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PBM honours women graduates with technical skills for successful future

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MUZAFFARGARH, Apr 19 (APP):Pakistan Baitul Mal (PBM) in its recent completion of tenure awarded certificates to women who completed graduation with the multitude of technical skills to survive successfully in practical life.
Director PBM, Mazhar Abbas presided over the ceremony and offered certificates and medals to women achievers hailing from the marginalised segment of society.
Speaking on the occasion, Mazhar Abbas said Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal was committed to empowering women by providing them with skills, particularly in designated fields of salon management, dressmaking and embroidery techniques.
The next milestone, he said is information technology sprawling globally couldn’t be left unattended to mitigate poverty among the unprivileged section of society. He emphasized that graduates develop optimum skills by working hard in whatever is the chosen field to survive gracefully in life.
Mazhar Abbas vowed to keep on financial assistance for differently-abled people, medical treatments and financial aid to students securing admission to the center.
Assistant Director of PBM, Kashif Saleem being the event organizer, highlighted efforts of the organization to uplift standard of the under-developed section of the region. Rehabilitation of child labour and orphans admitted to the Center has been the utmost priority of PBM, he added.

Finance minister attends roundtable with investors

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 18 (APP): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday attended the roundtable with investors.

Highlighted Pakistan’s stable macroeconomic indicators including declining inflation, stable currency, strong growth of agriculture sector, strong remittances, rising forex reserves and buoyant stock market, said a press release issued here.

Stated that country wanted to enter into a larger and extended programme with IMF. Discussed key priorities of the Government around taxation, energy sector reforms and privatization programme.

Noted that World Bank focus on climate change, digitalization and human capital aligned with priorities of the Government.

5 Customs officials martyred as their vehicle ambushed by terrorists in D I Khan

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DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Apr 18 (APP):At least five Customs officials were killed as their vehicle was ambushed by terrorists near the Saggu village of D I Khan District on Thursday.
According to the Police Control Room, the armed assailants opened indiscriminate fire on the Customs Intelligence vehicle within the limits of Darban Police Station, leaving five Customs officials martyred.
The Customs vehicle collided with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction, resulting in injuring two persons including a child.
The attackers managed to escape after the incident.
As information was received about the incident, a heavy contingent of police and Rescue 1122 personnel rushed to the site and shifted the injured and the bodies to the hospital.
According to an FBR news release, the officials of the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Customs (Peshawar) were performing an intelligence-based operation (IBO) at Daraban Road, near village Sagguu, when they were ambushed by the assailants.
The martyred officials included Intelligence Officer Aslam Khan, Havaldar Inayat Ullah Khan, Havaldar Akbar Zaman,  Sepoy Iftikhar Alam and Sepoy Shahab Ali.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman, Member Customs (Operations), Director General, Intelligence and Investigation (Customs) and other officials of the Pakistan Customs Service expressed condolences with the families of the martyred officials

Pak-New Zealand match called off due to rain

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 18 (APP): The opener of the five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand was abandoned due to rain at Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi on Thursday.

The toss, which originally scheduled at 7pm (PST), was postponed by half an hour due to continuous rain showers in Rawalpindi.

However, after winning the toss, New Zealand Skipper Michael Bracewell chose to bat first. But the game which was reduced to five overs per side was called off, with just two balls bowled, due to repeated showers in Rawalpindi.

The highlight of the two-ball game, was Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi who dismissed New Zealand’s Tim Robinson on the second ball with an incredible delivery. As the Pakistani players were celebrating the wicket, the rain returned and match was called off by the umpires.

Meanwhile, Pakistan handed debut caps to three players – Usman Khan, Irfan Khan and Abrar Ahmed. New Zealand introduced Josh Clarkson to their squad, marking his debut appearance.

The Pindi Stadium would also host matches on Saturday and Sunday, while Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will stage the remaining two matches on Thursday and Saturday next week.

This would be the third five-match series between both sides inside a 12-month period. Last year, Pakistan and New Zealand drew the series at two-all in Pakistan, while New Zealand clinched the series 4-1 earlier this year in their backyard.

Squads- Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed.

New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, James Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi.

APP/vad-msr

China to fully support Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism: Ambassador Jiang

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 18 (APP): Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong on Thursday reaffirmed that China would fully support Pakistan’s efforts to root out terrorism.

They would ensure security of the people and interests of the two brotherly countries and for that would work shoulder to shoulder with each other, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong said in an interview with a private news channel.

He said attempts were collaboration with Pakistan would thwart attempts being made to sabotage the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

He said that the strategic importance of China-Pakistan ties had further increased in the evolving global dynamics.

Highlighting the transformative impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Ambassador Jiang underscored his country’s commitment to advancing its upgraded version.

With over $25 billion in direct investments and substantial infrastructure development, CPEC had not only created thousands of jobs but also facilitated significant advancements in power generation and transportation infrastructure, he added.

Recognizing the intertwined security interests of Pakistan and China, Ambassador Jiang emphasized the importance of mutual exchange of thoughts and expertise.

He emphasized the shared destiny of both nations, envisioning a broader societal impact through their collaboration.

As regards the terrorist attack on Chinese nationals (working on the Dasu Dam), Ambassador Jiang praised the government for its swift response and the people of Pakistan for their solidarity and condolences.

U.S. envoy calls on Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 18 (APP): The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome on Thursday called on Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and discussed various aspects of bilateral relations and recent global and regional developments, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on its official X handle.

In the meeting, Ambassador Blome conveyed the United States’ commitment to working with the government and people of Pakistan, underscoring that prosperity and security for Pakistan remains a top priority for the United States.

Turkish CGS acknowledges PAF progress in developing indigenous aviation industry

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 18 (APP): Chief of General Staff, Turkish Armed Forces, General Metin Gürak Thursday called on Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu during his visit to Air Headquarters.

The Turkish Chief of General Staff acknowledged the progress made by Pakistan Air Force in developing a robust indigenous aviation industry, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said.

Both the dignitaries discussed various areas of shared interest, aimed at bolstering professional cooperation in the realm of modern warfare technologies and training.

General Metin Gürak expressed his desire to consolidate the existing mutual industrial collaboration with the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP).

The dignitary also visited various installations and technological infrastructure established at Air Headquarters.

Parliamentarians hail President’s speech as reminiscent of state policy, rebuke Opposition’s protest

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 18 (APP): The members of the National Assembly on Thursday hailed President Asif Ali Zardari’s speech at the joint sitting of the Parliament as reminiscent of the state policy and rebuked the Opposition for its protest in the middle of the presidential address.

Talking to media outside the Parliament, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Haji Ghulam Ali said it was the responsibility of senior parliamentarians to reduce the political tension and create unity within the House whereas it was not appropriate to make noise in the Assembly during the President’s address.

Governor Gilgit Baltistan, Syed Mehdi Shah on the occasion said President Asif Ali Zardari’s address to the Parliament for the seventh time was a historic honor and the country’s policy was evident in the President’s address.

Shah said that the policy was clear as the President gave vision to determine the right direction of the state. He said that the country would be on the path of development only with the democratic continuity and supremacy of the parliament.

Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) senior leader and MNA, Shehla Raza said the Parliament was the voice of the people, the President’s address to the Parliament was important for the supremacy of the Constitution and the strength of the Parliament. “PPP has always made sacrifices for the supremacy of the constitution and democracy, we did not allow locks to be put on the Parliament House, PPP will continue to make all kinds of sacrifices for the supremacy of the Parliament,” she added.

Awami National Party (ANP) Chief, Aimal Wali Khan said it was a conspiracy being made to make the parliament and the democratic system look filthy. “A certain group is active in the parliament against democracy, it is sad that some people in the house were proudly shouting slogans of ‘eight hundred thieves, eight hundred thieves’,” the ANP chief said.

PPPP senior leader, Faisal Karim Kundi said President Asif Ali Zardari has given his powers to the Parliament in the past as well, he was still working for the strengthening of the Parliament.

PPPP, MNA, Syed Ali Musa Gillani said President’s Zardari’s speech was a brilliant step towards safeguarding the constitutional and democratic values of the country. However, all the parliamentarians could benefit from the political wisdom of President Asif Ali Zardari depicted in the speech and can get guidance for putting the country back on track of betterment, he added.

MNA, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Sardar Latif Khosa said that the title of President was a constitutional requirement as well as a tradition. Sardar Latif Khosa said that the office of President should be uncontroversial as his office was the symbol of federation in the country.

Turkish CGS calls on Army Chief, commends Pakistan Army’s role in combating terrorism

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RAWALPINDI, Apr 18 (APP): Chief of the Turkish General Staff, General Metin Gürak on Thursday met Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir here at the General Headquarters GHQ and commended Pakistan’s efforts in fostering regional peace and stability, as well as the Pakistan Army’s role in combating terrorism.

The discussion between the two sides encompassed various topics of mutual interest, spanning defence, training, and initiatives aimed at bolstering regional peace and stability.

They acknowledged the robust relationship between their nations and committed to expanding defence collaboration further, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said.

The COAS underscored the imperative of advancing existing military cooperation between the two armed forces.

Earlier upon his arrival at the GHQ, the Turkish Chief of the General Staff paid respects at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada by laying a wreath. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a guard of honor to the dignitary.