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ANF recovers over 1750 kg drugs in nine operations

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RAWALPINDI, Mar 30 (APP): Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) while conducting nine operations across the country managed to recover over 1750 kg drugs and 25000 intoxicated tablets and arrested eight accused, said an ANF Headquarters spokesman here on Saturday.
He informed that 25,000 intoxicated tablets were recovered from a Jeddah-bound female passenger netted at Islamabad Airport. In another operation, 2.2 kg Ice was recovered from a parcel being sent to Greece from Sialkot Courier Office. 1425 kg hashish was recovered from Toba Achakzai in Qilla Abdullah. 225 kg hashish was recovered from two suspects arrested near Western Bypass Quetta. 100 kg opium was recovered from Nokundi Chagai area and 45 kg hashish was recovered from Gwadar.
3 kg hashish was recovered from the possession of an accused rounded up near RCD Road Hub. 1.5 kg Ice was recovered from three suspects arrested on Sakhi Sarwar Road in Dera Ghazi Khan.
The spokesman further informed that 300 grams Ice was recovered from an accused nabbed from National Highway Hyderabad. Cases under the Anti-Narcotics Act have been registered against all the arrested accused while further investigations are under process.

Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemns Harnai blast, seeks investigation report

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Balochistan CM

QUETTA, Mar 30 (APP): Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Saturday strongly condemned the bomb blast in Harnai, describing it a deplorable act of violence.

Bugti instructed the Home Department to provide a comprehensive report on the incident. He ordered to offer better medical facilities to the injured.

Bugti called the attack an act of cowardice and terrorism and ordered for immediate submission of investigation report of the incident. He said the people of Balochistan and the security forces are united against the enemies of peace and will never let off those who shed blood of innocent people. “Peace will win in the war against those who spread terror and horror”, he added.

FDE draws criticism over baffling transfers of Principal

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 30 (APP):Amidst a backdrop of confusion and discontent, recent transfers within the Federal Government Colleges have left the teachers in tension.
According to a notification, the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has recently reshuffled many principals and associate professors drawing widespread criticism from the teaching community.
One such case involves Ms. Shabana Tabasum, a professor at Islamabad Model College for Girls (IMCG) F-7/2 (Postgraduate), who was inexplicably transferred to IMCG (PG) F-7/4, only to be assigned temporary duty back at her original institution, IMCG (PG) F-7/2.
This transfer raises serious questions about the decision-making process within the FDE. Why transfer a professor to a different institution, only to have them perform duties back at their original posting? It’s a textbook example of bureaucratic absurdity that serves no purpose other than to confuse and inconvenience professors.
Adding to the confusion is the case of Ms. Rozina Fahim, originally stationed at IMCG (PG) G-10/4 but temporarily serving as Principal at the Federal Government College of Home Economics & Management Sciences F-11/1.
She has now been transferred to fill the vacant post left by Ms. Tabasum at IMCG (PG) F-7/4, while continuing her temporary duty at the FGCHE&MS, F-11/1. The domino effect continues as Ms. Sadia Ibrar, previously posted at IMCG (PG) F-7/4, finds herself relocated to IMCG (PG) G-10/4 to accommodate a junior associate professor as principal.
Such decisions have raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from within the academic community, casting doubts on the competence of those orchestrating these transfers.
Meanwhile, Ms. Shazia Wazir, serving as Principal at IMCG I-14/3, was transferred to IMCG Bhara Kahu to assume the role of Principal.
Ms. Najm-un-Nisa, the incumbent Principal at IMCG Bhara Kahu, finds herself at the center of yet another confounding transfer. Despite being transferred to IMCG (PG) F-7/2, Ms. Najm-un-Nisa is expected to perform temporary duty as Principal at IMCG I-8/3. Ms. Abida Parveen, an associate professor at IMCG (PG) G-10/4, has been transferred on temporary duty to IMCG I-14/3. She will perform temporary duty as Principal.
An associate professor told APP, this convoluted chain of transfers not only highlights the lack of rational decision-making but also exposes the misuse of the concept of “temporary duty.
She further said, “This phenomenon of “temporary duty”, not recognized in government rules. This “temporary duty” syndrome is severely detrimental to the functioning of educational institutions. Professors and principals find themselves divided between multiple colleges, receiving salaries from one while performing duties at another. This not only disrupts the educational environment but also compromises the quality of teaching and administration. She added.
According to some teachers, these illogical transfers and the prevalence of temporary duty to the absence of a regular Director General leading the Federal Directorate of Education.
The lack of decisive leadership has resulted in haphazard decision-making, ultimately undermining the educational system’s integrity and efficiency.

Envoy for strengthening Pak-Iraq  trade, investment relations

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 30 (APP): Ambassador of Iraq to Pakistan Hamid Abbas Lafta reaffirmed the commitment to further enhance and strengthen bilateral trade and economic relations between both the countries.

He said that through the initiation of trade through Gwadar and Basra seaports, the relations between the two countries would reach to new heights. Pakistan and Iraq are enjoying the best relationship and both sides are committed to foster their multilateral relationship, he said while talking to a delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) led by its President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, which called on him here Saturday.

The envoy said that Pakistani manpower had a vast spectrum in the fields of agriculture, medical and petro-chemical in Iraq. The two countries also enjoy exemplary ties in other areas of mutual interest including trade, economy and defense, he said.

He said that both the countries always demonstrated complete harmony at regional and international forums, adding that Iraq is a country of opportunities with strong economy. He said that the annual budget of Iraq was comprising over $110 billion and it was intend to promote ties with all the countries.

Pakistan and Iraq are bonded in strong relationship yet the trade relations are at the lowest level which need to be enhanced, he said adding that for this purpose, the chambers of both the sides can play a significant role.

The envoy further said that the Iraqi government had unveiled its national action plan for the investments and called upon the Pakistani businessmen to come forward to harness such opportunities. He further assured the business community of full support of the Embassy in promoting and developing the trade and investment relations between both the countries.

Speaking  on the occasion, President ICCI Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that despite huge existing trade and investment potential between both the countries, the trade volume was not up to the mark.

He suggested removal of obstacles in promoting bilateral trade, besides developing close connectivity between the two brotherly countries to exploit trade potential. He said that along with other multiple investment opportunities in different areas, Pakistan also enjoys the tourism potential especially the northern areas, thereby the Iraqi side must grasp this opportunity also.

He added that Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry will chalk out a plan for its participation in the Trade Exhibition to be held in Najaf in the month of June  to showcase its products in Iraq to boost business ties between the two countries.

Ahsan Zafar said that ICCI was determined to play its role in promoting business relations between the two countries. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary General UBG Zafar Bakhatwari expressed the hope that the Ambassador being a dynamic figure, would continue to play his role in furthering the ties between the two countries.

Army, Wapda move in Basketball tournament semis

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 30 (APP): Pakistan Army and Wapda moved into the semifinals in the departmental category of All Pakistan 3×3 Ramadan Cup Basketball Tournament here at outdoor basketball courts of Pakistan Sports Complex on Saturday.
The tournament was organized under the umbrella of Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) in collaboration with Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).
Army Greens, who were having the services of some young players, recorded victory against the Navy by 21-8 points and qualified for the semi-final round. Army’s Shiraz Aslam scored nine points while Muhammad Usman scored six points. In the second quarterfinal match Wapda (A) overpowered Police Greens in another one-sided game by 22-10 points. Zain ul Hasan scored 10 points and Ali Raza scored 7 points for Wapda A. In the third quarter final, Wapda Greens defeated Police Blues by 22-9 points while Army (A) won against Wapda Red by 21-17 points.
In the women’s category quarterfinals, Army players were far better against AK Club leading with 9 points as the match was concluded with 17-8 points. Army player Aamina Mohsin scored 10 and Aiman Riaz scored 5 points. In the second quarter-final, Lions C defeated Night Blues by 4-13 points. Madiha Nawaz scored six points while Maria Khan scored five points in the match. In the second quarter-final, Lycans C defeated Knight Blues by 13-4 points. Madiha Nawaz scored six points while Maria Khan scored five points in the match while Lycans A defeated Lycans D by 16-5 points and Lycans B defeated AK White by 5-0 points in the quarter-final matches.
Wapda Greens would face Pakistan Army A while Wapda A will face Army Greens in the semifinals of the tournament.

Jauhar Saleem appointed as President IRS

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 30 (APP): Ambassador Jauhar Saleem has been appointed as President of the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS).
Ambassador Saleem has previously worked at the highest echelons of Pakistan Foreign Service, including as Foreign Secretary, Special Secretary Additional Foreign Secretary, Head of the Foreign Service Academy and Director General for European affairs, a news release said.
He also served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Germany, Italy, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Bahrain, as well as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Program (WFP).
He was  the elected President of 38 member country International Development Law Organization (IDLO) from 2020-2022. Jauhar Saleem studied English Literature, Government, International Relations and International Economics at Government College University, University of Pennsylvania, and Johns Hopkins.
He also did a fellowship at Georgetown University and was visiting faculty member of prestigious universities in Europe and America. Ambassador Saleem has also been contributing regularly to print and electronic media as an international relations expert.  He replaces Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz in his current role.

Int’l Day of Zero Waste observed across the globe

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 30 (APP): The International Day of Zero Waste was observed globally including Pakistan on Saturday.
On 14th December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to proclaim 30th March as International Day of Zero Waste.
The day highlighted both the importance of bolstering waste management globally and the need to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns.
The waste pollution significantly threatens well-being of humans and their economic prosperity. It accelerates the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution.

SNGPL collects fine of Rs. 49.6mn

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PESHAWAR, Mar 30 (APP):Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) authorities in Mardan Region on Saturday collected a fine of Rs. 49.6 million in a campaign against gas thieves.
According to the sources of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines, the fine was imposed on 514 consumers who had tempered their meters while another 229 were found to have got direct gas connections.
Under the supervision of Regional Manager Sui Gas Mardan Region Akif Noor, all possible efforts and resources are being used to reduce gas losses.  One of the reasons for the reduction in losses is the replacement of old rotten lines.
This year, the work of replacing 60 km of old lines is going on, which has not only reduced the gas losses, but has also improved the pressure and delivery of gas.
Regional Manager Sui  Akif Noor said that for the provision of gas in Ramadan and for quick resolution of customers’ complaints, a situation room is working in which an officer is on duty around the clock, for gas theft and other complaints.
Citizens should report on the helpline 1199. The name of the informer of gas theft will be kept confidential, he concluded.

Murad, Aurangzeb agree to attract foreign investment, discuss deduction, gas, agri issues

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KARACHI, Mar 30 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb have agreed to collaborate to attract foreign investment and boost exports, enhancing the financial stability of the province in general and of the country in particular.
This emerged in a meeting between the two here at CM House on Saturday. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to CM Agha Wasif, Additional Secretary Ministry of Finance Amjad Mahmood, and Provincial Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, according to a CM’s spokesman.
The CM pointed out that his government has always paid its electricity bills on time, and if any outstanding bills needed to be reconciled, the federal government should have brought the issue to their attention instead of making at-source deductions.
The CM also said that the FBR after reading a news item of the cars registered in Sindh from 1948 to 2015 had deducted Rs6 billion of the province at source. Despite the resolution of the issue still the amount has not been refunded.
The Federal Finance Minister told the chief minister that he was working to develop a proper professional working relationship between the federal and provincial organizations. “The federal and provincial organizations and institutions have to work together, learn from each other’s expertise, support each other for growth and cooperate for collective uplift and development,” he said.
Mohammad Aurangzeb assured the chief minister that the at-source deduction issue would be resolved amicably. The CM and the federal finance minister also discussed the price escalation of industrial gas. The chief minister said that the industrialists were quite upset with the increase in industrial gas prices.
The Federal finance minister said that during his meeting with the industrialists, they also complained to him. Therefore, they agreed to discuss the matter with the federal minister for petroleum to resolve the issue.
The chief minister said that in the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), the provincial government has not been given any new scheme for the last eight years. Compared to Sindh the other provinces have been given new schemes in the federal PSDP. Aurangzeb and Shah agreed that the issue of PSDP’s new schemes would be discussed with the federal minister for planning & Development.
It was also agreed that the federal and provincial governments would work together to develop the agriculture sector on scientific and modern methods. It was pointed out that there was ample potential to cultivate export-quality crops, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products so that they could be exported to earn foreign exchange.
The CM told the federal finance minister that he was working to introduce new technologies to improve crop yield and measures being taken to ensure the provision of certified seed in the market.
Discussing the reconstruction of flood-devastated infrastructure, the CM told the federal finance minister that houses, school buildings, and roads were being reconstructed.  He said that the donor agencies have extended a helping hand in the reconstruction of flood-affected infrastructure, but the funds have not trickled down as was pledged by the international community.
The chief minister and the federal minister also agreed to attract foreign investment in different sectors for which investment procedures would be made simple and automated. The federal finance minister appreciated the Sindh Chief minister’s efforts in establishing one of the best Public Private Partnership units. He said that the provincial government has evolved an effective public-private partnership in Sindh and its fruits are being reaped by the public and the private partners. The CM thanked the federal minister for his visit and support.

Pak High Commissioner attends Presidential reception

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ISLAMABAD, March 30 (APP): Pakistan High Commissioner Rukhsana Afzaal has attended the annual diplomatic reception hosted by President of Republic of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Madam Jane Yumiko Ittogi.

High Commissioner’s photo was posted on President Tharman’s Official Instagram, a post on X said on Saturday.

Pak High Commissioner attends Presidential reception

She also met Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Presidential Palace.