ISLAMABAD: April 25 –
ISLAMABAD: April 25
ISLAMABAD: April 25 –
The trophy of International Cricket Council (ICC) T-20 World Cup 2024 displaying at National Monument as trophy has arrived in Islamabad on a three-day tour of Pakistan. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held this year from June 2 to 29 in the USA and West Indies.
ISLAMABAD: April 25 –
ISLAMABAD: April 25
ISLAMABAD: April 25 –
Govt determined to eradicate terrorism: Attaullah Tarar
ISLAMABAD, Apr 25 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar Thursday informed the National Assembly that the government was determined to eradicate terrorism from the country.
In response to a calling attention notice regarding increase in incidents of suicidal bombing in different parts of country and increase in number of incidents of snatching, gunshots in Karachi, Hyderabad and Kashmore, he said, that following the Peshawar APS attack, the National Action Plan was devised with consensus among all stakeholders, and its implementation was promptly initiated.
The minister said that provinces extended cooperation to the federal government in executing the National Action Plan.
He highlighted the commencement of two successful operations, Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, aimed at eradicating terrorism from the country.
Tarar said that after the operations, a significant decline was witnessed in terrorist incidents in the country.
He expressed regret over the lack of meetings and implementation of the National Action Plan by the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 2018 to 2022.
The minister said that at that time, the court intervened to inquire about the delayed implementation from 2018 to 2022.
He alleged that the PTI-led governments held negotiations with the terrorists, hindering the National Action Plan’s execution.
The minister reiterated the federal government’s commitment to aiding provincial governments in combating terrorism and highlighted initiatives to bolster the Counter Terrorism Department’s capacity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
During his visit to Karachi, he said Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif discussed the Safe City project for the city with the Chief Minister Sindh.
Tarar said the Sindh Chief Minister assured the establishment of a Safe City camera network across Karachi.
He disclosed that a draft of the National Counter Violent Extremism 2024 policy had been submitted to the cabinet for approval.
He urged both the treasury and opposition benches of the parliament to unite against terrorism, emphasizing the importance of parliamentary solidarity in the fight against terrorism.
In response to another query, the minister said that Pakistan Army, intelligence agencies were cooperating with the provinces to address terrorism incidents, expressing optimism about a reduction in terrorism due to government measures.
He said that following the 18th amendment, it became the provinces’ responsibility to work to improve law and order in the provinces.
The minister said that the federal government time to time hold meeting with provinces to discuss law and order situation.
He added that in the recent past, a meeting was held to discuss the security of Chinese nationals.
The minister said that the federal government had already made the announcement for devising a compensation policy for the relatives of martyrs.
APM Terminals CEO discuss investment opportunities in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Apr 25 (APP): Danish Ambassador to Pakistan Jakob Linulf and Moller-Maersk (APM) Terminals CEO Keith Svendsen led a delegation to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan.
The high-level delegation met with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh to discuss investment prospects within the ports and terminals sector in Pakistan, said a press release on Thursday.
The meeting was attended by Federal Secretary Maritime Dr Iram Khan, Secretary Apex Committee, SIFC Dr Jahanzeb, Additional Secretary Communication, Chairman of Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Chairman of Port Qasim Authority (PQA), and other esteemed officials from the Maritime ministry.
In a fruitful exchange, Svendsen highlighted Moller-Maersk’s prominent global position and its robust relationship with Pakistan, reflecting a market share of approximately 20 per cent in containerized import-export activities.
The discussion progressed into the potential for further collaboration, emphasizing the importance of reducing the cost of doing business and addressing challenges posed by fragmented logistics infrastructure. Recognizing the immense growth potential, Svendsen proposed substantial investments towards enhancing integrated supply chain solutions, including the upgrading of ports and logistics infrastructure.
The delegation expressed willingness to collaborate with the Government of Pakistan in developing existing ports and modernizing facilities through capacity building and other programs. Moller-Maersk pledged support for the advancement of maritime in Pakistan, the proposed initiatives align with the company’s commitment to fostering talent and nurturing a skilled workforce in the maritime sector.
Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh reiterated the government’s dedication to investing in the blue economy as a catalyst for driving overall economic progress in the country.
He welcomed Moller-Maersk’s interest and emphasized the significance of public-private partnerships in realizing the full potential of Pakistan’s maritime sector. The collaborative efforts between Moller-Maersk and the Government of Pakistan manifest a shared commitment towards sustainable growth, innovation, and the development of a vibrant maritime ecosystem and reiterated their resolve to commit their cooperation towards achieving zero carbon emissions.
The minister also recognized the robust role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in facilitating foreign investors by providing opportunities for doing business with ease. SIFC has been spearheading various projects for the best interest of Pakistan, further enhancing the investment landscape in the country.
The Secretary of Apex Committee, SIFC Dr Jahanzeb Khan welcomed the keen interest shown by the Danish company in the maritime sector and expressed the collective desire to work mutually on some practicable plan in the said sector for the desired turnaround, he added.
Both parties expressed optimism about the transformative impact of these initiatives on the country’s economic landscape.
Modern irrigation system imperative to deal with water scarcity: UAF VC
FAISALABAD, Apr 25 (APP): University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said on Thursday that with the passage of time, the issue of water scarcity had aggravated in the country, and Pakistan would have to adopt alternative modern irrigation systems to overcome water scarcity.
Addressing the international conference, titled ‘Bioinformatics for Water and Agricultural Resource Management’, he urged the agricultural scientists to make joint efforts with the industry to popularise modern water irrigation systems. He emphasised the need to practise bed-planter, saying that it could save a lot of water.
The VC said a few decades ago, cemented water channels were important, but nowadays there were much better alternative water management techniques, which must be promoted among farmers.
Dean Faculty of Agri Engineering UAF Dr. Anjum Munir said at the time of independence, Pakistan’s water per capita was 5,000 cubic metres, so now it has decreased to less than 1,000, for which reforms regarding water conservation are indispensable.
Chairman Irrigation Department UAF Dr. Adnan Shahid said that due to irrational and excessive use of tube-wells, the quality of underground water is also deteriorating. In the present time, public awareness should be raised regarding water saving, he added.
Dr. Robeerto Rianzi, Malaysian scientist Dr. Anuar Ahmad, Chinese scientist Dr Yuping Lei, Dr Azeem Khan from Australia, Novera Azak from Punjab University presented their research works in technical sessions
Faysal Bank unveils strong financial results for the Q1’24
ISLAMABAD, Apr 25 (APP): Faysal Bank Limited (FBL), one of the leading Islamic banks in Pakistan, continued with its growth stride during the first quarter of 2024, whereby the profit after tax doubled to PKR 6.5 billion as compared to Q1 2023.
Earnings per share increased from Rs. 2.12 to Rs. 4.29, while the Bank also declared an interim cash dividend of Rs. 1/- per share, i.e. 10 percent, saod a news release here on Thursday.
The total assets reached a new high of Rs.1.5 trillion, with deposits increasing to Rs.1.050 trillion and loan book in excess of Rs. 603 billion.
Advance-to-Deposit Ratio (ADR) was at a healthy 55 percent, while its Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 18.57 percent, well above the regulatory requirement.
The sound financial performance and the strong balance sheet footing is reflective of the Bank’s solid business fundamentals coupled with prudent risk management practices.
It further solidifies the bank’s position as a key player within the Islamic banking segment.
Mian Muhammad Younis, Chairman of Faysal Bank commenting on the performance of the Bank said, “Masha’Allah the results for Q1’24 are a clear indication of the strong foundations that we have laid as a leading Islamic bank and continued commitment of the Board and management.” He further thanked the Bank’s customers for making Faysal Bank their top preference.”
Yousaf Hussain, President and CEO of Faysal Bank said, “Alhamdolillah, our good performance in the first quarter of 2024 is a testament to the sound interplay of the Bank’s customer centric approach coupled with excellent Shariah compliant financial and digital products and high quality service. Because of such solid fundamentals, the Bank is all set to continue with its accelerated growth plans including network expansion.”
Joint venture decided for action against MEPCO’s defaulters
KHANEWAL, Apr 25 (APP): District administration, police and Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) decided to launch a joint venture for prevention of power pilferage and recovery from defaulters in the district.
This was decided in a meeting held on Thursday which was presided by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Wasim Hamid Sandhu.
Deputy Commissioner said that the teams comprised of district administration, police and MEPCO would launch a joint crackdown against power pilferers and defaulters. He said that stern action would be taken against power pilferers and added that pending dues of MEPCO would be recovered from defaulters.
District Police Officer (DPO) Rana Omer Farooq said that all officers of the police have been directed to register FIRs against power pilferers without any delay and discrimination. He assured full cooperate with the district administration and MEPCO authorities for this purpose.
1st-ever National Sports Revival conference starts next month
ISLAMABAD, April 25 (APP): The first-ever ‘National Sports Revival Conference’ would be held next month with aim at regaining the lost glory in sports sector.
On the directives of the newly appointed Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), Professor Ahsan Iqbal,
the ministry has intensified efforts for the revival of sports sector in the country.
The decision was taken on Thursday during a meeting chaired by the IPC Minister, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, attended by the Secretary IPC, Additional Secretary, Director-General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), and other relevant stakeholders.
During the meeting, the minister reviewed the progress of upcoming National Sports Revival conference, National Games, and Narowal Sports Complex.
The Secretary IPC provided a detailed briefing, and it was decided that the conference would be organized next month, inviting all relevant stakeholders, including the country’s renowned athletes, representatives of sports associations, and others.
The conference would feature various thematic sessions, and participants’ suggestions will also be taken to bring about reforms in the field of sports, for further improving national sports.
As per the minister’s directions, the year 2025 would be celebrated as a revival of sports in the country under the revival plan, which includes major reforms to improve national sports and regain the lost glory.
A high-level policy board comprising representatives of all relevant stakeholders, including prominent athletes, would be formed to improve national sports.
During the meeting, the minister also directed the concerned stakeholders to complete the unfinished work of Narowal Sports Complex to host international events.
Additionally, it was decided to organize a National Heavyweight and Boxing Championship in Pakistan. The minister acknowledged Gujra’s exceptional hockey talent, emphasizing the need for nurturing it with full facilities.
He directed the IPC Ministry to enhance sports facilities across the country to promote local talent.
Furthermore, the minister directed the IPC Ministry to build more squash complexes for the revival of squash in the country. The minister also directed the IPC to construct Football complex across the country, particularly in Chaman and Lyari, to facilitate and promote local talent. During the meeting, the minister also asked the IPC Ministry to establish a dashboard comprising all details related to Sports events and Sports Associations’ roles and others.
The minister emphasized training of athletes, particularly for international events, and directed IPC to focus on their training while engaging international coaches to secure medals in key sports.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif interacts with the children of Customs Inspector Shaheed Husnain Ali Tirmazi.
ABBOTTABAD: April 25 –
APP43-250424
ABBOTTABAD: April 25 – P
ABBOTTABAD: April 25 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif offering fateha for Customs Inspector Husnain Ali Tirmazi Shaheed.
ABBOTTABAD: April 25 –