Mohammad Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan inaugurated the ninth International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2016, Pakistan’s biggest defense exhibition today, at the Expo Centre, Karachi.

90 delegates from 43 countries and 418 companies from 34 countries are participating in four-day (Nov 22-25) long Defense Exhibition and Conference. Nine new countries are included among these this year including Luxembourg, Denmark, Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Belgium, Nigeria and Romania.

DEPO Director Media Commodore Tahir Javed told a news conference that overwhelming response from the companies from across the world has boosted our confidence and it proves the success of this mega event. A number of Defense Ministers, Armed Forces Chiefs and top officials are representing the foreign delegations.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that terrorism in Pakistan had declined significantly and the country had also improved as far as the energy sector was concerned.

"In Pakistan, the energy crisis has significantly diminished," he said. "By the year 2016-2017, Pakistan's GDP is expected to grow and reach the mark of 5 percent," he added.

The DEPO Media Coordinator informed that indigenously built defence products which include tanks, fighter jets, missile boats, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and other military equipment are displayed at the IDEAS 2016.

He told that several high-level meetings will also take place between the foreign delegations to promote cooperation in defence production.

International Defence Seminar is organised on the occasion. It will be presided by Mamnoon Hussain, President of Pakistan.

Indigenous AlKhaled Tank, JF 17 Thunder Fighter Aircraft are among Pakistan produces on display. The IDEAS 2016 will conclude on Nov 25.

Doha, 22 November 2016:

Doha Bank has once again demonstrated its leadership by organizing a one of its kind camp for Qatari small and medium enterprise businesses at its flagship West Bay branch, located inside the high end ‘The Gate’ Mall in collaboration with Qatar Development Bank (QDB).

This activity demonstrates Doha Bank’s special relationship with QDB as a preferred partner for the ‘Al Dhameen’ program.

The meet was well received with a strong turn up by enthusiastic, motivated and passionate Qatari business owners, new as well as established Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The camp was orchestrated by Doha Bank’s SME officials and well supported by QDB staff and the concerned branch officials.

Through this camp, the bank showcased its support for the entrepreneurs and SME owners by providing information on financing through the ‘Al-Dhameen’ program.

Doha Bank plans to take this program to the country’s young and vibrant population which is thriving on youthful and innovative business ideas by organizing more such camps at other prominent locations in the next one-two months. The bank expects to generate a healthy portfolio of ‘Al-Dhameen’ customers in the next 2-3 years.

Dr. R. Seetharaman, CEO Doha Bank group stressed on the fact that these camps are an innovative method being adopted to reach out to the Qatari business owners and will go a long way in making this program a success in the future.

He spoke positively about the importance of ‘Al-Dhameen’ program in supporting Qatari SMEs to overcome various obstacles usually faced by them due to lack of collateral security or short credit history.

Dr. Seetharaman, said that this program aims at encouraging commercial banks to extend credit to key sectors such as manufacturing, education, healthcare and important services.

Doha Bank aims to provide the best of financial services to its customers. It recognizes the importance of SME units in the Qatar economy which is rapidly expanding. Doha Bank is committed to continue meeting financial requirements of SME sector in Qatar and also thru its offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait and India.

Doha Bank already enjoys a sizeable SME customer base, strong corporate and retail business and has branch presence across the country to meet customers growing requirements. Doha Bank offers complete range of SME products like working capital, term lending, and contract financing products.

Apart from lending products, Doha Bank SME also offers specialized services like cash management, payroll products, trade services, customized forex solutions, insurance solutions, etc.

Ajyal 2016 to celebrate film icon’s inspirational career with Ajyal Honorary Award

Doha, Qatar; November 21, 2016

The fourth Ajyal Youth Film Festival presented by the Doha Film Institute, is excited to bring to Qatar audiences a special screening of Meg Ryan’s directorial debut Ithaca (USA / 2015), in the presence of the celebrated filmmaker.

During her time at the Festival, the acclaimed actor will discuss her film with the young jurors and will also be presented with the Ajyal Honorary Award, to celebrate her inspirational career.

Actor Meg Ryan steps into the director’s chair with Ithaca, a beautifully staged adaptation of William Saroyan’s novel “The Human Comedy”, in which a teenage boy takes on a part-time job as a telegram delivery boy in a fictional US town during World War II, with deeply moving results. Ryan takes a pivotal role in the film and recruits her regular co-star Tom Hanks in a cameo, while Sam Shepard stars as a crotchety telegraph operator nearing retirement. The film highlights the acting talents of three young actors, including Ryan’s son Jack Quaid, and newcomers Alex Neustaedter, and Spencer Howell.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Festival Director and CEO of Doha Film Institute, said, “Meg Ryan will attend the 2016 Ajyal Youth Film Festival to screen her directorial debut Ithaca, a coming-of-age-film about a youth’s transformation into a responsible young man. The heartwarming and poignant film will resonate with our jurors, as it deals with the subject of self-discovery, values of familial bonding and the re-kindling of hope in tough situations.

“Meg Ryan has earned her rightful position as one of the most successful actors on the big screen, with an impressive filmography that spans more than three decades. She is an inspiration to people of all ages, not only for her perseverance in lending diversity to her roles, but also for her commitment to improving the lives of other women. We look forward to screening her work to audiences in Qatar and are confident that our jurors will gain invaluable insights by interacting with such an accomplished individual, and her transition from an actor to a director.”

Doha
21 November 2016 (QNA)

Third Meeting of the Consultative Group for the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) was concluded today in Doha after coming up with a number of important proposals and ideas.

NATO and member states of ICI agreed on the necessity to strengthen relations to combat terrorism.

Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of the Foreign Ministry, State of Qatar said in his closing speech that threats to global security and stability have become common between all members of the international community. This development required a joint, comprehensive effort in facing those threats while exchanging expertise and information on a regional and international level.

He said that that the partnership between members of the cooperation initiative and NATO has recorded a noticeable success in terms of achieving security in some countries.

Facing future security threats will require strengthening ties further, which will aid in swiftly controlling any developments.

Ambassador Sorin Ducaru, Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges said that he sensed during the dialogue a desire for joint work.

Sorin Ducaru is also head of Qatar's mission to EU and NATO reminded that Qatar has put in a huge effort to enhance cooperation between members and NATO ever since it joined the ICI in March 2005.

He noted that security threats and dangers face members of the international community collectively without exceptions, which requires joint work to face them. Efforts should include establishing cooperation mechanisms, exchanging expertise and information on a regional and international level.

Ambassador pointed out that the initiative had a clear role in strengthening ties with NATO, which was a big step towards guaranteeing stability and security in the region. Cooperation also helped improving security through training programs that aided the ability of member countries of facing security threats.

Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani said that planning a future frame for cooperation between the ICI states and NATO that includes new forms requires exerting more efforts to enhance and achieve that end, noting that the collective partnership umbrella has become a necessity imposed by the current events at the regional and international arenas.

He added that the fields included in the agreement must be expanded by evaluating what has been achieved so far and whether it goes in line with the ambitions and interests of both sides. After that, the agreement would be expanded to feature new spheres of political and practical cooperation so as to overcome the negatives and create a new reality that takes the agreement forward and achieves results that helps in addressing current and future challenges.

The Qatari diplomat stressed the importance of boosting political dialogue among ICI states and NATO through semi-regular meetings at the ministerial level as well as at the level of the ambassadors of ICI states in Brussels with NATO ambassadors.

He said that dialogue and exchanging points of view in such meetings helps in increasing and promoting cooperation, which reflects positively on building trust among ICI states and NATO, and enhancing partnership to boost international security and peace.

Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani highlighted the significance of specifying the mutual interests and practical objectives in order to achieve tangible results and address threats that jeopardize regional security, noting that this requires a united vision for ICI states towards the different regional issues, with that being an aspect of building a unified regional security strategy to achieve security for the Gulf region.

Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani stressed on the need to find a proper mechanism for evaluating the extent to which ICI states benefit from the training courses that NATO carries out in the different fields and work to address the negatives if there were any. He noted that these trainings, whether practical or theoretical, constitute one of the basic pillars of cooperation between the two sides.

Qatar ambassador reaffirmed the importance of following up on the implementation of the recommendations of previous and future meetings and supporting ideas that help in developing the partnership between NATO and ICI states, while briefing ICI states on the security, regional, political, social and economic developments and founding training and practice ventures between the two sides in building defense and security capacities so as to show strength, opportunities and benefits of the partnership.

He highlighted the importance of coordination on a united strategy for public diplomacy by organizing regular meetings on important matters that require united stances and reactions.

Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani said a new phase of cooperation started by approving the individual partnership program and cooperation between all the ICI states and NATO as well as the decision to accredit embassies of the ICI states in Brussels as missions to NATO, consequently accrediting their ambassadors as ambassadors to NATO.

The Qatari diplomat said bilateral cooperation is moving in the right direction but noted that more efforts needs to be exerted to promote mutual understanding and find joint approaches on challenges facing the two sides.

Doha
21 November 2016 (QNA)

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) released today new stats using a new bespoke satellite mapping tool that calculates the distances and travel times between the eight currently under construction stadiums that are set for completion by 2020.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar will be the "ultimate live experience" for football fans, The committee said today while lifting the lid on the compact nature of the 2022 tournament that will allow fans to watch multiple games a day.

The release of the new data coincides with the six years until kick off anniversary, with the first game set to be played at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on 21 November 2022. It also marks the near halfway mark since the country won the hosting rights for the Qatar 2022 World Cup project on 2 December 2010.

The new tool also enabled the SC to map the total ‘Tournament Footprint’, showing how the total square mileage of the stadiums and training pitches required for the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be contained within a mere 235 Sqm, equal to less than half the size of Greater London which covers over 670 Sqm. To put that in the context of other major cities in the UK, the total Tournament Footprint is a little over twice the size of Birmingham and four times the size of Manchester and Liverpool.

The SC has also been able to map the total distances between stadiums and begin calculating travel times, demonstrating the minimal distances that fans and players will have to travel between stadiums in 2022. The longest distance between any two 2022 FIFA World Cup venues, Al Bayt – Al Khor City in the North of Qatar and Al Wakrah in the South, is a mere 35 miles, only seven miles further than the distance between Liverpool FC’s Anfield and Manchester United’s Old Trafford.

The shortest distance between any two venues, Khalifa International and Qatar Foundation, is a mere 3.5 miles, one mile shorter than the distance between Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur’s White Hart Lane.

The compact nature of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar will mean that fans can realistically watch an unprecedented two-to-three live games per day during the group stages, depending on the final FIFA match schedule.

It also means fans will spend a similar amount of time travelling to and from games as they would do if they were making their way across any major city centre, with travel times ranging between 60 minutes for the longest commute between venues and a mere five minutes for the shortest.

Every stadium used during the tournament will be connected by Qatar’s new state-of-the-art metro, scheduled for launch in 2019, as well as a range of other public transport options such as buses and water taxis.

Nasser Al Khater, Assistant Secretary General, Tournament Affairs at the Supreme Committee said: "We have always maintained that Qatar’s size will make it one of the most unique World Cups ever that will benefit both fans and players. For fans, this will be the ultimate tournament for live game experiences. The compact nature means short travel times from the airport and accommodation to fan parks, tourist attractions and most importantly, match venues, enabling fans to watch more than one live game a day.

Qatar is also only an eight hour flight for two thirds of the world’s population. This is completely unique compared to any other FIFA World Cup.

He added that "For the teams competing, it will also be a huge advantage as they will be based at one location for the entire tournament, play in a consistent climate throughout and experience minimal travel between matches. If you compare this to the USA’s group stage travel during Brazil 2014, which saw them notch up nearly 9,000 air miles just for their first three games, you can see how this will clearly benefit the players.

With one training base, one hotel and no need for exhausting flights between stadiums for the entirety of the tournament, teams will have the maximum time possible for preparation, recovery and rest.

" Qatar is investing heavily in infrastructure as part of the country’s preparations for the 2022 tournament and its 2030 National Vision. New hotels will offer travelling fans accommodation options to suit every budget and a new metro, light-rail and expanded and improved road network will mean minimal congestion on the roads throughout the tournament.

Hamad International Airport is also being further expanded, increasing its hourly capacity beyond the current 8,700 to ensure the country can accommodate the thousands of players, fans and operational staff arriving in 2022.

Doha, November 20, 2016
QNA

Two days long International Conference on "Terrorism and Methods of Tackling It" kicked off in Doha. It is organised by College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, Qatar University on Sunday. A number of scientists, intellectuals and academics from Qatar and abroad participating in the conference.

It is aimed to better understanding the concept of terrorism from a scientific perspective, ensuring separation between science and ideology in the approach of the terrorism issue and shedding light on the intellectual, political, and social dimensions of this issue. The conference also seeks to develop a strategic plan to dry up the sources of terrorism in order to isolate it and protect the Arab nation and its culture.

Dr. Issa bin Saad Juffali Al Naimi, Minister for Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs highlighted the importance of the conference specially in current situation when extremism has taken the shape of terrorism and "Islamophobia."

Speakers stressed on the importance of the role being played by elites and educational institutions to face such issues and challenges.

Dr. Hassan Rashid Al-Derham, President of Qatar University elaborated the objectives of conference to explore intellectual, educational and cultural views and experiences so to give clear visions to activate the tolerant Islamic values in the study plans, educational methods and curricula, and cultural education.

He said that the conference would detect problems facing the nation, especially extremism, intolerance, fanaticism, hatred, "Islamophobia" and terrorism issues.

Ar. AlDerham noted the importance of capacity building to form a new awareness for the new generation of intellectual on social security values and the need for peaceful co-existence in human society.

He called on the participants to come up with a plan and a process to be implemented by top scientists, thinkers and researchers known for their moderation to confront the sources of hatred and intolerance.

Abdelfattah Mourou, First Vice President, Republic of Tunisia's Assembly of the Representatives of the People, stressed the role being played by scientists, thinkers and educational institutions in building the minds of the nation through the curriculum, strengthening its presence, removing its alienation and changing its reality to fully play its role.

Doha, November 20, 2016

Doha Bank in collaboration with Embassy of Sri Lanka in Qatar, Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and Ministry of City Planning & Water Supply, Sri Lanka hosted business and investment forum in Doha Bank Auditorium, Doha, Qatar on 20th November 2016.

The inaugural session was attended by Prof Dr. W M Karunadasa, Ambassador of Srilanka, Rauff Hakeem, Minister of City Planning and Water Supply, Sri Lanka, Duminda Ariyasinghe, Director General, Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, Nayana Mawilmada, Head of Investment, Ministry of Megaopolis and Western Development, members of the delegation, member of business community and senior bankers.

Rauff Hakeem, Minister of City Planning and Water Supply, Sri Lanka gave insight on Sri Lankan economy. He said “Sri Lanka’s GDP growth came in at 2.6% in 2016, it was lower than 5.5% GDP growth reported in Q1 2016. The Consumer Price Inflation increased by 4.2% in October 2016, as compared to 3.9% in the month of September 2016.

The country has announced an increase in value added tax from 11 percent to 15 percent. The government fiscal deficit expanded to 6.9 percent of GDP in 2015. The Sri Lankan government has identified the Tourism sector as a key growth area in the post conflict development era, with an target of attracting 2.5 million visitors by 2016. Tourism arrival has increased by 240 % since 2009, as the number of arrival was recorded in 2015 was 1.7 mn compared to 0.5 mn in 2009. Priority has been given for development of required accommodation facilities and other related infrastructure for leisure activities. ”

Rauff Hakeem, Minister of City Planning and Water Supply, Sri Lanka highlighted on Qatar-Srilanka Bilateral relationships, he said “The country is major exporter of Textiles & Garments, Tea, Rubber products, spices and imported of refined petroleum, Crude, Planes, helicopters, Cars and others. In March 2015, Qatar and Sri Lanka signed three agreements for co-operation in sports, youth affairs and media sectors. Bananas and plantains was the main export to Qatar from Sri Lanka, claiming 31% of the total exports to Qatar in 2014. Sri Lanka is keen on seeking Qatari investment in tourism, power and health sectors. Sri Lanka has free health care and has increased the health care expenditure from 1.8 percent to three percent of the GDP. Sri Lanka has signed bilateral Investment Protection Agreements (IPA) with 28 countries. The country has a very independent system of courts which can redress any concerns of investors.”

Dr. R. Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank gave insight on global economies. He said “The recent IMF outlook had given global growth of 3.1 percent in 2016. A more subdued outlook for advanced economies following the June U.K. vote in favor of leaving the European Union and weaker-than-expected growth in the United States. As a result, the 2016 growth forecast for advanced economies has been marked down to 1.6 percent. Emerging and developing economies expected to grow by 4.2 percent this year. Japan economy revised upwards in 2016 and 2017 to 0.5 percent and 0.6 percent respectively. As global growth remains sluggish, the prospect of an extended shortfall in private demand leading to permanently lower growth and low inflation becomes ever more tangible, particularly in some advanced economies where balance sheets remain impaired.”

Dr. R. Seetharaman highlighted on Qatar economy and Qatar Sri Lanka Bilateral relationships. He said “Qatar has budgeted for revenues of 156 billion riyals and expenditures of 202.5 billion riyals in 2016 and post a deficit of 46.5 billion riyals. Health, education and infrastructure are the major areas which are going to give thrust by Qatar this year. Major infrastructure expenditures, would include railways, the new Doha port, several large roadways and the expansion of electricity, water and sewage networks.

The government came up with $9bn bond issue this year. The government is also taking steps to increase non-oil revenues, focusing on indirect taxes and levies. Qatar has increased stamp duty and plans to levy additional taxes on alcohol, tobacco and energy drinks starting in 2017.

Qatar plans to start applying VAT in 2018. Non hydrocarbon as a % of Real GDP will increase from 51.6 percent in 2016 to 54.4 percent of real GDP. Qatar and Sri Lanka can look forward to explore more relationships in the areas of trade and investment. Total foreign ownership is permitted for investment in most of the areas of the economy and there is no restriction on foreign exchange transaction relating to current account payments. The Article 157 of the island's constitution guarantees the safety of investment protection treaties and agreements approved by parliament by a two thirds majority. On the whole Qatar can be a potential trade and investment partner for Sri Lanka.”

20th Nov 2016
Doha

' The phenomenon of terrorism has become a serious threat to the Middle East and global stability in economic, political, social, security and development areas', Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Interior Minister of State of Qatar said in his opening address of 9th World Conference in Doha.

He said that countering terrorism should not be limited to the security aspects, despite its importance, stressing the need for collective efforts to confront terrorism at the national, regional and international level, including cultural, intellectual, ideological, economic, social and media aspects.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani said that all are aware of the need to take advantage of youth's energies and abilities as they are the future of the peoples and nations, adding that this will be achieved only by protecting them and fulfilling their hopes and aspirations which require taking the necessary measures to deal with their problems so as not to be easy prey for terrorist groups.

He said that the world is still looking for the potentials to stimulate economic growth and improve its pace as an important input for the realization of social justice and stability that people aspire to.

Sheikh Abdullah said that development challenges must be faced and its risks and negative effects on the political and social stability must be overcome, especially in the least developed countries, calling on the International Community to support the efforts of these countries to achieve their goals in economic and social development as well as other fields through the fulfillment of the international commitments on development aid in all its forms.

He pointed out that the State of Qatar has spared no effort in providing development assistance and fulfilling its international obligations in this regard for many regions of the world, adding that Qatar has made great achievements in sustainable development in accordance with international and regional reports, particularly in areas such as education, health, employment, youth, human rights and economic growth thanks to the wise leadership of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and his keenness to achieve the aspirations of the Qatari people in all aspects of life.

Prime Minister of Qatar reassured that Qatar will continue its permanent development to achieve prosperity and sustainable development for the Qatari people through Vision 2030 and the related strategic plans to consolidate a modern state based on justice, the rule of law, openness in foreign relations in accordance with strong bases and pillars, especially the mutual respect, common interests according to the rules of international legitimacy, interaction between peoples, cultures and civilizations, respect for human rights and peaceful settlement of disputes.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani emphasized the importance of the issues and topics of this conference, including the changes currently witnessed by the world, especially in the European Union, looking forward to the outcomes of the discussions to achieve the desired goal of this conference for the security, stability and sustainable development in the world.

Ahmet Davutoglu, Former Turkish Prime Minister, Jean-Mare Ayrault, Minister of of Foreign Affairs & Int'l Development, France. and Thierry de Montbrial, Founder & Chairman WPC addressed to the Opening Session.

19 November 2016
Pakistan Inter-Services Public Relations

An Indian quadcopter was shot down by Pakistani military forces on Saturday evening along the Line of Control (LoC) at Aagahi Post in Rakhchakri sector,reported Inter-Services Public relations (ISPR) of Pakistan.

Gen Asim Bajwa, Director General ISPR of Pakistan in his Tweet memtioned as follows:

‏@AsimBajwaISPR
Indian Quad Copter shot down by own Aagahi Post in Rakhchakri Sec.Had intruded 60 Ms in Pak side of LOC,fell near own Agahi Post & taken over.

Gen. Asim Bajwa said that this was not the first suspected spy drone shot down in Pakistani territory originating out of India. Last year in July, Pakistan military shot down Indian 'spy drone' which violated the Pakistan air space along the LoC in Bhimber, Azad Kasmir.

In 2002, Pakistan Air Force shot down a spy drone near Kasur. Military officials claimed at the time that it was an Israeli operated drone flying out from Indian territory.

The military maintains that the 'spy drones' are used for aerial photography.

NEW YORK (Dunya News)

Dr Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nations while addressing during UN General Assembly debate on Afghanistan on Thursday 17th November 2016 said that Pakistan has long called for political solution to conflict in Afghanistan and is gratified that this is now confirmed by international consensus.

She said that dialogue between government in Kabul and Afghan Taliban are the only way to end Afghanistan s long night of suffering and added that the world community can help to promote reconciliation.

Maleeha Lodhi said that for over 30 years Afghan war and strife have produced grave consequences for Pakistan s security, stability and economic development.

She further said that destinies of people of Pakistan and Afghanistan are intertwined and cemented by age old bonds of kinship, faith and shared history. “Pakistan opened its hearts and homes to over 3 mil Afghan refugees and sustained them for over 30 years,” she said.

Maleeha Lodhi said that Pakistan wishes to see Afghan refugees return to their homeland voluntarily, safely and with dignity, sooner rather than later.