PHC reserves decision on petition of oath taking of candidates on reserved seats

-

Wed, 27 Mar 2024, 3:37 PM

ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday chaired the first meeting of the Steering Committee on the 5Es framework for effective implementation of the multi-pronged strategy to turnaround Pakistan and put it on a sustained growth trajectory.

The Committee decided to hold a One-Day “consultative workshop” after Eid-ul-Fitr in which officials from all the ministries and relevant stakeholders would be invited for deliberations to implement the framework, a news release said.

Among others, the meeting was attended by senior officials of federal and provincial ministries and divisions.

The 5Es framework is centred on five key pillars including Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment and Climate Change, Energy and Infrastructure, Equity and Empowerment.

The National Economic Council (NEC) approved the framework last year in June, following which the Planning Ministry expedited its implementation, the formation of a Steering Committee. “Engagement with all ministries is a part of the exercise which has been started on the directions of Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal,” it added.

In the one-day workshop, all the stakeholders and experts from various fields including academia and industry will be invited and their proposals to be considered before finalizing the action plan to implement the 5Es framework.

Chairing the meeting, the minister directed all the ministries to come up with solid proposals with their respective Es in the workshop. “The plans should be holistic with inputs and outputs so that its implementation can be ensured,” remarked the minister while emphasizing to increase the country’s exports.

He said Pakistan’s biggest challenge was to increase foreign exchange reserves, which could only be effectively tackled with increased exports, adding “Success of Pakistan depends on increasing foreign exchange reserves.”

Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that the future of Pakistan hinged on the growth of key sectors such as agriculture, industry and services, and the adoption of technological advancements.
He said the government’s ambitious goal was to transform Pakistan into a $100 billion export-oriented economy within the next 7 to 8 years, making it a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.

Furthermore, he said that planning should be made keeping in view the modern infrastructure as digital technology had a great influence on different sectors in the era we lived in. “Our top priority is to improve our governance system and build the economy on modern lines,” the minister said highlighting the key issues of governance which must be addressed.

Furthermore, he added that digitization and the creation of infrastructure for a knowledge-based economy were indispensable.

The planning minister said that self-sufficiency in the energy sector and affordable prices for industrial and domestic consumers could lead to increased productivity. “Therefore, we have to create opportunities for equal development in our social sector.”

Similarly, he underscored the need to bring reforms in the health sector and make concerted efforts in collaboration with provinces for the purpose.

Fly Jinnah inaugurates second international flight connecting Lahore, Sharjah

By

-

Wed, 27 Mar 2024, 3:18 PM

ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP):Fly Jinnah, Pakistan’s low-cost carrier, Wednesday celebrated the inaugural flight of its second international route connecting Lahore, Pakistan with Sharjah, UAE.

The carrier commemorated the start of its new route with a pre-departure inaugural ceremony at Lahore International Airport and followed by an inaugural program planned for guests in Sharjah, said a news release.

Commenting on the launch of the second international route, Fly Jinnah’s spokesperson said: “Just a month following the launch of our international operations with the inaugural flight from the capital city Islamabad, today we celebrate the inaugural of our second international route into the UAE connecting Lahore with Sharjah.

This step not only highlights the importance of strengthening air connectivity between Pakistan and the UAE, it also reflects our commitment to offering our customers new options for affordable and value driven air travel domestically and internationally.”

Fly Jinnah remains steadfast in offering convenient and affordable service to its passengers. With its modern fleet of five Airbus A320 aircraft, the airline currently connects five major cities in Pakistan, namely Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta, in addition to the newly launched international destination to Sharjah in the UAE.

In addition to the extra comfort provided by the most generous seat-pitch of any economy cabin, the carrier offers affordable and value-driven travel experiences through “SkyCafe” onboard menu where passengers can enjoy a wide variety of delicacies between snacks, sandwiches, and meals at affordable prices.

The aircraft is also equipped with “SkyTime”, a free in-flight streaming service that allows passengers to stream a wide selection of entertainment directly to their devices.

IESCO intensifies crackdown against electricity theft

By

-

Wed, 27 Mar 2024, 3:16 PM

ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP): The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has stepped up its efforts to combat electricity theft, following directives from the Power Division and the Ministry of Interior.
A spokesperson for IESCO said that both the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Anti-Corruption Cell are actively pursuing cases against individuals involved in electricity theft.
In the current month alone, fines exceeding Rs. 20 million have been imposed on more than 298 individuals involved in the crime..
The crackdown has resulted in the arrest of 51 individuals, many of whom are facing FIRs filed by the FIA.
Since the commencement of the operation on September 7, over 13,000 instances of electricity theft have been penalized, amounting to fines totaling over Rs. 560 million.
The spokesperson said that these concerted efforts are part of a larger initiative aimed at eradicating the scourge of electricity theft from the region.

Shaheed Jalil Andrabi remembered on his martyrdom anniversary

By

-

Wed, 27 Mar 2024, 3:11 PM

ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP): Senior Hurriyat leader and Vice Chairman Jammu Kashmir National Front (JKNF) Altaf Hussain Wani on Wednesday paid glowing tributes to prominent martyred Kashmiri lawyer and a leading human rights activist, Jalil Ahmad Andrabi on his martyrdom anniversary.

It maybe recalled here that Advocate Andrabi was arrested in broad daylight by men in uniform in March 1996 and then was tortured to death in custody.

Lauding the martyred lawyer’s significant contribution in raising the voice for voiceless Kashmiris, Wani said that Andrabi was fearless campaigner and advocate of human rights.

Besides being a renowned lawyer and human rights activist, he said that Andrabi was a courageous man who never hesitated in calling spade a spade and raising his voice against the injustices meted out to the people of Kashmir.

“Andrabi would always be remembered for his courage and commitment to the cause of humanity”, he said.

“Despite facing life threats, Andrabi chose to resist and sacrificed his life in defending the rights of the Kashmiri people”, Wani said, adding that it was quite unfortunate that those involved in his brutal murder were roaming freely without any fear of accountability.

Calling for an independent investigation into the killing of Jalil Andrabi, he said that since 1989 hundreds of such incidents took place in the region wherein Indian army personnel were directly involved but none of the perpetrators have been brought to justice.

He said that the impunity enjoyed by the Indian forces was the main cause and consequence of rights violations, torture and extrajudicial killings in the Indian occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Protection Against Harassment of Women Act 2010 to ensure living without fear, discrimination: Federal Ombudsman

By

-

Wed, 27 Mar 2024, 3:08 PM

ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP): Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi has said that the Parliament adopted an Act for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace in 2010 with a view to implementing the relevant provisions in the Constitution and ensuring equal opportunity for men and women and the right to earn a livelihood without fear or any discrimination.

He was inaugurating a Webinar on Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace, organized under the aegis of Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA), here Wednesday. It was attended by the members of the AOA besides the human rights practitioners and activists in addition to the members of the OIC Ombudsman Association (OICOA) and the Forum of Pakistan’s Ombudsman (FPO).

Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi, who is also the President of the 47-member strong Asian Ombudsman Association, said that the Constitution of Pakistan upholds the principle of equality and dignity alongwith explicitly prohibiting gender discrimination in all spheres of national life. He further stated that the enactment of the relevant law against harassment in 2010 was followed by two more Acts of the Parliament in 2020 and 2022 respectively, expanding the scope of its legal provision to include men, women and transgenders alike. Enforcement of the Women’s Property Rights was also brought within the purview of these legislative provisions, he added. He said that the Webinar is intended to share the Pakistan’s experiences, best practices and the exchange of information with a view to promoting gender equality and the right to work with dignity for all.

Later Ms. Fauzia Viqar, Federal Ombudsperson Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (FOSPAH) also made a presentation on the scope of work and operational framework of the FOSPAH, which was established in 2011. She said that FOSPAH was playing a vital role in upholding the constitutional provision of equality and dignity alongwith striving to create an environment free of harassment and discrimination. She further added that Pakistan has the distinction as being the only country with a dedicated Ombudsperson Institution to deal with the challenges of women empowerment and denial of rights, thereby emphasizing the need for support to over 49% of the population. The presentation was followed by a lively Q/A session, wherein international participants asked searching questions about Pakistan’s experiences in these fields and requested for sharing of best practices to move forward.

Organized in the backdrop of the International Women’s Day, the webinar holds special significance for the member states as these are striving to overcome identical challenges particularly with regard to women empowerment and protection. So far, the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat has received nearly 75 confirmations to attend the Webinar online. The nominations received from the AOA members included, the People’s Republic of China, Thailand, Japan, Azerbaijan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Korea, Türkiye and Indonesia, apart from the Provincial Ombudsmen in Pakistan and representatives from the Regional Offices of the Wafaqi Mohtasib.

Gold rates up by Rs.100 to Rs.229,500 per tola

By

-

Wed, 27 Mar 2024, 1:25 PM

ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP):The per tola price of 24 karat gold witnessed an increase of Rs.100 and was sold at Rs.229,500 on Wednesday compared to its sale at Rs. 229,400 on the last trading day.

The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also increased by Rs.86 to Rs.196,760 from Rs. 196,674 whereas the price of 10 gram 22 karat gold went up to Rs.180,363 from Rs. 180,284, the All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association reported.

The price of per tola and ten gram silver remained constant at Rs.2,580 and Rs.2,211.93 respectively

The price of gold in the international market increased by $7 to $2,200 from $.2,193, the Association reported.

Distribution of ration bags reaches final stage

By

-

Wed, 27 Mar 2024, 1:24 PM

SARGODHA, Mar 27 (APP):The distribution of ration bags under Neghaban Ramazan Package program among registered families of the Benazir Income Support Program’s has entered its final stages in Sargodha district.

According to a spokesperson, so far 149,526 families have been provided with rations at their doorstep.

He further informed that in the tehsil of Sargodha, 66,126 families,in Sillanwali tehsil 12,550,in Sahiwal 11,150, in Shahpur, 14,300, in Kot Momin tehsil, 20,100 and in Bhera,10,650 deserving families have already been provided with ration bags.

Shopkeeper killed in dacoity bid

By

-

Wed, 27 Mar 2024, 1:21 PM

SARGODHA, Mar 27 (APP):A shopkeeper was gunned down by unknown armed outlaws during dacoity here under the jurisdiction of Cantt police station on Wednesday.

According to a spokesperson,police teams informed that some unknown armed bandits entered into the shop of Yaqoob(45)and killed him after opening fire at him .

The dacoits looted valuables worth in more than six lac rupees from his shop.

Rescue 1122 teams and police concerned reached the spot, shifted the body to Faisal Masood teaching hospital for necessary legal formalities.

FIA Commercial Banking Circle conduct operations against Hawala, Hundi business

By

-

Wed, 27 Mar 2024, 1:17 PM