The Destination Issue 50 Vol 1

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ISLAMABAD ISSUE: 50 VOL: 1

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Precipitation: 20% Humidity: 57% Wind: 21 km/h Saturday – July 08, 2017

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Shawal 13, 1438 AH.

Kargil war hero Lalak Jan remembered

The martyrdom anniversary of Havildar Lalak Jan Shaheed was observed on Friday with pledges of sparing no efforts for defending the frontiers of the country. Havildar Lalak Jan was born on April 1, 1967. He was awarded Nishan-e-Haider for his dauntless courage and devotion during the Kargil war in 1999. He was enlisted in the Army on 10 December 1984.

He was serving in Northern Light Infantry Regiment when skirmishes broke out in Kargil in 1999. Havildar Lalak Jan of the Northern Light Infantry Regiment fought from the forefront to thwart heavy Indian attacks. He volunteered himself to be deployed on the front positions located at the jagged peak in May 1999. Havildar Lalak Jan repulsed back many aggressive ventures by the enemy and imposed colossal losses on them. On 7 July 1999, Havildar Lalak Jan sustained serious injuries as enemies pounded the area with heavy mortar shells. But despite being injured, he retained his position and frustrated the Indian assault. Due to severe injuries he embraced martyrdom.

Chinese firm to construct oil refinery in Kohat

A Chinese firm has agreed to construct Oil Refinery near Kohat. Sources of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Oil and Gas Company Limited (KPOGCL) said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the company.

The oil refinery spreading over two hundred acres land will be completed at a cost of $300 million in four years. The refinery on completion will produce 15, 000 barrel oil per day.

MRP system inaugurated at Embassy of Pak istan, Dakar, Senegal

T h e M a ch i n e Re a d a ble Passport System (MRP) is inaugurated at the Embassy of Pakistan in Dakar, Senegal.

Muhammad Imran Mirza, Ambassador of Pakistan welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of machine readable passport system for the Pakistanis in Senegal, said a message received here on Friday. On the occasion, a large number of Pakistani community living in Senegal attended the function. The Mission also invited six other countries of accreditation in the function.

It is pertinent to mention here that Muhammad Husnain Shah, Technical Officer (MRP/ MRV) was deputed from June 04-18, 2017 to deploy the MRP System who successfully installed it and trained the Embassy staff to be able to operate the system independently. On the occasion, the guests expressed their graduate to the High Commission of Pakistan for introducing this facility.

Third Friday prayers not allowed in Srinagar Jamia Masjid

It was the third consecutive Friday in occupied Kashmir that no Friday prayers were allowed at Kashmir’s historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar.

Pakistan ahead of whole world for global safety and security, NSC

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee at PM House, Islamabad yesterday. Matters pertaining to national security, foreign policy in the regional and global context were discussed during the meeting. It was reiterated that Pakistan has acted as a frontline state in global counterterrorism efforts with unparalleled sacrifices and successes.

No other country in the world has done as much for global safety and security

as Pakistan at a huge cost of both men and material. The sacrifices of security forces, Law Enforcement Agencies and the national resolve in fighting the scourge of terrorism was acknowledged and appreciated during the meeting. The participants reiterated that regional peace and progress was directly linked to resolution of all outstanding issues including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan continues to work for peace and progress in Afghanistan through an Afghan led and

Afghan owned peace process with the help of both regional and global partners, and will continue to strive for return of normalcy in Afghanistan at the earliest. This however, requires simultaneous efforts by the Afghan government for restoring effective control on its territory. The meeting was attended by Minister for D efe nc e K h awaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Finance Mr. Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Adviser to PM on

Foreign Affairs Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muham mad Zakaullah, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail A man, National Security Advisor Lt. Gen (R) Nasser Khan Janjua, Director General ISI, Lt. Gen. Naveed Mukhtar and senior civil and military officials.

WTO panel adjudicates in Pakistan’s favour

I S L A M A B A D — Wo r l d Trade Organisation (WTO) has decided in Pakistan’s favour and held measures adopted by the European Commission on export of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate, a chemical used in the making of mineral water bottles) against WTO law and rules.

The WTO categor ically ruled that measures applied

by European Commission on Pakistani PET were inconsistent with the Subsidies and Countervailing Measures Agreement (SCM) of the

WTO, said a statement issued here on Friday.

This is being seen as a big diplomatic success of Pakistan at the multilateral forum in Geneva by trade experts.

The report of the WTO adjudicating panel was released in Geneva. The European Union way back in 2010 had imposed a crippling countervailing duty on Pakistan’s PET. As per conservative estimates, the unfair trade protection measures imposed by EU seven years ago, caused a loss of approximately 300 million

Euros to Pakistan’s nascent chemical industry. Pakistan had filed a case of unfair trade practices in March 2015, against 28 country European Commission. International Trade Law experts have labelled it as a success of the present government’s economic diplomacy, which will have far reaching effects in protecting Pakistan’s exports globally.

PET popularly also called Resin is bottle-grade polyester chip, which is used in production of disposable PET bottles

for mineral water beverages.

Minister for Commerce, Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan has appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Commerce officials who contested the case at the international dispute forum over the last two years. He hoped that the findings of the WTO panel will boost Pakistan’s exports and also help the government ward off future trade restrictions being based on similar trade remedy practices.

Uzbek President visits Mingbulokneft JV

Tashkent, Uzbekistan— President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Uzbek-Chinese joint venture “Mingbulokneft” i n M i ngbu lok reg ion.

“Exploration and development of Mingbulok field” is a large-scale and long-term project. Within its framework, it is envisaged to put 4 exploratory drilling wells

into operation and repair 4 available wells. The project is included in the target list of the Investment program of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2017, currently the main contractor – Xibu Duolling Engineering company has completed the preparation of the drilling site and shift camp. This year, it is planned to use US$ 15 million dollars of investments, attracted from the financial and commercial institutions of China to repair the administrative building of the deposit, commissioning an exploration-drilling rig M15 and implementing other activities. Recently, an exploration well M15 was launched in the field. Drilling operations at the well will be conducted at great depths – up to 6 thousand meters at anomalous pressure – 1200

atmospheres in conditions of complex geological structure of reservoirs, which requires the use of the most advanced engineering solutions. As a result of this project, it is planned to produce 200 thousand tons of liquid hydrocarbon per year worth more than 255 million dollars, designed for 25 years.

Uzbek President noted that this enterprise would play an important role in further development of the economy. Conducted a conversation with builders and Chinese specialists.

Information was provided on the results of geological exploration in Ferghana valley, which allowed identifying reserves of many types of natural resources. In the future, modern enterprises will be created for their development.

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Govt successfully heading towards elimination of load-shedding: PM Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif says his government is successfully heading towards permanently eliminating load shedding from the country. He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of 760-megawatt first unit of Haveli Bahadur Shah near Jhang on Friday.

The Prime Minister said power generation is being increased at a fast pace, and these projects will give boost to industry, agriculture, and trade. He said completion of the first unit of this power project in twenty-one months is unbelievable. He said the government believes in provision of affordable electricity to people. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said our foes are disturbed over unprecedented development in

various fields in the country.

He said industry is booming, agriculture is growing, road network is being expanded, and tourism is thriving in the country due to the government’s untiring efforts.

Addressing the ceremony, Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif said Haveli Bahadur Shah, Bhikki and Balloki power plants will add 3600 MW power to the national grid. He said gap in power supply and demand in June 2013 was 67 percent, which has now been reduced to 19 percent. The Minister said power transmission and distribution system is also being upgraded.

Speaking on the occasion, P u njab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said 168

billion rupees have been saved in Haveli Bahadur Shah, Bhikki and Balloki power plants due to transparency. He said new power plants will bring development to all sectors besides creating new job opportunities. Earlier, Project Director Rashid Mehmud Langrial briefed the Prime Minister that the power plant will produce a total of 1230 MW electricity. He said the first unit has been made operational in a record period of twenty-one months, saving fifty seven billion rupees.

He said the cost of production is quite low due to transparency in bidding process, which will benefit consumers.

Zardari asks Nawaz to step down

SA NGH A R— For me r pre side nt a nd PPPParliamentarians chief Asif Ali Zardari criticised the ruling PML-N government and accused Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of stabbing him in the back but maintained that the party should be allowed to complete its term regardless of the decision on the Panamagate case.

Addressing a political convention at Sanghar, Zardari advised Nawaz Sharif to step down and nominate another prime minister. He claimed that the PPP had supported PM Sharif when he and his party were in hot water due to a ‘conspiracy’ but accused that in response Sharif stabbed PPP in the back. He warned PM Sharif that he will have to face the music

without the support of PPP if a conspiracy is hatched against him now.

“We helped you when a conspiracy was hatched against your government but you stabbed us in the back. You intimidated my friends, our provincial government, and its bureaucracy,” Zardari said while referring to raids conducted by National Accou nt abilit y Bu reau (NAB) and charges levelled

by NAB against PPP leaders in Sindh. “Pakistan’s reins are in the hands of fools,” he said while alluding to Sharifs.

Talking about the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, Zardari said that the project would be beneficial for both the countries. He also criticised

the government for what he called illogical polices on business and economy. The former president alleged that at a time when the rest of world is progressing, our rulers are keeping the country backwards as they are more concerned about a joint interrogation team (JIT). He also turned his guns towards the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan and said that there is a huge difference between playing cricket, selling steel and running a country. He added, “I will show them how Pakistan is managed.”

Zardari also criticised former military ruler Pervaiz Musharraf, saying that the “commando” developed pain in his ribs when it came to facing judiciary.

Pakistan cannot allow social media to hurt religious sentiments: Nisar

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan says no one could be allowed to misuse social media hurting religious sentiments and undertaking unlawful activities,

reported by Radio Pakistan.

Talking to Vice President of Facebook Joel Kaplan in Islamabad on Friday, he said the government believes in freedom of expression. The

Minister said the entire Muslim Ummah has serious concerns over misuse of social media platforms to propagate blasphemous content.

The two sides discussed steps to remove blasphemous content from social media. The Facebook Vice President reiterated to keep the platform safe and promote values that are in congruence to community standards in Pakistan. He also committed to remove fake accounts, explicit, hateful and provocative material that incites violence and terrorism.

2 Saturday- July 08, 2017

THE DESTINATION

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

Girls’ Education and Challenges

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Kallar Kahar is in Punjab, Pakistan. This beautiful place is famous for natural garden of loquat trees, Salt Water Lake with beautiful species of peacocks. People traveling from Lahore to Islamabad, prefer to stay here for recreation at the bank of salty water Lake. Emperor Babar described Kallar Kahar in his memoirs, the Takht-e-Babri, as a “charming place with good air”.

Ex Finance Minister Bajwa appointed SBP governor ISLAMABAD—Pakistan’s gove r n me nt on Fr id ay appointed former finance ministry official Tariq Bajwa as the new governor of its State Ban k of Pakistan (SBP), in a move likely to raise concerns that the independence of the State Bank of Pakistan is being eroded.

Bajwa recently retired as the top bureaucrat at the finance ministry and had worked closely with Finance

Minister Ishaq Dar, who has clashed with the SBP in recent days. “The President of Pakistan is pleased to appoint Tariq Bajwa as Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for a period of three years from the date he assumes office,” according to a statement posted on the official finance ministry.

Bajwa’s appointment comes days after Dar sparred with the central bank over the

rupee’s unexpected 3.1 percent plunge against the dollar on Wednesday. Analysts said the SBP allowed the local currency to fall, which prompted a furious backlash from Dar. Deputy Governor Riaz Riazuddin was in May appointed as acting governor for three months until a per manent new chief was named. But Dar said the appointment would be brought forward after the

rupee plunge. Riazuddin is expected to revert to his post as the deputy governor, according to an SBP source.

Analysts have said Dar’s outspoken comments against the SBP had put in question the bank’s independence, and the appointment of a civil servant, rather than an economist, is likely to add to doubts about the bank’s autonomy.—DNA

At least 76 police officers injured in G-20 protests in Germany

At least 76 police officers were injured when violent protesters clashed with police 1 day before G20 Summit in the streets of Hamburg, Ger many.

Three of the officers are being treated at the hospital, police said. One of the

injured officers suffered an eye wound after a firecracker exploded in their face.

In addition, a police officer a nd one of f icial were attacked near a fish market in the St. Pauli neighborhood, Hamburg police said in a press release. The

two were able to escape in a rescue vehicle and were not injured, according to police. Emergency personnel and their vehicles were also attacked, and the identities of the assailants are not known, police said. A portion of the crowd acted in a hostile manner toward officers on the scene, throwing bottles and other objects at them, police said, describing the events as “heavy riots.” Masked men protests vandalized several shops and cars along the streets, and a police helicopter was repeatedly blinded by a laser pointer, police said. Officers have begun moving to make arrests.

Authorities fired water cannons and used pepper spray to disperse the crowds, Hamburg police wrote on

Twitter. Some 8,000 people were in the crowd, and not all of them were violent, police said, adding that about 1,000 people were part of a black bloc anarchist group. Police have not yet released figures on how many people were arrested and injured during the demonstrations. On Twitter, police posted photos of large fires and urged bystanders in the area to leave. More than 100,000 protesters are expected in Hamburg for the summit, which include about 8,000 people considered part of Europe’s violent left-wing scene, The Associated Press reported.

Some 20,000 police officers have been activated to keep the demonstrations under control amid high tensions.

Mehr Parwar Educat ion Advocacy Program Officer, Hashoo Foundation One of the commitments of National Education Policy 2009 is ‘Promoting equity in education with the aim to eliminate social exclusion and provision of increased opportunities to marginalized groups, par ticularly girls’. Further the education policy states that Pakistan shall endeavor “to remove illiteracy and provide free and compulsory secondary education within minimum possible period”. Reforms have been made to improve the situation of girls’ education. Hence,due to lack of proper planning and gaps at implementation level female education ratio in the country remainedlow and the target unreached yet. Statistics of Pakistan Education Report 2016 showsOut Of SchoolGirls (OOSG) ratio in Primary to secondary classes (Age 5-16)as 51% in overall the country. The education reports and physical observations of schools reveal that consequentlyvarious hurdles and hindrances have been preventing girls to attend schools in the country especially in underdeveloped areas. For instance most of the schools in such areas fail to provide a favorable environment for girls in the schools.

Henceforth, problems such as scarcity of washrooms for girls, unfriendly teachers’ behavior, lack of well qualified and trained teachers, non- existence of health facilities and adolescence problems along with fear of

harassment persist ascommon issues that demoralize girls from overall education.

Furthermore,schools fee,travel expenses and st at ioner y expensesin higher grades are other factors that reduce the interest of parents and girls in pursuing education after a certain age and they remain bound to their homes.

Reports on education issues show that girls continueto stay at home after primary and middle as most of the high schools in underdeveloped areas are far-away from homes. Thus, primary education is often accessible and much closer, but secondary schools tend to be inaccessibly far away from many school-age girls cause to increase more dropouts and out of school girls ratio in the country.Moreover, there is no provision of learning facilities for needy girls such as monthly stipend to meet stationery and lunch box expenses in the school.Likewise, women and girls have become the victims of male dominant society where male made decisions literally put girls far behind in education and development.Similarly child labor has been remained another main factor to limit girls’ movement to their homes merely. This can be seen as a result of no awareness or lack of capacity building of parents about importance of girls’ education.A report of a newspaper, The Nation Feb 21, 2015 shows that in KPK and Balochistan women are severely bound by cultural constraints and prejudices.

That’s why in Balochistan,

female literacy rate stands between 15 to 25%. Hence, most of t he women a re involved in reproductive, productive and community work for 14 to 18 hours. The same report further depicts that, 51% women remain with their families by force to just bear children within their houses.

Bringing improvement in above mentioned problemsis not easy task as it needs rigorous efforts, systematic planning along with sincere commitment at all levels. First and foremost, important step is utilization of available existing resources in the schools for the maximum benefit of students.

In this regard federal and provincial government need to play their supportive role through providing additional budget to improve infrastructure in underdeveloped areas of the country. Education department of the state and respective school management can bring recommendations in their consideration such as; utilization of the existing infrastructure which is currently not in use of schools, conduction of need analysissurveys and developmentof strategic plans for construction of new schools in underdeveloped areas. Adding that, the provision of medical facilities in the schools is another dire need to work on.Similarly, the Education department must ensure merit based recruitment of new teachers and discourage any sort of political influence and favoritism.

Along with these steps conduction of the need based trainings and provision of

RAWALPINDI—Pakistan Nava l ch ief Ad m i r a l Muham mad Zakaullah paid tribute to fellow exserviceman Fakhar Zaman.

Pakistan latest batting sensation, Zaman was an integral part of the Green Shirts that went on to win ICC Champions Trophy.

“Pakistan Navy is specially proud of ex PN serviceman

Fa k h a r Z a m a n , w h o remained part of Pakistan Navy cricket team for seven years and has become symbol of Pakistan as well as of Pakistan Navy, for his impressive performance throughout the tournament,” said the Naval chief, during a reception held by Pakistan Navy in honour of Pakistan cricket team.

Zakaullah further applauded Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed “who played an instrumental role by uniting as well as leading entire team and playing as one unit thereby achieving this glorious feat.“

technical guidance and support to teachersthrough conducting classroom observations and feedback sessions is essential to bring positive change in the schools.Furthermore, well qualified, trained, energetic and sincere principals must be placed in the schools to ensure effective school management and administration. Principal and teachers must be provided with especial training on topics such as; conducive and enabling school environment, gender education, child rights, girls’ rights and psychosocial support. In adding the schools must arrange enrichment programs on leadership, reading, health/life skills and summer school programs for girls’students who were never enrolled or dropped out.School wise strategic planning on Whole School Improvement Program is also required to meet school improvement areas on yearly bases.

Government should pass gender fair inheritance laws, provide incentives for girls and young women to improve their educational attainment and become gainfully employed, Educational institution along with the support of government must arrange education campaigns to transmit positive messages about the value of girls’ education and their rights of education to sensitize communities. The government should provide monthly stipend for girlsto encourage girls’ education in backwards areas. Further It needs to work on smooth transition of schools from pre-primary school to primary school andto secondary and higher secondary education. In Pakistan, for every 75 primary schools only 25 middle schools exist and in some provinces, for every 91 primary schools only 5 middle schools exist. [A Report on Education, December 19, 2013] To overcome this issue, government and development sector must come together and implement projects and programs based on long term goals to influence policies and to promote principles of inclusive and sustainable development in education sector.

Navy Chief salutes fellow soldier Zaman

Chief of the Naval Staff also awarded medals to the members of

the national team. The reception was attended

by Minister for InterProvisional Coordination Riaz Pirzada, Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shahryar Khan, PCB officials and other dignities.—DNA

All eyes on Trump-Putin dynamics as they meet for first time at G20

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to size each other up in person for the first time on Friday in what promises to be the most highly anticipated meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

Trump has said he wants to find ways to work with Putin, a goal made more difficult by sharp differences over Russia’s actions in Syria and Ukraine, and allegations Moscow meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. That means every facial expression and physical gesture

will be analyzed as much as any words the two leaders utter as the world tries to read how well Trump, a real estate magnate and former reality television star, gets along with Putin, a former spy.

The fear is that the Republican president, a political novice whose team is still developing its Russia policy, will be less prepared than Putin, who has dealt with the past two U.S. presidents and scores of other world leaders.

“There’s nothing ... the Kremlin would like to

see more than a (US) president who will settle for a grip and a grin and walk away saying that he had this fabulous meeting with the Kremlin autocrat,” Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House of Representatives’ Intelligence Committee, said in an interview on MSNBC. As investigations at home continue into whether there was any collusion between Trump’s presidential campaign and Russia the US president has come under pressure to take a hard line against the Kremlin.

Moscow has denied any interference and Trump says his campaign did not collude with Russia.

On Thursday, Trump won praise from at least one Republican hawk in the U.S. Congress after his speech in Warsaw in which he urged Russia to stop its “destabilizing activities” and end its support for Syria and Iran. “This is a great start to an important week of American foreign policy,” said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who has often been critical of Trump on security issues. But earlier in the

day, Trump declined to say definitively whether he believed US intelligence officials who have said that Russia interfered in the 2016 election.

“I think it was Russia but I think it was probably other people and/or countries, and I see nothing wrong with that statement. Nobody really knows. Nobody really knows for sure,” Trump said at a news conference, before slamming Democratic former President Barack Obama for not doing more to stop hacking.

French minister wants to “make France leader of green economy”

28 people killed in prison riot in Mexico

U.S. judge refuses to define “bona fide” relationship in Trump’s travel ban

Egypt army kills 40 militants after check point attack

French Ecology Minister Nicolas Hulot presented to the press here on Thursday the “Climate Plan” of the new government, a program which sets ambitious objectives to “accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement and adopt new objectives” to “make France the leader of the green economy.” At the press conference scheduled to present the new climate plan, Hulot first lamented the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change as “a regression,” “a painful signal,” and “a fairly violent message to those.

At least 28 people were killed in a prison riot between suspected members of rival gangs in a prison in southern Mexican state of Guerrero, according to local authorities.

The state government updated the death toll from original five to 28 as police searched the prison. Three other prisoners were lightly injured. At a press conference, Guerrero’s security spokesperson, Roberto Alvarez Heredia, said that the fight began around 4 a.m. in Las Cruces prison in Acapulco. The fighting took place within block 1, block 3 and in the yard.

A federal judge in the U.S. state of Hawaii denied a motion filed by the state seeking to clarify the definition of a “bona fide” relationship mentioned in President Donald Trump’s partially reinstated travel ban. The travel ban restricted people from six Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days, unless they can prove a “bona fide” relationship with close relatives or entities like a school or business in the United States. The six countries are Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen.

Egypt’s armed forces killed 40 militants Friday after suicide bombing and shooting on an army check point in North Sinai that killed at least ten soldiers, the army said in a statement.

“The armed forces have foiled a terrorist attack launched

by Takfir elements on some army security points in south Rafah city, bordering Palestinian Gaza Strip,” Tamer el Refai, spokesperson of the armed forces said. “During the security operation, some forty militants have been killed, and other six vehicles used by the terrorists have been destroyed,” the statement added.

THE DESTINATION

Saturday- July 08, 2017

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NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL Rana Tahir Shahbaz

Source: tourismthailand.org

with a gracious smile.

B

angkok As the political, economic, cultural, culinary, and spiritual capital of Thailand, Bangkok features both old-world charm and modern convenience, at times served up in an apparently chaotic manner, but always

Chiang Mai 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

THAILAND

Hua Hin

Thailand’s “Rose of the North” is a cultural and natural wonderland with ethnic diversity, a multitude of attractions and welcoming hospitality.

Satun

Top Destinations

The seaside town of Hua Hin, meaning “Stone Head”, was named after the rocks at the north end of the powdery sand beach. Hua Hin became Thailand’s first beach resort after a train line was laid in the 1920’s to provide access from Bangkok and King Rama VII established his summer retreat in the area. With a 5 kilometer-long beach that features numerous activities, the laid back and hospitable town of Hua Hin continues to draw both tourists and Thais. In addition to beach fun and games, outstanding seafood restaurants, and a vibrant night market, Hua Hin is well known for having some of the finest golf courses in Thailand, as well as some of the most renowned resorts and destination spas in the world.

Ko Samui

kilometers north of the present town. The present provincial capital is a relatively newer town built by King Rama III in 1833.

The town itself is a place to relax, watching the water from the banks of the river, inside a raft house, or from a riverside restaurant. Many visitors like to rest along the river with a cold drink and a good book. Many of them come here just for a couple days but stay for weeks in order to explore all of the attractions in the surrounding countryside. Along with visiting spectacular waterfalls, lush forests, and three of Thailand’s largest reservoirs, white water rafting, elephant trekking, and golfing are popular activities for visitors. Kanchanaburi is an excellent tourist destination for nature lovers.

Phetchaburi

Kanchanaburi city, the capital of Kanchanaburi Province, is a popular resort town; picturesque and worthy of a visit in its own right, it is frequently visited as base of operations for exploring the many cultural, natural, and historical attractions in the surrounding countryside. Located at the confluence of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai Rivers, Kanchanaburi lies at the source of the Mae Klong River, and these majestic bodies of water are defining characteristics of the town.

The original town of Kanchanaburi was established by King Rama I as a first line of defense against the Burmese, whom he believed might use the old invasion route through the Three Pagodas Pass at the Siam-Myanmar border. According to most historians, the old town of Kanchanaburi was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village situated approximately 16

CBI raids Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family over corruption charges INDIA—The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday registered a case against former Railways minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi and his son Tejashwi Yadav on corruption charges during his tenure as Union minister in 2006, the Indian media reported. The CBI is carrying out raids at 12 locations, including the premises of Lalu Prasad Yadav, in Delhi, Patna, Ranchi, Puri and Gurgaon. Rabri Devi’s current residence 10, Circular Road has also been raided by agency officials. Raids in New Delhi were being conducted in New Friends Colony. In Odisha, raids were carried out at Chanakya BNR Hotel in Puri.

The case is related to alleged irregularities in tenders allotted to a private company Sujata Hotels for development, maintenance and operation of BNR hotels at Ranchi and Puri. The BNR hotels are Railways’ heritage hotels which IRCTC took over fro the public transporter earlier in the same year.

Former Managing Director, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Cor poration Ltd (IRCTC) P K Goel, Sujata, wife of Yadav’s confidante Prem Chand Gupta, two directors of a private company, have also been booked by CBI in connection with the case, among others. BJP legislature party leader Sushil Kumar Modi had revealed, earlier this year, that two railways hotels had been allotted “in contravention of tender norms and at throwaway prices”. Modi had alleged that the beneficiary had transferred precious plots at Patna – where a big mall has been coming up- via RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta.

Several RJD leaders, who gathered at Lalu Prasad’s residence to express solidarity, accused the NDA government of ‘political vendetta’ as Lalu Prasad had always targeted ‘communal agenda’ of BJP. A party leader said, “RJD rally scheduled for August 27 would be conducted even if he is arrested.” RJD Mla

and close aide to Lalu, Shakti Singh Yadav said, “Union railway minister has no rile to play in hotel allotment.” Another RJD leader Manoj Jha said that the party will fight legally and politically agains the charges. Speaking to ANI, Jha said, “Today is the darkest day in Indian democracy.

We will not be cowed down by this. We will fight legally and politically,” Jha said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Leader Giriraj Singh said, “Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar can no longer remain quiet on corruption charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Law is taking its course. Now Nitish Kumar cannot remain a mute spectator. He will have to speak out and state his stand clearly,” Singh said. “Now, Nitish Kumar has to decide if he wants to stay with Lalu Prasad, who is already a convict in corruption case,” he added. Meanwhile, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar called for a senior officials meeting in Rajgir.

United Nations is set to adopt treaty banning nuclear weapons

In the United Nations, one hundred and twenty nine countries will adopt the first-ever treaty to ban nuclear weapons on Friday. The nuclear armed states United States, Britain, France and other nuclear powers have boycotted negotiations and termed the ban as unrealistic. Nuclear power states argued the ban will have no impact on reducing the global stockpile of fifteen thousand nuclear weapons. President of the U.N. conference Elayne Whyte Gomez has described the treaty as a historic achievement.

Trump vows to confront N Korea ‘very strongly’ United States President Donald Trump has vowed to confront North Korea very strongly following its latest missile test. He was speaking at a news conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda in Warsaw, Poland. He urged nations to show Pyongyang for strong consequences on its weapons program. Meanwhile, China has called for restraint while expressed willingness to implement relevant U.N. resolutions.

Bangladesh secretly detained, killed scores of opposition activists illegally: HRW

With its strategic location at the top of the Malay Peninsula, on the Gulf of Thailand, and protected from Myanmar (Burma) by the Bilauktuang Range, Petchaburi has long been an important region. The area has thus been continuously inhabited for well over 1,000 years and there are many historic buildings, temples, and palaces to attest to its importance. As the location is conveniently located for visitors heading south either by road or rail, Petchaburi is now a major stop for sightseeing along the way to Hua Hin or beach towns in Southern Thailand. In addition to a splendid historical park and many historical temples, Petchaburi features wonderful beaches and caves, as well as a great variety of local food.

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Tusk calls on G20 leaders to be “ruthless” in fight against migrant smugglers H A M B U RG , G e r m a n y (Xinhua) -- European Council President Donald Tusk called on leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) on Friday to be “ruthless” in the fight against migrant smugglers in Libya, the main springboard for migrants to reach Europe.

Tusk made the remarks at a press conference along with European Commission President Jean- Claude Juncker, before attending the plenary session of the G20 summit in the German port city of Hamburg. The migrant inflows via the central Mediter ranean route linking Libya to Italy remains a critical situation, he said, adding that the main task of the European Union (EU) was to effectively stop this wave at its source. “Italy can count on Europe’s help in every dimension. But this cannot mean a wider opening of Europe’s door towards illegal migration,” Tusk said, “That is why, here at the G20, I will call on

Pattaya

One of the hottest beach-resort destinations in Thailand, Pattaya may not be idyllic but it certainly makes up for it with a wide variety of activities, accommodation and nightlife venues.

Ko Chang

Ko Samui is the premier island destination in the Gulf of Thailand. Samui is easily accessible, features beautiful beaches and a variety of activities, and caters to visitors on any budget.

Kanchanaburi

Satun is a quiet southern province known primarily by travelers for its spectacular if infrequently visited islands, particularly Koh Lipe and Koh Tarutao.

all leaders to be ruthless in the fight against smugglers.”

Branding migrant smuggling as an “organized business” which generated 1.6 billion U.S. dollars in Libya alone last year, Tusk said these profits allowed the smugglers to control some parts of the country.

The smugglers also cooperate with terrorists and further undermine the stabilization of Libya, Tusk said, calling for more efforts at the international level to break the smugglers’ business model.

He proposed that all G20 leaders pursue targeted UN sanctions against smugglers. “By this I mean asset freezes and travel bans,” adding that these restrictive measures were “the very minimum that can be done at the global level.” Tusk, however, is not optimistic he will have the full support of G20 members. “If we do not get it, it will be a sad proof of the hypocrisy of some of the G20 members,” he said.

With no less than 50 offshore isles, Koh Chang boasts the finest red gems, sweet Rakam fruits, indigenous dogs, the historic Koh Chang Naval engagement, and is the eastern-most province in Thailand.

Krabi

Krabi Province, which lies along the coast of the Andaman sea in Southern Thailand, is a top tourist destination as a result of its plentiful natural attractions including, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, extensive coral reefs, numerous caves and waterfalls, and over 130 islands, including Koh Lanta and the jewels of the Andaman coast, the six islands of Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. While not the top destination in and of itself, Krabi Town is a charming provincial capital located along the banks of a river that leads to the nearby Andaman Sea. Consequently, Krabi is an important port city for both local fisherman as well as boats ferrying visitors to the nearby attractions, including Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Railey Beach, one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the world.

UK to co-host Int’l Family Planning Summit LONDON—The UK is cohosting an international summit on family planning in London on July 11 with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The summit aims to boost global commitment to one of the smartest investments governments can make: ensuring couples have access to the family planning services they want and need, said a press release issued by the British High Commission i n Isla maba d on Fr id ay.

Expanding access to contraception and family planning programmes is one of the most cost-effective ways to break the cycle of poverty. It allows people to plan their futures and those of their families and reach their fullest potential.

Huge progress has already been made, but there are still some 214 million women around the world who do not want to get pregnant and are not currently using modern methods of family planning. Voluntary family planning enables boys and girls

to complete their education and take up better economic opportunities: it transforms lives, creating more prosperous, stable societies. That is why UK’s International Development Secretary Priti Patel is stepping up the U K’s global leadership through an international summit on family planning in London this summer.

Commenting on the Summit, International Development Secretary Priti Patel said, “I am proud of the UK’s global leadership on family planning, sexual and reproductive health. We can see the progress that is being made around the world – but much more needs to be done.”

“That’s why the Family Planning Summit will be so important. It is a vital and exciting opportunity for the key players to get together and speed up progress to help 120 million more women and girls take control of their own lives through voluntary, modern family planning by 2020,” Patel said. A high level delegation from the federal and

the provincial governments of Pakistan will be attending the summit. The government of Pakistan will be renewing the pledges made in 2012 and will present a further package of commitments to accelerate its progress towards achieving Family Planning 2020 goals.

These commitments are likely to include involving the public and private health sectors in family planning to ensure universal coverage of reproductive health services, including those hardest to reach.

Pledges will also address family planning needs of married adolescents and information gaps among the unmarried youth. New initiatives will also be announced assuring an increase in financing for family planning. With the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UK government will bring together governments, the United Nations, foundations, the private sector, civil society and youth advocates from around the world.

4 Arab States warn Qatar of new measures

They have described Doha’s rejection of their demands as threat to regional security. The four Arab states Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have warned of new measures against Qatar. In a statement, they have described Doha’s rejection of their demands as a threat to regional security. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is expected to visit Kuwait on Monday, which is mediating the Gulf crisis.

Torrential rains cause severe flooding in Japan

Troops worked from last 2 days to rescue hundreds of people stranded by flooding in southern Japan. At least two people were found dead and nearly 20 were still unaccounted for in flooding that wrecked homes, roads and rice terraces. Heavy rain warnings were in effect for much of the southern main island of Kyushu after Typhoon Nanmadol swept across Japan earlier in the week.

Authorities in Fukuoka on Kyushu said six people were injured, two of them seriously.

EU parliament asks for Turkish accession talks to be suspended

The European Parliament on Thursday asked for Turkey’s European Union accession talks to Bangladesh has secretly detained hundreds of people including opposition activists and many of be suspended if Ankara implements a constitutional overhaul, backed by a referendum in April, them have later been killed. According to New York-based Human Rights Watch report, the secuwhich expands the powers of President Tayyip Erdogan. The parliament has limited influence on rity agencies are lifting people illegally. The report said hundreds of people have been detained the issue and Turkey said on Thursday it rejected proposals that it drop its EU membership bid in and held at secret locations. favor of cooperation in other areas.

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

THE DESTINATION

4 Saturday- July 08, 2017

Pakistan’s National Qualifications Framework Muhammad Raza Chohan Director General (Academics) Higher Education Commission, Pakistan Reformation and upgradation of education systems in the world is a constant endeavor of countries to improve the quality of their educational institutions. The Bologna Process (1999-2010) developed and implemented an overarching structure to serve as a catalyst for basic and higher educational reforms in Europe.

Since the process has been adopted by over 100countriesto reform their education systems, many countries have developed their National Qualifications Frameworks to cover the full spectrum of education includes basic education, secondary education, technical and vocational education and tertiary education including the undergraduate and graduate levels. In the 2010 Prague Declaration of the European Ministers of Education, one of the aims was to mutually recognise the undergraduate and graduate degrees offered by recognised universities. This was also aimed at improving the quality of teaching and applying a comparative system of standardised and outcome based qualifications across countries.

Using the Bologna principles to bring about qualitativere forms in higher education, Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan has also developed National Qualifications Framework (NQF) with an aim to help learners to make informed decisions about their qualification. NQF will not only help establishing national standards of qualifications but will also be of great assistance to employers while assessing qualification of a candidate. It will provide a basis for comparison of qualifications at national and international levels in addition to facilitation of trans-national mobility and employability of graduates and learners.

It will also be a viable means of building linkages between prospective employers in industry and education system as well as an instrument for qualitative reforms in education system. It provides clearly defined levels of knowledge, skills and competencies to be acquired by each graduate. The levels are easy to comprehend by students, employers and human resource development policy

makers.

At the onset of work on the frameworkin2009, HEC took necessary steps to develop tools for implementing the standardised framework at a national level in all the HECrecognised public and private institutions. The tools included development and implementation of uniform semester based examination system, formation of National Curriculum Review Committees, development of assessment and grading policies and policies related to admission, retention, and graduation of students from undergraduate to graduate programmes. The main focus is the introduction of the three-cycle system (Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate), strengthened quality assurance and facilitation of easier recognition of qualifications and required periods of study.

While heading towards universally recognized undergraduate degree programmes of eight semesters (124-140credithours), the framework incor porates four semesters and 68-72 credit hours Associate Degree programmes which open the doors to initial level of employment bringing opportunity to complete the four-year degree programme.

As compared to the previously offered qualifications, the new HEC framework hasoutlined the admission, retention and graduation requirements for graduate programmes including significant innovative, applied and abstract research component. It connects universities to become engines of social, economic and human resource development in order to create a world-class critical mass of specialists in natural, social, applied sciences and professions. Professional Qualifications Register is also a part of NQF which provides all the information regarding the accredited higher education qualifications offered by institutions recognised by HEC as degree awarding institutions.

Higher education in Pakistan also inherits as cholarly system established since over 500 years, symbolized by “Darul Hikma (House of Wisdom)” and “Madrassa Nizamia” (8th-15thcentury) at Baghdad.

In 2002, a bold restructuring of higher education was done in Pakistan. HEC was established with a clear mission to “facilitate institutions of higher learning to serve as

an engine of socio-economic development of Pakistan.”

The NQF along with a policy guideline of semester-based assessment of students and a register of institutions offering various qualifications has been developed to build on the heritage of higher education. It is considered as a mechanism for classification of the qualifications on the basis of the learning outcomes i.e., knowledge, skill and competence. It is level-based and outcome focused. It sets out the levels on which a qualification can be recognised in Pakistan.

The NQF encompasses a comprehensive list of all quality assured qualifications in Pakistan.

Each accredited qualification offered in Pakistan has been assigned a level. NQF has eight levels that are based on the generic nomenclature used for the qualifications in the country. A qualification must be assigned to one of the eight levels. The framework does not describe qualifications at the same level as being equal and qualifications at the same level are not interchangeable, however, they are at a comparable level in terms of knowledge, skills or competence required to be demonstrably completed. NQF places Preprimary and Primary at level 1, Middle at level 2, Secondary Schools Certificate at level 3, Higher Secondary School Certificate at level 4, Associate Ordinary Bachelor at level 5, Bachelors at level 6, Masters at level 7, and Doctoral Studies at level 8. Likewise, in order to minimize ambiguity, HEC has outlined the basic names and has provided the criteria that how these names will be used to precisely describe the content covered. These titles indicate the qualification and programme type and fields of study and also provide a basis for national and international recognition.

It is indeed an undeniable fact that a strong qualification structure produces highly professional human capital which contributes to a country’s progress and prosperity.

The HEC-approved National Qualifications Framework will certainly play its part in bringing the country’s qualifications at par with the educational systems of the developed world.

For further information and details, the HEC website can be visited.

ISLAMABAD —JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company Ltd. (JCR-VIS) has maintained the Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating of PakQatar Family Takaful Limited (PQFTL) at ‘A’ (Single A).

Outlook on the assigned rating has been revised from ‘Stable’ to ‘Positive.’ The

rating assigned to Pak-Qatar Family Takaf ul Limited (PQFTL) incorporates its sound capacity to meet policyholder obligations reflected by its adequate capitalization and liquidity profile.

With recent equity injection, sponsors’ support provides strength to the assessment of overall risk profile of the institution. Gross premium of PQFTL amounted to Rs. 7.5b in 2016 reflecting a market share of more than 9 percent. Chief Financial Officer of PQFTL, Kamran Saleem stated that, “It is a pleasure for all the stakeholders to see

that the robust performance of PQFTL, in all aspects of its business, is being recognized by a credible rating agency like JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company.” “It is a reflection of the consistent hard work of our highly committed team. I congratulate all team members on winning this accolade for strong financial stature and earning more respect as a robust financial institution,” he said. The outlook revision to ‘Positive’ reflects the company’s ability to increase its market share resultantly contributing towards the growth of the company.

JCR-VIS assigns positive outlook to Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Ltd

LG to Supply Next Generation ADAS Cameras to Premium German Automaker

Company registration with SECP grows by 34pc during fiscal year 2016-17

ISLAMABAD— The number of companies registered with Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) during the fiscal year 2016-17 was 8,286, recording an impressive growth of 34 per cent compared to 201516. The total number of registered companies now stands at 81,493. Despite lower economic activity in June 2017

due to Ramadan and Eid holidays, the SECP registered 595 new companies in the month.

Out of these, about 86 percent companies were registered as private limited companies, around 12 percent companies were single member companies and two percent were registered as public unlisted, trade organizations and foreign companies. The service sector took the lead with the incorporation of 96 new companies, followed by trading sector with 86, construction with 84, information technology with 57, tourism with 35, education with 24, food and beverages with 19, corporate agricultural farming with 16, real estate development and textile with 14 each, auto and

allied with 13, engineering and fuel and energy with 12 each, pharmaceutical, healthcare and transport with 10 each, and 83 companies were registered in other sectors.

Moreover, two foreign companies were registered at the Company Registration Offices in Karachi and Islamabad.

The growing trend in company registration is the direct result of numerous reforms and facilitation measures undertaken by the SECP. The reforms aimed at simplifying procedures for business start-up, removing bottlenecks for timely regulatory approvals and reducing cost of starting a business, especially for small and medium enterprises.—DNA

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Rexources appreciates MPCL’s performance Islamabad /SEOUL —LG Electronics (LG) has been selected by a premium German automaker to supply ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) camera modules and related software for the company’s next generation vehicles. The LG-designed ADAS camera is capable of collecting traffic information to help drivers make better decisions and increase safety on the road.

It can accurately recognize and respond to surrounding environments - even at busy intersections - using the camera. As a key component of an overall smart car system, the LG camera can detect objects from a distance and apply Autonomous Emergency Braking if a collision is imminent. The camera can also help keep the car in the lane with Lane Keeping Assist technology as well as at a safe distance from other vehicles. Traffic

Sign Recognition and High Beam Assist are other advanced features of the LG ADAS camera. LG’s ADAS camera benefits from years of innovation and technological knowledge gleaned from the company’s leadership in mobile communications, image recognition and connectivity. LG announced earlier this year that artificial intelligence and deep learning technology will be a priority in the company’s strategy going forward.

“This is the kind of partnership we envisioned when we established the LG Vehicle Component Company four years ago,” said Lee Woojong, president of the Vehicle Components Company of LG Electronics. “Partnerships like these will help us realize the ultimate goal of bringing decades of LG innovation and know-how from the home into the automobile.”

PSQCA directed to formulate policy to keep check on non-mandatory products I SL A M A BA D —T h e Standing Committee on Science and Technology Thursday directed Pakistan Standard Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) to formulate a policy in order to keep check and balance on non-mandatory products so that the quality of these products could not be compromised. The meeting was held at the Ministry of Science and Technology under the Chairmanship of Ch. Tariq Bashir Cheema, M NA. The Standing Committee expressed its concern that out of 22000 items only 108 products are included in the mandatory list of PSQCA despite the fact, that these items have licenses but the department could only take actions against the mandatory products. The Committee was informed that overall results of open market surveillance reveal that in Islamabad and its peripheries the conformance level to the relevant PSS is

quite good except Bottled Drinking Water which is significantly less than the average level of overall performance. The Committee directed that PSQCA should take strict action against those manufacturers who did not fulfill the required criteria and its report be submitted to the Committee on monthly basis. The Committee further directed that PSQCA should coordinate with media personals in order to expose the sub-standard manufacturers. MNAs, Sarzameen, Chaudhar y Muhammad A s h r a f , G hu l a m Bi bi Bharwana, Makhdoom Syed Ali Hassan Gillani, Aftab Shahban Mirani, Shamasun-Nisa, Ali Muhammad Khan, Lal Chand Malhi, Sajid Ahmad, Mehboob A la m , A l iya K a m r a n , Shahjahan Muneer Mangrio and Engineer Usman Khan Tarakai attended the meeting, besides officials of the Ministry.

Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources visited Mari Petroleum Company LTD (MPCL) Head Office in Islamabad today and appreciated the operational performance of MPCL in the fields of Exploration and Production. T he Minister of Petroleum & Nat u ral Resou rces was earlier received at MPCL Head Off ice by Lt Gen ( Ret d) Ish fa q Na de e m Ahmad, MD& CEO of Mari Pet roleum Company. A

detailed presentation regarding MPCL’s performance was given to the Federal Minister.

The Minister was informed that MPCL is presently working in 08 operated and 05 non-operated blocks with 125 producing wells. The minister was pleased to note that MPCL has 77% success ratio.

Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was informed that MPCL has drilled 13 exploratory wells during the last 04 years (2013-2017) out of which 10 were successful and in result its gas, oil & condensate

production has increased significantly. The Federal Minister was particularly pleased to note that MPCL is contributing in Pakistan’s food security through gas production which is resulting in production of 80% of country’s Urea, and supplying uninterrupted gas to all its customers since 1967. The Federal Minister hailed the efforts of MPCL employees and management and urged them to continue working with the present commitment, zeal and enthusiasm.

Pakistan joins Global Ceylon tea party celebrations

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan has joined Global Ceylon tea party celebrations held world over to mark 150 Years of Ceylon tea. The high commissioner of Sri Lanka Maj.(Gen) Maj. Gen. Loku Katagodage J C Perera ® hosted a grand reception to celebrate the event in a befitting manner. While speaking on the occasion the high commissioner said, the Colombo Tea Traders

Association (CTTA) along with the Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) had taken initiative to commemorate this historic moment with several events throughout the year of 2017, with the intention of promoting the Ceylon Tea Brand internationally.

He said, As part of this celebration, it was decided to conduct a unique “Global 24 hours Ceylon Tea Party” in every time zone from East

to West across the World, with the participation of Tea enthusiasts and the media in each country in order to create heighten awareness of Ceylon Tea around the world.

The event provided the opportunity to taste the varieties of “Ceylon Tea” comes from the 7 different growing regions of Sri Lanka. ”I know that Pakistan friends would always like to have tea with milk but today I request you to try only the tea to taste the originality”. The High Commission thanked visitors for attending the event in large numbers. He also thanked the members of diplomatic community who attended the event and enjoyed the Sri Lankan tea.

About 3,876 metric tons of wheat worth $1.24mn exported

Nokia smartphones to feature ZEISS optics

Samsung Electronics expects record-high Q2 profits

Microsoft announces ‘some’ job cuts

About 3,876 metric tons of wheat worth US$ 1.24 million were exported during eleven months of last financial year (2016-17) as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year.

According the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, wheat exports from the county during the period under review witnessed 548.10 percent increase as against the same period of last year. The wheat exports from the country during first 11 months of last financial year was recorded at 450 metric tons valuing US$ 158,000. Meanwhile, country earned US$ 158.725 million by exporting about 302,795 metric ton of sugar.

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, and ZEISS jointly announcedthe signing of an exclusive partnership that aims to set new imaging standards within the smartphone industry. This longterm agreement builds on the shared history and expertise between ZEISS and Nokia smartphones. With a joint ambition to advance the quality of the total imaging experience on smartphonesspanning the entire ecosystem from software, services, through to screen quality, and optic design, the partnership will see ZEISS and HMD Global co-develop standard-defining imaging capabilities and will bring the ZEISS brand back to Nokia smartphones.

Samsung Electronics expects profits to soar 72 percent in the second quarter to a record high, it said Friday, as it moves on from a recall debacle thanks to rising memory chip prices and increased demand for smartphones. The South Korean tech giant estimated its operating profit for April-June at 14 trillion won ($12.1 billion), up from 8.14 trillion won a year earlier. That would reportedly make it more profitable in the period than US behemoth Apple, where consensus analyst forecasts point to a profit of $10.6 billion. Samsung has benefitted from increased shipments and strong prices for DRAM and NAND semiconductor chips, as it put behind it last year’s Galaxy Note 7 recall fiasco.

Microsoft said it was cutting an unspecified number of jobs amid reports the US tech giant was reorganizing its global sales operations. “Today, we are taking steps to notify some employees that their jobs are under consideration or that their positions will be eliminated,” Microsoft said in an email response to an AFP inquiry.

Earlier, CNBC television said the company would be cutting some 3,000 positions, mostly from its non-US sales staff. “Like all companies, we evaluate our business on a regular basis. This can result in increased investment in some places and, from time-to-time, redeployment in others,” the company said in a statement.