Home Blog Page 10128

Finance minister meets with BODs of Albaraka Bank, foreign shareholders to discuss economic, financial outlook of country

0

ISLAMABAD, Apr 23 (APP): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday met with the Board of Directors (BODs) of Albaraka Bank Pakistan Limited and all foreign shareholders to discuss the future economic and financial outlook of Pakistan.

The meeting provided a platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration to chart a course for Pakistan’s economic growth and stability, said a news release.

During the meeting, the finance minister emphasized the government’s commitment to implement prudent economic policies to ensure sustainable development and prosperity for all stakeholders.

The minister highlighted the progress made in various sectors and outlined the government’s vision for fostering a conducive business environment and attracting foreign investment.

The BODs and foreign shareholders expressed their confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential and reaffirmed their commitment to support initiatives aimed at promoting growth and financial stability.

They commended the government’s efforts in implementing structural reforms and fostering a business-friendly environment conducive to investment.

Discussions during the meeting focused on Pakistan’s future economic prospects, including opportunities and challenges in key sectors such as banking, finance, and infrastructure development.

The participants exchanged views on strategies to enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and promote sustainable economic growth.

Minister Aurangzeb underscored the importance of continued cooperation and collaboration between the government and the private sector to identify opportunities for investment and growth and for achieving shared objective of Pakistan’s
economic prosperity.

Aurangzeb reiterates govt’s resole to reduce poverty, promote sustainable development

0

ISLAMABAD, Apr 23 (APP): Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to engage with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in a constructive manner to achieve shared goals of reducing poverty, increasing prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

He said this during a meeting with Kanni Wignaraja, Assistant Secretary General, Assistant Administrator and Director of Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, along with the Country Representative of UNDP in Pakistan, according to a Finance Ministry news release.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed collaboration between the Government of Pakistan and UNDP in addressing key developmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.

The minister appreciated Ms Kanni Wignaraja and the UNDP Pakistan Country Office team for their unwavering support to the Pakistan, particularly during critical times such as the 2022 floods.

He also expressed appreciation for UNDP’s support in mobilizing national and international expertise for inclusive and innovative development financing for Pakistan.

The minister highlighted the government’s focus on implementing policy reforms to unleash the country’s growth potential.

He said that Pakistan had initiated discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to support its economic reform agenda.

Ms. Kanni Wignaraja commended Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable development and expressed UNDP’s dedication to supporting the country’s efforts for achieving its development goals.

She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and partnership between Pakistan and UNDP to address the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in the region.

She also presented to the minister a copy of the recently launched report of UNDP titled “Doing Digital for Development,” tailored specifically for Pakistan, highlighting the critical role of digital technologies in advancing development initiatives within the country.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment for continued collaboration and partnership to address the challenges faced by Pakistan and to achieve sustainable development goals.

Shadab Khan upbeat about lifting ICC T20I WC 2024

0
By Naeem Niazi
LAHORE, Apr 23 (APP): All-rounder Shadab Khan has said that Pakistan cricket team has the right combination of cricketers which may help them lift the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2024 in West Indies and USA.
Talking to the media men on the sidelines of a practice session at the Gaddafi stadium here on Tuesday, he said he is happy with the role assigned to him in the team, adding that players have been given different roles by the team management.
Babar Azam-led Pakistan squad will take on Bracewell’s New Zealand in the fourth T20I of the five-match rubber at the Gaddafi stadium on Thursday. The series is tied 1-1 after one match was abandoned due to heavy rain in Rawalpindi.
“I play with positive intent and my style of cricket is more prone to failure but I do my things,” the spin-bowling all-rounder responded to a query. On strike rate in T20 cricket, the veteran all-rounder said that strike rate is very important in T20 cricket, adding he believed the more the boundaries, the more chances to win a contest. He said that the team will have to maintain a good strike rate to win against big team.
He said there was no error of judgment in reading pitch during the 3rd T20I against New Zealand in Rawalpindi, adding that Rawalpindi is a high-scoring pitch and the New Zealand played good cricket on the night.
.
Shadab Khan said the defeat against young New Zealand side in the 3rd T20I was not a surprise, adding any team can beat a side on their day. Shadab Khan said there were demands to give chances to the younger players and now the same people have been questioning the experiments in the team, adding he believed that a players should be given a consistent rune so that the players could stick well before the ICC mega event.
“Every management has its own Psychology and we have not met the team management,” he added.
Shadab disagreed with the stance that there were A, B or C sides in the world of cricket, adding that teams can only be defined as having international exposure or no international experience. “Though there are no big names in the visiting New Zealand side but many of them will be future stars tomorrow,” he added.

Submissions open for Pakistani media to apply for China’s 2nd Silk Road Global News Award

0

ISLAMABAD, Apr 23 (APP): The Belt and Road News Network (BRNN) under China’s People’s Daily has launched a global call for foreign media including Pakistan to apply for submissions for the second Silk Road Global News Awards (SRGNA).

The government of Pakistan in a statement on Tuesday invited media persons in the country to participate by submitting their work on Belt on Road Initiative (BRI) through BRNN official website (www.brnn.com).

It urged the applicants to register on the BRNN official website (www.brnn.com) and submit information about their work.

The SRGNA, a major signature event of BRNN, aims to recognize outstanding journalism that promotes the Silk Road spirit of peace, cooperation, openness, inclusiveness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit. It encourages media outlets from countries and regions participating in the Belt and Initiatives (BRI) to learn from each other and work together to share stories of the BRI.

The second SRGNA features four award categories: Best Reporting, Best Photography, Best Video and Best Innovation. Each category will have one grand prize winner, four nominess and 10 finalists.

Submissions should be produced by foreign entities. Works co-produced by Chinese and foreign entities for Chinese productions released on foreign platforms are also eligible for consideration.

The evaluation process involves a preliminary review by an academic committee and final review by the SRGNHA judging committee.

The updates will be posted on the BRNN website.

US embassy to continue sponsorship of LC till April 2026

0
PESHAWAR, April 23 (APP): Bettina Malone, the U.S. Embassy’s Minister Counselor for Public Affairs (MCPA), and Dr. Usman Ghani, Director of the Institute of Management Sciences signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to continue Embassy sponsorship of Lincoln Corner Peshawar (LC Peshawar) until April 2026, said a press release issued here on Tuesday.
Established in 2014, LC Peshawar hosts a variety of programs on skill development, English language learning, career development, higher education, and American culture and history. In 2023, the Corner hosted 60 in-person programs and welcomed around 10,000 students.
“Lincoln Corners are a testament to the strong bond between Pakistan and the United States,” said MCPA Malone.
These spaces foster dialogue, improve educational standards, and provide access to international resources for KP youth.  LC Peshawar hosts Creators’ Studio, a dynamic space for recording podcasts, videography, editing and production with state-of-the-art technology.The Corner has Maker Space technology, which includes a 3D printer and STEM educational kits. The US Mission to Pakistan operates 19 Lincoln Corners across Pakistan, which are part of a network of more than 600 American Spaces across the globe.  The KP has one other Embassy-sponsored Lincoln Corner: the Eleanor Roosevelt Corner at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University.

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi welcomed by Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman on his arrival at Governor House.

0
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi welcomed by Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman on his arrival at Governor House.
APP64-230424
LAHORE: April 23 – President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi welcomed by Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman on his arrival at Governor House.

APP66-230424
LAHORE: April 23 – Visiting President of Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi is being seen off by Punjab Governor, Muhammad Balighur Rehman & Federal Minister for Housing & Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada upon his departure to Karachi at Allama Iqbal International Airport. APP/IQJ/TZD/ABB

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, visits Iqbal’s Mausoleum and lays a wreath in honor of the renowned poet and philosopher at Mazar-e-Iqbal.

0
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, visits Iqbal's Mausoleum and lays a wreath in honor of the renowned poet and philosopher at Mazar-e-Iqbal.
APP63-230424
LAHORE: April 23 – President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, visits Iqbal's Mausoleum and lays a wreath in honor of the renowned poet and philosopher at Mazar-e-Iqbal.

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, visits Iqbal's Mausoleum and lays a wreath in honor of the renowned poet and philosopher at Mazar-e-Iqbal.

APP62-230424
LAHORE: April 23 – President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi writes remarks in Visitor’s Book during visit to Mazar-e-Iqbal.

Implementation of revised rates of Roti, Naan being ensured: DC

0
SIALKOT, Apr 23 (APP):On the direction of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, checking is going on to implement the revised prices of Roti and Naan across the district.
Since April 14, 1052 inspections have been conducted, while 278 profiteers have been fined Rs. 1,183,500 for charging more than the fixed price. While 6 cases were also registered against the profiteers in different police stations.
These details were told by the Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Zulqarnain. He said that Assistant Commissioners and Price Magistrates are constantly monitoring the ‘tandoors’ in all the four tehsils.
The DC said that 25 people were detained during the crackdown against those who received more than the fixed price of Roti and Naan, while 11 shops were also sealed.

Authorities directed to start de-silting project of all nullahs immediately

0
RAWALPINDI, Apr 23 (APP): Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Engineer Aamir Khattak here on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to start cleanliness and de-silting project of all the nullahs immediately.
He said that the de-silting project should be completed before monsoon so that the vulnerable points particularly low-lying areas could be protected from flooding during heavy rains.
Chairing a meeting of Anjuman-e-Tajaran Rawalpindi, the Commissioner appreciated the suggestions from the businessmen to establish law and order in the city and improve the business environment.
The meeting was attended by the President Central Anjuman-e-Tajran, Shahid Ghafoor Paracha, Sheikh Siddique, President of Small Industries, Tahir Jadoon, and representatives of City and Cantt traders.
The business community has to work with the administration to provide relief to the citizens, the Commissioner added.
During the master planning of Rawalpindi, the suggestions of the traders should be taken into special consideration, he directed the authorities concerned.
In the master planning, grain market, vegetable and fruit market, bus stand, truck stand and wholesale market would be shifted outside the city, he informed.
The Commissioner instructed the officers that places should be identified for setting up public washrooms in the main markets of the city.
The public washrooms within the limits of Municipal Corporation (MC) should be constructed by MC while at private places the facility could be arranged with the help of the traders, he added.
All the markets should identify their temporary garbage collection points to improve the sanitation situation, he said adding, after collecting the market garbage from the temporary collection points, it would be shifted out of city using big vehicles.
The Commissioner taking notice of the delay in approval of commercial maps submitted by the businessmen directed the MC authorities to submit all details of the applications immediately.
The administration could provide relief to the citizens with the help of the traders, Aamir Khattak said adding, the prices of essential items could be brought down increasing supply of the goods in the open market.
The traders should monitor the overcharging in their markets in such a way that the magistrates do not need to act there, he said.

Rescue 1122 celebrates Int’l Earth Day

0
SIALKOT, Apr 23 (APP):On the instructions of Secretary Emergency Services Punjab Dr. Rizwan Naseer, the International Earth Day was celebrated by Rescue 1122.
An awareness walk was conducted from the Central Rescue Station under the supervision of District Emergency Officer (DEO) Engineer Naveed Iqbal, after which a seminar was held.
On this occasion, District Emergency Officer (DEO) Naveed Iqbal said that the use of plastic items and burning them in large scale, indiscriminate use of water, burning of crop residues, toxic fumes of factories are a threat to the earth and its environment.
He said that the citizens should give up use of shopping bags and other plastic products, this decision can secure the future of the planet and the creatures living here including humans.
Meanwhile, under the auspices of Rescue 1122, seminars and awareness walks were also organized in all tehsil headquarters of the district in which a large number of public and students participated besides rescuers.
On this occasion, saplings were planted and cleaning campaign was also conducted in the rescue offices and adjacent areas.