ECP launches Election Monitoring Center for KP Tehsil Council by-elections

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Sat, 27 Apr 2024, 12:13 PM

ISLAMABAD, Apr 27 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has set up the Election Monitoring and Control Center (EMCC) to register and resolve public complaints during the upcoming local government by-elections for the Chairman Tehsil Council scheduled for April 28.

According to the ECP spokesperson, individuals can contact this center to lodge any complaints regarding the elections taking place in six districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The center has enlisted trained staff to promptly address grievances and ensure timely resolution,” stated the spokesperson.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has set up control centers at four levels to register public complaints and swiftly address them. These control rooms are located at provincial, divisional, and district levels, in addition to the Election Commission Secretariat in Islamabad.

The control room will stay in communication with pertinent personnel and stakeholders. It will remain operational until the conclusion of the electoral process.

He prompted individuals to file their concerns regarding bye-elections with EMCC through email at complaints@ecp.gov.pk, emphasizing the availability of a round-the-clock helpline at 051-111-327-000 for their convenience.

The control center is equipped with monitoring capabilities for both social media and electronic media. Moreover, complaints can be lodged via fax at 051-9204404.

Pak HC in Australia attends funeral prayer of Faraz Tahir

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Irfan Khan

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Sat, 27 Apr 2024, 12:04 PM

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ISLAMABAD, April 27 (APP): Pakistan High Commissioner to Australia Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri has attended the funeral of Faraz Ahmed Tahir, a victim of Bondi Junction incident.

The funeral ceremony was attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier, MPs, Senators, and a large number of community members.

The high commissioner said that Faraz laid down his life to save others. His bravery, courage, and selflessness would always be remembered, a post on X said on Saturday.

He also conveyed sympathies and prayed for all the victims of the tragic events of Bondi Junction and wished fast and full recovery of the injured, including another Pakistani hero Muhammad Taha.

PM to attend WEF special meeting in KSA

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Irfan Khan

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Sat, 27 Apr 2024, 11:50 AM

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ISLAMABAD, April 27 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday will travel to Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in a two-day special meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on ‘Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development’.

The prime minister was invited to attend the WEF meeting by Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Professor Klaus Schwab.

The prime minister will be accompanied by the key members of the federal cabinet, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

During the meeting, the prime minister would spell out Pakistan’s perspective on health, financial technologies, information technology, comprehensive development, regional cooperation and an equitable and sustainable use of energy for the global progress.

On the sidelines of the WEF meeting, he is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with the global leaders, head of world bodies and other important personalities.

About 1,000 leaders from business, government and academia will participate in the Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development, WEF said in a press statement.

The meeting, 28–29 April 2024, will focus on new pathways to reinvigorate growth globally amid the challenges posed by an increasingly fragmented geopolitical and economic environment.

“Building on the inaugural Growth Summit, held in Geneva, Switzerland last year, the meeting, 28–29 April 2024 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will revolve around three themes: revitalizing global collaboration; a compact for inclusive growth; and catalysing action on energy for development,” it was added.

The event bridges the growing North-South divide, which has further widened on issues such as emerging economic policies, the energy transition and geopolitical shocks.

The statement further says that the meeting’s programme includes a variety of pressing global issues. Topics include geopolitical upheavals notably the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza; defining and designing new types of economic growth and job creation to improve living standards globally; advancements in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies; the restructuring of supply chains; and the need to advance an equitable and sustainable energy transition.

Bahawalpur receives storm, rain

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NNPS Desk

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Sat, 27 Apr 2024, 11:40 AM

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BAHAWALPUR, Apr 27 (APP): A dust storm followed by rain hit Bahawalpur and suburbs at night between Friday and Saturday.

The intermittent rain has made the weather pleasant by dropping temperatures.

Meanwhile, the local Met Office has forecast partly cloudy to cloudy weather with chances of rain for the city for the next 24 hours.

The maximum and minimum temperatures recorded were 35 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius during the last 24 hours.

Partly cloudy to cloudy weather with chances of rain has also been forecast for the rest of the region.

Pakistan poised to become South Asian region’s tech hub: Masood Khan

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NNPS Desk

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Sat, 27 Apr 2024, 11:38 AM

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WASHINGTON, Apr 27 (APP): Pakistan is set to become a tech hub in the South Asian region, Ambassador Masood Khan told a group of over thirty chief executive officers (CEOs) and founders of leading tech startup companies owned by Pakistani-Americans on Friday.

“The tech industry of Pakistan has witnessed exponential growth during the past few years, with our IT products and services making their way to the United States and other parts of the developed world,” the Pakistani envoy told them.

The companies represented at the meeting included Breshna.io, American Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Dingman Center Angels, Capitol Technology, SnappRetail, Accenture, Capital One, Beaj Education, Unboxx Technologies, ioSENTRIX, Nurse Next Door, Teach The World Foundation, Zigron, Gepeto, XtremeLabs LLC, and others, according to the Pakistan Embassy issued press release.

“Pakistani tech startups are being supported by the leading US venture capitalists, and our tech-savvy youth is making its mark in the global market with its immense entrepreneurial skills,” he said.

“We have become an integral part of the tech ecosystem of the region and are destined to become the tech hub of the region in the near future.”

CEO and Founder of Paklaunch (PL), Aly Fahad, also participated in the meeting.

“Paklaunch, with its vision of ‘help build Pakistan into the top 10 tech ecosystems in the world by 2030’, is a platform driving growth in the Pakistani entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem by showcasing the accomplishments of Pakistanis, helping their entrepreneurs through advisory, training, or fund-raising, enabling discussions on global investment opportunities including but not limited to stocks, real estate, startups, etc., and facilitating networking and collaboration through group discussions and events (virtual and in-person),” it pointed out.

Addressing the participants, Fahad said, “Paklaunch, which was founded in 2020 with seven members, has now grown into a community of 350,000 members, comprising a global community of investors, professionals, and startups. The platform has so far helped 90 startups and has successfully raised over $90 million to support the nascent entities with a vision.”

CEOs and founders of various companies present on the occasion also shared their experiences, the press release said.

“They appreciated the initiative of Ambassador Masood Khan to bring them under one roof for better networking, sharing their experiences, and broadening their outreach,” it added.

Terming Paklaunch as a momentous and consequential initiative to support budding entrepreneurs, Masood Khan paid tribute to Fahad,calling him a trailblazer.

The Ambassador also briefed the meeting on the critical role that the Special Investment Facilitation Council was playing in promoting foreign investment, especially in IT, agriculture, energy, and extractive industries.

Ambassador Saima presents credentials to Gambian president; to act as Pak non-resident envoy

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NNPS Desk

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Sat, 27 Apr 2024, 11:10 AM

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 27 (APP): Ambassador of Pakistan to Senegal Saima Maymunah Sayed presented her diplomatic credentials to the President of the Gambia Adama Barrow.

Ambassador Saima Sayed will serve as non-resident Ambassador of Pakistan to the Gambia, said a press release received on Saturday.

During the interaction, she reiterated the brotherly ties of Pakistan and Gambia and conveyed good wishes for the upcoming 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The presentation of the diplomatic credentials comes days before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s scheduled travel to Gambia to attend the OIC Summit being held on May 4-5, 2024 in the Gambian capital of Banjul.

According to Foreign Office, at the Summit, the prime minister would express Pakistan’s grave concern on genocide in Gaza, advocate for their right to self-determination, the imperative of solidarity, besides deliberating on Islamophobia, terrorism, and the challenges faced by the world, particularly the Muslim world.

He will also hold bilateral meetings with the participating world leaders.

China’s diplomatic policies praised as model for global relations

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NNPS Desk

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Sat, 27 Apr 2024, 10:55 AM

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BEIJING, April 27 (APP): Ambassador Shahid Malik has emphasized that regardless of a country’s size, China consistently upholds principles of equal respect.

He made these remarks in a conversation with the Urdu service of China Media Group while addressing a question regarding China’s stance on sovereign equality, non-interference, and respect for other nations.

China’s diplomatic strategies, particularly under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, have garnered widespread acclaim, being hailed as a blueprint for international relations. The adept management of bilateral relations with various countries has positioned China as a global role model.

During a recent discussion, Shahid Malik, a notable figure, highlighted the significance of China’s approach to fostering relations with other nations individually. This approach, underscored by mutual respect and cooperation, has effectively navigated complex global dynamics.

“China’s commendable ability to cultivate robust bilateral ties spans across continents, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America,” he stated.

“Despite inevitable challenges, China consistently strives to nurture positive relations with all its counterparts.”

Central to China’s diplomatic philosophy are principles of sovereign equality, non-interference, and respect for other nations’ autonomy.

Observers have lauded China’s unwavering commitment to these principles, seeing them as crucial for maintaining stable and mutually beneficial international relationships.

The remarks underscore the global interest in and admiration for China’s diplomatic finesse, which is closely monitored by stakeholders worldwide.

Ambassador Malik concluded by affirming that China’s diplomatic approach sets an exemplary standard for international affairs, urging other nations to emulate its pragmatic and respectful engagement with the global community.

Pakistan, Canada agree to deepen bilateral cooperation in multiple domains

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NNPS Desk

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Sat, 27 Apr 2024, 10:02 AM

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 27 (APP): The 5th Round of Pakistan-Canada Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Ottawa wherein the two sides agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in multiple domains.

The Pakistan side was led by Ambassador Mariam Aftab, Additional Foreign Secretary (Americas), while the Canadian delegation was headed by Assistant Deputy Minister (Indo-Pacific) Weldon Epp, Global Affairs Canada, according to a press release received on Saturday.

The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and identified opportunities and possibilities for further cooperation, especially in the spheres of trade, investment, education, parliamentary exchanges, counter terrorism and people-to-people contacts.

The Additional Foreign Secretary briefed on Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities and invited Canadian companies to invest in energy, mining and IT sectors in Pakistan.

The two sides discussed mutual collaboration at international fora, including the UN, and agreed to further deepen cooperation.

They expressed satisfaction at the overall progress in bilateral relations and committed to enhance cooperation in all fields of mutual interest.

The Canadian side was apprised of recent developments in the South Asian region, especially Afghanistan, Pakistan-India relations and human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The 6th round of Bilateral Political Consultations will be held in Islamabad at mutually convenient dates.

Saudi ministry warns against fraudulent Hajj schemes; urges vigilance, official channels for booking

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NNPS Desk

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Sat, 27 Apr 2024, 12:58 AM

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By Rehan Khan

ISLAMABAD, Apr 27 (APP): The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has advised pilgrims not to fall prey fraudulent schemes and to exclusively book their sacred journey through authorized companies.

It emphasized that performing Hajj without proper permit constitutes a legal violation, subject to enforcement. The ministry said reservations for performing Hajj rituals within Saudi Arabia are facilitated through the official website and the Nusuk application. Pilgrims from Europe, America, and Australia can book Hajj through the Nusuk platform, while booking from Islamic countries is handled by designated reservation offices, it added.

An official source from the ministry has cautioned individuals intending to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage this year against fraudulent Hajj campaigns proliferating on social media platforms across various nations.

It said the ministry has diligently monitored advertisements from companies and campaigns, as well as identified fake accounts on social networks. The source said it is imperative for individuals to exercise vigilance against such deceptive campaigns and companies that falsely claim to organize Hajj at enticing prices.

Furthermore, the ministry has expressed gratitude towards the Iraq’s Supreme Authority for Hajj and Umrah, alongside its authorities, for their collaborative efforts leading to the apprehension of over 25 counterfeit companies involved in commercial Hajj activities. It underscored the importance for all nations to take decisive measures in addressing such irregularities and combating counterfeiting practices.

The ministry stipulated that individuals intending to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage from outside Saudi Arabia must obtain a Hajj visa. Those holding visit, tourism, work, transit, or other visas are prohibited from participating in Hajj rituals within Saudi Arabia, it maintained.

The ministry said it is imperative for every Muslim to adhere strictly to the established rules and regulations and refrain from engaging with fictitious companies or offices offering fraudulent Hajj services.

The ministry remains vigilant in monitoring the advertisements of these fraudulent companies and campaigns urging everyone to cooperate in combatting and reporting such activities, and above all, curbing the proliferation of unauthorized Hajj arrangements.

The ministry encouraged individuals to access official information through its website and its social media channels. For inquiries and to verify approved companies, it requested the intending pilgrims to contact the Saudi Arabia’s number: 00966920002814.

In the meantime, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council and Patron-in-Chief of the Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan, has urged prospective pilgrims from Pakistan to adhere to the following guidelines for the seamless execution of Hajj rituals in the Holy Land.