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PM to inaugurate Gwadar port

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will inaugurate Gwadar Port on otherday.

A ceremony will be held in Gwadar in this connection which will also be attended by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif , Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai, Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri and Islamabad-based ambassadors of several countries.

Meanwhile, the first Chinese trade convoy has arrived in Gwadar through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The convoy comprising fifty trucks had entered Pakistan via Khunjarab.

Contingents of Special Security Division of Pakistan Army provided security to the trade convoy.

A Chinese Ship has already arrived at Gwadar port while another vessel is expected to arrive soon.

The Chinese goods will be exported to Middle East and African countries.

Hollywood worries about Trump as stars honour Jackie Chan

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Web Desk – Action movie star Jackie Chan accepted an honorary Oscar as Hollywood A-listers sounded a cautionary note over President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in the polls.

Left-leaning Tinseltown overwhelmingly backed Democrat Hillary Clinton in the race for the White House, and stars at the Academy’s glitzy Governors Awards told a foreign media agency of their dismay at her defeat.

Asked to compare the night’s honoree with Trump, double Oscar-winner Tom Hanks told foreign media: “Jackie Chan has the wisdom of the East and the discipline of a master martial artist.”

After a lengthy pause, he added: “Our president-elect has a big responsibility and much to prove.”

For “Big Bang Theory” star Simon Helberg, who plays engineer Howard Wollowitz on the hit comedy series, Trump’s victory in Tuesday’s election was “a terrible moment for the world”.

The 35-year-old, who starred alongside Hugh Grant and Meryl Streep in “Florence Foster Jenkins”, said a change was needed but hoped a Trump presidency wouldn’t “damage our future”.

“The truth is not enough people showed up and that’s what we have to listen to. I hope that we can squash the violence and the bigotry, and whatever else this has unleashed before it gets out of hand,” he told a foreign media agency.

Andre Royo, best known for starring as a heroin addict in HBO crime drama series “The Wire”, said he was feeling “stressed out” by the prospect of a Trump White House.

“But I think we took for granted our perception of our country,” Royo told foreign media.

“I think we were a little delusional and a little naive… and now we got reminded that we’ve got work to do and growing to do, as a culture.”

Chan, known for his comic timing and acrobatic fighting style, has appeared in around 200 movies since becoming a child actor in his native Hong Kong in the 1960s.

– Global star –

His Hollywood breakthrough came with “Rumble in the Bronx” in 1996, and he has gone on to be become a global star through the “Rush Hour” movies, “Shanghai Noon”, “The Karate Kid” and the “Kung Fu Panda” series of animated films.

The 62-year-old — who shared a table with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone — left politics out of an unscripted acceptance speech.

But he roused Hollywood’s Ray Dolby Ballroom with an anecdote about realising how badly he wanted an Academy Award after going to Stallone’s house 23 years earlier and touching, kissing and smelling the American actor’s Oscar statuette.

“After 56 years in the film industry, making more than 200 films — I broke so many bones — finally this is mine!” Chan, who performed many of his own daring stunts, said of his Oscar.

Film editor Anne Coates, casting director Lynn Stalmaster and documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman were also awarded statuettes at the Academy’s 8th Annual Governors Awards.

Coates, who is 90 and lives in England, was honoured for a 60-year career that has seen her collaborating with some of the industry’s most acclaimed directors, including with David Lean on “Lawrence of Arabia”.

Stalmaster, 88, a one-time stage and screen actor from Omaha, Nebraska, began working in casting in the mid-1950s and has signed up talent for more than 200 films, including “The Graduate”, “Deliverance” and “Tootsie”.

Wiseman, 86, has made a film almost every year since 1967, starting with the “Titicut Follies”, which went behind the scenes at Bridgewater State Hospital for the criminally insane.

The Governors Awards were created as a separate event in 2009 to allow more space for the honorees to accept their statuettes and to unclutter the main show’s packed schedule.

Previous winners of honorary Oscars include Lauren Bacall, Francis Ford Coppola, Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie and Spike Lee.

First Hyatt-branded hotels in Bahria Town

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Lahore (PR) –  Hyatt Hotels Corporation &Bahria Town, Asia’s largest real estate developer, signed an historic agreement in Abu Dhabi to develop four new signature resort properties across Pakistan.

With an investment of over $600 million, these projects are set to revolutionise the hospitality industry of Pakistan and provide much needed support to the tourism and development sector. This marks Hyatt’s entry into Pakistan with four Hyatt-branded hotels: Grand Hyatt Islamabad, Hyatt Regency Karachi, Hyatt Regency Lahore, and Hyatt Regency Rawalpindi. Hotel properties in Bahria Town Karachi & Islamabad stand apart as Pakistan’s first internationally branded golf resorts, whereas the highlight of the Lahore hotel is an exclusive members’ only club.

While the Hyatt Regency Rawalpindi will be a modern take on the local indigenous architecture. The hotels will open during the next few years.

Speaking at the occasion, Malik Riaz, Bahria Town Chairman said, “This is an extremely proud moment for Bahria Town. Our vision is to work with the best partners and play our positive role to usher a new era of economic growth and development in Pakistan. This contract reiterates our and international partnersconfidence in Pakistan. We look forward to  the opening of the hotels and together with Hyatt provide a new standard of service and hospitality to this region.”

We look forward to collaborating with the Bahria Town team to open the first Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency hotels in Pakistan,” said Peter Norman, senior vice president, acquisitions and development – Europe, Africa, and Middle East (EAME) and Southwest Asia for Hyatt. “Following last year’s announcement for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), we are optimistic about the growth of Hyatt’s brands in Pakistan. The opening of these hotels will serve as a testament to the global appeal of the Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency brands as they continue to expand worldwide and offer more choices to our guests.”

“Bahria Town is building the new face of Pakistan as we continue to develop lifestyle destinations by investing in high-end assets in key destinations throughout Pakistan” says Ahmed Ali Riaz Malik, CEO of Bahria Town.

He further added, “We are excited to work with Hyatt and bring the first Hyatt-branded hotels to Pakistan. We continue to invest only in Pakistan and the agreement for four major cities in Pakistan is a testament to our confidencein the growth of the country. Moreover through this, we hope to play our role in revitalising hospitality sector in Pakistan and help boost tourism.”

Hyatt Regency Karachi will feature Pakistan’s first night lit 36 hole golf. It will offer a range of amenities, as well as spaces that will make the 200 guestroom (approx.) hotel a go-to gathering place for any occasion. Guests will of course have full access to the golf course, nine holes of which are already complete. Strategically located at 20 minutes drive from Jinnah International Airport, and access from 210 ft wide Jinnah Avenue in Bahria Town Karachi this hotel will play a vital role in serving the growing needs for quality facilities and services in the financial capital of Pakistan. Guests can explore the nearby Bahria Town Karachi attractions including international standard theme park, Bahria Night Safari, Pakistan’s largest cricket stadium, dancing fountains and world’s third largest Masjid; thesetogether will alsohelp provide a valuable support to the tourism & entertainment industry in Pakistan.

Grand Hyatt Islamabad will offer 400 guestrooms, seven food and beverage outlets, two ballrooms, seven meeting rooms, a full serviced spa, fitness facilities, private club, and kids club. The hotel will be the first internationally branded golf resort in Pakistan, with Hyatt managing the18 hole golf course and the state-of-the-art golf club house. The entire Grand Hyatt Resort will form part of a high-security, gated-access, mixed-use development, Bahria Golf City, easily accessible from the Murree-Islamabad Expressway, which connects directly to Islamabad’s city center and diplomatic area 30 minutes away. Beame Architectural Partnership, Florida, a recognized design award-winning firm has designed the hotel while Wilsons responsible for Dubai Atlantis have done the interior. Construction of the hotel is well underway.

Hyatt Residency Lahore is a stylish 220-room hotel housed in a soaring purpose-built tower.Additionally, the hotels highlight is the exclusive private members’ club ‘President’s Club’, with interiors resonating exclusivity and offering remarkable food and beverage outlets, premium meeting spaces, well appointed gym & spa, tennis courts and banquet facilities, splendid indoor & outdoor swimming pool, among other amenities. Hotel is under construction& interior of the club is in the final stages.

Hyatt Regency Rawalpindi is strategically located with direct approach to GT Road and Islamabad Highway. The guests will find themselves at a short distance of Islamabad international airport and the city center. 165 bed hotel is designed by Mr. Nayyer Ali Dada, award winning architect hailing from Pakistan responsible for many of iconic buildings including Gaddafi Stadium Lahore &Alhamra Arts Council Lahore. Construction of the hotel is well underway.

These projects also formally mark the expansion of Bahria Town into the luxury Hospitality Sector in Pakistan. The four properties are set to revolutionize the hospitality industry in Pakistan and provide a much-needed boost to travel and tourism in the country. It will also create jobs, revenue, and an even better world-class experience for travellers in Pakistan.

These will be Hyatt’s first branded hotels in Pakistan.

iPhone 8 rumored to have larger, curved screens

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Web Desk – The iPhone 8 might come with larger, curved displays, according to a Barclays Research note sent to MacRumors.

Citing Asian supply chain checks, Barclays Research analysts, believe Apple will switch from the current 4.7-inch iPhone 7 and 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus to larger 5- and 5.8-inch displays for the iPhone 8.

The screens will reportedly extend edge-to-edge with virtually no bezels — perhaps like Xiaomi’s Mi Mix. The analysts also believe only the larger iPhone 8 will sport an OLED screen.

Apple copying Samsung seems unlikely, but it’s worth noting the company was granted a patent for curved screens that are similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Edge phones.

If it ends up being true, it would be the first screen size increase since the iPhone 6, which was released in 2014.

Though it’s way too soon to nail down any iPhone 8 specs, the phone’s rumoured to have a brand new glass and metal design reminiscent of the iPhone 4, ditch the iconic home button and embed the Touch ID sensor underneath the display, and possibly sport wireless charging over a distance.

Other rumours which are far less likely include a ceramic case and a Digital Crown (like on Apple Watch).

Of course, the rumours likely to come true are better cameras, a faster processor and a new version of iOS.

The rumours are just that — rumours — and we’ve got a long way to go before the iPhone 8 launches next year in time for the iPhone’s 10th anniversary.

Companies Ordinance, 2016 promulgated to encourage, facilitate best international corporate practices

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Islamabad – The President has promulgated the Companies Ordinance, 2016, on November 11, 2016, in order to replace the Companies Ordinance, 1984. On this occasion, the Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, said that the Companies Ordinance, 2016, has been promulgated, after extensive consultations with all stakeholders, in order to encourage and facilitate best international corporate practices in Pakistan.

The Companies Ordinance, 2016, contains provisions for simplifying the procedure for incorporation of companies, enabling maximum use of technology, conversion of physical shares into book-entry form in unlisted companies, and encouraging paperless environment at all levels. In order to ensure maximum participation of members in the decision-making the process of the company, the Companies Ordinance, 2016, encourages the use of modern electronic means of communication.

It also includes special provisions to facilitate small and medium enterprises. The Companies Ordinance, 2016, also includes provisions for Shariah certifications of companies and requirements for real estate companies for providing enhanced protection to the investor. Furthermore, the Companies Ordinance, 2016, provides protection to independent and non-executive directors to encourage inclusion on the board, as well as provisions for the manner of selection and maintenance of data bank of independent directors. It aims to address the issues relating to the protection of the interest of minority shareholders and creditors.

The Companies Ordinance, 2016, also introduces other reforms such as relaxations for free zone companies, registration of agricultural promotion companies for the development of agricultural sector, and the establishment of Investor Education and Awareness Fund. It includes provisions for registration of valuers, dispute resolution mechanism through Mediation and Conciliation Panel, passing of members’ resolution through circulation,as well as simplified provisions for expeditious Mergers and Acquisitions. In addition, Companies Ordinance, 2016, emphasises maximum disclosures by Pakistanis to the local regulatory authorities in respect of investment in foreign companies. It also provides facilitation and regulation of Public Sector Enterprises.

Under the Companies Ordinance, 2016, the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) will maintain a Companies’ Global Register of Beneficial Ownership, which will have a complete record of the beneficial ownership of the substantial shareholders and officers in local and foreign companies doing business in Pakistan. Moreover, it will be binding on the foreign company operating in Pakistan to provide complete information of its directors, officers and/or beneficial owners. In order to ensure adequate measures against fraud, money laundering and terrorist financing, Companies Ordinance, 2016, empowers the SECP to investigate and also conduct a joint investigation. Furthermore, provisions requiring officers of a company to take adequate measures to curb such violations have also been included.

The Finance Minister remarked that the Companies Ordinance, 2016, has been promulgated to provide relief and incentives to the corporate sector, especially small and medium-sized companies, in order to give immediate impetus to the economy and stimulate economic growth. He said that there was a strong need to revamp the thirty-two years old Companies Ordinance, 1984, in order to provide an improved competitive legal framework for the corporate sector in Pakistan. He said that during various stakeholder consultations, market experts and the business community had expressed unanimous support for enacting Companies Ordinance, 2016, at the earliest, as it would help address long-standing demands of the business community.

The Finance Minister said that the Companies Ordinance, 2016, will reduce the cost of incorporating and doing business, which will enable Pakistan’s corporate sector to be competitive in the international markets. He welcomed the various reforms under the Companies Ordinance, 2016, including use modern communication technology and simplified regulatory procedures. He said that new measures, such as the Companies’ Global Register of Beneficial Ownership, will curb corruption, help address challenges related to off-shore investments, and ensure transparency in governance.

The Finance Minister appreciated the efforts of the SECP, the Ministry of Finance, and the various stakeholders who have taken the time and effort to provide their constructive comments and recommendations, leading to the finalisation and promulgation of the Companies Ordinance, 2016.

Cancer moot begins

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LAHORE: The Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre is organising its 15th International Cancer Symposium from today at Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore.

This year, the theme of three-day symposium is “bringing progress to patients” which will focus on how to incorporate new advances in oncology into current practice. The program gives special consideration to promote and encourage local research by allocating additional sessions for free papers and poster presentations.

The Shaukat Khanum Cancer Symposium is committed to advancing science, disseminating knowledge & improving the practice of oncology. The programme will encompass oncological research and target all aspects of oncology, from prevention, diagnosis and treatment to palliation.–PR

More than 100 guest speakers and an expected 3500 delegates, from a wide range of disciplines, will participate in this internationally recognised scientific programme. There will be representation from many countries around the world, providing the delegates with information on the latest developments in the fields of basic science, research, diagnosis, and treatment as it applies to cancer.

The symposium will provide an international forum for oncologists and allied specialties to present and discuss the latest research results, ideas and developments in all areas of cancer care. This year, scientific sessions will focus on lung, breast, gastrointestinal, urological, gynecological, pulmonary, head and neck, hematological, neurological and pediatric malignancies.

In addition there will be sessions on pathology, nuclear medicine, palliative care, basic research and nursing. Workshops in paediatric oncology, nursing and pathology will also be part of this year’s program.

The Symposium Organizing Committee has finalised the arrangements for this mega event and hope that doctors, consultants and other medical staff will be benefited from this enlightening, invigorating and academically refreshing programme.

Day of Pneumonia – the leading child killer

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LAHORE – Like other parts of the globe, World Pneumonia Day will be observed across the country including Lahore tomorrow to raise awareness about necessary precautions to fight against number one killer of children under five.

Seminars, workshops and walks will be arranged both at the government and private level to raise awareness about pneumonia and measures to avoid children falling prey to the preventable disease.

Pneumonia accounts for 92,000 deaths of children under-five in Pakistan annually, making it the leading killer of children, said health experts at a press briefing at a local hotel yesterday to mark upcoming World Pneumonia Day.

“Globally, Pneumonia is one of the biggest killers of children causing 16% deaths under five and accounting for more than 920,000 death. It is alarming that Pakistan is among top five countries which account for 99% of childhood pneumonia cases,” said Dr Tahir Masood, President Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA).

“Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. When an individual has pneumonia, the alveoli (small sacs in lungs which fill with air when a healthy person breathes) are filled with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen intake,” he added.

“Children under five with severe cases of pneumonia may struggle to breathe, with their chests moving in or retracting during inhalation (known as chest indrawing). Young infants may suffer convulsions, unconsciousness, hypothermia, lethargy and feeding problem,” Dr Tahir added.

“Pneumonia is caused by a number of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria and fungi. The most common causes of pneumonia amongst children include: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).”

Dr Tayyaba Khawar Butt, Professor of Paediatrics, SIMS, said: “Preventing children from developing pneumonia in the first place is critical to reducing its death toll.” Fortunately Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (pneumonia vaccine) was introduced in Pakistan’s EPI program in October, 2012, and this achievement made Pakistan to become the first South Asian country to include PCV in its national immunisation program, she added.

She regretted that despite all efforts vaccination coverage was not optimistic and a lot need to be done to increase the coverage. Parents need to be educated about getting their children vaccinated as immunisation was a proven tool for controlling and eliminating life-threatening infectious diseases.

She added that vaccines were important to fight pneumonia. “Vaccines against pneumococcus, Hib, pertussis, and measles can prevent a significant portion of pneumonia cases from ever occurring,” Dr Tayyaba concluded.

Speaking at the World Pneumonia Day briefing at the Committee Room of the Directorate General Health Services, DG Health Dr Mukhtar Hussain Syed highlighted some of the steps taken by the government to protect, prevent and treat pneumonia in the province.

Director Expanded Program on Immunisation Dr Munir Ahmed, Health Specialist UNICEF Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Rana, Pakistan Paediatrics Association representative and experts from WHO and EPI Program were also present.

“Pneumonia can be prevented by immunisation, adequate nutrition, and by addressing environmental factors,” the DG Health said.

According to him, a child survival group of technical experts has been formed to chalk out workable strategy. “In Punjab a new initiative to provide medical commodities for children suffering with Pneumonia and Diarrhoea has been initiated in the year 2016. The plan is being pilot tested in five districts with support from UNICEF-Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,” he added.

The Punjab Expanded Program on Immunisation has introduced pneumonia vaccine as part of routine immunisation in 2012. The latest coverage survey reports suggest immunisation coverage above 86%. EPI EPI Director Dr Munir Ahmed said, “Punjab was able to increase routine immunisation progress from 64% (Penta-III) to 86% as per Neilsen Survey.”

By effective use of technology, the vaccinator attendance has improved from mid 50s to 97% as of last month, he added.

Unicef Health Specialist Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Rana said that the recommendations of the Global Action Plan were being implemented through a project initially piloted in five districts. As part of the plan, necessary guidelines and training material was being updated.

In order to facilitate the provision of antibiotics, dispersible tablets were being introduced in place of syrup.

Also, the WHO and UNICEF have developed an integrated Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhea (GAPPD) that aims to accelerate pneumonia control with a combination of interventions to protect, prevent, and treat pneumonia in children. The GAPPD was signed by Pakistan in 2013.

Pak’s economic growth soars to highest mark in eight year: WB

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s economic growth in fiscal year (FY) 2016 soared to 4.7 percent—the highest rate in eight years and a significant increase from the previous year’s 4.0 percent, says a new World Bank Report.

The World Bank noted that South Asia continues to lead global growth, expanding by 6.8 percent in FY16. Like others in South Asia, Pakistan’s growth was driven by domestic consumption that continues to compensate for weak global demand.

According to press release issued on Thursday, the report warned that Pakistan’s low rates of investment and declining export competitiveness, however, remain a concern.

“Pakistan continues to make good progress in restoring macroeconomic stability. Building on this Pakistan needs to push forward with deeper structural reforms that spread benefits more widely, and the World Bank stands ready to support the reforms agenda” says IllangoPatchamuthu, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan. Growth acceleration will depend on the implementation of structural reforms, such as energy and taxation and implementation of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In the long term, growth will be driven by increased investment in both physical and human capital, with increased focus on better nutrition, health and education outcomes.

The WB highlighted Pakistan’s success in reducing poverty over the last decade and a half – but contrasted this with the lack of progress in health, education and nutrition outcomes since 2010.

“Pakistan has made significant progress in reducing poverty over the last decade. Based on the revised poverty line adopted in early 2016, the percentage of people living below the poverty line decreased from 64.3 percent in FY02 to 29.5 percent in FY14. This reduction in poverty is corroborated when analyzing other data, such as asset ownership”, says Muhammad Waheed, Senior Economist and lead author of the report. “But stunting rates have been unchanged for decades and health and education outcomes have shown little improvement since 2010. By reinvesting its economic gains in health and education systems, Pakistan can make growth matter for all its citizens.”

The report projects that the pace of Pakistan’s economic growth will accelerate to 5.4 percent in FY18. A moderate increase in investment (related to CPEC projects) is expected to contribute to an acceleration of growth, which will continue to be driven by public and private consumption.

 

PDFC Fashion Week to start from (March 02).

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Lahore: The Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) announce the dates for their landmark tenth consecutive season of PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week Scheduled to take place in Lahore from 02-05 March 2017.The success of PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week continues to prompt textile sector, high street and fashion associates to grow to their engagement of the platform to launch new collections and campaigns.