GILGIT: March 20 –
Minister Agriculture Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Anwar speaks during the 3rd sitting of 18th Session of Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly under the chair of Speaker Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Nazir Ahmad Advocate
GILGIT: March 20 –
CM commends CTD role in eliminating terrorists
LAHORE, Mar 20 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed the government’s unwavering determination to eradicate terrorism entirely.
The CM emphasized the pivotal role of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in eliminating terrorists, underscoring its indelible contribution to the cause.
The CM presided over a meeting regarding the CTD here on Wednesday. Additional IG Waseem Ahmad Khan gave a briefing about the performance of CTD.
The CM said that a durable peace and stability is indispensable for the economic progress, adding that there cannot be any greater national service than safeguarding the life and property of the people. Extremism and murder being committed in the name of Islam is highly condemnable, she remarked.
Appreciating the performance of CTD, the CM stated the officers and sepoys of CTD are unknown heroes of the nation, adding that the credit for the establishment of an institution like CTD goes to Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The officers and Jawans of CTD are rendering appreciable services, she said and added that the CTD officers and Jawans without caring for an acknowledgment and appreciation are performing their duties in a professional manner.
All possible resources would be provided to the institution which is striving to its utmost to maintain law and order, she asserted and maintained that the mission to ensure progress of Punjab, promotion of investment and tourism is not possible without durable law and order.
Earlier, Maryam Nawaz also visited the CTD Headquarter, met with the women officers and also had a group photo with them. She inaugurated the gymnasium and visited it as well.
Maryam Nawaz spent time with the children in the Day Care Centre and communicated with them.
Former Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari, MPA, Sania Ashiq, Chief Secretary, Secretary Home, Secretary Finance, IGP, Additional IG-CTD, Additional IG Operations and other officials were also present.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has strongly condemned the terrorists attack in Gawadar and paid tributes to the security forces for valiantly countering the attack of terrorists.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting on Economic Revival and Reforms
ISLAMABAD: March 20 –
PR CEO announces 4 Eid Special Trains to facilitate passengers
LAHORE, Mar 20 (APP):Pakistan Railways Chief Executive Officer Aamir Ali Baloch announced the operation of four Eid special trains to facilitate passengers during Eid-ul-Fitr.
Speaking to senior journalists at Railways Headquarters here on Wednesday, Baloch highlighted the railway’s financial independence, stating that it meets expenses independently and only relies on the government for pension payments to retired employees. He revealed a significant revenue increase from Rs 5 billion to Rs 8 billion in recent months.
Baloch emphasized the role of coal transportation in meeting almost 50 per cent of railway expenses and underscored the need for continuous efforts to operate the railway system effectively. He acknowledged former Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique’s contributions to improving the railway, including track restoration and the revival of profitable trains.
Addressing challenges, Baloch mentioned the burden of pension expenses on the railway, urging the government to take responsibility for the pension to alleviate financial strain. He also highlighted the impact of rising gas and electricity prices on railway operations.
Baloch expressed hope for the timely initiation of work on ML-1 and stressed the need for additional trains to meet population demands, especially in smaller towns. He asserted the absence of corruption within the railway and outlined ongoing efforts to reduce expenses and boost profits, including the handover of oil transportation to PSO and system upgrades.
In conclusion, Baloch reaffirmed the railway’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and financial sustainability
Faisal Khokhar for implementing PML-N sports manifesto
LAHORE, Mar 20 (APP):Provincial Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar has said that sports manifesto of the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) will be implemented in letter and spirit in Punjab and the youth will be provided maximum sports facilities.
Talking to Olympian Khawaja Junaid during a meeting at his office in the Minister’s Block here on Wednesday, he said that the sports culture will be promoted at the grassroots level in Punjab, adding that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz believes that promotion of sports helps the youth in fight against all social ills.
The Sports Minister Punjab said PML-N has always patronised sports and sportsmen in the country, adding that sports will witness a new era of facilities and achievements under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
On the PML-N sports manifesto, the provincial sports minister said sports academies will be set up at tehsil level across the province, adding that the sports policy of the PML-N will be reintroduced right from the the year 2018.
He said Punjab is home to naturally gifted sports talent and a talent-hunt program will be launched to scout raw talent and will be groomed by the best in their respective fields.
Faisal Khokhar said that youth are close to the heart of the Quaid PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, adding that he will do his best to nurture the sporting talent of the youth in the province.
Earlier, Olympian Khawaja Junaid briefed the Sports Minister Punjab Faisal Ayub Khokhar on the need to improve standard of sports and infrastructure in the province. He also presented recommendations for implementation of the PML-N sports manifesto. The Minister hailed Khawaja Junaid’s contribution in the drafting of the PML-N sports manifesto.
Govt to introduce online land record service for Overseas Pakistanis: Salik Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Mar 20 (APP):Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain Wednesday said that the government will introduce online land record service for overseas Pakistanis to address their difficulties with regard to transfer of properties and attract foreign inflows.
He said this while talking to a delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry headed by its President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, said a press release.
The delegation also congratulated the Chaudhry Salik Hussain on assuming the charge of the Federal Minister. Chaudhry Salik said that the ministry has started work on the online land record project with NADRA and other relevant institutions.
He elaborated that the services may be offered through the offices of community welfare attaches in foreign missions of Pakistan in countries with substantially large diaspora.
The minister also assured the delegation that business community will be given representation in different boards of the ministry to develop and promote business in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, President ICCI Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that overseas Pakistanis are valuable asset of Pakistan and ambassadors of the country and urged to
resolved their issues on priority basis.
He said that overseas Pakistanis have always played a vital role in the development of the country and urged the need to protect them from any kind of exploitation at home or abroad.
H also suggested measures for enhancing foreign remittances and imparting necessary training to the local workforce to fulfill the International demand.
Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari added that Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be ready to lend its support to the Ministry in enhancing skill development of the workforce in different trades.
Minister for declaring education emergency to enrol out of school children
ISLAMABAD, March 20 (APP):Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Wednesday underlined the need to declare national education emergency in the country to bring back out-of-school children.
He stated this while chairing a meeting held here. Officials of the Ministry of Federal Education briefed the minister about different programs and projects, for advancing education in Pakistan. The participants of the meeting focused on the crucial initiatives to address the pressing issues within the education sector.
During the meeting, the minister expressed deep concern over the alarming number of out-of-school children in the country. In response to this challenge, he said that we will suggest the prime minister and the federal cabinet to declare a national education emergency to enrol the out-of-school children without delay. This declaration aims to bring back these out-of-school children into the education system.
Furthermore, federal minister Dr Khalid Siddiqui directed the ministry to swiftly formulate a strategy, with the urgency of a wartime effort, to train one million technology and IT-skilled workers.
This initiative will be funded by the National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), with the goal of equipping the workforce with all necessary skills.
In addition to addressing the educational needs of children, federal minister unveiled plans for a School Meals Program to be implemented in all Islamabad Government Primary Schools.
This initiative will not only ensure proper nutrition for students but also promote their overall health and hygiene. Dr. Khalid emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to improve access to quality education for all.
He stressed the importance of focusing on girls’ education to narrow the gender literacy gap, recognizing it as a crucial step towards achieving national development goals.The minister announced that a National Conference will be organized in collaboration with SIFC.
This conference will have aim to address the issue of out-of-school children and combat learning poverty by leveraging the transformative power of technology. The federal minister reiterated the government’s dedication to revolutionize the education sector in Pakistan.
By implementing comprehensive strategies and fostering collaboration with key stakeholders, he said, we will create a brighter future for the youth of Pakistan.
President strongly condemns terrorist attack on Gwadar Port Authority Complex
ISLAMABAD, March 20 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday strongly condemned a terrorist attack on Gwadar Port Authority Complex.
He also highly appreciated the prompt response of the security forces and said that their valiant security forces manifested courage and will.
The president also vowed to counter terrorist elements with full force, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.
Minister lauded security forces to foil terrorist attack on GPA
ISLAMABAD, Mar 20 (APP): Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Naqvi lauded the security forces for thwarting the terrorist attack on the Guard Port Authority complex on Wednesday.
In his message, the minister said that the security forces bravely foiled the terrorist attack.
He said that the security forces personnel who thwarted the nefarious intentions of the terrorists are the heroes of the nation.
He said that the nation salutes the brave sons of the dear country who brought the terrorists to hell.
The minister said that the war will continue until the scourge of terrorism is completely eradicated.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting on Economic Revival and Reforms.
ISLAMABAD: March 20 –