ISLAMABAD, Feb 01 (INP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress on the implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) all over the country.
The meeting was briefed about different stages of the NAP’s implementation. The meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, DG ISI Lt. General Rizwan Akhtar, National Security Advisor Lt. General (R) Nasser Khan Janjua and other senior civil and military officials.
The Prime Minister said that successful implementation of the NAP was imperative for everyone. The unmatched sacrifices rendered by law enforcement agencies were commendable in this regard, he added.
Nawaz Sharif said terrorism would be eliminated from every nook and corner of the country. The national resolve to fight terrorism and extremism was unflinching and those, who were threatening kids from going to schools, would be defeated, he vowed.
The meeting also appreciated the successes achieved in the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb.
PM Nawaz Sharif to attend Nuclear Security Summit in Washington
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is due to attend the Nuclear Security Summit being held in Washington on March 31-April 1, at the invitation of US President Barack Obama.
Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry travelled to San Francisco this week where he attended a preparatory conference that discussed procedural matters relating to the summit, which will be attended by the heads of government and states of 35 to 45 countries. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Jalil Abbas Jilani also attended the preparatory meeting.
The prime minister’s meetings with the world leaders are being scheduled and he is also expected to meet President Obama on the sidelines of the summit.
The conference is last of the series of such summits as part of an international effort to secure vulnerable nuclear materials, break up black markets, and detect and intercept illicitly trafficked materials.
The first Nuclear Security Summit was held in Washington in 2010, followed by additional summits in Seoul in 2012 and The Hague in 2014. Prime Minister Sharif had attended the meeting in The Hague.
These summits have achieved tangible improvements in the security of nuclear materials and stronger international institutions that support nuclear security. There were no other details available about the summit, but a statement posted on the White House website in August said that the 2016 summit will continue discussion on the evolving threat and highlight steps that can be taken together to minimize the use of highly-enriched uranium, secure vulnerable material, counter nuclear smuggling and deter, detect, and disrupt attempts at nuclear terrorism.
The planned outcome of the Summit include a communique highlighting progress made and work still to be done to prevent nuclear terrorism. Leaders will also endorse plans to strengthen the enduring international institutions and initiatives that support nuclear security to enable them to carry forward and build upon the legacy of the Summits, the Aug. 5 White House statement said about the upcoming summit.
The United States has said it is confident that Pakistan is well aware of its responsibilities with respect to nuclear security and has secured its nuclear arsenal accordingly.
In a meeting between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Sharif held in October, the two leaders had committed to work together to make the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit hosted by President Obama a success.
President Obama had welcomed Pakistan’s constructive engagement with the Nuclear Security Summit process and its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international forums.
Foreign Secretary Chaudhary, during his visit also had an interaction with the Pakistani community in Los Angles and also addressed the World Affairs Council. He is scheduled to attend a community function in Houston on Monday, being organized by the Asia Society.
PM approves Essential Services Maintenance Act for PIA
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif approved on Monday the Essential Services Maintenance Act 1952 for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for a period of six months.
The premier enforced the act after signing a summary of the aviation division to this effect.
The move comes as PIA employees prepare to halt flight operations on Tuesday, following the failure of talks with the government on the proposed privatisation move.
Talking to media, Federal Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid said “any employee taking part in the strike will lose his job as we have arranged alternate staff and pilots to run the airline.”
The strike will only damage the institution and the country, he added.
Rashid said the airline was suffering from Rs30 billion deficit, adding, “we are trying to find the right investors for the airline.”
On the other hand, a representative of PIA employees’ joint action committee; however, said the unions will go ahead with the planned shutdown of the airline’s flight operation.
“We are not scared of being arrested. If they baton charge us, so be it,” Sohail Baluch said.
The labour leaders took the decision after the government refused to commit to keeping PIA as a completely government-run organisation.
The ruling PML-N had already introduced a controversial law to convert the airline into a public limited company.
But on January 29, the government announced putting off PIA’s sell-off for six months, requesting the workers to end their protest, which has been continuing for the past 5 days.
PM approves Essential Services Maintenance Act for PIA.
Nawaz Sharif says government to take all possible steps to further strengthen Pakistan Navy
Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Chief of Naval Staff called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at PM House Islamabad, Monday. The Naval Chief apprised the Prime Minister on matters pertaining to Pakistan Navy including its professional preparedness.
The Prime Minister appreciated the role of Pakistan Navy in regard to national defence. The government will take all possible steps to further strengthen Pakistan Navy, added the Prime Minister.
