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Ethiopian envoy urges Pakistani banks to open branches in Addis Ababa

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
FAISALABAD, Apr 27 (APP): Mr. Jemal Beker Abdula, ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,has urged Pakistani banks to open their branches in Addis Ababa to handle business-related transactions.
Addressing the business community at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), he said that the Ethiopian government would facilitate  businesses and give a quantum jump to bilateral trade. He said that establishing a banking channel is a challenge for him as this instrument would prove a game changer for the promotion of bilateral trade in addition to helping Pakistani exporters to sneak into virgin African markets.
He said that Karachi and Lahore have been linked with Addis Ababa through Ethiopian Airlines while flights from Faisalabad and Sialkot would also start very soon. He said that Ethiopia is producing 98% green energy which is also being exported to three neighboring countries. He said that the literacy rate in Ethiopia is 75-80% while women are also playing a productive role in almost all segments of life.
He said that special arrangements have been made at the university level to produce educated and skilled human resources. “For engineering, 70% of the syllabus is related to the topic while the remaining 30% covers all other subjects. A separate ministry of labor and skill was created in 2018 and 1500 vocational institutes are also operating to provide sector-specific skills to cater to the immediate needs of the industry,” he added.
He said that the land of Ethiopia is directly linked with humans of prehistoric age while the Nile River also originates from this country. Mr. Jemal appreciated the role of the FCCI in promoting bilateral trade between Pakistan and Ethiopia and said that Ethiopia was never colonized and its economy is most resilient with a growth rate of 10%.
He said that Ethiopia has ten industrial parks where all types of industry could be established. He termed Ethiopia the mother of Africa and said that there was no discrimination between the White and Black. He said that Ethiopia is also a land of quality coffee which is consumed all over the world. He said that Ethiopia is actually a gateway to Africa as all other African countries could be easily accessed through Addis Ababa.
He also mentioned Hazrat Bilal Habshi and said that through Ethiopian Airlines any destination is just at a distance of a few hours. He said that the air flight from Pakistan to Addis Ababa takes only four hours. He particularly mentioned the trade delegation of last year and said that another delegation was in the pipeline in which Faisalabad would have maximum representation.
He said that investors from Faisalabad could establish any type of industry including textile as abundance of cotton was available there. The surplus products could be exported from Ethiopia to the EU and other countries without any duties or taxes, he added.
About the delegation, he said that its visit is scheduled from May 26-31 and during this visit the participants could not only interact with their Ethiopian counterparts but also discuss issues with the government officials concerned. He said that a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) has already been signed and businessmen should avail from it.
Two documentaries were also screened about the investment opportunities in Ethiopia.
Earlier welcoming the Ethiopian ambassador, Dr Khurram Tariq, President FCCI, said that both countries enjoy excellent brother relations which should be translated into economic terms.
He said that apart from the industrial and commercial importance, Ethiopia has its own religious significance as Muslims migrated to Abyssinia immediately after the advent of Islam.
About Faisalabad, he said that it is geo-strategically located in the heart of Pakistan. “It has the largest industrial estate sprawling over 8,000 acres of land”, he said and added that it also has the largest agriculture university in Asia.
He said that FCCI has 9,000 members representing more than 100 sectors and subsectors of the economy. He stressed the need to materialize brotherly relations. He particularly appreciated the Green Legacy Initiative of Ethiopia and said that an Etho-Pak Unity Enclave has been established in FCCI Sustainability Park.
Mian Muhammad Idrees, former President FPCCI & FCCI, said that he had visited Ethiopia last year which has totally changed his perceptions about the country. He said that Ethiopia is making tremendous progress and it is one of the best destinations for FDI where electricity, land and other utilities are available at reasonable rates.
He further said that Addis Ababa has a large number of five-star hotels with low a crime rate. Vice President FCCI, Hajji Muhammad Aslam Bhalli, former President Engineer Ehtisham Javed, Executive Member Muhammad Azhar Chaudhary, Muhammad Fazil, Sohail Butt, Engineer Asim Munir and Madam Najma Afzal participated in the question-answer session.
Later, Senior Vice President FCCI, Dr Sajjad Arshad, offered the vote of thanks while President FCCI Dr Khurram Tariq and Mian Muhammad Idrees presented shields to Mr. Jemal Beker Abdula.
The Ethiopian ambassador also presented pictures of historic Mosque of “Najashi” and coffee packs to Dr Khurram Tariq, Dr Sajjad Arshad and Mian Muhammad Idrees. Later, he also recorded his impressions in the FCCI visitor’s book.
Earlier, the ambassador formally inaugurated Etho-Pak Unity Enclave where he also planted a sapling under the Green Legacy Initiative.

CM KP condoles death of three persons in lightning in Mansehra

By
Amjad Shafique
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PESHAWAR, Apr 27 (APP):Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Saturday condoled the death of three people who have died due to lightning in Manshera and expressed grief over the tragic incident.
In a message of condolence, the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences with the bereaved families.
The chief minister shares the grief of the affected families. The provincial government will provide all possible support to the affected families, Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur said.
It is worth mentioning here that in a tragic incident, three people including two brothers were killed due to lightning strike in forests in Mansehra. According to the initial report given by the officials of the Rescue 1122, the tragic incident happened in the forests where shepherds, a child among them, were herding their cattle.
As lightning struck, Ahmed, Shakeel, and Shafiq lost their lives while child Sadeer suffered injuries.
Adding to the sorrow, numerous cattle succumbed to the deadly force of nature’s electrical discharge. Giving further detail, the lightning struck three individuals, including two siblings, in the forests of Kundaw Kari in Oghi tehsil of Mansehra district late Friday night.
According to locals, all three shepherds, accompanied by their herds and sheep, were fatally struck by lightning. The sudden lightning, followed by heavy rainfall, alarmed the residents, prompting them to rush to the forest where the victims were found.
Amir Khadim, an official from Rescue 1122, stated, “Our teams promptly responded to the incident after receiving the alert and transported the deceased to a hospital in Oghi.” The bodies were later taken to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Oghi.
The deceased were identified as Mohammad Shafique, 28, from Battagram, Ahmad Khan, 40, from Oghi, and Mohammad Shakeel, 10, also from Battagram.
There were also reports that heavy rainfall began in the upper areas of Hazara division, causing flooding in the streets and roads of Mansehra city, disrupting traffic flow. Uprooted trees and a two-hour electricity outage were reported in parts of the district.
Soon after learning about the incident, Assistant Commissioner Oghi Salim Khan reached the hospital. As is the case elsewhere in the country, heavy rains also continue to wreak havoc in KP. Rains and hailstorms lashed different cities of the province namely Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Waziristan, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and Kurram. Five days ago, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) had said that the death toll from rain-related incidents in KP had risen to 63, with an additional four deaths reported over the past week.
According to the Authority, another 78 individuals sustained injuries, further exacerbating the toll of the ongoing torrential rains.

Stage drama “Zandagi” presented in festival of Arts Council Larkana

By
Amjad Shafique
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LARKANA, Apr 27 (APP):Arts Council of Pakistan Larkana presented the second Sindhi improvisational stage play “Zandagi” written by Nasir Shamsi in the context of Sindh Drama Theater Festival in Larkana under the direction of Sanuri Phul, Larib Sajjan and Ashique Dayo in the open air theater.
It was dramatized by Ali Roshan Sheikh.
In the stage drama, the injustices, cruelty, brutality with the people living in the society, all the evils of the pure women who made them fall prey to lust by showing them golden dreams were focused.  And it was also revealed that why is a person forced to commit suicide?  At the end of the stage play.
Special guests Ataullah Chhato, Dr. Jamshed Ali Abro, famous actors Ustad Akbar Baloch, Vice President of Arts Council Larkana Engineer Javed Ahmed Sheikh and Badr Khan Soomro  Expressing his thoughts, they said that each actor celebrated his own role, especially Ramsha Shahzadi’s tears, he felt that they are not in the role but in reality.
He said that the Arts Council of Pakistan Larkana is doing very well, with this new actors will also get a chance to perform.
Ali Roshan Shaikh and Amjad Gul Soomro performed the duties of stage secretary on this occasion.

FM stresses upon need of broadening economic diplomacy

By
Irfan Khan
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ISLAMABAD, April 27 (APP): Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday emphasized on the need of enhancing economic diplomacy and efforts to bolster trade and investment ties with the foreign countries.

The foreign minister chaired an online meeting with Heads of the Missions to inter-alia review the progress made on market sounding efforts being made through Pakistan’s Missions Abroad for outsourcing of airports, a press release said.

The secretary Aviation / DGCAA presented the progress review and informed that concerted efforts by Heads of the Missions in Turkiye, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar, Paris, Spain, Germany, Kuwait, UK and Switzerland have reinvigorated interests of well-known airport operators, who had shown positive interests in bidding of Islamabad International Airport.

The renewed interest of foreign airport operators testified economic stability and confidence of investors in the political stability in Pakistan.

The session was followed by 9th Meeting of Steering Committee on Outsourcing of Airports, which was inter-alia attended by Secretary Aviation / DGCAA, Secretary Law & Justice, Additional Secretary MoFA ME, Additional Secretary BOI, DG ASF, DG ANF, Additional DGCAA, Additional DG FIA (Immigration), senior officer of Pakistan Customs and IFC Team.

The IFC presented progress review report and highlighted that foreign investors were showing keen interest in the bidding process of Islamabad International Airport and a healthy competition was expected.

The fora also reviewed Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and service delivery benchmarks worked out by international consultants to improve quality of services at airports.

It was assured by the heads of government agencies that all out efforts would be made for observance and adherence to service delivery benchmarks to ensure seamless passenger experience at airports.

The foreign minister stressed on IFC to expedite and complete the required tasks within stipulated time frame for outsourcing of Lahore and Karachi airports.

 

 

PM leaves for KSA to attend WEF special meeting

By
Irfan Khan
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0

ISLAMABAD, April 27 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday departed to Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to participate in a special meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on ‘Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development’, being held from April 28-29.

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

“The Prime Minister will be accompanied by a high level delegation including Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The Prime Minister and the Ministers will participate in WEF discussions on issues related to trade and investment measures, new investment frameworks, restructuring of supply chains, sustainable growth, and the energy landscape,” Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

The high level participation in the Forum will afford an important opportunity to present Pakistan’s priorities specifically in global health architecture, inclusive growth, revitalizing regional collaboration and the need for striking a balance between promoting growth and energy consumption.

On the margins of the main event, the prime minister and his delegation will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, including the Saudi leadership, heads of international organizations, and other prominent figures participating in the event.

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

It will revolve around three themes: revitalizing global collaboration; a compact for inclusive growth; and catalyzing 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.

 

 

LESCO detects 315 power pilferers in 24 hours

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
LAHORE, Apr 27 (APP):The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) detected a total of 315 connections from where the customers were pilfering electricity in all its circles of five districts (Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur and Okara) on the 221st day of grand anti-power theft campaign.
The LESCO spokesman told media here Saturday that the company has also submitted FIR applications against electricity thieves, out of which 108 FIRs have been registered in respective police stations, while 07 accused have been arrested by the respective police.
Grand anti-power theft operations against electricity thieves are being conducted on the directives of the Federal Power Division and the LESCO Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engineer Shahid Haider is supervising these operations. The LESCO chief vowed that the operations would continue without discrimination until the complete end of electricity theft. The electricity pilferers as well as the LESCO officers and employees who facilitate them are also being brought to justice.
On the 221st consecutive day of the anti-power theft campaign, the spokesman added, large commercial consumers were also found involved in electricity theft and all of them were also disconnected and charged with detection units. Among the seized connections 13 were commercial, 03 agricultural, 01 industrial and 298 domestic, and all these connections were disconnected and charged with a total of 231,070 units as detection bill amounting to Rs 6.845 million.
Apprising the media about some major power pilferers, he explained that LESCO charged Rs 400,000 detection bill to an electricity pilferer in Green Town; Rs 200,000 detection bill to a power pilferer in Old Anarkali area; Rs 160,000 detection bill to an electricity thief in Race Course area, and Rs 160,000 fine in the form of detection bill to another customer stealing electricity in Shahdara Town.
During the 221 days of the grand anti-theft campaign, the spokesman mentioned, the LESCO detected pilferage on 74,960 power connections and 71,331 FIRs have been registered against electricity thieves in the relevant police stations, while 30,025 accused have so far been arrested by the police. The LESCO has so far charged a total of 90,529,474 detection units worth Rs 3,357,040,327 to all the power pilferers.

US diplomats unveil ICC T20 World Cup 2024 countdown clock at Kinnaird College

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
Naeem Niazi
LAHORE, Apr 27 (APP):Four US diplomats in Pakistan led by DCM Andrew Schofer on Saturday unveiled the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 West Indies and USA Countdown Clock at the historic Kinnaird College cricket grounds, marking five weeks to the mega event.
Deputy Chief of Mission, US embassy, Islamabad, Andrew Schofer, US Consul General in Lahore Kristin Hawkins, US Consul General in Karachi Conrad Tribble and US Consul General in Peshawar Shante Moore got together to celebrate the first ICC mega event in the US on the invitation of Kinnaird College Principal Dr. Rukhsana David.
US diplomats unveil ICC T20 World Cup 2024 countdown clock at Kinnaird College
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 West Indies and USA countdown clock unveiling was sponsored by the Ali Khan Tareen’s Lodhran Pilot Project (LPP). The Countdown Clock marks the enthusiasm and love of Pakistani fans for the sport – they adore.
DCM Andrew Schofer and CG Kristin Hawkins pressed the button to unveil the countdown clock in the presence of their colleagues from the US Mission. LPP CEO Ali Khan Tareen, a large number of young women cricketers from Southern Punjab and faculty of the Kinnaird College for Women University (KCWU) were also present.
Interestingly, the Countdown Clock has been unveiled the very day the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy has reached Lahore and will be put on display at the Gaddafi Stadium during the Pakistan – New Zealand T20I match in the evening.
US diplomats unveil ICC T20 World Cup 2024 countdown clock at Kinnaird College
The US diplomats also played an exhibition cricket match against the Ali Khan Tareen’s team comprising young girls from Southern Punjab and these girls symbolized the bright future of women’s cricket in Pakistan.
DCM Schofer and CG Kristin Hawkins opened the innings for the US diplomats’ team while CG Conrad Tribble stole the show with his power-hitting. He attributed his batting prowess to his baseball skills in his young days.
DCM Andrew Schofer in his remarks said that the US Mission in Pakistan was excited about start of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in five-weeks, adding that they were excited about the Americans learning more about cricket.
The US diplomat admired the Kinnaird College for Women University and the LPP projects for the work they were doing in collaboration with the US Mission in Pakistan to empower young women through sports.
DCM Schofer also hailed the opportunity to spend time with the young athletes and learning vital tips into the basic of how to play cricket.

KP food minister visits wheat godown in Nowshehra

By
NNPS Desk
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0

PESHAWAR, Apr 27 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Food Zahir Shah Toru paid a visit to the Azakhel wheat godown in Nowshehra, the other day.
The minister was accompanied by Secretary Food Zarif ul Muani along with other officials concerned.
The minister was briefed about the process of procurement of wheat and the measures taken for its safe storage in the warehouse.
During the visit, Zahir Shah Toru stated that the provincial cabinet had decided to purchase local wheat, aiming not only to procure quality wheat but also yielding significant financial benefits to the province.
He revealed that the provincial cabinet had approved the purchase of 600,000 metric tons of wheat for the year, setting the rate at 3,900 rupees per 40 kilograms, aligned with federal, Punjab and Balochistan government rates.
Regarding the welfare of local growers, Shah assured that their interests would be safeguarded at all costs.
The minister emphasized the government’s commitment toward transparency, highlighting ongoing efforts to digitize the administrative affairs of the food department to ensure accountability.
Zahir Shah Toru extended that five-member committee has also been constituted, comprising officials from the agriculture department, administration, and NAB to oversee the procurement, transportation, quality control, and prevention of malpractice during the whole procurement process.
Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption, Toru pledged exemplary punishment for anyone found involved in malpractice.

Minister condemns unilateral urea fertilizer price hike

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Apr 27 (APP): Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain on Saturday has condemned the unilateral price hike of Sarsabz Urea fertilizer by Fatima Fertilizer Limited.
He expressed deep concern over an increase of Rs. 561 per urea bag and urged the fertilizer company to withdraws this unilateral increase, said a news release.
The minister said that the fertilizer company must provide solid justification for sudden increases in the price of Sarsabz Urea.
He highlighted that there has been no increase in gas prices for the fertilizer industry, adding that an increase in the price of urea fertilizer without a corresponding increase in gas prices is unacceptable and unjustified.
Rana Tanveer Hussain said that in case of failure to provide solid justification, the relevant ministry would determine prices according to the laws.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests and ensuring the stability of fertilizer prices.
Efforts are being made in collaboration with provinces to eliminate hoarding of fertilizers while mechanisms are being developed to check the availability of real-time stock of fertilizers, he added.
The minister said that fertilizer companies should provide facilities to enhance farmers’ productivity across the country.

KSrelief distributes 450 food baskets in Shangla

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Apr 27 (APP): The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed 540 food baskets in Shangla district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa here Saturday.
The assistant programme benefiting 3,150 individuals from the neediest and most vulnerable segments affected by the floods as part of the fourth phase of the Food Security Support Program for 2024, the SPA reported.
The aid comes within the relief efforts of the Kingdom through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, to needy peoples and countries around the world.

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