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PRCS Chairman, Moroccan envoy discuss humanitarian relations

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 26 (APP): Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari held a courtesy meeting with Moroccan Ambassador Mohammed Karmoune at the Embassy of Morocco, signifying a pivotal moment in the humanitarian relationship between Pakistan and Morocco.
The meeting marked a significant juncture in the humanitarian partnership between Pakistan and Morocco, emphasizing their shared commitment to aid and disaster management.
Chairman Laghari emphasized on the substantial partnership between the two nations in addressing humanitarian challenges.
During the discussions, Chairman Laghari provided insights into the ongoing programs and projects of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to serving vulnerable communities nationwide.
He underscored the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in effectively addressing humanitarian crises, expressing gratitude for Morocco’s past participation in PRCS-organized events such as the International Donors Conference.
Chairman Laghari specifically emphasized PRCS’s anticipation of support from the Government of Morocco, especially in the recovery phase following the devastating Monsoon 2022 floods.
He also expressed a strong desire to enhance cooperation, particularly with the Moroccan government and the Moroccan Red Cross, and other humanitarian organizations aligned with the Red Crescent mandate, aiming to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable communities in Pakistan.
Chairman Laghari extended an invitation to   Ambassador Mohammed Karmoune to visit the PRCS National Headquarters, which was graciously accepted.
Ambassador Mohammed Karmoune expressed gratitude to Chairman Laghari for the comprehensive information and insights provided regarding disaster management during the floods, noting the impressive execution.
He commended the Pakistan Red Crescent Society for its relentless efforts, led by Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari, in providing assistance to those in need, especially during times of crisis.
The Moroccan Ambassador pledged to facilitate Chairman Laghari’s visit to Morocco, arranging meetings with counterparts from the Moroccan Red Cross and heads of humanitarian organizations.
The aim is to investigate opportunities for collaboration and address any gaps in interventions, such as shelter, livelihood, health, and cash assistance, being carried out by PRCS during the recovery phase.
He recognized the indispensable role of humanitarian organizations like PRCS in mitigating human suffering and promoting resilience within communities.
Concluding the meeting, Chairman Laghari presented a memento to Ambassador Mohammed Karmoune, along with a souvenir, symbolizing the spirit of humanitarian collaboration.

Defence Minister leads Pakistan’s delegation to Kazakhstan SCO moot

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 26 (APP): Federal Minister for Defence & Defence Production Khawaja Muhammad Asif is leading the Pakistan delegation to Kazakhstan for the annual meeting of the Defence Ministers of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
The meeting reviewed the regional security issues, including the defence cooperation initiatives, a news release said.
The Defence Minister also held meetings with the defence ministers of the friendly countries of the SCO to discuss issues of bilateral defence cooperation.
Various areas of mutual interest including respective regional security, counter terrorism, Afghanistan situation and review of national security priorities, extremist threats, border management and maritime security were also deliberated upon.
Minister of Defence stated that Pakistan is deeply concerned about the escalating situation in Gaza. Pakistan has consistently advocated for a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with relevant United Nations resolutions.
He also said that Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the SCO platform. “I would reiterate that Pakistan takes great pride in our partnership with SCO and are fully committed to further deepening and expanding this association”, said the Minister for Defense while addressing the forum.

PSA World C’ships in May

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 26 (APP): The 2023-24 CIB PSA World Championships will be held at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the Palm Hills Club when the sport’s most prestigious tournament returns to Cairo, Egypt from May 9 to 18.

A glass show court would be erected at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization from the third round onwards, with all matches from the opening two rounds and selected third round matches taking place at the Palm Hills Club located in 6th of October City, where a glass court will also be erected, said a press release.

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization also hosted the 2021-22 edition of the sport’s pinnacle event, with Egyptian World No.1s Ali Farag and Nour El Sherbini capturing their third and sixth World Championship titles, respectively.

“We are delighted to bring squash’s biggest event back to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which is the latest iconic Egyptian landmark to host a professional squash tournament,” said PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough.

Asia Cricket Week from April 28

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 26 (APP): ICC Asia has launched Asia Cricket Week, to take place from April 28 to May 5.

The Week is a celebration of the various forms of our sport in the region.

Activities range from a women’s trainer workshop in Kuala Lumpur, cricket clinics and workshops in Nepal, community outreach programmes in Singapore to foundation coaching courses to school Physical Education teachers in Uzbekistan and the UAE’s hosting of a men’s U19 inter-Emirates event, said a press release.

It is a particularly exciting week for women’s cricket in the region, where in Iran, a women’s tournament kicks off in Tehran, Qatar, along with Malaysia’s Women’s Super League getting off the ground featuring five teams that will play 14 matches and can be watched live on ICC.

For the first time, Kuwait will host Bahrain in the “Yalla Shabab” (Le’s Go Guys) series, from 25 to 27 April at Sulaibiya Cricket Ground. The three-match, 100% indigenous Arab T20 series is designed to encourage local support ahead of the 2030 and 2034 Asian Games in Doha and Riyadh respectively.

In Hong Kong, the hosts and China will deliver their men’s and women’s Premier League Finals Day on 5 May. Both Games will be broadcast live locally, promoting the sport and encouraging fan support for both the men’s and women’s games in the region.

The ICC’s Criiio training and education programme will be live in Bahrain, Mongolia, Qatar and Tajikistan, while junior cricket and school’s events will be hosted in Cambodia, China, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Thailand.

This special week of cricket coincides with the United Nations’ observance of April 6 as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

This initiative aims to strengthen the spirit of cricket throughout the region, symbolizing sportsmanship and unity.

With this in mind, ICC Asia invited its members to engage by organizing cricket-related events and meetings during this time.

Aminul Islam, Regional Manager of ICC Asia said, “The enthusiastic response has been truly overwhelming, and we are thrilled with the buy-in from our members.

“The unique combination of broad reach, the power to overcome barriers, and the capability for low-cost, high-impact engagement makes Asia Cricket Week an effective tool in achieving our development goals.

“We are deeply impressed by the depth and breadth of each program designed by our members. Their genuine interest and dedicated efforts fill us with optimism for the future.”

50pc cut in subsidy of BRT service likely: CM’s aide

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PESHAWAR, Apr 26 (APP): Advisor to KP CM on Finance, Muzzamil Aslam has hinted at 50 percent cut in the subsidy of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and rationalization of the fares of the BRT service to the extent to put no unnecessary burden on its commuters.

He expressed these views while presiding over a TransPeshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Urban Mobility Authority (KPUMA) here on Friday. Besides, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) KPUMA, Dr Tariq Usman, Additional Secretary Transport and Project Director (Solarization) Provincial Energy Development Organization (PEDO), other concerned authorities also attended the meeting.

The Advisor while expressing anguish over the authorities of BRT asked them to increase their revenue and cut down expenses and bring the rent of its properties at par with market rate.

Muzzamil Aslam said that a proposal of increase in BRT fares on the basis of per kilometer is under consideration and also directed for adopting alternate means of energy to curtail its expenses in head of electricity. He further directed of bringing the rent of BRT shops at far with market rate to increase its receipts.

He appreciated the connotation that each fourth commuter of the BRT is a woman and its 10 percent employees are women.

Ashrafi re-elected member of Muslim World League’s Supreme Council

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By Rehan Khan

ISLAMABAD, Apr 26 (APP): Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman and International Tazim-e-Haramain Sharifain Council Secretary General, has been re-elected as a member of the Supreme Council of Muslim World League.

With a longstanding commitment to the upliftment of Islamic values and the welfare of Muslim communities worldwide, Ashrafi has consistently been at the forefront of advocating for unity and cooperation within the Muslim world. Ashrafi’s re-election to the prestigious Supreme Council reaffirms his influential role in shaping the discourse surrounding contemporary Islamic issues.

Throughout his tenure, Ashrafi has demonstrated remarkable leadership in promoting interfaith harmony, countering extremism, and fostering dialogue among diverse Muslim sects.

Ashrafi’s unwavering efforts have earned him respect and recognition both nationally and internationally.

As a member of the Supreme Council of Muslim World League, Ashrafi is poised to continue his advocacy for the rights and well-being of Muslims, while also contributing to the League’s initiatives aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting the Muslim Ummah.

In response to his re-election, Ashrafi expressed gratitude for the trust expressed by the members of the Supreme Council in him.

He reiterated his commitment to advancing the interests of Muslims, emphasizing the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of global challenges.

Citywide anti-encroachment campaign launched: Mayor Karachi

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KARACHI, Apr 26 (APP): Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that a campaign had been launched against encroachments in all the districts of Karachi simultaneously.
He said this while presiding over a high-level meeting on anti-encroachment drive at the head office of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) on Friday.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that KMC inspectors were being deployed in every town while the city administration and KMC would jointly conduct operation against encroachments. A comprehensive strategy has been chalked out under the court orders for removal of encroachments, he said and added, this operation is not aimed at making citizens jobless but a proposal to allocate space for hawkers in every district is under consideration so that the carts and patharas can be shifted there.
Commissioner Karachi Syed Hasan Naqvi, Municipal Commissioner KMC S.M Afzal Zaidi, all deputy commissioners and officers were also present in the meeting.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that during the drive against encroachments, all encroachments would be removed from M. A Jinnah Road, Saddar, Regal Market, Mobile Market, New M.A.Jinnah Road, Bohri Bazar and other areas of district South.
During the meeting Deputy commissioners gave briefing about encroachments in their area.
Deputy Commissioner Central said that in his district, there is a lot of encroachments around Hyderi Food Street Block H North Nazimabad, Landi Kotal Chowrangi, Sindhi Hotel, Hussainabad Food Street, Allahwala Chowrangi North Karachi, Liaquatabad 10 Number and Supermarket.
Besides removing the encroachments plan will be made in consultation with the traffic police to ensure smooth flow of traffic on these roads.
The Deputy Commissioner South said that there are problems due to encroachments around M. A Jinnah Road, Saddar, Regal Market, Cooperative Market, Bohri Bazar, Lee Market, while traffic flow is affected due to parking of vehicles on New M.A Jinnah Road.
Similarly the Deputy Commissioner West said that there are problems due to encroachments under Banaras flyover in his district.
There are more encroachments around Orangi Town No. 10 and Qatar Hospital which have to be removed. Deputy Commissioner Kemari identified areas regarding encroachments including Sher Shah, Manghopir Road and other areas.
He said that instead of planting trees and greening, space outside factories in the site area has been earmarked for parking vehicles there, so factory owners will be requested to make this space in front of their factory green and beautiful.
During the meeting, a briefing was given about encroachments at Tariq Road, Samama Shopping Center, Pehalwan Goth and other areas in East District.
Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi said that the proposal to impose Section 144 on cutting the road without permission is under consideration and it will be implemented soon. Joint strategy will be adopted for removal of encroachments in the city, no encroachment on Shara-e-Faisal will be tolerated,
A large number of rickshaws are parked from Lasbela Chowk to Gurumandir, due to which traffic is affected, the concerned association should be approached for solving this problem.

PSX gains 771 points

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 26 (APP):The 100-Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday gained 771.35 points, a positive change of 1.07 percent, closing at 72,742.75 points against 71,971.40 points the previous trading day.
A total of 541,144,650 shares valuing Rs 22.589 billion were traded during the day as compared to 798,527,177 shares valuing Rs 27.542 billion the last day.
Some 375 companies transacted their shares in the stock market; 175 of them recorded gains and 175 sustained losses, whereas the prices of 25 remained unchanged.
The three top trading companies were Askari Bank Limited with 39,174,000 shares at Rs 25.16 per share, K-Electric Limited with 31,235,856 shares at Rs 4.58 per share and WorldCall Telecom with 30,155,361shares at Rs 1.33 per share.
Nestle Pakistan Limited witnessed a maximum increase of Rs 131.74 per share price, closing at Rs 7,822.61, whereas the runner-up was Sapphire Fiber Limited with a Rs 104.12 rise in its per share price to Rs1,492.45.
Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs 101.08 per share closing at Rs 20,153.92, followed by Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited with Rs 38.36 decline to close at Rs 630.20.

Seminar on dengue

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FAISALABAD, Apr 26 (APP): In line with the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government is taking effective measures against dengue.
Addressing an awareness seminar on anti-dengue held in collaboration with district health authority at district industrial home here Friday, Sanatzar manager Zahida Naz said that women’s role could not be ruled out in preventing dengue growth at homes.
Entomologist Dr. Khurram, Usman Habib from UCD, instructors and under training women were also present in the seminar.
Zahida Naz said that dengue is a social problem, so the cooperation of society is indispensable for its prevention. Entomologist Dr Khuram said that the district administration is successfully running the anti-dengue campaign, but we should take precautionary measures to avoid dengue.
Usman Habib said that social awareness is important and results of awareness programs are very positive.

Opponents must compete with Punjab CM on basis of performance: Azma Bukhari

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LAHORE, Apr 26 (APP): Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has said that opponents should compete with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on the basis of performance instead of using inappropriate language.
She said this while reacting to a statement of Barrister Saif here on Friday.
Azma Bukhari said that the ‘Fitna’ party was matchless in telling lies and using inappropriate language.
She said Barrister Saif must control his tongue, adding that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf could not digest the performance of the Punjab Chief Minister.
She said, “The Punjab CM believes in taking practical steps and she is creating ease for the people of Punjab.”
Azma said that the CM was taking steps for the welfare of the people without any discrimination.
She further said, “It is very unfortunate that the CM of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains busy at Adiala Jail. If Gandapur has no time for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, then he should shift to the jail.”