zoological which reared donkeys for a livzoos across the country. Park (Vandalur Zoo) near ing. This would be achieved by All the deaths have hap- Chen nai, Ba n nerg hat t a improving the health and proAuthority (FIA) was directed cases,” the Commission said. pened in the last one year. B i o l o g i c a l P a r k n e a r duction of donkeys to ensure to proceed against those ‘dis- I n this context, H RCP The unlucky ones are mostly Bengaluru and Assam State a regular supply of donkeys to honouring’ the army through also commended Pakistan deer, antelopes, monkeys and Zoo cum Botanical Garden China that would also result in the social media,” the state- Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for birds. This is probably the are among the largest zoos of an increase in the income of ment said. recognizing and f lagging highest among all large zoos India, however with highest donkey breeders and traders. HRCP reminded the authori- abuse of the cyber crime law in the country. In most other mortality rate in India. With the realisation of this ties that, “Any limitations for political victimization large zoos, the death toll on plan, Pakistan will join counon the freedom of opinion, and intimidation of activists tries like Kenya and Nigeria expression and information and correctly calling it out as who are involved in the sale of must be in consonance with unacceptable in a democracy. donkeys to China. However, Article 19 of the ICCPR and HRCP expressed hope and supporters of this programme the constitution of Pakistan. expected that other politishould know that these counThe constitution itself states cal parties will also raise the tries are experiencing growing that any restriction regard- issue and demand an end to apprehensions about their sale ing the Article 19 freedoms arbitrary curbs on and intimiof donkeys to China. There must be reasonable and shall dation of political activists, exist rising concerns in these only take effect if provided bloggers, journalists and countries that the sale of donby law.” other civil society activists. keys to China might deplete “According to the informa- “The ability to comment on the donkey population to such tion submitted in parliament issues of public importance is Sweden - Moose The moose is king of the Swedish forest. The an extent that the whole spethis week, since the present the essence of democracy and Bull can be over 2 m high and weigh as much as 700 kg. There is cies might be wiped out. government came to power, putting barriers to freedom of plenty of moose in the Swedish forests but now a days there are A report published in TRT the cyber crime wing of the opinion and expression is diss.c Moose parks where visitors can come and see this majestic World, the international arm FIA has registered nearly 900 astrous for society. animal. Credits: Maria Emitslöf/imagebank.sweden.se of the Turkish national broadcaster, the sale of donkeys and 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
Arbitrary curbs on expression ruinous for democracy, society: HRCP
LAHORE, 19 MAY (DNA) - T h e Hu m a n R ig h t s Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced serious alarm over arbitrary curbs on freedom of expression, a climate of intimidation and the authorities’ stated intent to act against any perceived slight to the armed forces through the social media. In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission expressed growing concern over the prevailing climate with regard to freedom of expression. “We are particularly alarmed by statements of at least two federal ministers, one of which vowed severe action u nder the cyber cr i me law and through the other the Federal Investigation
ISLAMABAD, 19 MAY (DNA) - Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said that economic indicators of the country are highly positive and growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the next fiscal year is estimated at six percent. Br ief i ng the media i n Islamabad, he said, “Agriculture sector has performed significantly during the current financial year with a 3.5 percent growth and it is expected that in the next year its performance will be better.” The Minister said, “Agriculture sector performed due to incentives given by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to farmers including credit facilities, subsidy on fertilizers and electricity bills.” He said, “Manufacturing sector also contributed satisfactorily and after the provision of uninterrupted gas and electricity has triggered the growth of industrial sector.” The Minister said, “Development budget has been enhanced three times and over two trillion rupees are being allocated for the next year. Rs 404 billion are being allocated for infrastructure projects which will be spent on roads and railways network.” He said, “Development b u d g e t fo r Fe d e r a l l y Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) has been enhanced to 24 point five billion rupees while budget of AJK also being doubled from ten to twenty billion rupees.
by listening and reading to their children every day. Such kind of practices demonstrate that the parents give value to reading. Parents engaging in readingand enjoying in day to day lives consequently make children motivated towards reading. Following are some ways and approaches parents can implement with their children in their early grades; Name Labelling; Make small cards and write names of household things on the cards. Label the cards on things in different places in the home such as; in the kitchen, corridor and drawing room etc. Practice reading the word labels with your child and encourage him/her to read the words aloud. Change and replace different words time to time. Reading with your child; Make daily reading routine at home. Read a story or children magazine. Involve your child in reading small words and sentences along you. Ask the child about the pictures in the story. Provide chance to child to read story. Listen your child while reading and discuss on the characters in the story. Ask small questions to probe and give ample time to think and response. Appreciate your child on his/her efforts in reading. Increase reading time and continue this practice regularly. Daily story at bed time; Develop a routine story telling time at home before going to bed. You can read a story or tell a story to your child on daily bases. Reading corner at home; Arrangea reading corner for your children to study at home. Select a nice place with proper light and ventilation where there is no noise disturbance. Place a table and two/three chairs for your children to sit. Make a regular routine of reading and doing homework in that place. Your children will do their routine study in that place and they will feel ownership and encouragement towards study. Bring newspaper, children magazines and children story books to home and enrich the reading corner with the time. Manage some time to spend with your child in reading corner. This will boost child’s motivation and confidence towards daily reading. Study Timetable; Make a timetable for your child at home. Arrange one reading time daily in that time table along with study time for other subjects. This timetable will help you maintain your child’s daily reading practice at home.
the illegal trade associated with it has had an adverse effect on the donkey population in countries like Kenya and South Africa. As a result of this scenario, some African countries have even banned donkey trading due to declining numbers. China is one of the world’s biggest consumers of donkeys. Although donkey skins have no value in the African countries who sell them, they are highly sought after in China. Donkey skins are used in China in the production of traditional medicines. A gelatin present in donkey hides is used in making medicines that are believed to cure diseases like blood deficiency. Moreover, donkey meat is also believed to be more nutritious than other meats. In the past, only the rich had the luxury of taking advantage of these medicines made from donkey hides, but a burgeoning middle class in China has fueled the demand for donkeys. According to TRT World, 120 tonnes of donkey meat are exported from an average Kenyan donkey farm to China. This trade has spelled disaster for the donkey population. The news report also cited numbers and figures given by a UK-based charity The Donkey Sanctuary, which said that the global demand for donkeys is 10 million animals per year, with a supply of just 1.8 million.
4 Saturday - May 20, 2017
THE DESTINATION
NCSW calls for support to candidacy of Dr Sania Nishtar for DG WHO The National Commission on the Status of Women ( NCSW) in Pakistan is pleased to issue a global call to women all over the world to support the candidacy of Dr. Sania Nishtar of Pakistan for Director-General of the World Health Organization. A 2016 Cr e d it Su i s s e Research Institute analysis of over 3,000 companies revealed that a global average of just 13.8% of senior management positions (defined as CEO or reporting to the CEO) were occupied by women. Within the UN system, only 23% of programmes, funds, specialized agencies or other entities are currently led by women. More than 350 women and global health advocates from more than 40 countries have already signed the declaration of support. “After the election of the UN SecretaryGeneral and other senior positions going to men, women and health advocates around the world are eager to see the world’s leading health organization led by an extremely qualified woman,” said H.E. Khawar Mumtaz,
Chairperson of the NCSW. With the election being held on 23 May in Geneva, Dr. Nishtar’s campaign appears to be picking up momentum at exactly the right time. The call is still open and can be accessed at http:// bit.ly/2oWww8i. Comments can be sent directly to the Commission chair at k h mu mt a z@g mail.com. “Sania has a vision and a bold voice. The combination of her experience both globally as well as on the front lines in the health sector make her a formidable contender for the Director-General position at WHO. But more than that, Sania’s selection to the top will signify that capable women can and will change the way the world operates,” said Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, a Pakistani journalist, activist a nd Osca r-w i n n i ng filmmaker. The declaration also ref lects the support of a diverse group of global health leaders from every region of the world who work on pandemic preparedness, infectious diseases, health systems and
no communicable diseases, as well as global health advocates, who have united behind Dr. Sania Nishtar’s candidacy. “Sania has been a champion for women. Like the many women who have signed onto this declaration, I know that Sania will transform women’s health through the advocacy and reforms that she’ll implement as Director-General of the WHO,” said Dr. Musumbi Kanyoro, President and CEO of the Global Fund for Women. As the country’s first female
cardiologist and a federal minister who enacted unprecedented reforms, Dr. Nishtar improved the capacity of Pakistan’s health system to deliver for women and girls. And in her role as founding chair of the Independent Accountability Panel of the United Nations for the Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s health, she worked to ensure that a key global women’s health initiative would be transparently implemented and hold global health leaders and actors accountable.
MoU signed to provide Bone Marrow Transplant facility to masses Ministry of National Health Se r v ice s Reg u lat ion & Coordination signed an MOU with Armed Forces Bone Marrow Transplant Centre. Purpose of MOU is to provide Bone Marrow Transplant facility to general public and Federal Government Employee and their families alongwith Armed Forces personnel and their families and defense paid employees. The MOU was signed on behalf of National Health Services by Director General
(Health), Dr. Assad Hafeez whereas Major General Tariq Mehmood Satti Commandant A r me d Fo r c e s B o n e Marrow Transplant Centre, Rawalpindi signed on behalf of his organization. Maj. Gen. Parvez Ahmed Commandant Armed Forces Institute of Pathology was also present on the occasion. Speaking at this ceremony S e c r e t a r y M i n i s t r y of National Health Services, Muhammad Ayub Shaikh expressed his gratitude to
the Commandant AFIP and AFBMPC for their efforts in making the MOU possible. It was a noble initiative and good benefit large number of patients. Commandant of Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Maj Gen. Parvez Ahmed also spoke on the occasion and elaborated the efforts and initiatives taken to make the MOU possible. Under the MOUs the National Institute of Blood & Marrow Transplant shall be established at A r med Forces
Bone Marrow Transplant Centre and it will be designated as National Institute of Blood & Marrow Transplant (NIBMT). This new facility will broaden the scope of hospital, so that Bone marrow / stem cell Transplant shall also be extended to Federal Gover n ment Employees and General Public. It will also serve to extend training facilities in the field of Bone Marrow Transplant and Clinical Haematology.
Visit of Lt. General Omar Mahmood Hayat Chairman NDMA to PDMA Sindh Chairman National Disaster Ma nagement Aut hor it y ( N DM A) L ie u t e n a n t General Omar Mahmood Hayat, accompanied by Member (Operations) Brig. Mukhtar Ahmed visited the Provincial Disaster Ma nagement Aut hor it y Si n d h ( PDM A) of f ic e Karachi on 18th May 2017. Minister Rehabilitation Mir Mumtaz Hussain Jakhrani, Municipal Commissioner KMC Mr. Masood Alam, Director (Operations) PDMA Mr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh and others were present on the occasion. During the briefing Chairman NDMA was apprised about the major hazards recurring in Sindh i.e. Floods/Rains, Drought, Cyclones, Sea Intrusion,
Earthquake and Accidental fires etc. C h ai r m a n wa s br iefe d about the damages occurred due to natural disasters in recent years. Further he was apprised about the preparedness measures taken by PDMA Sindh to combat upcoming monsoon / flood season 2017. Minister Rehabilitation requested Chairman NDMA for provision of heav y machinery i.e. snorkels for high-rise building fires, helicopter, earth moving machinery etc. to respond to disasters i.e. fire, earthquake, floods etc. to PDMA Sindh. Chairman NDMA ensured their cooperation in this regard.
First session of Pakistan-Turkey regional consultations held at Islamabad
T h e f i r s t s e s s io n of Pakistan-Turkey Regional Consultations at DirectorsGeneral Level between the Foreign Ministries of Pakistan and Turkey was held in Islamabad Thursday. T he Tu rk ish side was led by Ambassador Fazli Corman, Director General (Sout h A sia) a nd t he Pakistan delegation was led by Mr. Mansoor Ahmad Khan, Director General (A fg h a n i st a n , I r a n & Turkey). These discussions were held as part of the on-going process to strengthen institutional exchanges between the two brotherly countries. The two sides held in-depth discussions on regional development s. T hese
exchanges would provide an impetus to our closer cooperation on strengthening strategic ties in all fields of mutual interest. The two sides also held
the Inaugural Session of the Joint Working Group on Political Coordination within the framework of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation
Council (HLSCC) that was established du r ing the 5th HLSCC Meeting on 23rdFebruary 2017.
CPEC is the biggest achievement of the government
ISL A M A BA D ( DNA) The Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Thursday said CPEC is the biggest achievement of the government which will change the fate of the country and the people. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC) is the most import part of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Project which is connecting 68 countries around globe having 40 percent share of the global GDP, it said.
Some countries are opposing this project and initiating conspiracies but their designs will never succeed as the process of development is irreversible, said Atif Ikram Sheikh, Chairman FPCCI Regional Committee on Industries. He said that China is investing 150 billion dollars on OBOR project and so far it has invested over one trillion dollars in it therefore she will never abandon or change the dimensions the project for unfounded reservations of any country.
CPEC and OBOR are realities and it would be in fitness of things for all the nations opposing it to stop opposing it on false assumptions and join it for rapid development, he added. Atif Ikram Sheikh said that western economic policies have failed while Brexit and inward looking policy of US after Donald Trump proves increased fragility of the concept of globalisation and free market economy. The opposition to globalisation in the west has played an
important role in strengthening Chinese idea which is based on peace through development across the globe, he added. The business leader said that OBOR is not just about infrastructure but it will end the economic dominance of west and begin rise of Asia on the global economic map which will be beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity. Pakistan is the most important partner of China is achieving her goals based on welfare of the people of the global village, he said.
P u nj a b C h ief M i n i s t e r Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday said that Pakistan and China have signed agreements worth billions of rupees during the recent visit of Pakistani leadership to China. Talking to media at Lahore airport on return from a successful visit to China, he said, “The participation of all the four provincial chief ministers in One Belt One Road (OBOR) forum gave a positive message to the world.” He said, “The forum is a great project for the wellness of humanity. Projects worth billions of rupees have been signed between China and Pakistan whose implementation will ensure success and development in the country.” He pronounced that, “Beneficial talks were held with the Chinese leadership and other leaders. The chief minister said that the successful visit will augment Chinese investment in Pakistan.” It is pertinent to mention here that Punjab and north China’s port city Tianjin have signed two agreements to cooperate in teachers’ training, syllabi curricula and an innovation
centre. T he ag reements were signed between Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) of Government of Punjab Province and Tianjin Modern Vo c a t i o n a l Te c h n ol o g y College and Tianjin University of Technology and Education. Talking to media on the occasion, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif expressed his great expectations for the cooperation. He said, “Tianjin’s industrialization and vocational education were excellent, adding, to cooperate with Tianjin will promote the prosperity of Punjab and improve living standard of the people of Pakistan.” Ter m i ng Ch i na-Pa k ist a n Economic Corridor (CPEC) as core project to raise living standards in Pakistan, he said, “People between the ages of 16 and 30 make up about 60 percent in the whole country and they need to be trained to master some skills.” He said, “Pakistan suffered from low employment and outdated industry for a long time due to a lack of adequate power supply, but now power
projects constructed by China already working have brought hope to the country.” “The friendship between Pakistan and China is higher than Himalayas and deeper than the deepest ocean. Our friendship is stronger than steel. Our friendship is sweeter than honey” he said. Meanwhile, Secretar y of Tianjin Municipal Committee Li Hongzhong and Tianjin Mayor Wang Dongfeng met the Punjab Chief Minister and his delegation.
Li hoped both Punjab province and Tianjin will jointly participate in the CPEC construction, and strengthen an all-round cooperation and exchange in the field of commerce and trade, science and technology, vocational education and tourism. Shahbaz Sharif appreciated Tianjin government’s warm reception, and said he would deepen the cooperation with Tianjin in the fields of vocational education, industrial park and textile industry.
Pakistan, China sign agreements worth billions of rupees: Shahbaz