12 Shehbaz's absence violation Illegal gateway exchange of NA laws, says Fawad raided in Mirpur, AJK ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Science and Tech - The ISLAMABAD: Telecommunication Authority nology Fawad Chaudhry said Leader of the Opposition in (PTA), Zonal Office, Muzaffarabad carried out a success - the NA Shehbaz Sharif’s absence is a violation of the as - ful raid against grey telephone trafficking, in coordination sembly’s laws. Fawad Chaudhry took to Twitter on Friday with local police and Magistrate in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and said he has written a letter to NA Speaker Asad Qaiser & Kashmir. These raids are part of PTA’s ongoing efforts and maintained that Shehbaz Sharif has not been attend - to curtail grey telephone trafficking. During the raid, an il - ing sessions for a long time and has already resigned as legal gateways, laptop and an internet device along with chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). —On - LaBhore, Satuurday, Fsebruiary n22, 2020e Jamadsi-us-s Sani 27, 1441 other equipment were recovered. —Online Ex-AGP submits Man arrested after unconditional apology in SC prayer leader stabbed ISLAMABAD: Former Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan has sub - in London mosque mitted a written apology note in the LONDON: A prayer leader in his 70s was stabbed in a Supreme Court (SC) over his controver - London mosque and the assailant was arrested on suspicion of sial statement. In the apology letter, attempted murder, police and mosque officials said. Anwar Mansoor said that he has the high - “The attacker was apprehended by the worshippers until est regard and respect for the judiciary the police arrived and arrested him,” the London Central and that he cannot think of causing any Mosque Trust said in a statement. “The muezzin did not sus - adverse comment as to the honor, hon - tain any life-threatening injuries but was seriously injured and esty and integrity of the apex court. is being treated at the hospital.” London’s Metropolitan Po - I withdraw my statement made on Feb - lice said detectives did not believe the incident was terrorism- ruary 18, 2020 and unconditionally apol - related. “A 29-year-old man, who is believed to have been ogize for having made the same, he attending prayers, was arrested inside the mosque on suspi - added. Special Assistant to the Prime cion of attempted murder,” they added in a statement. Minister on Information and Broadcast - Pictures posted on Twitter showed police officers restrain - ing, Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan announced ing a man in the prayer hall of the mosque, near Regents Park, that the government has decided to ap - and leading him away. A witness said around 100 worship - point barrister Khalid Jawed Khan as new pers were in the mosque hall at the time of the attack and that Attorney General of Pakistan. roughly 20 people jumped on the assailant. In a tweet, the special assistant said su - “I heard screaming,” said the witness, who declined to premacy of the Constitution and law is give his full name, “and then we saw the blood”. He said the top priority of PM Imran Khan, ISLAMABAD: Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Textile, Industries & Production and Investment, Abdul Razak the victim was stabbed on top of his shoulder by a man who adding that the government respects all Dawood in a meeting with World Bank Delegation led by Mr. Illango Patchamuthu at his office. had been attending the mosque for about six months before the constitutional institutions. Mean - Thursday’s incident. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he while, PM Imran Khan has directed the was deeply saddened to hear of the attack. “It’s so awful law ministry to forward the summary re - that this should happen, especially in a place of worship. garding appointment of new AGP for ap - My thoughts are with the victim and all those affected,” proval today. On February 20, Anwar Johnson said on Twitter. —Reuters Mansoor Khan had resigned as AGP after the Pakistan Bar Council demanded him Pakistan’s Largest to quit through its press release. Anwar Mansoor Khan had forwarded ‘Politicians not his resignation to President Dr. Arif Alvi which states, “I note with profound regret that the Pak Bar Council, of which I am concerned about the Chairman, has demanded through its Automobile Expo Press Release dated 19th of Feb 2020 that next generations’ I resign forthwith from the Office of the Attorney-General for Pakistan. —Online ISLAMABAD: President Pakistan Businessmen and Intel - lectuals Forum (PBIF), President All Industrial Al - kicks off in Lahore liance (AKIA), Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen By Our Staff Reporter the economy but plays an essential role in el - Equipment Manufacturers (OEM vendors), Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid on 17 new oil, gas evating Pakistan’s image as a progressive automobile traders, investors, buyers and en - Friday said the increased size of the government is a sure LAHORE: Almas Hyder, Chairman En - country with a thriving industrial base. The thusiasts, who want to expand their business recipe for disaster. It is not only the foreign loans, circular exploration blocks gineering Development Board along with government’s strong commitment to this in - networks and gain more information about debt, and wastage on failed corporations which have emerged FPPCI President Anjum Nisar and Irfan dustry helps to encourage large-scale invest - the innovations and products in this sector.” as serious problems but also the size of the government, he await clearance Iqbal, President LCCI inaugurated the Pak - ments and creates a business-friendly President Lahore Chamber & Commerce said. istan Auto Show 2020 at the Expo Centre in environment for the automotive and engi - Industry Irfan Iqbal said, we offer engineer - Mian Zahid said that all the issues plaguing the economy ISLAMABAD: The Petroleum Divi - Lahore. The event has been organised by the neering sectors as well. I offer my heartiest ing, mechanical and technical training and can be settled in short span but reducing size of the govern - sion has forwarded around 17 onshore oil Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts congratulations to our local industrialists and development courses including diplomas to ment will be a greater challenge. Talking to the business com - and gas exploration blocks to the quarters and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) engineers who have achieved remarkable students. About the recent boom in the auto munity, the veteran business leader said that apart from very concerned for getting security clearance and will run from February 21-23, 2020. success in establishing a robust engineering industry, he said “We have definitely seen a frequent employment on political basis which serves no pur - and subsequently initiating the activities This event features more than 100 ex - sector, which is generating remarkable new rise in the number of people interested in pur - pose there are a number of ministries, attach departments, ad - to discover hydrocarbon reserves in all hibitors comprising of local and international opportunities for value-added exports.” suing a career in the auto industry. In order visors etc. which has become a burden on the economy. four provinces of the country. auto-manufacturers and related enterprises. Pakistan Auto Show 2020 Chief Organ - to cater to the increased demand, we have laid The former minister noted that no amount of loans, The new exploration areas consisted of PAAPAM represents over 3000 large, izer and PAAPAM former chairman Syed out a precise plan to produce quality labor grants, remittances and mega projects may not help unless Block-2668-23 (Khewari East), spanning medium and small industries all over Pak - Nabeel Hashmi said “Pakistan Auto Show force.” He added that Pakistan Auto Show is the government start reducing its size. He said that last year over 1451.23 Square Kilometer (Sq. Km) istan. This year’s show is themed “MAKE IN 2020 is setting new benchmarks and trends crucial for raising awareness and providing for the very first time interest payment on loans surpasses area in Sindh, Block-2966-2 (Chah Bali), PAKISTAN”. This ground-breaking exhibi - for the . Today, this opportunities for the upcoming generation. 2488.95 Sq. Km area in Balochistan, the revenue receipts of the government while reckless bor - tion highlights the tremendous growth and mega event attracts more than 100,000 visi - The inaugural day at the show, saw an rowing followed the development. The federal government Block-2967-5 (Mach) 2496.31 Sq. Km in enormous potential of Pakistan’s automobile tors from all over Pakistan and internation - overwhelming response from industry stake - Balochistan, Block-2970-9 (Jampur), is getting 42.5 percent share in the federal divisible pool industry. Along with being the cheapest ally. Over 200 international buyers and well holders, international large-scale buyers and while it has 67 percent share in national expanses which 2465.76 Sq. Km area in Punjab, Block- source of tractors in the world, Pakistan is on over 100 international visitors will be at - diverse consumer segments, as the Pakistan 3068-9 (Nareli), 2414.95 Sq. Km area in has created serious problems and the anomaly cannot be target to becoming the future hub for auto tending the largest auto show in Pakistan.” Auto Show features; cars, tractors, trucks, ratified unless the Constitution is amended. Balochistan, Block-2467-17 (Sujawal manufacturing. This grand exhibition, spread The government needs to prepare long-term buses, 4X4, motorcycles, three wheelers and South), 1914.1 Sq. Km area in Sindh, In earlier years, the government used to spend 50 percent on over 38,666 square feet is supported by the plans and support industries accordingly. exotic cars, while promoting a wide array of the income on repayment of loans and liabilities, 8 to 9 percent Block-2871-7 (Khangarh West), 2487.11 Engineering Development Board and Pak - The Chairman of Pakistan Association of advanced technologies and solutions, includ - Sq. Km in Punjab, Block-2367-8 (Jhor on pensions and other benefits, 13 to 14 percent on salaries of Wheels.com, while the sponsors include: Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufac - ing; engines, casting, forging, sheet metals, civilians and military and some others which cannot be re - Wah), 2308.06 Sq. Km in Sindh, Block- Honda, Suzuki, Hyundai and . turers (PAAPAM) – Capt. (R) Muhammad jigs and fixtures, along with electronics, car- 2767-2 (Gaj), 1473.82 Sq Km in Sindh duced. After necessary expenditures the government had to While addressing the media at the inaugu - Akram stated that: People are passionate paints, tools, tires, batteries, plastic parts, rub - borrow for infrastructure projects, feeding white elephants, and Balochistan, Block-2869-15 (Meer - ral ceremony, the chief guest Almas Hyder, about seeing the latest revolutionary tech - ber parts and accessories. Companies from anpur), 2474.64 Sq Km in Balochistan buying military hardware, managing dysfunctional energy sec - Chairman Engineering Board and FPCCI nologies being deployed in Pakistan. Some of around the world participated in the show in - tor leaving it with only option to borrow for repaying debt. De - and Punjab, Block-2967-6 (Sibi), 1911.63 President Mian Anjum Nisar stated “The au - the participants this year include global auto - cluding leading auto manufacturers from - spite the bleak scenario, almost every government employed Sq Km in Balochistan, Block-2867-6 tomobile industry of Pakistan is a cornerstone mobile brands, along with spare-parts manu - Japan Germany France Turkey Thailand many as political bribe without considering its impact on the (Dadhar), 2494.98 Sq Km in Balochistan, of the national economy. It not only vitalizes facturers, component suppliers, Original Taiwan USA and UAE. Block3269-3 (Wana), 1748.3 Sq. Km country. Majority of the government have always preferred po - area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Block- litical gains over national interests and remained focused on 3269-4 (Razmak), 2381.94 Sq Km in next elections discounting interests of future generations. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Block 3269-5 Exporters demand clarity on long-term textile policy, energy tariff He said that the pension expanses have jumped from Rs85 (Miran Shah), 1427.07 Sq Km in Khyber billion to Rs421 billion in a decade which explains the inter - Pakhtunkhwa, Block-2767-3 (Hiden), 857 est of politicians in national development. —DNA Sq. Km in Sindh and Block 3273-6 (Gar - mala), 2379.27 Sq. Km in Punjab. Pak ready to capture markets Medicinal imports Farogh expresses ceded by virus-hit China dip over 9pc in concern over The Business Report Mills Association (APTMA) Group Leader Pakistan might lose “this once in a lifetime Gohar Ijaz said, “In order to capture $20 bil - opportunity” if the above-mentioned steps Jawed nomination LAHORE: The Ministry of Commerce lion export market, we first need an immedi - were not taken. APTMA Punjab VC Aamir seven months ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for (MoC) is planning to a hold a stakeholders’ ate approval to the long-term textile policy Sheikh pointed out that the cost of polyester ISLAMABAD: The imports of medicinal products into Law Farogh Naseem on Friday has ex - consultation to chalk out ways to capture $20 and then we have to increase our capacity.” fibre in China was Rs125/kg while the same the country during the first seven months of financial year pressed reservations over the decision of billion export space ceded by China as a con - Ijaz said after 10 years of stagnation, only was Rs173/kg in Pakistan due to import and (2019-20) dipped by 9.95 percent as compared to the corre - the government to appoint barrister sequence of coronavirus disease (Covid-19). long-term textile policy is required for Pak - anti-dumping duties. sponding period of last year. Khalid Jawed Khan as new Attorney Gen - According to sources privy to the matter, a istan to kickstart investments. “We are “If the basic raw material is 40pc more ex - Pakistan imported medicinal products of worth $590.783 eral of Pakistan (AGP). few meetings in this regard have already struck at maximum $25 billion exports for pensive and there are no duty drawbacks, million during July-January (2019-20) compared to the im - According to media reports, the delay taken place this week while the consultative the last 10 years while Bangladesh has dou - then there is no way our final product can ports of $656.080 million during July- January (2018-19), in the appointment of new AGP is due to moot would be held coming Monday. bled its exports from $20 billion to $40 bil - compete in exports,” he added. showing negative growth of 9.95 percent, according to Pak - the divided responses of the Federal Cab - During the meetings held earlier, the min - lion during the same period,” the APTMA Sheikh there were a lot of opportunities up istan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). In terms of quantity, Pak - inet members on this matter. Sources told istry had discussed the impact of coronavirus official deplored. Agreeing with Ijaz, for grabs in the international markets, but un - istan imported 13,195 metric tons of medicinal products that a strong part of the cabinet is insisting on international trade and how Pakistan could APTMA Punjab Senior Vice Chairman fortunately, Pakistani exporters were spend - during the period under review as compared to the imports of to make Khalid Jawed as new AGP. The increase its market share by capitalising this Abdul Rahim Nasir said that the industry ing most of their time in courts or running 13,590 metric tons during corresponding period of last year, reaction came after Anwar Mansoor Khan opportunity. Sources said that Monday’s moot needs clarity from the government regard - after power distribution companies regarding showing decrease of 2.91 percent in term of quantity. resigned as AGP on the demand of Pak - would be attended by all concerned as Pak - ing energy tariff and long-term policy. notified rate of power tariff at 7.5cents/kWh. Meanwhile, on year-on-year basis, the medicinal imports istan Bar Council. Anwar Mansoor Khan istan was already lagging in the region; India “If they (govt) want us to increase the “We have no time to concentrate on mar - declined by 8.22 percent in January 2020 when compared to had forwarded his resignation to President and Bangladesh were gearing up to capture country’s market share by capturing the keting or capturing the ceded market share,” the imports of the same month of last year. The medicinal im - Dr. Arif Alvi which states, “I note with the ceded export space and increase their mar - space ceded by China, they will have to he said. “The 70pc increase in power tariff ports during January 2020 were recorded at $ 73.354 million profound regret that the Pakistan Bar ket share. India has already asked its industry provide electricity at 7.5 cents/kWh and gas will lead to closure of industry and reduction against the imports of $ 82.105 million in January 2019. Council, of which I am the Chairman, has to increase its production capacity and occupy at $6.5/mmBtu for the next 10 years, be - in exports.” He lamented that energy prices On month-on-month basis, the medicinal imports also de - demanded through its Press Release dated the space ceded by China, sources added. sides immediately approving the long-term were dropping across the globe but the same creased by 14.06 percent during January 2020 when com - 19th of February 2020. —Online Talking to this scribe, All Pakistan Textile textile policy,” he said. Nasir feared that were shooting up in Pakistan. pared to the imports of $87.683 million in December 2019, NA’s body proposes Rs 1753.89 million budget for cabinet, ED ISLAMABAD: National Assembly ‘s and 11 projects of infrastructure develop - 9, Karachi in its next meeting. The Commit - Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat ment in Karachi and Sindh. The Committee tee observed that proper planning and feasi - has recommended the Public Sector Devel - was not satisfied with the justification sub - bility has not been carried out. The opment Program proposals (PSDP) of Cabi - mitted by the Managing Director, Pakistan Committee recommended 12 projects of net and Establishment Divisions for the year Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Cabinet Division worth Rs.17,283.01 million 2020-21amounting to Rs17,283.01 million in respect of PSDP demand for facilitation whereas decision on the rest three projects and Rs.256.882 million, respectively. of Tourism in Islamabad project and con - would be taken in the next meeting. The meeting of the committee was held struction of Aiwan-e-Sayahat, therefore, di - The committee while scrutinizing the under the Chairmanship of MNA, Syed rected for a comprehensive briefing on two PSDP proposals of Establishment Division Amin-ul-Haque here on Friday. projects of Pakistan Tourism Development approved the projects which mainly relate to The meeting was apprised that Cabinet Corporation in its next meeting. upgradation and maintenance of Civil Serv - Division had demanded 18,231.45 for 15 The committee directed for completion of ices Academy Lahore, National School of projects to be carried out during the next fi - the projects within their stipulated timelines. Public Policy Lahore, National Center for nancial year. Giving the breakup of the Proj - It observed that in absence of proper plan - Rural Development Islamabad, Pakistan ects, the Secretary Cabinet Division ning and assessment of projects, the cost of Academy of Rural Development Peshawar, informed that allocation had been demanded projects were revised resulting in cost esca - Construction of multipurpose Community for 2 projects of Cabinet Division’s 6-Avia - lation and delays. The committee also di - Center at Pakistan Mint Colony Lahore and LAHORE: Hasan Mansha, CEO-HNMPL, Almas Hyder, Chairman-EDB, Anjum Nisar, Presi - tion Squadron, 1 project of Establishment of rected for briefing by Cabinet Division on provision of generator at National Institute dent-FPCCI, Captain (retd) Akram Chairman-PAAPAM, Irfan Iqbal, President-LCCI, Syed Nabeel 200 bed Gynecology Hospital in Rawalpindi construction of flyover at Jinnah Avenue, M- of Management Karachi. —Online Hashmi, Chief Organiser-Pakistan Auto Show at the event inaugural of Pakistan Auto Show 2020. PRINTED AT TIJARAT PRINTERS FOR TIJARAT PUBLICATIONS AND PUBLISHED BY IRFAN ATHAR FROM TIJARAT HOUSE, 14-DAVIS ROAD, LAHORE. GROUP EDITOR RIAZ AHMAD CHAUDHRY