Polio Eradication Campaign continue in Hazara division

Tue, 3 Oct 2023, 4:58 PM

ABBOTTABAD, Oct 03 (APP):On the second day of the Polio Eradication Campaign Tuesday concluded with an evening review meeting led by Deputy Commissioners of all 8 districts of Hazara division focused on assessing the campaign’s performance and coverage.

During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Khalid Iqbal emphasized the importance of ensuring that children in rural areas receive the same access to polio vaccination as those in urban areas.

He directed the Health Department to take necessary actions to address this issue. Additionally, the DC urged the improvement of mobile team performance to make the vaccination process more effective.

Deputy Commissioner Khalid Iqbal stressed the need to make transit teams more active and ensure that mobile teams remain active during travel to administer polio drops to children. It was emphasized that teams should be present at markets, central locations, schools, and hospitals to reach as many children as possible.

In an appeal to parents, Deputy Commissioner Mansehra urged them to ensure that children under the age of 5 receive both polio and vitamin A drops, while children aged 6 months to 5 years should receive vitamin A drops to enhance their immunity and protect them from diseases.

In districts, Battagra, Torghar, Upper Kohistan and Lower Kohistan detailed briefings were provided during the meeting to achieve the campaign’s second-day target, following the direction of the Polio Focal Person.

Deputy Commissioner Mansehra highlighted the importance of addressing parental doubts and suspicions with evidence to reduce refusal rates and ensure that no child is deprived of protective drops.

In Mansehra district alone, 1531 polio teams have been formed, tasked with going door-to-door to vaccinate more than 311,242 children against polio.

To monitor the progress of polio teams, 335 area supervisors have been appointed, and an additional 1416 police personnel have been assigned to ensure the security of polio teams.

2,000 more bags of sugar seized in DI Khan

Raiq Qureshi

Tue, 3 Oct 2023, 4:56 PM

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Oct 03 (APP):The crackdown against hoarders and profiteers across the district continues in full swing with a special team seizing 2,000 more bags of sugar.

According to the district administration, the drive has been launched in line with the instructions of the provincial government to take action against profiteers who created artificial shortage of sugar to fleece masses through unjust hikes in prices of the commodity.

Acting on tip-off, a special team led by Assistant Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan Farhan Ahmed along with officials of food department and police raided Jelani Departmental Store situated at Bannu road here.

During the inspection, they recovered 2,000 bags of sugars which were illegally stored. The team sealed the said store on the spot.

Speaking on this occasion, Assistant Commissioner Farhan Ahmed said the indiscriminate actions against the hoarders would be continued and every effort would be made to overcome the issue of smuggling and hoarding.

He urged the business community to avoid profiteering and cooperate with the district administration in providing relief to the citizens.

He urged upon the people to point out the businessmen involved in hoarding, if they noticed around them, so that appropriate action could be taken. The people could register their complaints, if any, at his official phone no 0966-9280117.

Kundi condemns attack on Tehsil Nazim Tank

Raiq Qureshi

Tue, 3 Oct 2023, 4:55 PM

PESHAWAR, Oct 03 (APP):Central Information Secretary of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Faisal Karim Kundi Tuesday strongly condemned the armed attack on Tehsil Nazim Tank, Saddam Hussain Bettani.

In a statement, he said that law enforcement agencies should take immediate action to prevent such incidents.

He said that PPP had been at the forefront of opposition to such anti-state elements since day one, following in the footsteps of its leaders, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir

Leading economist emphasizes protecting Pakistan’s GSP Plus status to prevent $3 billion in potential losses

Raiq Qureshi

Tue, 3 Oct 2023, 4:52 PM

Leading economist emphasizes protecting Pakistan's GSP

ISLAMABAD, Oct 3 (APP):A prominent economist, Dr. Aadil Nakhoda Tuesday stressed the vital importance of preserving Pakistan’s GSP Plus status, warning that its loss could result in a substantial loss exceeding $ 3 billion and worsen the nation’s balance of payments.

Speaking at the 7th Islamabad Policy Exchange event, Dr Adil, the author of “Pakistan and EU Trade Potential: The Bottlenecks and Roadmap for Reforms,” urged Pakistan to diversify its products and improve quality to access untapped European markets.

Nakhoda’s report, co-published by Policy Research Institute of Market Economy (PRIME) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, analyzes Pakistan’s trade with the EU, highlighting the risks of Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Plus withdrawal and the need for regulatory improvements.

It emphasizes the need for Pakistan to prioritize consumer satisfaction, eliminate regulatory obstacles, provide exporters with knowledge of global standards, diversify its exports, and promote Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for economic growth.

Emphasizing the need for Pakistan to broaden its product variety and enhance quality through strategic diversification to access untapped European markets, he stressed the importance of Pakistan strategically diversifying by expanding its product range and improving quality to tap into untapped EU markets.

The report, examines key facets of Pakistan’s trade with the European Union, highlights the implications of a possible withdrawal of the GSP Plus status and provides essential guidance for policymakers and businesses.

While analyzing unit value and Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) data, the author highlighted the success stories of Vietnam and India in exporting high-value, quality products, stating that Pakistan must prioritize consumer satisfaction in export markets.

The report emphasized the significance of enhancing the regulatory landscape and fostering a business-friendly environment.

Dr. Nakhoda’s research findings highlighted that the regulatory framework is intricate and leads to distortions, thereby increasing the expenses associated with conducting business.

He emphasized that to boost exports, it is imperative to eliminate regulatory obstacles and lower the operational expenses for companies.

Additionally, he pointed out that Pakistani exporters require instruction and knowledge regarding evolving global standards and compliance prerequisites. This would enable domestic producers to enhance their methods and meet quality standards.

The report notes that a narrow export basket and limited market diversification are among the causes of Pakistan’s low export earnings. It recommends that Pakistan must not only diversify its exportable goods but also graduate to higher value-added products. Exporters need to explore unconventional markets to increase their earnings.

In this regard, Dr. Nakhoda pointed towards the expansion of two critical initiatives: the Pakistan Single Window and the National Compliance Center, to facilitate exports and enhance integration into global value chains.

The report also notes that female labor force participation remains low and calls for concerted efforts to empower women and harness their potential.

The report highlighted the importance of SMEs and their potential in promoting industrialization and exports of the country. Currently, policies are inclined towards promoting large scale industries while negligent attention is paid to facilitate SMEs. To embark on a growth trajectory and escape vicious cycle of balance of payment crises, it is crucial to promote SMEs by reducing regulatory hurdles.

AIOU holds National Seerat Conference

Hussain Lashari

Tue, 3 Oct 2023, 4:52 PM

ISLAMABAD, Oct 03 (APP):Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) is working to spread the teachings of Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) and, in that context, the university is hosting a National Seerat conference in the third week of this month.

According to the AIOU, Prof this conference is being organized jointly by the Seerat Chair of the University, the Department of Seerat Studies, AIOU and the Rahmatul-lil-Aalameen Authority, as per the special directives of the Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Madad Ali Sindhi.

A large number of Seerat writers, researchers, teachers and students from all over the country will participate in the conference.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mehmood, while thanking the Federal Minister of Education, Madad Ali Sindhi, for entrusting him with the responsibility of organizing the Seerat Conference, said that the AIOU has always taken the initiative in this national and religious cause, and we have started the preparations for organizing the Seerat Conference with devotion.

Two bike lifters arrested; 12 stolen motorcycles recovered

Hussain Lashari

Tue, 3 Oct 2023, 4:49 PM

RAWALPINDI, Oct 03 (APP):Police have arrested two bike lifters and recovered 12 stolen motorcycles from their possession, said a police spokesman on Tuesday.

He informed that a team under the supervision of SHO, Race Course Police Station managed to net two bike lifters namely Tamoor Ijaz and Muhammad Waqar and recovered 12 stolen motorcycles and other items from their possession.

A case has been registered against the accused while further investigation is underway.

Superintendent of Police, Potohar, Muhammad Waqas Khan said the accomplices and facilitators of the accused would also be sent behind the bars.

He said that the operation against the bike and car lifters would further be accelerated.

CII chairman clarifies misinterpretation of presidential pardoning authority statement

NNPS Desk

Tue, 3 Oct 2023, 4:44 PM

ISLAMABAD, Oct 3 (APP): Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman, Dr. Qibla Ayyaz, on Tuesday clarified that his statement regarding the constitutional authority of the president to pardon was being presented out of context on some news channels, websites and in WhatsApp groups.

He categorically stated that the issue of presidential pardoning authority was clearly mentioned in Article 45 of the Constitution and was not on the agenda of the recent council’s meeting.

In response to a journalist’s question, Dr. Qibla referred to a previous recommendation made during the 188th council session on October 22, 2012 and subsequent council session 217 on January 7 to 8, 2020.

These discussions were held in light of the Ministry of Law and Justice’s inquiry into the proposed amendment bill by former Senator Siraj-ul-Haq regarding the presidential pardoning authority, he added.

Regarding the presidential authority to pardon, Dr. Qibla further said the council had previously stated, “The President of Pakistan does not have the authority to pardon Hudood and Qisas punishments according to the Quran and Sunnah, and granting such authority is against the Islamic Shariah. However, in cases where the rights of individuals are not involved, the President has complete discretion to pardon the punishment. Additionally, the President can either grant a full pardon or reduce the punishment according to his discretion.”

Rupee gains Rs 1.04 against US Dollar

NNPS Desk

Tue, 3 Oct 2023, 4:34 PM

ISLAMABAD, Oct 3 (APP): Pakistani Rupee on Tuesday witnessed 20th consecutive recovery session as it gained Rs 1.04 against the US dollar in the interbank trading and closed at Rs 285.72 against the previous day’s closing of Rs 286.76.

However, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the dollar in the open market stood at Rs 283.5 and Rs 286.3 respectively.

The price of the Euro decreased Rs 3.34 to close at Rs 299.56 against the last day’s closing of Rs 302.90, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The Japanese Yen came down by 01 paisa to close at Rs1.90, whereas a decrease of Rs 4.08 was witnessed in the exchange rate of the British Pound, which traded at Rs 345.42 as compared to the last closing of Rs 349.50.

The exchange rates of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal declined by 29 and 28 paisa to close at Rs 77.78 and Rs 76.17 respectively.

Pakistan envoy meets Russian deputy FM; presents copy of credentials

Ishtiaq Rao

Tue, 3 Oct 2023, 4:30 PM

ISLAMABAD, Oct 03 (APP): The newly appointed Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russian Federation Khalid Jamali on Tuesday called on Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko to present a copy of his diplomatic credentials.

In the meeting held at Russian Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Jamali stated that he was honored and delighted to lead the Pakistan’s embassy in Russia at a time when the relations between the two countries were on a steady positive trajectory.

He conveyed that developing excellent relations with the Russian Federation was one of the priorities of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

He told the deputy foreign minister that during the farewell meeting with him, President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi had instructed him to strengthen bilateral relations with Russia.

Ambassador Jamali resolved to build on the positive momentum in the bilateral relations in order to expand cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.