The Destination Issue 46 Vol 1

WEATHER ISLAMABAD Sunny

ISLAMABAD ISSUE: 46 VOL: 1

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Precipitation: 20% Humidity: 58% Wind: 23 km/h Tuesday – July 04, 2017

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Shawal 09, 1468 AH.

US warship near island a ‘serious provocation’: China

China has termed United States missile destroyer trespassing its territorial waters off the Xisha Islands as serious political and military provocation.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said that China dispatched military vessels and fighter planes in response to warn off the American vessel.

He said the Xisha Islands are an inherent part of the Chinese territory and the Chinese government promulgated the baseline of the territorial sea off the Xisha Islands in 1996.

US delegation acknowledged efforts and sacrifices by Pakistan Army

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PM to visit Tajikistan with high level delegation

ECP to introduce biometric machines

Elect ion Com m ission of Pakistan (ECP) has planned to introduce biometric machines for voting in upcoming Karachi bye- election on trial basis.

According to an official of ECP, the functioning of these biometric voting machines will be thoroughly monitored by the commission’s technical team.

He said the commission has been working on its own storage facility and in this regard the ECP has got buildings in 19 districts while 10 more buildings would be obtained soon.

PM Nawaz lauds PAF’s performance

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman Monday called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in PM House and briefed the premier about operational preparedness and training of Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

Sohail Aman and Nawaz Sharif also discussed the future targets of PAF and its strategies.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz also attended the meeting. Nawaz Sharif praised the role of Pakistan Air Force in country’s defense, and said it has full capability to defend its air borders and to overcome any sort of challenge or threat.

China cancels trip of Indian journalists to Tibet

This was conveyed to the journalists by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi.

China cancels trip of Indian journalists to Tibet The cancellation of the journalists’ trip, which was scheduled from 8th to15th of this month came in the backdrop of a standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector. This was conveyed to the journalists by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi.

Saudi king cancels visit to G20 summit

King Salman of Saudi Arabia has cancelled attendance at this week’s G20 summit in Hamburg, the German government said Monday, as Riyadh is engaged in a diplomatic standoff with Qatar. “The government has received official notification that King Salman will not travel to the G20 summit,” a spokesman told. The 81-year-old monarch will send Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan in his place.

The monarch was to have joined the meeting of major industrialised and emerging economies on Friday and Saturday. Media reports have said that the Saudi delegation had rented out Hamburg’s luxury Vier Jahreszeiten (Four Seasons) hotel in its entirety for the king and his delegation.

Pakistan not bound to implement US designation of Salahuddin: Sartaj

WANA—Delegation of US Senate (Arms Committee) headed by Senator John McCain along with COAS visited South Waziristan Agency yesterday. The Delegation was briefed about Pak-Afg border security including recent measures for its improvement through fencing and enhanced surveillance. The delegation

was also briefed on socioeconom ic development efforts in the Agency. The delegation was flown over the Agency to have view of the border area, newly constructed forts / posts and development works including schools, colleges, hospitals, sports stadium, water supply schemes and roads communication infrastructure.

The delegation having seen the realities on ground acknowledged efforts and sacrifices by Pakistan Army and of the local tribes for reestablishing peace and order in the area. The senators reiterated importance of institutionalized Pak-Afg border security coordination and cooperation mechanism. Later, the delegation

was scheduled to visit LOC which couldn’t get through due to bad weather. COAS thanked the senators for their visit and their support in socio-economic uplift of FATA. Earlier, upon arrival at Wana, the delegation was received by Commander Peshawar Corps Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmad Butt and GOC Wana.

Canada, Pakistan twoway trade exceeded $ 1.4 billion, says envoy

ISL A M A BA D – Pe r r y John Calderwood High Commissioner of Canada has said Ca nad a a nd Pakistan have a broad relationship that spans many areas adding that there was a great potential for further strengthening of our ties in the years ahead. Our two countries maintain ongoing dialogue on many multilateral issues such as climate change and our shared commitment to United Nations Peacekeeping.

Our trade relationship is growing. In 2016, two-way trade exceeded $1.4 billion Canadian dollars (about 110 billion PKR), the highest level ever. The Canadian High Com missioner expressed these words while giving an excluaive interview to DNA. He f u r t he r said t h at there remains significant u nt apped potential to strengthen trade and investment relations. Canadian companies have g reat expertise and experience in sectors such as energy, agrifood industry, information and communications technology (ICT), and mining – all of which are sectors in which Pakistan is likely to see robust growth in the years ahead. He said as for people-to-people relations, he was pleased that there was a large and growing community of Canadians of Pakistani heritage whose members are playing a key role in further building relations between our two countries.

Also, a growing number of Pakistani students are choosing Canada as a destination for their university studies. Their presence is

enriching our universities and communities, and they represent another strong pillar in the bilateral relationship, he added. To a question about women empowerment the Canadian high Commissioner said “one of the things that has impressed me in my travels around Pakistan and my meetings with a wide range of people is the strong democratic vocation of Pakistanis”. Pakistan has made great strides in building its democracy and I am confident that it will continue to make progress in the years ahead in consolidating its democratic culture, e added. Democracy, of course, means free and fair elections and robust political debate of issues.

But it also means respect for the rule of law and for the human rights of all, transparency in government, and accountability of political leaders to the people. A strong and healthy democracy and society is one which is inclusive.

An important dimension of inclusiveness is respect for gender equality and the full participation of women, as well as men, in political decision-making.

Needless to say, government policies affect women as much as men and thus it is important that women be fully involved in setting policies and making laws.

In Canada, he said, for the first time in our history, half of the government ministers at the federal level are women. This marks an important milestone in my country’s progress toward full inclusiveness in our political life. “It is

ISLA M A BA D —At t he invitation of President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will pay an official visit to the Tajikistan from 5-6 July 2017. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation. Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoy close and cooperative relations, which are underpinned by commonalities of history, culture and faith.

These ties are characterized by mutual respect, shared perceptions and common desire to promote peace, stability and development in the region. The two countries also share common views on major regional and international issues and cooperate closely in the regional and multilateral forums.

Pakistan was among the first few countries that recognized the independence

of Tajikistan, established diplomatic relations and opened a resident mission in Dushanbe. The visit to Tajikistan is reflective of the Prime Minister’s vision to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with neighbouring and regional countries and further increasing regional connectivity. At Dushanbe, the leaders of the two countries will discuss bilateral relations, economic cooperation, including trade and investment, energy cooperation and regional connectivity will be the key focus of their talks. They will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, with particular attention to Pakistan’s policy of a peaceful neighbourhood.

A Joint Declaration entitled “Road towards strategic partnership for regional

solidarity” will be signed during the visit. A meeting of Joint Business Council (JBC) will coincide with the visit of the Prime Minister.

The JBC will consider steps to enhance bilateral trade and commercial ties.

Tajikistan is also hosting a Quadrilateral Summit of CASA-1000 member states, namely; Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan. This project aims developing energy corridor and land connectivity between Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. It will also provide electricity produced in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan. A Trilateral Summit between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan is also scheduled to be held on the sidelines of the visit to hold discussions on regional topics of mutual interest.

Pakistan to become first country in world to test 5G technology: Anusha Rehman

obviously for the people of Pakistan to decide how best to pursue the goal of inclusiveness, including of women, in its political institutions and processes.

Some countries, including Pakistan, have adopted quotas to increase the representation of women in parliament while others, such as Canada, have made progress by other means”. He added that he had been impressed by many Pakistani women whom I have met in senior positions, whether as parliamentarians, civil servants, leaders of civil society or of private sector companies.

There is certainly no shortage of talented and committed women in Pakistan who are qualified to assume positions of political leadership, Mr. Calderwood said.

To yet another question about human rights the Canadian high commissioner said, The promotion of human rights around the world is an integral

part of Canada’s foreign and development policy.

“I have had the privilege of meeting many dedicated Pakistani women and men who are committed to promoting human rights values in Pakistan.

They include human rights defenders, political leaders and elected representatives, government officials, members of the media, and many others”. He said, like Canadians, most Pakistanis want to live in an inclusive society in which the human rights and the dignity of every person are respected. The High Commission maintains regular dialogue with the Pakistani government on how we can work together to advance shared human rights values. And we are also pleased to collaborate with Pakistani human rights NGOs and other partners that are active in promoting a human rights culture.—Diplomatic News Agency

M i n i s t e r of St a t e fo r Infor mation Technology and Telecom munication Anusha Rehman has said that Pakistan would become first country in the world to test 5G technology. Talking to APP, she said the government would start preparations

for the introduction of 5G by 2021 and Pakistani people would adopt the new technology ahead of all other Asian countries. Meanwhile, a spokesman of the Ministry has said that 4G spectrum license was sold for 295 million dollars. He said the

number of broadband users in the country increased from 3.7 million to 44 million during last four years and now with the leap to 5G networks, we can start to completely reshape entire industries.

Indonesian and US presidents to talk about economy during G20 summit

During the upcoming G20 summit in Germany, the economy will be the main topic raised during a bilateral meeting between President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and United States president Donald Trump.

Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said on Monday that both presidents were also scheduled to talk about other bilateral issues between the two countries, but she did not elaborate. “The focus is

the economy,” Retno said at the State Palace in Jakarta.

Retno added that the meeting was scheduled for July 8.

Besides Trump, Jokowi will also meet other leaders from Australia, the Netherlands, Norway, Vietnam, Spain and South Korea. Before meeting with Trump, Jokowi will meet with leaders from Australia and the Netherlands on July 7. Retno added that the meeting would be the first time the two presidents had the opportunity to talk intensively.

Previously, both presidents met at the Riyadh Summit in Saudi Arabia in May, but did not have the chance to talk.

2 Tuesday- July 04, 2017

THE DESTINATION

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL PHOTO OF THE DAY

Ashgabat 2017 monorail ready to take to the skies

Arang Kel is a lush green village, hill station and tourist spot in Neelam valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is located on the hill top above Kel at the altitude of 8,379 feet (2,554 m) feet.

Pakistan urges world powers to help resolve Kashmir, Palestine issues Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr. Maleeha Lodhi has urged the major powers to help resolve Kashmir and Palestine issues, as reported by Radio Pakistan. In an interview to the London-based Alquds Alarabi Newspaper, she said big powers are obstacles in the way of peaceful solution of these issues, which are reflective of deteriorating situation in the region. She said in Indian occupied Kashmir, the human rights violations are unprecedented in scope and intensity and these atrocities have been condemned by international media. On Palestine issue, the Security Council has continuously endorsed a two-state solution.

With the countdown on to the start of Ashgabat 2017 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in September, some of the factors that are going to make the Games a hugely memorable occasion are already falling into place. If one takes a look inside the iconic Ashgabat Olympic Complex, one of the first things that will strike you is the impressive monorail system that snakes its way across the 54-hectare property.

The new system, which is 5.1km in length and stands high above the ground, is

suppor ted by mammoth beams of varying heights from six to 13 metres, and is a true sight to behold.

Not only does the monorail connect all the infrastructure within the Ashgabat Olympic Complex, it also provides a comfortable and fun method for athletes and officials to move effortlessly between the Athletes Village and different venues during the 12 days of competition in September. The monorail train, which consists of four compartments, is designed to accommodate a total of 75 passengers. Although it can

attain a top speed of 70km per hour, its highest cruising speed during Games-time will be 46km per hour.

Going at this speed, the train will be able to complete the eight-station circuit in 17 minutes. Three trains, which can transport up to 810 passengers every hour, will run simultaneously during Ashgabat 2017. The entire Ashgabat Olympic Complex is situated on both sides of Ataturk Street. To create an effortless crossing between the two sides, engineers built two beautiful bridges, giving them Ashgabat’s

architectural characteristics, and let the monorail pass through.

This is indeed an artistic touch, as passengers sitting inside the train will enjoy an amazing view of the busy streets below them. The construction of the monorail began in June 2012 and has recently been completed. Two companies were involved in building the entire system, with Polimeks producing the rails, and Intamin Swiss Company supplying the trains.

Xi arrives in Moscow for state visit to Russia

Strong Pak-US partnership essential to deal with challenges confronting region: PM Nawaz Sharif says our success can be measured by the markedly improved security situation in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that a sustained and strong Pak-US partnership is essential to deal with various challenges

confronting the region and beyond. He was talking to a five member US Senate delegation led by Senator John McCain, in Islamabad on Monday.

The Prime Minister apprised the delegation about his government’s efforts over the last

four years to combat terrorism. He said our success can be measured by the markedly improved security situation in Pakistan.

He also highlighted the economic turnaround that manifested in enhanced investor interest and confidence in

Pakistan.

The Prime Minister underscored his government’s commitment to good neighbourly relations and highlighted various initiatives to improve relations with Afghanistan and India.

NATO will increase support for Afghan security forces

M O S C OW ( X i n h u a) — Chinese President Xi Jinping a r r ived here yesterd ay, embarking on his second state visit to Russia since taking office in 2013. During his stay in Moscow, Xi will hold talks with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, and the two sides will sign a series of cooperation agreements in such fields as trade, economy, investment, connectivity, media and education, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai said at an earlier press conference.

The two sides will also sign a joint statement and approve the 2017-2020 implementation outline for the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between

China and Russia, according to the official. The latest visit marks Xi’s sixth trip to Russia since he took over the Chinese presidency in 2013, and will witness the third meeting so far this year between Xi and Putin, who have met for 22 times.

The closer-than-ever relationship between Xi and Putin has become a “locomotive” for cementing their countries’s comprehensive st rategic partnership of coordination, said Chen Yurong, a senior researcher on Eurasian studies at the China Institute of International Studies. Last year, the two countries managed to reverse the declining trend in bilateral trade, bringing up the volume by

2.2 percent to 69.5 billion U.S. dollars. In the first five months this year, two-way trade totaled 32.4 billion dollars, up 26 percent from the same period last year.

China has been Russia’s largest trading partner for years, and Russia China’s major source of cuttingedge machineries and other high-tech imports. The two countries are also committed to synergizing the Chinaproposed Belt and Road Initiative with the development plans of the Eurasian Economic Union, which groups Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.

In an apparent gesture of suppor t for the Chinese

initiative, Putin traveled to Beijing in May to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

The f lourishing and everlasting friendship between Beijing and Moscow also contributes to regional and global peace and prosperity, said Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui. China-Russia coordination, he added, has played an important role in pushing for a peaceful settlement of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the Syrian issue. From Moscow, Xi will f ly to Germany, where he will pay a state visit to the European country and attend the upcoming summit of the Group of 20 major economies.

NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has announced that the organization will increase its support for the Afghan security forces, Radio Pakistan reported. He made these remarks after the meeting of Allied defense ministers at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The meeting discussed fight

against terrorism. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, eleven Islamic State militants were killed in three separate airstrikes in eastern Nangarhar province. The provincial government said the airstrikes conducted in the vicinity of Tora Bora, Alef Khal and Tangi area.

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his Bahraini counterpart, Khalid bin Ahmed bin Muhammad al-Khalifa, on Monday discussed the crisis in Qatar and possible solutions, according to a Bahraini media.

Al-Khalifa underscored the necessity for Doha to comply with the 13-article demand by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and empohasized the importance of regional stability, the fight against terrorism and those who support it.

The diplomatic row erupted June 5 when the four nations and Yemen abruptly cut diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing it of interfering in domestic affairs of other countries in the region and supporting terror groups.

They also imposed a land, sea and air blockade. The Qatari government has strongly rejected the accusations and stressed the blockade is a violation of international law.—DNA

Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah gets new monorail station

Trump’s disapproval rating nearing 60% again: Poll

Guangzhou to replace all buses with ‘new energy’

Qatar reacts to demands after deadline extended

Around a million people already use The Palm Monorail each year, with the figure set to rise dramatically as more attractions open on the island. Passengers using The Palm Monorail in Dubai can now board and alight at the newly-opened Al Ittihad Park Station for easy access to Palm Jumeirah’s central park, thousands of residences, and the Golden Mile Galleria Mall, master developer Nakheel announced.

Located at the heart of The Palm’s Al Ittihad Park, the station is close to The Golden Mile and within easy reach of The Shoreline Apartments.

Almost 60 percent of Americans disapprove of the job President Donald Trump is doing. The disapproval rating, 57 percent, is slightly lower than when Trump reached record disapproval of 60 percent during mid-June, according to the poll. Between the disapproval and approval ratings, there is a 20-percentage-point difference, with 37 percent of those surveyed in the latest poll saying they approve of the work Trump is doing. Former President George W. Bush, a Republican, reached the 60 percent disapproval mark after almost five years in office.

Guangzhou, the southern Chinese city, will begin replacing thousands of petrol-powered public buses with greener, more energyefficient vehicles by the year 2020.

According to the new plan, all buses that use petrol and diesel will be replaced with pure electric buses, meaning Guangzhou will have about 30,000 new energy public vehicles including buses and taxis by 2020.

To attract individual consumers of electric cars, Guangzhou also plans to lower electric vehicles prices, reduce maintenance costs and build more charging stations.

Qatar on Monday responded to a list of demands from Saudi Arabia and its allies after they agreed to give a defiant Doha another 48 hours to address their grievances. Details of the response were not immediately available, but a Gulf official told that Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani had delivered it during a short visit to Kuwait, which is acting as a mediator in the crisis. A joint statement said they were extending the ultimatum, which had been due to expire at the end of the day on Sunday, at the request of Kuwait’s emir.

Top Bahrain, US diplomats discuss Gulf crisis

THE DESTINATION

Tuesday- July 04, 2017

3

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL Rana Tahir Shahbaz

T

he spellbinding beauty of Indonesia never ceases to amaze travelers from all parts of the world. From the unbelievable beauty of its underwater paradise to breathtaking natural land-

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

INDONESIA scapes, strange and beautiful wildlife, and enchanting cultural traditions of the Indonesian Archipelago, all definitely offer the ultimate travel experience to tourists and travelers.

Confirming its ranking among world’s top destinations, CNN recently published the article ‘20 Travel Destinations The Experts Say Not to Miss’ that placed Wayag Island of the tourist paradise of Raja Amput in West Papua Province at the very top of the list, even beating Egypt that came in second place.

Raja Ampat is renowned for its fantastic scenery of karst islands grown over with green vegetation, surrounded by unequaled pristine underwater beauty.

Next to Raja Ampat, the Komodo National Park—Land of the majestic dragons- in east Nusa Tenggara Province came in 7th place, while the magnificent Borobudur Temple in Magelang Regency, Central Java Province was ranked 17th on the list.

From remote islands to city escapes, travel experts shared their favorite spots through the list.

These experts ranged from pilots to travel photographers, train aficionados to tour guides, and more, who all had their own experiences travelling across the globe.

Sharing his opinion of Wayag Island, Michael Travers, Head of Marketing and Communications of SeaTrek Sailing Adventures, said that out of all the beauty that Indonesia has to offer, Wayag is perhaps the most stunning spot.

China says India violates 1890 agreement in border stand-off

Wayag Island at RAJA AMPAT

TOP CHOICE of World Destinations Experts Describing this destination, Travers said: “Wayag has hundreds of thickly forested limestone karsts and islands, resulting in sheltered bays with white sand beaches and coral reefs”. “I’d definitely recommend climbing to the lookout point on the western side of the main Wayag Bay. It’s not for the faint of heart (picture a 30-minute ascent through forest and over jagged

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

limestones), but there are the most staggering views of paradise at the end.” added Michael Travers. Known as the land of the real-life dragons, the wonders of Komodo National Park does not only rely on the gigantic lizards but also its fascinating pristine natural surroundings.

“I suggest heading to Komodo National Park in Indonesia, where [in a hidden cove] a pod of dolphins rest at night,” says Eddie Widnall, founder of Ultimate Indonesian Yachts.”There’s nothing quite like sleeping outside on the boat with the sound of the dolphins beneath” he added. While, for an extraordinary experience, it’s hard to beat visiting the ninth-century Buddhist monument of Borobudur, says Sophie Marchant, travel editor of LuxuryExplorer.com. Overlooking the Kedu Plain in Central Java, “this spot fills me with awe,” says Marchant. “I stayed at Aman’s Amanjiwo, which I definitely recommend. I woke up at 4 a.m. and climbed the summit for unbelievable views of Kedu as the sun came up over Mount Merapi, a whispering volcano.”

The 3 destinations of Indonesia have been ranked among CNN’s 20 Travel Destinations, which are Wayag Island, Komodo National Park and Borobudur Temple. (Source: Indonesia.travel)

Electronic device ban fully lifted on flights from Abu Dhabi to United Stated Islamabad—“We welcome the decision by the US Department of Homeland Security to lift the electronic devices ban on f lights between Abu Dhabi and the United States, following the successful validation of security measures at the US Preclearance facility at Abu Dhabi airport earlier day before yesterday. “Effective immediately, the removal of

the restrictions allows passengers flying to the US to carry all laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices onto the aircraft, subject to enhanced security measures.

“We would like to thank our guests for their understanding and loyalty while the ban was in place.”

All Etihad Airways guests travelling to the United States clear

US Immigration and Customs at the US Preclearance facility in Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi International Airport, the only one of its kind in the Middle East. When guests land in the US, they arrive as domestic passengers with no requirement to queue for immigration and custom checks again.

Affecting 180 airlines and 280 airports, it is anticipated that

Etihad Airways is one of the first airlines to be able to satisfy the short-term measures required by the Transportation Security Administration due to the superior security advantages provided by the preclearance facility.

Etihad Airways currently operates 45 flights a week between Abu Dhabi and six cities across the United States – including

double daily to New York, daily to Washington, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles, and three-times-per-week to San Francisco. The US is one of Etihad Airways’ largest markets, with 203,515 passengers f lying to the US from Abu Dhabi between 1 January and 30 April 2017. This was up by 13,157 passengers for the same period in 2016.

Europe shares start Q3 with solid gains, dollar up China has alleged India of violating an 1890 border agreement between Britain and China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a daily news briefing in Beijing today that the Sikkim part of the border had been settled in the 1890 agreement, and previous

Indian governments had many times affirmed that in writing. He said pacts must be respected as it is a basic principle of international law.

Chinese spokesman reiterated a demand for India to withdraw its troops from the Chinese side.

‘Hyper president’ Macron picks regal setting for rare speech PARIS—Emmanuel Macron’s penchant for using regal symbols to give his presidency a touch of majesty will be on display on Monday when France’s new leader addresses both houses of parliament in the splendour of Versailles. Macron will use the speech, which has been billed as a novel, US-style state of the nation address, to set out his vision for a French “renaissance”.

But the message risks being overshadowed by the unease over the growing concentration of power in the presidency, with his speech to a rare sitting of the National Assembly and Senate seen as proof of his “monarchical” drift.

The address in the former seat of kings by the self-styled revolutionary comes a day before premier Edouard Philippe delivers the government’s traditional policy statement to the newly-elected 577-seat National Assembly.

The press and opposition have accused 39-year-old Macron of pulling the rug from under his premier’s feet, to assert his dominance, and slammed his refusal to take questions after his remarks. A media darling during his campaign, Macron has kept the press at arm’s length since his election, keen to avoid the excessive exposure that turned voters off his predecessors Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy at the risk of appearing aloof.

He used the Louvre museum -- a former royal palace -- as the backdrop for his victory party in May and hosted Russia’s President Vladimir Putin for talks in Versailles. Jean-Luc Melenchon, the rebellious leader of the leftist France Unbowed, accused “Macron the pharaoh” of crossing a line in his “monarchical” approach to the presidency and declared his party would boycott the speech, as did the Communist Party and two members of the small centrist UDI party.

“The hyper president,” Le Parisien wrote on its front page Sunday, above Macron’s official photograph, showing him standing at his desk.

“He decides everything, monopolises the stage, controls the communications,” the paper wrote. Presidential addresses to both houses of parliament are rare events in France, used mainly in times of crises.

Sarkozy and Hollande each gave one -during the eurozone crisis for Sarkozy and after the November 2015 attacks in Paris for Hollande. Philippe attempted to downplay the controversy over the timing of Macron’s address, coming a day ahead of his, insisting there was no overlap.

“The president of the Republic ... will set the course on Monday. It is then up to ourselves, as members of the government to achieve it,” he said. Macron’s speech comes days after the government unveiled a bill that would allow it to fast-track labour reforms through parliament -- where Macron’s Republic on the Move party has a resounding majority -- using decrees.

Some opposition parties have accused him of neutering parliament.

“When you do not share power you may be more efficient but you are also perhaps a little less democratic,” Christian Jacob, the parliamentary leader of the main opposition Republicans, said. Pascal Perrineau, political scientist at Sciences Po university’s Cevipof research unit told the president’s control over the office of prime minister, the government, the ruling party and assembly was “characteristic of Macronist politics”.

After promising in his campaign manifesto “Revolution” to maintain a balance of power between the presidency and parliament, Macron had created a relationship of “subjugation”, Perrineau added.

LONDON—European shares began the new quarter with solid gains and Asian shares held near two-year highs, while the dollar lifted from nine-month lows as U.S. Treasury yields hit their highest since mid-May. Oil prices rose as U.S. drilling activity declined for the first time since January, though gains were capped after a Reuters survey showing OPEC output was its highest of the year last month.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index, which suffered its biggest month loss in a year in June on worries over tightening monetary conditions, rose 0.7 percent in early trade, led

higher by banks and basic resources firms. France’s CAC 40 index rose 0.8 percent, Spain’s IBEX 0.9 percent and Italy’s FTSE MIB 1 percent. Britain’s main FTSE 100 index added 0.3 percent.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan held steady, staying within a stone’s throw of a two-year peak hit last week.

Japan’s Nikkei ticked up 0.1 percent, buoyed by a Bank of Japan survey showing confidence among big manufacturers hit its highest in more than three months in June.

Chinese blue-chip shares dipped on worries the world’s second-biggest economy

Italy urges EU ports to take migrants as pressure builds PA R IS —T he Fr e nch a nd Ger man interior ministers met with their Italian counterpart Marco Minniti in Paris on Sunday to discuss a “coordinated response” to Italy’s migrant crisis, hours after Minniti had called on other European countries to open their ports to rescue ships.

The working dinner at the French interior ministry -- also attended by EU Commissioner for Ref ugees Dimit r is Avramopoulos -- was aimed at finding “a coordinated and concerted response to the migrant flux in the central Mediterranean (route) and see how to better help the Italians,” a source close the talks said. The four-way talks between Minniti, Thomas de Maiziere of Ger many, Gerard Collomb of France and Avramopoulos will also prepare them for EU talks in Tallinn this week. “The talks went off very well,” a member of the Italian delegation told after the Paris meeting, with the “Italian proposals being discussed”. The

source offered no other details.

“We are under enormous pressure,” Minniti had said earlier Sunday in an interview with Il Messaggero. With arrivals in Italy up nearly 19 percent over the same period last year, Rome has threatened to close its ports to privately-funded aid boats or insist that funding be cut to EU countries which fail to help.

“There are NGO ships, Sophia and Frontex boats, Italian coast guard vessels” saving migrants i the Mediterranean, Minniti said, referring to the aid boats as well as vessels deployed under EU border security missions.

“They are sailing under the flags of various European countries.

If the only ports where refugees are taken to are Italian, something is not working. This is the heart of the question,” he said.

“I am a europhile and I would be proud if even one vessel, instead of arriving in Italy, went to another European port. It would not resolve Italy’s problem, but it would be an extraordinary signal” of support, he said.

could be slowing down. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 0.1 percent, with financial shares benefiting from the launch on Monday of the “Bond Connect” scheme linking China’s $9 trillion bond market with overseas investors. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies, rose 0.2 percent as U.S. Treasury yields rose.

Ten-year yields hit a high of 2.33 percent and last stood at 2.31 percent, up 1.6 basis points.

The euro, which hit 14-month highs against the dollar last week after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi

hinted at tweaks to the bank’s bond-buying stimulus programme, fell 0.3 percent to $1.1394. In anticipation of growing economic strength, manufacturing activity in the euro zone, as measured

by IHS Market’s purchasing managers’ index for Junes, hit its highest since April 2011.

The yen fell 0.4 percent to 112.81 to the dollar after Japanese Prime Minister S h i n z o A b e’s L i b e r a l Democratic Party lost an election in Tokyo on Sunday, potentially signalling trouble ahead for the premier.

Sterling slipped 0.1 percent to $1.3005. In another hint of tighter policy to come, Bank

of England Governor Mark Carney said last week a rise in interest rates was likely to be needed as the economy came closer to running at full capacity. However, some analysts are not persuaded the BoE will hike as Britain negotiates its exit from the European Union. “What may have been a subtle attempt by BoE officials to put the question of policy normalisation on to the table has in fact led to markets now pricing in odds of a 2017 rate hike equivalent to a coin toss,” I NG cur rency strategist Viraj Patel wrote in a note.— Diplomatic News Agency

Qatari envoy says no reason to fear Qatar-Turkey defense ties

DOHA— Qatar’s ambassador to Turkey Salem bin Mubarak said in an interview that there is no reason to be afraid of our defense relations with Turkey.

Qatar’s ambassador to Tu rkey has dism issed fears about defense relations between Doha and Ankara amid a Gulf crisis.

In an interview, Salem bin Mubarak said Qatar can survive a blockade imposed

by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. “There is no reason to be afraid of our defense relations with Turkey,” the envoy said.

“No one has the right to meddle in or comment on our relations,” he stressed.

“This is a sovereign issue and there is no need to make a fuss about it.” Qatar has been reeling under a blockade imposed last month by the four countries and Yemen, who accuse Doha of interfering in their domestic

affairs and supporting terror groups. The Qatari government has strongly rejected the accusations and stressed the blockade is a violation of international law. Turkey has vowed to stand by Qatar and called on Saudi Arabia to end all sanctions. Last month, Turkey’s parliament ratified two deals on deploying troops to Qatar and training its army.

The Qatari diplomat dismissed calls by the four countries for Doha to close the Turkish base in Qatar as “illogical”. “ T houg h t he defe n se expenses of some countries equal that of a nuclear power, they are incapable of dealing with some issues that threaten their security alone and seek the help of allies,” he said.

“They [blockade countries], however, want us to cut our defense ties with Turkey, which is not logical,” he said. The envoy said Qatar

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

has defense cooperation with some countries in the region and around the world.

“We don’t see any reason that prevents us from having defense cooperation with Turkey,” he said. “On the contrary, circumstances in the region dictate us to cooperate intensively and effectively in this regard.”

The ambassador went on to describe his country’s defense cooperation with Turkey as “very good”.

“The two countries are looking to bolstering this cooperation,” he said. Bin Mubarak said cooperation between Qatar and other friendly states “aim to develop Qatar’s capabilities” with a view to “maintaining national security and fighting terrorism”.

“This all serve security and stability of our country and the region,” he said.

THE DESTINATION

4 Tuesday- July 04, 2017

Australia select 18 athletes to compete at Ashgabat 2017 A team of eighteen athletes have been selected to become Australia’s first ever competitors at the 5th Asian Indoor and Mar tial Ar ts Games in Ashgabat this coming September. The Australian team will contest three sports – Weightlifting, Wrestling and Taekwondo – as one of participating nations competing in the Turkmen capital. Chef de Mission of the Australian team and president of Wresting Australia, John Saul, said the opportunity for Australia’s youthful team will be an invaluable experience.

“Asia is really one of the hubs for martial arts and strength sports,” Mr. Saul said. “With some of the world’s leading countries like Iran and Japan being there as well as the host country, Turkmenistan, it’s going to be a fabulous tournament, a real learning experience for our people.”

The Athlete Village and competition venues are located in central Ashgabat, and the Ashgabat Olympic Complex w ill prov ide a real ist ic Olympic like experience for Team Australia.

“Being a Games environment, rather than a Championships environment, means everyone is on site so our team is around the world’s best athletes not only during training sessions but also during living and recreation time,” Saul continued. “We will be able to see just how committed they are and what their training regime is like, and once our young athletes see that, they start to learn what they really need to be working towards to reach that same world class level.” The Australian Olympic Committee is sending eight

teams away to Olympic, Youth Olympic and regional Games over the next five years. CEO of the AOC, Matt Carroll, said occasions like the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games create Olympic-like experiences to develop Australia’s future sporting stars. “The AOC thanks the Ashgabat 2017 Executive Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia for their invitation to participate in the Games,” Mr. Carroll said. “Regional Games provide events for the AOC to pursue opportunities in Asia for our member sports to develop young talent into f ut u re Oly mpians. “This young Australian team will not only benefit from the international exposure and Games-like experience in Ashgabat, but the opportunity to mix with Asia’s best in Weightlifting, Wresting and Taekwondo will motivate them to pursue their short and long term sporting goals, with many of them eyeing Tokyo 2020,” he said.

Among the six wrestlers selected include Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games wrestlers Rupinder Kaur and Carissa-Jane Holland, who will compete in their respective female 48kg and 53kg categories. While Kaur and Holland will provide some guidance for the younger members, Saul said the international exposure is what the team needs. “Our sport is very small in Australia and the athletes are going to get some experience they otherwise would not have… and hopefully this will be very beneficial when they come up to 2020 and we compete in Tokyo.” High Performance Coordinator of the Australian Weightlifting Federation,

Brandan Kennedy, said the six weightlifters, with an average age of 23, have been selected based on their future potential to be Australia’s best. “They’re our up-and-coming athletes that we see contesting future Olympic and Commonwealth Games, so it’s a good chance for them to get experience on the international stage to prepare them for that journey,” Mr. Kennedy said of the selected team, which includes current Australian Champions Jacob Marquardt (Male 94kg) and Brandon Wakeling (Male 69kg). “For some of them they haven’t actually been on an international trip before, so while they’re moving up the ranks in Australia, it’s a chance to experience being on an international team, being in the village, being part of a complete team – not just a weightlifting team – and representing Australia.” President of Australian Taekwondo, Joelie Chisholm, agrees the exposure will be of great benefit to the taekwondo athletes who vary in experience and age.

The Australian Taekwondo Team is a good mixture of experienced athletes at the international level and those who are developing,” Ms. Chisholm said. “We have two athletes on the team who were at the 2015 Pacific Games – Keshena Waterford and eanna Kyriazopoulos – but for some of them it will be the first time in a multi-sport and village environment, which is invaluable experience if they have aspirations for Tokyo 2020.

“Ashgabat 2017 will be a great opportunity for high quality international exposure for our athletes.” Source: Australia Olympic Committee

Effective role of commercial sections direly needed: SCCI President SIALKOT—President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Majid Raza Bhutta has demanded the government to appoint specialist marketing personnel as commercial and trade officers in mission abroad to better tap the markets and promote “Made in Pakistan Brand”. Talking to the media here on Sunday, he said that Commercial Sections could play an instrumental role in developing and maintaining export markets, attracting inward foreign investment and catering an image of the home country at international market.

There is a dire need of making commercial sections more effective for bringing significant boom in export of the country, he said. He also urged the government to take drastic steps for setting up EXIM Bank (Export import bank of Pakistan) on priority basis to facilitate the export sector of the country

in terms of financing and other related issues. The EXIM bank should be given practical shape in the larger interest of export sector the country, he said. Keeping in view the contribution and importance of Sialkot in term exports, the government should take step for setting up Special Economic Zone in Sialkot to facilitate the business community of Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot and many other adjoining areas, he said.

The SCCI President suggested that Sialkot Export Processing Zone (SEPZ) should be given the status of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to facilitate business community of Gujrat, Gujranwala and Sialkot. The SCCI President further said the government should provide special incentives to encourage the export of high priority sectors like textile and clothing, surgical and dental instruments, leather

products, sports goods, footwear, gems and jewelry and furniture. Similarly potential sectors like surgical implants, composite products, light engineering products, printing and packing, sportswear, fitness apparel, gloves and musical instruments etc., needed special focus and facilities to perform optimally, he added.

Emph a si z i ng t he ne e d of setting up “Marketing Intelligence Cell” at Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) for providing assistance to manufacturers and exporters in obtaining information pertaining to international demands for com mod it ies, compet itive price index, expanding markets and other essential trends. The cell would also serve to disseminate updated information to the exporters on export markets and technology to facilitate diversification of exports, Majid added.

UK should take notice of HR violations by Indian forces in Occupied Kashmir: AJK President

President Azad Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan has urged the United Kingdom to play its role in resolving the longstanding Kashmir dispute. Addressing a function in Manchester on Saturday, he also asked United Kingdom being a permanent member of the Security Council to help make the role of world body more effective and vigorous. He said United Kingdom should take notice of massive human rights violations by Indian troops in held valley. Earlier, talking to the newly elected members of the House of Commons in Bradford, AJK President urged them to raise their voices for the fundamental rights of Kashmiris. Sardar Masood Khan lauded Pakistan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for their steadfast support for the cause of Kashmir .

Balochistan govt allocates Rs885m for fisheries sector Sources say Provincial govt striving to improve living standard of fishermen

Islamabad / SEOU L — Starting next month, LG (Electronics) is expanding the capabilities of its highly regarded LG G6 with an enhanced security option and user-friendlier features.

New capabilities in the form of Face Print, Low Power Consumption and Covered Lens warning will be introduced to existing devices via a software update and included in all new LG G6 units sold. In addition to these upgrades, LG is introducing a new version of the G6, the LG G6+, featuring additional storage and premium sound.

Face Print is an enhanced security option developed

by LG that is more convenient to use than existing facial recognition technology.

With Face Print, owners can unlock the LG G6 by simply holding the phone up to their faces without the need to press any buttons. Unlocking occurs as soon as the registered face is recognized, usually in less than one second on average. The camera is only activated when the phone is raised to the face so there is no additional battery drain when using Face Print.

Another new feature, Low Power Consumption, is

built into the Qualcomm Hexagon DSP architecture integrated in the Qualcomm Snapdragon™ mobile platform of the LG G6. The All-Ways Aware hub takes advant age of Google’s Contextual Hub Runtime Environment (CHRE) to sense and collect data at all times from both sensors and wireless connections to improve the user experience with third party applications, all the while using very little battery power and reducing latency.

Covered Lens warning prevents shutterbugs from spoiling their own photographs with an errant digit. The wide angle lens in the LG G6 covers a large field of view and as such, it can sometimes capture an unwanted finger in the frame if the shooter is not careful. This feature alerts the user with a notification on the display if a finger (or fingers) inadvertently make it into the shot before the shutter is activated.

Beyond the enhanced software, LG is introducing two new colors for the LG G6: Optical Marine Blue and Optical Terra Gold. The backs of these new phones are covered with a lenticular

film to deliver a mesmeric optical effect. On the front, the 5.7-inch screen is framed in all black for a seamless, consistent look that highlights the expansiveness of the FullVision display. The new LG G6+ features a generous 128GB of onboard storage and premium earphones from B&O PLAY to take full advantage of the 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC featured in the smartphone.

Available in Optical Astro Black, Optical Marine Blue and Optical Terra Gold, the turbocharged LG G6+ comes with all the innovations of the LG G6 with the addition of wireless charging in some countries.

“LG’s G series has always been about offering innovation and technology that we believe will appeal to as many customers as possible,” said Juno Cho, president of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company.

“By expanding the G6 lineup with differentiating features and colors, consumers will have even more options to consider when shopping for a new smartphone.” The exact dates of availability of the software update and the LG G6+ will be announced locally in each market.

Palm jumps to over 2-week high on gains in related edible oils In Balochistan, provincial government is making serious efforts to improve living standard of fishermen and their working conditions. According to official sources, an amount of 885 million rupees has been allocated for the fisheries sector in the current fiscal year. Moreover, interest free loans worth one billion rupees will be disbursed among fishermen. Another project for operationalization of a fish processing unit in Pasni will be started soon and it will cost 500 million rupees.

Federal govt completes Takht Bhai flyover

K UA L A L U M P U R — Malaysian palm oil futures jumped in early trade on Monday tracking strong gains in soyoil on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) and related edible oils on China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange. The benchmark palm oil contract for September delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange was up 1.5 percent at 2,496 ringgit ($581.07) a tonne at the midday break, its strongest gain in over two weeks. It earlier rose to an intraday peak of 2,504 ringgit, its highest level since June 19.

Traded volumes stood at 18,160 lots of 25 tonnes each.

“The market is up on strong gains in soyoil,” said a Kuala Lumpur-based futures trader, referring to palm’s rival oilseed on the CBOT. Gains in soyoil and refined bleached and deodorized palm olein on China’s Dalian exchange were also supportive of palm oil, he added. Palm oil prices are also impacted by movements in soyoil, as the compete for a share in the global edible oils market.

Soybean oil on the CBOT rose 0.8 percent on Monday, after the US Department of Agriculture reported lowerthan-expected estimates for plantings and soybean stocks.

In other related oils, the

September soybean oil on the Dalian Com modit y Exchange was up as much as 1.4 percent, while the September palm olein contract rose 1.3 percent. Gains however are not likely to sustain as exports remain weak after the Ramadan and Eid-Al-Fitr festivities, said another trader.

Consumption of palm oil for cooking purposes is higher during Ramadan, which sees Muslims break day-long fasts with communal feasting, and also for the Eid celebrations. Demand typically slows after Ramadan, as buyers stock up on palm oil supplies a month or two ahead of the festivities.—DNA

Federal Govt issues notification for revision of BPS, allowances

The federal government has completed work on the multi-faceted Takht Bhai flyover project at Railways Crossing NowsheraChitral Highway that will help facilitate over seven million people of seven districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Project Director, flyover has been opened for all kinds of traffic.

He said that it will provide speedy communication facilities to people of Malakand Division besides saving their precious time while reaching to Peshawar or Islamabad. The project director said flyover was yet another gift of PML-N government for the KP people in addition to Peshawar Bypass road, Hazara Motorway, Lawari Tunnel and Nawaz Sharif Kidney Hospital Swat.

Sahiwal Coal Power Project reflects govt’s policy of transparency: Shahbaz A delegation of the China Huwanging Group, led by its Chairman Mr. Cao Peixi, called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif in Lahore.

Huwanging Group is working on one thousand three hundred twenty megawatt Sahiwal Coal Power Plant. The Chief Minister on the occasion said that Sahiwal Coal Power Plant has been completed in only twenty-two months, which is a new

LG Expands Capabilities of G6 with Enhanced Features and New “Plus” Version

world record.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Sahiwal Coal Power Project ref lects gover n ment’s policy of transparency.

He said the Power Plant will help reduce electricity load-shedding. Chairman of China Huwanging group completion of Sahiwal Coal Power Plant in a record period of time is a trend setter in the history of the power sector. Addressing the

signing ceremony of Dualization of SheikhupuraGujranwala Road Project in Lahore on Sunday, Shahbaz Sharif said Punjab government is laying network of carpeted roads across the Province.

He said that billions of rupees have been provided for the development of people of south Punjab. The Chief Minister said that democracy is flourishing and today’s democratic institutions are much more stronger as compared to past.

The Federal Government has issued formal notification for revision of Basic Pay Scales and Allowances as announced by the Finance Minister in his budget speech. The revised scales applicable to civil employees of the Federal Government and those paid out of civil estimates and the defence estimates would be effective from first of this month.

The new scales are: Scale-1: Rs. 9130-29017830, Scale-2: Rs. 9310330-19210, Scale-3 : Rs. 9610-390-21310, Scale-4: Rs. \9900-440-23100, Scale-5: Rs. 10260-500-25260, Scale-6: Rs. 10620-560-27420, Scale-7: Rs. 10990-610-29290, Scale-8: Rs. 11380-670-31480, Scale-9: Rs.

11770-730-33670, Scale-10 Rs. 12160-800-36160, Scale-11 Rs. 12570-880-38970, Scale-12: Rs. 13320-960-42120, Scale-13: Rs. 14260-1050-45760, Scale-14: Rs. 15180-1170-50280, Scale-15: Rs. 16120-1330-56020, Scale-16: Rs. 18910-1520-64510, Scale-17: Rs. 30317-2300-76370, Scale-18: Rs. 38350-2870-95750, Scale-19: Rs. 59210-3050-120210, Scale-20: Rs. 69090-4510-132230, Scale-21 Rs. 76720-5000-146720, Scale-22: Rs. 82380-5870-164560 An Adhoc Relief Allowance 2017 at the rate of 10% of the

running basic pay of BPS2017 would be allowed to the employees. Adhoc allowance 2010 of 50% would cease to exist from first of this month.

The Adhoc Relief Allowance 2016 of 10% would stand frozen at the level of its admissibility as on 30th of June this year. The basic pay of an employee would be fixed in the new basic pay scales on point-to-point basis. The personal pay drawn by an employee as part of basic pay beyond the maximum of pay scale would continue as such at the revised rates. All special pays, special allowances or allowances admissible as percentage of pay shall stand frozen at the level of admissibility as on 30th of June this year. Rate of orderly allowance for BPS-20 to 22 has also been increased from the existing 12,000 rupee to fourteen thousand rupee per month. ) Source: Radio Pakistan)

AIOU overseas students’ exams begin on July 16

Soyabean oil import decreases by 35.35% in 11 months

Rs. 537.646 mln released under PSDP 2016-17 for Food Security

“Dump and run” at PSX as KSE-100 plunges

Allama Iqbal Open University will conduct final exam of Metric, FA and BA programs for its overseas students from July 16.

These exams will take place in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Bahrain. Exams centers have been set-up in all these countries at appropriate place. Date sheet/roll number slips have also been placed at the University’s website Overseas@aiou. edu.pk . On the directives of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, the Directorate has made also possible arrangements to provide best possible services to these students, through the support of Pakistani Missions abroad

Soyabean oil imports into the country during last 11 months of current financial year decreased by 35.35 percent as compared with the imports of the corresponding period of last year. During the period from July-May, 2016-17, about 87,551 metric tons of soyabean oil valuing US$ 112.531 million were imported to fulfill the domestic requirements as against the imports of 134,943 metric tons valuing US$ 174.59 million during the same period of last year. According to the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, palm oil imports into the country during last 11 months grew by 12.76 percent and reached at US$ 1.746 billion.

The government had released Rs. 537.646 million under its last year’s PSDP against the total allocation of Rs. 573.646 million for the uplift of agriculture sector of the country. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research had utilized all the allocated funds under PSDP 2016-17 on its various developmental projects.

The government had spent Rs. 195.447 million on the research for agriculture development programme as against the total allocation of Rs. 195.447 million for the financial year 2016-17. Under PSDP 2016-17, the government had released Rs. 50 million for indigenization of hybrid seed production for enhanced crop production.

Investors adopted a dump-and-run approach as the KSE-100 Index plunged over 1,630 points or 3.5% in intra-day trading, falling below the 45,000 level with political uncertainty and lack of positive triggers doing enough to push stocks deep in the red. The KSE-100 – a benchmark for market performance – underwent selling pressure from the word go, dipping to a low of 44,932 points at the time of filing this report with volumes remaining on the lower side. The index has been under immense pressure since the last week of May when Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, announced the federal budget that was widely seen as a negative for stock market investors.