ISLAMABAD: October 05
Caretaker Federal Minister for Human Rights Khalil George held a meeting with Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council Maulana Tahir Ashrafi.
ISLAMABAD: October 05
Outgoing Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi calls on the Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.
ISLAMABAD: October 05 –
Sanjrani extends heartfelt appreciation to teachers on World Teachers’ Day
ISLAMABAD, Oct 5 (APP): In connection with World Teachers’ Day, Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has released a poignant message expressing sincere gratitude to the dedicated educators across the nation.
In his statement, the Chairman Senate commended the tireless efforts of teachers in shaping the future of Pakistan, said a news release issued here on Thursday.
He highlighted the invaluable contribution of educators, emphasizing their crucial role in building a knowledgeable and empowered society.
Sadiq Sanjrani further underscores the Senate’s commitment to advancing education through the recently established Education Parliamentarians Caucus (EPC). This caucus aims to support and work towards an educated society in Pakistan, promoting education for all. By recognizing and appreciating the pivotal role of teachers, the Senate, through EPC, reaffirms its dedication to fostering a robust educational landscape for the nation.
The message encourages a collective celebration of the profound impact teachers have on the lives of individuals and the development of the nation as a whole. It underscores the importance of expressing gratitude for the unwavering dedication exhibited by teachers in nurturing young minds.
As Pakistan joins the global community in honoring educators on World Teachers’ Day, Chairman Senate’s message stands as a testament to the Senate’s multifaceted approach in promoting education and recognizing the integral role teachers play in shaping the nation’s future.
Secretary Information and Broadcasting Zahoor Ahmed presiding over Board of Directors meeting of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) at APP Headquarters.
ISLAMABAD: October 05 –
Action against illegal residents not targeted at Afghan refugees: FO Spox
ISLAMABAD, Oct 5 (APP): Pakistan on Thursday said its recent decision to deport illegal residents was not targeted at Afghan refugees but was against all foreigners without having valid visa documents.
Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch at a weekly press briefing said the national policy towards the Afghan refugees in the country “remained unchanged” and their safe repatriation was a separate issue.
The spokesperson said the ongoing operation was against the individuals who had either overstayed their visas or did not have the valid documents to stay.
Baloch clarified that the operation had nothing to do with the Afghan refugees that Pakistan had been hosting for several decades despite its economic constraints.
She confirmed that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan continued to take place, however, stressed that Pakistan would not accept the misuse of transit trade facilities.
Pakistan, she said, had been clearly articulating its concerns about the threats emanating from Afghanistan.
“We believe in diplomacy and will continue to engage with the Afghan authorities to ensure that the Afghan soil is not used to foment terrorism,” she said.
Baloch said Pakistan was in contact with the Indian authorities and urged them to issue visas to Pakistani spectators and journalists who wished to see the ICC (International Cricket Council) World Cup in India.
She said it was the responsibility of the host country to provide security and a conducive environment for the Pakistan cricket team and emphasized that sports should not be mixed with politics.
She said the Pakistan team was visiting India not for a bilateral cricket series, and thus had every right to participate in the international series.
To another question, the spokesperson said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had received the formal communication from the Election Commission to invite international observers for the upcoming general election. She said the process would be facilitated in accordance with the policy and past practice.
On Palestine, she said Pakistan’s policy was clear that it supported a two-state solution on the basis of pre-1967 borders.
The spokesperson outlined the engagements of Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, who is currently in China at the special invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi for participation in the Third Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation being held in Tibet Autonomous Region.
She said the FM in his keynote address delivered today at the opening ceremony of the forum underscored Pakistan’s commitment to ecological balance and urged policy coordination and experience-sharing between countries in the region.
She said FM Jilani and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Forum and emphasized the positive trajectory of bilateral ties, they discussed various aspects of the Pakistan-China friendship and exchanged views on regional and global matters.
The two foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and pledged to enhance high-level exchanges and strategic communication for continued cooperation, she said.
In Tibet, she said, FM Jilani met Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Sainbuyan Amarsaikha where the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to high-level exchanges, and enhance bilateral trade and investment.
Baloch said Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) had concluded the negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the first such agreement concluded by the GCC with any country since 2009.
“We look forward to the early signing, ratification, and implementation of the Agreement, which we believe will contribute to growth and mutual prosperity and mark a new chapter in economic relations between Pakistan and GCC,” she said.
In its capacity as the coordinator of the Geneva-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Group, she said, Pakistan co-organized with the OIC Observer Mission in Geneva an event titled ‘Mapping the efficacy of normative framework on religious discrimination, intolerance, and hatred’.
The event aimed to raise awareness of the growing phenomenon of religious discrimination, intolerance, and hatred and the need for strengthening the normative framework for its redressal from a human rights perspective, she said.
The FO spokesperson said the Indian forces continued to commit serious human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
She said that in September, the Indian troops killed 13 Kashmiris in extra-judicial killings and arrested 157 civilians and activists. Those arrested were mostly booked under the draconian laws promulgated by the occupation authorities in IIOJK — Public Safety Act (PSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
“Such oppressive measures and human rights violations must end and the Kashmiri leaders be set free so that the Kashmiri people can freely exercise their right to self-determination,” she said.
Pakistan’s cash crop Peanut holds massive economic potential amid collaborative efforts, innovation
ATTOCK, Oct 05 (APP):The speakers at an event in connection with World Peanut Day on Thursday said the country’s cash crop peanut, often referred to as the ‘golden kernel,’ has emerged as a crop of immense promise in Pakistan.
The golden kernel has huge economic potential to boost country’s foreign exchange reserves through collaborative efforts and innovations to enhance crop yield, they said.
The experts highlighted at the 8th Annual National Peanut Festival in Attock that the agricultural revolution has the potential to inject billions of dollars into Pakistan’s economy, marking a significant development.
The 8th Annual ‘National Peanut Festival’ Held in Collaboration with Agri Tourism Development Corporation of Pakistan Showcases the Impact of Festivals on Individual and Social Identity, a news release said.
While its current production stands at a modest 8 to 25 maunds per acre, the Peanut Research Institute Attock has endorsed advanced peanut farming practices that can yield up to 50 maunds per acre.
Progressive farmers across different regions are already achieving impressive yields ranging from 35 to 40 maunds per acre.
The National Peanut Festival, marked a significant event that highlighted the profound influence of festivals on the individual and social identity of the people involved, as well as the regions from which they hail.
The event was organized with leading collaboration of Ghazi Brotha Taraqeeati Idara-GBTI and other partners including Agri Tourism Development Corporation of Pakistan, Groundnuts Research Station Attock, Barani Agriculture Research Institute (BARI), and National Rural Support Program (NRSP). This festival not only celebrated the cultural significance of peanuts but also served as a platform for knowledge exchange and the dissemination of successful farming practices.
The speakers and participants at the festival included former federal secretary and director GBTI board Sardar Hamid Ali Khan who emphasized the significance of aiding farmers with subsidies, advanced agricultural machinery, and high-quality seeds, which would serve as a cornerstone for strengthening the nation’s economy.
Among other prominent speakers were Ahsan Khan, Malik Ijaz (progressive farmers), Manzoor Hussain (Principal Scientist at the Groundnut Research Station), Tariq Tanveer (CEO of Agri-Tourism), Yousaf Shah (CEO of Pak Olives), Shakeel Ahmed (Deputy Director of the District Agriculture Department Attock), Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal (Ex DG/Director Olive), Malik Riazuddin (Member of the District Council), Ms. Sara Mehmood (Gandhara Resource Center Pakistan), M. Ashraf Sumrah (Director-BARI), Mian Ziaddin (Ex-Director), Imran Sabri (Head of Commercialization at NARC), Malik Fateh Khan (CEO of GBTI), and Syed Asif Shah (Chairman of GBTI and Guest of Honor).
These distinguished individuals not only shared their experiences but also showcased innovative and value-added products, including agricultural implements, olive jams, olive pickles, olive oil, peanut oil, peanut butter, peanut sweets, and peanut milk.
CEO of Ghazi Brotha Taraqeeati Idara (GBTI), Malik Fateh Khan expressed gratitude for the organization’s work with underprivileged communities, highlighting their role in community development through social mobilization. GBTI, on behalf of all stakeholders, acknowledged the meaningful participation of Rao Atif Raza, DC-Attock, who served as the Chief Guest at the festival. Mr. Raza not only honored the event but also pledged to work closely with farmers to address marketing-related issues concerning groundnuts.
He also promised to promote local products through women entrepreneurs, thus contributing to the economic growth of Pakistan.
The festival concluded on a high note, with certificates distribution among active participants and stallholders by Rao Atif Raza, DC Attock, marking the successful culmination of this year’s National Peanut Festival.
CDA demolishes 7,867 illegal structures in markets, sidewalk tracks, green belts
ISLAMABAD, Oct 5 (APP):The Directorate of Enforcement, Capital Development Authority (CDA) has demolished over 7,867 illegal structures in the markets, roads, green belts, and sidewalk tracks in the federal capital in one and a half years.
“During the operation, around 13,243 items of encroachers have also been confiscated, subsequently, these articles are auctioned. Besides, fines worth Rs. 5.126 million has also been recovered from trespassers as a penalty,” sources in the CDA told APP.
They said, “The Directorate of Enforcement has launched as many as 1,423 anti-encroachment operations carried out across the board in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).”
The sources said, “The Directorate was vigorously undertaking anti-encroachment operations on a regular basis throughout Islamabad in order to curb the illegal constructions in the ICT.”
They said the continuous operations were being carried out on a day-to-day basis 24/7 for the retrieval of state land from land grabbers and encroachers.
The matter was being dealt with by the Directorate of Municipal Administration, working under the administrative control of the Municipal Corporation Islamabad (MCI), they added.
About the steps taken for the protection of citizens, provision of emergency medical assistance, and water facility on hiking tracks, they said, “The forest guards keep patrolling throughout the day in all the trails and hiking tracks of Margalla Hills, National Park.”
Moreover, they said the forest guards were equipped with wireless sets which were connected to the centralized control room of the Environment Wing, CDA, whenever any medical emergency or any untoward situation arises at any trail or hiking track, these forest guards directly communicate with the centralized control room system, where the control room further calls on rescue teams to attend medical emergencies.
“Any type of water pipeline and provision of electricity in Margalla Hills National Park is prohibited to avoid any hazard to wildlife except notified villages,” they added.
Aneeq stresses eternal legacy of Holy Prophet, emphasizes learning, unity among Muslims
ISLAMABAD, Oct 5 (APP):Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed on Thursday the era of Prophethood had concluded, yet the everlasting legacy of the Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him persevered.
Addressing the third annual ‘Seerat-un-Nabi Conference’ organized under Auqaf Islamabad here at Faisal Mosque as special guest, he opined that a single life was not enough to gain a profound comprehension of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him)’s exalted and virtuous character.
Minister Aneeq further emphasized that the Holy Quran instructed us to follow the path shown by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) raising question whether we had learned from His life and incorporated it into our own lives.
He highlighted the success in following the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him)’s teachings, stating, “True believers are those whose character and conduct reflect the qualities of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).” He said, “If our way does not align with the noble path of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), it is a complete failure.”
Speaking about the value of knowledge, Minister Aneeq said, “Knowledge is the essence of fear of God, and those with knowledge hold a profound reverence for Allah,” adding that a true believer was one whose ethics and actions reminded others of Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him. He stressed that by learning from the character of the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him, we could improve our society.
“We aspire to enhance the beauty of this land and eliminate despair from Pakistan,” he said, emphasizing unity among the Muslim community.
Concluding his address, Minister Aneeq said, “Laylat-ul-Qadr holds great significance for Pakistan, and may Allah Almighty bless our nation.”
Eight persons hurt over brawl between two groups
MUZAFFARGARH, Oct 05 (APP):At least eight people including a woman sustained injuries over brawl between two groups for land dispute in basti Colour Wali Tehsil Jatoi.
According to Rescue officials, there was a land dispute between two groups at basti Colour Wali Shehr Sultan Tehsil Jatoi on which they started quarrelling.
As a result, eight people sustained injuries. Upon receiving the information, Rescue teams rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to rural health centre Shehr Sultan.
Shehr Sultan police reached the spot and started legal action into the incident.
The victims were identified as Zaib Mai, Naeem Akhtar, Muhammad Akram, Muhammad Asghar, Bilal and others.
Dr.Umar saif efforts to boost IT exports to $4 bln
ISLAMABAD, Oct 5 (APP):Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Dr. Umar Saif expressed the hope that the decision to allow IT companies to retain 50 percent of their export proceeds in special foreign currency accounts will increase IT exports to $4 billion.
This groundbreaking move fulfills a longstanding demand of the IT sector and underscores Dr. Saif’s unwavering commitment to the industry’s growth.
Previously, IT companies were permitted to retain only 35 percent of their export proceeds in foreign currency accounts, making this decision a pivotal step toward streamlining financial operations and bolstering the industry’s potential.
The inclusion of “digitization and enhancement of forex retention for IT companies” on the agenda of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) meeting marked a significant milestone.
Following the directives of the SIFC, SBP is now set to revise foreign exchange regulations, permitting IT exporters and companies to retain 50 percent of their export proceeds in these specialized foreign currency accounts.
The Ministry of IT and Telecom played a central role in brokering successful negotiations between the IT sector and the State Bank, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for technological innovation.
Dr. Umar Saif’s tireless advocacy for the IT industry bore fruit when he brought the sector’s demands to the federal government’s attention, resulting in its inclusion on the SIFC’s agenda.
This proactive approach has led to a milestone decision that will not only enhance the IT industry’s competitiveness but also provide companies the opportunity to transfer their accounts from abroad to Pakistan.