International Judicial Conference on 18-19 April, 2014

Islamabad, April 08, 2014 (PPI-OT): The Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan, under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan, is organizing an International Judicial Conference on 18-19 April, 2014 at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Islamabad. The Chief Justice of Pakistan, who is also Chairman of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan will inaugurate the Conference.

The Conference will be attended by the Chief Justices of the Federal Shariat Court and High Courts, Judges of the Superior and District Judiciary, Attorney General for Pakistan, Advocate Generals of the Provinces, representatives of the Bar Associations/Bar Councils, jurists and academia etc.

Foreign dignitaries including the Hon’ble Chief Justices/Judges of the Superior Courts, jurists, scholars and luminaries in the field of law from around the World have also been invited to participate in the Conference. For meaningful discussion, the following topics have been selected:

1. Judicial Review of Administrative Actions.

2. Role of Judiciary in Protecting Human Rights.

3. Access to Justice in the Context of Constitutional Requirements.

4. Role of Judiciary in Promotion of Culture of Tolerance.

Holding of Judicial Conference is a recurring annual event aimed at to provide a forum to the judges, lawyers and other stakeholders of the justice system to assemble, discuss issues of common concern and evolve strategies for improving the administration of justice in the country.

For more information, contact:
Shahid Hussain Kamboyo
Public Relations Officer
Supreme Court of Pakistan
Tel: +9251 920 4184
Fax: +9251 920 1001
Email: pro_scp@yahoo.com

Sindh Governor expresses sorrow over Sibi incident

Karachi, April 08, 2014 (PPI-OT): Governor Sindh, Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in explosion in Jaffar Express at Sibi Railway Station in Balochistan. The governor said that terrorists are open enemy of humanity.

He said that the government and nation are on the same page against terrorism and will not let them succeed in their designs. The Governor prayed for deliverance of the departed souls and early recovery of the injured.

For more information, contact:
Syed Wajahat Ali
Press Secretary to Governor
Sindh Governor House
Tel: 99201217, 99201201-3
Email: press_secretary@governorsindh.gov.pk

National Accountability Bureau has established 14,000 Character Building Societies in country

Islamabad, April 08, 2014 (PPI-OT): With reference to a news item published today in a section of press about character building against corruption, it is added that National Accountability Bureau (NAB) under its prevention regime has been working for character building against corruption.

During the last five years NAB has established 14000 (approximately) Character Building Societies (CBSs) across the country in different universities, colleges and schools under section 33-C of National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999.

For more information, contact:
National Accountability Bureau (NAB)
ATTATURK AVENUE G-5/2, Islamabad
Tel: 051-111-NAB-NAB (111-622-622)
Fax: 051-9214502-03
Email: chairman@nab.gov.pk, infonab@nab.gov.pk

Bilateral consultations between Pakistan and Poland held at Warsaw

Islamabad, April 08, 2014 (PPI-OT): The 5th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Warsaw at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland on 7th April 2014. The Pakistan side was led by Mr. Nadeem Riyaz, Additional Secretary (Europe). The Polish delegation was headed by Undersecretary of State for Security Affairs, Mr. Boguslaw Winid.

During the Consultations, the two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and looked into various possibilities of extending cooperation in political, economic and educational fields including collaboration among Think Tanks.

It was also agreed to enhance Parliamentary exchanges which will provide the much needed interaction among Parliamentarians of both countries. Discussions also focused on global and regional issues including Afghanistan and Ukraine. It was agreed that the next round of Political Consultations would be held in Islamabad on mutually convenient dates in 2015.

For more information, contact:
Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Ch
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: 051-9205494
Fax: 051-9204202
Cell: 0336-5644459

Prime Minister of Korea to visit Pakistan from April 13-16, 2014

Islamabad, April 08, 2014 (PPI-OT): At the invitation of Prime Minister of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Chung Hongwon, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea is scheduled to visit Pakistan from April 13-16, 2014. This would be the first Prime Minister level visit to Pakistan from the Republic of Korea since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1983.

2. During the visit, H.E Chung Hongwon will call on the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan. He will be the Chief Guest at the “Korea Pakistan Investment Cooperation Forum” jointly organized by Board of Investment, Pakistan and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) on April 14, 2014 in Islamabad.

3. Over the years, relations between Pakistan and the Republic of Korea in various fields have deepened and broadened. Bilateral trade figure of US $ 1.341 billion speaks of growing economic and trade ties between the two countries. Many Korean companies are investing in Pakistan in the areas of chemical industry, hydel/thermal power and infrastructure projects etc.

4. This visit offers opportunities to both countries to exchange views on wide ranging bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest. The two sides will also discuss ways and means for further strengthening cooperation in diverse areas particularly in expanding bilateral trade and enhancing investments in Pakistan.

5. Prime Minister of Republic of Korea’s visit would be of special significance and would impart new impetus to the existing friendly relations between the two countries.

For more information, contact:
Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Ch
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: 051-9205494
Fax: 051-9204202
Cell: 0336-5644459

Australia – Pakistan Online Alumni Business Forum launched

Islamabad, April 08, 2014 (PPI-OT): The Australian Trade Commission has launched an online business forum to connect Pakistani alumni from Australian educational institutions with business news and opportunities from Australia. The online forum is hosted on Linked – In, and the forum titled the “Australia – Pakistan Alumni Business Forum” was launched in Karachi on 8th April 2014.

The Linked – In forum will facilitate networking and business opportunities with and amongst Pakistani alumni from Australian universities and educational institutions.

The forum will;

– Enable alumni to keep up to date with developments in education, trade and investment in Australia.

– Connect Australian alumni in Pakistan who have shared interests.

– Exchange business ideas, research collaboration opportunities and find out about visiting experts as well as cultural and sporting events.

– Introduce business and investment opportunities with Australia for the alumni’s organisation and their professional contacts.

Speaking about the Linked In forum, Nicola Watkinson, Minister – Commercial and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner – South Asia, Australian Trade Commission, said “One of the most important aspects of the Australia – Pakistan relationship are the links that are formed by people who have studied in Australia. Many alumni are now well established in different domains of the society and can help to build stronger links between our business and academic communities. ”

“Alumni’s are often interested in staying in touch with Australia and leveraging their experience in the market for their business benefit. This forum will enable alumni to hear about new business, research and study opportunities and network with other alumni with similar interests. I encourage Pakistani alumni from Australian universities to become involved in building a strong Australia – Pakistan community that supports mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation. This initiative complements the work undertaken by Australian educational institutions and adds a business dimension to our engagement with our alumni.”, said Nicola Watkinson.

“The forum will support alumni in Pakistan through business and social networking. I encourage alumni them to stay connected with Australia as the future of our two nations will benefit from the strong relationships we build today”, said Nicola Watkinson.

An Alumni Working Group comprising of a cross section of Alumni’s in Pakistan from Australian Universities would also be involved in alumni activities.

Speaking about the launch of the alumni forum Saad Mahmood. Resident Director, AEO Pakistan and alumnus from The University of Canberra said, “I would like to encourage all Australian Alumni based in Pakistan or Australia to join this forum as this would be a very useful tool towards further enhancing the bilateral ties between Australia and Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest including linkages in the a reas of Education, Healthcare, Agriculture, Food products, commodities, tourism, technology, engineering, etc”

Amneh Shaikh – Farooqui, Programme Manager, Entrepreneurship and Community Development Institute (ECDI) and an alumnus from Australian National Un iversity said, “ The Linked in Alumni Forum initiative is an idea whose time has really come! It promises to become an excellent way to build, connect, network and empower a passionate community of Australian alumni, comprising of students and professionals, who can create meaningful ways of working together and moving forward ”.

Dr Zeeshan Shaikh, Secretary, Australia Awards Alumni – Pakistan Executive Committee said, “ I am thankful to Austrade for providing a platform which will help members to stay connected to diverse range of people who have studied in Australia and now working in different sectors nationally and globally. I would encourage members to contribute to the platform ranging from career and academic mentoring to sharing of job prospects and internships.”

For more information, contact:
Faizan Haq
Media enquiries
Australian High Commission
Constitution Ave and Ispahani Rd,
Diplomatic Enclave No. 1, Sector G-5/4, Islamabad
Tel: +9251 835 5500, 051 8355346, 051 8355422
Fax: +9251 282 0112
Cell: 03008547816

Australia Day in Spring returns to Karachi in 2014 with theme: Celebrating Australia’s Indigenous Heritage

Islamabad, April 08, 2014 (PPI-OT): Visiting Karachi today, the Australian High Commissioner H.E. Peter Heyward said he was proud to celebrate Australia’s indigenous culture as part of the third ‘Australia Day in Spring’ event at the Avari Towers Hotel.

“We started these events , which are held annually in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad , to celebrate Australia’s relations with Pakistan, and to highlight Australia’s own culture and characteristics as a country,” he said. “Celebrating indigenous culture honours the original inhabitants of our land and introduces their unique culture to Pakistan.”

M r Heyward said he was delighted to welcome Western Creation, who will feature at the 2014 gala events . The group is a winner of United Nations Intercultural Award 2013 and will present musical performances including the “didgeridoo”.

Alan Harris, elder of the Noongar tribe and his two sons, Tristan and Azlan, also of the Bibbulmann clan of Western Australia, are one of the most inspiring indigenous groups currently performing. Western Creation ha s performed extensively throughout Australia and internationally. Mr Harris and his sons promote reconciliation and understanding between all people in Australia, into the hearts and minds of their audiences, using dance, music, song and history.

“As a music – lover myself, I am sure Pakistani audiences will be delighted by Western Creation’s distinctive style – it is a great privilege to be able to bring Australian Aboriginal music to Pakistan” , Mr Heyward said.

Mr Heyward also welcomed Ms Nicola Watkinson, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for South Asia, to the event. Ms Watkinson has held a series of high level business meetings around the event to promote trade and investment ties.

“Karachi will also be the first Australian event to have a live Twitter feed with hash tag #AustralianAidADiS – I urge Twitter followers to tweet their thoughts and we’ll respond.” The High Commissioner is also now tweeting as @AusHCPak.

Australia Day in Spring 2014 in Karachi will also feature a great exhibition of photograph s showing Australian Aid in action – showcasing Australia’s development partnership with Pakistan. The beautifully – presented photographs show the diversity of the Pakistani population and landscape, and the range of areas Australia is proud to have provided assistance to through our development program.

The focus of the program is on improving economic growth through livelihoods, and human capital development, with a particular focus on health, education, and agriculture sectors.

Another highlight is the Australia Awards scholarships to Pakistani students. This year , 83 Pakistani professionals have received the scholarships for tertiary education in Australia.

“I am extremely impressed by the calibre of students coming from Pakistan to Australia – both as recipients of scholarships and independently. It is a testament to both the potential of Pakistan and the high quality of Australia’s education sector. It’s a delight to see so many of them at our event tonight ”, said the High Commissioner.

Mr Heyward thanked sponsors BHP Billiton – operator of the Zamzama Gas Field in Sindh and also the largest employer of Indigenous Australians – and Thai Airways . Other sponsors include Netsol Technologies, SMEC, Bank Al-Habib, Pierlite , RMT Enterprises, AEO Pakistan, SlimTEL, Coca Cola and FedEx.

For more information, contact:
Faizan Haq
Media enquiries
Australian High Commission
Constitution Ave and Ispahani Rd,
Diplomatic Enclave No. 1, Sector G-5/4, Islamabad
Tel: +9251 835 5500, 051 8355346, 051 8355422
Fax: +9251 282 0112
Cell: 03008547816