FM Qureshi takes up Afghan issue with Turkish counterpart

FM Qureshi takes up Afghan issue with Turkish counterpart

ISLAMABAD, JAN 04 - Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in Ankara on Friday and discussed Afghan peace with him.

The Turkish Foreign Minister was among the first dignitaries who had visited Islamabad in September, soon after the PTI government took over.

 Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed Mr Çavuşoğlu about the recent developments concerning peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

He also informed his Turkish counterpart, in detail, about Pakistan's outreach efforts to most important neighbours and regional countries, in the recent weeks, including Afghanistan, Iran, China, Russia and Qatar.

The Foreign Minister added that desire to support and facilitate an inclusive, Afghan owned, Afghan led process had emerged as a notable convergence and shared desire among all, particularly Afghanistan’s neighbours, who had serious stakes in an amicable resolution of the 4 decades old conflict.

The Turkish Foreign Minister said that Pakistan and Turkey, as close partners, would continue their efforts to promote synergies on important issues.

The Foreign Minister appreciated Turkey's key role in strengthening the regional cooperation on Afghanistan through the Heart of Asia – Istanbul process.

Both sides expressed satisfaction on the trajectory of bilateral relations, symbolized by unprecedented traditional warmth and affection, at the peoples level.

This has guided the relationship towards a consistent, harmonious and coordinated approach on various regional and international issues.

Pakistan and Turkey, located at strategic locations, among important regions, faced similar challenges and had a lot to share and benefit from each other's experiences.

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Abu Dhabi crown prince to arrive in Pakistan on January 6

Abu Dhabi crown prince to arrive in Pakistan on January 6

ABU DHABI, JAN 04 - Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on January 6.

Sheikh Mohammad, who is also Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, had accepted an invitation to visit the country extended by Prime Minister Imran Khan in a telephonic conversation last year.

the crown prince will be accompanied by a high-level delegation. He is expected to announce investments in Pakistan.

A UAE delegation was expected to come to Pakistan in October, 2018 but it was cancelled as PM Imran was scheduled to meet Qatar’s foreign minister.

In December, 2018, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced it will deposit $3 billion into Pakistan’s foreign currency account to help it successfully overcome international payment crisis and to avoid a stringent International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal.

“The UAE has announced its intention to deposit US$3 billion (equivalent to AED11 billion) in the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to support the financial and monetary policy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) said.

“The country’s support for Pakistan’s fiscal policy is based on the historical ties between the two people and the two friendly countries and the desire to further develop the bilateral cooperation in all fields.”

“The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has financed eight development projects in Pakistan with a total value of AED1.5 billion, including AED931 million in grants. The funds covered projects in sectors such as energy, health, education and roads,” it added.

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AIOU wins top positions at flower show

AIOU wins top positions at flower show

ISLAMABAD, - Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) maintained its leading position in the recently held Federal capital’s flower shows, earning first prizes in four-categories.

The gardeners of the University were given special prizes at a ceremony held here in recognition of their outstanding work and for achieving the distinction.

While distributing the prizes among the winners, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr.  Zia-Ul-Qayyum said that the University will put extra efforts for promoting the concept of green and clean Pakistan.

Gardeners will be awarded and facilitated for enhancing the beauty of the University’s environment, he added.

According to the Incharge University’s Horticulture Department Fozia Anjum, the University’s gardeners had displayed nearly 1000 different flowers’ varieties at the recently held ‘Ghule-dawoodi’ competitions and were praised high by the visitors.

The University has recently set up a botanical garden to promote greenhouse concept. Having a wide-range of plants, it augments beauty and research environment of the University.

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No-deal EU exit for Britain far more likely if parliament rejects May's deal

No-deal EU exit for Britain far more likely if parliament rejects May's deal

LONDON, JAN 03 - Britain is more likely to end up leaving the European Union without a deal if parliament rejects the agreement Prime Minister Theresa May has negotiated with Brussels, Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay said on Thursday.

With less than three months until Brexit lawmakers will make a pivotal decision later this month – accept May’s plans for a managed exit and relatively close economic ties, or reject the deal and spawn huge uncertainty about the country’s next steps.

“No deal will be far more likely if MPs reject the government’s Brexit deal later this month,” Barclay wrote, arguing that May’s plan was the only “workable deal” available.

May is seeking extra reassurances from Brussels to help persuade sceptical lawmakers within her own party, and the small Northern Irish party which props up her minority government, to back her plan.

 

The vote is due in the week beginning on January 14. Barclay, whose primary remit is to make sure Britain is ready in case a deal cannot be reached, said that next week the government would step up its campaign to make sure citizens are prepared for such an outcome.

“On Tuesday, we will start a new phase in our public information campaign, using radio and social media to further raise awareness about the need to prepare,” he wrote.

Sterling continued to fall against the US dollar, driven in part by growing concerns over the course of the Brexit process.

Earlier this week, the British government announced to spend more than 100 million pounds ($130 million) chartering extra sea ferries to ease cross-channel congestion if the UK fails to secure a trade deal before leaving the European Union in March.

Just three months before the UK is due to leave the world’s largest bloc, the risk of a no-deal Brexit is rising – the nightmare scenario for many businesses, which are now planning for an economic shock.

Extra ships will be needed to work new routes across the channel in the event that the main French terminal of Calais and Britain’s Dover and Folkestone are clogged up by customs checks.

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Pakistan feels pride in brotherly ties with Turkey: Imran

Pakistan feels pride in brotherly ties with Turkey: Imran 

KONYA, JAN 03  - The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan visited Konya Thursday on the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Prime Minister Imran Khan was warmly received by Governor Konya Mr Cüneyit (Junaid) Orhan Toprak, Deputy Mayor Mr. Mithat Buyukalim, Ambassador of Pakistan Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi, Garrison Commander and senior Turkish officials at the Konya airport.

In his brief meeting with the Governor Konya, Prime Minister said we take pride in our exemplary brotherly relations with Turkey.

He said efforts are being made to take this relationship to newer heights. The Prime Minister said the people of Pakistan have great love for the people of Konya and hold Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi in great reverence.

He said the spiritual message of Mevlana Rumi has served to unite humanity from all religions and all walks of life. 

The Prime Minister said the national poet of Pakistan Allama Muhammad Iqbal was the spiritual disciple of Mevlana Rumi. 

Iqbal’s philosophy has been inspired by Rumi’s message of love and self-individuation.

To pay homage to the great Sufi saint of the Muslim world, the Prime Minister and his delegation visited the mausoleum of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. He also visited the symbolic grave of Allama Muhammad Iqbal located in Mevlana Rumi’s graveyard.  

The Prime Minister also mixed with the local people.

Later in the evening, the Prime Minister will address leading Turkish businessmen at an event organized by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) in Ankara.

Like FPCCI of Pakistan, TOBB is the highest entity in Turkey representing the private sector having 365 member associations from local chambers of commerce & industry.

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South Africa to host IPL 2019

South Africa to host IPL 2019

NEW DELHI,  JAN 03 - 2009 Indian Premier League hosting nation South Africa will once again be seen hosting another IPL season as BCCI is all set to take premium t20 league away from India.

A senior BCCI official told on Wednesday afternoon that Africa is prime choice for hosting Indian Premier League 2019 season.

“South Africa is the best choice for hosting upcoming IPL. Some of our officials associate with the government, have come to know that full tournament can’t be organized in the country due to elections.

South Africa to host IPL 2019

And it will be time taking to host the event in two parts due to world cup is near,” senior BCCI official told.

The official also mentioned that BCCI would make final decision by next week so that everyone gets enough time to make preparations for the 12th edition of Vivo Indian Premier League.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) also require time to make preparations for the tournament starting in mid March.

“We are working with our colleagues to make final decision by next week. IPL season-12 to kick off in the mid of March, hence we need to finalize things by the end of January.

 CSA board will require time as well to make arrangements for hosting the tournament.”

South Africa to host IPL 2019

The dates of tournament is set to be clashed with General elections in India, hence it will be difficult for police and local authorities to provide security. 

Elections to take place in April-May and this is the period when IPL occurs every year. Hence shifting cash-rich league from India would be the best choice.

On asking if BCCI considering other venues, source said that it would not be easy for any other country to host full IPL season. Also match start timing matters to get good viewership for broadcasters.

South Africa to host IPL 2019

“UAE was in frame but for 60 games event, it will not be easy for Arab country to host the competition. 

Viewership is a concerned area as well and we can’t drop that by taking competition in a bad time zone that doesn’t suit India,” he said.

South Africa hosted 2009 IPL successfully and they will be aiming to host much better tournament this year.

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PEMRA bans misleading fitness ads on TV channels

PEMRA bans misleading fitness ads on TV channels

ISLAMABAD, JAN 03 - Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued an advice to all Satellite TV channel licensees for airing indecent and misleading healthcare and fitness related advertisements of various products for weight loss, hair growth, loosing body fats, improving complexion, treatment for infertility etc.

Airing of such content is in violation of Section 20 (b), (c) & (f) of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 and 2018, Rule 15(1) of PEMRA Rules 2009 and Clause 3(1)(e), 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17 of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015, as well as Indecent Advertisement Prohibition Act 1963.

These advertisements are unequivocally, misleading and hazardous to public safety and health and are severely criticized by the general public on Pakistan Citizen Portal (PCP) and PEMRA complaint call center.

PEMRA has advised all satellite TV channels to stop such advertisements immediately to comply with the provisions laid down in PEMRA laws and the Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015. In case of any violation, strict action shall be initiated by the Authority.

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