Flags hoisting ceremony marks formal commencement of 6th Multinational Maritime Exercise Aman 19

Islamabad, February 08, 2019 (PPI-OT): Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN 19 formally commenced today at Pakistan Navy Dockyard, with a colourful flag hoisting ceremony. Ships of the participating navies, observers, foreign diplomats and a large number of Pakistan Navy personnel attended the event.

Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi graced the occasion as Chief Guest whereas Chief of Romanian Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Alexandru Mirsu and Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lt General Edzai Absolom Chanyuka Chimonyo attended the ceremony as Guests of Honour.

During the ceremony, the Message of Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was also read out. In his message the Naval Chief warmly welcomed the participations of Exercise AMAN-19, the 6th episode of the AMAN initiative. Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi highlighted in his message that today, threats to maritime security increasingly emanate from contemporary asymmetric challenges that have deeply impacted the maritime environment.

There is strong realization that given the vast expanse of oceans and an array of maritime threats, preserving maritime order in the global commons, necessitates collaborative efforts as a matter of compulsion rather than choice. “I look forward to successful and rewarding Exercise and thank all the participants who have travelled great distances to be our worthy guests and invaluable partners, in pursuit of peace” the Naval Chief stated in his message.

Speaking on the occasion, Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi warmly welcomed the august participating nations for a common resolve “Together for Peace”. Admiral emphasized that we can work together, keeping our differences aside, to defeat our common adversaries. These adversaries pose threats like piracy, terrorism, drug-trafficking, gun-running and human smuggling; and greater adversary is the climate change which calls for a growing need to respond to it collectively.

Commander Pakistan Fleet added that despite having a turbulent phase of its contemporary history, Pakistan remained steadfast in fighting the forces of terror and tyranny. Pakistan continues to be a responsible state, cognizant of its role and significance in the international system. Vice Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi highlighted that Pakistan has been a proactive member of maritime security initiatives launched as part of the war against terror. Pakistan Navy has always been a consistent Security contributor in Indian Ocean Region.

Task Force 88 and Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) have been institutionalized to ensure maritime security of Gwadar and adjacent sea lanes and maintain robust security posture in critical sea areas and choke points in Indian Ocean for protection of national and international shipping. A Flag hoisting ceremony of participating Special Operations Forces was also held separately at Pakistan Navy Unit PNS IQBAL, which was graced by Commander Coast, Vice Admiral Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani as Chief Guest.

In tandem with various activities on the 1st day of Exercise AMAN 2019, Deputy Chief of Cambodian Navy, Vice Admiral Sam Sokhaand Chief of Staff Sri Lankan Navy, Rear Admiral JJ Ranasinghe called on Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat in separate meetings. During the meetings matters of mutual interests and maritime security dynamics came under discussion. While highlighting the role of Pakistan Navy in maritime security efforts, Vice Chief of Naval Staff expressed that Pakistan Navy has remained an active contributor in multinational coalition efforts and conduct of AMAN series of Exercise is a quantum leap in this direction.

Later during the day, Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lt General Edzai Absolom Chanyuka Chimonyo called on Commander Coast and Commander Karachi. Besides, senior officers of participating countries including observers and commanding officers of foreign ships also called on Commander Pakistan Fleet and Commander Logistics. Chief of Romanian Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Alexandru Mirsu laid floral wreath at Mazar-e-Quaid.

AMAN-19 is a multinational Naval Exercise conducted biennially by Pakistan Navy since 2007. The exercise is based on Pakistan Navy led initiative to bring in world navies under one umbrella for collaborative peace and security in the maritime domain. The current exercise, 6th in the series has a growing number of participants. This year 45 nations are participating through Ships, Aircraft, Special Operating Forces, Observers and Speakers. One of the key events of AMAN-19 other than sea exercises, is ‘International Maritime Conference’ spanned over three days, being organized by National Centre for Maritime Policy Research (NCMPR).

For more information, contact:
Directorate of Public Relations,
Pakistan Navy
Naval Headquarters, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-20062326
Cell: +92-300-8506486
Website: www.paknavy.gov.pk

Suspension of gas to Sindh is violation of constitution, Murad Ali Shah tells Prime Minister

Karachi, February 08, 2019 (PPI-OT): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah through a DO Letter to Prime Minister of Pakistan has conveyed the deep concern over the incessant and prolonged gas outages across the province of Sindh, which according to him is the largest contributor to nationwide gas production.

Mr Shah told the prime minister that due to the shortage of gas the domestic as well as commercial consumers were facing a lot of difficulties in the province of Sindh. “This is gravely impacting the province’s economy, industries and homes,” the chief minister said and added that the gas suspension to province of Sindh was a violation of Article 158 of the Constitution.

Mr Shah further says in his letter that the production of gas from Sindh is between 2700-3000 mmcfd and against that Sui Southern Gas Co is supplying less than 1200 mmcfd to Sindh. Quoting Article 158 of the Constitution, Mr Shah said that the people of Sindh have priority over the 3000 mmcfd of gas produced in Sindh. The Sindh chief minister requested the prime minister to indulge in the matter and direct concerned Ministry for regular supply of gas to the Sindh Province as per their requirement and in line with Article 158 of the Constitution, the letter ends.

For more information, contact:
Press Secretary,
Chief Minister House, Sindh
Tel: +92-21-99202019(Ext: 336)
Website: www.cmsindh.gov.pk

Symposium held at Council of Islamic Ideology

Islamabad, February 08, 2019 (PPI-OT): Ayat ullah Dr Ali Raza Arafi, Chief of the Hawza Ilmiyyah (University) of Qom addressed a gathering of scholars and ulama in a symposium held at the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) on 8th February, 2019. He stressed on addressing through Islamic perspective the latest issues confronted by humanity and that academic and research bodies such as CII should come up with tangible proposals on economic, educational, social, and cultural issues. The symposium was titled:

Rawaiti Aur Asree Nizaam Taleem Aur Door-e-Jadid Ke Takaze

For more information, contact:
Council of Islamic Ideology
Plot # 46, Ataturk Avenue,
Sector G-5/2, Islamabad
Pakistan.
Tel: +92-51-9205652
Fax: +92-51-9217381
Email: contact@cii.gov.pk

The Incident of citizen’s Injury during dacoity in Okara

Lahore, February 08, 2019 (PPI-OT): Inspector General Police Punjab Amjad Javed Saleemi took notice of the incident regarding citizen’s injury during a dacoity incident in Okara and directed DPO Okara to submit report after investigation upon which DPO Okara have presented detail report to IG Punjab.

According to the report armed robbers tried to stop the labourers, while they were returning from the vegetable market and opened fire when labourers refused to stop. One person received bullet on his back and got injured, who has been referred to General Hospital Lahore for necessary treatment. Police took immediate action and registered a case number 127/19 under section number 511/394 PPC. To arrest the absconders a team under the SDPO Depalpur circle has been formed and raids are being conducted.

For more information, contact:
Punjab Police
Punjab Police Computer Bureau,
5th Floor, Central Police Office (CPO),
Punjab, Lahore
Tel: +92-42-99213019, +92-42-99213013
Fax: +92-42-99213012
Email: sapcb@punjabpolice.gov.pk
Website: www.punjabpolice.gov.pk

The Incident of manhandling a culprit in Kot Mittan District Rajanpur

Lahore, February 08, 2019 (PPI-OT): Inspector General Police Punjab Amjad Javed Saleemi taking notice of the incident of manhandling a culprit directed DPO Rajanpur Haroon Rashed to investigate the matter and submit detail report regarding it, upon which DPO Ranajpur have submitted detailed report to IGP. According to the report, culprit Muhammad Rizwan Hayat aka Chando is a habitual criminal, against him from 2005 t0 2019 12 cases are registered under 457/380PPC, 9C/CNSA, EM 3/4/4/79, AO13.2A/20/65, EM11.4/79, AO13.2A/20/65, 379/411 PPC and 457/380/411.

Culprit Muhammad Rizwan is a drug addict and also involved in drug peddling, and every time on arrest acts of being unconscious, once he got injured by hitting his head on an iron fence. Culprit was arrested after a tip in the vicinity of Fazil Shah grave yard and a large quantity of “CHARAS” was recovered from his possession, which was provided to him by his friend from Sindh to sale according to him. DPO Rajanpur has suspended two constables Sajawal and Muzamal and has ordered an inquiry after which further action will be taken.

For more information, contact:
Punjab Police
Punjab Police Computer Bureau,
5th Floor, Central Police Office (CPO),
Punjab, Lahore
Tel: +92-42-99213019, +92-42-99213013
Fax: +92-42-99213012
Email: sapcb@punjabpolice.gov.pk
Website: www.punjabpolice.gov.pk

Transfer / Postings of 6 Police Officers

Lahore, February 08, 2019 (PPI-OT): Inspector General of Police Punjab, Amjad Javed Saleemi has issued transfer / posting orders of 06 police officers. According to details, SDPO Talagang, Chakwal Abdul Rehman is transferred and posted as SDPO Kallurkot Bhakkar, DSP organized Crime Sheikhupura Jamil Ahmad is transferred and posted as SDPO Sadar, Narowal , DSP Headquarters Pakpattan Muhammad Naeem Virk is transferred and posted as DSP Organized crime Sheikhupura, SDPO Chunian Kasur Syed Mustehsan Ali Shah is placed at the disposal of Addl: IGP, Special Branch Punjab , Lahore whereas services of Sajjad Muhammad khan DSP Organized Crime Vehari and Shaukat Ali Joiya DSP-II Battalion 1 PC Lahore are placed at the disposal of DIG Traffic, Punjab for further posting with immediate effect.

For more information, contact:
Punjab Police
Punjab Police Computer Bureau,
5th Floor, Central Police Office (CPO),
Punjab, Lahore
Tel: +92-42-99213019, +92-42-99213013
Fax: +92-42-99213012
Email: sapcb@punjabpolice.gov.pk
Website: www.punjabpolice.gov.pk

Foreign Economic Assistance Estimates Increased to $5.6 Billion

Islamabad, February 08, 2019 (PPI-OT): A section of media has carried a story titled ‘Pakistan cuts loan estimates as $6.5b remains stuck’. The report asserts that the foreign inflows from multilateral and bilateral sources have dropped significantly in recent months and therefore the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) has reduced its annual projections from the original budgetary estimates of $4.3 billion to $3.7 billion. It is clarified that there has been no cut in loan estimates. At the time of Annual Budget 2018-19, the Economic Affairs Division had estimated $4.691 billion of foreign inflows from multilateral and bilateral donors.

However, in view of improved external environment, the EAD has in fact increased its projections to $5.630 billion which is 20% higher than the original estimates. During the first six months of current fiscal year (i.e. July-December, 2018), external inflows amounted to $1.813 billion from multilateral and bilateral sources. Despite several challenges, EAD is actively pursuing to achieve the remaining external inflows target of $3.817 billion. Therefore, the question of reduction in external inflows simply does not arise.

For more information, contact:
Principal Information Officer,
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323, +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325, +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com
Website: www.pid.gov.pk