tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28490686152455327862024-03-29T02:20:54.186-07:00Official Blog Of Press Information DepartmentPress Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.comBlogger457125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-26795430628946642392019-06-28T23:49:00.000-07:002019-06-27T23:54:45.655-07:00A documented economy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy:- <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Malik Muhammad Ashraf</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 1px;">Informal economies are considered a barrier to inclusive growth and exclude a majority of people from accessing opportunities of productive growth in the economic realm, depriving them of entitlement at work because of their informal status. In comparison, workers engaged in formal, registered, tax-compliant businesses and units are legally covered for social protection. The undocumented economy or the informal economy also hinders proper economic planning for socio-economic development. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>The growing influence of the informal economy, especially in developing countries is a big challenge for political and economic managers. However, compelling domestic realities and enabling international discourse are encouraging countries to take up the challenge of either eliminating the informal sector or reducing its size to the minimum. Several Latin American and Caribbean countries (ie Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Uruguay) have succeeded in reducing informality through a mix of policy measures in four key areas: improving economic capacity or productivity, legislation, provision of incentives and oversight. Countries in our region such as India and Bangladesh are also vigorously pursuing policies aimed at eliminating informal economies. According to different surveys and reports, the informal economy in Pakistan accounts for 35-50 percent of the total economy. The informal sector in money terms is well in the range of $85 billion. For a country like Pakistan, which is confronted with serious economic challenges, it is absolutely essential to focus on documenting the economy. The amnesty scheme announced by the PTI government has twin purposes – documenting the economy, and welcoming the business and trading community to participate in the legal economy. It offers yet another opportunity to them to legalize their hidden assets and businesses to avail the benefits that come by associating with the informal economy. The major and significant difference between the present scheme and the one announced by the PML-N government is that the current one aims to eliminate the difference between a filer and a non-filer. It requires the declarer to deposit all the in-hand cash in Pakistani banks and declare all assets held within and outside the country. The previous scheme was mostly availed by filers and it attracted only 25 percent declarations in immovable properties abroad, mainly in UAE, UK and Canada and most people preferred to keep the money outside Pakistan. The scheme was mostly used for whitening money as it did not lead to higher tax returns. Undisclosed properties and bank accounts mostly remained undisclosed as its major focus was on attracting a higher number of declarations. The amnesty or the assets declaration scheme announced by the PTI government proposes to tax all assets other than immovable property at the rate of four percent, domestic immovable properties at 1.5 percent, foreign liquid assets at six percent, unexplained expenditure at four percent and undisclosed sales at two percent. The default surcharge, which may be called the wait and watch payment, goes up to 40 percent of the total tax amount. So your six percent becomes 8.4 percent. As is evident, it is a comprehensive scheme that covers all aspects of the informal economy. In a bid to accelerate the process of documenting the economy, the Federal Board of Revenue has enforced Benami Rules to start the process of attaching benami immovable and movable properties and intercept transactions of such properties carried out on fictitious names. It has also been empowered to take action against the benamidar or the fictitious person on whose name the benami property has been transferred or held. The government has also taken decision to make the Benami Act operational. By making this law operational, all those bank accounts and properties which are kept on the name of others will be seized and then the relevant tribunal will decide the process of sale of confiscated bank accounts and properties under the Benami Act. As part of the government’s efforts to document the economy, the law will allow the government to take strict action against those who got their movable and immovable assets registered with fictitious persons in order to evade taxes. The government has also obtained information from 26 countries in respect of 150,000 people who have properties and assets abroad; and in case they fail to declare by the given deadlines they could be awarded seven years imprisonment as well as face confiscation of their properties. People who hold undeclared properties and business with the country will also be treated similarly in case they fail to come forward voluntarily. Doing business in a legal way, paying taxes and holding movable and immovable properties in a legitimate way is not only a legal responsibility of every citizen but also a moral duty towards the state and fellow citizens. At the same time, the government is under the obligation to ensure that the benefits of development and other steps aimed at public welfare are judiciously and equitably accessible to all its citizens. This is only possible when the economy is properly documented and the government is able to generate enough indigenous resources. A country cannot be run on loans unproductively spent. The current economic situation makes it imperative for the government to take credible and concrete steps to rectify the maladies afflicting the economy. The best way to do that is to increase the size of the formal economy. The government on its part has already taken some harsh decisions which have to some extent hurt certain vulnerable sections of society; but these decisions were necessary to stem the rot. They have led to a decrease in the current account and budgetary deficits whose impact will start showing in due course. While the government is working hard to lift the economy out of the quagmire it is stuck in, it is also incumbent upon the citizens and the business community to appreciate these measures in their true perspective and also contribute their bit to make this effort successful. The country belongs to all of us and its future development and prosperity depends on our sense of patriotism and realization of our obligations towards the state as its citizens.</div>
Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-22038670718883502522019-06-28T23:47:00.000-07:002019-06-27T23:54:57.572-07:00Purpose of amnesty scheme<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy:- <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Malik Muhammad Ashraf</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 1px;">The existence of informal economies is a debilitating phenomenon wherever they thrive as they are considered barriers to inclusive growth and exclude the majority of people from accessing opportunities of productive growth in the economic realm and deprive them of entitlement at work because of their informal status. In comparison, the workers engaged in formal registered, tax compliant businesses and units are legally covered for social protection. The undocumented economy or the informal economy also hinders proper economic planning for socio-economic development. The growing influence of the informal economy, especially in developing countries, has created great concern and is a big challenge for political and economic managers. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>However, compelling domestic realities and enabling international discourse are encouraging countries to take up the challenge of either eliminating the informal sector or reducing its size to the minimum. Several Latin American and Caribbean countries (Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay) have succeeded in reducing informality through a mix of policy measures in four key areas: improving economic capacity or productivity, legislation, provision of incentives and oversight. The countries in our region, such as India and Bangladesh, are also vigorously pursuing policies aimed at eliminating the informal economies. According to different surveys and reports, the informal economy in Pakistan accounts for 35-50 per cent of the total economy. The informal sector in money terms is well in the range of $85 billion. For a country like Pakistan, which is confronted with serious economic challenges, it is absolutely essential to focus on documenting the economy. The Amnesty Scheme announced by the PTI government has the twin purposes of documenting the economy, and welcoming the business and trading community to participate in the legal economy. It offers yet another opportunity to them to legalise their hidden assets and businesses to avail the benefits that come by associating with the formal economy. The major and significant difference between the present scheme and the one announced by the PML-N government is that it aims to eliminate the difference between a filer and a non-filer. It requires the declarer to deposit all his in hand cash in the Pakistani banks and declare all the assets held by him within and outside the country. The previous scheme was mostly availed by the filers and it attracted only 25 per cent declarations in immovable properties abroad mainly in UAE, the UK and Canada, and most people preferred to keep the money outside Pakistan. The scheme was mostly used for whitening money as it did not lead to higher tax returns. Undisclosed properties and bank accounts mostly remained undisclosed as its major focus was on attracting higher number of declarations. The Amnesty or the Assets Declaration scheme announced by the PTI government proposes to tax all assets other than immovable property at the rate of 4 per cent, domestic immovable properties at 1.5 per cent, foreign liquid assets at 6 per cent, unexplained expenditure at 4 per cent and undisclosed sales at 2.5 per cent. The default surcharge, which may be called the wait-and-watch payment, goes up to 40 per cent of the total tax amount. So, your 6 per cent becomes 8.4 per cent. As is evident, it is a comprehensive scheme that covers all aspects of the informal economy. In a bid to accelerate the process of documenting the economy the Federal Board of Revenue has enforced Benami Rules to start process of attaching benami immovable and movable properties and intercept transactions of such properties carried out in fictitious names. It has also been empowered to take action against the benamidar or the fictitious person in whose name the benami Property has been transferred or held. The government has also taken the decision to make the Benami Act operational. By making this law operational, all those bank accounts and properties which are kept on the name of others will be seized and then the relevant tribunal will decide process of sale of confiscated bank accounts and properties under the Benami Act. As part of the government’s efforts to document the economy, the law will allow the government to take strict actions against those who got their movable and immovable assets registered with fictitious person in order to evade taxes. The government has also obtained information from 26 countries in respect of 150,000 people who have properties and assets abroad, and in case they fail to declare by the given deadlines they could be awarded seven years imprisonment as well as confiscation of the properties. The people who hold undeclared properties and business within the country will also be treated similarly in case they fail to come forward voluntarily. Doing business in a legal way, paying taxes and holding movable and immovable properties in a legitimate way is not only the legal responsibility of every citizen but also a moral duty towards the state and fellow citizens. At the same time the government is under an obligation to ensure that the benefits of development and other steps aimed at the public welfare are judiciously and equitably accessible to all its citizens. It is only possible when the economy is properly documented and the government is able to generate enough indigenous resources. A country cannot be run on loans unproductively spent. The current economic situation makes it imperative for the government to take credible and concrete steps to rectify the maladies afflicting the economy. The best way to do that is to increase the size of the formal economy. The government on its part has already taken some harsh and difficult decisions which have to some extent hurt certain vulnerable sections of the society but they were necessary to stem the rot. They have led to a decrease in the current account and budgetary deficits whose impact will start showing in due course of time. While the government is working hard to lift the economy out of the sand pit it is stuck into, it is also incumbent upon the citizens and business community to appreciate these measures in their true perspective and also contribute their bit to make this effort successful which is indispensable to ensure future prosperity though it might entail some difficulties in the short term. The country belongs to all of us and its future development and prosperity depends on our sense of patriotism and realisations of our obligations towards at state as its citizens.</div>
Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-71502107293669402222019-06-28T23:43:00.000-07:002019-06-27T23:54:31.364-07:00Bonhomie through dialogue<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy: - </b><b style="background-color: #fff8f6; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Malik Muhammad Ashraf</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 1px;">RELATIONS between Pakistan and India unfortunately witnessed a nosedive during Modi’s first tenure as Prime Minister and before the general election in India the two nuclear powers almost came to the brink of war in the backdrop of Pulwama incident. That possibility was averted by sagacious restraint shown by Pakistan. It not only released the Indian pilot immediately after his capture but also sought the involvement of the international community in defusing the volatile situation which confirmed Pakistan’s credentials as a peace loving nation in spite of having a matching strength to retaliate against any aggression as it demonstrated during the short-lived confrontation. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>Pakistan did not lose faith in dialogue to resolve differences with India and the Prime Minister repeatedly reiterated that dialogue with India was not possible before the Indian election and if Modi clinched power for the second time it might pave the way for the much desired talks between the two countries. Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi after the Indian election wrote to their counterparts reiterating the offer for a composite dialogue to resolve mutual disputes for lasting peace in the region, working together for regional development and alleviation of poverty emphasizing the fact that dialogue was the only way of obtaining those objectives. As expected and predicted by the Prime Minister Imran Khan, Indian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in their response to the offer of dialogue have indicated their willingness to resume the comprehensive dialogue which also gives due focus to the phenomenon of terrorism. The expression of willingness to talk by India in itself is a very positive development to say the least. Resolution of disputes between India and Pakistan and regional peace are absolutely essential for nudging the shared regional prosperity. The leaders of Pakistan and India owe it to their people to create a peaceful atmosphere which is conducive to changing the economic situation of millions who either live under the poverty line or are struggling to have a reasonable living. History is a witness to the fact that wars and confrontations have a devastating effect on states and their people and the best and the only possible option to keep them away and resolving the mutual disputes is to engage in a dialogue with sincerity of purpose. Europe was almost destroyed by the World War-II. The warring states realized the futility of war abhorring its dreadful consequences and decided to cooperate with each other in lifting the region out of the devastation it had been pushed into. The success of EU and its emergence as a potent economic and political force on the world stage is a ranting example of the fruits of peace and resolution of disputes through dialogue. Now that a broad agreement has emerged for the need to resume dialogue between the two countries it is incumbent upon the leadership of both the countries to make sure that the dialogue is not only initiated but is vigorously pursued with sincerity of purpose. It is not allowed to be derailed. The success of the dialogue will however depend on showing flexibility by both sides with regard to the taken positions on the disputed issues in recognition of the ground realities. India has been persistently propagating against Pakistan as a country sponsoring terrorism and also found some takers of this rhetoric who saw the things through the prism of their strategic and commercial interests. whereas the reality is that Pakistan has made sincere and determined efforts and rendered unprecedented sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. It has taken indiscriminate action against all the terrorist entities. It abhors terrorism in all its manifestations and has taken action against all the proscribed organizations as per the UN Resolutions. It is also a reality that India has been sponsoring acts of terrorism in Pakistan and promoting insurgency in Balochistan as confessed by the Indian spy Kalbhushan Jhadav. These realities will have to be recognized. The dialogue with a focus on terrorism will provide an opportunity to both sides to clarify their positions on the foregoing issues and perhaps vow to cooperate with each other in fighting the common enemy of terrorism. Nonetheless the real issue and cause of continued confrontation between India and Pakistan is the non-resolution of the Kashmir dispute. UN resolutions calling for a plebiscite to decide the fate of Kashmir, Simla Agreement between the two countries and UNICEP Resolutions No 91 and 122 which repudiated India’s claims of Kashmir being integral part of India and Articles 370 and 35-A of the Indian constitution confirm the status of Kashmir as a disputed territory. As a pre-requisite to the success of the dialogue to resolve this issue, India will have to accept the ground realities and abandon its efforts to change the demographic and constitutional status of the Valley as well as the continued oppression to quell the freedom movement in Kashmir. Freedom movements cannot be suppressed with the barrel of the gun. The freedom movement in Kashmir is very much an indigenous phenomenon and even the Indian Army Chief in an interview last year confessed this reality and emphasized the need for dialogue. Kashmiri leaders like Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti who have had stints as Chief Minister of Kashmir and a number of Indian intellectuals have also been stressing the need for a dialogue with Pakistan to resolve the dispute. The things can move forward towards an amicable solution and the beginning of an era of peace between the two countries provided India accepts the ground realities. Acting like a war like state would take India nowhere. By maintaining a bellicose disposition towards Pakistan it will not only be undermining its own interests but also continue to pose threat to the regional peace to the detriment of all the people living in the region. Bonhomie between Pakistan and India rests on pursuance of dialogue with sincerity of purpose.</div>
Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-85250125442105196232018-07-23T00:00:00.000-07:002018-07-23T00:01:01.445-07:00Pride of Pakistan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Courtesy:- Editorial<br />
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Records upon records tumbled as Pakistan completed a whitewash in a five-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. The 5-0 triumph is Pakistan’s seventh, and a third against Zimbabwe. Others include two against Bangladesh and one each against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.</div>
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While the victory was a result of teamwork, the series turned out to be really memorable for Fakhar Zaman, who was unstoppable right through the series. On a run-minting spree, the left-handed opener smashed a brilliant 210 not out off 156 balls in the fourth one-dayer. His double hundred, the first by any Pakistani cricketer, was studded with 24 fours and 5 sixes. During the same game, Fakhar — together with fellow opener Imamul Haq — also broke the record of all-time opening partnership in the ODI history, amassing 304 runs. The match also saw Pakistan surpass its previous highest total — 385 runs against Bangladesh — reaching just one run short of the 400 mark. </div>
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The fifth one-dayer saw the flamboyant opener clinch one more record by becoming the fastest cricketer to score 1,000 ODI runs. Fakhar reached the milestone in just 18 innings, surpassing the likes of Sir Vivian Richards, Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, Quinton de Kock and Babar Azam, all of whom reached 1,000 runs in 21 innings. Fakhar’s brilliance can be gauged from the fact that Indian run-machine Virat Kohli had reached the same landmark in his 24th ODI innings.</div>
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Fakhar, whose name literally means pride, has really done Pakistan proud. But what’s expected of him is a display of consistency with the bat. Only then can he fill the prized boots of Saeed Anwar — who is one of the best openers ever to grace the game anywhere and whose record of 194 runs, made against India in 1997, was broken by Fakhar after a long gap of 21 years.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-46397480615876513642018-05-31T00:09:00.005-07:002018-05-31T00:09:50.008-07:00CPEC to provide impetus to Pak-CARs relations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Courtesy:- <span class="authorFullName" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 27px; text-transform: capitalize !important;">Waqar Ahmed</span></b><br />
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The CPEC route provides immense opportunities to CARs, a region that entered the world after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, to expand trade with Pakistan and also go through China for trade expansion. </div>
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In the context of geo-strategic situation in the region, CPEC offers an alternative solution to link up Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, which directly border China, as well as Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, to the route, thus ruling out reliance on the traditional perception that all roads from Pakistan into the Central Asia go through Kabul or Wakhan strip.</div>
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President Mamnoon Hussain is convinced that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor project would enhance contacts of Central Asian States with many countries of the world while through this project the shortest sea route would be available from the Gwadar Port to Kyrgyzstan. The Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, reiterates that Pakistan and Central Asian Republics would benefit from the platform and infrastructure being constructed under China Pakistan Economic Corridor.</div>
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Addressing a seminar titled “Pakistan – A Land of Opportunities for Central Asian Republics”, the minister stated two more corridors would also be completed during the next few years based on CPEC connecting Pakistan, China and Central Asia. One corridor would link Peshawar with Kabul and Tajikistan and the other will connect Quetta with Herat and Turkmenistan. He believes that these corridors would not only provide connectivity to Central Asia but also extend it to the Russian Federation.</div>
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Almost all the CARs have shown interest in joining the CPEC. With abundance of natural resources such as oil, gas, gold, and other metals, CARs have great potentials to invest in CPEC-related projects and its industrial zones. Experts hope the recent improvement in bilateral relations with Russia would help and improve the prospects of wider regional connectivity through multilateral tracks.</div>
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As it is, all the five Central Asian States are landlocked and don’t have access to sea. Thus, they can launch trade and build energy corridor through the CPEC project. The dream of transit trade can be materialised through the Gwadar Port. Tajikistan could access the Indian Ocean by connecting the China-Pakistan railway once it is completed.</div>
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On the other hand, India calls Central Asia by referring to it as “our near abroad” and ‘extended neighbourhood’. But it thinks itself as a challenger to China in Central Asia while developing bilateral relations with the five new republics — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. New Delhi, through various efforts, is trying to consolidate its geopolitical and geo-economic presence in the region. But there has not been considerable progress on the Chabahar project, considered an important facilitator of trade to and from Central Asia through the war-torn Afghanistan. As it is, the Chahbahar Port is unlikely to be a potential game-changer for India. Given the hurdles, the new port facility would not offer the country an alternative transit route to landlocked Afghanistan and other parts of Central Asia and a counter to Chinese moves in its backyard.</div>
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India is at a disadvantage because China shares long borders and deep relations with the CARs; India does not. The Chinese continue to build deep military, economic, and defence cooperation with CARs and at a large scale while India lags behind. According to Indian economists, economic relations with CARs remain at low level while mutual investment is also negligible. Roy Chaudhry admits in India’s Economic Times: “China has made significant headway in the region, with $10 billion in grants and aid to SCO members in Central Asia and developing regional linkages between Central Asia and its western regions. Central Asia is central to China’s OBOR policy. India’s lack of direct overland access to the region due to Pakistan’s reluctance in allowing Indian goods to pass through its territory has hurt New Delhi’s trade interests in the region.”</div>
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Looking at vast transit-trade and investment opportunities and potentials, CARs, synthesizing all available sources, should take the major benefits that CPEC offers. Objectively evaluating, it seems CPEC would be the critical variable in CARs' future trade and economic linkages.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-10980107750998754832018-04-25T23:44:00.000-07:002018-04-24T23:44:37.789-07:00Continued Cooperation With China<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Two significant events happened earlier this week. The first was Khawaja Asif’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi after participating in SCO Council of Foreign Ministers moot. The second was CPEC Summit 2018 where Prime Minister (PM), Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, representatives of all provincial governments and other official reiterated the benefits of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that Pakistan can secure for itself. One thing that is common in both events: Islamabad suggesting its dependency on China for economic and strategic gains from now onwards.</div>
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China-led initiative for regional cooperation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a platform for countries in the region to secure win-win relationship. Pakistan as a member of the organisation has a vital role in enhancing not only bilateral ties between Islamabad and Beijing, but Islamabad can also use it as a forum where it can break its international isolation. That Beijing and Islamabad are determined to enhance bilateral cooperation with the pledge to play a critical role for regional stability through SCO can be seen in the Chinese initiative of Pakistan-China-Afghanistan Foreign Ministers Trilateral Mechanism for improving relations with Afghanistan.</div>
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On the occasion of CPEC Summit 2018, it was encouraging to see that not only Prime Minister was present at the event, but also representation of all the provinces was ensured. Only such inclusive moves can ward off people’s apprehensions against the project if there are any. While every provincial representative explained to the audience the gains and benefits of the project, it is essential for provincial governments to ensure efficacy and efficiency in completing their parts. Only timely completed projects benefit people. Delays in development projects are good for no one, and it is true for CPEC as well.</div>
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It is safe to assume while commenting on the minutes of these two meetings that such gatherings will further enhance the bilateral ties between the two nations. The situation on the ground is a win-win for both partners. One can appreciate the voracity with which the Federation and its federating units are trying to reap the benefits that membership of SCO and CPEC contain. No doubt the two initiatives that Pakistan is part of will not only benefit Pakistan in numerous ways, but other regional powers will also reap the fruits of these two different initiatives. Regional cooperation is a win-win situation for all participants. However, it is also important to bear in mind that over-reliance on China’s support for Pakistan is not suitable for Pakistan if it ever wants to get out of dependency trap.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-89250799035309529502018-04-13T22:53:00.000-07:002018-04-13T22:53:23.150-07:00PM at Boao economic forum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy:</b> EDITORIAL<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;">Addressing the Boao Forum in China's Hainan province, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has pointed out that regional connectivity, open trade and increased economic growth are the key to promoting tolerance and deny space to extremism and that Pakistan is partnering with China to usher in a new era of peace and prosperity through enhanced connectivity. Describing development and security as intrinsically indivisible, the prime minister reportedly said: "Only by spreading the dividends of open trade and shared innovation will we be able to promote tolerance and amity and deny space to extremism." According to him, the China-Pakistan-Afghanistan trilateral framework is aimed at achieving these very objectives while connectivity remains the cornerstone of Pakistan's plans. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>The prime minister chose this occasion to emphasise the connectivity imperative by stating that the major driving force behind its overlapping membership of the regional platforms of ECO, Saarc and SCO stems from its resolve to create greater connectivity.<br style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;">There is no doubt about the fact that Pak-Sino relationship has no parallel in history. There is also no doubt about another fact that China and Pakistan are iron brothers. That China-Pakistan friendship is the bedrock of strategic stability in the region is yet another profound fact. It is, therefore, heartening to see the bright prospects of the CPEC. That is why the PM disclosed to the Forum that the CPEC, which is the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, is fast reaching fruition. He also told the audience that work on the Gwadar deep seaport at the southern tip of the CPEC is proceeding on fast track. On completion, it will not only serve as a transit and trans-shipment hub, but also become an economic nucleus. The CPEC would provide the shortest maritime and overland access to Western China, Central and South Asia and the Middle East, the prime minister told the conference being held on the theme of 'An Open and Innovative Asia for a World of Greater Prosperity'. The PM's description of the development activity created by the CPEC is spot on: "In Pakistan today, step by step, brick by brick, a brave new Asia is taking shape." Pakistan, according to the PM, has already started reaping dividends of CPEC rail, road and infrastructure projects. The establishment of several special economic zones along the highways and motorways is integral to the CPEC plans; and the country of 209 million people will offer tailored incentive packages for these zones which would catalyze the development of innovation-based industries in the country.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;">In his speech at the Boao Forum, the PM made a serious effort to woo fast-emerging private sector in China with a view to attracting foreign investment. He seems to have realized the fact that China is going to open its economy further and lower import tariffs on various products in coming weeks and months in order to defuse its escalating trade dispute with the US. Unfortunately, however, his speech was bereft of any mention of gross imbalance in bilateral China-Pakistan trade as China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement continues to be skewed in favour of Beijing, hence the need for taking all the required steps to correct the deepening trade imbalance without any further loss of time. Friendship emotions must not override good business sense.</span></div>
Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-34946320871365177642018-04-13T22:45:00.000-07:002018-04-12T22:46:19.391-07:00The Boao Forum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Courtesy: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "merriweather";">Editorial</span></span><br />
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The Boao Forum for Asia in the Chinese province of Hainan is often touted as Asia’s answer to the World Economic Forum at Davos. The three-day forum, which concluded on Wednesday, was an opportunity for China to demonstrate its soft power. Most of the speeches at the Boao Forum touched on the One Belt, One Road initiative by which China is expanding its economic reach throughout Asia. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi devoted much of his speech at the opening ceremony to speak of the benefits of OBOR, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He pointed out how under CPEC Pakistan has added 10,000MW to the country’s national grid, created thousands of new jobs and developed the Gwadar Port, all of which contributed to the economy growing at 6 percent in the current fiscal year. President Xi Jinping was similarly effusive about Pakistan in his meeting with Abbasi on the sidelines of the forum. Once again, the focus was primarily economic with President Xi promising further cooperation in development projects. But such close economic ties always come with a political component. For China, the purpose of OBOR is to ensure it stays ahead of India as the superpower in Asia while competing with the US on a global level while Pakistan needs a powerful ally to keep India at bay.</div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: merriweather; font-size: 18px;">It was telling that the official Foreign Office statement of the meeting between PM Abbasi and President Xi explicitly included Xi’s assurances that China would safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This was an indirect reference to India, which is accused of creating unrest in Balochistan. The task for Pakistan at the Boao Forum was not just to be on the defensive about Indian meddling but to also go on the offensive and point out the continuing human rights abuses in Kashmir. Abbasi, in his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, raised the issue of the brutal Indian occupation and called for UN resolutions on the disputed territory to be honoured. Just a few days before this meeting, Guterres had mentioned that Pakistan wants UN involvement in Kashmir. However, opposition from India meant that the international organisation essentially couldn’t do anything. Meetings such as this one, even if they do not lead to direct UN action, at least ensure that the issue of Kashmir is kept alive internationally. The strengthening of political and economic ties with China at the Boao Forum also served the purpose of ensuring that Pakistan has powerful allies which can help it push its foreign policy agenda.</span></div>
Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-3495488634697124242018-04-03T04:35:00.000-07:002018-04-03T04:35:17.019-07:00Kashmir bloodshed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy:- Editorial</b><br />
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AS India continues to use brutal methods to crush dissent in occupied Kashmir, it is clear that the Kashmiri people have rejected fear and are bravely confronting New Delhi’s harsh tactics to speak up for their rights.</div>
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Some 20 people have been killed in acts of violence in the held valley since Sunday — at least 17 by Indian forces.</div>
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While the Indian military alleges that many of the victims were ‘militants’, civilians too were amongst the dead as four demonstrators were killed when police opened fire on them.</div>
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Thousands of Kashmiris had taken to the streets to denounce Indian rule as New Delhi had launched an ‘anti-militant’ operation near Srinagar.</div>
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The situation on Monday was equally tense; a general strike was observed while the administration placed parts of the region under curfew.</div>
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Over the past few years, such spurts of violence have understandably become very common, as New Delhi uses increasingly harsh methods to clamp down on Kashmiri aspirations for freedom.</div>
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Particularly since the BJP took power in the centre in 2014, matters have been going from bad to worse, as the Hindu nationalist party seems hell-bent on decimating all vestiges of autonomy and crushing the people’s desire for freedom with brute force.</div>
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In fact, one of the worst incidents of Indian arrogance and disdain for the locals took place last year during a by-election, when troops tied a Kashmiri man to a jeep as a human shield.</div>
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The Indian military went on to reward the officer who was chiefly responsible for this reprehensible act, while the example of a BJP leader selling T-shirts depicting the incident and glorifying the Indian army, exposes the false narrative that is continuously being spun.</div>
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Such acts on part of the Indian establishment reflect a desire to dehumanise Kashmiris and belittle their indigenous struggle.</div>
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Pakistan has condemned the round of latest violence against the Kashmiris in strong terms.</div>
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However, while Pakistan should continue to offer the Kashmiris moral and diplomatic support, it is Indian civil society that needs to raise a louder voice against human rights violations in held Kashmir.</div>
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In 2016, when a Kashmiri human rights activist was detained, many prominent Indians wrote an open letter demanding his release.</div>
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Today, those who value democratic freedoms in India must ask their state — both the government and the military establishment — to respect the human rights of Kashmiris.</div>
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Unfortunately, the people of the region are hardly treated according to the democratic values India swears by, and the international obligations it is supposedly committed to.</div>
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While the ideologues of the Sangh Parivar that have infiltrated the Indian establishment may continue to dream of ‘conquering’ Kashmir, brutal tactics will only add to the people’s alienation.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-26993998997718756442018-03-29T05:08:00.001-07:002018-03-29T05:08:05.963-07:00Young achievers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy: Editorial</b><br />
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AWAY from the negative publicity this country often receives is the heartening news that nine Pakistanis are on the annual ‘30 Under 30’ Forbes Asia list that showcases the achievements of young people who have come up with ground-breaking answers to global challenges. Be it poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, improving women’s rights, or environmental change, Asia’s millennials are finding innovative and sustainable solutions. Spanning a region that contains 60pc of the world’s population, the Asia list, published on Tuesday, features 300 individuals from 24 countries. With 30 honorees in each of the 10 categories — the arts, technology, social entrepreneurship, healthcare, science, media, and more — these innovators are tackling issues of concern to their generation.</div>
<a name='more'></a> One of them, Hamza Farrukh, the founder of The Solar Water Project, had a mission to bring clean drinking water to rural Pakistan; he has set up two solar-powered wells for 1,500 residents of a village. Replicating this project when clean water in this country is a scare commodity would help tackle disease, and contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality.<br />
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Such international recognition of our youth demonstrates the talent and social conscience of young Pakistanis. In the 24-hour news cycle about the sorry state of governance and human development, these achievers give hope for a more progressive future. As such, investing in the future of our youth — which has sometimes been referred to as a ‘ticking time bomb’ — is the only way forward. If Asad Raza and Abrahim Shah, both 24, have worked out ways to remove critical health service deficiencies, their model needs to be studied for its successful use of technology. Their healthcare startup provides quality low-cost, wearable and implantable medical devices for the developing world including prosthetic services in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Syria. And while acknowledging all such youth visionaries, including others involved in grass-roots movements for change, our governments must remove the social and educational impediments that stand in their way.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-25019588661067511242018-03-27T22:26:00.000-07:002018-03-26T22:27:06.919-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Courtesy<span style="color: #595959;">:</span></span><b style="color: #595959; font-family: Roboto;"> </b></span><span style="font-family: "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: center;">PSL 2018 finale: Karachi gets breakthrough</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">The prospects of international cricket in Karachi, the country's economic hub and financial centre, have certainly received a major boost following the successful holding of the final match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2018 on Sunday. An estimated 40,000 people thronged the mega city's National Stadium to watch the last match of PSL 2018 Twenty20 league between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United in an atmosphere characterized by non-stop gaiety of cricket fans belonging to all age groups. No doubt, the PSL 2018 finale, which former Pakistan cricket team captain Misbahul Haq's Islamabad United won by three wickets, will certainly add to Karachi's investment prospects. There is also no doubt about the fact that stringent measures were in place to ensure peace and security. Karachiites' incredible response to the presence of national and international cricketers in their midst sent a strong message across that Karachi's image drought is now over: international cricket and other global sports events are going to return anytime soon. That Karachi, which generates 65 percent of country's revenue, has suffered much too much for far too long is a fact. Pakistan's first capital and its only city that hosts not one but two operational ports had been meted out a stepmotherly treatment by successive governments in Islamabad; the governments in Sindh were not sympathetic to the needs of this burgeoning city, either. How ironic it is that Karachi, a city of teeming millions, is still struggling to get a mass transit system while Punjab is already having this facility in Rawalpindi, Lahore and even Multan.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a>The question therefore is: why does Karachi continue to suffer? There could be many answers to this question. Not only has political unrest that prevails in Karachi since the days of Pakistan National Alliance movement against Zulfikar Ali Bhutto deprived it of any new opportunities to develop properly, it has created a widening gulf between Karachi's planning needs and Islamabad's Planning Commission; and that gulf is widening day by day. Transport, sewerage, water, health, education, etc., continue to constitute formidable challenges to the lives of its residents who hail from all parts of Pakistan, and even beyond. Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), the political party that has been enjoying Karachiites' mandate for nearly four decades, is equally responsible for this city's woes.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">In his response to this successful mega event in Karachi, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has averred that this event will help Karachi restore its image. The prime minister is absolutely correct. But he must not lose sight of the fact that this city deserves special attention of those in power mainly because of its ethno-demographic complexities and strategic significance. In other words, no policymaker should try to see Karachi through inter-city or inter-provincial or intra-provincial prism: Karachi has a different history and different needs. That law and order situation in Karachi is better since the Rangers-led operation began in 2013 is a fact. The government coming to power as a result of the 2018 general elections, too, will be required to show no complacency towards Karachi's law and order as political violence in this city has already led to relocation of industry to Punjab and even outside Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board, two finalist teams, security agencies, others and the people of Karachi deserve special commendations for making a highly valuable contribution towards efforts aimed at restoring Karachi's pre-1980 image.</span></div>
Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-54964688617551949532018-02-22T21:43:00.000-08:002018-02-21T21:45:20.544-08:00The PSL is back<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy: The News</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 18px;">The third edition of the Pakistan Super League promises to be the biggest one yet, with the Multan Sultans becoming the sixth franchise to join the T20 competition and three games scheduled to be held in Pakistan. Most intriguingly, the final will be played in Karachi – the first international match to be played in the city since 2009. Once again there will be a gluttony of international stars for cricket fans to feast on, with Brendon McCullum, Kevin Pietersen, Imran Tahir and Kieron Pollard among those signed up by the franchises. Among the </span>favourites<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 18px;"> for the tournament will be the Quetta Gladiators, finalists in the first two tournaments, and the efficient Islamabad United. For cricket fans in Dubai, Sharjah, Lahore </span>and<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 18px;"> Karachi, the PSL promises to be a rare treat of high-quality action. The run-up to the tournament was marred by the usual bureaucratic in-fighting, lawsuit threats </span>and<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 18px;"> chaos. But, as is always the case with cricket and Pakistan, once the show is on the road all problems are quickly forgotten. Last year’s tournament was threatened by the spot-fixing scandal but the efficient way in which it was dealt by PSL </span>organisers<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 18px;"> and the Pakistan Cricket Board ensured it did not derail the action on the cricket field. They will have to be equally nimble this time around to chalk up another resounding success.</span><br />
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For Pakistani cricket, the PSL is about a lot more than the tournament itself. Hosting the final without a glitch in Lahore last year – with many international players present – directly led to the visit of a World XI and then short tours by the West Indies and Sri Lanka. Now it is Karachi’s turn to demonstrate that it is a safe and vibrant international venue. The contribution the PSL has already made to the national team should not be overlooked either. Players like Shahdab Khan, who have quickly become mainstays of our team, were unearthed by PSL franchises. The presence of international coaches and use of analytics seems to have already led to higher standards, with the team ascending to the number one ranking for T20s last month. Our international isolation and India’s refusal to allow Pakistani players in the IPL meant we were lagging behind the rest of the world. The PSL has given Pakistani players an opportunity to catch up and Pakistani fans the chance to finally watch their heroes at home. The ambition now is to be able to host the entire tournament in Pakistan. Should the PSL be as successful as one hopes, that ambition may soon be realised.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-4046410274120823482018-01-31T23:04:00.000-08:002018-01-30T23:04:54.093-08:00Our Davos moment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy:- <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center; text-transform: capitalize;">Malik Muhammad Ashraf</span></b><br />
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The World Economic Forum (WEF) provides a global platform where leaders from across the world gather annually to take stock of the global trends in the economic sphere, assess their impact on the world and individual economies and chart out strategies for the future economic management of the global economy.</div>
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It also affords an opportunity to the participating world leaders to interact with each other on the sidelines of the WEF. In addition, it allows them to develop an interface with business leaders and international investors to present an exhaustive review of their economies with a view to entice them to invest in their countries. Apart from their economic pursuits, the leaders also get opportunities to dilate on issues pertaining to their region that affect them as well as their position with regard to handling these challenges.</div>
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Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s visit to Davos to attend in the WEF has been quite productive. His delegation comprised three women ministers. This sent a positive message about Pakistan’s credentials as a progressive Muslim country that faithfully adheres to the cause of gender equality and the empowerment of women – an issue of considerable interest to the world community.</div>
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The prime minister participated in a panel discussion on the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the second day of the WEF. During the session, he effectively expounded on the initiative and the impact of its flagship CPEC project. The PM was right on the money when he claimed that CPEC was an initiative that would ensure the participation of the regional countries in an effort for shared economic prosperity. He emphasised that the project will also bring revolutionary changes in the economic profile of Pakistan by making it the economic hub of the region due to the connectivity ensured through the network of roads and infrastructure and the Gwadar Port that would open the outside world for the landlocked countries of Central Asia.</div>
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PM Abbasi’s observation that the BRI was perfectly in line with the 2018 WEF theme of a ‘shared future in a fractured world’ aptly explained the objective of the mega-economic initiative unfurled by China. He maintained that the project aimed to change the economic situations of the participating countries through a collaborative effort that emphasised infrastructural development. Economists believe that the successful completion and implementation of CPEC will add between two percent to three percent to the GDP of Pakistan – which, by any standards, would be a quantum jump for the economy and culminate in various economic and social benefits.</div>
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Our prime minister rightly claimed that CPEC had opened the doors for foreign investment in Pakistan that went well beyond the initiative itself. This, he asserted, augured well for the future of the country. It was indeed a commendable effort to put things into perspective and present a realistic view about BRI and CPEC that would help remove some of the misgivings about the project and generate interest among prospective investors to explore the avenues for productive investments in Pakistan.</div>
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Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also held exhaustive discussions on investment opportunities in Pakistan during his meetings with Bill Gates, the Asian Infrastructure Development Bank, Mitsubishi Corporation and the heads of important international trade organisations. In his meeting with Bill Gates, the PM discussed different aspects of the health sector, including the Prime Minister’s Health Programme, universal health coverage, the elimination of polio and other related issues. These leaders demonstrated tremendous interest in the economic situation of Pakistan and gave positive responses with regard to investing in the country.</div>
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The PM also spoke extensively on the regional situation – particularly with reference to the hostile Indian attitude; the rationale for nuclear deterrence to counter India’s Cold Start doctrine; the efforts that Pakistan had made in dealing with terrorism and improving relations with its neighbours; and the realignment of relations between Pakistan and the US. He spoke on these issues at the breakfast meeting arranged by the Pathfinder Group and Martin Dow collectively on the sidelines of the WEF.</div>
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The PM’s visit to Davos was effectively utilised to project Pakistan’s economic and political profile. It was also an opportunity for the country to highlight its stance on regional challenges and its relations with its neighbours as well as the US.</div>
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Besides the PM, Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb – who also accompanied him to the WEF – had the opportunity to participate in a boardroom discussion titled ‘Information and Entertainment Systems Stewards Meeting’ at Davos, which she also co-chaired.</div>
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She spoke extensively about the media landscape in Pakistan; freedom of expression and the free flow of information; the legislative measures adopted to facilitate the media and safeguard freedom of expression; and the steps that the government plans to introduce so as to provide training facilities to journalists, which are necessitated by the rapidly changing media scenario and the challenges involved in striking a balance between freedom of expression and social responsibility.</div>
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She informed the audience that Pakistan had faithfully adhered to Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration of Fundamental Principles to establish the New World Information and Communication Order.</div>
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The minister for defence and other members of the delegations also remained actively engaged in projecting the achievements in their respective domains and restoring the image of the country in the global sphere. It can be safely inferred that the visit to Davos has been particularly useful for us in all respects.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-70351746213917343922018-01-11T21:12:00.000-08:002018-01-10T21:14:56.627-08:00Some sane advice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Courtesy: <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center; text-transform: capitalize;">Malik Muhammad Ashraf</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 18px;">Former US ambassador to Pakistan Richardson G Olson in a recent article has presented a very realistic review of the ground realities concerning </span>conflict<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 18px;"> in Afghanistan, fluctuations in Pak-US relations, the Indian factor and what would have been the best possible way to arrest the nose-dive in relations between the two countries.</span><br />
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At the outset, he has rejected the Trump approach of publicly chiding and embarrassing a sovereign and self-respecting ally like Pakistan instead of sending a strong message through normal diplomatic channels and high-level contacts; Olson, though, has gone with the accusation of Pakistan having played a double role and supporting the Taliban against US interests.</div>
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The reaction that the Trump tweet has invoked in Pakistan testifies to what Olson has maintained about the new US approach. Pakistan’s people are angry over the American indiscretion and in a defiant mode. The reaction by the military and civilian leadership though has been very measured but the overall national sentiment is to say: enough is enough.</div>
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In light of his experiences and dealings with the military and civilian leadership in Pakistan, the ambassador concludes that US needs Pakistan more than the latter needs the former if a solution has to be found to the conflict in Afghanistan. He is right in the sense that nobody can change the geographical realities and the centuries-old connection between the two neighbours. Acknowledging the US’ role and share in creating the obtaining conditions in Afghanistan, he feels that American leverage against Pakistan has not been as effective as desired because the US has not shown appreciation for Pakistan’s security concerns viz-a-viz India.</div>
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The permeating perception in Pakistan of India being an enemy is not without reason. Since Partition, India has been trying to harm Pakistan, a fact most recently highlighted by the arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav. Under the circumstances, how can Pakistan accept Indian role in Afghanistan?</div>
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The Pakistani military and civilian leadership are wary of US support for India and attempts to prop the latter as a regional superpower by giving it an enhanced role in Afghanistan – which is perceived by Pakistan to be inimical to its strategic interest. Partnerships and alliances work effectively through mutual accommodation and not by only one partner expecting the other to do its bidding. The US has never shown any respect for what Pakistan has done in the war against terror. Instead, the Americans have taken to drone attacks, and incidents like the Salala attack and the OBL raid.</div>
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The military leadership, which is very involved with the Afghan policy because of the security dimensions to it, surely has a better understanding of the stakes involved and the approaches needed to neutralise the negative fallout from the conflict in Afghanistan.</div>
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The ambassador also rightly feels that the cut in US aid to Pakistan and military assistance is not going to create the desired effect because the Chinese investment of $62 billion in Pakistan through CPEC would more than blunt the biting edge of this move. The ambassador concludes by advising the Trump administration to convey whatever message it has to convey through engagement at the highest level, adding that the US could address Afghanistan through a political initiative since the ultimate answer to the Pakistan conundrum is in starting a diplomatic initiative by opening talks with the Taliban. That is where Pakistan certainly has a role – though it may not have the same leverage with them like in the past. The saner advice given by Olson needs serious consideration.</div>
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A two-pronged strategy is needed to untangle the situation. One would be plain talk between the US and Pakistan about the existing ground realities to remove the haze, and finding a way to re-engage the Taliban in negotiations. The second strategy would be to avoid exchanging barbs, and cooperate with each other earnestly to prevent cross-border movement by terrorists through a complete fencing of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.</div>
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The Trump administration would also have to re-appraise its assessment about Pakistan’s credentials as a partner in the war against terror because the stance taken by Trump’s and previous US administrations is not based on reality but stems from a tendency to find a fall guy for American failures in Afghanistan. Logic belies claims of Pakistan playing a double game. Pakistan is a country which has suffered the most in the war against terror, which Pakistan has fought as its own – and not for American money, as has rightly been pointed out by our military leadership.</div>
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Peace in Afghanistan means peace in Pakistan; how can the latter work against its own interests by supporting terrorist groups which the US thinks carry out terrorist activities in Afghanistan? The US needs to revisit the new doctrine propounded by the Trump administration in light of the existing ground realities rather than trying to foist its own misperceived solutions.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-77625198047897963452017-10-13T23:37:00.000-07:002017-10-12T23:38:40.347-07:00Significance of WHO Regional Meeting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy:- <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lato" , "arial";">Malik Muhammad Ashraf</span></b><br />
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President Mamoon Hussain inaugurated the sixty-fourth session of the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Islamabad on 9th of October.<br />
The four day event is being attended by representatives of all 22 countries in WHO’s Mediterranean region, Director General WHO, Regional Director for Eastern Mediterranean and more than 250 public health leaders and eminent global health experts.</div>
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Hosting of this international event is indeed a matter of great satisfaction and pride for Pakistan as it is significant from a number of perspectives besides the health issues which are being deliberated upon.<br />
It represents a snub to those elements within the country who have been crying hoarse from every convenient roof-top to rub in the notion of isolation of Pakistan in the region as well as the global level.<br />
It is a strong rebuke to the countries, particularly India which has been trying her utmost to isolate Pakistan through a relentless propaganda at all the international forums.<br />
It also indicates the confidence of the international community in the improved security situation in the country and its credentials as a determined and committed partner in the international efforts to subdue the scourge of terrorism.<br />
And above all this mega health event is reflective of country’s increasing role as a major player in serving the cause of global health issues.</div>
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The matters being deliberated by the forum include regional scenario in regards to spread of diseases, fighting epidemics, social protection, control of non-communicable diseases with major focus on areas of public health, emergencies and health security, adolescent health and strengthening of the health system to adequately cope with these disease.<br />
These health issues are also part of the seventeen targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and would go a long way in aligning our health coverage system with the universal health coverage regime as well as the overall targets of SGDs.</div>
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It is pertinent to point out that Pakistan has already done a fabulous job in improving drug regulatory regimes, bar coding of drugs, drug testing and surveillance at par with international standards besides marked improvement in immunization coverage of children.<br />
In regards to issues pertaining to clean air and climate change which are also important goals of SDGs, Pakistan has established a separate ministry of Climate change which, in consultation with stakeholders and NGOs, is working on better legislative mechanisms and also taking various other measures to ward off the negative impact of this phenomenon on overall environment and health related issues.</div>
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Pakistan is the only country in the world where the parliament has a secretariat to monitor progress on the SDGs.<br />
This secretariat was established in 2013 which has due representation of all the political parties.<br />
The Secretariat has been collecting comprehensive data on all the 17 subjects of the SDGS and cooperating with the provincial task forces, which also have been striving hard for the achievement of the those goals.<br />
The SDGS secretariat is also assisting the parliament in the legislative process and making budgetary allocations.</div>
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The Regional Committee will be invited to endorse a proposed regional framework for action on cancer prevention and control.<br />
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, representing nearly one in six deaths globally.<br />
In WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region, most cases of cancer are diagnosed at a late stage when treatments are less effective which results in poorer outcomes for patients.<br />
The proposed framework will assist countries to decide which priority interventions to implement for cancer prevention and control according to their national context.</div>
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The Committee will also be invited to endorse a proposed updated framework for action on climate change and health.<br />
Climate change is among the biggest global health threats of the 21st century.<br />
Rising global temperatures are affecting the intensity and frequency of heat waves and the incidence of extreme weather conditions such as flooding and droughts.<br />
Climate change poses serious, yet preventable, effects on human health and intensifies morbidity and mortality, especially among vulnerable populations.<br />
WHO considers that climate change represents a fundamental threat to lives and well-being and has called for urgent global action to protect health from climate-related risks.</div>
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The SDGs, which seek to achieve sustainable global economic, social and environmental development by 2030, cannot be realized without investment in adolescent health and well-being.<br />
Many adolescent diseases and injuries are preventable or treatable, but are often neglected.<br />
The adolescent mortality rate in low-income and middle-income countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region is the second highest in the world.<br />
The Global Accelerated Action for Health of Adolescent Guidance, is a tool for national policy-makers and programme managers to assist them in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating adolescent health programmes.<br />
The member states of the Regional Committee will also be focusing on this area as they are urged to translate the commitments made in the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescent Health 2016–2030 into action by developing and implementing national strategic plans for adolescent health.</div>
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Also on the agenda is antimicrobial resistance, which has emerged as a major public health problem that threatens the advances of modern medicine.<br />
While countries of the Region recognize antimicrobial resistance as an important public health problem and are committed to addressing the problem, they face a range of challenges, including a lack of data on the extent of the problem.</div>
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Pakistan is surely going to benefit tremendously from the deliberations of the WHO regional moot on health issues by sharing its experiences with the member states and discussing initiatives to control different diseases and improving the public health, particularly the adolescent health where a lot of work needs to be done.<br />
Pakistan would also be deriving political and diplomatic mileage from this global event that will help her in refurbishing its image at the global level.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-59769460185003262542017-10-10T11:48:00.000-07:002018-01-10T21:14:29.264-08:00A broad canvas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy:- Dr Noman Ahmed</b><br />
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TODAY marks the 200th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. His invaluable contributions towards the Muslim renaissance in the subcontinent are well acknowledged — particularly his founding of Aligarh Muslim University, which trained generations of youth from the late 19th century onwards. The university’s students are seen as having played a major role in propagating the All-India Muslim League’s core message throughout the subcontinent. This voluntary electioneering campaign turned the voters’ opinion in favour of the Pakistan scheme.</div>
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But Sir Syed was also a gifted scholar and researcher, and his canvas was broad. From questions in natural sciences to comparative studies in religion, Sir Syed explored many topics and left invaluable treatises for posterity. Asar-us-Sanadid is a seminal work on the social and cultural life of Delhi, with a focus on its heritage monuments. Based on exhaustive original research, the book outlines the rich flavours of the high civilisation that Delhi was able to exemplify, drawing upon the concept and meaning of architecture in the formative years of Muslim civilisation.</div>
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The debate around ‘Islamic’ and ‘Muslim’ architecture has been scientifically dwelt on by Sir Syed. He categorically established that ‘Islamic architecture’ refers to the bare bones of the built structures, absolutely devoid of frills and embellishments. The public and private edifices were designed and executed in basic forms and finishes. However, the spread of the faith, the conquests of caliphs and sultans, as well as expanding trade linkages exposed Muslims to diverse cultural influences. Their passion for architecture was informed by their admiration of the architectural marvels they encountered within their territories.</div>
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Sir Syed’s talents included a gift for research.</div>
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Sir Syed also provided a synopsis of the architectural characteristics of major periods — Umayyad, Moorish, Fatimid, Mamluk, Ottoman and Persian — and a chronological account of the subcontinent’s various dynasties and their contributions to art and architecture. He drew analytic comparisons in the various rulers’ inclinations and achievements, arriving at logical conclusions about the preconditions that led to architectural divergence in succeeding times.</div>
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Thus, Qutub Minar and Masjid Quwwat-ul-Islam by Sultan Qutbuddin Aibak and his successors reflect many hybrid elements from pre-existing Hindu building complexes. He concluded that the grand scale of the minar actually shows the dominance that Muslim conquerors had attained after scores of hard-fought battles. Sher Shah Suri, during his brief stint on the throne, took extraordinary initiatives regarding public works, infrastructure and communication systems; the sketches, charts, maps and plans of which Sir Syed included in the book.</div>
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Architects, archaeologists and the general readership may also find valuable information about the construction techniques, decorative works and landscaping preferences in different periods.</div>
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Sir Syed delved deep to unearth the enticing secrets of Delhi’s buildings. Gateways to the forts; verdures and informal gardens; palatial residences; baths; tombs; canals and canal banks; minarets and even window openings have been described with flowing diction, factual references and visual representations. He sifted carefully through all available drawings; wherever references were found lacking, he commissioned artists and draughtsmen to create them.</div>
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He applied the same effort to scripts and the calligraphic excellence found along various facades and interiors. Wherever Sanskrit, Hindi and other languages are documented, Sir Syed provided translations for the reproductions of the original inscriptions.</div>
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The information gathered in this exhaustive tome came from multifarious sources. In-depth reviews of literary texts were followed up with fieldwork. In Hayat-i-Javed, Altaf Hussain Hali wrote that Sir Syed developed a special hanging trolley and pulley set, taking undue risks in scaling minarets and parapets, so that he could read inscriptions high up on buildings and structures. Structured and unstructured interviews, populist anecdotes, folk references, and interviews with prominent scholars and administrators were also meticulously documented. Where relevant, Sir Syed included the actual transcripts of such valuable original accounts.</div>
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The cultural life of the Delhi of yesteryears resonates throughout Asar-us-Sanadid. Sir Syed discussed, in detail, people of importance and their backgrounds. Using a scientific classification method clad in an attractive writing pattern, he portrays the characters that filled that wonderful city with life. Sufi saints have been described with reference to their saintly orders, linkages, lineages and socio-cultural influences. Religious scholars, aaris, huffaz, hakeems, poets, calligraphers, artists, painters, musicians and elites of all sorts, as well as artisans and common folk, are all included in the treatise. Sir Syed is well known for the merits of his multifaceted personality; to this, we must credit him with being a seasoned researcher who made invaluable contributions to cultural studies.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-42932942811481284332017-09-05T12:05:00.000-07:002017-10-12T23:06:49.850-07:00Transparency of CPEC projects<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy:- Dr Ahmad Rashid Malik</b><br />
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The CPEC projects are not promoting corruption in Pakistan.<br />
They are clean, spotless, full transparency, honesty, and sincerity.<br />
They are transparent as there exists zero tolerance for corruption in these projects.<br />
Both the government of Pakistan and China upheld their unwavering commitment to CPEC projects.</div>
<a name='more'></a>They are genuine national projects between Pakistan and China and both governments ensure their implementation without any iota of doubt about their transparency.<br />
Any corruption is unthinkable and ridiculous.<br />
These projects are above of any kickbacks, bribes, commissions, omissions, or illegal awards accorded to anyone in any circumstances.<br />
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Any slip of tongue about the sanctity of these projects could lead to a divergent path and could upset ties between the two governments of Pakistan and China.<br />
We must maintain the dignity and self-worth of our all-time trusted commitments with China.<br />
We cannot afford a scandal, or even a joke about this.<br />
We must respect our national cause of building our country great on modern lines and never diverse or oppose our commitment made to our Chinese friends.<br />
At this time, amid our development in 70 years, we cannot be diverted to lose the entire plot of our progress.</div>
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In the past two years and four months after Pakistan and China inked as many as 51 projects in April 2015, and later continuously signed more agreements to add them in the CPEC projects, transparency has been maintained by both sides.<br />
China wants to ensure complete transparency under its national drive against malpractices.<br />
The CPEC projects are no exceptions.</div>
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However, a few days ago a scandal was erupted in the media that the Multan Metro Bus Project entertained malpractices and financial wrong doings worth billions of rupees.<br />
Different figures were given for alleged kickbacks in the projects.<br />
The name of a Chinese company, Jiangsu Yabaite Technology Co.<br />
Ltd.<br />
, was also forwarded involving kickbacks.<br />
They even forwarded fake letters from Pakistani and Chinese authorities to prove their allegations.<br />
The story brought the Chinese Government to the point that an inquiry was conducted by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and alleged kickbacks were found in the project.<br />
They even tried to misrepresent the opinion of the Chinese Government.</div>
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The allegations became more serious as the Government of the Punjab was involved in such allegations.<br />
The Government of the Punjab is known for early and a quick implementation of the CPEC projects and has been saving billions of rupees in the past two years.</div>
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The Chinese Governments clarification of the scandal made an abrupt end to the on-going gossip about the involvement of the Punjab governments in the Multan Metro Bus project once and for all.<br />
The Deputy Chief of the Mission of the Chinese Embassy at Islamabad, Zhao Lijian, made it absolutely clear on 1 September that no embezzlement of funds were made in the Multan Metro Bus Project.<br />
He made is clear that no such inquiry was made by the Chinese Government.</div>
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The Punjab Government was fully bailed out restoring its credibility in the speedy and honest implementation of the CPEC projects in Punjab.<br />
It was found that the alleged Chinese company, Jiangsu Yabaite Technology Co.<br />
Ltd.<br />
, was not actually involved in the project.<br />
There was no engineering company ever set up by the Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif that was bribed to the tune of Rs 3 billion.</div>
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Opposition parties and groups indicated they would be moving to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against the project – same as they did after the Panama scam on the basis of kickbacks and embezzlement of funds.</div>
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The scandal and the conspiracy were well planned.<br />
The primary purpose was not to ensure transparency but to malign the overall progress and grow of the CPEC projects.</div>
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For the promotion of the opposition point of view, we should not try to jeopardise the cause of national interest as we did in this case.<br />
CPEC is the hope and shared-trust of our nation for the future growth of our infrastructure and economy.</div>
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All regions are utterly enthusiastic to be developed under the umbrella of CPEC and its connectivity, which is going to be a shared-destiny for all Pakistani from Gwadar to Sost.<br />
The anti-CPEC agents working in Pakistan on the behest of other countries cannot be allowed to alter the on-going path of the shared destiny of millions of Pakistanis.<br />
The CPEC is our common dream and we must live by it.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-88402365603919096492017-08-18T22:50:00.000-07:002017-10-12T22:51:27.263-07:00BISP’s progress under PML (N) govt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy:- </b> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px; white-space: nowrap;"><b>Marvi Memon</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">BISP has made commendable progress under the PML-N government during the last four years highlighting the commitment of the government to the poor and vulnerable of the country. The budget allocation for BISP that was Rs 70 billion in 2013 jumped to Rs 121 billion in 2017. The quarterly stipend increased from Rs 3000/quarter in 2013 to Rs 4834 in 2016. BISP has made itself the pride of Pakistan and a role model for international social safety nets winning Pakistan recognition internationally thereby contributing to institution building and poverty alleviation in Pakistan.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">The number of beneficiaries that were paid stipend in 2013 was 3.78 million whereas in 2017, 5.46 million beneficiaries have been paid stipend. Total Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) to BISP beneficiaries in 2013 stood at Rs 161.6 billion whereas total payments of Rs 515 billion have been made till 2017. In 2012-13, disbursements worth Rs 43.30 billion were made whereas in 2016-2017, Rs 102.8 billion have been disbursed depicting an increase in spending on the welfare of poor by PML-N government. The service charges were reduced from 4% to 2.75% during PML-N tenure which ensured billions of rupees of savings for the exchequer.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">In terms of the provincial data, the current BISP beneficiaries in AJK are 104,533, Balochistan 235,759, Fata 159,047, G-B 46,883, KPK 976,219, Punjab 2,022,831, Sindh 1,905,436 and Islamabad 9,537. These numbers will automatically change when the new survey is to be completed in 2018 and will be in place. We are expecting these numbers to be more representative of the poorest in each province going forward.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">Financial inclusion being a major domestic and international objective of a cash transfer programme like BISP, the modes of payment have been improved in the PML-N tenure. Whilst BISP takes credit for having brought 5.4 million of the poorest women in the banking and voting systems of the country, its modes have graduated over time. The payments made through Post Office, Smart Cards and Benazir Debit Card are being converted to payments through BVS (Biometric Verification System) and 43 districts have been converted to BVS till date. Currently, 37% of the beneficiaries are receiving payments through BVS, 60% through Benazir Debit Card (BDC) and 3% through Pakistan Post. During last quarterly payment, 1.9 million beneficiaries withdrew their stipend through BVS. Considering that BVS gives ease of payment to illiterate beneficiaries, increases transparency and retains them in the financial systems, it is an achievement as rest of the international social safety nets are eager to replicate.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">There has been significant improvement in ratings by development partners during the last four years. DFID has rated BISP as A and the World Bank upgraded its ranking from satisfactory to highly satisfactory due to effective service delivery and transparency. BISP has successfully achieved all Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) under the World Bank and DFID and met all targets set under the IMF's Extended Fund Facility. Moreover, donor commitments to the overall BISP budget are less than 10%. The details of current donor commitments are as follows: 1- The World Bank under the National Social Protection Programme has committed US$ 100 million by 2020. 2- DFID under the National Cash Transfer Programme-Tranche 2 committed US$ 130 million by 2020. 3- The ADB committed US$ 94 million by December 2018, including 35 million dollars allocated for BISP Graduation Programme.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">Under the Waseela-e-Taleem (WeT) initiative, BISP has successfully increased enrolment from 23,000 to 1.7 million children enrolled in schools across Pakistan and Rs 4.69 billion have been disbursed to the mothers of enrolled children on 70% attendance compliance. The 52 percent of the enrolled children are boys and 48 percent are girls. It is a remarkable achievement as in 2013, only 23,000 children were enrolled in schools and there was nil disbursement under Waseela-e-Taleem. In addition, 55,000 public and private schools have had their supply capacity done as well. For social mobilization, BISP has constituted 50,000 BBCs aimed at educating beneficiaries regarding BISP, WeT, immunization, nutrition, cash withdrawal and women empowerment. This is the silent women empowerment revolution, which will be remembered in Pakistan's history.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">The NSER which is Pakistan's only demographic directory of households in public domain, has been creating international standards in the field and is currently ranked number 5 in the world. The objective of PML-N update of NSER is to achieve world class number 1 position in this technical field. So far good progress has been made in achieving this milestone.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">The pilot phase of survey for NSER update is under way that would be completed by August end. In 10 districts, door to door survey whereas in four districts desk registration approach was adopted. The 90% survey has been completed in these 10 districts whereas door to door survey in desk-based districts would be completed by October 2017. The survey coverage progress (August 15, 2017) is significantly better than the 2010 survey. So far, 2,608,703 households have been covered. In Balochistan where coverage had been lower in 2010, special efforts are under way and average of 120% coverage has already been achieved.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">Nationwide rollout is expected to complete before mid-2018. The ongoing survey is technology enabled that is being done on tablets and there is intensive supervision in terms of evaluation by operation review firms, internal monitoring and citizens' hotline. The unique feature of the survey through tablet is the enhanced MIS, dashboard software capability which has been developed in house by BISP and is the exportable part which is being flagged as world class and ensuring BISP NSER reaches number one position in the world.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">In the past NSER has been used by BISP and many other organizations. Some of them are as follows: the PM National Health Insurance Programme, PM Interest Free Loan, Punjab Khidmat Card, Punjab Local Government Department, KP Insaaf Card, Balochistan Food Department for Food, Sindh Finance Department and Sindh Education Foundation, Government of GB. The private sector has also used this data. Going forward, we expect the Planning Department to use NSER data for better planning.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">The impact evaluation studies carried out by Oxford Policy Management were made public during PML-N tenure. The impact evaluation has depicted a positive impact on poverty reduction and women empowerment. As per third impact evaluation report, there was an increase in per adult equivalent monthly consumption expenditure of BISP household by Rs 187. BISP has managed to reduce poverty in its beneficiaries by 7% points. An increase in per adult equivalent food consumption by Rs 69 resulted in reduction of malnutrition and stunting among girls. Enrolment of children of BISP beneficiaries in primary schools increased by 10%.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">BISP is working to mobilize beneficiaries to avail social/welfare services and create linkages with other government and non-government initiatives. BISP has collaborated with other organizations as well in order to help its beneficiaries benefit from other welfare schemes. More than 354,847 BISP households have been enrolled in PMNHP. More than 181,088 BISP households got interest-free loans from Akhuwat, PMIFYL, PPAF and other provincial schemes. More than 17,107 BISP beneficiaries obtained Vocational training. E-commerce initiative was also launched to bring markets closer to BISP beneficiaries. BISP is also considering various graduation models so that its beneficiaries may become self-sufficient and exit out of poverty.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">BISP has transformed itself into the pride of Pakistan and is well positioned to be showcased as Pakistan's efficient public sector organization whilst improving the lives of the most vulnerable in Pakistan. The achievements under PML-N have been widely recognized internationally. As we enter our fifth year of government we are committed to ensuring that we over perform on targets as we have been doing consistently in last few years.</span></div>
Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-69021360941712382922017-06-01T00:50:00.001-07:002017-06-01T00:50:18.431-07:00Budget 2017-2018: an anodyne view<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy:- <span class="authorFullName" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 27px;">Malik Muhammad Ashraf</span></b><br />
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Preparing a <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/207911-Budget-2017-2018-an-anodyne-view#" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none;">budget</a> and selling it to the public, more so to political opponents, is an arduous undertaking even in the most affluent and developed countries, particularly when it comes to new tax proposals and measures aimed at keeping the corporate sector in good stead to spur economic growth.</div>
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Besides generating much-needed revenue for the government, taxes also affect the people – changing their economic situation. This makes taxes an unpopular proposition. So every segment of the society tries to look at the <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/207911-Budget-2017-2018-an-anodyne-view#" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none;">budget</a> from its own perspective and so there is always a mixed reaction on the <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/207911-Budget-2017-2018-an-anodyne-view#" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none;">budget</a>s presented by the governments.</div>
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The exercise is even more excruciating in third world countries like Pakistan that are facing financial constraints. Therefore, not surprisingly the <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/207911-Budget-2017-2018-an-anodyne-view#" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none;">budget</a> for 2017-18 presented by the PML-N government has also spurred a debate about who benefits and who loses as a result of it. The debate, however, lacks objectivity.</div>
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The opposition as usual has outright rejected the <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/207911-Budget-2017-2018-an-anodyne-view#" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none;">budget</a> as being anti-people. The reaction from different segments of society also stems from how certain measures affect them rather than from an overall view about the impact of the <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/207911-Budget-2017-2018-an-anodyne-view#" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none;">budget</a> in promoting development and rectifying the maladies afflicting the economy.</div>
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Before delving into an appraisal of the current budge, it would perhaps be pertinent to have a brief review of how the economy has performed under the current government and how far their claims in this regard are believable. That would necessitate a look at the condition of the economy when the present government assumed power. According to verifiable available data, GDP growth rate was at an abysmally low 3 percent, <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/207911-Budget-2017-2018-an-anodyne-view#" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none;">budget</a> deficit stood at 8.8 percent of GDP, inflation was in double digits and the country was likely to default on IMF loans. Four years down the line, the GDP growth rate stands at 5.28 percent – the highest in the last ten years.</div>
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<a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/207911-Budget-2017-2018-an-anodyne-view#" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none;">Budget</a> deficit has been brought down to 4.2 percent of GDP, inflation has stayed at a single digit, foreign exchange reserves are at the highest ever level, the stock exchange is buoyant, interest rates continue to remain at 6.75 percent, the per capita income in terms of dollars has risen to $1629 as compared to last year’s $1531 (a 4 percent increase).</div>
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The country is now among the emerging economies of the world. It has terminated its reliance on IMF loans. These are not merely the claims of the government. Their authenticity has been repeatedly endorsed by international lending and rating agencies as well as the international media. The latest report of the World Bank portrays a very encouraging picture about the economy by predicting continuous rise in the GDP growth rate.</div>
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That revival of the economy did not come about on its own and undoubtedly is a sequel to the prudent economic management by the present government through macro-economic reforms, particularly pertaining to fiscal management. There might be a host of areas where a lot needs to be done but there is no doubt that the overall performance of the economy during the last four years has been quite satisfactory.</div>
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In the current <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/207911-Budget-2017-2018-an-anodyne-view#" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none;">budget</a>, the total outlay is Rs4.75 trillion, carrying a deficit of Rs1.5 trillion (4.1 percent of GDP) that sets a target of 6 percent GDP growth rate during 2017-18, showing the resolve of the government to consolidate the gains that have already been made and to build on them with a greater emphasis on development of infrastructure, energy, agriculture and information technology. In that sense, it is a development-oriented <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/207911-Budget-2017-2018-an-anodyne-view#" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none;">budget</a> – and rightly so. That should be the priority of any government. The wellbeing of the masses through welfare-oriented socio-economic measures requires the availability of the necessary resources, which are inconceivable without nudging development as a top priority.</div>
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The development outlay stands at Rs1001 billion, 25 percent higher than the last year. The tax collection target has been set at Rs4013 billion, designed to raise more revenues that are needed to reduce the <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/207911-Budget-2017-2018-an-anodyne-view#" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none;">budget</a> deficit and increased reliance on indigenous resources for development. In this regard, new taxes amounting to Rs120 billion have been suggested, with a major focus on direct taxes. The major expenditures include Rs1.36 trillion for interest payment and Rs920.2 billion for defence.</div>
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The government also announced a number of measures to spur economic activity and facilitate the business community and other sectors including reduction in mark-up on agriculture loans, relief for textile and other sectors, exemption from tax on export of IT services, reduction in corporate tax by one percent, concessionary duty on hybrid vehicles, relief in duty on all electric cars and withdrawal of tax regime on builders.</div>
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The poor were also not neglected. The allocation for Baitul Mal has been increased from Rs4 billion to Rs6 billion. BISP allocation has been raised to Rs121 billion from Rs115. A ten percent special allowance has been given to army personnel and a fixed raise of Rs8000 has also been proposed for FC personnel in view of their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. Similarly, enhanced allocations have been made for the health and education sectors. The government will be paying subsidies on different items amounting to Rs138.2 billion. Apart from this, government servants and pensioners have been given ten percent raise in salaries and pensions, respectively. The minimum wage has also been raised to Rs15000 from Rs14000.</div>
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From the foregoing facts it is quite evident that the <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/207911-Budget-2017-2018-an-anodyne-view#" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none;">budget</a> did have something for all segments of society. Those who are critical of the <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/207911-Budget-2017-2018-an-anodyne-view#" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none;">budget</a> have a democratic right to be so but they need to be realistic and not mislead the masses. I have yet to see a <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/207911-Budget-2017-2018-an-anodyne-view#" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none;">budget</a> without taxes. The track record of the present government in handling the economy has been far better than the previous governments and that must be acknowledged ungrudgingly.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-77986402910960212322017-01-31T00:04:00.002-08:002017-01-31T00:05:08.814-08:00Fall in corruption index<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy:- <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Malik M Ashraf</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The Transparency International in its fourth consecutive annual report has indicated fall in corruption index in Pakistan. Since 2013 corruption has declined by 19 points with biggest nosedive of nine points during 2016. According to the report Pakistan has achieved the distinction of being number two state in South Asia in regards to tackling corruption. That indeed is matter of great pride for the country as well as the incumbent government, which has made credible efforts to eliminate avenues of corruption in the higher echelons of the government and different tiers of the government machinery.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The reality is that unlike the previous government, no mega corruption scandal has been reported or unearthed by the excessively vigilant media and anti-corruption entities. The corroboration of decline in corruption by a prestigious agency like Transparency International is also a shut up call for those who are relentlessly engaged in soiling the reputation of the government by hurling unsubstantiated allegations of corruption against it.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The performance and achievement of the government in regards to the revival of the economy has also been repeatedly authenticated by almost all the international lending and rating agencies and they all have predicted a higher rate of GDP in the coming years. Reportedly Pakistan’s Stock Exchange Index continues to maintain its upward trajectory and has achieved the highest ever benchmark of 50,000 in regards to KSE-100 index. At the recently concluded moot of the World Economic Forum, the President of the forum and world leaders not only acknowledged the success story of the economic policies of the government but predicted a leading role for Pakistan in promoting regional connectivity. According to media reports published on Jan 24, internationally renowned Fund Manager Emi Corporation has declared Pakistan among six best countries most suitable for investment.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">There could not have been a better exposition of the achievements of the government in the domain of tackling corruption and reviving the economy than the endorsement given to them by the respective international forums. The facts speak for themselves. The fact is that the present government through prudent management of the economy and structural reforms has been able to lift the profile of the economy and nudge a process of sustained economic growth. Budget deficit which is considered to be mother of all economic infirmities has been brought down from 8.8% of GDP in 2013 to 4.2 % by year 2016. GDP growth rate which was less than 3% stands at 4.71 %, highest rate in the last eight years. Inflation has been kept at a single digit. They are all verifiable facts. WB has predicted GDP growth rate of 5.1 during 2016-17.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Energy crisis that badly affected industry and agriculture sectors as well as the domestic consumers has gradually been checked and the government has been able to add 3000 MW to the national grid during the last three years, reducing power cuts. With the import of LNG the gas supply to the industrial units has considerably improved. By the end of 2018, the projects initiated under CPEC will add another 10640 MW electricity to the national grid. It is perhaps pertinent to point out that by 2030, another addition of 30000 MW is envisaged. That surely promises a prosperous future for the country. It is expected that the completion of CPEC infrastructure and energy project by 2030, will add nearly 3% to GDP growth rate of country. The CPEC is a fortune-changing mega-project for Pakistan and all the participating countries. Pakistan in its capacity as economic hub for the region would be the biggest beneficiary. It is a national project and the government has made sure that it is not only nationally owned but also leads to prosperity of all the federating units. In this regard it has made relentless efforts to remove the misgivings of the federating units and those who have been trying to belittle the importance of CPEC.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The government ensured the participation of the Chief Ministers of KP, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan in the sixth meeting of the Joint Coordination Committee recently held in Beijing in which all the provinces have been given additional development projects for their provincial capitals in addition to the already promised ventures under CPEC. The government can also rightly boast about checking terrorism in its tracks and improving situation in Karachi and Balochistan. The foregoing verifiable facts prove beyond an iota of doubt that the performance of the govt in regards to inherited challenges has been quite satisfactory.</span><br />
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-25966434234595432942016-12-28T02:35:00.003-08:002016-12-28T02:35:44.229-08:00The Indus Water Treaty and the World Bank<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Pakistan and India have been involved in intractable discussions to resolve the dispute regarding construction of two hydro electric power plants namely Kishenganga and Ralte being built by the latter in violation of the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty. So in view of the stalemate on the issue Pakistan requested the World Bank which had brokered the accord and also assumed the role of guarantor of the Treaty, to establish a court of Arbitration to resolve the differences between the two countries. India simultaneously requested the World Bank for the appointment of a neutral expert.</div>
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The World Bank initially agreed to set up both the Arbitration Court and the appointment of the neutral expert. However in response to the Indian objection on two parallel processes which it maintained was not legally tenable, the World Bank decided to announce a ‘pause’ and asking both the parties to resolve the issue through bilateral avenues. Giving the reason for this action the President of the Bank in a letter written to finance ministers of both the countries said “ We are announcing this pause to protect the Indus Water Treaty and to help India and Pakistan to consider alternative approaches to resolving conflicting interests under the treaty and its application to two hydro electric power plants. This is an opportunity for the two countries to begin to resolve the issue in an amicable manner and in line with the spirit of the treaty rather than pursuing concurrent processes that could make the treaty unworkable over time. I would hope that the two countries will come to an agreement by the end of January,”</div>
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The position taken by the World Bank is regrettably akin to what India had argued. It is tantamount to shirking the responsibility as a guarantor of the accord charged with the responsibility, as per the Treaty itself, to ensure that both parties stick to the provisions of the accord and in case of failure of the two sides to sort out their differences on any issue related to the treaty, appoint a court of Arbitration. The Indian government has welcomed the ‘ pause ‘ announced by the World Bank. A spokesman of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has said “By temporarily halting both processes now, World Bank has confirmed that pursuing two concurrent processes can render the treaty unworkable over time. Indian remains fully conscious of her international obligations and is ready to engage in further consulting on the matter of resolving current differences regarding the two projects”</div>
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It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan had approached the World Bank after being frustrated to find a solution to the dispute through permanent Indus Water Commission, a body set up under the Treaty to settle disputes through mutual consultations. The arbitration was even more necessary in view of the latest threats by Modi government to control the flow of water of the western rivers into Pakistan.</div>
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Reacting to the World Bank decision, Finance Minister in his letter to the President of the World Bank has rightly maintained that under the Treaty no party can ‘pause’ performance of the obligations under the Treaty and the position taken by the Bank would only prevent Pakistan from approaching a competent forum and having its grievances addressed. It is hard to contest the points made by Ishaq Dar as under the Treaty it was the World Bank which could set up a Court of Arbitration when there was a stalemate on a dispute. The bilateral arrangement had failed to produce the desired results. It was why Pakistan had approached the guarantor to fulfill its obligations under the Treaty.</div>
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Reportedly India held a meeting of the inter-ministerial task force last week which has been tasked to enhance storage of western rivers waters, which is a very alarming development. Under the circumstances, the World Bank avoiding to take a position in line with its obligations under the Treaty amounts to almost giving up on its own brokered agreement. The hope expressed by the World Bank that both sides would be able to resolve their differences, represents lack of understanding of the prevailing situation. India is actually trying to build pressure on Pakistan to back off from the position taken by her on the Kashmir issue, particularly in regards to current uprising in the valley. It is not a technical issue. India has been threatening to review the Indus Water Treaty in the backdrop of Uri attack which it blamed on Pakistan. In an atmosphere loaded with tensions between the two countries, expecting them to show goodwill in resolving the issue is hoping against hope. The World Bank has a role to play as per the Treaty and it should not try to avoid it.</div>
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Under the Indus Water Treaty, the waters of the Eastern rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi had been allocated to India and the Western rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab to Pakistan except for certain uses allowed to India including power generation without altering the water flows. According to reliable sources India is contemplating to launch more hydropower projects with a cumulative power generating capacity of 32,000 MW on the rivers allocated to Pakistan and consequently attain the capability of regulating the water flows to Pakistan, especially reducing water flow in the river Chenab which irrigates most of the land in Punjab. Such a situation could lead to serious consequences and may even threaten peace and security in the region in the event of armed conflict over the issue between the two countries.</div>
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It is pertinent to point out that the case of Kishanganga has already been considered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at Hague which in its final award on the dispute while recognizing the Indian right to build the Dam did address Pakistan’s concerns about India keeping the level of reservoirs below the Dead Storage Level and also recognized the concept of environmental flows in rivers to ensure that the power generating projects were operated in an environmentally sustainable manner. The Award announced on 20 December 2013 specified that natural flow of water must be maintained in Kishanganga river at all times to maintain environment downstream. But India is not even abiding by the award of the Permanent Arbitration Commission.Pakistan is not asking for something beyond the treaty obligations of the World Bank. The World Bank must revisit its decision and set up a court of arbitration as requested by Pakistan, because there was no hope of resolving of this issue through bilateral arrangement as suggested by the previous Indian behavior on issues which ultimately had to be referred for arbitration.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-26528732321936777942016-12-02T03:41:00.003-08:002016-12-02T03:41:30.031-08:00CPEC harbinger of regional connectivity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ion-person icon" style="border-radius: 0px !important; box-sizing: border-box; padding-right: 4px;">Malik Muhammad Ashraf</span></span></div>
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Regional connectivity and development of the required infrastructure through cooperative efforts of the participating countries for shared economic prosperity is a visionary concept and recipe for addressing issues related to poverty alleviation and development, as well as ensuring peace through economic interdependence. The leadership of new China deserves credit for pioneering this movement through its ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative, which is likely to benefit 26 countries. The CPEC being the pivot of the initiative has generated a lot of interest and acceptability among the countries of South Asia and Central Asia, and even some of the European countries have shown their willingness to join it. Pakistan due to its geo-strategic location is a key participant in making the venture successful. Pakistan surely will also be its greatest beneficiary by becoming a hub of economic activity for both regions. CPEC, therefore, is a harbinger of regional connectivity.</div>
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Iran and Turkey are also willing aspirants to join this mega-economic bonanza. Gwadar port will be the centrepiece of CPEC, through which countries of both regions will be importing and exporting their goods, including China and Russia. The Russian government had made a formal request to Pakistan for allowing her to use Gwadar for its exports, which reportedly Pakistan government has consented to. Even Iran, which has developed Chahbahar port, has expressed its desire to use Gwadar port for its trade. The facts conveniently establish CPEC as being beyond reproach and rightly perceived by most of the world as a game changer.</div>
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The PML-N government, by deciding to be part of the Chinese vision of regional connectivity and development, has undoubtedly shown a high degree of pragmatism and foresight given the permeating economic situation in the country, stemming from resource constraint and the fast changing geo-political realities. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was right on the money when addressing the two-day conference on Global Sustainable Transport Conference in Turkmenistan. He said that regional connectivity and economic integration were fundamental pillars of Pakistan’s policy, and also announced joining Ashgabat Agreement and Lapiz Lazuli Corridor. He also rightly observed that a peaceful neighbourhood had remained the norm of Pakistan’s foreign policy and no development policies could yield fruit without peace and security; an apparent reference to efforts by Pakistan to improve relations with India, and the need for peace and security as a fundamental requirement for any fruitful development effort.</div>
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Ashgabat Agreement envisages international transport and transit corridor among Oman, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. The Lapis Lazuli Corridor seeks to foster trade cooperation among Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, by reducing barriers facing transit trade. It intends to develop customs integration procedure in the region.</div>
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Unfortunately, some external powers including India are trying to sabotage CPEC through overt and covert operations instead of becoming a part of it and contributing to the regional potential for shared economic development and prosperity. As far as efforts by external forces to sabotage CPEC are concerned, both China and Pakistan are capable of thwarting those efforts and have vowed to implement CPEC as envisaged.</div>
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Even more regrettable is the fact that some political elements and vested interests within the country are also trying to create misgivings about CPEC to achieve their political motives. Some political parties first triggered the route change controversy with regard to the western route, refuting the notion that CPEC would benefit all four provinces and also pressed for an equal share in CPEC. They have even gone the High Court in this regard, notwithstanding the fact that the government, since the signing of the CPEC agreement and subsequently ensuring national ownership by taking the political leadership into confidence, has repeatedly been trying to remove these misgivings. But there seems to be no let up in the campaign against CPEC. The government has throughout maintained that there has been no change in the western route and that the CPEC projects are spread across the four provinces. CPEC is a mix of network of roads, rail, optic fibre and energy projects. The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad has compiled a book containing write-ups and research articles on CPEC which also includes maps in regards to the route of these networks and the location of energy producing units, which corroborate the government stance on the issue, adequately dispelling impressions to the contrary.</div>
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Another notion promoted by the detractors of CPEC is that the money being spent on CPEC projects was a loan from the Chinese government, which would add to the debt burden of the country. That probably is the most blatant falsehood. Out of the total cost of CPEC projects, which now has gone up to $51 billion after announcement by China to provide $ 5 billion for up gradation of railway line from Peshawar to Karachi, only $11 billion to be spent on infrastructure development is a loan component with 1.6 percent interest, which is the lowest considering the interest rate of 5-8.5 percent on loans advanced by the World Bank. The biggest chunk of $34 billion pertains to energy projects, which is purely a direct foreign investment.</div>
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Another anti-CPEC view around is that the projects under it have been initiated in violation of the PPRA rules, and they lack transparency. This reflects the ignorance of those who are trying to advance that view. The Chinese model of investment is on government-to-government basis, which is the safest and a reliable way of investing money in foreign lands. Such agreements are negotiated between the governments and are exempt from the local procurement rules. They do not require open bidding by prospective investors. This is an internationally accepted and practised norm. The much maligned Orange Line Project in Lahore is yet another venture funded by the Chinese government. An International Governmental Framework Agreement was signed on May 22, 2014 that stipulated that it would be entirely designed, constructed and supervised by Chinese companies. The PPRA rules also did not apply to this undertaking, being carried out through government-to-government arrangement. But unfortunately, a particular political party has been persistently trying to create doubts about the project and even hurled accusations of kickbacks against the Punjab Chief Minister.</div>
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Those elements who are seeking to undermine CPEC need to realise that by pursuing their narrow political interests at the cost of the national interests, they are also undermining relations between Pakistan and its greatest friend China, which has not only contributed to Pakistan’s economic development over the years but has also helped it in bolstering its defence capability and nuclear programme. It is a relationship beyond the realm of normal diplomatic relations, which has achieved eternity through CPEC.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-25375206486277914342016-11-15T00:09:00.000-08:002016-11-15T00:09:21.980-08:00CPEC becomes operational<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy:- <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Malik M Ashraf</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">WITH the formal inauguration of Gwadar port by the Prime Minister on Saturday that also coincided with shipment of the Chinese trade cargo for Middle East and African countries, CPEC became operational; a reality which undoubtedly holds key to the prosperity of the entire region. Reportedly a trade cargo convoy comprising 60 containers reached Gwadar on Friday through the western route of the Corridor and a Chinese ship also docked at port to carry goods to its desired destinations.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Under the CPEC the government has rightly prioritised energy and infrastructure projects that are absolutely imperative for facilitating the implementation of other development projects as well as kick-starting an economic revolution. The Gwadar Port becoming operational within a year and half after signing of agreements and MoUs on CPEC is indeed a commendable achievement which reflects the dedication and commitment of the government and the security establishment to complete all projects under CPEC on schedule and within the time-span stipulated in the agreements irrespective of attempts by some powers to sabotage it. Frontier Works Organization actually made this shipment of Chinese goods possible by constructing three road networks in Balochistan including Western route in such a short span of time.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">There is no doubt that CPEC apart from proving a game changer for the region would also lift economic profile of all the provinces of Pakistan. Iran is also poised to become part of the CPEC initiative in view of promise that it holds in terms of unleashing an era of economic cooperation between the countries of the region and the avenues of shared prosperity that it will open for all the participating nations. Reportedly IP gas pipeline is also likely to become part of CPEC. The China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau currently engaged in building $ 1.4 billion Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG terminal and pipeline project has indicated its willingness to finance and construct the remaining portion of the pipeline from Gwadar to the Iranian border.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The Minister for Planning and Development gave an exhaustive briefing on CPEC projects as well as the decision making process in regards to their location depending on their technical feasibility and the entire leadership endorsed it without any qualms. But immediately the controversy on route change was triggered. Consequently the government tried its best to assuage their fears reassuring them that no change in the CPEC plans, especially the western route had been made as alleged. In due course the three routes of the Corridor were also notified. Western route originating from Gwadar would pass through Turbat, Panjgur, Nag, Basima, Sorab, Qalat Quetta, Qilla Saifullah, Zhob, D I Khan before leading towards Islamabad. Central route beginning from Gawadar would lead to D I Khan through Basima, Khuzdar, Sukkur, Rajanpur, Layyah, Muzaffargarh and Bakkar.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The eastern route starting from Gawadar would traverse through Basima, Khuzdar, Sukkur, Rahimyar Khan, Bahawalpur, Multan, Lahore and Faisalabad and Islamabad. An incisive look at these proposed routes reveals that no province of the country has been neglected and it is not exclusively beneficial to a particular province as being perceived and alleged. The three routes pass through all the four provinces who would ultimately share the benefits of this venture which has a time-line of 2030 for its completion. In this regards it may be mentioned that work on the section of western route from Burhan to DI Khan is also starting soon and work on Havelian-Burhan section is already underway.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The federal government has repeatedly clarified that at least one economic zone in each province will be constructed along the Corridor and a number of other projects will also come up in due course of time. The projects for energy production envisaged Under CPEC will eventually contribute 17000 MW electricity to national grid. Some of these projects have already been initiated and will be completed by 2018 and some will be started after that. Out of these two projects namely Krote Hydro Power Projet and Sukhi Kinaru Hydro Power Project with a cumulative production capacity of 1590 MW will be installed in KP.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Work on dry port at Havelian which is also in KP is already underway. Experts believe that the biggest beneficiaries of CPEC will be Balochistan and KP. The opposition to CPEC by PTI and KP unfortunately has political undertones and such an irresponsible behaviour could deter the prospective investor from coming to Pakistan. They need to adopt a realistic approach. It is hoped that meeting of the Planning minister with CM KP recently and the reported convening of another APC by the Prime Minister would help in clearing the haze.</span></div>
Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-55553597361797898312016-10-14T00:22:00.002-07:002016-10-14T00:22:51.233-07:00Pakistan-China defence and economic ties<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Courtesy:- Malik Muhammad Ashraf</b><br />
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The relations between Pakistan and China are beyond the realm of normal diplomatic ties, and no terminology in the diplomatic parlance can really explain the nature of these bonds. China is not only a true friend but also a benefactor of Pakistan. The diplomatic relations established in 1951 have developed into an impregnable, vibrant and long-lasting partnership over the years. Their ties have always remained on the upward curve, belying the maxim that in international relations there are no permanent friends and enemies.</div>
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Commonality of interests invariably forms the basis of bonhomie between the states. The greater the commonality of interests, the greater the depth and strength of relations between the concerned countries. Pakistan and China, fortunately, have a slew of abiding common interests and factors that nourish the process of growth of ties between them. Their geographical proximity, complimentary economies that provide unlimited scope of economic cooperation to their mutual advantage, and common security concerns among other elements are the deciding factors in sustaining and reinforcing their resolve to stay on course. The role played by China in the economic development and making Pakistan’s defence impregnable is unparalleled in the history of inter-state relations. The Karakoram Highway, the heavy mechanical complex, the Heavy Rebuild Factory at Taxila, and development of nuclear plants at Chashma to boost energy production are some of the monumental projects in the domain of economic ties between the two countries. Nevertheless, the cooperation in the defence field has been the most rewarding.</div>
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Security threat emanating from India has been a major concern for both of them. China’s border dispute with India that erupted into a war between the two countries in 1962, and the Indo-Pak war of 1965 testified to the existence of this common threat, and the need for strong defence ties between the two. Since the early 1960s, China has been the largest defence supplier to Pakistan. It has extended invaluable cooperation that extends to all three services. It has not only provided weapons and equipment but has also assisted Pakistan in developing a strong capability in defence production.</div>
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The Aeronautical Complex, Heavy Industries, Taxila, and production lines in the Pakistan Ordnance Factories, maritime project for the navy and missile factories have been set up with Chinese help. China has been providing military hardware, technology and scientific expertise to Pakistan, and also helped the latter in the development of 750-km range solid-fuelled Shaheen-1 ballistic missile. Not only that, in 1992, it supplied Pakistan with 34 short-range ballistic M-11 missiles. Conventional weapons provided to Pakistan by China include: JF-17 aircraft, F-22 frigates with helicopters, K-8 jet trainers, T-85 tanks, F-7 aircraft, small arms and ammunition and above all, JF-17 aircraft.</div>
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It was in 1999 during the last Nawaz Sharif regime that Pakistan and China agreed for co-development and co-production of JF-17 aircraft at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Kamra, in collaboration with the Chinese Aviation Industry (CATIC) to replace the aging, medium-tech fleet of mirages, attaining self-sufficiency in the field of aircraft production dictated by the turn of events and the gravity of threats to Pakistan’s security. The agreement envisaged production of 50 aircraft for induction in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the process that was completed in December 2013 when the 50th plane was rolled out. On this occasion an agreement for the production of another batch of 50 aircraft and their joint sale and marketing was signed between PAC and CATIC in view of the interest shown by some countries to buy it.</div>
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It would be pertinent to mention that Nawaz Sharif signed an agreement for the sale of eight combat JF-17 Thunder aircraft to Sri Lanka during his last visit to that country, with a delivery timeline of 2017. With the conclusion of this agreement, Pakistan has joined the prestigious club of countries that produce and export combat aircraft. Qatar and Malaysia have also evinced interest in buying the aircraft. The export of this aircraft would, undoubtedly, contribute to economic development of Pakistan as well. This cooperation in the domain of defence over the years has not only helped Pakistan in bolstering its defence capability and diluting a security threat to it by India, but has also helped China in countering Indian power in the region.</div>
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JF-17 aircraft is based on modern concepts of aerodynamics and the hybrid fly-by-wire control system that makes it highly agile in all regimes of operational fighting. It is an all-weather, multi-role and light control combat aircraft. It is equipped with fourth generation avionic systems that keep it beyond the visual range, short-range missiles and air-to-surface missiles. So far the PAF has equipped three squadrons with JF-17 aircraft. The induction of this aircraft in the PAF has enhanced the operational readiness manifold, making our skies safer than before. It could well prove to be the major stride towards self-reliance in meeting the needs of our air force as well as catalyst to the development of defence industry in Pakistan.</div>
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While the US imposed sanctions on Pakistan in 1965 and again in 1990, China has consistently supported Pakistan’s military modernisation effort. China built two nuclear reactors at Chashma. Currently, it is engaged in developing two more plants at the same site, a venture thought to be a response to the US-India civil nuclear deal. China dismissed NSG concerns about its failure to apply full scope safeguards of the organisation to its nuclear projects in Pakistan. China has also helped Pakistan to develop a deep-sea port at Gwadar whose control has been handed over to the former.</div>
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The new China is all for resolving disputes through dialogue, restraint from armed conflicts and partnership with regional countries for shared economic prosperity, which is amply demonstrated by establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the “One Belt, One Road” initiative that includes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. In pursuance of this policy China has also tried to improve economic relations with India. Chinese President Xi Jinping also visited India in 2014 during which China pledged $20 billion Chinese investment in India in infrastructure and communication projects. The Indian prime minister also paid a return visit. The volume of trade between the two countries has also increased manifold. China supports and encourages resolution of disputes between Pakistan and India, including Kashmir through bilateral mechanism agreed between them.</div>
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Nevertheless despite these developments, China continues to maintain a robust defence relationship with Pakistan. With US efforts to prop up India as a regional superpower to contain the burgeoning Chinese influence in the region and beyond and its involvement in South China Sea, defence cooperation between Pakistan and China is poised to attain new heights. CPEC is yet another initiative that apart from ushering in an era of infinite regional economic prosperity, will impart a long-lasting dimension to cooperation on security and defence between the two countries. It is a win-win situation for both the countries. Those who are trying to make CPEC controversial for their narrow political gains need to look beyond their noses in the best national interest.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2849068615245532786.post-3008143608739158362016-09-02T02:46:00.003-07:002016-09-05T00:48:10.328-07:00Regional linkages and shared prosperity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjko6Hw6azIVorZxYN-wXSh_mn0SlWTT5604fao2El4pc6Rw6vSGkFFXmWImpgmTAZBlWrg3YnjX7wEq3d5ZTfU7hBRIfSz8vJ7sXEOy7KQpMekRytgVnlayXX9UdhxW9FZFb5kyaSWyx/s1600/regional-linkages-and-shared-prosperity-823628ab467e28a9067fe981b3a5aaa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjko6Hw6azIVorZxYN-wXSh_mn0SlWTT5604fao2El4pc6Rw6vSGkFFXmWImpgmTAZBlWrg3YnjX7wEq3d5ZTfU7hBRIfSz8vJ7sXEOy7KQpMekRytgVnlayXX9UdhxW9FZFb5kyaSWyx/s320/regional-linkages-and-shared-prosperity-823628ab467e28a9067fe981b3a5aaa2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Courtesy:- Malik Muhammad Ashraf</b><br />
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The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) arguably is the pivot of the Chinese One Road One Belt initiative, which envisages not only the revival of the centuries’ old Silk Road (for trade and cultural interaction) but also a participatory process of sharing the fruits of economic development made possible by regional and global linkages that it desires to orchestrate. It is really a matter of great satisfaction that due to an abiding commitment both by Pakistan and China to see this project implemented within the envisaged time frame and their priority for the Early Harvesting Projects (EHP), a number of first phase initiatives costing $18 billion likely to be completed by 2018 are already under execution. Another set of ventures with an accumulated cost of $17 billion is under different stages of approval. CPEC involving an investment of $46 billion covers wide-ranging areas including energy, roads, railways, ports, optic fiber, oil and gas pipelines and industrial parks among others.</div>
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In view of the completion of the EHP projects by 2018 relating to energy and road connectivity, the ministry of planning and development and reforms organised a two-day CPEC Summit and Expo in Islamabad aimed at establishing contacts between private sector enterprises of the two countries in order to get them ready for the implementation of the second phase projects. More than 140 delegates from China participated, while CEOs of different industrial concerns in Pakistan also were there to interact with their counterparts from China.</div>
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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressing the inaugural session of the CPEC Summit rightly remarked that CPEC was a new concept of diplomacy based on shared goals of prosperity for Pakistan and the region and a project to eliminate poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment. It is aimed to create connectivity between South Asia and Central Asia with infinite economic benefits to all the nations of the region.</div>
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Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong speaking on the occasion said there was an even brighter future of friendship between the two countries, and the full implementation of CPEC projects was underway. On completion these projects would create tens of thousands of jobs in Pakistan besides ensuring better health and education facilities. Expressing confidence that the venture would prove to be a win-win situation for both the countries he emphasised the need for security of the projects and the Chinese workers engaged in implementing them.</div>
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That was an obvious reference to the attempts being made to sabotage CPEC through acts of terrorism to which the prime minister and COAS have also been alluding, particularly in the backdrop of the recent terrorist attack in Quetta, and some terrorist incidents at Gawadar and its vicinity. There is credible evidence of Indian sponsorship of these terrorist acts as confirmed by the arrest of Kalbushan Yadav earlier this year. Being mindful of threats to CPEC a special security division has been raised by Pakistan to ensure security of the CPEC projects and the Chinese workers.</div>
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Indian prime minister’s reference to Balochistan in his Independence Day speech not only confirms the Indian meddling in Balochistan with a view to sabotage CPEC but is also viewed with concern by Pakistan and China that are committed to ensure its implementation at any cost. Reportedly, Hu Shisheng, Director of the Institute of South and South East Asian Institute of Contemporary International Relations, showing his concern about these developments said that China would have to get involved if any Indian plot disrupts the $45 billion CPEC in restive Balochistan. The institute is one of the most powerful think tanks of China, affiliated with the ministry of state security. Shisheng said, “The latest concern for China is Prime Minister Modi’s speech from the Red Fort in which he referred to the issues like Kashmir and Balochistan. China fears India may use anti-government elements in Balochistan where Beijing is building $46 billion CPEC — a key to the success of its ambitious One Road One Belt.</div>
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China is already wary of India’s growing ties with the US, and her changed attitude on the disputed South China Sea. Indian naval build-up in the Indian Ocean is also worrying for China as well as Pakistan. In fact, Pakistan might have to strengthen its own Navy to ward off the lurking dangers. It is noteworthy that China had also invited India to become part of the One Road and One Belt initiative, and made positive overtures to begin a new era of cooperative relations between the two nations. The Chinese president during his visit to India before coming to Pakistan not only offered $20 billion Chinese investment in India but also emphasised the need for cooperative efforts for peace in the region. But unfortunately, Indians blinded by their innate desire to establish hegemony in the region, have aligned themselves with the US in not only thwarting Chinese burgeoning influence in the region and beyond dictated by the resurgence of China as an economic and military power but are also using this alliance against Pakistan. The signing of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement between the two that will allow them to use each other’s land, air and naval bases is decidedly a step in that direction.</div>
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The Indian leadership fails to perceive that this kind of belligerent posturing ultimately would not only scuttle the prospect of peace and security in the region but also undermine and harm Indian interests. A war-like state cannot exist for long. Pakistan is also intensely aware of the dangers of a confrontational path and the need for normalisation of relations between the two countries. It was out of this realisation that the government of Pakistan tried hard to re-start the process of negotiation with India to settle outstanding disputes between them, and make a new beginning casting off the past baggage. But unfortunately, the Indian government under Narendra Modi has spurned all these efforts and continues to pursue an aggressive course as far as China and Pakistan<br />
are concerned.</div>
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Under the prevailing circumstances and till such time India realises its folly of treading a collision course with its neighbours, Pakistan and China would have to upgrade the defence cooperation between them to ensure peace and security in the region and making CPEC a vibrant reality.</div>
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Press Information Departmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705729604989769999noreply@blogger.com1