The Foreign.Office on Monday. said that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan has been postponed.
FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed the development to the media, adding that the new date of his visit would be announced soon.
Last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had said that the crown prince would soon be visiting Pakistan and that he had expressed willingness to support development projects in the country, including an announcement for a $10 billion investment for establishing an oil refinery.
Earlier, during the scheduled visit, Pakistan hoped to get a $4.2 billion bailout package from Riyadh, according to diplomatic sources.
The Saudi crown prince’s visit to Pakistan was tentatively scheduled for Nov 21.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud’s special security detail was expected to reach Islamabad by the end of this week. The special security detail to review the security arrangements for final approval.
Moreover, Riyadh is also expected to make solid investments in Islamabad. Several Pakistan-Saudi petroleum accords are being finalized for signing during the Saudi prime minister’s visit, sources said.
The government is also expecting financial support from Saudi Arabia for setting up a state-of-the-art refinery in Gwadar, which will be built at a cost of $10 billion. The refinery will be co-financed by Saudi Arabia and China.
Pakistan Army has postponed the central ceremony to commemorate Pakistan’s Defence and Martyrs Day on September 6 in solidarity with the flood affectees.
This was announced by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) – the military’s media wing – through a tweet on Wednesday.
The ceremony is held every year on September 6 at General Headquarters – GHQ – in Rawalpindi.
“In solidarity with the flood-affected people of Pakistan, central ceremony at GHQ to commemorate Defence & Martyrs Day on 6 September has been postponed,” the tweet by ISPR said.
“Pakistan Armed Forces shall continue serving our brothers and sisters struck by unprecedented floods,” it added.
Pakistan has decided to also allow the use of Afghan trucks for the transportation of wheat from Wagah border to Torkham, said a Foreign Office statement issued on Friday.
The decision has been taken with a view to further facilitate Pakistan’s decision to allow transportation of 50,000 MT of wheat and life-saving medicines from India to Afghanistan via Wagah border on an exceptional basis for humanitarian purposes.
“This demonstrates the commitment and seriousness of the Government of Pakistan to facilitate the proposed humanitarian assistance,” said the FO statement.
The decision was conveyed to the Charge d’ Affaires of India today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indian government was also urged to proceed quickly to take necessary steps to expeditiously undertake the delivery of the humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Thursday that the next local bodies poll for Punjab will be held through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and legislations in that regard will be soon passed in the assembly with the support of allies.
Speaking to the press after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s core committee meeting, Chaudhry said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is going in the right direction and its technical committee will decide how the elections will be conducted under the EVMs.
“The government will help the ECP in whatever help is needed to conduct elections under the EVMs,” he said. “There is a wrong perception in the media that the election will be expensive under the EVMs, it will cost exactly the same amount as any other election, it will make the process more timely and smooth.”
The information minister said that the government has decided to hold the Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa polls on December 19. “In Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa election, there will be a contest between 37,752 candidates on 17 seats.”
Chaudhry informed that the government plans to introduce Insaf Sehat Card in Punjab in coming months and for the program to be launched it has allocated Rs350 billion. “With this plan in action, every citizen in Punjab could avail free health service for Rs1 million. We want the Sindh and Balochistan government to join this initiative, the Balochistan government has showed its willingness for this program however we are awaiting response from Sindh.”
Pakistan has offered to host a summit of foreign ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) next month to address the looming humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, said Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
The Pakistan offer comes after a request from Saudi Arabia, which currently chairs the 57-member group. In a video message, FM Qureshi said that Pakistan fully endorses this initiative of the Kingdom.
“Pakistan also offers to host this meeting in Islamabad on the 17th of next month,” he said and added, “We [Pakistan] are confident that the OIC member states will endorse this offer.”
The United Nations has repeatedly warned that Afghanistan is on the brink of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, and Qureshi said the OIC “must step in to help our Afghan brethren”.
“We should step up our collective efforts to alleviate the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people,” he said in the video statement.
FM Qureshi reiterated that Afghanistan was facing a serious humanitarian situation as millions of Afghans, including women, and children were confronted with an uncertain future due to a shortage of food, medicine and other essential living supplies.
“The advent of winter has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis,” he feared.
The minister also urged the OIC to step up to alleviate the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people, provide immediate and sustained support to them, and continue to remain engaged with them for the wellbeing and prosperity of Afghanistan.
The OIC summit in December will likely be the biggest international gathering on Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return.
After the Taliban seized power on the heels of a US withdrawal in August, more than half of the country is facing “acute” food shortages.
The prospect of a long hard winter is raising the spectre of mass starvation and migration.
The international community has been wary of funding aid efforts through the new Taliban government, considered a pariah owing to its links to terrorism.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate academic blocks of Al-Qadir University on Monday, confirmed Prime Minister Office and Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Twitter.
“The varsity focusing on Ïslamic teachings, Tasawwuf, and modern scientific knowledge along with imparting knowledge to young generation will also play a pivotal role in their character-building,” tweeted PM office.
وزیراعظم عمران خان کل القادر یونیورسٹی کے اکیڈمک بلاکس کا افتتاح کریں گے۔ اسلامی تعلیمات، تصوف اور جدید سائنسی تحقیق پر مبنی القادر یونیورسٹی نوجوان نسل میں علم و تحقیق کے فروغ کے علاوہ انکی کردار سازی میں اہم کردار ادا کرے گی۔ pic.twitter.com/z7DVJ8rkjo
Meanwhile, the information minister tweeted that the university is a gift to the people of Jhelum by the premier. “This university will add a new dimension to the study of social sciences,” Fawad Chaudhry added.
وزیر اعظم عمران خان @ImranKhanPTI کا جہلم کیلئے ایک اور تحفہ القادر یونیورسٹی کا قیام ہے، یہ یونیورسٹی سوشل سائنسز میں ایک نئ جہت کا آضافہ کرے گی، امید ہے یہ ایک ایسی عالمی درسگاہ بنے گی جس میں تصوف، اسلام اور سائنس کے علوم کے اسکالرز پیدا ہوں گے https://t.co/VoJNzEwJYJ
The first day of Young Leaders Conference (YLC) started with a very thought-provoking concept of self-realization. The day was all about decluttering our minds from everyday chaos and starting afresh. Waqar Ali, CEO School of Leadership introduced the concept of Alif with a new perspective and discussed the importance of diving within to see beyond what eyes can see. The day was led by Uzair Ausaf, CEO Cube Consulting who inspired the youngsters with his spellbinding stories and insightful experiences that made them believe that their dreams can become reality if they have faith within and are ready to take that first step. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM) and School of Leadership celebrated two decades of impact with hundreds of lives touched. Leadership from both organizations shared how they find YLC as a platform for youngsters to build confidence and get relevant exposure that can equip them with the mindset to transition from good to great. The 20th YLC displayed the true essence of Alif with youngsters reflecting to unearth their true potential, finding right questions to ask the universe and stitching it all together Attiyah Inaam, Senior Manager Corporate Communications, Sustainability & PR represented her company at the Conference on Day 1 and delivered a very powerful and motivational speech to the participants in which she talked about the 20 years of partnership between SoL & EBM. She also talked about EBM and how the company has empowered more than 600+ youngsters through sponsorships and support. “Whatever the mind of a man can conceive and believe, IT CAN ACHIEVE.”
Cake cutting ceremony took place in celebration of 20 decades of partnership between both the organizations.
Keeping in mind the recent pandemic, compliance with strict SOPs was ensured for everyone’s safety.
The day put forward the thought of taking a break from the routine and getting rid of those self-created limitations that paralyzes ones’ growth. It expressed the importance of inculcating values and morals of Alif and carrying them as a guiding principle to their life.
The partners and sponsors for YLC 2021 are EBM (Founding Partner), ibex., Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, KIA Motors, PTCL – Ufone, KAPCO, KFC, nofea, HABIB METRO, J., Feroze 1888, HUBCO, Sightsavers, SOL Foundation, Catalyst Corp, Street17, UPSTAIR Solutions, Dreamworld Resort, Hotel and Golf Course, Carving Productions, Amwaj, Health Matters, SWVL. The Learning Partners are connectHear, Nucleus Consulting, Carnelian, Cube Consulting, Torque, and Bookmyspot. The official Media Partners are Jang Media Group, Geo News, and The News while the official Radio Partner for the event is Suno FM 89.4.
Rana Fawad, the chairman of PSL team Lahore Qalandars, was conferred with “Pride of Lahore Achievement” award by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industries on Sunday.
A ceremony was held in Lahore to present the award to Rana Fawad. Prime Minister Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi presented him the medal and a glittering emblem of Minar-e-Pakistan.
An earlier letter from Secretary General of LCCI, addressed to Mr Rana Fawad, had stated that “this is a sign of your commitment towards the development of the nation.”
Mr Fawad is expected to talk to the media on Monday.
KARACHI, May 12: Socialites, media, fashionistas and families thronged the pre-Ramzan Launch Festival organised by United Global Solutions (UGS) here at a local hotel on Friday evening.
The Festival was inaugurated by Sohail Shams, CEO of United Marine Agencies (UMA) and Mrs Rahila Sohail. Also present at the occasion were Asna Soban, CEO UGS, Soban Nazir, founder of UGS, Ambreena Rehan, designer Inshal Creations and Rehan Ahmed, jewellery designer.
Well-decorated stalls were set up exhibiting a wide variety of products and designer clothes at the Festival.
From a brand new organic milk by Asfa Pure Milk to mouth-watering delicacies by Kitchen Corporation, there was something exciting for the attendees of all ages. While guests were offered ice-cold milkshakes to beat the heat, Kitchen Corporation served them with a wide variety of savouries to munch on while they shopped.
One of the highlights of the festival was the launch of Asfa Pure Milk. The product is absolutely free from hormones and injections coming from purely organic fed buffaloes which are supervised by professional staff round the clock.
“It’s a great beginning to a marvellous future. We at UGS will strive to give our customers the best products keeping in mind their health and well-being,” said Asna Soban.
Meanwhile, Inshal Creations had whipped up a gorgeous collection comprising the latest trends in fashion. From tastefully worked ensembles to cotton wraps there was something for everyone.
While jewellery by Rehan Ahmed was another attraction at the festival.
An event absolutely enjoyed by everyone!
ABOUT United Global Solutions (UGS)
At United Global Solutions (UGS) we are committed to providing our clients with professional, high quality, proficient and stress-free customer experience, which exceeds their expectations in terms of value, service and innovative/creativity.
ASFA PURE MILK:
Asfa Pure Milk, assures the safety of your and your family’s health absolutely free from hormones and injections coming from purely organic fed buffaloes which are supervised by professional staff round the clock.
KITCHEN CORPORATION:
Kitchen Corporation (a UGS company) is a full-service catering company. We are specialists in offering quality meals prepared using fresh local ingredients at reasonable prices. We organize all types of Private, Wedding, corporate events, Canteen Lunches and provide full canteen lunch services with multiple menus in economical packages.
INSHAL CREATIONS:
Inshal creation is a hub of quality attire that includes stitched and unstitched women’s clothing, unstitched menswear and Silver Jewellery. Providing quality service at very economical prices and the latest designs as per fashion trends.
Karachi May 12 2018: CEO United Marine Agencies Mr Sohail Shams & Mrs Rahila Sohail inaugurate the Pre-Ramzan Launch Festival by United Global Services here at a local hotel on Friday evening. Also present are Asna Soban, CEO UGS, Soban Nazir & Ambreena Rehan at the event.
Karachi, May 8, 2018: ZASHKO Entertainment organized a meet and greet session with the star cast and crew of upcoming Pakistani comedy movie, Na Band Na Baraati and gave a sneak preview of three songs of the movie to the media and glitterati present at the event.
Na Band Na Baraati is directed by Mehmood Akhtar and produced by Zain Farooqi under the banner of ZASHKO Entertainment. The story of the movie is penned by Harish Kumar Patel and comprises a promising cast including some of the bigwigs of Pakistan’s entertainment industry Mikaal Zulfiqar, Qavi Khan, Atiqa Odho, Azra Mohyeddin, Shayan Khan, Nayab Khan, Mehmood Akhtar, Komal Farooqi, Ali Kazmi and others.
The press conference, organized for select media personnel, bloggers and showbiz personalities not only gave audiences an insight into the movie but also provided the star cast with an opportunity to share their experiences and memories created on the sets. Producer of the movie, Zain Farooqi raised the curtain on the line-up of singers and musicians associated with the movie. The music videos of Baahon Mein, lyrics by Asif Muneer and sung by Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan; Sajan Bin Raina, lyrics by Irfan Saleem and sung by the legendary Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Pyar Wyar, lyrics by Asif Muneeb sung by Sahir Ali Bagga and Aima Baig were shown to the enthusiastic attendees who clapped and cheered to the soothing lyrics of the songs and enjoyed the soulful melodies. Music for all the songs has been composed by the talented Ayaz Sonu. The film’s background score has been done by Mohsin Ali with Mad Music.
The lead cast of the film Mikaal Zulfiqar, Shayan Khan and Nayab performed on the previewed songs whereas the singing sensations Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan and Sahir Ali Bagga performed live on the request of the audience.
Speaking about the film, Mehmood Akhtar said, “We have taken every step to make this movie a success. The producer’s idea behind this movie was to make an international impact with Pakistani films and everyone associated with NBNB has contributed towards achieving this goal. I believe in hard work and I am certain that the audiences will appreciate our efforts.”
“NBNB is entirely shot in Canada, mostly in outdoor locations to engage a broad range of audience. The production team comes from a large mix of multiple ethnic nationalities, hired on the basis of their expertise to leave no stone unturned in making an impactful film that contributes towards raising of the bar of filmmaking in Pakistan.” stated producer Zain Farooqi.
Na Band Na Baraati is all set to hit theatres nationwide on July 6, 2018, under the banner of HUM Films.
Musawar Ali 