Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zong Wang Hua called on Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Syed Amin Ul Haque here. Federal Minister for IT welcomed CEO Zong in his office and matters related to Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Right of Way, connectivity, digitalization and spectrum were discussed during the meeting. Federal Minister for IT Syed Amin Ul Haque said that promotion of ICT is the part of priorties of the present government. He said that steps are being taken to provide broadband services in far-flung areas of the country. He said that network expansion and better connectivity are vital for digitalization. He said that Ministry of IT will fully support every that company which will be serious for providing digital facilities to Pakistani masses. The Federal Minister for IT said that efforts are underway to resolve all issues relating to Telecommunication. Zong CEO said that we want to further make investment in Pakistan. Member IT Syed Junaid Imam was also present in the meeting.
Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, Sardor Umurzaqov, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan
Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, Sardor Umurzaqov, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, today. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, including the Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral cooperation, regional connectivity, and regional peace and security were discussed. Advisor for Commerce Mr. Abdul Razzak Dawood was also present during the meeting. The Prime Minister underlined that Pakistan and Uzbekistan enjoy cordial and brotherly relations. He warmly recalled his last meeting with President Mirziyoyev and mentioned that Pakistan keenly awaited his visit once the global pandemic situation settles down. The Prime Minister also highlighted the potential for enhanced trade with increased regional connectivity as a result of different planned railway projects. The Deputy Prime Minister conveyed the cordial greetings and best wishes of the Uzbek President and noted that President Mirziyoyev looked forward to visiting Pakistan. On behalf of President Mirziyoyev, he also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Uzbekistan. He also expressed Uzbekistan’s desire to have improved economic relations with better connectivity and make investments in Pakistan. Underlining that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s positive contribution to the Afghan peace process. The Prime Minister stressed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was of paramount importance for Pakistan and the region. The Prime Minister expressed the hope that Intra-Afghan Negotiations would commence at the earliest and culminate in a negotiated political settlement, thus contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to work with Uzbekistan to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, bilaterally and in the region.
Uzbekistan First Deputy Minister called on Secretary Aviation Division
Uzbekistan First Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Ilkhom Mahkamov called on Secretary Aviation Division, Mr. Hassan Nasir Jamy in his office on Thursday to discuss avenues for further cooperation in the Aviation sector between both countries. Secretary Aviation highlighted that the two countries shared immense potential for developing a robust Aviation industry for mutual benefit. Secretary Aviation emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic had devastated the Aviation industry worldwide. In this regard, Secretary stressed the need for concerted efforts to reinvigorate the Aviation industry on both sides. It was underlined that tourism sector possessed enormous potential for growth. Secretary Aviation highlighted that any proposal for further enhancing the bilateral relations in the Aviation sector will be highly appreciated. The Uzbek First Deputy Minister thanked Secretary Aviation and his team for their keen interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries
CHAIRMAN NHA VISITS HUB RIVER BRIDGE
As per the directives of Federal Minister for Communications and Postal Services Mr. Murad Saeed, the Chairman National Highway Authority Capt. (R) Sikander Qayyum visited Hub River Bridge on N-25 today. During the visit, the Chairman NHA was accompanied by the Member West Zone Mr. Shahid Ihsanullah, General Manager Balochistan-South Mr. Sham Sunder and Director Maintenance Balochistan-South Mr. Kashif Ali Shaikh.
During the site visit, it was informed to the Chairman National Highway Authority by the Member (West Zone) NHA Balochistan Mr. Shahid Ihsanullah, that the Tender Notice for execution of Emergency Protection Works on Hub River Bridge has been published in leading National Print Media as well as uploaded in PPRA and NHA websites on dated 10th September, 2020.
It was informed to the Chairman NHA by the Member (West Zone) that Hub River bridge is structurally stable and can bear the loading and there is no any issue with the structural integrity and stability of Hub river bridge, but only Protection walls of three (03) No. Piers of Hub Bridge i.e. “Pier No. 7, 8 & 9” were damaged due the current cyclonic rain storm and due to flow of excess water from Hub dam. However, an assurance was given by the Member (West Zone) NHA to the Chairman NHA, that Protection works on said three No. Piers (i.e. Pier No. 7, 8 & 9) of Hub Bridge will be started by 26th September, 2020 and will be completed within one (01) month time period. It was strictly directed by the Chairman NHA to ensure execution of works strictly as per NHA Specifications and standards, and timely completion of the repair works of Hub River Bridge must be ensured by NHA and laxity in this regard shall not be tolerated.
The Member (West Zone) assured the Chairman NHA that work will be executed strictly as per NHA specifications and standards and no compromise shall be made by NHA in Quantity and Quality of works and he further gave the assurance that the General Manager (Balochistan-South) and the Director Maintenance (Balochistan-South) will be vigilant and strictly monitor the work at site.
The Chairman National Highway Authority directed that although the District Administration has been requested to take stern action against the illegal activity near or within the vicinity of Hub bridge and impose ban on illegal excavation and collection of sand and aggregate material from the upstream and downstream of the Hub river. However, the Chairman NHA instructed to construct trenches on Entry and Exit points so that no dumpers and tractors are allowed to access the site for collecting the aggregates and sand etc
FBR TAKES LEAD IN PROVIDING E-FILING OF INCOME TAX APPEALS
In a webinar session held with the petitioners, Federal Board of Revenue has announced to introduce the automated system of e-filing of appeals, which will be launched soon. FBR is in the process to automate the Commissioner IR (Appeals). The automation of the system will enable the taxpayers to e-file appeals against orders by income tax authorities on the Iris Web Portal and will also facilitate the Commissioner IR Appeals to efficiently dispose off the appeals using Iris Portal. It will also minimize the physical contact with the taxpayer, facilitate filing of appeal, reduce the cost of filing appeal and will ensure efficient service delivery with transparency. The taxpayer will be able to file appeals, application for condonation, rectification, stay and additional grounds from the comfort of its office.
PPL achieves milestone in frontier exploration
Karachi: Due to a decline in easy and big hydrocarbon finds in the country’s known basins, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has taken up the challenge to venture into risk prone yet prospective frontier areas to increase its hydrocarbon reserve base and open up new plays for exploration.
As a result, since 2009, 13 exploratory wells have been drilled in Balochistan alone. PPL recently achieved a historic milestone with the discovery of significant gas reserves from Morgandh X-1 in Margand Block, Balochistan on the Kalat plateau. Notably, this was the westernmost discovery in Pakistan, opening up a new sub-basin for future exploration. Further deepening up of Morgandh X-1 resulted in a longer gas bearing column of about one kilometre, indicating larger reserves potential than estimated earlier which will be firmed up based on appraisal wells. The discovered column of gas along with map indicates a volume close to one trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas.
This will also pave the way for attracting interest from foreign Exploration and Production (E&P) companies to invest in frontier exploration and supplement the efforts of public sector companies, such as PPL which has always provided required impetus.
With a portfolio of 48 exploration blocks and 59 fields and discoveries, PPL made a record number of 11 discoveries in one year during 2018-19 with a further two in 2019-20, achieving a reserves replacement ratio of 110 percent.
“E&P business is cost, technology-and risk-intensive with a long gestation period, especially for gas. These are compounded in frontier areas with mountainous terrain, where access, security and infrastructure issues are major hurdles. Our success in Morgandh suggests our conviction.,” highlights Moin Raza Khan, MD & CEO, PPL.
Khan clearly knows his business. A seasoned petroleum explorationist, he has significantly contributed to the country’s E&P sector. During his career of over 37 years, he has been responsible for 9 percent of discovered gas in Pakistan (about 5.3 Tcf gas) through more than 30 discoveries.
The momentum for recent successful endeavours started back in 2009 by a team led by Khan, then General Manager Exploration, when PPL increased its portfolio by acquiring 14 blocks and another 11 in the 2013-bidding round, adding around 48,000 sq. km acreage.
“PPL has drilled 63 exploratory wells since 2012, resulting in 22 discoveries in operated areas with a success ratio of 35 percent adding about 2.764 Tcf gas and 127 Mbbls oil in place,” says Khan.
Among these, 11 discoveries were made in Gambat South Block acquired in 2009 which currently produces over 100 Bcf gas, 1100 bbl oil and 15 M tonnes LPG per day through three producing fields.
On the production front, PPL maintained about 1 Bcfde despite significant natural decline from mature fields, while keeping up the financial performance with the highest-ever profit of Rs 62 billion made in PPL’s history during 2018-2019.
Also, the company’s operations have resulted in substantial foreign exchange saving in 2018-2019 with significant contribution to national exchequer which was equivalent to USD 3.8 billion and Rs. 65 billion, respectively.
“The last two years have been challenging in realigning our operational priorities to give renewed focus on rigorous exploration efforts in frontier areas as well as diversifying in the mining sector through Bolan Mining Enterprises, for which several projects are in the pipeline. Besides, organizational and human resource course correction, snagging company performance and management cohesion has also been carried out,” he adds.
PAKISTAN & KAZAKHSTAN AGREE TO ENHANCE BILATERAL TRADE: FPCCI
Islamabad :Vice President FPCCI Qaisar Khan Daudzai & Vice President SAARC Haji Ghulam Ali had a meeting with H.E. Akan Rakhmetullin Ambassador of Kazakhstan. Both sides discuss to boost up bilateral trade and mutual working for exchange of trade delegation from both the countries of Pakistan and Kazakhstan. Whereas religious impact have more positive trend over this relation to work in future for enhancement of trade.
Haji Ghulam Ali said that completion of CPEC Routs in the region will soon resolve the problems faced by both the countries in bilateral trade and visit of mutual trade delegates will make easy for the both side businessmen to understand the problems faced in exchange of businesses and come to solution for the said problems. Gwadar and Karachi port links soon will active while after completion of CPEC, proper facilitation will start to the countries relevant to regional trade.
Qaisar Khan Daudzai Vice President FPCCI said that government has to interlink road communication KP Chitral Root to Kazakhstan via Afghanistan and for this purpose Business Community of the region and Pakistan as well is ready to support the government even technically on the said platform. Moreover Haji Ghulam Ali proposed that the Banking Channel between both Kazakhstan & Pakistan has to be active and strong for exchange of money for trade activities, Qaisar Khan Daudzai said that for trade promotion between two countries Joint chambers of Pakistan and Kazakhstan has to be built in soon, and problem of LC for trade and exchange of products has to be resolved to bring the traders close than ever, as we have lots of things common in religious and cultural in heritage so business activity has to be improved and active soon, he added .
Three Days Drama Workshop at PNCA
Pakistan National Council of the Arts organized a three days drama workshop at Pakistan National Council of the Arts.Due to covid SOP,S workshop was restricted to fifty participants. This workshop was aimed to motivate young generation towards power of communication ,adopting theatre as a strong tool of expression and creating innovative stuff in this regard aswell as to promote the theatre culture by providing the participants a platform to exhibit their craft.
In opening ceremony along with the Director General PNCA Dr Fouzia Saeed, SDPO Mr Usman Tipu from police services of Pakistan was the guest of honour. He appreciated the initiative taken by PNCA and throw light on the importance of seeking knowledge and self-improvement techniques.
Closing ceremony was conducted on 10-09-2020 at PNCA auditorium. Course conductor Mr Waqar Azeem in his introductory remarks briefly elaborated the contents of workshop and showed a glimpse of performance by the participants. Programme coordinator Mr Umer Zaka discussed the idea of that workshop and the encouraging response from all over the youth. He also ensured that PNCA under the patronage of the Director General Dr Fouzia Saeed will continue these kinds of events on a broader scale and there is a lot more in pipe line.
Upon conclusion the Director General PNCA Dr Fouzia Saeed cordially appreciated the participation of all the respected participants for making this workshop successful. She enlightened the importance of creativity on both individual and collective level, congratulated the participants for showing their interest and dedication. She addressed the effectiveness of theatre as a universal medium and how it can be used to express the creative instincts. She motivated the participants towards promotion of open air theatre and about the few steps taken by PNCA in this regard. She distributed certificates among the participants and assure her round the clock availability for well of arts & culture.
69,000 Tons More Wheat Reached Karachi Port
Islamabad:Subsequent to stringent efforts of Ministry of National Food Security, third vessel namely MV Coventy carrying 69,000 metric tons of wheat from Ukraine has reached Karachi port. A total of 195,000 metric tons wheat has been imported through three vessels since last week of August 2020 by encouraging private by the Federal Food Ministry.
The experts of Federal Department of Plant Protection (DPP) undertook the mandatory quarantine inspection of vessel to check biosecurity risks on Wednesday evening. Discharge was instantly granted to vessel after satisfactory phytosanitary examination.
The Ministry of National Food Security is in close liaison with concerned provincial authorities to ensure unhindered movement of wheat cargoes from Karachi to other parts of the country.
A significant impact of recent wheat import has been observed on wheat flour price in the country. It is expected that this impact will be more apparent in next few days when the imported-wheat reaches to flour mills in various parts of the country. It is known through informal sources that the hoarded wheat in the country has also been come to the surface as a result of recent wheat import besides government’s anti-hoarding operations.
Syed Fakhar Imam, the Federal Minister for National Food Security has reassured government’s commitment to provide essential food commodities on affordable prices. Likewise, Mr. Omar Hamid Khan, the Federal Secretary for Food Security has been personally supervising wheat import process that included proactive liaison with concerned authorities in wheat-exporting countries, timely port inspection on arrival of vessel, and unobstructed carriage of wheat from Karachi port. These efforts have greatly contributed in justified landing cost of wheat on Karachi port.
More wheat import vessels are scheduled to arrive Karachi port with the gap of 4-5 days each, which will curb the higher wheat prices and may give great relief to common masses.
Japanese Ambassador called to Minister Aviation Division
H.E Kuninori Matsuda, Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan, called on Federal Minister for Aviation Division Ghulam Sarwar Khan on Thursday here at Aviation Division.
Matters pertaining to mutual interests were discussed during the meeting. The Ambassador expressed his deep grief on the Karachi air crash. The Minister highlighted the historical close ties between Pakistan and Japan.
Federal Minister said that the enhancement of flight numbers will boost opportunities for the business community of both countries. Both sides emphasized to have a mutual cooperation in the field of aviation.
Federal Minister has informed the ambassador about the capabilities of ASF and asked to help to explore the possibilities of cooperation for Airport Security Force.
The minister told the ambassador that the up-gradation of Lai-Nullah Flood Forecasting under Government of Japan’s grant-in-aid is under process and would be submitted to the Japan Embassy after completion of codal formalities.
The two held wide-ranging discussions on Pakistan-Japan relations and ways to further strengthen Tokyo and Islamabad’s growing partnership in Aviation Sector. Both sides agreed on enhancement of number of flights between both countries.
