ISLAMABAD: April 26 –.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting of the Steering Committee on FBR digitalization
ISLAMABAD: April 26 –.
Pakistan’s batter play a shot during first T20I match between Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team and West Indies Women’s Cricket Team at National Bank Stadium
KARACHI: April 26 –
KARACHI: April 26 – Pakistan’s batter play a shot during first T20I match between Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team and West Indies Women’s Cricket Team at National Bank Stadium. APP/AMH/FHA
Israeli-fired unexploded bombs could take 14 years to clear: UN
UNITED NATIONS, Apr 26 (APP): Making Gaza safe again from the unexploded bombs rained down by the Israeli war machine could take 14 years, UN demining experts said Friday.
Pehr Lodhammar, a senior officer from the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), said that the conflict had left an estimated 37 million tonnes of debris.
He said it was impossible to determine the exact amount of unexploded ordnance in the enclave where formerly heavily built-up and densely populated neighbourhoods had been reduced to rubble, after nearly seven months of intense Israeli bombardment.
Every square metre in Gaza impacted by the Israeli attacks contained some 200 kilogrammes of rubble, the veteran UN demining expert told journalists in Geneva.
“All I can say is that at least 10 per cent of the ammunition that is being fired potentially fails to function…with 100 trucks we’re talking about 14 years of work with 100 trucks, so that’s 14 years to remove with about 750,000 workdays – person workdays – to remove the debris.”
Meanwhile, UN humanitarians repeated warnings that famine is imminent in the northern Gaza Strip, in a renewed urgent appeal for more aid relief to be allowed into the enclave.
Israel pledged three weeks ago to improve aid access via the Erez Crossing just north of Gaza and Ashdod cargo port, further northwards. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) said that a small increase in aid had happened, but not nearly enough in volume – or diversity.
“We’re still heading towards a famine, we haven’t seen that paradigm shift that’s needed to avert a famine, we need more volume, more predictability and a sustained effort to get more diverse assistance into the north,” said Carl Skau, WFP Deputy Executive Director.
Amid reports of sustained Israeli strikes on eastern Rafah, Skau underlined continuing deep concerns that any ground invasion of the enclave’s southernmost city risked disrupting already insufficient aid distributions.
And turning to efforts to establish a marine corridor for humanitarian aid, the WFP official insisted that “there is no substitute for land” deliveries into Gaza.
In a related development, top rights experts have appealed to Israel for safe passage for a flotilla of boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The “Freedom Flotilla” plans to depart from Türkiye carrying 5,500 tonnes of aid, along with hundreds of international humanitarian observers, en route for the besieged Gaza Strip.
“As the Freedom Flotilla approaches Palestinian territorial waters off Gaza, Israel must adhere to international law, including recent orders from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid,” said the experts, who include Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food.
In 2010, the experts noted that Israel intercepted and attacked the Freedom Flotilla’s civilian ships in international waters, killing 10 passengers and wounding many others.
At the time, the Freedom Flotilla had attempted to break the Israeli blockade by delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
NDMA advisory alerts authorities, public amid Nowshera, Charsadda flood forecast
ISLAMABAD, Apr 26 (APP): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) keeping in view the Federal Flood Commission forecastr of flooding expected in the upper areas of Kabul River due to heavy rains alerted relevant agencies and the public to take precautionary measures.
According to the NDMA spokesperson, the areas of Nowshera and Charsadda may be affected due to the flood situation during April 27-30 whereas the NDMA directed all concerned agencies including PDMA to be on alert to deal with any emergency.
It advised identifying potential risk areas to relevant institutions and directed them to take necessary measures promptly.
The relevant institutions should ensure the timely availability of necessary machinery and equipment in flood-prone areas and issue guidelines for public awareness measures in potential flood-prone areas, avoid crossing streams when the current is high, it said.
The residents of areas connected to the river should contact the local administration whereas local people should be aware of weather conditions and remain careful of flooding in low-lying streams.
Holland ambassador meets Punjab CM
LAHORE, Apr 26 (APP): Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif met Ambassador of the Netherlands in Pakistan Mrs. Henny de Vries, here on Friday.
During the meeting, discussions centred on mutual interests, enhancing bilateral relations, and fostering trade ties between Holland and Punjab.
Mrs. Henny de Vries extended congratulations to CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif on her historic election as the first woman chief minister.
In her remarks, the chief minister urged Dutch companies and investors to seize the abundant business opportunities available in the province.
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the potential benefits of adopting the Netherlands’ advanced agricultural methods and technologies, highlighting areas such as crop cultivation, irrigation techniques, and agricultural machinery sectors.
She expressed the desire to leverage Dutch expertise to enhance Punjab’s agricultural productivity and performance, streamline water management systems, and promote renewable energy sectors.
Additionally, she proposed initiatives such as student delegation exchanges and joint research programs to further strengthen cooperation between the two regions.
Finance Minister reviews progress on FBR digitalization
ISLAMABAD, Apr 26 (APP): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb here on Friday chaired the meeting of the Steering Committee on the Digitalization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The committee reviewed the progress made so far in the digitalization of FBR’s operations and explored the avenues to further enhance efficiency and transparency of tax administration across the country.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including Chairman FBR, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Malik Amjed Zubair Tiwana, Chief Executive Officer Karandaaz, Waqas ul Hasan, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Country Lead, Syed Ali Mahmood, and representatives from FBR.
The Finance Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborate with the private sector and all relevant stakeholders in propelling Pakistan towards a modernized taxation framework.
He underscored that digitalization of FBR is not only crucial for improving tax collection & administration, but also for promoting sustained economic growth.
During the meeting, the committee approved the top proposal from McKinsey and Company, a globally renowned consulting firm, for the digitalization project.
Director DFS Karandaaz, Sharjeel Murtaza briefed the committee on the procurement process, which involved comprehensive technical evaluation by an approved committee comprising senior officials from FBR and technical experts from Karandaaz Pakistan.
McKinsey and Company emerged as the top bidder after thorough evaluation of technical and financial aspects. The negotiated full and final proposal from McKinsey and Company was presented to the committee, leading to the approval for contracting and onboarding McKinsey and Company and commencing the project.
The Finance Minister commended the Procurement Committee for ensuring the selection of high-quality consulting services for this important national project, and stressed upon the need for a result-oriented approach, leveraging existing knowledge on digitalization, and prioritizing early successes.
The meeting concluded with the agreement on the next steps for commencement of the process of digitalization of FBR’s operations through collaboration between FBR and the private sector for a digitally empowered tax ecosystem in the country.
Pakistan Army to continue providing all possible support for economic development: COAS
RAWALPINDI, Apr 26 (APP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Friday vowed that the Pakistan Army would continue providing all possible support for the economic development of the country.
“Pakistan is a blessed land with an industrious and resilient nation which needs to come together for national development,” the COAS said while addressing the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) Conference, according to an ISPR news release.
He underscored that the Army’s efforts would contribute towards comprehensive national security and collective good of the nation”.
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, and Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, besides civil and military officials, involved in the national undertaking, also attended the conference.
The forum was briefed about the multi-faceted GPI initiatives and significant benchmarks achieved in a short span of time.
The initiatives presented before the forum included, inter alia, establishment of model farms, water management schemes, technology innovations and investment partnerships aimed at ensuring food security and enhancing agricultural productivity in Pakistan.
The ministers, while concluding the session, lauded the transformative initiative and underscored that agriculture was the lifeline of Pakistan. They hoped that the GPI would introduce contemporary best practices in the agriculture sector.
Pakistan’s National Day Reception held in Colombo
COLOMBO, Apr 26 (APP): The High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan hosted a National Day Reception at BMICH here on Friday, which was attended by a large number of participants including Sri Lankan political leadership, diplomatic corps, senior defense officials, government representatives, prominent business personalities and Pakistani diaspora.
The High Commissioner of Pakistan Faheem Ul Aziz HI (M) in his message on the occasion said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka continue to maintain their traditionally close and mutually beneficial relations, based on mutual respect and trust.
He said that the strength of the Pakistan – Sri Lanka relationship lies in diversified engagement in many fields such as trade, defense, science, culture, and education. He also extended sincere greetings and best wishes on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan to the government and people of Sri Lanka.
In his remarks, the Chief Guest of the event, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation of Sri Lanka expressed satisfaction at the trajectory of bilateral relations while identifying the areas of ongoing cooperation between the two countries.
The chief guest hoped that the bilateral ties will be further strengthened in the years ahead. The minister also shed light on the centuries-old relationship dating back to the golden era of Gandhara and Buddhism between the people of the two countries.
A documentary showcasing the landscapes, business potential, historical footprint, and culture of Pakistan was displayed for the guests. An exhibition showcasing the traditional items and handicrafts of Pakistan was also part of the event, which was of special interest for the guests. The participants also enjoyed traditional Pakistani music and cuisine.
Documentary on life of Jamiluddin Aali screened at embassy
ABU DHABI, Apr 26 (APP): An event was held at the embassy of Pakistan, Abu Dhabi on Friday to screen a documentary on the sub-continent’s great poet, writer, columnist, drama-writer and educationist, late Jamiluddin Aali. On this occasion, Zulqarnain Jamil Aali, son of late Jamiluddin Aali was also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi paid rich tribute
to the long struggle and contribution of Jamiluddin Aali that had helped in country’s national unity, promoting women equality, uplifting of Urdu literature and promoting culture of tolerance.
He recalled Aali Sahib’s writing including columns in Pakistan’s daily newspapers, inviting attention towards political, cultural as well as socio-economic aspects. He said that Milli Naghma “Jeeway Jeeway Pakistan” written by Jamiluddin Aali has become a symbol of Pakistan’s recognition in the world. The ambassador also highlighted the role of Zulqarnain Aali in development of the UAE during his 15 years stay from 1980s to 1990s as a member of the UBL team.
Zulqarnain Jamil Aali also spoke on the occasion and narrated different aspects of life of his father including his struggle after migration. He highlighted role of Pakistan’s great poet as a father, husband and above all, as a loyal citizen of the country. The documentary screened on the occasion presented various aspects of a great poet.
The event was attended by close family members of Jamiluddin Aali, prominent members of Pakistani community and staff of the Embassy.