The Destination Issue 28 Vol 1

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Ramadan 12 1468 AH.

I am comfortable, safe in Pakistan: Sir Viv Richards Former West Indies Captain Sir Viv Richards says he is comfortable and safe in Pakistan.

He expressed these views while talking in PTV Sports’ special transmission for ICC Champions’ Trophy 2017.

Richards said the world is a serious place today as there’s lots of threats going around.

He said Pakistan has suffered a lot over the years due to certain little incidents. Viv Richards says he is feeling good due to security factor in Pakistan.

Pakistan to strongly defend itself against all intrigues, aggression by inimical forces

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Terror attacks kill 12 in Iran

The meeting outrightly rejected Afghan allegations on Pakistan and its agencies for deteriorating law and order in that country.

I am safer in Islamabad than England: Ian Chappel Former Australian captain Ian Chappell, who is in Pakistan nowadays for his expert opinion on ICC Champions’ Trophy 2017, said on Wednesday he is feeling safer in Pakistan than in England at the moment.

This, he expressed while talking to state-run media’s special transmission for ICC Champions’ Trophy 2017. The legendary cricketer said he has only been in Pakistan for just a few days but he is feeling safe.

He also underlined the need for cricket administrators to draw fair balance for playing cricket.

Brian Lara feels comfortable in Pakistan Former West-Indies captain and legendary Batsman Brian Lara, who is in Pakistan for his expert opinion on ICC Champions’ Trophy 2017, finds his time in Pakistan very peaceful. Lara said staying in Pakistan is a healthy opportunity for him as the environment here is comfortable legendary batsman said he has always enjoyed his time in Pakistan and he will be back again.

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At least 12 people were killed and 38 others injured in two separate ter rorist attacks on parliament building and mausoleum of Ayatullah Khomeini in Tehran on Wednesday. Iran’s state TV reported that the attacks began midmorning when assailants armed with Kalashnikov rifles stormed the parliament building. One

of the attackers later blew himself up inside, where a session was in progress.

The Iranian Intelligence Ministry said security forces arrested a terrorist team planning a third attack.

Deputy Interior Minister Moham mad Hossein Zolfaghari told Iran’s state TV the apparently male attackers wore women’s

attire. Another four terrorists attacked the shrine of Imam Khomeini killing two security guards and injuring many others. Iranian media reported that four attackers inside the parliament building had been killed by security forces. Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan condemns terrorist attacks on Iranian Parliament, Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini Pakistan will st rongly defend itself against all intrigues and aggression by inimical forces.

This resolve was reaffirmed by National Security Committee, which met in Islamabad with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the chair.

The meeting outrightly rejected Afghan allegations on Pakistan and its agencies

for deteriorating law and order in that country.

It said Pakistan has not only remained committed to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan but also worked with all regional and global initiatives to that end.

The meeting observed that Pakistan is the only country in the Afghan scenario which has achieved clear and measurable success

against terrorism despite limited capacity and at huge human and economic costs. The forum noted that Pakistan has also shown exceptional restraint even when Afghan territory was used for terrorist acts in Pakistan which resulted in massive human losses.

The meeting was attended

by Minister for Defense Khawaja Asif, Finance

Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ali Khan, Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Air Chief Sohail Aman, Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah and DG ISI Lieutenant General Naveed Mukhtar.

Pakistan has strongly condemned terrorist attacks on Iranian Parliament and mausoleum of Imam Khomeini.

In a statement, Foreign office Spokesperson said that Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Iran in their hour of grief.

He also expressed condolences to the people of Iran, the government, and the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. Spokesman said terrorism is a global

phenomenon requi r i ng resolute and coordinated

approach to deal with the menace.

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UNHCR, BUITEMS launch centre for refugees, migration studies

PHOTO OF THE DAY

The Deosai National Park is located between Astore and Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan. It has an average elevation of 4,114 metres (13,497 ft) above sea level, making the Deosai Plains one of the highest plateaus in the world. The park protects an area of 3,000 square kilometres (1,200 sq mi). It is well known for its rich flora and fauna of the Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau alpine steppe eco region. In spring, it is covered by sweeps of wildflowers and a wide variety of butterflies. Deosai is second highest plateau after Chang Thang Plateau Tibet.

Exclusive photo by The Destination team.

China to work with Pakistan on CPEC, bring more economic benefits for entire region BEIJING (DNA) Spokesperson of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hua Chunying has reiterated that China would work with Pakistan to push forward smooth progress on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to bring more economic benefits for the two people as well as the entire region.

“We appreciate and applaud Pakistan’s efforts it put in during building of the CPEC which has now entered a stage of implementation with the concerted efforts of China and Pakistan,” she said during her regular press briefing in Beijing. Responding to a question that Pakistan government has allocated US$ 1.7 billion for CPEC and its supporting projects in the budget of next financial year starting from July 1, the Spokesperson said, “China will work with Pakistan to push forward smooth progress in building the CPEC.” The Spokesperson opined that, “CPEC, a f lagship

project of One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative announced

by Chinese President, Xi Jinping, has helped Pakistan to improve transport and energy infrastructures and also provided job opportunities for the people in Pakistan.”

When her attention was drawn towards the Indian External Affairs minister’s interaction with media in which she spoke about issues related to India’s entry to Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the spokesperson said, “We have reiterated our position many times over this issue.”

Hua Chunying said, “China’s position on the admission of non-NPT states into the NSG remains unchanged. China supports the NSG in handling the relevant issue as mandated by the 2016 Seoul General Assembly with the principle of consensus and through the open and transparent inter-governmental process and the “two-step” approach which requires the NSG members to work out a solution applicable to all

non-NPT states and on that basis, to deliberate on joining of specific non-NPT states.”

The Spokesperson said, “China will continue to take part in the NSG’s relevant discussion in a constructive way.” About One Belt One Road issues between China and India, she termed Kashmir a left over issue from the history between India and Pakistan which should be properly settled by the two countries through consultation and negotiation.

“We have also been stressing that CPEC is a project of economic cooperation and it

would not affect China’s position on the issue of Kashmir,” she said and added that CPEC is not targeting any country.

In response to a question about alleged airspace violations by two Chinese helicopters over China-India border, she reiterated that, “China and India have dispute on the borders. Chinese border guards also conduct patrolling along the border.

We should communicate and coordinate with each other through a border consultation mechanism to uphold peace and stability across the border.”

40 Top position holders from Pakistan visit the High Commission in London

QUETTA The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on Wednesday signed a partnership agreeme nt w it h Ba lo ch i s t a n University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS).

The collaboration is aimed at establishing a Centre for Ref ugees and Migration Studies (CRMS) as well as provision of training for refugee teachers and opportunities for entrepreneurship/business studies for refugee students in the university.

On the occasion, a plaque m a rk i ng t he e st a bl i sh ment of the Centre was unveiled jointly by UNHCR Count r y Representative, Ind r ika Rat wat te, Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Dr. Imran Zeb and BUITEMS Vice Chancellor, Engr. Ahmed Farooq Bazai.

Under the partnership agreement, UNHCR will support the university to establish a CRMS in its premises and BUITEMS would provide admission to the refugee students and trainings for the refugee teachers. Delivering an inaugural lecture titled “Management of Refugees and Migrants for Lasting Regional Peace,” Indrika Ratwatte praised the commitment of BUITEMS for providing opportunities for refugees terming it as an important step towards empowering youth

and achieving broader goals for peace and prosperity in the region. “Forced displacement is one of the biggest human crises the world is facing now.

Pakistan has been generously hosting refugees for decades.

It is therefore essential that all stakeholders come together to facilitate durable and lasting solutions for them,” Ratwatte maintained.

Vice Chancellor BUTIEMS, Ahmed Farooq Bazai stressed the need for quality education, research and academic exercises on socio-economic issues in the region including the challenges pertaining to refugees and migrants.

The Vice Chancellor stated that, “BUITEMS is producing global citizens capable of finding tailored solutions to some of the compelling regional and global challenges.” He assured that, “BUITEMS is fully prepared and upfront to support the national and international community in their endeavours.”

The CRMS once operational will serve as a repository of information on issues related to refugees and migration, and analyse and disseminate those information to the wider audience. This will be achieved through regular publications of research works, talk programmes and organising periodic events like seminars/workshops which are expected to inform all stakeholders on issues surrounding refugees and migrants. It is expected that

the outcomes of this collaboration between UNHCR and BUITEMS would assist policy and decision makers with concrete recommendations for addressing the actions needed towards management of refugees and migrants in the region. UNHCR will also facilitate BUITEMS in its efforts to strengthen the centre’s capacity by networking with other similar research centres and education institutions globally.

Chief Com missioner for Afghan Refugees Dr. Imran Zeb thanked UNHCR and BUITEMS for entering into this important collaboration which should help further nurture the existing harmonious relationship and understanding between refugee and host communities and enable sustainable solutions for refugees who have endured

displacement for almost four decades.

“Every refugee deserves a bright and safe future and providing such admirable opportunities would not only make refugees students and teachers productive in their homeland but valuable for securing peace in the region. This is actually a contribution to lead towards prosperous world for everyone”, he said.

The event was also attended

by U NHCR Deputy Re p r e se nt at ive, Joh a n n Siffointe; Head of UNHCR sub-office Quetta Dinesh Sh restha; Com missioner Afghan Refugees Quetta, Brig (R) Masood Ahmad; Afghan Consul General, Wajeedullah Momand; BUITEMS’s faculty members and students, and representatives of UN agencies and civil society.

Pakistan calls for strengthening economic, trade relations with Finland HELSINKI (DNA) At the third round of PakFinland Bilateral Political Con su lt at ion s ( BPC), Pakistan has emphasized for strengthening of economic and trade relations with Finland by regular interactions between the business circles of the two countries.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Tuesday, the Pakistan delegat ion wa s led by A mbassador Zaheer A. Janjua, Additional Secretary (Europe), while Ambassador Anne Marjaana Sipilainen, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the Fin nish side at the BPC held in Helsinki, Finland.

The two sides undertook a comprehensive review of the bilateral relations and agreed to enhance cooperation in diverse spheres, especially in the fields of economy, trade, commerce, energy, industry, investment, agriculture, IT and telecom,

science and technology, education, cultureand parliamentary exchanges. The Finnish side was apprised of the investment opportunities in Pakistan in the wake of improved law and order situation.

The two sides also exchanged views on the peace and security environments in their respective regions.

The Additional Secretary briefed on Pakistan’s efforts to reach out to Afghanistan and India as part of the Prime Minister’s vision for a peaceful neighborhood.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to constructively contribute towards the promotion of peace and stability in Afghanistan as well as commitment to dialogue with India for the resolution of all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

He also highlighted the atrocities being perpetrated agai nst u na r med i n no cent Kashmiri civilians by the Indian security forces.

A mbassador Sipilai nen

provided a detailed expose of the security situation prevailing around Finland and in Europe.

International issues of mutual interest also came under discussion and the two sides decided to enhance cooperation at the UN and other multilateral fora.The Additional Secret a r y appr ised the Finnish side of Pakistan’s credentials for the membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), while emphasizing the need for a criteriabased, non-discriminatory approach for new non-NPT member states.

Pakistan and Finland enjoy

cordial relations and closely cooperate bilaterally as well as at the multilateral fora.

Finland is an important country in the Nordic region and there are several major Finnish multinational companies operating in Pakistan.

The annual Bilateral Political Consultations provide a useful platform to review progress in various fields and identify opportunities for future cooperation. The second session of BPC was held in Islamabad on May17, 2016 and the next session will take pace in Islamabad at mutually convenient dates in 2018.

Ghani urges Taliban to join political process

A group of thirty-one top position holder students of Matric, Intermediate and Graduation levels from all over Pakistan visited the Pakistan High Commission London on 05 June 2017, s ay s a P r e s s Rele a s e received from Pakistan High Commission here today.

We l c o m i n g t h e s t u dents, H.E. Syed I bne Abba s, Pa k ist a n H ig h Commissioner to the UK, congratulated them on their academic achievements. He commended students’ aspirations to serve Pakistan in diverse fields and asked them

to be a proud Pakistani. The High Commissioner hoped that their interaction with a host of public and private institutions in the UK would be productive and rewarding.

The High Commissioner appreciated the vision of Chief Minister Punjab, Muhammad Shahbaz Shairf for providing the student with an excellent opportunity to visit foreign educational institutions and get deeper understanding of diverse cultures. He called upon the students to make the most of this opportunity to enrich their learning

experience by interacting with the academic luminaries in the UK. The Government of Punjab has undertaken this initiative to familiarize the bright and promising students from all over Pakistan, with the leading educational institutions of the European countries.

The objective is to encourage them to pursue education at the world’s leading academic institutions. The students will also get to know the cutting edge technologies and academic practices in the developed world.

The group, during their stay

in the UK will be visiting prestigious academic institutions in the UK where they will get exposure to contemporary teaching and research methods. The students are accompanied by Dr. Rukhsana Kousar, Vice Chancellor, Lahore College for Women University and Mr Shahid Iqbal, Additional Secretary, Chief Minister’s Secretariat Punjab.

The students were presented mementos on this occasion.

They also interacted with the officers of the Mission.

KABUL Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani again invited the Taliban to peace talks calling it as a last chance to give up their 16-year insurgency and join the political process.

In his opening remarks at the ‘Kabul Process’ meeting in Kabul, Ghani said that if the group is prepared to join peace negotiations, he will allow them to open an office.

A gathering of 23 nations, the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) and NATO in Kabul is intended to discuss security and political issues in the country during the two day meeting.

The aim of the Kabul Process is to work towards peace in Afghanistan, with

the support of neighboring countries, and the international community. The Kabul Process meeting started off however with a

minute’s silence for victims of recent terror attacks.

Taliban have expanded its reach since U.S. and NATO forces formally concluded

their combat mission at the end of 2014 and have refused to negotiate with the government until all foreign forces leave Afghanistan.

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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

Hidden Benefits of CPEC in terms of “Digital Pakistan”

C

hina-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC)is a long-term broad framework with multiple sectoral BSc (Gold Medalist) Pakistan; projects, which will be completed in difMSc PhD UK ferent phases through bilateral agreements agreed upon by both sides as a win-win equation. Minister AhsanIqbal, while briefing over CPEC explained that the initial investment worth $46 billion would be primarily used for developing the infrastructure and producing energy, and the bulk of this amount,

Engr. Dr. Mustansar Ali Ghazanfar

that is, $35 billion would be utilized for energy, and the rest for developing the infrastructure.

The main focus of CPEC is energy projects and the direct rewards(especially long-term) are immense. However, there are some other hidden benefits that can change the future of Pakistan. One of these advantages is stepping close towards “Digital Pakistan” goals (listed in Vision2025 introduced

by Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform) in terms of Internet User’s Density. In 1995, the Internet

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

France to present resolution in UNSC on Sahel region

France will present a resolution in the UN Security Council this week, to authorize an African military force for Sahel region, to root out militants and drug traffickers. This was stated by French Ambassador to the UN Francois Delattre, while talking to reporters in New York. The force will consist of troops from Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.

Pakistan, Romania to explore potential for defence cooperation ISLAMABAD—Pakistan and Romania on Wednesday agreed to explore the potential of cooperation in defense production. The understanding came at a meeting between Minister for Defense Production Rana Tanveer Hussain and Romanian Ambassador Nicolae Gola in Islamabad. In his remarks, the Federal Minister also mentioned Pakistan’s commitment to combat terrorism and extremism.

He said, “Sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan and its armed forces remain unparalleled. Our priority is relief and rehabilitation of the people of affected areas and reconstruction of such areas.”

connectivity was less than 1%; however, toady around 40% of the world population has an Internet connection.The number of Internet users has increased tenfold from 1999 to 2013. As per figures of ITU, the 55.5% population of Internet users lives in Asia and the remaining 44.5% lives in the rest of the world.

The penetration of Internet in Pakistan is very low compared to the surrounding region (central Asia). The growth in Internet user has mainly been due to pervasive mobile technology (smartphone and tablets), cheap availability of technology. Activates that attract more Internet users include online shopping, online videos, online search engines, digital social media online gamming and entertainment and many other activities. The Internet traffic is chiefly dominated by multi-billion dollar companies and transnational corporations like Google, Facebook or Amazon and their local pendants Baidu, Weibo or Rakuten.

The penetration of Internet Density in Pakistan was 10.84% with (annual) increase of 9%, in India 19.11% with increase of 14%, China at 46% with increase of 4%, Afghanistan at 6% with increase of 10% in 2014. It is worth noting that in advanced countries the penetration has moved above 80%; for example, Singapore and Hong Kong. The growth of Internet density is slow is Pakistan (despite recent Launch of 4G by Ministry of IT) and as per ITU the penetration for Pakistan is 14.6% in 2015 whereas for India it has raised to 28.3% in 2015.

CPEC have chalked out an impressive program through which we can explore various opportunities in addition to mere energy projects. With the launch of CPEC, the installation of fiber optics and satellite Internet connectionswill be done in remote areas and it can help boosting up the Internet user density. Moreover, once the major infrastructure (renovation of Gwadar and other routes as agreed by all parties) is built, more and more multi-national telecommunication companies willbe attracted by lucrative environment.

According to ITU world telecommunication recommendation there should be around 30-40% penetration in 2015-2016 per country in Asia region. With CPEC, these figures can easily be acquired. CPEC can make lives of Pakistani better and can raise the image of Pakistan worldwide while meeting the targets set by ITU and ICT sector.

Malaysia Remains In Top 25 List For Most Competitive Nations KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia remains among the 25 most competitive nations despite a drop in ranking, according to the World Competitive Yearbook 2017 compiled by Switzerlandbased Instit ute for Management Development (IMD). External challenges and uncertainties last year had a say in the country’s competitiveness level. The World Competitiveness Yearbook placed Malaysia at 24th position out of 63 countries.

Inter national Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said geopolitical uncertainties, China’s economic slowdown and sharp movements in commodity prices had affected market sentiment towards Malaysia and partly contributed to the decline.

“We need to consistently be on the lookout for new trends shaping the global economy

and ensure that our economy can adapt to this changing landscape in order to remain competitive,” said Mustapa in a statement.

“It is clear that the current economic growth is by no means a guarantee of future competitiveness.”

Malaysia must continue benchmarking itself against the top performing economies, such as Hong Kong, Switzerland and Singapore.

The ministry, Mustapa said, would set up a taskforce comprising representatives from the public and private sector to act on key areas for improvement. “The decline in ranking is something that we take seriously, and we’ve begun undertaking steps to improve our performance.”

He was referring to the five thrusts under the Malaysia Productivit y Bluepr int, which are building a highskilled workforce, driving digitalisation and innovation, making industries accountable for productivity, forging

a robust ecosystem to ensure effective implementation of regulations and securing a strong implementation mechanism through effective governance.

Malaysia was overtaken by Finland, China, Ireland, Israel and Belgium based on four competitiveness factors — economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.

“Despite the successful initiatives rolled out thus far, we acknowledge that there’s a lot more to be done. “Based on the current economic trends, such as stronger gross

domestic product growth in the first quarter this year, the strengthening of ringgit and robust export growth, as well as the continuous transformation of the economy, we hope there will be an improvement in our ranking.”

Malaysia also ranked 24th in the new IMD Digital Competitiveness Ranking, which measures countries’ ability to adopt and explore digital technologies leading to transformation in government practices, business models and society in general.

Seventh round of negotiations on Pak-Turkey FTA continues in Turkey

The Romanian Ambassador said, “Pakistan is extremely important country with a rich

Spokesman says UN Secretary General is closely watching the situation in the Gulf.

culture, working democracy and a vibrant economy.”

He expressed his desire to

increase the trade volume between both the countries.

Sher Bahadur Deuba elected as new PM of Nepal

ISLAMABAD The seventh round of negot iat ions on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Turkey continued in Turkey for negotiation to reach the final agreement.

“Secretar y Minist r y of Commerce Younas Dhaga led Pakistan’s delegation in on-going on talk on FTA between Pakistan and Turkey.

Pakistan and Turkey will also discuss specific sectors including textile sector during the negotiation,” a

senior official of Ministry of C om me r c e s a id on Wednesday.

He said, “The two sides would exchange provisional lists for a final agreement in upcoming round of dialogue. Pakistan and Turkey’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be signed on August 14, for enhancing the bilateral trade between two countries.” “Pakistan’s trade balance with Turkey remained positive until 2011, however, it started decreasing since 2011, when additional duties on various commodities were

imposed by the two countries,” he said.

The official said, “The two sides carrying discussions on agreement on goods, ser vices and investment. After signing of new FTA with Turkey, both the countries, gain will be able to improve their trade balance.”

He said, “Pakistan will get market space in agriculture and pharmaceutical sector in Turkey. Pakistan’s major imports from Turkey include manmade textiles, towels, steel structure, tanning and

plastic chemicals, processed milk and whey.” “Whereas the country’s major exports to Turkey are denim PET, ethanol, cotton yarn, fabric and rice, garments, leather, carpets, surgical instruments, sports goods and chemicals,” he said.

UAE says Qatar would need to provide ‘guaranteed roadmap’ Monday, suspending all flights and media and partisanship and its Gulf neighbours over its ABU DHABI The United Arab Emirates said on Tuesday that Qatar would need to provide a “guaranteed roadmap” before it would consider mending ties. Along with neighbouring Saudi Arabia and its closest allies, the UAE severed relations with Qatar on

and giving Qataris 14 days to leave in the biggest diplomatic crisis to hit the region in years.

“We need a guaranteed roadmap to rebuild confidence after our covenants were broken,” UAE state minister for foreign affairs Anwar Gargash said on Twitter. Gargash accused Doha of turning to “money

and extremism” in a series of tweets early Tuesday.

Qatar has denied the allegations. Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen and the Maldives were also among the governments that severed ties. A longtime ally of the United States, Qatar has been viewed with lingering suspicion by Washington

close relations with Palestinian group Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. It hosts the largest US airbase in the region, which is crucial in the fight against Islamic State group militant. It is also set to host the 2022 football World Cup.

France to present resolution in UNSC on Sahel region

The United Nations says efforts are underway to resolve the diplomatic row between Qatar and its Arab neighbours. At his regular briefing in New York, the world body’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric said UN Secretary General is closely

watching the situation in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah has arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the diplomatic row between Qatar and five other Arab states.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has been elected the 40th Prime Minister of Nepal. In a voting conducted at the LegislatureParliament today, the new Prime Minister garnered 388

votes while 170 votes were cast against him. A total of 297 votes (fifty-plus percent) were required for Deuba to be elected the PM from the existing 593-strong Parliament.

France will present a resolution in the UN Security Council this week, to authorize an African military force for Sahel region, to root out militants and drug traffickers. This was stated by French Ambassador to the

UN Francois Delattre, while talking to reporters in New York. The force will consist of troops from Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.

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

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Anusha praised for making concerted efforts to promote the telecom industry Cellular companies operating in the country have thanked Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Anusha Rehman for making concerted efforts to promote the telecom industry in the country. In a joint letter written to the minister, the telecom companies including PTCL, Jazz, Telenor, Ufone and Zong thanked the minister for extending outstanding support to the industry in seeking relief on various tax issues in the Federal Budget 2017-18.

They said it was the result of the collaborative efforts made by the Ministry and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

(PTA), under the leadership of Anusha Rehman, that the Industry had been granted some relief on Withholding Tax and Federal Excise Duty.

They said the telecom industry has always been encouraged by the present government’s progressive and empowering support, which is acknowledged by all stakeholders.

“This is just the start of creating a positive enabling environment for the sector. There are still some outstanding taxation issues that will require us to work together. As you very kindly offered, and as the Finance Minister stated during his budget speech, we request your continued support for

raising the harmonization of tax issues with the provinces.”

They said the model of publicprivate collaboration, set up by the Ministry, would be a source of mutual benefit to the

government, the industry and ultimately to the people.

They vowed to work together and continue the journey of creating a flourishing ‘Digital Pakistan.’

Carfirst reinvent used car sales sector

KARACHI CarFirst provides a first of its kind online auction platform for used-cars in Pakistan.

CarFirst’s App, provides their private network of buyers the fastest way to find the perfect car that fits their buyers’ needs.

Providing fully inspected and certified cars which save their partners the inconvenience of having to worry about any mechanical problems and feel rest-assured and secure about pre-checked paperwork. They ensure providing the safest marketplace for their partners with an extensive variety of pre-inspected used-cars from across the country.

Car First’sonline platform allows car owners to enter their car’s information for a free valuation, they can book an appointment at one of CarFirst inspection center for a physical inspection of their car.

After the multipoint physical evaluation, which includes engine, brakes, tires and road testing, CarFirst’s team of market and technical experts guide the potential seller on

the current market value of their car and make an offer to buy accordingly.

Raja Murad K han, Co-Founder and CEO of CarFirst stated, “Our vision is to reinvent how the used car are traded in Pakistan through technology and infrastructure creation. We developed this unique model where we make this a one window solution offering competitive prices and a very secure experience to sellers. CarFirst is making it easier to sell cars by bringing in international best practices

to Pakistan.”

CarFirst, has raised one of Pakistan’s biggest round of series ‘A’ funding to reinvent the used car sales sector. Launched in late 2016, CarFirst aims to provide car sellers a safe and hassle free process to get their cars inspected and sold at fair price within an hour in which CarFirst even processes the payment. CarFirst uses an internally developed algorithm, market intelligence, and a professionally trained team to conduct inspections

and valuations.

The fresh funds, raised from Frontier Car Group, which builds and runs marketplaces focused on emerging markets in the auto sector, will be used to improve CarFirst’s online buying and selling platform, which is in turn backed by Balderton Capital and New Enterprise Associates, Inc. (NEA), EchoVC, and TPG Growth. CarFirst is held by the Frontier Car Group (Delaware LLC) with 90+ employees and currently operates in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

China-CEEC Expo to take place in Ningbo NINGBO T he t h i rd Ch i na- CEEC Investment and Trade Expo (China-CEEC Expo) will be held in Ningbo, Zhejiang province from June 8 to 12, along with the 19th China Zhejiang Investment and Trade Symposium and the 16th China Inter national Consumer Goods Fair.

The first comprehensive exposition themed on investment and trade between China and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries, the ChinaCEEC Expo is jointly organized by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Zhejiang provincial government.

Aiming at promoting cooperation and mutual benefits to China and 16 Central and Easter n European (CEE) countries, the expo will offer

15 activities including conferences, forums, exhibitions and cultural exchanges with more than 3,000 items on display, 80 percent more than at the last expo, according to Zhang Wenhu of the organizing committee.

So far, more than 240 foreign enterprises from Estonia, Latvia, Poland, the Czech Republic and other countries have applied for nearly 300 booths. The expo has great significance for its leading role in boosting bilateral trade between China and CEE countries, which are important components of the Belt and Road. There are several reasons why the China-CEEC Expo has landed in Ningbo.

Ningbo, a coastal city in East China, is regarded as the first choice for CEE countries to transport goods to China because of its superior port

resources and open economy.

The economic and trade cooperation between Ningbo and CEE countries is a solid foundation for the expo. In 2016, Ningbo’s exports to these countries and imports from them reached $2.37 billion and as of the end of the year there were 120 bilateral investment projects, near the top of the list for China.

Ni ngbo has est ablished friendly cultural, educational and tourism relations with CEE countries. In 2015, there were over 200 CEE international students studying in Ningbo. During the same year, a total of 80 tour groups of 2,125 local people visited CEE countries.

Ningbo has expanded its circle of friends by becoming a sister city to 20 CEE counterparts. The last two China-CEEC expos in 2015

and 2016 brought Ningbo a series of agreements in different sectors.

The city gained experience in improving its international competitiveness, boosting the efficiency of foreign trade and innovating new ways for Ningbo products to reach external markets. The expos made Ningbo’s international cooperation with other countries more extensive and established.

Ningbo looks forward to expanding bilateral trade and investment, and seeks deeper cooperation in industrial productivity between China as a whole and CEE countries at this year’s expo. With its growing confidence the port city expects to attract world attention and show its charms and advantages to international participants.

Crude oil production stands at 24.2 mbl in nine months Pakistan’s domestic crude oil production stood at 24.2 million barrels (mbl) in first three quarters of the current fiscal year as compared to 24 mbl during the corresponding period last year.

“Indigenous resources of oil are not enough to quench energy thirst of a growing economy, so the country imported 5.9 million tones crude oil to meet its domestic needs from July 2016 to March 2017,” official sources said.

They said the government was making all-out efforts to accelerate oil and gas exploration activities in different potential areas of the country, for which

it would spend Rs 554.291 million in the next fiscal year. The current government, they said, had so far added over 36,000 barrels oil per day (bpd) in crude oil production, bringing the production capacity to 90,000 bpd mark.

Presently, they said, as many as six oil refineries were operating in the country and they had full capacity to refine the product as per needs of the country.

Currently, 70 percent of the current oil demand is met through import and the government has planned to set up more oil refineries in the coming days, they added.

JEDDAH (DNA) Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia Khan Hasham bin Saddique has said that Pakistan greatly values role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for promotion of the Kashmir cause at international level.

Talking to OIC Secretary Gene r al D r. You saf A. Al-Othaimeen at the OIC secretariat in Jeddah, he said, “Pakistan greatly appreciates Assistant Secretary General and Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) on Jam mu and Kashmir Ambassador Abdullah Al-Alim for his meaningful role in the context of Jammu and Kashmir dispute.”

The Ambassador said, “Our combi ned ef for t s have, d i rectly a nd i nd i rectly, strengthened OIC’s institutions and have let us take united positions on the issues pertaining to Islamic world.”

He reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Palestine issue and said that Pakistan has given its unequivocal support to the issue of Palestine and has always supported the establishment of a Palestinian State with Al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital.

The Ambassador thanked the OIC Secretary General on the continued support given to Pakistan on various matters including Kashmir issue and terrorism.

He also thanked OIC on writing to the Indian Government

Pakistan greatly values role of OIC for promotion of Kashmir cause: envoy to allow OIC fact finding mission to Indian Occupied Kashmir early this year. He hoped that India will accept OIC’s request for objective and fair assessment of human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).

OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousaf A. Al-Othaimeen appreciated the meaningful role played by Pakistan in OIC. He reiterated OIC’s stance on Kashmir dispute and said, “Peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute according to the wishes of Kashmiri people and in accordance with the UNSC resolutions would bring durable peace in the region.”

OIC Se c ret a r y Ge ne r al recalled his recent visit to Pakistan and his meetings

with the President and Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Pakistan and termed the meetings very useful.

The OIC Secretary General appreciated Pakistan’s contribution in enhancing the higher education in OIC member countries by providing 100 scholarships to students of OIC member countries.

Public Confidence Surges on KP Education Reforms A record number of students, 151,000, Shift from private to Government schools Peshawar —This year, a record 151,000 students have migrated from private schools of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the Government Schools.

This number was 34,000 last year. This significant increase is testimony of reforms initiatives in government schools, some of which have never been done in the private sector. Government schools of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have now more than 1100 interactive white boards and more than 1340 state of the Art Computer Labs. Above all, Government schools are free and provide free books to the students. Besides other books, this year the Government distributed more than 5.3 million drawing books among the students.

According to the numbers available at the KP Directorate of Elementary & Secondary Education, of total 151,610 students who migrated to government schools are 100,937 boys and 50,673 girls students.

In terms of high migration districts Haripur is leading with 16684 students followed by DI Khan 12986 and Mardan with 11,324 students which shows that education reforms are equally resulting

in improvements all across the province.

The Government of Khyber Pak ht un k hwa has made tremendous efforts in the education sector which has improved parents perception about the government schools across the province.

Around 96% of parents, who have voluntarily moved their children from private schools to government schools, stated that they would send their next child to government school as well. Primary reasons for this shift is free of cost education, free books, innovation through state-ofthe art Labs, White Boards

and provision of basic facilities such as clean drinking water, boundary walls, group latrines, solar panels, and electricity. Provision of boundary walls and latrines also increases female enrolment in schools.

Last year, around 34,000 students who were previously attending private schools left private schools and joined government schools between September 2015 and March 2016. This is according to a survey carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in May 2016, which revealed that almost 66% of these parents took out their children from

private schools of their own accord. The key reasons were ever rising education related expenses in private schools, while government schools are now viewed as offering good quality teaching that too is free of cost.

The provincial government is increasing education budget to a record 139 Billion for FY 2017-18. This increase in budget will help in furthering the quality of education and provision of basic facilities to the schools. It is hoped that KP public sector education will soon become an example for other provinces.

US believes China looking for overseas bases in Pakistan WASHINGTON A Pentagon report announced on Tuesday si ngled out Pakistan as a possible location for a future Chinese military base, as it forecast that Beijing would likely build more bases overseas after instituting a facility in the African nation of Djibouti.

The prophecy came in a 97-page annual report to Congress that saw advances throughout the Chinese military in 2016, funded by vigorous defense spending that the Pentagon estimated exceeded $180 billion.

That is higher than China’s official defense budget figure of 954.35 billion yuan ($140.4 billion). Chinese leaders, the US report said, appeared

committed to defense spending hikes for the “probable future,” even as economic growth slows.

The report repeatedly cited China’s construction of its first overseas naval base in Djibouti, which is already home to a key US military base and is strategically located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea on the route to the Suez Canal.

“China most likely will seek to establish additional military bases in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan,” the report said.

Djibouti’s position on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fueled worries in India that it would become another of China’s

‘string of pearls’ of military alliances and assets ringing India, including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

The report did not address India’s probable reaction to a Chinese base in Pakistan. But Pakistan, the US report noted, was already the primary market in the Asian-Pacific region

for Chinese arms exports.

That region accounted for $9 billion of the more than $20 billion in Chinese arms exports from 2011 to 2015.

Last year, China signed an agreement with Pakistan f o r t h e s a l e of e i g h t submarines.—DNA