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After heavy UAE rains, Pakistan embassy reaches out to diaspora, sets up helplines

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 18 (APP): The Embassy of Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established helplines to reach out to the Pakistani community and extend all possible assistance to those in need in the aftermath of heavy rains in the Emirates.

On the instructions of Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Consul General in Dubai Hussain Muhammad, constituted a special team to visit Dubai airport and meet Pakistani nationals waiting due to delayed flights, according to a press release.

The team visited the airport and met stranded passengers in bid to extend required help and facilitation.

“We will ensure provision of all possible assistance to our community members affected by recent rains”, said Ambassador Tirmizi.

The ambassador directed for establishment of a special helpline for Pakistani community requiring assistance.

Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
WhatsApp: +971 50 124 8934
Call: +97124447800

Dubai and Northern Emirates.
WhatsApp: +971 4 397 3600
Call: +971566472721

Foreign exchange rates

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KARACHI, Apr 18 (APP): The Exchange Rates Committee of Financial Markets Association of Pakistan issued the following Exchange rates bulletin, here on Thursday.

CONVERSION RATES FOR APRIL 18, 2024 FOR FOREIGN CURRENCY FOR FORWARD COVER FOR DEPOSITS (EXCLUDING FE 25 DEPOSITS)

SBP SETTLEMENT VALUE DATE APRIL 22, 2024

USD 278.3011
GBP 346.5961
EUR 295.6949
JPY 1.7999

KP Govt decides to establish Gem Processing & Export Centre

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PESHAWAR, Apr 18 (APP):The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to develop gemstone sector as formal export sector and for this purpose the gemstone cluster at Namak Mandi would be develop in the shape of Gems Processing & Export Centre.
The Gem Export Center will be redesigned and shifted to a spacious and suitable building equipped with all international standards.
In this regard, a high-level meeting was held on Thursday in the committee room of the Industries Department here at Civil Secretariat, Peshawar with Special Assistant to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commerce and Technical Education Abdul Karim Tordhir in the chair.
Besides, Secretary Industries, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah and Special Secretary Muhammad Anwar Khan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (KP-EZDMC) Javed Iqbal Khattak, Executive Director of Federal Export Development Fund (EDF) Samiullah Khan and Director Zafar, PDA and Local Government Officers, representatives of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) Gemstones Association and officers of other relevant departments also attended the meeting.
In the meeting, several policy level decisions were taken for the development of the gemstones sector, under which a Gems Processing and Export Centre equipped with advanced facilities for Gemstones will be established in Peshawar.
The facilities of Certification Lab, International Mail Office (IMO), Bank and Customs Office will also be available, while facilities for the provision of NOC for the arrival of investors from abroad will also be available in the centre. Likewise, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran Desk will also be set up at this Gems Centre, which will be completed and formally inaugurated in next four months.
It was decided in the meeting that with the Federal Export Development Fund, the annual Gems Show will also be organized in the province, while the representative of EDF assured in the meeting that the availability of facilities in the proposed centre will be provided through the fund.
Speaking on this occasion, the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister said that the establishment of a modern Gems Centre in the province will prove a milestone for the economic development of the country and the province. This will also increase exports beside providing employment opportunities to thousands of people related to this sector and bring substantial increase in revenue.
He said that Peshawar is very important for the business of precious stones in this region and the establishment of this new centre will further develop this sector which will further the economic development of our province.

Zong business revolutionizes digital landscape for CGCMS through recent partnership

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 18 (APP):Zong Business, Pakistan’s leading telecom operator has joined hands with China Gezhouba Construction Management Services (CGCMS) to ensure seamless connectivity robust networks, and innovative digital solutions to help the organization achieve its ambitious goals without hindrance.
Founded in 1970, China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) is a key subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd., a prominent state-owned enterprise, said a news release issued here on Thursday.
CGGC specializes in various sectors including water conservancy, power generation, infrastructure construction, and real estate development, encompassing design, construction, investment, and operation services.
CGCMS’ expertise combined with Zong 4G’s proficiency in network architecture, security, and scalability will enable CGCMS to regulate its organizational processes more effectively.
In a dynamic era where connectivity reigns supreme, this strategic alliance is poised to revolutionize the digital landscape.
Zong Business is focusing on delivering seamless WiFi connectivity across CGCMS’s two flagship buildings, powered by cutting-edge Dedicated Internet Service. That’s not all – we’re elevating communication standards with our state-of-the-art digital voice platform, connecting CGCMS effortlessly with global and local destinations.
The signing ceremony, a beacon of innovation, took place at the prestigious Zong CMPak Headquarters in Islamabad, with top-tier executives from both entities coming together to mark this monumental occasion.
The distinguished guests included:  From CGCMS: Wang Xiaoming (CEO),  Yu Jingsheng (Project Manager), and  Xiang Tiantian (Manager of Commercial Law).
From Zong CMPak:  Huo Jun Li (CEO),  Wang Yong (CHRO),  Farooq Raza (GCSS HOD),  Atif Ali (RD) and Ms. Na GuiXiu (Relationship Manager GCSS).
CEO of Zong CMPak  Huo Jun Li expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration and stated, “We are thrilled to partner with CGCMS. Our mission is to empower businesses through seamless connectivity. Together, we will redefine the impossible in the digital age.” Simultaneously, the CEO of CGCMS commented, “Zong CMPak’s reputation precedes them. Their network solutions align perfectly with our vision. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”

UNHCR Country Representative calls on federal minister for SAFRON, discusses Afghan refugee’s issues

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 18 (APP):United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR’s) Country Representative Ms. Philippa Candler on Thursday called on Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions Engr Amir Muqam here at his office.
During meeting, the minister acknowledged continued support of UNHCR towards the Afghan Refugee’s issues in Pakistan for the last 45 years.
He said that Pakistan is generously hosting millions of Afghans and providing protection, livelihood, education and health facilities to them. “Currently Pakistan is hosting 1.45 million registered Afghan Refugees having POR card. 0.8 million Afghan Citizen Card holders and about 0.5 to 0.7 million un-registered Afghans, he added.
Engr Amir Muqam who is also Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan said that government of Pakistan highly value the role of UNHCR for verification of 1.30 million POR cards of Afghan refugees and processing 0.145 UMRFs (Unregistered members of registered families) under drive exercise.
He said that the enriched and updated information will help in their better management and would also benefit the country of origin in their resettlement and reintegration on their dignified return.
The minister said that the verification of URMF has been extended till 30 April 2024 and we hope that UNHCR will mobilize and add more resources to complete verification of UMRFs.
Engr Amir Muqam said that it is matter of great pleasure to share that British Registration Certificates to the children of registered PORs families have resumed at Proof of Registration (PoR) card modification (PCM) centers by the government of Pakistan in collaboration with UNHCR.
“We are aware and working our best on part of illegal foreigner’s repatriation plan and happy to share that no harassment, detention or deportation of POR and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) card holders have been carried out till date”, he added.
He said that he appreciate announcement by UNHCR of providing USD 700 per repatriating family as repatriation grant in addition with USD 375 per individuals so that Afghan Refugees could sustain their lives after returning to their homeland, as per their wishes and demand.
“We feel that solution to Afghan Refugees’ situation lies in Afghanistan. We need to invest and concentrate more in Afghanistan,” he added.
He said that maximum efforts should be made to create an environment conducive to sustainable returns in Afghanistan through the Priority Areas of Return and Reintegration (PARRs), adding that a quota for Afghan Refugees in Pakistan may also be allocated in PARRs.
He said that we believe that developmental and humanitarian nexus is a need but exclusive grants are required as Pakistan sees refugees’ situation as per humanitarian perspective.
Engr Amir Muqam said that we have witnessed that development funds for Refugees Affected and Hosting Areas (RAHA) have been gradually declining, adding that it is very challenging and we do not forecast much improvement in basic service delivery, health and education etc. “We need parallel, exclusive, dedicated, generous, predictable and sustainable interventions”, he added.
The minister said that we welcome the donors’ contribution in shape of Refugees Response Plan (RRP), adding that “we look forward UNHCR’s efficient coordination in initiating RRP 2024 and hope this spirit should continue in future. He said that we expect that RRP 2024 would be initiated with Government priorities and our policies are to be reflected in its implementation.
He said that we expect that SAFRON will be involved in conceptualization of projects under RRP along with selection of beneficiary targets, geographical selection, specific contours, deliverables and monitoring and evaluation and any basic corrections, if needed.

PESCO notifies power suspension in Peshawar

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PESHAWAR, Apr 18 (APP):Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) on Thursday notified that due to maintenance work power supply will remain suspended from Peshawar City Grid Station on 20th and 22nd April from 8:00 a.m. to 2 :00 p.m.
Consequently, consumers of Sikhandar Abad, Zaryab, Phandu Road, City Home, Bana Mari, Urmar, Islamabad, Faqir Abad, Sheikh Abad, Molvi G, Nishtarabad, NHA feeders will face inconvenience.
Likewise, it said that power supply will remain suspended from Peshawar Cantt Grid Station on 20th and 24th April from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. resultantly, consumers of Tehkal, Islamia College, KTH, Commercial, Jahangir Abad, University Town, NCB, Air Port, PAF Base, Saddar Road, Mall Road, MES 1,2, Old MES, Babu Ghari, Marble Industry, CAA, Palosi 1, Behari Colony, Tehkal Payan, Bank of Khyber, Scarp 1 feeders will face inconvenience.

LESCO detects 271 power pilferers

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LAHORE, Apr 18 (APP):The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has detected a total of 271 connections from where the customers were pilfering electricity in all its circles of five districts (Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur and Okara) on the 212th day of grand anti-power theft campaign.
A LESCO spokesman told media here Thursday that the company had also submitted FIR applications against electricity thieves, out of which 127 FIRs have been registered in respective police stations, while 18 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 212th 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 07 were commercial, 02 agricultural and 262 domestic, and all these connections were disconnected and charged with a total of 194,347 units as detection bill amounting to Rs 5.765 million.
Apprising the media about some major power pilferers, he explained that LESCO charged Rs 50,000 detection bill to an electricity pilferer in Sangla Hill area; Rs 130,000 detection bill to a power pilferer in Qila Gujjarpura Singh area; Rs 115,000 detection bill to an electricity thief in Shahdara Town; and Rs 110,000 fine in the form of detection bill to another customer stealing electricity also in Shahdara Town.
During the 212 days of the grand anti-theft campaign, the spokesman mentioned, the LESCO detected pilferage on 72,985 power connections and 69,918 FIRs have been registered against electricity thieves in the relevant police stations, while 29,885 accused have so far been arrested by the police. The LESCO has so far charged a total of 88,636,842 detection units worth Rs 3,326,150,530 to all the power pilferers.

‘Bumper production of wheat crop expected’

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FAISALABAD, Apr 18 (APP):Agriculture Research Punjab Director General Dr Sajid-ur-Rehman said a bumper production of wheat crops is expected this year due to timely cultivation, better weather conditions, hard work of farmers and agri scientists by introducing new varieties.
An inaugurating wheat harvest drive in the field area of Wheat Department Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) here on Thursday, he said that wheat was a precious commodity of the country as it played a pivotal role in catering to domestic food requirements.
He said that many farmers did not take care during harvest and lost about 10 per cent of their produce. If they adopt pre and post harvest management techniques, they could increase their yield up to 10 per cent, he added.
He advised growers to regularly listen to weather forecast through print and electronic media and harvest their crops during appropriate time to minimize pre and post harvest losses.
Chief Scientist Wheat Department Dr. Javed Ahmed said the best suitable time for harvesting and threshing of wheat crop was when the crop was fully ripe and the moisture content of grains
is 10 to 12 per cent.
He advised farmers to continue harvesting and threshing together in suitable weather conditions so that wheat harvesting and threshing process can be completed in minimum time.
Dr Aziz-ur-Rehman said farmers should follow the departmental recommendations during storage of wheat after harvesting and threshing.
He said that various types of damage could affect quality and weight of a grain if it was stored in warehouses, including insects attack, increase and decrease of temperature, etc.
Earlier, Dr Sajid-ur-Rahman flanked by Dr Javed Ahmed, Dr Aziz-ur-Rahman and Dr Muhammad Nadeem inaugurated the wheat harvesting while Deputy Director Research Information Dr Asif Ali, Muhammad Ishaq Lashari, Dr Qavi Irshad, progressive farmers Tahir Razaq Gujjar, Rana Muhammad Ahmed Khan, Muhammad Sarwar and others were also present on the occasion.

Massive crackdown against drug mafia continues on orders of Sharjeel Memon

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KARACHI, Apr 18 (APP):On the directives of Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, a series of crackdowns against drug peddlers in various districts of Sindh is underway.
Twenty-six more drug peddlers were apprehended in the ongoing crackdown by Excise Narcotics Control and Police from various districts.
Eighteen kilograms of hashish, approximately one kilogram of ice, harmful gutka mawa, raw liquor, and other drugs were seized from the suspects.
The Excise Narcotics Control team in Gulstan e Johar area of Karachi arrested the accused Abid, son of Shah Muhammad.
The Divisional Special Squad established on the orders of Senior Excise Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon in Hyderabad arrested an accused Kashif Makrani, during an operation in Makrani Muhalla, who was supplying drugs in an educational institution. Kashif was identified as the main operative of the Amjad Makrani group, and the Excise Narcotics Control had been pursuing the accused for three years.
During an operation near Lyari General Hospital, Dubai Chowk in Karachi,  accused Iqbal was apprehended, and 5050 grams of hashish were seized.
An Excise team near Indus Hospital in Korangi arrested two accused, Muhammad Umar and Akhtar, with 10 kg of hashish recovered from their possession.
In the Pinyari area of Hyderabad, the police arrested the notorious ice supplier Imran in an injured condition after an encounter.
 A pistol and 270 grams of ice were recovered from the arrested accused.
Badin police apprehended the notorious drug dealer Mushtaq Mallah alias Mama Mushtaq and recovered 2025 grams of hashish. In another operation by Badin police, Gutka vendor Mashooq Shaikh was arrested, and 600 packets of harmful Gutka were seized.
Kadhan Police, Badin arrested drug dealer Sikander Ali Shoro and recovered 10 liters of raw liquor from his possession. Additionally, Gutka seller Muhammad Hanif Mallah was arrested, and 300 packets were confiscated. Nindo police arrested drug dealer Nasrullah Khoso along with 10 liters of raw liquor.
 In Badin’s Kario Ganhwar area, Gutka seller Sarfraz Korejo was arrested, and 200 packets of harmful gutka were seized.
Notorious drug dealer Atta Muhammad alias Attani Magsi was apprehended with a pistol in a police encounter by Ghorabari police of Thatta.
According to police, accused Atta Muhammad alias Attani Magsi is a major dealer of ice and heroin in Thatta and other areas.
Tando Allahiyar B Section Police arrested the accused Lalu along with 1300 grams of hashish during a targeted operation.
Another police operation in Haji Mir Bahar village of Tando Allahyar led to the arrest of the accused Sajjad Ali Mallah and the recovery of 100 liters of raw liquor. Achhu son Bhaloo Kolhi was arrested with 30 liters of raw liquor near Tando Allahyar Quba stop. Acting on a tip-off, Tando Allahyar A Section Police arrested three accused, Saleem Pathan, Afaq Mastoi, and Abdullah Mastoi, in Mastoi Colony and recovered 200 ready-made Main Puri and 140 mawa.
Excise Police in Jamshoro arrested the notorious drug dealer Ghulam Ali Jamali in a targeted operation based on intelligence and recovered 500 grams of ice.
Thatta district police arrested 7 drug peddlers while conducting operations in Gharo, Thatta, Dhabeji, Keti Bandar, Sakro, Jhirk, and Jhampir. A total of 1640 grams of hashish, 3950 packets of Gutka Mawa, 91 kg of Gutka-making material, and an abundant quantity of raw liquor were recovered from the suspects.
Commenting on the successful operations of Excise and Police, Sindh Senior Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control, Sharjeel Inam Memon appreciated the dedication and bravery of Excise and Police officers.
He warned that those involved in smuggling and other criminal activities will be brought to justice.
He emphasized that efforts will continue to eradicate the scourge of drugs and ensure a safe future, leaving no stone unturned to uphold the rule of law.