The Destination Issue 39 Vol 1

WEATHER ISLAMABAD Scattered Thunderstorms

ISLAMABAD ISSUE: 39 VOL: 1

32°C 89°F

Precipitation: 60% Humidity: 71% Wind: 24 km/h Tuesday – June 20, 2017

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Ramadan 24 1468 AH.

First Secretary of US Embassy damages four vehicles First Secretary of the US Embassy in Islamabad Michael Wright smashed his vehicle into two private and two police vehicles in Abpara area of Islamabad. All the four vehicles were severely damaged in the accident. However, no casualty was reported in the incident. Police reached the spot after the incident and arrested the accused and shifted him to the Abpara Police Station.

Police have also started an investigation.

OIC Chief strongly condemns Indian violence in Occupied Kashmir

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China offers to make Diamer-Bhasha Dam project part of CPEC

Govt taking steps to construct tourist resort in Attabad

The government is taking steps to construct tourist resort in Attabad to promote tourism in Gilgit Baltistan. Official sources said that master plan in this regard is being prepared.

Meanwhile, the administration has imposed ban on constructions in the lake area aimed at to preserve natural environment. However, temporary constructions are allowed at Lake Site.

Iran, China begin joint naval exercise in Gulf

Iran and China began a joint naval exercise in the Gulf a day before yesterday. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, an Iranian destroyer and two Chinese destroyers are among the vessels taking part in the drill in eastern portion of the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman. The military drill comes at a time of heightened tension between the Iranian and US military in the Gulf.

IMF says Japan needs to stick with fiscal, monetary stimulus

The International Monetary Fund on Monday urged Japan to avoid withdrawing fiscal policy stimulus and to keep monetary policy accommodative to accelerate growth and achieve higher inflation. The real exchange rate is in line with medium-term economic fundamentals but Japan’s current account balance last year was slightly stronger than warranted by economic fundamentals, the IMF said. “The expiration of fiscal support in 2018 under current policies together with a smaller expansion in foreign demand would reduce growth to less than half of that in 2017,” the IMF said in its annual Article 4 evaluation of Japan’s economy.

Muslim teen assaulted outside US mosque, found murdered in Virginia

VIRGINIA: A 17-year-old American Muslim girl was beaten and abducted after leaving a mosque in Virginia on Sunday by a man who police later arrested on suspicion of murder after her body was found dumped in a pond, authorities said.

The attack spurred an outpouring of grief and horror in a Muslim community that has been gathering to pray at the All Dulles Area Muslim Society mosque about 30 miles outside Washington in observance of the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Pa na ma c a s e: SC orders DG FIA to probe record tampering charges against SECP chief The bench also warned the government to stop harassing JIT members otherwise it will issue a strict order in this regard.

The OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, has strongly condemned continued violence by Indian forces against innocent Kashmiris in the occupied valley. In a statement, he said the Kashmiris remain victims of the denial of their inalienable rights to self-determination and have been suffering from

the non-implementation of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.

He called upon India to immediately stop human rights violations of the Kashmiri people. Meanwhile, a protest rally was held against killing of civilians by Indian troops in Shopian, occupied Kashmir on

Monday. Thousands of people participated in the rally. Meanwhile, shutdown was observed in Islamabad town on Monday to commemorate the death anniversary of the founder of Ummat-e-Islami Qazi Nisar who was martyred in 1994.

U.S needs to be in Afghanistan for long haul: Petraeus

VIRGINIA—U.S general (R) David Petraeus said recently that the U.S needs to stay in Afghanistan and that in being in the country the U.S has a useful platform there for the regional counterterrorist effort.

Speaking to PBS, Petraeus, who commanded American and coalition forces in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, said, “I think what we need to get to in Afghanistan is a sustainable, measuring the expenditure of blood and treasure, a sustainable, sustained commitment.”

“We need to recognize that we went there for a reason and we stayed for a reason, to ensure that Afghanistan is not once again a sanctuary for al-Qaeda or other transnational extremists, the way it was when the 9/11 attacks were planned there,” he said. “That’s why we need to stay. We also have a very useful platform there for the regional counterterrorist effort. And, of course, we have greatly reduced the capabilities of al-Qaeda’s senior leaders in that region, including, of course, taking out Osama bin Laden,” Petraeus said.

“But this is a generational struggle. This is not something that is going to be won in a few years. We’re not going to take a hill, plant a flag, go home to a victory parade. And we need

to be there for the long haul, but in a way that is, again, sustainable,” he said. He said, “The U.S has been in “Korea for 65-plus years because there is an important national interest for that.” On the back of this, when asked whether he meant the U.S needed to stay in Afghanistan for 60, 70 or 80 years, Petraeus said, “I wouldn’t say 60, but I think we shouldn’t approach this as a year-on-year mission.”

On the issue of increasing U.S troop levels in the country, Petraeus said he felt the U.S needed to have a sustained commitment and that 3,000 to 5,000 more troops was sustainable. “But also we should relax the remaining restrictions on the use of our airpower to support our Afghan partners who have shown that they are willing to fight and die for their country against al-Qaeda, the insurgents of various types and so forth,” he said.

Petraeus also said, “The U.S’s presence did actually turn back the Taliban. “We are not going to permanently win this. Keep in mind, there’s a huge difference between Afghanistan and even Iraq when we did the surge there.

You can’t pressure the leaders of the Afghan Taliban, the Haqqani Network, and

even some of the other insurgent groups, because they’re out of our reach. They’re in sanctuaries inside Pakistan.”

“And, indeed, there should be a regional effort there to try to get our Pakistani partners to do more to deny this sanctuary to those elements that are making life so difficult for Afghans and the Afghan government,” he said. He also stated that, “The U.S’s national security team is currently working on its strategy for Afghanistan and I do think you can anticipate an integrated strategy.”

“Again, the troops are just a part of this. They’re an important part, because, without them, without halting the erosion of security that has characterized Afghanistan over the last year or more, then you’re going to have a serious problem on your hands,” he said. This comes after reports emerged Fr iday that the Pentagon plans to send almost 4,000 additional U.S troops to Afghanistan. A U.S official said on Thursday that more troops would be sent and the decision could be announced as soon as next week.

Last week, the U.S Defense Secretary James Mattis said in a statement that the United States “will not repeat the mistakes of the past” and in

Record 65.6 million people displaced worldwide: UN GENEVA—Devastating conflicts, violence and persecution in places like Syria and South Sudan had left a record 65.6 million people uprooted from their homes by the end of 2016, the UN said yesterday.

That number marks a jump of just 300,000 from the end of 2015, but is more than six million higher than at the end of 2014.

This is “the highest figure since we started recording these figures,” UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi told reporters ahead of the report launch.

“By any measure, this is an unacceptable number, and it speaks louder than ever to the need for solidarity and common purpose in preventing and resolving crises,” he said.

The figures released ahead of World Refugee Day showed that a full 10.3 million of the

world’s displaced people fled their homes last year alone, including 3.4 million who crossed international borders to become refugees. “This equates to one person becoming displaced every three seconds -- less than the time it takes to read this sentence,” UNHCR pointed out in a statement.

Most people who have been forced from their homes flee within their own country, and are defined as internally displaced people, or IDPs. At the end of 2016, there were some 40.3 million IDPs in the world, down slightly from 40.8 million a year earlier, with Syria, Iraq and Colombia accounting for the greatest numbers.

Another 22.5 million people -half of them children -- were registered as refugees last year, the UNHCR report showed,

pointing out that this is “the highest level ever recorded”.

Syria’s six-year conflict alone has sent more than 5.5 million people seeking safety in other countries, including 825,000 last year alone, making it the world’s biggest producer of refugees.

Along with the 6.3 million Syrians displaced inside the country, these numbers show that a nearly two thirds of all Syrians have been forced from their homes, the report said. As the Syrian civil war rages on, desperately needed funding for humanitarian aid in the country has begun to dwindle, Grandi said, lamenting that very little of the billions promised at an international donor’s conference in Brussels in April had so far materialised.

setting new troop levels, its military will have greater agility in conducting operations in Afghanistan. “This administration will not repeat the mistakes of the past. We cannot allow Afghanistan to once again become a launching point for attacks on our homeland or on our allies,” he said.

China has offered to bring Diamer-Bhasha Dam project under the umbrella of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This was informed at a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Reforms in Islamabad on Monday. Chairman WAPDA Muzamil Hussain told the

committee that the project has been pending since long, as Asian Development Bank has declined to fund it, raising objection on its location.

He informed that currently, no mega hydro-power project is included in CPEC, therefore governments of both Pakistan and China are seriously mulling over including this project in

CPEC. Chairman WAPDA said other hydro-power projects including Neelum Jehlum and Tarbela extension would be completed by May next year which would provide additional 2500 MW electricity. He said work on Dasu project would be started next month, and completed by 2022.

Pakistan to be one of top three teams by 2019 WC Former Twenty Skipper Shahid Afridi believes Pakistan has the ability to develop into one of the top three teams by the time the 2019 World Cup to be played in England. Pakistan thumped defending champions India by 180 runs to clinch their maiden ICC Champions Trophy title on Sunday. “This squad is built around exciting young talent and has an astute and

passionate leader in Sarfraz,” wrote Afridi in a column for the International Cricket Council (ICC). Afridi said the teams that might have taken Pakistan lightly in CT would never dare to repeat such a mistake again and whatever the lead-up to the 2019 World Cup may be like; Pakistan will be a serious contender for the trophy,” he said.

2 Tuesday - June 20, 2017

THE DESTINATION

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL PHOTO OF THE DAY

UN veteran is S. Korea’s first female foreign minister

Raikot Bridge is the gateway to Nanga Parbat Base Camp, on the Indus River in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan.

Exclusive photo by The Destination team

President Ilham Aliyev receives OSCE MG co-chairs

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Stefan Visconti, Igor Popov, Richard Hoagland, as well as Personal

Representatives of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk yesterday, the press service for the head of state reports.

China, Russia held largest-ever joint naval drills

Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho and others intl players will visit Pakistan on July 08

RAWALPINDI—Renowned football legend Ronaldinho with 7 other international football players visiting Pakistan through joint venture of Pakistan Army / Leisure League.

The players will be visiting Pakistan from 8-10 Jul 2017. During their visit, the players will call on Chief of army staff, General Qamar

Javed Bajwa and play football matches at Karachi and Lahore for promoting the game of football in Pakistan and talent hunt. Their visit to Pakistan is indicative of return of sports and peace and sports loving Pakistani nation.

After cricket its football now.

COAS takes another initiative to promote sports for return of normalcy in Pakistan.—DNA

Formal talks on Britain’s exit from EU to begin in Brussels

China and Russia have held their largest-ever joint naval drills in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad.

The Joint exercise follows similar ones held last year, and more exercises will be held in July and September in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.

Britain and European Union are starting negotiations in Brussels on Monday on UK withdrawal from the union. Brexit minister David Davis will hold talks with chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier. The first issue at the Brussels talks will be the status of millions of EU citizens living in the United Kingdom and British residents of the other 27 countries, including their right to stay, work, and access medical care.

AmbassadorUzbekistan, of Mexico and Uzbekistan visit RCCI who was accom- Pakistan. While commenting with Pakistani counterparts in

RAWALPINDI— Mexico an important country of North American region, 135 million population and Pakistani traders can tap in the growing opportunities. Food processing, pharmaceutical, automobiles, textile and agriculture are promising sectors for mutual cooperation between the two countries.

This was stated by A mb a s s a d or d e sig n at e d to Mexico, Tasawar Khan while addressing the traders meeting at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI). He said both countries have the potential to complement each other in many areas and they should facilitate regular interactions between their private sectors and let them identify areas of business collaborations.

Dr. Irfan Yousaf Shamsi, ambassador designated to

panying with Tasawar Khan, also urged traders to explore business opportunities in Central Asian countries.

He said Pa k ist an and Uzbekistan, the two Islamic countries, were enjoying cordial and friendly relations.

The governments of both the countries agreed to enhance bilateral trade volume to US 300 million dollars during next five years, he added.

Speaking at the occasion, Raja Amer Iqbal, President, RCCI said that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Mexico of less than $200 million was far below the available potential and both countries should accelerate efforts to improve two-way trade.

He asked the envoy to use his influence to ease to visa processing services as there is no Mexican embassy in

on trade ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, Raja Amer Iqbal said that bilateral trade is relatively low and volume of trade between the two countries is over US $ 26 (M).

He said frequent exchange of trade delegations was the best approach to strengthen trade relations and stressed that Uzbik Embassy should arrange a business delegation to Pakistan while RCCI will cooperate for B2B meetings

areas of interest.

Raja Amer also gave a short briefing on RCCI current and upcoming events to the envoys. Senior Vice President Rashid Waien, vice President Asim Malik, members of the executive committee, President Islamabad Women Chamber Ms Shamim Aftab, Traders representatives and chamber members, among others, were also present on the occasion.

South Korean President Moon Jae-In on Sunday appointed a United Nations veteran as the country’s first female foreign minister, tasked with easing tensions over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

Kang Kyung-Hwa, 62, served as Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights and Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs before becoming a senior policy adviser to UN chief Antonio Guterres this year.

Her appointment comes less than two weeks before Moon’s first trip to the US for a summit with President Donald Trump as fears grow over Pyongyang’s weapons program.

The isolated regime has staged a series of missile launches this year, defying global pressure and triggering tightened UN sanctions.

Kang served at the South’s foreign ministry for years before joining the UN.

Her diplomatic experience will help the South navigate tricky waters and tackle sensitive issues with its allies and neighbors, Moon’s office said earlier.

Moon, a center-left politician who took office after the ouster of impeached president Park Geun-Hye, has advocated dialogue with the North to bring it to the negotiating table in a break from his conservative predecessors who took a hardline stance against Pyongyang.

Ties with the US have also come under strain recently over a controversial deployment of a US anti-missile system in the South that soured relations with China, which sees it as a threat.

The South under Park agreed last year to install the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to guard against threats from the North, prompting Beijing to deploy informal economic sanctions against South Korean businesses in April.

Though parts of the Terminal HighAltitude Area Defense (THAAD) system are already in place, Moon this month suspended further deployment, dealing a blow to Washington’s regional security policy.

Officially, the delay is to allow for a new, comprehensive environmental impact assessment, but analysts say the move is a strategic delay by Moon to dodge the tricky diplomatic situation he inherited.

Turks appreciate rich Pakistani culture showcased in Ankara Thousands attended an enthralling performance of Pakistani culture at Keçiören, Ankara, during the celebration of “Pakistan Night” as part of the 8th International R a m a z a n Fe s t i v i t ie s , hosted by the Municipality of Keçiören,says a press release received f rom Ankara.

President of Pakistan-Turkey Cultural Association and Member Parliament Burhan Kayatürk, Ambassador of Pakistan Sohail Mahmood, Keçiören Mu nicipalit y Mayor Mustafa Ak, Director General of South Asia in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Fazli Çorman and other dignitaries jointly cut the ribbon to open the Pakistan House (Pavilion) as part of the festivities. A broad range of Pakistani products including colourful textiles, traditional handicrafts, truck art, coffee table books, photographic display of Pakistan’s natural beauty and key events of Turkey-Pakistan relations, and tourism materials were on display at the Pakistan House.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood in his address reiterated solidarity with Turkey in the wake of 15 July heinous coup attempt and prayed for the departed souls who made the ultimate sacrifice. The martyrs included many belongıng to Keçiören as well. He also paid rich tributes to Mayor Mustafa Ak for regularly organizing the Ramazan Istanbul Festivities that helped introduce diverse

cultures to the people of Keçiören. Highlighting the special and abiding nature of Pakistan-Turkey relat ions, A mbassador Sohail Mahmood urged the younger generation to further promote this fraternal relationship nurtured by their ancestors over centuries. Both countries were also organizing a series of events to celebrate 2017 as “70th Year of Pakistan-Turkey Diplomatic Relations,” he added.

It may be recalled that, i n a s p e cia l ge st u r e, Keçiören Mu nicipalit y had planted 140 trees at the AK Party Memorial Forest in January 2015 in memory of the Shaheeds of Army Public School, Peshawar. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, once again, thanked the people of Keçiören for this exemplary solidarity.

Mayor Mustafa Ak said “Pakistan is Turkey and Turkey is Pakistan as both countries have a special relationship”, rooted deep in history. Expressing his delight at Pakistan’s participation for the third time in the Ramazan Festivities, he said that such participation provided an opportunity to the people of Turkey to know more about the Pakistani culture. He informed that the representatives of 17 countries from different regions of the world participated in the Festival this year.

Parliamentarian Burhan Kayatürk, in his remarks, highlighted the cultural li n ks and sha red h istory between Turkey and Pakistan and particularly the support extended by the forefathers of the people of Pakistan during the Turkish War of Independence. He

called for further strengthening cultural ties between the two countries. Burhan Kayatürk also appreciated the quality of education at Pakistan Embassy School Ankara and termed it as one of the best educational institutions.

L a t e r, s t u d e nt s f r o m Pakistan Embassy School, and Pakistani students at various Turkish Universities, presented a vibrant cultural show. The performances portrayed multiple dimensions of the rich and diverse culture of Pakistan. A particular attraction at Pakistan Pavilion was the Beetle car, with unique truck art of Pakistan, with which visitors of all ages enthusiastically took photographs.

Female visitors also availed themselves of the free henna (mehandi) offered at Pakistan Pavilion.

China Study Cell established at University of Peshawar

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has established China Study Cell at the University of Peshawar for specialized courses of Chinese language and culture. Official sources told Our Peshawar correspondent that a Memorandum of Understanding has also been signed with North West University XI’AN of China for

academic collaboration. The MOU was signed in Silk Road Education Cooperation Fair, recently held in China. Under the MOU, faculty and student exchanges between the two universities will take place.

Both the varsities will jointly work on research projects through academic cooperation.

THE DESTINATION

Tuesday - June 20, 2017

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NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

A

lai Valley Highland Alai Valley is located in the southernmost area of Kyrgyzstan. This tectonic depression is bounded on the north and south by Alai and Trans-Alai ranges, respectively.

It is located 2240-3536 meters above sea level, the average height is 3000 meters. The valley stretches 174 km from west to east. The width varies between 3 to 40 km. The area is 8400 km2 . Despite its cold and dry climate, the valley is rich in succulent summer pastures. It is home to various wildlife, including rock partridge, ular, foxes, Alai red marmots, bears and mountain goats.

Rana Tahir Shahbaz

Örnök Petroglyphs The outskirts of the Örnök village, in the Issyk-Kul province, host priceless historical monuments, such as petroglyphs and burial mounds.

More than 2000 stone blocks have engraved images of wild and domestic animals and lifescenes (such as hunting, war, rituals, etc.) of ancient inhabitants of these lands, representing different time periods - Skythian, Usun, and Turkic.

Ala-Too Square The Ala-Too Square is one of the main attractions of the country and a favorite place for all city dwellers. Construction of the entire complex was completed in the 1970’s.

This spacious area is a venue for celebrations, festivals, and rallies. Each and every of the monuments erected in memory of the Kyrgyz people’s heroes (Manas Magnanimous, the great writer Chyngyz Aitmatov, wise and brave Kurmandjan Datka and the heroes who fell in Aksy, and April events) decorate the square. A 45-meter flagpole flaunts in the heart of the square. The Government House, State Historical Museum, Oak Park, Monument of Friendship of Peoples, Open Air Sculptures Museum, and many other cultural and recreational facilities are located on the perimeter of the square.

Saimaluu Tash State Natural Park Saimaluu Tash State Natural Park is situated in the Toguz Toro district of the Jalal Abad province, along the Kugart River. It sits on a total area of 32050 hectares. 16 species of mammals, 45 species of birds, and 1500 species of plants are registered in the park.

Saimaluu Tash means ‘patterned stone’ in Kyrgyz. Rock carvings are the main cultural and historical value of the park. The area has the largest accumulation of petroglyphs (about 90,000 stones) in Central Asia.

9-member expedition team will try to scale three peaks

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

Kyrgyzstan Destinations

Ala-Archa National Park Located at an altitude of 1500-4895 meters above sea level, 41 km from Bishkek, and occupying an area of approximately 20 hectares, the Ala-Archa National Park includes all landscape and climatic zones.

A river with the same name flows through the gorge. The beautiful landscape and richness of flora and fauna in the park allows it to be used for hiking, recreation, and leisure all year round.

Konorchek Canyons The Konorchek сanyons are located on the eastern part of Kyrgyz Ala-Too range. These are magnificent monuments of nature, formed over several million years at the hands of natural forces such as the sun, wind, and waters.

These huge clay lumps take on forms that resemble ancient castles, churches, modern buildings, and animals. The altitudes of some canyons reach 300 meters. An extinct volcano called Segizhan Shokny (approximately 2.5-3 million years

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UNICEF appoints Syrian refugee as Goodwill Ambassador

These three peaks include Nanga Parbat, K-2 and Broad Peak

A nine-member expedition team left Skardu on Monday for Askoli to attempt world’s 2nd highest peak K-2. The team will try to scale three peaks, including Nanga Parbat, K-2 and Broad Peak.

The team includes American, British and Chinese climbers.

Macron’s party En Marche wins majority in French National Assembly

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund has appointed a young Syrian refugee Muzoon Al-Mellehan as Goodwill Ambassador. UNICEF has

made this announcement on the eve of World Refugees Day which will be observed tomorrow to highlight the plight and sufferings of refugees across the world.

Kuwait’s ruler calls for Gulf Arab states to preserve regional unity

French President Emmanuel Macron’s party has won a clear majority in parliamentary election.

A record number of one hundred fifty six women were elected to National Assembly. Voter turnout was projected to be a record low at about forty two percent.

Kuwait’s ruler has called for Gulf Arab states to preserve regional unity and overcome a diplomatic dispute with Qatar. In a speech marking Ramazan, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who is leading mediation efforts between

Saudi Arabia and Qatar, hoped the crisis can be solved through dialogue. He said the remaining days of holy month will create “the atmosphere for resolving differences and ending the rift through dialogue and communication” in the Gulf.

old) is another attraction that compliments the canyons.

Sary Chelek Lake Sary Chelek lake is located 500 km from Bishkek and 300 km from Osh, in the territory of the Sary Chelek State Biosphere Reserve. The lake lies on the boundary of At-Oinok and Chatkal ranges, at an altitude of 1940 meters. The lake covers an area of 507 hectares, has a length of 7.5 km, and a depth of 234 meters. It is the second and third deepest lake in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia, respectively.

The coastline is covered with dense forests and rocky places in some areas. Sary Chelek is fed by several mountain rivers.

Karavshin Gorge The Karavshin Gorge is situated in the Turkestan Range. This marvelous piece of nature contains rocky mountains, fast flowing rivers, clean spring waters, and green meadows.

It much resembles the South American Steppes, giving itself the nickname “The Asian Patagonia,” as deemed by lovers of the outdoors.

Alamedin Gorge The well known Alamedin Gorge is located 30 km from Bishkek, at an altitude of 18002000 meters above sea level.

Juniper, birch, black currant, common cockle, rose hips, and sea buckthorn are just some examples of the area’s rich flora.

The river that flows through the gorge is also called Alamedin.

Going further up through the gorge, one can see steep cliffs that look like ruins of ancient fortresses. There are also the peaks Aitmatov (4650 meters) and Kyrgyzstan (4860 meters) which always attract tourists’ attention. The Alamedin Gorge is famous for its hot mineralized springs, of which there is a small spa resort based on.

Kel-Suu Lake The Kel-Suu Lake is located in the Naryn province, in the Kakshaal Too range of Inner Tien Shan, situated at an altitude of 3400 meters above sea level. It is quite close to the Chinese border. Surrounded by high rocky cliffs, it was formed as a result of large rockfall that blocked the narrow channel of the river. Kel-Suu stretches for more than 12 km and is 2 km wide. The depth varies, depending on the season of the year - reaching the maximum depth towards the end of summer as a result of the melting snow and ice in the mountains. The water in the lake is fresh and exhibits a greenish color. One can experience the lake in its full beauty by going for a ride on a motorboat.

Continued—source: http://www.discoverkyrgyzstan.org

Greece blocks EU statement on China human rights at UN BRUSSELS—Greece has blocked a European Union statement at the United Nations criticising China’s human rights record, a decision EU diplomats said undermined efforts to confront Beijing’s crackdown on activists and dissidents.

The EU, which seeks to promote free speech and end capital punishment around the world, was due to make its statement last week at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, but failed to win the necessary agreement from all 28 EU states. It marked the first time the EU had failed to make its statement at the UN’s top rights body, rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said. A Greek foreign ministry official said Athens blocked the statement; calling it “unconstructive criticism of China” and said separate EU talks with China outside the UN were a

better avenue for discussions.

An EU official confirmed the statement had been blocked.

Presented three times a year, the statement gives the EU a way to highlight abuses by states around the world on issues that other countries are unwilling to raise. The impasse is the latest blow to the EU’s credentials as a defender of human rights, three diplomats said, and raises questions about the economically powerful EU’s “soft power” that relies on inspiring countries to follow its example by outlawing the death penalty and upholding press freedoms.

It also underscores the EU’s awkward ties with China, its second-largest trade partner, diplomats said.

Br ussels has welcomed Beijing as an ally against US President Donald Trump in the fight against climate change and trade protectionism. But as business ties

grow, the bloc is struggling to speak out against a Chinese government crackdown on human rights lawyers and other activists since 2015.

China’s COSCO Shipping, owner of the world’s fourthlargest container f leet, took a 51 percent stake in Greece’s largest port last year. Hu ngar y, another large recipient of Chinese investment, has repeatedly blocked EU statements criticising China’s rights record under communist President Xi Jinping, diplomats said.

One EU diplomat expressed frustration that Greece’s decision to block the statement came at the same time the International Monetary Fund and EU governments agreed to release funds under Greece’s emergency financial bailout last week in Luxembourg. “It was dishonourable, to say the least,” the diplomat said.

BRICS meeting highlights climate change, trade, terrorism

Officials of BRICS group comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa held talks in Beijing yesterday discussing issues pertaining to climate change, trade

and terrorism. Addressing the meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China looks forward its broad and wide-ranging cooperation among the member states

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

in trade and commerce and investment. South African Foreign Minister called for effort to reverse the effects of climate change.

THE DESTINATION

4 Tuesday - June 20, 2017

Agri zones along CPEC can fetch 15 billion dollars annually: FPCCI

ISLA M A BA D —T he Fe d e r a t io n of Pa k i s t a n Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Sunday said agricultural zones along CPEC route can help Pakistan produce products that can be exported to China to fetch 12 billion dollars annually.

China is importing agricultural products worth 111 billion dollars annually including $25billion soybean oil and byproducts in which Pakistan can get a reasonable share, it said. All the provinces should consider establishing agroeconomic zones along CPEC route to produce high-value agricultural products that can be exported to China while Chinese investors can also be lured into it, said Atif Ikram

Sheikh, Chairman FPCCI Reg ional Com m it tee on Industries.

He said that funds should be allocated for the purpose while guidance should be sought from the province of Punjab which is best suited for it. Atif Ikram Sheikh said that such zones should become successful if provision of ample water through harvesting rainfall and other resources is ensured.

Moreover, provision of quality seeds, pesticides, urea etc. should also be guaranteed.

Proper cold storage and warehousing facilities, olive oil extraction and solar dehydration of vegetables should also be promoted, he said.

Peanuts, grapes, olive, citrus, mango, citrus, tomato, guava,

strawberry, potato are some of the items which are in great demand in China, he informed.

He said that overall agricultural system should be modernised so that country can start exports which can jump to fifteen billion dollars in few years. At the time of partition share of agriculture in the GDP was 51 percent which has now reduced to 21 percent while the population has jumped from 32 million to around 200 million, he observed. He demanded that agricultural insurance system should be improved while banks should be forced to finance communities dependent on agriculture so that they could be saved from clutches of middlemen .

Balochistan govt plans to establish over 700 new primary schools

Sources say under the plan more teachers will be recruited on merit

Balochistan government has chalked-out five-year education plan under which not only new schools will be set up but all existing schools will be upgraded. Official sources told Radio Pakistan that under the plan 725 new primary schools will be established. Five hundred schools will be upgraded to middle level and five hundred middle schools will be upgraded to higher level. The sources said that under the plan more teachers will be recruited on merit.

South Korea to scrap all plans to build new nuclear reactors

CDA reviews progress of cares 1122 Service ISL A M A BA D — P rompt emergency services save precious lives. Cares service of MCI is efficient enough to tackle any emergency situation in the capital. cares emergency service is being expanded to rural areas as well. At different selected locations with rush of people, cares offices have been established.

Mayor of Islamabad and Chair man, CDA, Sheik h Anser Aziz expressed these views during a monthly meeting held at CDA headquarters to review performance of cares. Senior officer of MCI attended the meeting. The meeting was apprised that cares 1122 of Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) received 499 calls of different emergency nature during the month of May, 2017. All calls were responded promptly and after providing first aid the victims of different incidents were shifted to nearest most medical facility.

Mayor of Islamabad and Chairman CDA Sheikh Anser Aziz was informed that most

of the calls received during the said period were related to Road Traffic Accidents which were 389 in number.

These calls were received from the areas of Korang Morr Bahria Enclave, Shakarparian Highway, Faizabad Towards Zero point, Aabpara near Ambassador Hotel, Zero Point Kashmir Highway, Sohan Signal Stop, G-9/1 Karachi Company, near Lakeview Park, G-6/2, Peshawar Morr, I-9/2, Sanam Chowk, Zero Point Picket, G-11 Signal Kashmir Highway, Dhok Kala Khan Stop Highway, near Shahdra Mor r, Islamabad Chowk, IJP Metro Station, Karal to Faizabad Iron Bridge Thana Sabzi Mandi Police line Road, Soahn to Faizabad, Lathral Road Ghori Garden and others.

The meeting was further told that 88 calls regarding unconscious patients were also received during the said period from different areas of the city.

These calls were received from the areas including 26 No. Stop, I-10/1, Mandi Morr 24 No. Stop, G-6/1-1, Jhugi Stop

Bhara Koh, Saidpur Village, I-8/4, Farash Town, G-13/1, Sohan Garden H-17 Block H, F-7/3 and F-8 Markaz. The patients were shifted to PIMS, CDA Hospital, Poly Clinic and other nearby medical facilities.

The Mayor of Islamabad was also told that calls regarding patients suffering from chest pain, heart problems, abdominal pain and other were also received during the said period.

Moreover, CDA Cares 1122 also made special deployment of its vehicles at 26 different locations including D-Chowk, Park Avenue Behria Enclvae, Kuri Road, Behria Enclave, G-8/4, Hockey Ground Sports Complex, Sports Complex and other areas on request of different departments to cope with any emergency situation.

Furthermore, different calls regarding heart emergency, breathing problems, kidney pains, electric shocks and other were also received during the above said period.

South Korea’s new President Moon Jae-In vowed on Monday to scrap all plans to build new nuclear reactors as he seeks to steer Asia’s fourth-largest economy clear of atomic power.

Moon, who swept to power with a landslide election win last month, campaigned on promises to phase out atomic energy and embrace what he says are safer and more environmentally-friendly power sources including solar and wind power.

The Fukushima nuclear meltdown in Japan sparked by a

powerful earthquake in March 2011 sparked widespread public concern in neighbouring South Korea over its own aged atomic plants. “We will dump our atomic-centric power supply and open the door to the post-nuclear era,” Moon said in a speech marking the decommissioning of the country’s first nuclear reactor, the Kori-1.

“I will scrap all preparations to build new reactors currently underway and will not extend lifespan of current reactors,” he said.

Oil prices dip on further rise in U.S. drilling, demand slowdown

Govt assurance to review new Trade Policy a welcome step LAHORE—Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association has welcomed the decision of the government for reconsidering the Trade Policy of the country. “The government should announce new incentives by reviewing the Trade Policy by keeping the international requirement and standard in mind.

It will enhance export of Pakistani products in international market and also helpful for boosting the export of Pakistani products abroad.

Resultantly, country’s economy will be improved in a befitting manner.

T h e s e we r e t h e v i e w s expressed by Senior Vice Chairman Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association Riaz Ahmed while talking to media persons.

Riaz urged the government to

include the suggestions submitted by all Chambers and Associations in the new Trade Policy so that positive results could be obtained though these incentives. He also urged the government to keep monitoring and supporting the industry so that 100 percent results could be achieved.

Riaz Ahmed has urged to gover nment to direct the Com mercial At taches in Pakistani Embassies including Consulates abroad for marketing and adver tisement of Pakistani products for enhancing expor ts of Pakistani products in international market. He said that the 35th International Carpet Exhibition is scheduled to be held in Pakistan in October this year. He said that major countries of the world including South Asian Association

for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member states are also scheduled to participate in the exhibition.

He hoped that due to positive impact, the exhibition will help Pakistan in enhancing its exports abroad. He urged the government to fully support the forthcoming exhibition. He said that Secretary Trade Development Authority has already been approached and informed about the diff icult ies bei ng faced i n arranging the International Carpet Exhibition in October.

Secretary Trade Development Authority has promised to remove all the hurdles in arranging the International Carpet Exhibition and official patronage during the exhibition.

Oil prices dip on further rise in U.S. drilling, demand slowdown

Oil prices dipped on Monday following US decision to maintain high global supplies despite an OPEC-led initiative to cut production to tighten the market. Brent crude futures were down 13 cents, at 47.24 dollar per barrel and West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down 15 cents, at 44.59 dollars per barrel. Traders said the main factor driving prices lower was a steady rise in U.S. production undermining the OPEC-led effort.

IMF sees favourable outlook for Pakistan’s economy

WB to provide $86m package to improve living conditions of people in Karachi WB to provide $86m package to improve living conditions of people in Karachi The World Bank will provide around 86 million dollars to improve living conditions of people in Karachi.

Country Director World Bank Illango Patchamuthu in a statement has said that the project will support the setting up of multi-member steering

committee including local government, civil society and private sector and it will benefit approximately one million people of the city. It will help improve the safety, accessibility and attractiveness of public spaces in city like public parks, city squares and pedestrian areas.

IMF has termed Pakistan’s economic outlook as “favorable” with improved availability of energy, and growth-supporting structural reforms. According to latest report released by IMF, confidence of investors in Pakistan is growing as its economy has stabilized after completing a bailout program.

It cited Chinese infrastructure investments as one of the reasons for economic development. The report highlights that hopes are pinned on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor initiative which will link the China’s Xinjiang region with the Arabian Sea through Pakistan.