Islamabad                                                                                                                                                                              25 April 2018                                                                                                                                                                      (The News)

The Supreme Court issued on Tuesday notices to former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, former president Asif Ali Zardari, former attorney-general Justice (retd) Malik Qayyum and the National Accountability Bureau.

The orders were given by a three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Saqib Nisar, while hearing a petition by Feroze Shah Gilani regarding the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), Geo News reported.

The NRO, passed by Musharraf in 2007, granted amnesty to politicians and other individuals by quashing various corruption and criminal cases against them. The petitioner pleaded before the bench that the NRO caused a loss of billions of rupees and that those who made the law must return the amount incurred in losses due to it.

During the hearing, the chief justice inquired from the petitioner as to the purpose of the petition, observing that the Supreme Court has already declared the NRO null and void. However, the court issued notices to the respondents seeking their replies and adjourned the hearing for a month.

Brussels                                                                                                                                                                                 25 April 2018

On the eve of the first official hearing expected by the European Parliament on Thursday, Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al Marri, Chairman of National Human Rights Committee of Qatar, held a series of important meetings with the European Union officials and EU Parliamentarians .

Present on the occasion were members of the Sub-Commission on Human Rights, officials of a number of various parliamentarian committees, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the European Union.

During NHRC Chief visit to Brussels, an agreement will also be signed between NHRC and the European parliament on bilateral exchange of experiences and consultations, first of it's kind with any Arab  Human Rights Committee and a parliament.

NHRC President started his official visit to the European Parliament yesterday where he will have series of meetings.

Dr. Ali Marri met today with Mrs. Federica Mugreni, Gabrielle Vicenteini, Ytru Duchi, Head of the Democracy Support Unit (DEG), Ms. Rosamaria Jelle, responsible for the European External Action Service (EEAS), Salvatore Chico, Vice-Chairman of the Delegation of the Arabian Peninsula.

He briefed the officials on the repercussions of the siege imposed on Qatar and the violations that have affected thousands of citizens and residents in Qatar and the GCC countries because of the discriminatory and cooperative measures of the embargo countries.

He also breif on the efforts made by the National Human Rights Committee since the first day of the crisis to defend the rights of the affected people and its international movements at the level of human rights organizations and international parliaments, pointing to the international consensus that rejects the unjust siege.

Dr. Ali bin Samikh AlMarri held a hearing in the European Parliament, led by the head of the Sub-Commission on Human Rights, Antonio Panzari, to understand the repercussions of the unjust siege imposed on Qatar.

The hearing comes after a recent visit by a delegation of the European Parliament to Doha, as well as the visit of Antonio Panziri, Chairman of the Human Rights Sub-Committee of the European Parliament at the beginning of April.

 

Islamabad                                                                                                                                                                              25 April 2018                                                                                                                                                                    (Daily The News)

It’s been a year now that Ziaullah is jobless. The National Highway & Motorway Police dismissed him from service. He had fined the then chairman of the National Highway Authority for over-speeding in 2016.

A litany of trouble followed the poor cop. Zia was first transferred to Gwadar from Swabi on “disciplinary grounds”, then demoted to head constable from the rank of patrolling officer on frivolous charges, served with show-cause notices and finally terminated. As he is fighting for justice, his department has been dilly-dallying the official response on removal sought by the Federal Services Tribunal for the last 10 months.

Meanwhile, the then NHA chairman was sent to the World Bank, Washington DC, in a senior position, and the then IG Motorway is now holding a top position in an institution meant “for steering police reform efforts.”

The News first reported about it in 2016 after Zia landed in trouble for issuing a ticket to the boss of his boss who was fined twice, not only the same day but within 25 minutes, for overspeeding on motorway. After verbal exchanges, he paid the fine, conveyed his complaint to IG Motorway and sped away. However, the patrolling officers were immediately transferred from Swabi in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to Gwadar in Baluchistan. Included among the suffering officers was Ziaullah, who in the past had received commendation award from the prime minister.

In 2016, he was recommended for a departmental award that would carry with it a handsome cash prize in recognition of his outstanding performance. He was refused this award after this episode. April 29, 2016 was a fateful day. They were landed in trouble after flagging a Black Prado (GW 971). The vehicle didn’t stop when a patrolling officer asked for it near the Burhan Interchange. A wireless message alerted the staff patrolling near Ghazi Interchange who imposed a fine of Rs. 1,250 for two violations: overspeeding and not stopping near Burhan.

As the Chairman resumed his journey after paying fine, another officer signaled him to stop near Rashkai Interchange where he was fined again for the over-speeding. Ziaullah, the patrolling officer who issued the first ticket, later submitted in his daily report to the department where important incidents during duty are recorded. He was very rude, rather, used insulting remarks when fined. “He told us: I will see you. You’re not doing a favor to yourself. It will have serious consequences,” reads that report available with The News.

“He further said: You have grown shave. I contested his claim. Then he asked me to see your face in the mirror,” Zia further reported to the department. Instead of addressing his complaint, the department came into action the same day — April 29. Zia Ullah and his accompanying officer Zulfiqar Ali were summoned for explanation together with the officers who did second challan — Amjad Ali and Wajida Begum. The former two officers inquired about that particular commuter who had lodged the complaint since 19 offenders were fined that day. The department didn’t disclose the identity of the complainant whereas the shave objection had already been proved false as an inspection officer sent the same day reported back that the shave was properly made and pictures were also dispatched for further confirmation.

All the three male officers were immediately transferred to Gwadar for offending the NHA chief. Two of them: Zia Ullah and Zulfiqar Ali, challenged this order before the Federal Services Tribunal. In the petition submitted, Zia explained that he had in the past fined KP Speaker Asad Qaisar, Senator Taj Muhammad Afridi and the provincial minister Mushtaq Ghani but the consequences of challaning the NHA chairman was a unique experience for him. Also the fact remains that proper procedure has not been followed in disposal of the complaint, Zia and Zulfiqar further argued. The Motorway Police also submitted its reply that failed to satisfy the FST which set aside the transfer orders.

“While submitting reply to the explanations, it has also been alleged by the appellant that violation of traffic rules was made by a senior officer (a reference to NHA chairman), who was sitting in the official vehicle which resulted into the transfer orders of the appellants. On the face of it, mala fide on the part of the respondents (Motorway Police Department) is visible that instead of appreciating the action of employees of the force which is invariably quoted as a model police,” the FST noted.

After the FST verdict, the department, instead of reverting the penalized officers to previous position, transferred them to Lahore (Ziaullah) and Zulfiqar Ahmed (Faisalabad) whereas Amjad Ali who didn’t contest the transfer order was repatriated after two months. Ziaullah, who stood out among his colleagues as the best performer and named for the departmental award that could bring him a cash prize of Rs150,000, was also removed from the list of honorees. He has filed an appeal against this decision with the department.

As The News then contacted the Motorway Police for version, AIG (Establishment) Nasir Mehmood Satti confirmed the complaint was lodged by the chairman NHA. However, he said the complaint was not in reaction to the fine imposed on him but due to the fact that the female officer was carrying her kid along during duty and the male officers on duty were not wearing caps.

These allegations against the male officers as reported by the AIG are in contrast with what they were summoned for explanation through letters: uncouth attitude and grown shave which had already proved wrong.

Later, Zulfiqar gave up but Zia continued for his lawful rights and was subsequently served with show cause notices and summoned. He was ill and produced medical certificates which the department got verified from concerned hospitals but didn’t give any relief to him. As he was terminated from services on April 20 last year, Zia moved the Federal Services Tribunal which has been directing the Motorway Police to submit its reply. The order has not been complied with as yet.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                  25 April 2018

12^th edition of Milipol Qatar 2018, the international event for homeland security and civil defence will be held from 29-31 October this year at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.

This was announced during a press conference attended by Brig. Nasser bin Fahad Al Thani, President of the Milipol Qatar Committee, Brig. Saud Rashid Al Shafi, Asst. Director General of Logistics Directorate at Ministry of Interior and Mrs. Muriel Kafantaris, Director of Milipol Exhibitions.

Once in 2 years event is co-organized by the Ministry of the Interior of Qatar and French company ComexPosium since 1996. The Milipol brand has been associated with over 30 years of high quality and global exhibitions covering the homeland security sector. The brand is proud to be represented by Milipol Paris, Milipol Qatar and recently 'Milipol Asia-Pacific'.

According to a report by leading research firm Frost & Sullivan, the value of the internal security market in the Middle East will rise to $ 19.7 billion by 2022, compared to expectations of $ 9.6 billion this year. In light of this, Milipol Qatar 2018 will help define the business agenda for the sector over the coming years, especially as the countries of the region look forward to using state-of-the-art security solutions to protect their borders.

Milipol Qatar 2018 will highlight a range of state-of-the-art defense, security, monitoring and protection solutions designed to protect the people. This year's edition will also feature interactive live shows, where exhibitors, visitors and buyers will be able to see directly the latest products and innovations in the industry.

The exhibition will also host interactive dialogues with informative presentations, case studies and important discussions in the presence of a group of world leaders.

The new addition of the civil defense sector will further strengthen the status of Milipol Qatar as a leading international platform for internal security in the Middle East, as well as allow companies in a wide range of sectors as well as civil defense and national security stakeholders to discuss the importance of Safety and security for the world's population.

Brig. Nasser bin Fahad Al Thani, President of the Milipol Qatar Committee  said that Milipol Qatar 2018 would provide venues for interactive live shows and would be an ideal platform to assess the development and prosperity of the domestic security sector in the Middle East over the next few years.

He emphasized that Qatar has been and remains a major destination for international high-profile exhibitions and conferences, and our hosting of Milipol will be a clear and real proof for it. The exhibition is a pivotal event that offers unique opportunities for security and safety professionals and security service providers to meet together and discuss key developments in the security sector under one roof.

Mrs. Muriel Kafantaris, Director of Milipol Exhibitions said that we were always seeking to add development and innovation to the Milipol Qatar exhibition. Milipol Qatar's goal is to bring together an elite group of experts and stakeholders to learn about the latest developments and innovations in this field and to establish mutually beneficial partnerships. We invite all internal security specialists to participate in the 2018 edition and we look forward to seeing this year's event a success as in the past years, she added.

Registration for participation in Milipol Qatar 2018 is now open to exhibitors to review their latest security solutions. The website of the exhibition, www.milipolqatar.com, has been redeveloped to provide an easy-to-use experience, enhance practical features and browsing, allowing users to easily access content, and share information across key social platforms.

For more information about registering exhibitors or visitors, please visit https://event.milipolqatar.com/2018/.

 

 

 

Islamabad                                                                                                                                                                         24 April 2018

The federal government on Tuesday informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the American diplomat who rammed over a biker in Islamabad cannot stand trial in Pakistan because of diplomatic immunity.

However, the diplomat has been put on the black list and thus, cannot leave Pakistan, according to Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Raja Khalid.

Earlier this month, a military attaché Col Joseph Emanuel Hall had rammed his vehicle into a motorcycle in the federal capital, killing a citizen Ateeq Beg and injuring his cousin. He had escaped arrest because of diplomatic immunity but a first information report (FIR) regarding the incident was registered with Kohsar Police Station.

DAG Khalid informed the IHC on Tuesday that placing the diplomat's name on the Exit Control List is a very lengthy process and, as things stand today, he can neither be arrested nor can his trial take place in the country.

He added that the Vienna Convention gives diplomatic immunity to the American military attaché so he can be tried only if his immunity is withdrawn.

Justice Amir Farooq, presiding over the case, ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to submit its reply in the case following which the director general (DG) protocol appeared in the court and said that the United States has been contacted on the issue of diplomatic immunity for Col Hall.

Being placed on the black list would mean the diplomat's movements would be limited and monitored.

During last week's hearing, Justice Farooq had remarked: "Him being a diplomat does not mean he can kill our citizens."

The judge had also reprimanded Kohsar SHO for failing to take the accused's statement and conducting a blood test following the incident, saying: "The police itself destroys cases this way."

Islamabad                                                                                                                                                                             24 April 2018                                                                                                                                                             English Daily 'Dawn'

The Council of Common Interest (CCI) in its 37th meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office in Islamabad on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in chair, unanimously approved the first-ever National Water Policy (NWP) of Pakistan.

The chief ministers of the four provinces and senior officials attended the meeting in which Sartaj Aziz, the deputy chairman of Planning Commission of Pakistan, briefed the CCI on the draft of the policy.

Aziz said the policy has been prepared after consultation with all major stakeholders and a national level seminar was also held to reach a consensus. Proposals presented in the 36th CCI meeting have also been incorporated in the policy, he added.

Salient features of National Water Policy

• Water use and allocation on priority
• Integrated planning for development and use of water resources
• Environmental integrity of the Basin
• Impact of climate change
• Trans-boundary water sharing
• Irrigated and rain-fed agriculture
• Drinking water and sanitation
• Hydropower and industry uses
• Ground water resources
• Water rights and obligations
• Sustainable water infrastructure
• Water related hazards
• Quality management
• Awareness and research
• Conservation measures
• Legal framework and capacity building of water sector institutions

During the meeting, the CCI was briefed about the implementation of NWP will be undertaken through a national level body namely National Water Council (NWC) to be chaired by the prime minister and comprising federal ministers for water resources; finance; power; planning development and reforms and all provincial chief ministers as members.

In the meeting, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government presented a brief on implementation of Kazi Committee Methodology (KCM) for calculation of Net Hydel Profits (NHP).

After deliberation, the CCI directed the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Planning Commission of Pakistan and Ministry of Water Resources to reconcile the claims in consultation with the provinces and resubmit the issue for decision in the next CCI meeting.

Later, the prime minister along with the four chief ministers signed the Pakistan Water Charter pledging commitment to the National Water Policy.

 

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                  23 April 2018

Qatar Airways announced today that it will be hosting 31^st annual IATA Ground Handling Conference, taking place from 23–25 April in Doha.

The conference, the first of its kind to take place in the Middle East was attended by Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications of Qatar and over 700 international delegates and guests from more than a dozen nations globally.

Al Sulaiti said “We are tremendously proud to be hosting the 31^st Annual IATA Ground Handling Conference, the first time this gathering is taking place in the Middle East. It is significant that Doha has been chosen as the inaugural host in the Middle East. The fact that so many delegates have chosen to attend this year’s conference is a demonstration of confidence in both Qatar Airways and the State of Qatar. We look forward to a successful gathering, and welcome all in attendance to the State of Qatar.”

A video highlighting Qatar Airways’ resilience amidst the illegal blockade against the State of Qatar was shown, as well as an additional video highlighting the airline’s many significant achievements during the past twenty years.

At a packed press conference, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker announced that its ground handling subsidiary, Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) will begin international expansion in 2018. Expanding QAS’s operations internationally will enhance Qatar Airways’ rapid growth pans, as well as provide other airlines and airports access to QAS’s capabilities and the profit and performance improvements that it deliver to its customers.

Al Baker said:  “The decision to launch QAS internationally is a logical business decision. Our Ground Services division contracts with ground handlers across our extensive global network of more than 150 global destinations measuring their key performance indicators, and QAS is without doubt a global leader in this area.”

“It is significant that our plans for international expansion were announced at the IGHC, since we have a long-term relationship with IATA. The QAS management team holds key positions on the IATA technical working groups, proposing and implementing developments that improve standards across the aviation industry. By being the best in a high-tech, high-traffic, and high-growth environment, we provide innovative solutions for our customers that they don’t have access to through other ground handling agents.”

Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) is an award-winning, premier ground handling organisation headquartered at Hamad International Airport (HIA). Since its establishment in 2000, QAS has developed a reputation as a premium provider of world-class ground services.

QAS is certified in IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), ISO 9001, RA3 (Regulated Agent) and is a member of the IATA Ground Handling Partnership, proactively participating in various IATA technical groups such as IATA Ground Operations Manual, Load Control & Messaging, Ground Service Equipment & Environment and Airside Safety Group.

 

 

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                      23 April 2018

Qatar National Bank (QNB) Group has signed a landmark merchant agreement with Qatar Rail  as a strategic partner and the official Acquirer Bank for all TravelCard and Fare Media payments.

The agreement was signed by Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari, QNB Group Chief Executive Officer, and Qatar Rail's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng Abdulla Abdulaziz T Al Subaie, on the sidelines of Cityscape Qatar exhibition.  Present on the occasion were Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and Jassim bin Saif AlSulaiti, Minister for Transport & Communication of Qatar.

This agreement underscores QNB's commitment towards supporting the country's economy, by enhancing the role of the private sector and supporting such projects, which will further boost the national economy.

It will ensure that Qatar Rail will be able to accept payments made with all major credit and debit cards issued in Qatar and worldwide.

Payments will be possible directly at the stations through the Travel Cards Vending Machines, on a dedicated web site, and through the mobile APP. This will enable the quick, safe and secure purchase of Travel Card and top up as well as facilitate the purchase of limited use cards.

As a strategic partner and the official Acquirer Bank, QNB will offer its support to facilitate payments in this important project which will bolster the development of the transportation sector in Qatar.

QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 31 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees exceeds 28,000 operating through more than 1,200 locations, with an ATM network of more than 4,300 machines.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                      23 April 2018

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) today kicked-off the third edition of ‘MOUSHTARAYAT’ - the Government Procurement and Contracting Conference & Exhibition, in collaboration with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) - the strategic partner, and Qatar National Bank (QNB) – the golden sponsor.

Three-day event is dedicated to providing a platform for interaction between local SMEs and the governmental bodies, in addition to strengthening cooperation between the private and public sector companies in Qatar. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry.

The conference saw the National Procurement Awards, where names of the five winning Qatari organizations were announced in recognition of their commitment to facilitating the entry of new participants into the Qatari marketplace. The winning companies included: The Ministry of Municipalities and Environment, Occidental Petroleum Qatar, Ministry of Public Health, Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

This year's conference will include several interactive sessions that aim to educate attendees on the procedures involved in partaking in future tender and application processes successfully. The event will provide SMEs with more than 2,000 business opportunities with an estimated cumulative value worth up to QAR 6.5 billion as well as the platform to learn about existing public tenders extended by 40 big buyers, such as larger private sector companies, semi-governmental and governmental bodies.

Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al-Khalifa, CEO of Qatar Development Bank said on the occasion that “By organizing the Government Procurement and Contracting Conference & Exhibition ‘Moushtarayat’ 2018 and its previous editions, QDB aims to help Qatari SMEs gain access to government, semi-government and private business opportunities. This is essentially an interactive platform for entrepreneurs, SMEs and the representatives who are offering the business opportunities to communicate.

He said that following the unjust blockade imposed on us in Qatar, and through smaller exhibitions such as 'Buy National Product' 1, 2 and 3, QDB has been connecting the local buyers to the local market through SMEs. AlKhalifa siad that 'We are extremely pleased to see the local SMEs reaching executive potential and are becoming the main providers of products & services for large projects within the State of Qatar and the government sector in particular and major private sector companies. Our tie-up with the Ministry of Finance is a strategic partnership to activate the role of SMEs through the Procurement and Government Procurement Conference and Exhibition.

He thanked and appreciated the role of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and QNB for their contribution and sponsorship towards this important conference.”

This year’s Moushtarayat conference and exhibition is the latest in a series of integrated programs and initiatives offered by QDB to develop SMEs. To promote the private sector, QDB locally extends wide-ranging financial and non-financial support to entrepreneurs across a myriad of industries so that SMEs may achieve higher scales of competitiveness in Qatar.

The exhibition is expected to bring significant achievements for all parties, where SMEs will be able to identify the existing opportunities and open new markets through their presence. Local buyers will also benefit from gaining more knowledge and establishing better dialogue with prominent buyers and suppliers. QDB’s efforts will help enhance SMEs market positions both technically and financially by assisting to localize supply chains.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                  23 April 2018

Qatar Airways announced today that it has signed a multi-year partnership agreement with Italian football club AS Roma. The agreement, the largest ever signed by the club, will see Qatar Airways become AS Roma’s Main Global Partner, with the airline’s logo to adorn the team’s shirts through the 2020-21 season.  Qatar Airways will be only the seventh shirt sponsor in the club’s 90-year history.

The partnership will also enable Qatar Airways to engage with millions of the club’s fans worldwide, and help Roma reach millions of potential new fans across the globe.

Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways said: “We are very pleased to announce this new partnership, which will see Qatar Airways become the official shirt sponsor of AS Roma through the 2020-21 season. AS Roma is one of the most successful and well-known football clubs in the world, and our shared passion to strive for excellence and innovation make this a natural partnership. As an airline, we understand the power of sport in bringing people together, and our new partnership with AS Roma further underscores this belief. We look forward to working together and celebrating with AS Roma fans all over the globe.”

Jim Pallotta, President AS Roma said "We are delighted to announce this historic partnership between AS Roma and Qatar Airways, two great brands with global ambitions. Today’s announcement is the result of discussions behind the scenes for more than eight months with Qatar Airways, led by our commercial team in London with much assistance from the entire Roma team, and comes at a significant time in the club’s history, on and off the pitch.

“With a new stadium due to begin construction late this year and the team in the Champions League semi-final for the first time for 34 years, it’s an exciting time to be a Roma fan. We shall be proud to wear the Qatar Airways name on our shirts and we look forward to working together to achieve sporting and commercial success for many years to come.”

Qatar Airways currently flies twice a day to Rome and Milan, as well as daily to Venice and Pisa. Qatar Airways last year announced the acquisition of 49 per cent of AQA Holding, the new parent company of Air Italy. Meridiana, Italy’s long established privately owned airline, entered into an exciting new phase of growth and development with its new identity as Air Italy last year.

Additionally, the airline earlier this month celebrated its partnership with the ABB FIA Formula E Championship in Rome, where the airline was represented as the Official Airline Partner of the 2018 CBMM Niobium Rome E-Prix presented by Mercedes EQ.

Last month, Qatar Airways signed a five-year partnership agreement with leading German football team FC Bayern München AG, by which the award-winning airline will become an FC Bayern München platinum partner until June 2023, further highlighting Qatar’s role as a global leader in sports.

Qatar Airways believes in the power of sport in bringing people together, and sponsors many top-level sporting events around the world, including leading German football team Bayern München AG as well as the Formula E electric street racing series. Qatar Airways is also the Official Airline Partner of FIFA, which includes 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, the FIFA Club World Cup™, the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™.