National Assembly Speaker and Deputy Speaker condoles death of Anwar Ali Cheema

Islamabad, July 31, 2016 (PPI-OT):Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Speaker and Murtaza Javed Abbasi Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have condoled the sad demise of Mr. Anwar Ali Cheema, former Federal Minister and MNA. In their separate condolence message to his Family, Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed grief and sorrow over the passing away of the Mr. Anwar Ali Cheema. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with equanimity.

For more information, contact:
Karamat Hussain Niazi
Secretary
National Assembly of Pakistan
Automation Centre,
National Assembly Secretariat,
Parliament House,
Islamabad – Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9221082-83
Fax: +92-51-9221106
Email: assembly@na.gov.pk
Website: www.na.gov.pk

NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker Congratulate Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Speaker and Murtaza Javed Abbasi Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have congratulated Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan, on their election as Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

In their separate congratulatory message to Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan, they said that their election as Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was an evidence of trust and confidence of leadership, members of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly reposed in them. They expressed the hope that under their sagacious leadership Azad Jammu and Kashmir legislative Assembly will play more vital role to further strengthen the democratic norms and institutions in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker prayed for their success.

Source: National Assembly Of Pakistan

PEX Report: Index Down at Start of Trading Week

The ‘Al-Quds Index’ of the Palestine Exchange closed Sunday’s trading at 511.45 points, down by 1.56 points (0.30%) compared to the last trading session, according to the PEX daily report.

A Total of 569,648 shares were traded with a value of $829,520.74 executed during 179 transactions.

Shares of 21 companies were traded; share price increased in five companies whereas decreased in ten others.

Top five gainers are AIG by (7.69%), ARE by (3.45%), JCC by (3.03%), WASSEL by (1.47%), and PALTEL by (0.39%).

Meanwhile, top five decliners are ISBK by (-4.7%), PIIC by (-2.88%), PRICO by (-1.92%), NIC by (-1.54%), and GMC by (-1.47%).

Source: WAFA

PLO Ashrawi Discusses Israel’s Violations of International Law with New Zealand Representative to PA

PLO Executive Committee Member, Hanan Ashrawi, Sunday discussed Israel’s violations of international law and the lack of international will to bring about a just solution, with the newly appointed New Zealand Representative to the Palestinian Authority, Jim McLay.

During a meeting held at the PLO Headquarters in Ramallah, Ashrawi expressed her appreciation to New Zealand for its positive role and continued backing of Palestine at the United Nations.

Both parties also discussed New Zealand’s upcoming presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and its ideas for a political initiative that were raised in early 2015 and the candidates nominated for the role of the UN Secretary-General.

In the context of reviewing joint cooperation between Palestine and New Zealand, Ashrawi called on the New Zealand government to support Palestinian efforts at the UNSC and to recognize Palestine in the immediate future.

Source: WAFA

More Fatalities In Pakistan Flooding

Pakistani Army personnel help villagers after their house was destroyed by flash flooding in Ursoon village in Chitral earlier this month. At least 55 people have been killed since the beginning of July due to flooding, according to Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority.

Source: 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036.

Envoys’ Conference (1-3 Aug 2016) begins in Islamabad

A 3-Day Envoys’ Conference is starting tomorrow (Monday) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad. Nine envoys of Pakistan accredited to various capitals and multilateral institutions have been invited to participate. The Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, will grace the occasion at the concluding session during which he will be briefed on the outcome and he will share his vision of foreign policy.

The envoys who have been invited are Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani (Washington DC), Ambassador Masood Khalid (Beijing), High Commissioner Abdul Basit (New Delhi), Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi (UN New York), Ambassador Ayesha Riyaz (Vienna), Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi (Brussels / EU), Ambassador Abrar Hussain (Afghanistan), Ambassador Tehmina Janjua (UN/Geneva) and Ambassador Qazi M. Khalilullah (Moscow).

The Envoys’ Conference is a regular feature in which Pakistan’s representatives in various regions brief the government on important developments in their respective areas of accreditation, and challenges and opportunities arising out of such developments. The envoys also present their recommendations towards existing foreign policy with a view to review, adapt and recalibrate policy in accordance with the prevalent strategic, political and economic trends. Last year’s Envoys’ Conference had focussed on connectivity, and regional issues and developments.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Afghan Taliban Seizes Control Of Southern District

An Afghan official says the Taliban has seized control of a strategic district in the poppy-growing province of Helmand, although the governor’s office said there was ongoing fighting between militants and Afghan forces.

Abdul Majeed Akhonzada, deputy director of the provincial council, told the Associated Press that the Kanashin district had “fallen into Taliban hands.”

Akhonzada said the Taliban’s seizure of the district, which borders Pakistan, means the militants “control of 60 percent of Helmand.”

Much of the Marjah, Sangin, Garmser, and Dishu districts had already fallen to the Taliban.

Omar Zwak, the spokesman for the governor of Helmand province, said on July 30 that the clashes were continue between Afghan troops and Taliban militants in parts of the district.

Zwak said 20 militants and one Afghan policemen were killed after dozens of Taliban fighters launched an attack on July 29 in the Kanashin district.

Source: 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036