Thursday, 2 June 2016

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Over Rs 4.5 trillion Federal Budget to be presented today

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News/Agencies) - Over Rs 4.5 trillion Federal Budget for the fiscal year 2016-17 will be presented in the parliament today (Friday). Finance Minister Ishaq Dar will present the budget.According to official sources, the budget will envisage further improving economic growth, overcoming challenges, particularly the energy crisis, maintaining fiscal discipline and reducing non-development expenditures and providing relief to the masses, besides promoting investment for jobs creation and people friendly policies for the socio economic prosperity of the country.Main focus in the budget would on the development of energy, infrastructure and human resource sectors. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects would be prioritized.The Budget is likely to enhance allocations for social safety net for providing maximum relief to vulnerable segment of the society.It would also focus on social sector development and revenue enhancement measures, besides reforms would also be introduced for improving governance and boosting private sector investment for the prosperity of the country.The National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif through video link from London approved Rs 1.675 trillion development outlay including Rs 800 billion as federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and Rs 875 billion as provincial Annual Development Programme (ADP).The NEC was informed that 4.71 growth rate was achieved during the outgoing fiscal year (2015-16), which is the highest growth of last 8 years while other economic indicators have shown a marked improvement in the fiscal year 2015-16.The sources said that “Pakistan of today 2016 is far better then the country was in 2013 and now it is gradually progressing” adding that the economy was now on the take off stage and would further improve.They further said that the National Economic Council (NEC) in its meeting held yesterday has fixed GDP growth rate target of 5.7 percent for the forthcoming budget 2016-17.They expressed the hope that keeping in view of improving economy, the government would be able to achieve the said target of 5.7 percent.The Government had earmarked Rs.1,675 billion in the forthcoming budget for the development schemes under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the year 2016-17.“Out of the total allocation, Rs.875 have been earmarked for the provinces,” the sources said.Giving breakup of the allocation, they said that Rs. 468 billion were allocated for infrastructure including Rs.157 billion for power, Rs.260 billion for transport and communications, Rs. 33 billion for water, Rs.18 billion for Physical Planning and Housing.Out Rs.89 billion allocated for social sector, Rs.29 billion were earmarked for Education including Higher Education Commission (HEC), Rs.30 billion for Health and Population, Rs. 20 billion for Sustainable Development Goals Program and Rs.10 billion for other Social sectors.The sources added that, Rs.9 billion were allocated for Science and IT, Rs. 8 billion for Governance, Rs.42 billion for Special Areas including AJK, FATA and Gilgit-Baltistan respectively.They added that out of Rs.4 billion for Production, Rs. 2 billion each were earmarked for industries and Food and Agriculture sectors while, Rs.28 billion were earmarked for special federal development programme under PSDP.The sources added that government in the Budget 2016-17 is likely to announce a special package for the promotion of agriculture sector in the country.

NAP helped in reduction of terror activities: US State Department

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WASHINGTON (Dunya News) - US State Department has issued a long report in which details of terror activities in various countries is given, including Pakistan.The detail of National Action Plan (NAP) was written, calling it a response of Peshawar School attack and it was written that NAP has helped in reduction of terrorist activities but terrorists were not been eliminated. It was also mentioned that NAP’s main objectives were to punish established terrorists, eliminate support for terrorism, and promote the non-violent coexistence of the country’s various religious sects, all to prevent future terrorist attacks on Pakistani soil.Dunya News was also mentioned in the report as death toll of January 2015 Shikarpur blast given by Dunya News was being quoted in the report. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Agency (PEMRA) ban on organizations such as Jamaat-u-Dawa (JuD) and the Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FiF) is mentioned but it is also written that government did not stop fund raising of these organisations.It is written in the report that Pakistan took steps to support political reconciliation between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban but it also mentioned that Pakistan did not take sufficient action to constrain the ability of the Taliban and the Haqqani Network (HQN) to threaten U.S. and Afghan interests in Afghanistan.The report also said that Pakistan designated Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) as a terrorist organisation and security forces publicly warned of scattered Pakistani terrorist allegiance to ISIL and its threat to Pakistani military targets. But it also said that Pakistan did not join the multilateral Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, but Pakistani officials participated in a senior level meeting of the coalition in September.The details of 9 different terror activities in different cities of Pakistan in year 2015 was given including the death tolls and number of injuries. Details of attacks on minorities and US citizen was also written in the report.21st Amendment of the Pakistani Constitution was also mentioned in the report which allowed Pakistan Army’s military courts to try civilians for “offenses relating to terrorism, waging of war or insurrection against Pakistan, and prevention of acts threatening the security of Pakistan by any terrorist group using the name of religion or a sect and members of such armed groups, wings, and militia.”The report also says that at the federal level, Pakistan’s law enforcement and national security structures need improvement and government’s institutional framework is not conducive to interagency cooperation and coordination.It is written in the report that Pakistan military continued to conduct significant counterterrorism operations in North Waziristan and Khyber agencies in the tribal areas, and a combination of military, paramilitary, and civilian forces conducted operations in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab.

Oil prices rise on fall in US inventories

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Oil prices rose Thursday following two days of losses, getting a lift from a fall in US crude inventories, while a key OPEC meeting left production unchecked.Prices dropped after the twice-yearly meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in Vienna concluded, as expected, with no agreement to lower or cap production in the face of abundant global supplies. But the market turned higher after the US Department of Energy reported the countrys commercial crude oil inventories fell last week by 1.4 million barrels, though at 535.7 million barrels they remained at historically high levels.The DoE also said there were draws in gasoline and other petroleum product inventories. In New York, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude for July delivery rose 16 cents to $49.17 a barrel.Brent North Sea crude for August delivery, the European benchmark, advanced 32 cents to $50.04 a barrel in London.The decline in (US) stockpiles is helping underpin prices for now -- but the supply and demand dynamics have not changed, CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson told AFP.The big question is how much more upside can we potentially see.Earlier, OPEC left policy unchanged as the recent modest recovery in oil prices eased the pressure to limit output, with Saudi Arabia saying the cartel was pleased with the market.The OPEC kingpins new oil minister, Khaled al-Falih, expressed confidence that the price recovery would continue. Everybody is very satisfied with the market. The market is rebalancing as we speak, he said.At its December meeting, OPEC abandoned its group production target of 30 million barrels per day, which in any case was being flouted. OPEC output currently is estimated at 32 million barrels per day, roughly a third of the worlds oil.Andy Lipow of Lipow Oil Associates said the market breathed a sigh of relief after Saudi Arabia indicated it would not flood the market with additional quantities of oil.That, combined with the US declines in crude and petroleum products, helped stabilize the oil market today and recover from its early losses, he said.

Dollar firms vs euro ahead of US jobs report

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The dollar firmed against the euro Thursday ahead of the May US jobs report that could tip the Federal Reserve toward an interest rate hike this month or in July.After a spate of hawkish comment from Fed officials recently, the markets have priced in the risk of a Fed rate hike in the coming months.For the prospect of a June or July move by the Fed to remain on the table, upcoming data, particularly tomorrows all-important US payrolls report, will have to reinforce the idea that the economy is strong enough to withstand another rate increase, said Omer Esiner of Commonwealth Foreign Exchange.The dollar rose to $1.1154 per euro around 2100 GMT from $1.1187 at the same time Wednesday.The European Central Bank, as expected, left its ultra-loose monetary policy unchanged but upgraded slightly inflation and economic growth forecasts for the 19-nation eurozone this year.Euro traders were not impressed because (ECB President) Mario Draghi went out of his way to emphasize his willingness to increase stimulus if markets go haywire after the UK referendum, said Kathy Lien of BK Asset Management.The pound, which has fallen since the beginning of the week on worries over the coming June 23 referendum on whether Britain remains or leaves the European Union, was slightly higher at $1.4424. The yen continued to climb, to 108.88 per dollar and 121.44 per euro. The Japanese currency, considered a safe haven in times of uncertainty, has found support from the Brexit concerns and worries about the frail Japanese economy.

Pakistan opener Shan ready for England challenge

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LAHORE (AFP) - Determined opener Shan Masood on Thursday vowed Pakistan were ready to take up the stiff challenge in a Test series in England, where sub-continent batsmen have struggled in the past.Pakistan play a four-match Test series, starting at Lords from July 14 followed by five one-day and a Twenty20 international.Only four Pakistan openers -- Mohsin Khan, Mudassar Nazar, Amir Sohail and Saeed Anwar -- have scored hundreds in the 47 Tests the country has played in England, where the ball swings and seams to pose a threat for the batsmen.Pakistan have managed just three opening partnerships of over 100 in England, two in 1996 and one in 1992. Masood, 26, said Pakistan have trained well.We are well prepared to take the challenge, Masood told media on the sidelines of the training camp. We had a boot camp where we worked on fitness and now we are training in Lahore where we are getting the conditions, except the weather, which we will have there in England.A final Test squad is expected to be announced early next week, and the team will hold tune-up camp in England from June 15.Masood, who hit his only century in Sri Lanka last year where Pakistan chased their biggest target of 377, said England is the place where a batsman can make his name.If you see England captain Alastair Cook has just completed 10,000 runs in Tests. (Graeme) Smith and Hashim Amla (of South Africa) have scored runs in England and I will also try to give good performance in England and make name for my country, said Masood, who has previously played first-class games in England.My best experience there was that I played three first class matches through my university, said Masood, who studies Sports Management Science in Loughborough University. It does help, but it will be different ball game at international level, everyone knows England team is very good and we have to take our A game there.Pakistan will be up against a potent fast bowling attack of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Steven Finn and Chris Woakes who have pushed touring Sri Lanka 2-0 down in the ongoing three-match series.Anderson, who completed 450 Test wickets in the second Test, dismissed Masood in all four innings in Pakistans 2-0 win in United Arab Emirates (UAE) last year.

India to tour West Indies

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ST. JOHNS (AFP) - India will begin a seven-week tour of the West Indies starting on July 6 with four Tests and two practice matches, the cricket boards of both countries confirmed on Thursday. The tour will get underway with a two-day practice match from July 9 in St Kitts followed by a three-day warm-up match from July 14 at the same venue.The four Tests will be played in Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. The first Test will begin from July 21, the second from July 30, the third from August 9 and the last one from August 18.West Indies Cricket Board head of operations Roland Holder said all four venues are ready to host the visiting Indian team.Indias cricket board last month announced the resumption of bilateral cricketing ties, arising from the West Indies withdrawal from an India tour mid-way in October 2014.Indias board dropped a $42 million damages claim against the West Indies in April over the abandoned tour after the team agreed to return to play in India next year.The last time the Indian team toured the West Indies was in June 2011 for a three-Test series, which India won 1-0.

Nurses protest continued on fourth day at Mall Road Lahore

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Protest of nurses at Mall Road Lahore and in various other cities continued on the fourth day as their demands for rights were not accepted, Dunya News reported on Thursday.Nurses blocked the Mall Road as they sat in front of Punjab Assembly. There was also an exchange of bitter words between male nurses and people trapped in traffic. In Faisalabad nurses of civil hospital boycotted for the second day in a row.Nurses of Nishtar hospital Multan protested on Nishtar road as they demanded restoration of service structure. In Peshawar nurses criticised provincial government as they protested.

LHC reserves verdict on Maalik movie ban

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Justice Shams Mahmood Mirza heard petition filed by opposition Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed on Maalik movie ban and reserved the verdict, Dunya News reported on Thursday.Federal government and Punjab government submitted their replies to high court as provincial government made it clear that they had not imposed the ban. Federal government representative said that movie was a threat to national integrity as elected representatives were targeted in the movie. He also said that federal government had right to ban the movie.

Smart card fees reduced on Ch Nisars directions

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar has directed National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to reduce the fees of smart card, his spokesperson confirmed on Thursday.Rs 400 will be charged for smart card whereas previously Rs 1500 were charged for it. Rs 800 will be charged for an urgent ID card whereas Rs 1600 will be charged for executive smart card.

Inzamam and Misbah consult to finalise test squad for England tour

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan team selectors have started finalising the test squad for England tour as chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq and captain Misbah-ul-Haq consulted about selection of players, Dunya News reported on Thursday.Former bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed was also part of discussion. On the other hand opening batsman Muhammad Hafeez batted in nets as Inzamam-ul-Haq watched him train very closely. Earlier, Inzamam had said that fitness and inclusion of Hafeez would be key on the tour of England.

No evidence of Pakistan's involvement in Pathankot attacks found

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NEW DELHI (Dunya News) – India’s propaganda and false claims were exposed as Director of Indian investigative agency Sharad Kumar confirmed that no evidence was found about Pakistan’s involvement in Pathankot attacks.National Investigative Agency (NIA) director ruled out chances of any internal help of terrorists. He told that they had completed investigation in India and they were waiting for permission from Pakistan to visit. Sharad Kumar’s statement confirmed that Pakistan’s stance was right as they had denied about any involvement.7 Indian soldiers were killed in Pathankot attack in January and India had accused Pakistan of helping the terrorists. Pakistan had assured that help would be granted in investigation. Pakistan’s team had also visited India to help in investigation in March.Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said that NIA Directors statement proved Pakistans stance right. He said that they investigated about the evidence given by India and they cooperated with India from the first day.

PM walks his way to good health after successful open-heart surgery

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LONDON (Dunya News) – Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif has been heading towards quick recovery after a successful operation at Harley Street Clinic while doctors expressed satisfaction over PM’s health as he walked twice after the operation, reported Dunya News on Thursday.Talking to media outside the hospital, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shehbaz Sharif and PM’s son Hussain Nawaz updated journalists over PM’s health and thanked the nation for supporting and praying for PM’s recovery. Hussain said that Nawaz Sharif had not been shifted from ICU yet.On the other hand, world leaders including United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, United Kingdom (UK) PM David Cameron and Indian PM Narendra Modi sent bouquets and conveyed well wishes for PM.

Shan Masood and Sami Aslam hopeful of selection

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Young opening batsmen of Pakistan team Shan Masood and Sami Aslam vowed to perform well on England tour if earned selection as they were talking to media at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.Shan Masood said that it will be a tough challenge to beat Alastair Cook’s side in their own backyard but they could do it by playing good Cricket.Sami Aslam, who had last played against Bangladesh in May 2015, said that he was feeling confident after scoring runs in domestic cricket. He also added he would not disappoint if given chance and success of team would depend on performances of openers in England.

Shahrah-e-Faisal blocked as tankers owners turn it into parking

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – One of the busiest roads of Karachi, Shahrah-e-Faisal was blocked by water tankers as a protest against hydrant mafia and Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), Dunya News reported on Thursday.There was a massive traffic jam because of protest and world champion boxer Amir Khan was also among those stuck on the road. A fan tweeted his photo with him while they were stuck.Water Tankers Association Strike. Shahrah-e-Faisal blocked. Stuck, with Amir Khan. Karachi https://t.co/ikevpigjR2 pic.twitter.com/W0gplEWEhu— Gulraiz Khan (@gulraizkhan) June 2, 2016 Tanker owners stated that nobody was listening to their demands and if administration did not take them seriously, their protest will go on.

Impossible for PM to avoid accountability: Imran Khan

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Talking to the journalists at his residence on Thursday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said that it was not possible to deceive the public and any party avoiding Terms of References (TORs) would be subjected to public’s wrath, reported Dunya News.Imran Khan said that his party would storm the streets if no action taken on disclosures regarding Panama Leaks. He briefed the journalists and added that PTI would not stay quiet if government succeeded to settle issues with other parties.Imran Khan further stated that Pakistan had been going through immense crises in terms of foreign policy, relations with India had been based on personal belongings rather than considering it a part of international diplomacy and terms with the West could not be established on ’gift exchange’policy, Imran added.He stated that Pakistan had been caught in the complicated matrix of debt. Gas pipeline project with Iran should have been started earlier and that relations with India and Afghanistan should be established on equal parameters, Imran said.Imran told the journalists that it had not been possible to formulate effective and independent foreign policy without a strong economy. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawazs (PML-N) outlook seemed more of a mafia-oriented group rather than a political entity.Parliament was made weaker by the government instead of the opposition and whenever asked about PML-N’s accountability, they had always attacked Shaukat Khanam, Imran said.Reforming of several departments, accountability, merit system and human development would not be possible without political intervention, Imran added.He said that governance could be made better through the presidential system but present situation in Pakistan was not suitable and that presidential system of governance would be an act of exploitation with small provinces.Pakistan needed peace and human development and that illegal transfer of wealth could be catastrophic for developing countries.The global community had started playing a vital role to prevent and probe money laundering after Panama Leaks had emerged, said PTI Chairman.Pressure had been growing globally over offshore companies’ owners for the publication of the data, Imran told the journalists. It could be possible to get rid of loans and debts if laundered money came back to Pakistan. In the light of Nawaz Sharifs income he could not even pay monthly rent of Hyde Park flat, Imran said.
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