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ARY NEWS

Abdul Qadir

  • Pakistan to respond to India at the time and place of it’s choice: NSC

    Pakistan to respond to India at the time and place of it’s choice: NSC

    ISLAMABAD: A special meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday decided to take up the issue of India’s violation of the Line of Control (LoC) at all international forums, ARY News reported.

    The meeting attended by the top civil and military leadership, including Army Chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa and ministers of defence and foreign affairs concluded that Pakistan will decide about time and place to respond to Indian aggression.

    The NSC meeting categorically rejected Indian claims of targeting an alleged terrorist camp near Balakot and the claim of heavy casualties.

    Once again Indian government has resorted to a self-serving, reckless and fictitious claim, a declaration issued after the meeting read.

    This action has been done for domestic consumption given the election environment, putting regional peace and stability at grave risk, the NSC said.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan, while lauding the swift action by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) personnel, directed the armed forces and the nation to get ready for any situation.

    The meeting was briefed by Shah Mehmood Qureshi on the current situation in the aftermath of the LoC violation.

    Participants of the meeting were also briefed on the preparedness of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to immediately respond to any aggression.

    Read more: Indian aircraft violate LoC, scramble back after PAF’s timely response

    PAF scrambles Indian jets

    In the wee hours of February 26, Indian aircraft intruded the LoC near Muzaffarabad sector, however they scrambled back following timely response from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

    Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor informed in a tweet, Indian Air Force violated the LoC and the prompt response from the Pakistan Air Force compelled Indian jets to go back.

    He said “facing timely and effective response from the PAF, [Indian jets] released [their] payload in haste while escaping, which fell near Balakot.” However, no casualties or damage was reported during the incident, DG ISPR added.
  • Commonwealth extends its support for Pakistan’s youth development

    Commonwealth extends its support for Pakistan’s youth development

    LONDON: After the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) now the Commonwealth has also extended its support for Pakistan with an aim to make youth self-reliant, ARY News reported on Monday.

    The decision was taken in a meeting between Prime Minister’s Special Aide on Youth Usman Dar and Secretary General Commonwealth Patricia Scotland in London.

    The Commonwealth, United Nations Development Program and Pakistan have agreed upon a trilateral agreement for the development of youth.

    The meeting between Dar and Patricia agreed upon the formation of joint framework for provision of education, health and employment facilities to the Pakistani youth.

    “Pakistan will be made role model in terms of youth development in the region,” the Commonwealth secretary general contented.The Commonwealth also extended its support in establishing National Youth Council in Pakistan.

    Miss Patricia observed that the ranking of Pakistan in terms of Global Youth Development Index has improved due to practical steps by the Pakistan’s incumbent government.

    “We will provide guidelines to Pakistan for further improvement in its standing in the index,” she said.

    Read more: UNDP reserves $30 mn for ‘Kamyab Jawan Program’

    Speaking on the occasion, Usman Dar thanked Miss Patricia for Commonwealth’s support to Pakistan and termed it as a big achievement.

    “Support of Commonwealth is a big breakthrough after the United Nations,” Dar contented.

    He said Pakistani youth have a lot of talent and retreated his government’s resolve for providing them opportunities to showcase their talent in the International arenas.

    It is pertinent to mention here that on February 20, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) had extended its support to Pakistan by reserving $30 million for the ‘Kamyab Jawan Program’.

  • Fawad Chaudhry orders to lodge FIR against MD PTV

    Fawad Chaudhry orders to lodge FIR against MD PTV

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Friday ordered to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) against Managing Director Pakistan Television (PTV) Arshad Khan, over transfer of hefty amount from its account.

    The directives of the minister came as the matter was raised by the workers’ union of the PTV that a heavy amount has been transferred from the state television’s account under name of salaries’ disbursement.

    The minister has also ordered inspector general of police Islamabad to carry out an investigation against MD PTV Arshad Khan.

    “Submit a report into the matter after thorough investigation,” the letter penned by Fawad Chaudhry to the IGP Islamabad read.

    It may be recalled that, differences between Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry and Prime Minister’s Aide on Political Affairs Naeemul Haq surfaced few days back over the Pakistan Television (PTV) MD’s performance.

    Read more: Fawad responds to Naeemul Haq by tweeting Ghalib’s couplet

    It started when, Haq took on twitter to respond comments made by Chaudhry about MD PTV’s performance and said, “The Prime Minister has full confidence in the Board of PTV and it’s management and believes PTV should be an independent organisation like BBC and the government will take all steps necessary towards that end.”

     

  • Govt decides to present joint resolution on Pulwama attack in Parliament

    Govt decides to present joint resolution on Pulwama attack in Parliament

    ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to present a joint resolution on Pulwama attack in the parliament, condemning Indian statements and allegations on Pakistan, ARY News reported.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved presenting a resolution in Lower House of the Parliament.

    PM Khan directed that the opposition should be taken into confidence on this important matter, before the resolution was finally tabled in the House.

    Read also: Pakistan will retaliate if India attacks, PM Khan warns

    A day ago (Feb 19), Prime Minister Imran Khan had made it clear that Pakistan would retaliate, if India starts a war in the wake of Pulwama Attack.

    On 14 February 2019, a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethpora in the Pulwama district of India-Ocuupied Jammu and Kashmir.

    The attack resulted in the death of more than 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and the attacker. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed. A local youth named Adil Ahmed Dar was identified as the attacker.

    While giving a policy statement over the Pulwama attack in the occupied Kashmir that killed nearly 40 Indian army personnel on Feb 14, the premier responded sternly to India’s blame game against Pakistan. “I have been hearing and seeing on Indian media that their politicians are calling for revenge from Pakistan. If India attacks, then Pakistan will not think but retaliate,” he cautioned.

    PM Khan assured to investigate the perpetrators of Pulwama attack if India shares “actionable intelligence with Pakistan.”

  • UNDP reserves $30 mn for ‘Kamyab Jawan Program’

    UNDP reserves $30 mn for ‘Kamyab Jawan Program’

    ISLAMABAD: With an aim to make Pakistani youth self-reliant, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has extended its support to Pakistan by reserving $30 million for the ‘Kamyab Jawan Program’.

    The decision was taken in a meeting of the UNDP officials with Prime Minister Imran Khan at the PM house today, with Prime Minister’s Special Aide for Youth Usman Dar also in attendance.

    The officials lauded the initiative of Pakistan for the development of youth and vowed to work in collaboration with the government.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked the UNDP officials for its support for the ‘Kamyab Jawan Program’, and said Pakistani youth are talented, all they need are ‘opportunities’.

    He maintained that the government will play a leading role in mainstreaming marginalized youth by scaling up youth empowerment initiatives of United Nations Development Program.

    In the meeting, Usman Dar was named as chairman of the program.

    Read more: Govt decides to reserve Rs200Bn for ‘Kamyab Jawan Program’

    On the occasion, Dar said the incumbent government was working to change lives of the youth by creating job opportunities for them in the country and abroad.

    He said PM’s Youth Affairs department would provide every possible support for improving technical and vocational skills of youth.

    The ‘Kamyab Jawan Program’, aimed to create job opportunities for at-least one million youth in the country

  • Historic display of warmth and protocol as Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman visits Pakistan

    Historic display of warmth and protocol as Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman visits Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other high-ranking state officials welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman upon his arrival in Pakistan on a maiden visit to the country on Sunday (today), ARY News reported.


     

    For his two-day visit, the crown prince is accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including members of Saudi Royal family, key ministers and leading businessmen.

    As he disembarked from his aircraft, the Saudi crown prince was greeted by the prime minister and army chief, members of the federal cabinet, bureaucrats, officials of Saudi embassy officials and others.

    Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince,

    PM Khan himself drove the Saudi crown prince to the Prime Minister House, where a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour was presented to the visiting royal.

    The prime minister introduced the crown prince to the members of the federal cabinet, whereas the latter introduced the former to the members of his delegation.

    The visiting royal also planted a plant in the Prime Minister House to mark the historic visit.Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman, Imran Khan,

    Later, the two dignitaries held a one-on-one meeting, after which the foreign ministers of two countries signed on memorandums of understanding (MoUs).

    Earlier, two special airplanes carrying a high-powered Saudi delegation of 19 members landed at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi this morning.

    The Saudi foreign minister Adil al Jubeir arrived shortly before the arrival of the crown prince.

    The delegation was escorted to Islamabad under heightened security alert.

    A red-carpet welcome

    A squadron of JF-17 Thunder jets escorted the visiting dignitary when the royal aircraft entered into Pakistan’s airspace.

    Pakistan Air Force (PAF)’s Sherdil Squadron, comprising the cutting-edge JF-17 Thunder aircraft gave an airborne salute to the dignitaries after escorting them to Nur Khan Airbase.

    Big portraits of Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi have been erected on Constitution Avenue in Islamabad.

    Banners and posters inscribed with slogans of Pak-Saudi friendship and fraternity have also been put on display along the roads.

    The Crown Prince will stay at the PM House during his two-day long visit. Prime Minister Khan will hold an important meeting with the prince today, which will be followed by a formal dinner at the PM House.

    Read More: PM Imran, crown prince to jointly chair Supreme Coordination Committee meeting

    On Feb 18, the crown prince, along with his 100-member delegation, will call on President Arif Alvi, where the royal guest will be honored with a luncheon at the President House.

    Other meetings with the military leadership and parliament members are also on the schedule of the Saudi royal.

    The Saudi guests will depart for the airport from the President House on Feb 18.

    Historic deals

    “Historic deals” which would be inked during the Saudis’ visit have been given a final shape by the governments of both sides.

    It has been reported that agreements of huge investment worth $20 billion on behalf of the Saudi Arabian government will be inked during the visit of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.

    Read More: Saudi Arabian refinery to reduce oil import bill by $1.2 bn: petroleum minister

    Eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed in diverse fields related to sports, youth, combating organized crime, including building a petrochemical complex in Gwadar.

    Security arrangements

    Earlier, Pakistan Army’s Triple-One brigade, especially charged with securing important government installations in Islamabad and surroundings, took over the security at Nur Khan Airbase before arrival of the royal delegation.

    The personal security team of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had arrived in Pakistan on Feb 11 to review security arrangements, as per sources.

    “A team of doctors and a delegation of Saudi media persons who will cover Mohammed bin Salman’s tour have also reached Islamabad,” sources added.

    Read More: Fawad reviews arrangements for coverage of Saudi crown prince visit

    On the other hand, Pakistani authorities have also taken exemplary security measures to ensure the protection of visiting dignitaries.

    Senior security officers have been monitoring the security of Islamabad themselves. Besides, there is an enhanced coordination between officials of the police and other law enforcement agencies.

    Meanwhile, the government of Punjab has imposed section-144 under the Criminal Procedure Code in twin cities for seven days from Feb 15 to 21.

  • PM Imran, crown prince to jointly chair Supreme Coordination Committee meeting

    PM Imran, crown prince to jointly chair Supreme Coordination Committee meeting

     

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman will jointly preside over the Supreme Coordination Committee (SCC) meeting in Islamabad on Sunday, ARY News reported.

    According to details, the SCC will help the two countries for effective coordination and follow up to achieve mutually agreed objectives.

    Sources said that three ‘pillars’ had been formed in both countries for close cooperation in the fields of defence, culture and diplomacy.

    Different steering committees would work under the three pillars to review the progress and more strengthen the coordination.

    Political and security pillar: Officials from Saudi foreign ministry, defence ministry, homeland security and general intelligence will be the part of this pillar. Ministers of defence, foreign, interior and officials of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) would represent Pakistan in this pillar.

    Economic pillar: The pillar would work for cooperation in the fields of investment, trade and defence production. Nine Saudi ministries are included in the pillar, whereas from Pakistan’s end, 11 ministries including finance, planning and development, transport and others are included.

    Social and cultural pillar: The pillar comprises of ministers of education, culture, labour and religious affairs. A general secretariat of the SCC has been established in the foreign ministries of both countries.

    Read More: Saudi crown prince to reach Islamabad on Feb 17

    Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Muhammad bin Salman will arrive in Pakistan on Feb 17, according to the Foreign Office.

    In a statement, it said the Saudi crown prince will now be visiting Islamabad from Feb 17 to 18. However, the visit programme remains unchanged.

    Earlier, the Saudi crown prince was scheduled to reach Islamabad on a two-day visit on Saturday evening (Feb 16).

    The preparations to receive the visiting dignitary to Pakistan are all set and the government has decided to accord an ‘unmatched’ welcome to him with JF-17 Thunder jets as the Saudi delegation enters Pakistan’s airspace.

  • PM to launch health cards for tribal areas tomorrow

    PM to launch health cards for tribal areas tomorrow

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan will announce Sehat Insaf card programme for tribal areas tomorrow (Friday), ARY News reported.

    Khan will make the announcement at the Governor House during his visit to Peshawar.

    PM Khan had launched the first phase of health card scheme for Islamabad on Feb 4. Sources informed the gathering would be held Friday evening, adding some important figures were also invited to attend the gathering.

    Read also: PM Khan launches ‘Sehat Card Scheme’

    In the second phase, people from tribal areas are being given health cards. Some of the people from tribal districts have been invited to the event. Under the scheme, the treatment for angioplasty, brain surgery, cancer and other diseases will be done free of cost.

    At least 15 million people will benefit from this policy. The card holders could receive medical facilities up to Rs 720,000. The medical facilities would be available in more than 150 private and government hospitals.

    At the time of launching ceremony, PM Khan had said “eradicating poverty is central to our all policies,” adding that people become poor owing to expenses of their medical treatment.

    “A poor man who makes his ends meet after much difficulty can not afford medical treatments,” the facility of Sehat card will ease the issues faced by poor citizens, the prime minister continued.

    It is not easy to behold a family member suffering from cancer, “when my mother was diagnosed with cancer, we had to take her abroad for treatment as there was no cancer hospital,” he recalled.

    On Jan 1, Prime Minis­ter Khan had ordered to provide health cards to 500,000 families in the former Federal Administered Tri­bal Areas by the end of January.

  • China says it has full confidence in current Pakistan leadership

    China says it has full confidence in current Pakistan leadership

    ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing on Thursday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and reaffirmed his government’s resolve to work closely with Pakistan to further strengthen Pakistan-China relations, ARY News reported.

    During the meeting in Islamabad, Ambassador Jing apprised PM Khan of progress of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. The ambassador said Pakistan and China are closest friends and partners.

    He also expressed complete confidence on policies of the incumbent Pakistan government. He said the Chinese government was satisfied with the steps taken by prime minister and the business community.

    Read also: Pakistan, China agree on CPEC’s future trajectory

    Pakistan’s exports will increase due to measures taken by government, said the Chinese ambassador. He said Pakistan would reach its goals under the leadership of Imran Khan.

    Prime Minister Khan said Pakistan would be able to push its people above poverty line with the help of Chinese experience.

    The premier said Pakistan and China are close friends and strong partners.

    Praising the vision of President Xi Jinping for Chinese socio-economic development, he said Pakistan can learn much from the Chinese experience for the social uplift of the people of Pakistan.

    The prime minister said that CPEC has added a new dimension to bilateral ties and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to its timely completion. He expressed satisfaction at the important progress made on the CPEC projects.

    Imran Khan also underscored his priorities for transfer of technology and enhancing capacity in agricultural sector, which will have direct impact on poverty alleviation in rural areas.

  • Govt decides to reserve Rs200Bn for ‘Kamyab Jawan Program’

    Govt decides to reserve Rs200Bn for ‘Kamyab Jawan Program’

    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan-e-Tehreek-e-Insaf-led federal government on Thursday decided to reserve Rs200 billion for ‘Kamyab Jawan Program’.

    The decision was taken in a meeting held in Islamabad, on the directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan, with Finance Minister Asad Umar, PM’s Aide for Youth Usman Dar and others in attendance.

    ARY News reported that the government would soon launch ‘Kamyab Jawan Program’, aimed to create job opportunities for at-least one million youth in the country. The funds of rupees 200 billion have been reserved for the same.

    Addressing the participants of the meeting, the finance minister said government is introducing a revolutionary program for the youth of the country.

    Usman Dar relayed that the program will open new windows of job opportunities for youth and would economically empower them.

    Read more: National Youth Survey to be conducted for the first time in Pakistan

    He said PM’s Youth Affairs department would provide every possible support for improving technical and vocational skills of youth.

    Earlier, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, on February 6, had said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government had promised to give jobs to ten million people, but the figure will be higher at the end of its five years tenure.

    In a tweet, he had said it was responsibility of the government to create pro-people economic environment and people will get employment with the expansion and strengthening of the economy.