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Besant Hall Cultural Centre honoring Pir Hassam din Rashdi to take place on April 1

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HYDERABAD, Mar 31 (APP):Besant Hall Cultural centre (BHCC) will organize a programme to mark the 43rd death anniversary of noted historian Pir Hassam din Rashdi on 01 April (Monday) at 4. pm.
The Director BHCC Sobia Ali Shaikh informed that the event will be presided over by Ghulam Muhammad Lakho while key speakers Paras Rashdi, Imam Rashdi, Taj  Joyo and Gohar Noshahi will shed light on the life, career and literary contribution of Pir Hassam din Rashdi.
Pir Hassam Din Rashdi was born on 20 September 1911  in District Larkana. He served as an editor/ Co editor in a number of newspapers and Magazines including Al-Munar(Magazines), Peigham (Magazine), Sindh Zamindar ( Newspaper) and Mehran (Magazine).
He wrote more than 50 books on history and literature in Persian, Sindhi and Urdu languages and also contributed to research papers. He died on 1 April 1982 and buried at Makli graveyard.

Murad Ali Shah extends warm Easter greetings to Christian community

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KARACHI, Mar 31 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah has expressed has greeted the Christian community in Pakistan, especially Sindh, on Easter.
In a message on the occasion of Easter, he said that the people of all religions live with harmony and fraternity in Sindh. He said that Pakistan People’s Party believes in coexistence, interfaith harmony and respect for each others’ faith and beliefs.
The CM said that Easter is a festival of love, compassion, forgiveness and sharing happiness for all. He further said that the Christian community has played an important role in the promotion of education, health and development of the country.

Seed mafia a formidable threat to agriculture: Malik

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LAHORE, Mar 31 (APP):The seed mafia selling substandard wheat and cotton seeds has emerged as a formidable threat to the agricultural sector particularly in areas reliant on this staple crops.
Pakistan Hitech Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA) Chairman Shahzad Ali Malik stated
this while talking to a farmers’ delegation led by Muhammad Hussain Dohla here Sunday. Malik added, “These nefarious actors exploit the vulnerability of farmers by peddling inferior quality seeds masquerading as genuine agricultural inputs. With deceptive tactics, they undermine the integrity of the agricultural supply chain, wreaking havoc on crop yields and causing substantial financial losses estimated in billions of rupees.”
He was of the view that in order to combat this menace and revitalize the agricultural sector, concerted efforts are imperative to stamp out the seed mafia and promote the adoption of high-quality, certified seeds for all crops. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing seed certification processes, and enforcing stringent penalties for fraudulent practices are crucial steps in safeguarding farmers’ interests
and bolstering agricultural production, he suggested.
By prioritizing the use of certified and approved seeds, he said, the policymakers and stakeholders could empower farmers with the tools necessary to increase productivity, enhance resilience to environmental challenges, and foster sustainable agricultural growth. Shahzad Ali Malik said detrimental impact of the seed mafia extends beyond economic losses, as it undermines food security and agricultural sustainability. Poor-quality seeds not only compromise crop yields but also jeopardize the genetic diversity and resilience of agricultural ecosystems.
Inadequate yields perpetuate food insecurity, exacerbating poverty and hindering rural development efforts. Concurrently, cotton ginners capitalize on the demand for cotton seed by selling substandard varieties, often mislabeling low-grade Benola as premium seed. This dual assault on the agricultural sector exacerbates the challenges faced by farmers, leading to diminished yields per acre and perpetuating the cycle of poverty among rural communities, he concluded.

Ayaz, Mustafa Shah extend warm felicitation to Christian community on Easter

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 31 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah have extended warm felicitations to the Christian Members of the Parliament and the Christian community on the occasion of Easter.

The Speaker said that the role of non-Muslim communities in the development of Pakistan is an irrefutable reality. Ayaz Sadiq also said that the constitution imparts provision of all basic rights to minorities.

Speaker in his message on the eve of Easter urged the parliamentarians and citizens to pro-actively play their part in peace-keeping and in promotion of inter-faith harmony, as these are the pre-requisites for socio-economic prosperity and a progressive society.

In addition, he reaffirmed that the rights and privileges of all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs, are guaranteed and safe-guarded by the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Moreover, the Speaker stressed on the need for engaging in legislation aimed at enhancing inter-faith harmony, while adopting a non-partisan approach and working beyond party lines for the betterment of all the non-Muslim communities of Pakistan.

Furthermore, he praised the Christian community while acknowledging their valuable contributions towards socio-economic progress, since the creation of Pakistan and reaffirmed the notion of equality, stressed by the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Ghulam Mustafa extended hearty felicitations and stated that all non-Muslim communities of Pakistan are provided with the rights & privileges to practice their religion freely according to the constitution and also as per the vision of Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah all citizens must play their part in promotion of inter-faith harmony and peace. He further praised minorities for their loyalty towards Pakistan & for their services rendered for the betterment and progress of Pakistan.

Kyrgyzstan keen on joint ventures with Pak businessmen, investors

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Meher Kashif
LAHORE, Mar 31 (APP):Kyrgyzstan has offered a basket of incentives to fully facilitate
Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors in joint ventures. Ms Asel Begmatova, Head of External Relations Department of Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy and Commerce, presented these offers to Pak trade delegation led by Meher Kashif Younis, honorary Consul of Kyrgyzstan in Pakistan.
The delegation is on a two-week visit to Kyrgyzstan to study the scope of further strengthening bilateral trade and promotion of exports. Kyrgyzstan Trade House (KTH) President Dr Shahid Hassan was also present, according to Meher’s spokesman here Sunday.
Briefing the Pakistani delegation, Ms Begmatova said that joint ventures would not only cater to Kyrgyz needs but also generate profits of investors with sovereign guarantees. She added, “Our welcoming stance towards Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors signifies a mutual desire to strengthen economic ties and foster bilateral cooperation by providing ample support and assistance, Kyrgyzstan aims to create an environment conducive to investment and business collaboration.”
The emphasis on joint ventures underscores the importance of partnerships that leverage the strengths and resources of both nations, she remarked, citing that collaborative efforts between Pakistani and Kyrgyz businesses hold the potential to tap into diverse markets, capitalize on comparative advantages, and drive economic growth.
“Our assurance of facilitating investments in areas of choice reflects Kyrgyzstan’s recognition of the importance of encouraging investors especially from Pakistan to take full advantage of ample opportunities that align with their interests and expertise,” she maintained. By offering flexibility and support, Kyrgyzstan seeks
to attract diverse investments that contribute to the country’s development while
also benefiting investors, she added.
Ms Begmatova said the emphasis on garnering profits underscores the pragmatic
approach to attract investments that yield tangible returns. By prioritizing profitability,
Kyrgyzstan aims to create sustainable partnerships that endure beyond short-term
gains and foster long-term economic prosperity.
Other Kyrgyz officials Takirov Urmat, Director Centre for Development and Promotion
of Exports, Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Tilek Zhumaliev, Head of the Export Promotion Department ,Export Center Asel Turgunbaeva, an expert of the department of international cooperation Ministry of Economy and Commerce also gave comprehensive presentations on various future projects and discussed in detail the prospects of several proposals.
Leader of Pak trade delegation Meher Kashif Younis who is also President of Kyrgyzstan
Trade House in Lahore, welcomed the goodwill gesture and said it underscores Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to foster a conducive environment for investment and business collaboration with Pakistan. Through open dialogue, support mechanisms, and a focus on mutual benefits, he said, both the countries stand to capitalize on the opportunities by joint ventures, thereby contributing to economic growth, job creation, and enhanced bilateral relations.

Police finalize security plan for Youm-e-Ali

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MULTAN, Mar 31 (APP):District Police have finalized security plan for Youm-e-Ali (a.s) on 21st Ramadan to maintain the law and order situation in the city.
According to City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Ali Dogar, a total of 12 mourning processions would be taken out in the city out of which two have been declared sensitive while 15 Majalis including two of Category A would be organized in the city. He said that more than 1850 police officials would be deployed on security duty to ensure foolproof arrangements.
He said that police reserves would remain alert to deal with any emergency like situation while CCTV cameras would be installed at Majalis and mourning procession routes. He said that a control has been set up at the police line for tight monitoring of the security arrangements.
The CPO added that drone cameras would also be used at sensitive mourning processions and Majalis. He said that he would monitor the security measures while all divisional Superintendent of Police (SP) have been made incharge of the security.
Sadiq Ali Dogar urged the public to cooperate with police by informing law enforcement departments in case of any suspicious persons or activities around them.

Clean Punjab drive: MWMC disposes of 25,000  tons waste

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MULTAN, Mar 31 (APP):Multan Waste Management Company (MWMC) disposed of over 25,000 tons of waste from the city during the “Clean Punjab” campaign.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) MWMC Shahid Yaqoob said that the vigorous cleanliness operation remained continued on the last day of the Suthra Punjab campaign.
The operation cleanup was launched by the company to eliminate long-standing filth depots at Syedanwala Bypass. A grand cleanliness operation was conducted in the public interest on the bypass and Head Muhammad Wala road outside the company limits.
A squad consisting of more than 100 sanitary workers conducted operation clean-up despite the holiday. Shahid Yaqoob said that the company would provide a clean environment by clearing all areas under the directions of Commissioner Maryam Khan.
District Council and Cantonment Boards have been contacted for the permanent cleaning of Head Muhammad Wala road. The intensive cleanliness operation will continue without interruption in connection with Eid-ul-Fitr, he concluded.

IRSA releases 127,000 cusecs water

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IRSA
ISLAMABAD, Mar 31 (APP):Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Sunday released 127,000 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 156,200 cusecs.
According to the data released by IRSA, water level in River Indus at Tarbela Dam was 1415.67 feet and was 17.67 feet higher than its dead level of 1,398 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam was recorded as 35,100 cusecs and 27,000 cusecs respectively.
The water level in River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1076.60 feet, which was 26.60 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded 46,100 cusecs and 25,000 cusecs respectively.
The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa , Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 70,000, 36,800, 27,100 and 6,000 cusecs respectively. Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 52,200 cusecs of water released at Nowshera and 16,800 cusecs released from River Chenab at Marala

Health minister takes notice of measles spread in KP

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Syed Qasim Ali Shah

PESHAWAR, Mar 31 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah took notice of the spreading situation of measles in the province here on Sunday.

The minister has sought a report from the Director Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), who currently aims to vaccinate approximately six million children aged 0-11 months against nine target diseases including Childhood Tuberculosis, Poliomyelitis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Haemophilus Influenzae Type b, Pneumonia, and Measles.

Measles has become an epidemic in our society and people should get their children vaccinated as soon as possible, said the minister. He said that measures will be taken on an emergency basis to control measles.

He issued orders to establish isolation wards in MTIs as soon as possible. He said that the working hours of vaccine centers should be increased to prevent measles.

He also directed the concerned quarters to remove the vaccinators from MSK disposal and place them under District Health Officer (DHO). The minister issued instructions to form an immediate provincial breakout committee with Director EPI Dr. Arif along with the relevant officials giving an emergency briefing to the minister about measles.

Under the Bird Dose Initiative, vaccine centers have been established in hospitals along with the labor room and more than 100,000 newborns have been vaccinated in these centers which are open 26 hours a day, Director EPI said while briefing the minister.

Director EPI said that 3889 suspected cases of measles while 1445 confirmed cases have been registered in the province so far. Measles has been confirmed in 13 of the 22 deaths so far, he added.

Children aged two to five years are the most affected, he said adding that the outbreak response is ongoing in 118 union councils of 24 districts of the province to control measles. Among these districts, Dera Ismail Khan is on top with 185, Peshawar 147,

He stated that Charsadda has 113 cases, while Swabi and Dir Lower have 92 and 83 cases, respectively.

PFC for interest-free loans to furniture manufacturers

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LAHORE, Mar 31 (APP): Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq has demanded the government to provide interest-free loans to furniture manufacturers for five years.
He added that this initiative would enable them to import new technology for improving overall infrastructure of the industry. Talking to a delegation of furniture producers led by Mian Faryad Ahmad Raza here Sunday he said the government needs to streamline existing markets and identify new potential markets for ‘Made-in-Pakistan’ products in Far-East, Central Asian Republics, Latin America and Russia.
“Marketing Intelligence Cell” at the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP)
must be providing assistance to furniture manufacturers and exporters in obtaining
information pertaining to international demands for furniture, competitive price index,
expanding markets and other essential trends.
He also urged the businessmen to work extensively to promote the local furniture industry. “Pakistan is blessed with abundant resources and our people are equipped with the best skills that can help develop the country on modern lines,” he added.
He further said that public and private joint efforts have to be made on modern lines to gain optimum access to international markets for locally manufactured furniture and accessories.He said the potential of the Pak furniture industry was enormous and that within two to three years, it could even be double if the government patronizes this industry.
Mian Kashif said the government should also support the furniture business in terms of simple and easily obtainable grants for exhibiting and traveling to trade shows and promoting Pak export as a success globally.