Special
news Analysis of reports from "That Side Of The World"
________________________________________
India
’s supersonic missile
launch compelled
Pakistan
to upgrade defence
capabilities: FO
ISLAMABAD
:
Pakistan
Thursday voiced its serious
concern over
India
’s testfire of supersonic
interceptor missile and warned to “take all necessary measures to augment the
country’s defence capabilities”. “We
are not oblivious to our defence needs and we will be compelled to upgrade our
defensive capabilities through suitable technologies,” the Foreign Office
spokesman said in a weekly press briefing held here at the Foreign Office.
India
testfired its anti-ballistic
missile Ashwin on May 15 capable of intercepting and bringing down hostile
ballistic missiles. Spokesman Nafees Zakaria said “we reserve the right to
maintain effective deterrence and
Pakistan
is prepared to defend its
people and borders”. He mentioned that Indian actions were against the spirit
of a peaceful and friendly neighbourhood and “would upset the balance of power
in the region”. The Spokesman said following
India
’s missile testfire,
Pakistan
had expressed its concern at
the conference on Disarmament Plenary meeting held in
Geneva
about
India
’s ambitious missile
programme. To a question about
India
’s gestures of maintaining
relations with
Pakistan
on one hand and working
against its interests on the other, the Spokesman said, “Normalization of
relations between
Pakistan
and
India
would required sincere
efforts, good faith and commitment from both the countries.” “We have
already conveyed that the dialogue process will not be a concession from one
side to the other, but with a modus vivendi [arrangement to coexist peacefully]
in the inter-state relations,” he said. The Foreign Office Spokesman about the
fifth meeting of the Quadrilateral Cooperation Group (QCG) held in
Islamabad
on May 18 said all members
were making sincere efforts to bring Taliban and other groups to the negotiation
table. When asked about slow
progress of QCG meetings, he said the conflict spanned over decades was taking
its due course to settle. “We are dealing with a 36-year-old turmoil with 15
years of military efforts by the world’s powerful countries. These countries
are still endeavoring for peace and stability,” he said. He said with just six
months of its inception, the QCG had made sincere efforts with a unanimous
opinion that peace should be given a chance, being the only option to move
forward. About objections raised by Afghan side in the QCG meeting on Pakistan
for taking no action against the Haqqani network, the Spokesman said that
Pakistan’s sincerity should not be doubted.“Such negative statements
strengthen the interests of those who do not want peace to flourish,” he said.
When sought
Pakistan
’s response on
Afghanistan
’s draft deal signed with
Gulbadin Hekmatyar group sidetracking the QCG, he said
Pakistan
welcomed the move.He said it
was encouraging that
Afghanistan
on its own was engaging with
other groups with an objective of enduring peace. To a question on the U.S not
providing F-16 fighter aircraft to
Pakistan
, he said the Pak-U.S
relationship should not be judged within the domain of this single issue.He said
the matter was still under discussion in the U.S and the chapter had not been
closed. About arrest of Foreign Ministry’s senior director, Shafqat Ali Cheema
by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on charges of human trafficking, the
Spokesman said the Ministry would fully cooperate on the issue. He said the
Ministry itself had initiated the reference against the director and it
indicated a clear message that no concession would be made to any official
involved in illegal activities.
Nisar
tells Olson: Stable, peaceful
Afghanistan
in favour of entire region
ISLAMABAD
: US Special Representative
for
Pakistan
and
Afghanistan
, Richard Olson called on
Minister for Interior, Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan here on Thursday and discussed
overall security situation of the region especially with reference to
Afghanistan
. Talking to Richard Olson,
the Minister said, “stable and peaceful
Afghanistan
is not only in favour of
Pakistan
but the entire region. The
only solution to
Afghanistan
issue is dialogue.” “We
have reservations on
United States
policy for stopping funding
to
Pakistan
for F-16 planes. In spite of
this, all issues between
Pakistan
and US be resolved through
dialogue,” he said. The Minister said Pakistan wanted to further expand its
ties with US but for this Pakistan’s point of view and sovereignty be
considered at all levels. Richard Olson said, “US appreciates efforts and role
of Pakistan for durable peace in Afghanistan”. The Representative said in
spite of some issues, the US government gave importance to its relations with
Pakistan and wanted to further expand existing ties. US ambassador in Pakistan,
David Hale was also present in the meeting. “We have reservations on United
States policy for stopping funding to Pakistan for F-16 planes. In spite of
this, all issues between Pakistan and US be resolved through dialogue,” he
said. The Minister said Pakistan wanted to further expand its ties with US but
for this Pakistan’s point of view and sovereignty be considered at all
levels.Richard Olson said, “US appreciates efforts and role of Pakistan for
durable peace in Afghanistan”. The Representative said in spite of some
issues, the US government gave importance to its relations with Pakistan and
wanted to further expand existing ties. US ambassador in Pakistan, David Hale
was also present in the meeting.
Sri
Lanka mudslide: Army fears 134 missing are dead
COLOMBO:
Sri Lankan teams on Thursday searched for scores of people missing after a
landslide fear there may be no more survivors. So far troops have rescued 150
people from the worst-hit site in central Kegalle district, but hopes are fading
for another 134 still unaccounted for. No more people were found overnight, dead
or alive - on Wednesday 14 bodies were pulled from the mud. Five more bodies
were found at the site of another mudslide in the district, bringing the death
toll there to 10. Landslides and flooding caused by days of torrential rain have
hit many parts of the country, killing at least 43 people in total, according to
official figures. Nearly 350,000 people have been displaced. In the worst-hit
area, Aranayake district, three villages were buried after a huge section of
hillside sheared away in the rain on Tuesday. Bad weather is hampering the
army’s efforts to reach possible survivors. “I fear the missing 134 could be
dead at this point,” Maj Gen Sudantha Ranasinghe, the officer in charge, told
media. “But we will continue our operation to recover the bodies to give
families some peace.”
Commander
Chinese Navy conferred with Pakistan's Military Award
KARACHI:
Admiral Wu Shengli, Commander PLA (Navy) China, has been conferred with
Pakistan’s highest Military Award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military). The award was
given to Chinese Admiral in recognition of his distinguished services and
significant contributions in strengthening the bilateral relations between
Pakistan and China in general and Navies of both the friendly nations in
particular. The award has been conferred by Abdul Quadir Baloch; Federal
Minister for States and Frontier Regions, during an impressive ceremony held at
Pakistan Navy Dockyard. Admiral
Muhammad Zakaullah, Chief of the Naval Staff was also present in the ceremony.
The ceremony was also attended by Ambassador of China, Air Officer Commanding
South and other senior officers of armed forces. Admiral Wu Shengli is presently
on a two day official visit to Pakistan on the invitation of Chief of the Naval
Staff. Earlier, the Admiral also visited Quaid’s Mausoleum and laid wreath.
During the day besides visiting PN units, the dignitary also met Naval Field
Commands at Karachi.
Japan
to give Pakistan 6.29 billion loan for eradication of polio
ISLAMABAD:
The Government of Japan on Thursday has announced to extend a soft loan of 6.29
billion Yen (approximately USD 59 million) to the Government of Pakistan for
polio eradication. Signing ceremony was held here in which documents exchanged
between Takashi Kurai, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan and Anjum Amin Assad,
Additional Secretary for Economic Affairs Division. This loan will be utilized
to procure 273 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccines for polio eradication
campaign. The Government of Japan has focused on polio eradication, which is
indeed a global challenge for public health. Since 1996, for over 20 years,
Japan has supported polio eradication campaign in Pakistan by way of procurement
of polio vaccine, strengthening the logistics for delivery through cold chain
system, improvement in the treatment of vaccinators, dispatching Japanese
medical experts, and so on. Thereby Japan’s assistance including this loan
reaches approximately 22.6 billion Japanese Yen (approximately USD 212.5
million) in total. At the signing ceremony, Takashi Kurai said that Japan
assistance this year of about PKR 6.2 billion is the biggest among all the
assistance we have ever provided so far in this area. Sincerely, hope that this
yen loan will be a finishing blow to polio infection and lead to the complete
polio eradication where we can see all the children free from it.
General
Raheel, US CENTCOM Commander discuss security situation in
Afghanistan
RAWALPINDI
: Incoming commander United
States Central Command General Joseph L Votel called on Army Chief General
Raheel Sharif in
Rawalpindi
on Monday. During the
meeting matters of mutual and professional interests with special emphasis on
security situation in
Afghanistan
came under discussion. The
visiting dignitary lauded the role of Pakistan Army for bringing peace and
stability to the region. General Joseph L Votel also laid floral wreath at
Yadgar-e-Shuhada.
Operation
Zarb-e-Azb, NAP testament of
Pakistan
's commitment in
fight against terrorism
RAWALPINDI
:
Pakistan
and the
US
on Monday shared resolve to
enhance existing defence cooperation. This understanding reached during a
meeting of General Joseph L. Votel, Commander US Central Command and Lt. General
Muhammad Alam Khattak (Retd), Secretary Defence. They exchanged views on matters
of mutual interest and enhancing defence cooperation.
Pakistan
highly values its
relationship with the
US
which is spread over six
decades and has seen progress in various areas including trade, economy,
investment, energy, defence and people to people contact. It was discussed in
the meeting that there is a need of further enhancement and diversification of
defence relations by transcending from present confines of counter terrorism to
the realm of conventional defence. Secretary Defence expressed concern on the
issue of resolution of sale of F 16s to
Pakistan
stating that these aircraft
are essential for over fight against terrorism. He further stated that Operation
Zarb e Azab and National Action Plan are testament of
Pakistan
’s commitment in its fight
against terrorism and extremism. The Secretary also enquired about the status of
roadmap regarding future reimbursement mechanism in lieu of Coalition Support
Fund (CSF) beyond 2016. General Joseph L. Votel, Commander US Central Command
acknowledged the role played by Pakistan Armed Forces in their fight against
terrorism.He added that continued support from US in training, equipment and
necessary funding will act as tools essential to fight against terrorist
outfits. General Joseph Leonard Votel is a four-star General in the United
States Army who has recently assumed the command of United States Central
Command. Before that, he served as commander of United States Special Operations
Command.
19
Military Operations underway in 15 Afghan provinces: MoD
KABUL
: A spokesman for Afghan
Ministry of Defense (MoD), Dawlat Waziri, said on Monday that 19 military
operations are currently ongoing in 15 provinces in war-torn country. Speaking
at a press conference, Waziri said that the military operations are being
conducted in provinces including Wardak,
Helmand
, Kunduz,
Kandahar
and Kunar. “In the past
two months, after we launched Shafaq military operation, hundreds [of
insurgents] were killed and security forces seized a large amount of weapons,
vehicles and other equipment belonging to insurgents. Dozens of insurgents’
commanders are among the dead and we are carrying out night raids to clear the
insurgents,” Waziri said. He called on the people to support security forces,
especially regarding their night raids, which are proving highly effective. He
added that military operations have not yet launched in some parts of the north
and also in
Helmand
. He said however that the
air force and intelligence agencies have improved substantially this past year
and that between 150 and 180 air operations are carried out on a daily basis. In
the meantime, Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for the Ministry of Interior (MoI), on
Monday acknowledged the security threats in
Helmand
are higher than in other
provinces. In response to a question by reporters over the increasing of US
troops’ combat role against insurgents, he said that Afghanistan needs the
cooperation of foreign troops in combat against al-Qaeda, Haqqani, Taliban and
other insurgent groups. This comes as the Taliban’s insurgency in Helmand is
on the rise – but military leadership still appears reluctant to implement an
important order issued by President Ashraf Ghani two weeks ago giving a free
hand to security forces to fight militants from a harsher standpoint. Two weeks
ago, Ghani said during an address in parliament, that the military leadership
must carry out large scale offensives against militants raging war in the
province. However, the order has still not been implemented. The reasons are
unclear but this is putting a burden on the shoulders of overstretched Afghan
forces, said critics. Critics also believe the delay in implementing the order
is enabling the Taliban to expand its attacks on embattled Afghan security
forces who are fighting the Taliban on multiple fronts and in some key districts
in the province. This in turn is threatening the security of the provincial
capital, Lashkargah city.
Pakistan
calls for greater engagement
across cultures to counter xenophobia
NEW YORK
:
Pakistan
’s culture defines its
humanity and reflects the spirit of a nation on the upsurge, Ambassador Maleeha
Lodhi has said, while calling for promoting greater engagement across cultures
to counter xenophobia. “Today, the amazing outpouring of art and literature in
Pakistan is the most forceful response to a tiny minority that seeks to impose
an alien orthodoxy,” she told a large and distinguished gathering amidst
applause at the start of the festival, the first time a Pakistani cultural
festival has been held abroad. “
Lahore
has arrived in
New York
,” the Pakistani envoy said
of the
US
city known as the one that
never sleeps. “Nor does
Lahore
by the way!” Lahore, she
said, has led the national engagement with modernity and it embodies the
country’s unique identity as a modern nation and ancient civilization. “We
are proud that for the first time a festival of ideas from Pakistan has been
taken overseas.” Pakistan, the ambassador said
has a rich and diverse cultural heritage and artistic tradition, present
cultural landscape is especially rich and prolific. The country’s literary
ethos of had been going through remarkable change with a growing number of
globally acclaimed writers spearheading this transformation. As for music, she
said, the explosion being witnessed ranges all the way from traditional Qawali
rendered with a modern twist; to a fresh crop of pop artists, all creating a
diverse and distinctively Pakistani sound. Pakistani cinema was also seeing
revival by a new wave of young independent film-makers who are charting and
breaking new ground by tackling bold themes and using digital technology.
“Authors, artists, film-makers and musicians all are producing works that form
an extraordinary panorama of creativity, reflecting the vibrant cultural reality
of today’s Pakistan,” Ambassador Lodhi said. The creative voices in
Pakistan’s music, literature, art and in the media were emblematic of a living
nation which was facing many challenges but negotiating them with the spirit and
resilience. Pakistan’s culture was about attitudes that value openness and
dialogue, the ambassador said. “Today, we are engaged in a battle of ideas and
it is culture which helps us create space and diversity to enable us to forge a
narrative of tolerance, openness and debate. Our response to those who challenge
our centuries old tradition of peaceful coexistence, informed by our great Sufi
tradition, is to get back in touch with joy and the freedom to create.” Asia
Society, she said, provided a platform and showcasing different cultures from
the Asian continent to build awareness and advance understanding in the US of
other cultures and civilizations. “Art, it is rightly said, transcends borders
and helps to build bridges across cultures and therefore is an invaluable medium
to promote inter-cultural understanding,” Ambassador lodhi said. “At a time
when we see the rise of intense xenophobia, nothing is more important than the
need to listen to each other, build respect for the other and promote greater
engagement across cultures. It is by enhancing our understanding of the values
of cultural diversity that helps us to learn to live together better.”
Pakistani-American
physicians urged to play role in development of motherland
FLORIDA:
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Untied States Jalil Abbas Jilani has urged the
Pakistani-American physicians to come forward and play their due role in the
national development of their motherland. Addressing the Spring Convention of
Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) in
Florida, the ambassador also emphasized the community’s role in solidifying
the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and the United States and the
importance accorded by the Government of Pakistan to the welfare of overseas
Pakistanis. Ambassador Jilani particularly urged the Pakistani youth to take
lead in lifting the socio-economic and political profile of the growing
Pakistani diaspora in the United States and assured them of Embassy’s
continued cooperation. On the occasion, the Ambassador announced that the
Embassy would be hosting the third Annual Convention of Pakistani American
Community (CPAC-2016), which will be preceded by Regional Community Conventions
in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Houston. He also highlighted a host of
community-related initiatives taken by the Embassy which had made it more
accessible and forthcoming to the community. During a Town Hall meeting, held
after the Convention, the Ambassador briefed the participants of the APPNA
Convention about the actions taken by the Government to counter terrorism,
extremism and to promote economic development. He said that economic reforms
coupled with decisive steps taken by the government against terrorists have
resulted in better security environment and improved economic climate.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the Ambassador said would bring about economic
prosperity to the whole region. While appreciating the dynamic role of
Ambassador Jilani, President of APPNA, Dr. Nasar Qureshi thanked the Embassy for
its proactive role in engaging the community. APPNA is one of the largest ethnic
medical societies in North America representing more than 15,000 physicians and
health care professionals of Pakistani descent serving across the United States
and Canada. The Convention was attended by a large number of Pakistani-American
physicians from all over the United States. The participants acknowledged a
great deal of improvement in the consular services delivered by the Pakistan
Embassy and Consulates General in the U.S. During the Convention, the APPNA
Council unanimously endorsed Ambassador Jilani as a lifetime member of APPNA for
his “services to the Pakistani community and for promoting Pakistan-US
relations.”
Pakistan
rejects US conditions for
sale of F-16s:
Aizaz
ISLAMABAD
:
Pakistan
needs modern F-16 fighter
jets for its ongoing war against terrorism but rejects the conditions the
United States
has attached with their
sale, said Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry on Saturday. Speaking to
journalists, scholars and corporate leaders at a breakfast meeting in
Islamabad
, the foreign secretary said
no conditions should be attached to the sale of F-16s because
Pakistan
plans to use the jets only
for the purpose of fighting terrorists. The US State Department earlier this
week said
Pakistan
will have to pay from its
own funds if it wants to buy F-16 fighter jets, after the US Congress last month
withdrew funds for the deal to force
Pakistan
to act against the Haqqani
network. Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad has said
Pakistan
knows how to deal with
countries or institutions that may attempt to sabotage the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC). “The entire nation is united to make the project a
success. If any outfit or a country has any problem with the CPEC,
Pakistan
knows it well how to deal
with it. Certain elements want to create chaos in Balochistan but the entire
nation is fully united to make the CPEC project a success,” he said while
talking to media here Saturday. He said that F-16s issue has nothing to do with
Shakeel Afridi. “We will try to convince the US Congress on the issue of
purchase of F-16 aircrafts. Acquisition of these aircrafts is all the more
necessary to fight terrorism. We will continue our efforts that US stand by us
on war on terror. We have paid a
heavy price in war on terror in
North Waziristan
,” he said. The law and
order situation in
Pakistan
has improved after the
launch of operation Zarb-e-Azb and
implementation of National Action Plan, he said. He denied that Daesh has a
presence in
Pakistan
. “Whenever some
breakthrough is achieved between
Pakistan
and
India
, then non state actors
create some problem. We will deal with it and expose them and the conspiracy,”
he said. “We have been vindicated after the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan
Yadav from Balochistan.
Pakistan
and
India
have decided to pursue the
path of cooperation even after the Pathankot incident,” he said. He also
indicated that
Pakistan
will host SAARC summit
scheduled for November.
13
Iranian Revolutionary Guards killed in
Syria
: media
TEHRAN
: Thirteen military advisers
with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards have been killed in
Syria
in recent days and 21 others
wounded, Iranian media reported on Saturday. It was
Iran
’s biggest loss of forces
within such a short time, based on official figures. The names of those killed
and when their remains will be repatriated will be announced later, the Guards
said.All were from Iran’s northern province of Mazandaran, Hossein Ali Rezayi,
a Guards spokesman in the region, told the ISNA and Fars news agencies. The
deaths and injuries occurred in Khan Tuman village some 10 kilometres (six
miles) southwest of the battleground city of
Aleppo
, the official IRNA news
agency reported a Guards statement as saying. Pro-regime troops had driven
jihadists out of Khan Tuman in December, but on Friday a monitor reported more
than 70 killed in fighting between regime forces and Al-Qaeda-affiliated
jihadists and their allies south of
Aleppo
. Al-Nusra Front and allied
Islamists seized Khan Tuman and surrounding villages after less than 24 hours of
clashes, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.Around 30 pro-regime
troops were killed in the battle, said the Britain-based Observatory which
relies on a network of sources in
Syria
.
Russia
said late Friday that a
temporary truce in
Aleppo
had been extended for 72
hours “in order to prevent the situation from worsening”. More than 300
civilians were killed in two weeks of fighting in the divided city before the
truce took hold on Thursday, in regime air strikes on its opposition-held east
and rebel shelling of the regime-controlled west.
Iran
is
Syria
’s main regional ally,
sending financial and military aid, including military advisers and volunteer
forces from
Iran
,
Afghanistan
,
Iraq
and
Pakistan
, to prop up President Bashar
al-Assad’s regime.Dozens of Iranian “advisers” have been killed in
Syria
since late 2015, including
Revolutionary Guards commanders. Saturday’s news came as Ali Akbar Velayati, a
top adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, met Assad in
Damascus
and assured him of
Tehran
’s support. “The Islamic
republic of Iran has employed all of its capacity for the fight against
terrorists committing crimes against oppressed nations in the region,” state
television news agency IRIB quoted him as saying.Assad told Velayati that Syria
was “very hopeful of victory in this unbalanced war, thanks to Iran’s
selfless support”, IRIB reported.
Khan
sworn in as
London
’s first Muslim mayor
LONDON
: Sadiq Khan was sworn in as
London
mayor Saturday after being
elected the first Muslim leader of a major Western capital, as the Conservatives
defended attempts to link him to extremism during the campaign. The opposition
Labour lawmaker, the son of a Pakistani bus driver, broke from convention by
taking his oath of office in a multi-faith ceremony at Southwark Cathedral.
“My name is Sadiq Khan and I’m the mayor of
London
,” the 45-year-old said to
cheers from supporters, who had earlier given him a standing ovation as he
walked in. He added: “I’m determined to lead the most transparent, engaged
and accessible administration
London
has ever seen, and to
represent every single community, and every single part of our city, as mayor
for all Londoners.” Khan won 57 percent of the vote in Thursday’s mayoral
election, securing 1.3 million votes to see off multimillionaire Conservative
Zac Goldsmith and make history as the city’s first Muslim mayor. In his
victory speech in the early hours of Saturday morning, Khan had referenced the
negative campaign against him by saying
London
had chosen “unity over
division”. Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron had led the attacks
against Khan for sharing platforms with radical Muslims at public events, and
Goldsmith said he was “radical and divisive”. There was criticism from
across the political spectrum on Saturday at the tone of the Tory campaign, but
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon insisted it was legitimate.“Both candidates
were asked questions about their backgrounds, their personalities, their
judgment, the people they associate with,” he told BBC radio. “That’s the
nature of our democracy and the rough-and-tumble of politics.” News of the win
was applauded in Pakistan, with Bilawal Bhutto, leader of the opposition
Pakistan People’s Party and son of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, and
rival opposition leader Imran Khan tweeting congratulations.New York Mayor Bill
de Blasio said he was looking to working with his “fellow affordable-housing
advocate” while Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo tweeted that Khan’s “humanity
(and) progressivism will benefit Londoners”. Former Conservative government
minister Sayeeda Warsi also offered her congratulations “from this daughter of
a Pakistani bus driver to the son of a Pakistani bus driver”, and condemned
her party’s campaign.“Our appalling dog-whistle campaign lost us the
election, our reputation and credibility on issues of race and religion,” she
said. Khan admitted representing some “pretty unsavoury characters” during
his previous job as a human rights lawyer but said their views were
“abhorrent” and condemned the Conservatives’ “desperate” attacks.
Goldsmith’s sister Jemima, the ex-wife of Pakistani cricketer and politician
Imran Khan, said the tone of her brother’s campaign “did not reflect who I
know him to be”.Cameron’s former adviser, Steve Hilton, said Goldsmith had
brought back the “nasty party label”. In the audience at Southwark Cathedral
was Doreen Lawrence, an anti-racism campaigner whose teenage son Stephen was
killed by a gang of white youths.“I never imagined in my lifetime I could have
a mayor of London from an ethnic minority,” she said. Khan has broken the
eight-year hold of the Conservatives on City Hall, succeeding the charismatic
Boris Johnson in a prestigious post that has responsibility for transport,
housing, policing and promoting economic development. His success was a boost
for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, a veteran socialist who has been battling a row
over anti-Semitism and growing criticism from the moderate wing of his party
since his election in September. But Labour fared less well in other regional
elections on Thursday. The party was beaten into third place in Scotland, once a
Labour stronghold, as the Conservatives became the official opposition to the
Scottish National Party (SNP), which won a third term in office.Labour
maintained control of the Welsh assembly and lost only a handful of local
council seats in England. But critics warned it should have done better against
a government that has lost support over welfare reforms and is deeply divided
ahead of the referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU on June 23.
Imran
Farooq murder: Scotland Yard team arrives in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD:
A two-member team from Britain’s Scotland Yard arrived in Islamabad on
Saturday in relation to the investigation of the murder of the Muttahida Qaumi
Movement (MQM) leader Dr Imran Farooq. The London Metropolitan Police’s team
handed over the deceased’s death certificate to the Federal Investigative
Agency (FIA). A three-member team from Pakistan is expected to leave for Britain
by May 15. Farooq, 50, a founding member of the MQM, was stabbed and beaten to
death in Edgware, northwest London, as he returned home from work on September
16, 2010.
US
elections not to affect Pakistan-US ties: Harkenrider
LAHORE:
US Consul General to Lahore Zachary Harkenrider has said that Pak-US relations
would remain important for the US government irrespective of the fact Donald
Trump, Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton is elected the next US president in
November 2016 elections. Addressing Invitation Talk on the U S electoral system
at the Government College University (GCU) here on Saturday, he said if one goes
through the history of Pak-US relations since 1947, one comes to know there are
moments of discord that punctuate much longer and much more significant periods
of convergence, agreement and mutual interests. The talk was organised by
Quaid-e-Azam Political Science Society of the GCU. The Counsel General said any
government in Pakistan, whether of left or right, democratic or undemocratic,
understands and values its relationship with the United States. The situation is
similar in the United States. Responding to a question about US relations with
the Islamic world, Zachary Harkenrider said the American society is highly
receptive and tolerant of religious diversity, adding that: “There are
millions and millions of Americans who are Muslims, and they are as important
citizens of the US as I am.” Harkenrider briefed the students about the
complete electoral process for the President of United States from his party
nominations through primaries and caucuses, general voting and election through
the Electoral College.He also told the participants about the different voting
trends and nomination processes in the different States. The students were also
apprised of the history of US elections and voting trends since 1789. The Consul
General discussed the reasons why no significant third political party has
emerged in United States, adding that democracy and political institutions are
strengthening in Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr
Hassan Amir Shah said that there was a great interest among the university
students about the American Presidential elections and they follow it on
media.However, he said that this lecture by Consul General would give them a
deeper understanding about the complete electoral process and latest trends.
Later, the Counsel General visited the university library and Iqbal Hostel where
Poet of the East Allama Muhammad Iqbal had spent student days of his life. He
admired the peaceful environment of the university. He also pledged to provide
support to the University in its different academic and research ventures.
Lahore
Literary Festival begins at Asia Society in New York
NEW
YORK: The Lahore Literary Festival (LLF), taking place in New York City on
Saturday and Sunday, will showcase the whole mosaic of Pakistan’s cultural
creativity including literature, poetry and music.
LLF in New York is being co-presented with the Asia Society, making it
the first time a Pakistani literary festival takes place abroad. “We are
pleased that what we initiated, the first Pakistani festival of ideas at the
Asia Society, is taking place on 7-8 May,” Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Maleeha
Lodhi told APP. “It all started
when I called on Josette Sheeran, the President of Asia Society, and proposed
the idea to her. She embraced it
enthusiastically and Razi Ahmed of the Lahore Literary Festival made it
happen,” she added. On his part,
Razi Ahmed, who is LLF’s founder
and CEO, said, “For four years now, we’ve had the privilege of bringing some
of the most creative and insightful voices in the world to Pakistan’s cultural
capital to engage with our writers, artists and audiences. We are delighted now
to be taking some of Pakistan’s finest to the creative capital of the US.”
The LLF in New York, part of a three-year partnership with Asia Society, will
feature panel discussions that include businessman, philanthropist, educator and
former Finance Minister of Pakistan Syed Babar Ali; New York Times columnist
Roger Cohen; artist Salima Hashmi; physicist and author Tasneem Zehra Husain;
former Foreign Minister of Pakistan Hina Rabbani Khar; actor, director and
screenwriter Sarmad Khoosat; journalist and foreign policy author Ahmed Rashid;
and author and filmmaker Sadia Shepard. Asia
Society will also webcast the sold-out 2-day ticketed event. The festival will
open on Saturday evening with a performance by singer-songwriter Zeb Bangash. It
will be rounded off after day-long discussions among participantson Sunday
evening with Qawwali by an eight-member ensemble—the Saami Brothers.
The LLF, founded in 2012, is a nonprofit initiative incorporated in
Pakistan under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The Asia Society, founded
in 1956 by John Rockefeller III, is a nonpartisan and nonprofit educational
organization that aims at fostering understanding and partnerships between Asian
and American people and institutions.
Afghanistan
president moves acting
defense minister to head spy agency
KABUL
: Afghan President Ashraf
Ghani has appointed a new acting defense minister to replace Masoom Stanekzai, a
loyalist ally whom he has shifted to lead the main intelligence agency, the
National Directorate of Security (NDS). The changes, announced late on Thursday,
underline the uncertainty at the top of
Afghanistan
’s security apparatus that
has hindered the fight against the Taliban and other insurgents since Ghani’s
National Unity Government came to power in 2014. Stanekzai, who was well
regarded by NATO commanders but never confirmed in office by parliament, moves
to take over the NDS, whose director, Rahmatullah Nabil, resigned in December
after disagreeing with Ghani’s moves towards rapprochement with Pakistan.
Stanekzai is replaced as caretaker defense minister by General Abdullah Khan,
previously chief of staff at the ministry. Both appointments will have to be
approved by parliament, which failed to confirm Stanekzai as defense minister
for well over a year amid wrangling in the government led by Ghani and Chief
Executive Abdullah Abdullah, the two rivals in a disputed 2014 election. Last
month, parliament approved former army general Taj Mohammad Jahid as interior
minister after the previous incumbent, Noor-ul-Haq Olomi, resigned following
heavy criticism over deteriorating security. At the time, the speaker of
parliament asked the government to present nominees to lead the defense ministry
and the NDS so that the caretaker arrangement could be ended.
Pakistani
ammunition exports reach to $60 million
ISLAMABAD
: Chairman Pakistan Ordnance
Factories (POF) Wah Let Gen Omar Mahmood Hayat said that in financial year
2014-15 exports were $ 21 millions and this year it is $ 60 millions and target
of $ 81 million set for 2016-17. He was briefing Senate panel on Defense
Production. Panel met under the chair of Khawaja Sohail. Chairman Pakistan POF,
while briefing on new commercial products of POF said that in his organisation
14 ordnance factories and three commercial subsidiaries. He said that more than
24,000 workforce, 26 kilometres size, more than 100 educational institutions and
98% literacy rate of the city. He said that last year production of POF was of
Rs 16 billion, this year it is Rs30 billion and in next year it will further
increased and will reach to Rs 36 billions. He said that in financial year
2014-15 exports were $ 21 millions and this year it is $ 60 millions and target
of $ 81 million set for 2016-17. He informed that
Saudi Arabia
is major exporter of defence
equipment of POF, but through the Bulgarian company. He said now meeting with
Saudi and Qatari officials held and tried to convince them for directly
exporting from
Pakistan
. He said that in last three
years earned Rs 11 billions. He said that POF is
Pakistan
’s premier arms and
ammunition manufacturing facility, which not only serve the defense requirements
of the country’s Armed Forces, but also caters to the needs of domestic and
export market as well. He informed that established in early 50’s, POF
comprised four workshops and today it stands as an advanced defense industrial
complex, producing approximately 70 major products including automatic rifles,
light, medium and heavy machine guns, a wide range of mortars and artillery
ammunition, aircraft and anti-aircraft ammunition, tank and anti-tank
ammunition, bombs, grenades, pyrotechnics and a state of the art stitching unit.
POF also specializes in the manufacture of commercial explosives, hunting
ammunition and possesses extensive facilities for the manufacture of brass,
copper and aluminum ingots, both for Military and non-military applications.
With clientele spread over 40 countries, POF has established its reputation as a
supplier of quality goods in the international market. This fact is adequately
endorsed in POF’s strict adherence to QHSE Policy, and acquisition of
international quality certifications. He informed that providing defence
equipment to armed forces, rangers, FC and recently strategic agreement with KP
government for weapons and uniforms. Through federal interior
ministry written letter to remaining provinces to purchase weapons from
POF. Mansoor said that with the efforts of this committee Sindh government
purchasing of armoured from abroad cancelled, he suggested they should also
purchase these weapons from POF. Hayat said that previously not any attention
given to software and this year different initiatives taken. “We have 40
billions budgets, without fiancé experts. He
said previously 70 years old system existed no proper Human Resource Department
(HRD) existed. Engineers were working in HR and supply chain.
Now, one Phd hired for the development of the employs and providing them
with trainings. Hayat informed that for the increasing exports one office in
Dubai
will be opened soon with the
joint venture with local Arab company. This company will bear all expenses of
the office and from the purchasing of equipment they will be able to get 15%
commission on it. He said that his organisation organising international Kabady
event at Wah. He also offered other international sports events of cricket,
hockey and in other. While briefing modernising weapons Chairman POF said that
they have started link of industry and academia. With he cooperation of NUST, a
lot of engineers coming to Wah and this program will boast the industry as well
research. He said the work of Brass mill completed 90% and it is big project of
Asia
. Prime Minister will be
invited in the opening ceremony and will request him to look into matter of
shortages of houses facilities to the staff. He informed that most of the staff
waiting for 13 years for the allotment of houses. He said will request PM that
instead of announce bonus for employees announce housing scheme for them.
Strong
message conveyed to US to maintain balance of power in region: Sartaj
ISLAMABAD
: Advisor to Prime Minister
on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said that
Pakistan
has conveyed a strong
message to the
United States
to maintain balance of power
in this region. “
Pakistan
is still negotiating with
the
US
officials for the purchase
of F-16s and we have other options as well”, he added.
He was speaking in “Nuqta-e-Nazar” programme of Radio
Pakistan
’s News and Current Affairs
Channel. Defense analyst Lt. Gen. (Retd) Talat Masood and other senior experts
also expressed their views in the programme.
Sartaj Aziz said
Pakistan
will have to pay 700 million
dollars bill for the aircraft by itself. Originally,
Islamabad
was supposed to pay around
270 million dollars, whereas the rest of the amount was to be paid by the
United States
through a Foreign Military
Financing (FMF) subsidy. Without the FMF allocation, the price tag for the eight
F-16 fighter aircraft would increase by two-and-a-half times the original cost,
after the US Congress blocked funds for
Pakistan
to purchase F-16 fighter
planes and asked to review the price. “We
are still negotiating with US officials otherwise, we have certain options as
well. Indian lobby is active in the
United States
.
Pakistan
is still focusing on
improving its bilateral relations with the
United States
. We will continue our
efforts to resolve the issue.” Defense analyst Lt. Gen. Retd. Talat Masood was
of the view that the hurdles in the way of F-16 supply to
Pakistan
are result of Indian
involvement through its lobby in US. Anti-Pakistan lobby would try to undermine
any deal between
Pakistan
and other arms selling
countries, for which,
Pakistan
has to be vigilant, he
added. He said JF-17 Thunder is a
good alternative of F-16 and
Pakistan
should also consider this as
an option. Senior analyst Dr. Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema said the US Congress is
apparently blocking the funds without any reason.
The Congress has asked
Pakistan
to fund the whole purchase
of F-16 jet fighters on its own which, he said was the violation of Pak-US
agreement. Senior US-based analyst Dr. Farhat Haq said it caused an
embarrassment for Obama administration that Congress has pushed them back from
their stance. At the moment, Indian lobby is active in the
United States
as
New Delhi
was taking the a advantage
of its trade relations with
United States
.
Senior Analyst Dr. Amna Mehmood was of view that
Pakistan
has many options, either it
can purchase jets from open markets of European countries or it can purchase
from
Russia
.
China
and
Russia
could play a vital role to
fill the gap of strategic balance, he added. Security expert Dr. A. Z. Hilali
said F-16 deal was part of agreement between
Pakistan
and the
US
.
Washington
committed to support
Pakistan
in its fight against
terrorism by providing all types of hardware assistance. However, may be on the
instigation of our neighboring adversaries, US is backing out of its support for
Pakistan
in its just and global cause
of fight against terrorism.
Ties
with
India
remain tense despite
Pakistan
’s positive overtures:
Ambassador
NEW YORK
:
Pakistan
’s Ambassador to the United
States Jalil Abbas Jilani has called for sincere efforts to address causes of
tensions between
India
and
Pakistan
, saying despite positive
overtures from
Islamabad
, bilateral relations remains
tense between the two countries. Speaking at the annual meeting of 20-20
Investment Association held in partnership with East West Institute, Ambassador
Jilani said that an international focus on
India
has encouraged that country
to stay away from engaging with
Pakistan
on the basis international
norms and legality. The Investment Association is a group of the world’s most
influential institutional investors. Presenting a candid assessment of the
relationship between Pakistan and India, the Ambassador highlighted that despite
holding of a number of rounds of dialogue, both countries remained in logjam
today mainly due to unresolved issues. These included Jammu & Kashmir
dispute, illegal occupation of Siachen Glacier by
India
, non-resolution of land and
maritime boundary in Sir Creek area, water issues, terrorism and issues related
to conventional and unconventional arms. Ambassador Jilani pointed out that
agreements on some of the issues were reached bilaterally during the Cold War
era but post cold-war, Indian position has hardened on all substantive matters.
He emphasized that this discernible change in attitude had been witnessed
primarily caused by increasing international focus accorded to
India
by the international
community. It simply did not feel obliged to come to an agreement with
Pakistan
on the basis of
international norms and legality, he added. The Ambassador said that election of
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif presented a golden opportunity for
successful peace process between the two arch rivals as he won elections on the
slogan of economic development catalysed by a peaceful neighbourhood. BJP’s
victory in 2014 elections also generated hopes in
Pakistan
of some progress on
important issues, taking a cue from the significant improvement seen in the
relationship during the tenure of previous BJP government under the leadership
of Prime Minister Vajpayee, he added. However, the Ambassador stated, despite a
succession of positive overtures by
Pakistan
, the bilateral relations had
unfortunately returned to the familiar hostility witnessed in the past. In
presenting a way forward, the Ambassador called for sincere efforts to address
the causes, not the symptoms of tensions between the two neighbours. He
emphasised building peace constituencies on both sides which could serve as
foundation for long-term rapprochement. Ambassador Jilani, however, called for
settlement of disputes in accordance with international legality as the only
route to establishing durable peace which would in turn, underwrite economic
prosperity for the region.
Indonesia
eyes to become part of game
changer in CPEC project: Envoy
ISLAMABAD
:
Ambassador of
Indonesia
to
Pakistan
, Iwan Suyudhie Amri has said
that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is not only a game changer project
for brotherly
Pakistan
but for the entire region
and his country desires to become part of the project. Talking to media persons
during a ceremony here, Iwan Suyudhie Amri stated that
Pakistan
holds very important
geo-strategic location in the region and
Indonesia
would take benefit from this
opportunity and would be a partner of CPEC. CPEC is a not only a game changer
for brotherly country
Pakistan
but for the entire region
and international community is planning to share the great party, he maintained.
About the future of economic ties between Pakistan and Indonesia, he said that
both countries were committed to enhance the trade volume between them and it
can be proudly quoted that the trader community of the two countries was willing
to make their contribution. About the fiscal growth of Pakistan, he said that
Pakistan has achieved a seven-year high position which is a remarkable
achievement for the country. Responding to a question, Ambassador Iwan Suyudhie
Amri said that Indonesia has expertise and vast skills in the development sector
which can be offered to Pakistan under the umbrella of CPEC. He also said that
this is the age of cooperation not the competition so the development of other
ports in the region does not have the capacity to undermine the fruits of
Gawadar port. While commenting on strengthening bilateral relations between two
nations, Indonesian Ambassador vowed to spare no efforts for improving mutual
relations and cooperation in various sectors beneficial for the masses of both
countries.
Country
wide combing operation being started against terrorists in
Pakistan
: Bajwa
ISLAMABAD
: Director General Inter
Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa Tuesday
said that a country wide large scale combing operation would be initiated soon
against terrorists to purge the country from terrorists’ safe heavens. Talking
to a Private TV Channel, he said the combing operation was the part of operation
Zarb-e-Azb. The troops of armed forces would clear the so called ‘No Go
Areas’ exist in various areas of the country and hand over the areas to local
police after clearance from vagabonds.Such areas have already been identified.
‘No Go Areas’ would be eliminate once for all, he said adding that armed
forces will ensure the elimination of ‘No Go Areas’ from the country.
Responding to a question, he said 25 miles areas had already been cleared
from ‘Chotu Gang’ in
South Punjab
. It was inaccessible areas
even for police for the last seven years. Interrogations were continuing now a
days from the ‘Chotu Gang’. A
total of 18,000 intelligence based operations have already been conducted in
various areas of the country. 500 law enforcers have sacrificed their lives in
operation Zarb-e-Azb. He said eleven
Military Courts have so far disposed off 88 cases out of a total of 207 cases
while various cases were near conclusion. The remaining cases would be decided
before the end of constitutional tenure of military courts in January 2017.
The return of Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs) would be completed by
the end of this year. So far 54 percent of the total TDPs have been returned to
their respective homes. Out of which 54 percent belonged to North Waziristan
Agency (NWA). He said the operation
in almost all areas of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) have been
completed. Some terrorists’ facilitator still residing in some pockets of Fata
in border areas. He urged people to remain vigilant and identify the suspects
for their apprehension. Accountability process is being strengthened in armed
force.
Pakistan
,
France
acknowledge to collectively
address terrorism
ISLAMABAD
:
Pakistan
and
France
have acknowledged the need
to work together to address the continuing threat of terrorism and
radicalization which had affected both
Pakistan
and
France
. It was acknowledged during
12th round of Pakistan-France bilateral political consultations at the Foreign
Secretary level held in
Paris
. Foreign Secretary Aizaz
Ahmad Chaudhry led the
Pakistan
delegation while the French
side was led by Christian Masset, Secretary General of Foreign Affairs, said a
press release on Wednesday. A wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues
were discussed during the meeting. Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry gave an overview of
Pakistan
’s internal situation
including notable achievements by the government to improve law and order,
stabilize the economy, and overcome the energy crisis. He briefed his French
counterpart on the significant role played by Operation Zarb-e-Azb in achieving
success in the fight against terrorism and the wide ranging National Action Plan
to address the root causes of terrorism in the country. Foreign Secretary Aizaz
Ahmed Chaudhry emphasized that closer cooperation was required among all
countries on the issue of terrorism, since it was a global problem.
He also briefed the French side on
Pakistan
’s foreign policy
priorities, particularly efforts to facilitate an intra-Afghan process of
political reconciliation.
France
appreciated
Pakistan
’s positive role in peace
efforts in
Afghanistan
. Recent developments in the
region were also discussed. The
French side highlighted the challenges confronting France and the European
Union. Both sides agreed to work actively to enhance the existing level of
bilateral trade of US$ 1.5 billion per annum, which was not commensurate with
the size of the two economies. The positive role played by the European
Union’s GSP Plus facility in promoting trade links was also noted.
The two countries would encourage their respective private sectors to
take advantage of the investment opportunities on offer in both countries.
During the talks, both countries also held extensive discussions to
strengthen bilateral cooperation in higher education, cultural exchanges,
science and technology and defense and security. It was decided to hold the next
round of bilateral political consultations in
Islamabad
next year.
Besides the consultations, the Foreign Secretary also held meetings with
Jacques Audibert, Diplomatic Adviser to the French President and Louis Gaultier,
French Secretary General for Defense and National Security.
Deadlock
in F-16 deal: Zardari expresses concerns over
US
decision
ISLAMABAD
: Former President Asif Ali
Zardari on Wednesday expressed his concerns over
United States
decision not to support the
sale of F-16 aircrafts to
Pakistan
. Last week the United States
Congress declined to support the sale of F-16 precision strike aircraft to the
Pakistan
military by withholding the
use of Foreign Military Funds for financing the deal. “The fact that we have
not received the US funding support for this important program is very
concerning and needs to be addressed”, Pakistan Peoples Party Co-chairman said
in a statement. Zardari said that he supports the acquisition of F-16 jet
fighters so that our military can increase their precision strike efforts
against the threat of terrorists’ activity. “The military has improved its
ability to combat terror and should have the tools it needs to continue to
advance against those who want to harm our people” he added. Zardari said that
the security relationship between the
United States
and
Pakistan
has always been a high
priority to the Pakistani government regardless of which party has been in
power. “I was proud of the relationship my government had with the United
States and felt our strategic security interests were aligned, I offer my full
support to Pakistan toward renewing a more positive and constructive
relationship with the United States” Zardari maintained. “Throughout my
public life I have developed strong relationships in
Washington
with lawmakers and
influencers and I commit my network to helping to ensure that our nations goals
are achieved”, he added. Although the Obama Administration has supported the
sale of jets to
Pakistan
issues have been raised in
the US Congress that resulted in the vote last week to stop the deal. Sartaj
Aziz, the prime minister’s adviser on foreign affairs, has cautioned
Washington that Pakistan will acquire jets from elsewhere if the United States
does not arrange funding for a previously agreed upon F-16 fighter jet sale, as
both countries lock horns over the purchase of the fighter planes. “If funding
is arranged,
Pakistan
will get the F-16s,
otherwise we will opt for jets from some other place,” Aziz said.
13
more Peuhls killed in latest attacks in
Mali
BAMAKO
: Local community leaders in
central
Mali
say pro-government fighters
have killed more than a dozen members of an ethnic group accused of links to
Islamic extremism. Sekou Bah, the secretary-general of a group called Dental
Wuwarbe, said four members of the Peuhl ethnic group were killed while eating at
a restaurant on April 30. He said the next day nine other Peuhls were fatally
shot at the cemetery for the burial. The reports Wednesday come amid rising
concerns that Peuhls are being targeted by soldiers and pro-government militias.
Ethnic Peuhls are accused of supporting an extremist group known as the Macina
Liberation Front, which has carried out attacks in central
Mali
. A spokesman for
Mali
’s security minister says
investigators are looking into the reports of the 13 killed
Pakistan
