The Destination Issue 8 Vol 1

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Sha’aban-ul-Moazzam 20 1468 AH.

I TA L I A N COU PL E SET WORLD RECORD, SCALED 14 HIGHEST PEAKS ABOVE 28000 FT

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CPEC is flagship project of Belt and Road initiative: PM SIGNED MOU WITH CHINESE TECH GIANT “ALIBABA GROUP”

An Italian couple climbed Mt Annapurna (8,091 m) becoming the first couple to successfully summit all 14 peaks above 8,000m.

Romano Benet and Nives Meroi successfully climbed Mt Annapurna, their final 8000er, without using the bottled oxygen, according to the expedition organiser.

Romano (55) and his wife Meroi (56) stood atop the world’s 10th highest peak on Thursday 11th MAY, morning, Beni Hyoju, Senior Manager at Cho Oyu Treks, quoted the climbers as saying from the mountain.

Meroi also became the second woman climber to complete all 14 peaks above 8,000 m without oxygen support, she said. According to the official data, Austrian climber Gerlinde Kaltenbr un ner climbed all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen in 2011 becoming the first woman climber to do so in the history of mountain climbing.

“At least six persons including Spanish climbers Alberto Zerain and Johnatan Garcia also successfully climbed the peak,” she said adding that all descended safely back to base camp by this evening.

Only a handful of alpinists climbed all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen after legendary climber Reinhold Messner first completed his last 8,000-meter peak in 1986.

BARRISTER MANSOOR S A R WA R P R A I S E S CM K PK FOR H IS PATRIOTIC SPEECH

We reject the approach of PM where he tried to portray CM PUNJAB his brother as more equal than other chief minister’s of the federation. We salute CM KPK; prevaiz khattak for making a highly patriotic speech rising above party politics.

The PM is working on the agenda of India AMERICA and Israel and promoting a narrative that undermines our glorious ar my; which is utterly unacceptable to we the people. The incompetence of federal government can be seen in handling the gulbushan case; where India took the case to international court of justice against its own precidence in 1999 when India shot down a PAKISTAN plane and told ICJ that the court had no jurisdiction. Vienna convention does not cover spys and terrorists. As long as people and institutions do not stand in solidarity PM will undermine national security. PM fails to send a good message to the world as a consensus leader of a great Eurasian PAKISTAN

HANGZHOU Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the flagship project of Belt and Road initiative of China.

“The two countries are standing together for the prosperity and well being of their people,” he said while talking to Communist Party Secretary of Chinese province of Zhejiang, Che Jun in Hangzhou.

The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral relations between Pakistan and China.

The Prime Minister said,

“Pakistan and China are iron brothers who enjoy a relationship which is higher than the highest mountains in the world,” adding that Pakistan and China are all weather friends.

Secretary of the Committee of the CPC of Zhejiang welcomed the Prime Minister and said, “Pakistan and China have the relations based on history and culture. Both the nations have door rooted connections which are transformed in people to people relationship.”

Che Jun briefed the Prime Minister about Zhejiang province. He told the PM

that, “The province is the economic hub and historically is the part of Silk Route.

Last year the Zhejiang did 3.5 Billion dollars business.”

Pak ist an also sig ned a Memorandum of Understanding with Alibaba Group Holdings Limited to promote country’s worldwide exports by Small and Medium Enterprises through e-commerce.

The agreement bet ween A l i b a b a a n d Tr a d e Development Aut hor it y of Pakistan was signed by Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir and Michael Evans, President of Alibaba Group,

Finance Minister chairs meeting of the ECC, approved the Ramzan Relief Package 2017 The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabi net con side red a nd approved proposals submitted by different ministries, in its meeting held on Tuesday at the Prime Minister’s Office, chaired by Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. T he ECC ap prove d t he Ramzan Relief Package 2017 with subsidies worth Rs. 1,602 million on 19 commodities to provide relief to the general public during the upcoming holy month of Ramzan, after considering a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Industries & Production.

These commodities include wheat flour (atta), sugar, ghee, oil, pulses (channa, masoor, moong washed and mash

washed), white grams, baisen, dates, rice, squashes, black tea, milk, and spices. The commodities will be sold at subsidized rates across Pakistan through outlets of Utility Stores Corporation (USC). In addition to the relief provided by the Ramzan Package, USC will also reduce prices on over 2,400 other items under different brands from 5% to 10% by obtaining special discount from vendors/suppliers and reducing its own profit margins.

The ECC decided to increase the quantity of urea approved for exports from the existing 0.3 million metric tons to 0.6 million metric tons. ECC also extended the deadline for export of urea from 28th April

2017 to 31st October 2017.

These decisions were made by the ECC after considering the proposal of the Ministry of Commerce, based on the recommendations of the Fertilizer Review Committee. The ECC was informed that sufficient production and inventory of urea of domestic consumption is anticipated during Kharif 2017 for allowing export.

On a proposal by the Finance Division, the ECC approved the restoration of import duty and sales tax on import of cotton with effect from 15th July 2017. The decision has been made to boost the confidence of domestic cotton growers during the upcoming sowing season.

FIA amasses details of social media accounts behind vilification drive against armed forces LA HOR E, 16 M AY (DNA) - Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated probe at the behest of interior ministry over vilification drive against army whereas the security watchdog is also amassing details of bloggers spitting venom against law enforcement agencies (LEAs) on social media.

According to details, FIA officials are closely monitoring all websites filled with content against security agencies and has traced at least 12 such websites. Similarly, it has also been unearthed that some people with affiliations to different political parties are using social media as platforms to spread anti-army content and

arrests in this regard are being anticipated soon.

The initial Cybercrime Bill draft, which was tabled in national assembly in 2016, contained a section which made social media campaigns against law enforcement agencies a punishable offence but later it was chopped off from the final draft. Against this backdrop, a legislation vacuum is present which bars officials from taking action against those involved in such campaigns. It is pertinent here to mention that Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has ordered strict action against all those carrying out vilification social media campaign against the judiciary and the army.

PM in Hong Kong to address One Belt One Road Pakistan Investment Forum HONG KONG, 16 MAY (DNA) - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has arrived in Hong Kong on a three-day official visit.

During his stay in Hong Kong, he will address One Belt One Road Pakistan Investment Forum, which will be participated by leading business companies of Hong Kong and Mainland China.

The Investment Forum is being organized by the Consulate General of Pakistan in Hong Kong

in collaboration with the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The Prime Minister will also hold meetings with executives of leading business companies of Hong Kong and Mainland China. The Prime Minister will also meet Mrs. Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive-elect Hong Kong.

and Douglas Feagin, Senior Vice President of Global Business of Ant Financial, on behalf of Alibaba, during the visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to the headquarters of the company.

Alibaba Group’s Executive Chair man, Jack Ma and P r i me M i n ist e r Nawa z Sharif witnessed the signing ceremony. Under the terms of the MoU, Alibaba, Ant Financial, and TDAP agreed to foster growth of worldwide exports of products by small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan through e-commerce.

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Promoting Pak-UK commercial relations

In order to promote commercial relations between Pakistan and UK, Pakistan High Commission London is actively supporting a six member delegation of Pakistan Britain Business Council (PBBC), which is planning to visit Pakistan from 18th to 28th May 2017. The delegation is being led by Mr. Julian Hamilton, Chairman PBBC and mainly comprises businessmen representing Professional & Financial Services, Manufacturing & Energy Sector, says a press release received from London here today.

During the visit, the delegation will visit Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad and will meet key Govt and business representatives. They will also sign an MOU with FPCCI to promote commercial relations between the two countries. This delegation will do the ground work for the bigger trade delegation which PBBC plans to send to

Pakistan in September this year under the chair of Mr. Jack Straw Former Foreign Secretary.

The Pakistan High Commission, London has also played an important role in developing linkages between PBBC and London Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The two important platforms are soon to sign an MOU in a ceremony to be hosted by this High Commission.

In yet another key initiative, the

Pakistan High Commission, on the request of Government of Punjab, is sending many British Investors/ businessmen having background in financial services, professional services & infrastructure development to participate in the ‘Second Inter national Seminar on Business Opportunities in Punjab’ which is going to be held in Lahore from 22-23 May 2017. This event will result in attracting maximum Foreign Investment in Punjab.

“China and Pakistan have signed memorandums of understanding to increase the speed of the railway connecting Karachi and Peshawar, as well as upgrade its signal system and railway stations,” Zafaruddin Mahmood, Pakistan’s special envoy on CPEC said in an interview in Beijing on Tuesday.

Pakistan and China have agreed to jointly upgrade the 1,600-kilometre railway linking southern and northern Pakistan as part

of a move to push forward construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The deals signed on the sidelines of the ongoing Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation also include one on the construction of the Havelian land port, which is on the Karakoram Highway that connects Pakistan and Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The Havelian land port will serve as a transfer

station where goods shipped from China can be loaded from trucks to trains after the planned China-Pakistan railway connecting Gwadar Port and Kashgar is completed, he said.

Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan is at the Strait of Hormuz, which has been seen as pivotal to securing an energy route for China. It is currently under the management of Chinese Overseas Port Holdings Ltd.

Pakistan-China agreed to renew 1,600km railway linkage

2 Wednesday - May 17, 2017

THE DESTINATION

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Census completion deadline likely to be extended

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Phander Lake is situated in the Phander Village, in Koh-i-Ghizer, Ghizer District, the westernmost part of the Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan. Its length is 900 metres (3,000 ft) and width is 460 metres (1,510 ft) with a depth of 40 ft (12 m). Exclusive photo by The Destination

OMC’s resist petroleum industry’s move to promote higher grade diesel

KARACHI - The government’s proposal to replace existing diesel products with higher grade Euro-III & Euro-IV compliant high-speed diesel (HSD) has met stiff resistance by Oil marketing companies (OMC).

The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) which is the representative of several OMC’s and refineries have shot down this proposal from the Ministry of Pet roleum and Nat u ral Resources.

As per sources in the petroleum ministry, making such a transition to higher grade HSD wouldn’t be cost-beneficial as per OCAC. According to OCAC, it took 16 years in Europe to move from Euro-I to Euro-V and Euro-II. Euro-II was introduced in January of this year to help curb pollution and ensure its effect on the environment is beneficial.

All these higher-grade fuels being promoted are expensive but considered environment friendly and till recently the HSD being used in Pakistan had 0.5pc sulphur content which

produced 5,000ppm. Currently it has been switched to Euro-II using 0.05pc Sulphur content producing 500ppm.

All refineries in the country had been instructed to make a shift to Euro-II HSD by July 1st, 2017 and currently Attock refinery and Pak-Arab refinery are already producing this fuel.

Once this process of switching is done, 85pc of the country’s HSD pool would be Euro-II compliant.

According to OCAC, the country lacks the mechanisms of mandated vehicle checkups for environmental pollution so the shift to Euro-II fuel and its impact cannot be positively assessed in absence of such procedures.

And the oil indust r y also asserted that the introduction of higher-grade HSD’s will not appeal to the consumers since most of its usage is limited to the trucking, transport and farming segment and also its higher price won’t help matters, they concluded.

Belt and Road Initiative “great achievement”: UN official

BEIJING, 15 MAY (DNA) - The Belt and Road Initiative is a “great achievement” with reciprocal benefits, a United Nations senior official said.

“It is a very impressive move

by China,” Tegegnework Gettu, UN under-secretarygeneral and associate administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), said during an interview with Xinhua, calling the initiative a “creative platform” that promotes openness and allows cultural and economic differences, while respecting national diversity.

While highlighting its role in sustainable development, Gettu of Ethiopia also believes it is both “daring and challenging” and China needs to take the lead in the process. Gettu, who attended the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, said, “The most impressive thing is China’s commitment to such a tremendous initiative and... being inclusive to a large number of countries.”

China has an nounced

assistance worth 60 billion yuan (8.7 billion U.S. dollars) in the next three years for developing countries and organizations involved in the initiative.

Gettu said the funds will be invaluable in building infrastructure, pushing forward industrialization, spurring economic development, and bringing mutual benefits to China and regions along the Belt and Road. Gettu said the initiative has already yielded tremendous results, citing the construction of railways, roads and hydropower stations in countries including Ethiopia, Kenya and Angola. “It is bearing fruit.”

The UNDP, with various projects around the world to protect the environment, tackle climate change, eliminate poverty and promote inclusive growth, has similar goals to the initiative, Gettu said.

He expects that strengthened cooperation between the UNDP and China will help move forward the agency’s work.

Pakistan’s highest marathon to be held on Karakoram

Pakistan’s highest marathon will be held 4,693 meters above sea level in Karakoram Range on May 24.

The arrangements of this marathon have been done by the joint organization of mountaineer Samiya Rafiq and adventurer Shahbaz Ahmad.

Athletes from all over Pakistan will participate in full marathon course of 42.2 kilometers. Furthermore, half marathon of 21.1 kilometers will also be organized along with races of ten and five kilometers.

SRINAGAR, MAY 16, (DNA) – Srinagar: Indian police arrested nine Kashmiri youth accused of unfolding Pakistani flag at a tourist resort in Indian-held Kashmir on Sunday.

According to reports, the teenagers were taking pictures with the Pakistani flag when the Indian police apprehended them and seized the flag and their vehicle.

A police report was filed against the apprehended teenagers. The arrested youth are students and had arrived at Pahalgam for a picnic, said sources.

Tolerant Pakistan Media Network launched

ISLAMABAD (DNA) - First of its kind journalistic forum, Tolerant Pakistan Media Network, launched ye s t e r d ay a t Pa k i s t a n Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) Auditorium, Islamabad.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb and Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Mohammad Yousaf were invited to grace the ceremony as Special Guests, “The motive behind this initiative

is to encourage journalists so that they proactively foster better understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect within Pakistani society and with foreign world,” said, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, fou nding pat ron of the Tolerant Pakistan Media Network, said a press release issued.

Ambassador European Union, Chairman Higher Education Com mission, along with various prominent parliamentarians, journalists, diplomats and civil society representatives also spoke on the occasion.

The network aimed to empower journalists for promoting interfaith harmony, tolerance, peace and humanity through their writings, TV shows and blogs.

First Orange Line Metro train rolls out

BE I J I N G , M AY 16 , (DNA) – The first of 27 trains designed for the Orange Line Metro in Lahore rolled off the production line in central China’s Hunan province.

The train with five coaches designed for the 25.58 km Orange Line Metro was being produced by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co Ltd, official source said here. An energysaving air-conditioning system

suitable for the constant high su m me r t e mp e r at u re i n Pakistan has been designed and installed in the train.

The design combines the national f lower of Pakistan and the shape of the dome of the Badshahi Mosque while heat-resistant bogies increase durability, said an engineer of the company.

ISLA M A BA D, M AY 16, (DNA) – Officials in the capital city have informed media sources that the authorities may have to extend the deadline for the census in Islamabad by a month in order to ensure that the exercise has been completed in a comprehensive manner.

They, however, blame poor planning and underestimations as projected by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

Officials from the PBS, the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration and Islamabad Police are thus expected to hold a meeting on Tuesday (today), to review the issues and decide on the extension of the deadline.

An officer familiar with the developments in the ongoing census is reported to have said that various sprawling societies located in the Lohi Bher area had been indicated as ‘fields’ as per the PBS record when the blocks were drawn ahead of the census.

This led to underestimation, which was confirmed by the visiting teams who witnessed sprawling housing societies in the area. He thus hinted that the exercise may need to be extended in order that it is completed accurately and comprehensively in the capital.

Furthermore, he indicated that some of the localities were missing from the PBS record.

Therefore, some blocks will be

revised and added, he stated.

PBS Member Census Habibullah Khan stated that that the planning for the census may have certain shortcomings. However, efforts to remove these are underway by the creation of additional blocks and hiring of additional staff.

The census in Islamabad

commenced on April 25 as part of the second phase of the activity. It was scheduled to be completed by May 25, however, it is likely that the deadline would be extended beyond May. The city has been divided into 135 circles for counting the number of houses and people living there.

Cricket Stadium to be constructed in capital

ISLA M A BA D, M AY 15, (DNA) - Decision has been taken to construct a cricket stadium in the federal Capital.

According to media reports, Capital Development Authority (CDA) after consultations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the construction of cricket stadium has decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

It is decided to construct the

cricket stadium on 35 acres land at Shakarparian. The project has been pending for the last several years. With the construction of this cricket stadium, CDA would be entitled to 30 per cent and PCB would be entitled to 70 per cent of income to be accrued from the local and international games to be played in this stadium.

Presently there is not a single cricket stadium or cricket

academy in federal capital while diamond club ground and other grounds are used for the training of local players.

Last year CDA administration had halted the construction of cricket stadium and it refused to issue any NOC, however, all matters have been settled now.

CDA had allotted 40 acres of land to PCB on lease for 33 years in Shakar Parian in 2008 for the construction of cricket

stadium.

The construction of stadium was to be completed within 5 years; however, PCB failed to do so. Therefore, CDA cancelled the allotment of this land.

Now, once again both departments have addressed their reservations and decision has been taken to construct the cricket stadium

Opposition gets ready against Jazz Awarded for Excellence government over Dawn Leak in Service Delivery Two main opposition parties of the country, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Monday saw eye to eye to give tough opposition to the government over Dawn Leak.

It is pertinent to note here that Opposition Leader in National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi held telephonic consultations on national politics.

The two leaders were in

consensus that their parties, on the floor of the National Assembly, will jointly demand the government to produce Dawn Leaks report before the House.

The leaders of the two major parties of Pakistan talked over the strategy to be adopted during the NA session. Bringing into discussion over issues including national security, the duo underscored the need for removing the ambiguity over Dawn Leaks report.

In recognition of its customer centric approach to business, Jazz has been awarded with the Service Appreciation Award at this years’ Service Punch: T he Ser vice Conference organized by Active8. It provides a unique learning event and knowledge sharing platform dedicated to excellence in service and the customer experience.

The awards were based on a survey by rozee.pk for best service providers in different sectors. The ceremony was

attended by a large number of CEOs, businessmen and delegates along with members of the Pakistani business community.

While receiving this honor, Nauman Fakhar, Head of Customer Care and CEM – Jazz, stated, “This award is a testament to Jazz’s customer obsessive approach. From planning to new service initiation to customer support, we believe it is imperative to think from the customers’ point of view.

KARACHI - The government’s proposal to replace exist i ng diesel products with higher grade Euro-III & Euro-IV compliant highspeed diesel (HSD) has met stiff resistance by Oil marketing companies (OMC).

T he Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) which is the representative of several OMC’s and refineries have shot down this proposal from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources.

As per sources in the petroleum ministry, making such a

transition to higher grade HSD wouldn’t be cost-beneficial as per OCAC. According to OCAC, it took 16 years in Europe to move from Euro-I to Euro-V and Euro-II. Euro-II was introduced in January of this year to help curb pollution and ensure its effect on the environment is beneficial.

All these higher-grade fuels being promoted are expensive but considered environment friendly and till recently the HSD being used in Pakistan had 0.5pc

sulphur content which produced 5,000ppm. Currently it has been switched to Euro-II using 0.05pc Sulphur content producing 500ppm.

All refineries in the country had been instructed to make a shift to Euro-II HSD

by July 1st, 2017 and currently Attock refinery and Pak-Arab refinery are already producing this fuel.

Once this process of switching is done, 85pc of the country’s HSD pool would be Euro-II compliant.

According to OCAC, the

country lacks the mechanisms of mandated vehicle checkups for environmental pollution so the shift to Euro-II fuel and its impact cannot be positively assessed in absence of such procedures.

And the oil industry also asserted that the introduction of higher-grade HSD’s will not appeal to the consumers since most of its usage is limited to the trucking, transport and farming segment and also its higher price won’t help matters, they concluded.

KARACHI (DNA) - Uber is committing US $500 million investment to growing its operations in Pakistan.

According to a press release, this financial backing is supported and accelerated by the arrival of Uber’s Head of Europe, Middle East and Africa, Pierre-Dimitri GoreCoty this week.

The Uber team and GoreCoty met with the Chairman Federal Board of Investment D r. M if t a h Ismail, on Thursday in Islamabad to discuss expansion of Uber in Pakistan and to reinforce the company’s dedication to the market through their additional investment of $500m by 2020.

Talking about Uber’s investment plans for Pakistan, Gore-Coty said, “We will

continue to work closely with the government as Pakistanis benefit from reliable, affordable and safe transportation like Uber.

We are committed to not only providing the best solution of convenient reliable transport but also want to contribute to the economy of Pakistan by creating thousands of work opportunities and overall economic empower ment for the people and state of Pakistan. Pakistan is a key market for Uber which is why we are channeling significant investment to the country.”

Pakistan continues to be a thriving, high-growth market for the company. Uber is operational in five cities across the country – Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Hyderabad.

Tens of thousands of drivers use the app, which directly translates into the economic opportunities required to address unemployment. The additional investment will assist in growing the driver partner network, expanding in more cities, creating more economic opportunities, and the enhancement of Uber’s customer services program.

Dr. Ismail, Chairman Federal Board of Investment commented, “We are pleased to meet Uber’s management and welcome their proposal for significant investment that aims to create over 250,000 economic opportunities for Pakistanis. Pakistan has a strong economy and a rising middle class that can benefit tremendously from Uber’s innovative technology.

Since March 2016, Uber has been operating in Pakistan, providing affordable and reliable transportation while creating tens of thousands of economic oppor tunities for Pakistanis”. Riders in Pakistan currently have three options available to them: UberGO, UberX and UberAUTO. This ensures that riders in Pakistan have multiple options at different price points, which generates a wider breadth of economic opportunities for driver-partners. A positive regulatory framework would allow us to create economic opportunities for over 250,000 Pakistanis. In addition to partnering with government on regulation, Uber will also work with organizations.

OMC’s resist petroleum industry’s move to promote higher grade diesel

Uber confirms $500mln investment in Pakistan

THE DESTINATION

Wednesday - May 17, 2017

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Mindful Breathing: his exercise can be done standing up or sitting down, and shahbazsuleri101@gmail.com pretty much anywhere at any time. All you have to do is The author has a work be still and focus on your breath for just one minute. Start experience of 40 yearsin Federal by breathing in and out slowly. One cycle should last for approxiGovernment and has directed mately 6 seconds. Breathe in through your nose and out through numerous health projects. your mouth, letting your breath flow effortlessly in and out of your body. Let go of your thoughts for a minute. Let go of things you have to do later today or pending projects that need your attention. Simply let yourself be still for one minute. Purposefully watch your breath, focusing your senses on its pathway as it enters your body and fills you with life, and then watch it work its way up and out of your mouth as its energy dissipates into the world. As you inhale you should think that you are inhaling all the positive things. As you exhale ,think that all the negative thoughts are being thrown out. Don’t care the noise or the thoughts coming to you mind. Focus only to your breath. Try to do this exercise for 5 minutes for the first day and extend it slowly to 3 minutes and get the benifits.

MINDFUL OBSERVATION This exercise is simple but incredibly powerful. It is designed to connect us with the beauty of the natural environment, something that is easily missed when we are rushing around in the car or hopping on and off trains on the way to work. Choose a natural object from within your immediate environment and focus on watching it for a minute or two. This could be a flower or an insect, or even the clouds or the moon. Don’t do anything except notice the thing you are looking at. Simply relax into a harmony for as long as your concentration allows. Look at it as if you are seeing it for the first time. Visually explore every aspect of its formation. Allow yourself to be consumed by its presence. Allow yourself to connect with its energy and its role and purpose in the natural world.

Shahbaz Ali Sulehria

MINDFUL AWARENESS This exercise is designed to cultivate a heightened awareness and appreciation of simple daily tasks and the results they achieve. Think of something that happens every day more than once; something you take for granted, like opening a door, for example. At the very moment you touch the doorknob to open the door, stop for a moment and be mindful of where you are, how you feel in that moment and where the door will lead you. Similarly, the moment you open your computer to start work, take a moment to appreciate the hands that enable this process and the brain that facilitates your understanding of how to use the computer. These touch point cues don’t have to be physical ones. For example: each time you think a negative thought you might choose to take a moment to stop, label the thought as unhelpful and release the negativity. Or, perhaps each time you smell food, you take a moment to stop and appreciate how lucky you are to have good food to eat and share with your family and friends. Choose a touch point that resonates with you today.

Instead of going through your daily motions on autopilot, take occasional moments to stop and cultivate purposeful awareness of what you are doing and the blessings it brings your life.

MINDFUL LISTENING This exercise is designed to open your ears to sound in a non-judgmental way. So much of what we see and hear on a daily basis is influenced by our past experiences, but when we listen mindfully, we achieve a neutral, present awareness that lets us hear sound without preconception. Select a piece of music you have never heard before. You may have something in your own collection that you have never listened to, or you might choose to turn the radio dial until something catches

Publishing Editor: Rana Tahir Shahbaz Editor: Tayyaba Imran Contact #: 051-8314196 Fax#: 051-8315196 Mob#: 0300-8503803, 0347-5959747 www.thedestination.com.pk info@thedestination.com.pk

MINDFULLNESS EXERCICESES

THERE ARE DIFFERENT KINDS OF MINDFULLNESS EXERCISES. MINDFUL BREATHING IS MOST COMMON. HOWEVER AS YOU BECOME ACCUSTOMED , YOU CAN USE THE OTHER EXERCISES AS WELL. (ALONGWITH MINDFUL BREATHING IF SO DESIRED AND WHERE APPLICABL). your ear. Close your eyes and put on your headphones. Try not to get drawn into judging the music by its genre, title or artist name before it has begun playing. Instead, ignore any labels and neutrally allow yourself to get lost in the journey of sound for the duration of the song. Allow yourself to explore every aspect of track. Even if the music isn’t to your liking at first, let go of your dislike and give your awareness full permission to climb inside the track and dance among the sound waves. The idea is to just listen, to become fully entwined with the composition without preconception or judgment of the genre, artist, lyrics or instrumentation.

MINDFUL IMMERSION The intention of this exercise is to cultivate contentment in the moment and escape the persistent striving we find ourselves caught up in on a daily basis. Rather than anxiously wanting to finish an everyday routine task in order to get on with doing something else, take that regular routine and fully experience it like never before. For example: if you are cleaning your house, pay attention to every detail of the activity. Rather than treat this as a regular chore, create an entirely new experience by noticing every aspect of your actions: Feel and become the motion when

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

SBP grants banking licence to Bank of China SBP has issued a banking licence to the Bank of China.

The bank will commence its business in branch mode after meeting other regulatory requirements, a SBP statement said.

It said that the Bank of China is a subsidiary of China Central Huijin, investment arm of the Government of China.

The Bank of China is not only operating in the Chinese main land, but its footprints

have reached to 50 countries.

Nineteen of those countries are located across Chinese `One Belt One Road’ initiative.

At the end of 2015, the Bank had a total of 11,633 institutions including 644 in overseas markets. The Bank of China is the 4th and 5th largest global bank in terms of Tier-1 Capital and total Assets respectively. It is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock

Exchange.The bank will initially bring US$ 50 million to fulfill the Minimum Capital Requirements of SBP. The long term objective of the Bank of China is to increase its market penetration by opening branches in major cities of Pakistan aiming to be one of the largest foreign banks in Pakistan.

The Bank of China aims to provide differential and specialized banking services

sweeping the floor, sense the muscles you use when scrubbing the dishes, develop a more efficient way of wiping the windows clean. The idea is to get creative and discover new experiences within a familiar routine task. Instead of labouring through and constantly thinking about finishing the task, become aware of every step and fully immerse yourself in the progress. Take the activity beyond a routine by aligning yourself with it physically, mentally and spiritually. Who knows, you might even enjoy the cleaning for once!

MINDFUL APPRECIATION In this last exercise, all you have to do is notice 5 things in your day that usually go unappreciated. These things can be objects or people – it’s up to you. Use a notepad to check off 5 by the end of the day. The point of this exercise is to simply give thanks and appreciate the seemingly insignificant things in life; the things that support our existence but rarely get a second thought amidst our desire for bigger and better things.

IN SUMMARY The cultivation of moment-by-moment awareness of our surrounding environment is a practice that helps us better cope with the difficult thoughts and feelings that cause us stress and anxiety in everyday life. With regular practice of mindfulness exercises, rather than being led on auto-pilot by emotions influenced by negative past experiences and fears of future occurrences, we harness the ability to root the mind in the present moment and deal with life’s challenges in a clear-minded, calm, assertive way. In turn, we develop a fully conscious mind-set that frees us from the imprisonment of unhelpful, self-limiting thought patterns and enables us to be fully present to focus on positive emotions that increase compassion and understanding in ourselves and others.

BENIFITS OF MINDFULNESS

• Mindfulness reduces stress, anxiety and other destructive emotions(Mindfulness actually shrinks the the brain’s “fight or flight” center, the amygdala. This primal region of the brain, associated with fear and emotion, is involved in the initiation of the body’s response to stress.; this is the part of the brain responsible for so many destructive emotions like fear, unhappiness and anger.)

• Mindfulness reduces depression (clinical trials are showing that mindfulness is as effective as medication with no side effects!).

• Mindfulness reduces insomnia, increases your sense of well being, reduces lethargy and increases energy both mentally and physically.

• Mindfulness is also very effective for pain management.

• Mindfulness sharpens your memory and increases your focus and attention • Mindfulness improves your emotional and social intelligence and develops your empathy and compassion and improroves relationship • Mindfulness improves health and boosts immunity. In fact, mindfulness is shown to have beneficial effects on many serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease • Mindfulness creates clearer, more focused thinking and improves efficiency at work and at home • Mindfulness improves confidence and emeotional resilience • Mindfulness reduces compulsive and addictive tendencies and has also been shown to work better than any diet for effective long-term weight loss • -Mindfulness turns out to also be the single most important determining factor in whether or not you will be happy in your life. In other words, the more mindful you are the happier you are

The Royal Palace, Central Sweden

to effectively serve the financing needs of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related projects by leveraging on its experience and global technology platform.

The Bank of China is the second Chinese bank entering in Pakistan and that its entry into Pakistan represents growing confidence of international investors on the country’s banking sector and stable economic outlook.

Japanese language getting popular world over: Ambassador I S L A M A B A D ( D N A) A mba s s a dor of Japa n t o Pakistan, Takashi Kurai, hoped that capacity and ability of Japanese language department will be further strengthened by utilizing the financial support given to NUML recently under Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots programme by the government of Japan, which will allow NUML to obtain brand new high-tech equipment for Japanese Language Department hopefully by September this year.

He was addressing a Japanese Language Speech Contest held at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad among the diploma and certificate level students of Japanese language course.

T h e s p e e ch c o nt e s t wa s

organized by the Japanese La ng u age De pa r t me nt of NUML. Ambassador Takashi Kurai and his wife witnessed the contest. The students of Japanese language who participated in the speech contest delivered elaborate and wellprepared speeches whereas the students who took part in drama skits and songs also won great appreciation from the audience.

Ambassador Takashi Kurai appreciating the students of Japanese language said he was very impressed the way they had delivered their speeches, performed skits and songs in a foreign language.

While congratulating all the students, Ambassador Kurai hoped that today’s speech contest must have motivated many of them to enhance their knowledge of

Japanese language and culture.

He appreciated the faculty of Japanese language department of NUML for maintaining a standard of excellence in teaching the Japanese language to the students.

“This year marks the 65th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan and I hope these participants will help to strengthen the relationship and understanding between our two nations.

The dedication, zeal and hard work displayed by the participants today, shows their love towards the Japanese language,” the ambassador said. Ambassador Kurai said Japanese-language study is gaining popularity all over the world and Pakistan is no exception

as the number of candidates appearing for the Japanese Language Prof iciency Test (JLPT) in Pakistan is increasing each year.

He hoped that this number will increase rapidly after upgrading the facilities of Japanese Language Department once it starts offering distance learning program for Japanese Language course in near future. M Ilyas got 1st position, Mohsin Khan 2nd position and Saad Rehman secured 3rd position in the speech contest. Earlier in his welcome address, Maj Gen (R), Zia-uddin-Najam, Rector NUML said the students have worked hard to learn a difficult language as Japanese in a short period of time. He thanked the ambassador for gracing the occasion.

Russia, Saudi Arabia agree to extend oil output cuts until March 2018

BEIJING, MAY 15, (DNA) - under the current agreement, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), of which Saudi Arabia is the de-facto leader, and other producers including Russia pledged to cut output by almost 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) during the first half of the year.

Saudi Arabia and Russia have agreed to extend crude oil output cuts until March 2018 in their latest effort to rebalance the global

crude market, energy ministers for the two major oil producers said on Monday.

The next round of cuts will be on the same terms as the existing deal, Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih said at a joint briefing in Beijing with his Russian counterpart Alexander Novak.

News of the joint deal sent crude prices up more than 1.5% in Asian trading. In a joint statement issued after the briefing, both ministers agreed to do whatever it takes to reduce global inventories to their five-year average and expressed optimism they will secure support for the extension from other producers.

Under the current agreement, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), of which Saudi Arabia is the de-facto leader, and other producers including Russia pledged to cut output by almost 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) during the first half of the year.

Major producers have been forced to consider lengthening the cuts as crude futures have languished around $50 per barrel as markets remain well supplied even after the current deal.

Russia is the world’s biggest oil producer, while Saudi Arabia is the biggest exporter. Together, they control around 20 million bpd in daily output, equivalent to a fifth of daily global consumption

The Royal Palace of Stockholm is His Majesty The King’s official residence and is also the setting for most of the monarchy’s official receptions. The palace is a daily place of work for The King and Queen as well as for the various departments that make up the Royal Court. Credits: Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se

Bangladesh-Pakistan ties need be strengthened, says Info Minister

M i n ist e r of St at e for Information and Broadcasting Mar riyum Aurangzeb has empha si zed t he need to st reng t hen relat ions a nd enhance cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Tal k i ng t o a delegat ion of Ba ng la de sh i jou r n alists in Islamabad, she said t hat t he sha re d a r t a nd

culture could provide a point of convergence of i nterests between the two countries.

Marriyum Aurangzeb reiterated that Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had a vision of peaceful co-existence and harmony in the region and it was accordingly was vigorously pursuing the concept of ‘peaceful neighbourhood’

SUMMER OF LOVE

Designer: Saira Rizwan Photography: Muzi Sufi

Saira Rizwan’s SS17 “Summer of Love” Collection Collection: Summer of Love Model: Anushey Mughal Hair & Makeup: Nabila Salon

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

4 Wednesday - May 17, 2017

THE DESTINATION

Zardari says time over for PML-N, Kaptaan – PPP will now come to power PESHAWAR, Co-chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari has pledged to revive the party at each union council level of the country with an aim to make a ‘big impact’ in the next general elections.

Zardari said the ‘show of PML-N and Kaptaan’ has ended, it’s now time of the PPP to return [to power], he added. Addressing a Fata Convention here, Zardari claimed that his party neither

ran any campaign ahead of the 2013 elections nor conducted any rally. “This time Bilawal, Aseefa and everyone will be on the ground,” he maintained.

He urged masses not to pin any hope to the incumbent gover nment. “They can never solve your problem,” he insisted. He also announced to open PPP secretariat in Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

He said the PPP wanted

Fata merger with Khyber Pakhtonkhwa, calling the step as ‘need of the hour’.

Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to his party workers and told them that the strength of his party workers inspired him to look into the eyes of the enemy.

Zardari said admitted that none of his ministers were f rom the poor masses.

“I admit that none of my ministers was the son of a poor man,” said the PPP

co-chairman. “But I want to tell you that I want to make the son of a farmer a minister,” he added.

Urging party workers to come out in droves under PPP’s f lag, Zardari said that one should go for the rational approach rather than the emotional one. “We want to establish a High Court in FATA,” said the former president. “We selected five ministers from the FATA area,” he added.

Goods transporters’ strike enters day 9 K A R AC H I , M AY 16 , (DNA) – The goods transporters’ strike continues on the ninth day on Tuesday (today). It is feared that there is no space available at the port to accommodate more containers.

The Karachi International Container Terminal stands full of the goods transporters are refusing to transport from the ports to the markets.

If the strike continues, people in the country may be faced with a shortage of food items. To add to this, the dispatching of orders as per the schedule is being hindered which is affecting the export of goods also. The imported

raw material also lies in containers at the ports which is not being transported to factories, inflicting losses worth billions for manufacturers.

“Goods in thousands of containers are in factories, as the capacity of warehouses has been exhausted,” said an exporter, adding irrevocable damage could be caused if the issue is not resolved on an immediate basis.

Experts from across the country worth Rs48 billion are said to have been halted due to the strike, with businessmen facing losses worth millions every day.

On Saturday, the Sindh High Court banned the entry of

ISLAMABAD (DNA) - The Ministry of National Health Ser vices Regulations & Coordination has received support from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and national TV and radio stations to support transmission of priority health public service announcements on their channels.

The agreement is in line with the Public Service Message ruling within the (PEMRA) Ordinance, Section 20 (e) Act 2007 (amendment), Clause 9, Schedule C of the PEMRA Rules 2009.

The ordinance obliges licensees of television stations in Pakistan to allocate up to 10 percent of their air-time to airing of public service messages, including priority health and social welfare programs delivered to communities in Pakistan. Following correspondence between Ministry of NHS and the PEMRA Chair earlier this year, PEMRA agreed to run the priority tobacco control messages on all national TV

and FM radio stations in the country.

Saira Afzal Tarar, Minister of State, has said; “This is a historic moment where the national media networks will be working with the government to raise awareness of critical health issues aimed at reducing the considerable burden of death and disease caused by tobacco which results in high rates of cancers, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, diabetes and strokes.

Through the delivery of these messages the media will be giving back to the community through their corporate social responsibility.”

The initial pilot communication campaign to launch on all stations called “Sponge.”

The public service announcement has already run on national channels through a paid media plan in 2016.

The announcement is one of the most powerful tobacco control messages ever made having been successfully pretested in the region and now used in health campaigns

heavy traffic in the port city which is persisting.

Transporters have entered into a strike to protest against the ban disallowing entry of heavy vehicles into the city.

Tr a der s, i ndu st r ialist s, and manufacturers have all severely criticised the

strikers for causing a severe bottleneck in the supply of basic necessities and other imported goods that sit idle in the containers on the port, which, in turn, have resulted in export consignments being unable to get loaded and dispatched.

in more than 20 countries globally.

Director, of Tobacco Control Cell stated, “The Tobacco Control Cell is very pleased to see that tobacco control messages have been given a priority with the first pilot campaign for the PSM ruling, given the considerable and rising health care costs to the community from tobacco related diseases. We hope that as a result of monitoring of this campaign we will be able to show the Supreme Court that national media in the country are indeed acting in good faith in supporting the public by delivering these important health messages.”

The Sponge campaign spots will run on all stations in the lead-up to World No Tobacco Day on May 31st. During this time, it is expected that thousands of TV and radio spots will be aired during prime time and off peak periods.

Following review of the compliance report by PEMRA and Ministry of NHS, a number of future campaigns are already being planned to tackle the scourge of tobacco and other NCD risk factors given the enormous health care costs and productivity losses to the economy from non-communicable diseases.

Pakistan committed to enhancing regional financing connectivity: Dar region.” The Minister went on to say that, “Regional connectivity, along with economic and financial integration, is the way forward for a prosperous future for the Asian region, and for better access to regional and global markets for Pakistan.”

“We are actively engaged and investing in such initiatives, including OBOR and the Central Asia Regional E conom ic Coope r at ion (CAREC),” he said.

“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif views regional connectivity projects as a top priority for the betterment of Pakistan and the region,” the Minister remarked. Ishaq Dar said, “A strong and efficient financial system will serve as the backbone for the success of OBOR. Given the diversity of economic conditions, financial systems and regulatory environments of the countries involved in OBOR, a well thought-out and systematic approach needs to be adopted to address the risks

KARACHI (DNA) -: Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairperson Marvi Memon held an interactive meeting with AASA Consulting’s survey teams in Thatta.

She was briefed on the progress of the ongoing survey of BISP for National SocioEconomic Registry (NSER) update, a press release said.

Member National Assembly (MNA) Ayaz Shah Shirazi, Riaz Shah Shirazi and BISP DG Sindh Naeem Anwar were also present.

The survey being conducted for NSER update is top-notch and exemplary as the data is being collected through technology enabled tablets, the BISP chairperson said while speaking on the occasion.

The performance and coverage

quality is ensured through a visual monitoring coverage assurance system developed by BISP management information system that monitors universal coverage and performance of the survey teams, she said.

By completing this high-tech survey, the current government will not only render valuable service for the poorest of the country but will provide a model to the world to follow, she added.

T h e BI S P c h a i r p e r s o n expressed satisfaction over the completion of the 52 per cent of the work in Thatta and Sajawal and directed the survey teams to ensure 100 per cent coverage of the district.

The data collected through this survey is vital for the development planning, so no compromise will be made on

CPEC flagship project of belt and road initiative, says PM Nawaz Sharif

National media channels to work with govt to improve health of people

BEIJING - Federal Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan is wellplaced for, and committed to, enhancing regional financing connectivity for benefit and prosperity of the people of our region.

“We look forward to working with partner countries in One Belt-One Road (OBOR) to achieve this objective,” he said while addressing the special session of the Belt and Road Forum on the theme of Financial Connectivity in Beijing on Sunday. The Minister was speaking as a panelist along with Finance M i n i s t e r s of U K a n d Hungary.

He said, “The OBOR initiative has the potential to create the world’s largest platform for economic cooperation, financial integration, trade and the integration of markets.”

He added that, “OBOR provides a unique opportunity to connect countries and achieve higher growth in the

BISP chairman reviews performance of survey teams

and challenges of integrating financial systems.”

“This is vital for ensuring that the financial systems remain strong and stable so that they are able to withstand any economic or financial shocks,” he said.

Minister Dar said, “I n Pakistan, new financing institutions such as the Pakistan Development Fund (PDF) and Pakistan Infrastructure Bank (PIB) were coming up.”

PDF will focus on financing commercially viable, public sector infrastructure projects, while PIB is being set

up in partnership with IFC to focus on enhancing private financing and investment for infrastructure projects in Pakistan,” he added.

On the sidelines of the main event Minister had meetings with MD IMF, Christine Lagarde, President World Bank,Jim Yong Kim, Saudi Finance Minister, Mohammed Al-Jadaan and President AIIB, Jin Liqun.

He also signed Guidelines on Financing of OBOR along with Finance Ministers and representatives of 18 other countries

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan and China are standing together for the prosperity and wellbeing of their people. He was talking to Communist Party Secretary of Chinese province of Zhejiang Che Jun in Hangzhou.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor is the flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative. Secretary of the Committee of the CPC

of Zhejiang welcomed the Prime Minister and said that relations between Pakistan and China are based on history and culture.

Che Jun briefed the Prime Minister about Zhejiang province saying that it is an economic hub and historically part of Silk Route.

He said that the cooperation between the two countries in the economic field must be enhanced.

Wapda paying 15pc annually to govt for Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project MAJHOI, MAY 15, (DNA) -According to reliable sources, the tariff for the NeelumJhelum hydro-power project (NJHP) could see a decrease in wake of a reduction in relending rate.

This request was put forward to the concerned authorities by the Water and Power D e velo p m e nt Au t ho r it y (WAPDA) in which they petitioned the government to decrease the mark-up on foreign loans as the re-lending for the NJHP project is being provided at high interest rates.

It ha s be e n lea r nt t hat Economic Affairs Division (EAD) is charging 15pc interest on re-lending to different government organizations,

although these loans are being secured at much lower mark-up from foreign entities.

Provinces are being charged a lower mark-up in comparison to that being offered to other government organizations.

And for the NJHP project, the government is charging a mark-up of 15pc per year on the re-lending of foreign loans to WAPDA. This request to reduce the mark-up rate could ensure a decrease in the production cost of electricity from the NJHP project. If the mark-up rate reduction request is accepted, the cost of electricity per unit could fall to Rs 9.32 per unit from the Rs 13.12 per unit originally estimated

the quality of data, she underlined. Data collection is a sacred responsibility bestowed on enumerators and supervisors and they should fulfil it with full commitment, she concluded.

Out of 274 enumerators collecting data in Thatta and Sajawal, Marvi awarded certificates to 25 enumerators for their excellent performance and quality output. While appreciating the high performers, she said

that currently, Pakistan ranks at number 5 globally but the commitment and hard work of staff coupled with modern technology will take Pakistan to the top of the list.

During the meeting, the chairperson was also apprised of the problems faced by enumerators. She directed the concerned officials to resolve all the problems of enumerators so that they may fully concentrate on their duty of data collection.

Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs begins at Sehwan Sharif

SEHWAN - Three-day celebrations pertaining to 765th annual Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar begun in Sindh’s Sehwan Sharif on Monday following the most ravaging terrorism on the shrine located in Sehwan.

Accompanied with senior minister Nisar Khuhro, Governor Sindh Muhammed Zubair inaugurated the Urs at the shrine and laid sheet.

Talking to media on this occasion, Governor Sindh said special security arrangements have been made on the occasion as devotees in thousands will

arrive here for the next three days He termed the visit on the shrine as an honour for him. Thousands of devotees from different cities have started to arrive at the shrine for the celebrations. Strict security arrangements have been made in this regard.

At least 4500 police personnel and 200 Rangers officials have been deployed on duty whereas 275 CCTV cameras and 20 walk-through gates have been installed. In view of intense heat, free water distribution and medical camps have been organised for the devotees.

Morgan Stanley Capital Int’l upgrades status of PSX

Morga n St a n ley Capit al International has upgraded the status of Pakistan Stock Excha nge f rom Front ier Market to Emerging Market.

According to a notification, the MSCI Pakistan Indexes will fully converge with the MSCI

Provisional Pakistan Indexes, effective June 1, 2017.

Pakistan has achieved the status after a gap of nine years.

The upgradation will open the doors of Pakistan Stock Exchange to international investors.

New round of Syria peace talks to begin in Geneva GENEVA, MAY 16, (DNA) – A new round of Syria peace talks opens on Tuesday, the latest United Nations push to resolve a six-year conflict that has killed more than 320,000 people.

Five previous rou nds of UN-backed negotiations have failed to yield concrete results and hopes for a major breakthrough remain dim.

Syrian President Bashar alAssad has strengthened his position on the ground, with the rebels reeling from a major setback in the capital Damascus.

Assad has also recently called the Geneva process “null”, telling Belarus’s ONT channel that it had become “merely a meeting for the media”.

The Syrian leader has however given more credit to a separate diplomatic track in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana, which is being led by his allies

Russia and Iran along with opposition supporter Turkey.

The Astana track produced a May 4 deal to create four “de-escalation” zones across some of Syria’s bloodiest battlegrounds. The UN’s Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura has dismissed suggestions that the Astana negotiations were overshadowing the Geneva track.

“We’re working in tandem” he told reporters on Monday. The UN negotiations are focused on four separate “baskets”: governance, a new constitution, elections and combating “terrorism” in the war-ravaged country.

With Assad’s negotiators and the main opposition High Negot iat ions Com m it tee expected to be in the Swiss city until the weekend, de Mistura said he wanted to drill down on several issues in hopes of generating solid proposals. But one issue — Assad’s

fate — remains a daunting roadblock.

The HNC has insisted the president’s ouster must be part of any political transition, a demand unacceptable to the Syrian regime. Aron Lund, a fellow at The Century Foundation, said the Geneva talks were revolving around the “dead end” issue of Assad and were not “moving forward in any visible way.”

De Mistura, who has lasted as Syria envoy far longer than his two predecessors, has consistently tried to resist pessimism.

The alternative to peace talks is “no discussion (and) no hope”, he said.

The Syrian regime delegation is being headed as usual by UN ambassador Bashar alJaafari and the HNC will be led again by Nasr al-Hariri and Mohammad Sabra.

The opposition position has weakened since the last round

ended on March 31 after the government secured the evacuation of three rebel-held districts, bringing it closer to exerting full control over the capital for the first time since 2012.

Another shifting force influencing the talks is the role of the United States, an erstwhile opposition supporter that largely withdrew from the process under President Donald Trump.

De Mistura said Monday he was “encouraged by the increasing engagement, the increasing interest, by the US administration in finding a de-escalation”. However, Washington late Monday warned Russia to not turn a blind eye to Assad’s crimes, with the State Department releasing satellite images that it said backed up reports of mass killings at a Syrian jail.