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Australian HC calls on KP Governor

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NNPS Desk
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PESHAWAR, Jul 12 (APP):Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins here on Wednesday called on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Haji Ghulam Ali at Governor House.

During the meeting, mutual cooperation for the promotion of education, trade, agriculture and tourism came under discussion.

The Governor proposed the establishment of Pak-Australia Technical Centre at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa so that our students could get advantage of the modern technology of Australia.

The Governor said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa especially merged areas were blessed with abundance of mines and mineral resources and due to lack of technology, precious marble and other mines and mineral resources are being wasted.

He said the technical centre would help save these precious resources while the people of Khyber Pakthunkhwa would also take advantage of the Australian technology.

He said the increase of Australian scholarships for the youth of the province including merged areas would help them to get modern education and technology.

He called for further strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries and increase of students scholarship of Khyber Pakthunkhwa.

The Australian High Commissioner praised the proposal of technical centre, modern technology, students scholarship and said that the his country was working in education, agriculture and other sectors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and worked on different projects in merged areas.

He said that 15,000 Pakistanis students were getting an education in Australia and was giving scholarships to Pakistani youth including Khyber Pakthunkhwa on merit.

He said increase of students scholarship would be brought under consideration.
APP/fam

Half of world sinking in debt crisis, warns UN chief

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UNITED NATIONS, Jul 12 (APP):Half of humanity lives in countries that are forced to spend more on servicing their debt than on health and education, which is nothing less than a “development disaster,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday.

According to a new report by the UN Global Crisis Response Group, entitled ‘A World of Debt’, a total of 52 countries, including Pakistan, which means – almost 40 per cent of the developing world – were in “serious debt trouble”, the UN chief said, backing calls for them to receive urgent fiscal relief.

Last year global public debt reached a record $92 trillion, of which developing countries shoulder 30 per cent – a “disproportionate amount”, the UN chief stressed.

The secretary-general warned warned that 3.3 billion people suffer from their governments’ need to prioritize debt interest payments over “essential investments” in the Sustainable Development Goals or the energy transition.

“And yet, because these unsustainable debts are concentrated in poor countries, they are not judged to pose a systemic risk to the global financial system,” the UN Secretary-General added.

He insisted that the catastrophic levels of public debt in developing countries are a “systemic failure” that resulted from colonial-era inequality built into “our outdated financial system”.

“That system has not fulfilled its mandate as a safety net to help all countries manage today’s cascade of unforeseen shocks – the pandemic; the devastating impact of the climate crisis; and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Indeed, the report points out that developing countries are highly exposed to external shocks precisely because they have to service debt repayments in foreign currencies.”

The UN chief stressed that on average, borrowing costs are four times higher for African countries than for the United States and eight times higher than for the wealthiest European economies.

Poorer nations rely increasingly on private creditors who charge “sky-high” rates and find themselves forced to borrow more “for their economic survival”, he said.

From an important financial tool, debt has become “a trap that simply generates more debt”, Mr. Guterres deplored.

The new UN report proposes a number of urgent remedies, including an “effective debt workout mechanism” that supports payment suspensions, longer lending terms and lower rates, “including for vulnerable middle-income countries”, the UN chief said.

The report also calls for a “massive” scale-up of affordable long-term financing, by transforming the way that Multilateral Development Banks function, re-engineering them to support sustainable development and leveraging private resources.

Guterres recalled that the Bridgetown Agenda, led by Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados and the recent Summit for a New Global Financial Pact in Paris, had generated “other important proposals” regarding international debt relief, and expressed the hope that the upcoming G20 meeting in September will take some of these ideas forward.

Marriyum inaugurates 12 new studios at Radio Pakistan

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Marriyum inaugurates 12 new studios at Radio Pakistan
Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting inaugurating a current affairs studio at Radio Pakistan, Islamabad on July 12, 2023.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 12 (APP):Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday inaugurated 12 new studios which were set up on modern lines at Radio Pakistan under a reform agenda initiated 14 months ago by the incumbent government after coming into power.

On her arrival at Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation Director General Tahir Hassan along with its staff accorded a warm welcome to the minister. She was accompanied by Secretary Information and Broadcasting Sohail Ali Khan.

The minister told the reporters that the present government rolled out a reform programme to upgrade and digitize the Radio Pakistan on war footing soon after assuming the power.

She said a comprehensive business plan had been worked out to transform the Radio Pakistan into a financially viable organization. “New studios have been established at the Radio Pakistan which I visited today for reviewing its efficiency,” she added.

The studios, she added, were meant for round the clock sports transmission of Radio Pakistan FM at 94 frequency, broadcast of programmes in 11 regional languages, dedicated platform for discussing environmental challenges and highlight the country’s biodiversity, wildlife, water management, forest conservation and management.

Dedicated studios for disseminating technology related content to the masses, broadcasting moral drama reel live and airing 24-hour music transmission also included in the initiative, she said, adding a world service was also launched to provide all sort of news, culture and heritage related content to the overseas Pakistanis.

Another studio to broadcast news bulletin had also been launched, while Saut-ul-Quran segment of the Radio Pakistan was completely digitalized, Marriyum noted.

Other than those initiatives, cinemas research cells were also established in Radio Pakistan, she said, adding all the studios would welcome the talented students who would eventually get an opportunity to hone their skills.

She said a summer programme was being launched for university students by integrating academies of PTV, Radio Pakistan Academy, and Information Services.

Marriyum said the government had approved a digital DRM transmitter project worth Rs 4 billion in the current year’s Public Sector Development Programme.

The project would be launched soon in Rawat, she said, adding through that transmitter, radio signals would be accessible in up to 40 countries.

Shahzad attains victory in 1st President PGA Open Golf

By
Asim Usman
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By Sohail Ali

LAHORE, Jul 12 (APP):The events for professional golf players came to a booming conclusion after three rounds in the 1st President PGA Open Golf Championship at the exquisite and most fascinating par-72, Pakistan Air Force Skyview Golf and Country Club Golf Course here on Wednesday .

This title bearing event was a competition for the most eligible 100 top golf champions of the country and in accordance with its importance the golf arena had been prepared exceedingly well and met the required standards and for this all credit to the inspirational support of Air Cdre Imran Pervaiz ,Sqn Ldr Muhammed Faizan and the team.
While the professional events have ended, the next three days are reserved for amateurs, senior amateurs and ladies .
The professional golf players are the top golfers of our national golf circuit and as when they compete in golf tournaments, game of a high class is witnessed, as these champions vie for honors and cash prizes.
Over the past three days in this championship too, 100 top professionals from all over country participated and after two rounds, 46 stood eliminated and based on commendable performance only 54 were selected to play the deciding round on Wednesday .
And in this deciding round, the whole spotlight was on the 200 titles winner Muhammed Shabbir Iqbal of Islamabad Golf Club and robust and exceptionally potent champion in the making, Muhammed Shahzad of Lahore Garrison Greens Golf Club. Based on his phenomenal competing capabilities, the pundits considered Shabbir as the likely winner, but as the final round teed off, noticeable was a display of excellence on the part of both combatants. While Shabbir was flawless in shot making and all round game, equally unblemished and outstandingly pristine was Muhammed Shahzad. Shabbirs card for the day was a stunning 66 and M.Shahzad ended the 18 holes with a score of a marvellous 67. That enabled Shabbir to conclude three days golfing activity with scores of 71,69 and 66 and a championship aggregate of 206, ten under par. And as luck would have it, his challenger, Mohammad Shahzad also ended with scores of 68,71 and 67 and an aggregate of 206, ten under par. With scores at level, while others watched eagerly, these rivals went into a sudden death playoff to decide the winner.
The sudden death playoff produced an unsurpassed matching of playing ability. First hole of the sudden death play off was level, as were the second, third and fourth holes and tension went soaring. Finally it was at the fifth hole that M.Shahzad acquired ascendancy with a masterful approach shot that fetched Shahzad a birdie while Shabbir had to be content with a bogey. A memorable moment of success for Mohammad Shahzad and the first one to embrace him was Col Rustam Chatta, his mentor and playing mate during practice sessions at Lahore Garrison. Cheers went up as did a huge round of handshakes and Shahzad started to look like a golfing hero.
As for the other contenders seeking positions other than the first and second, M.Naeem of Peshawar came third. His score for the championship was 211, five under par. Following him other performers were Waheed Baloch (Karachi) 214, Rehmatullah (DHA) 215, Muhammed Asif (Defence Raya ) 215, Muhammed Minhaj Maqsood (Rawalpindi )216, Muhammed Zubair (Karachi) 216 and Abdul Zahur (Multan) 216. They are the top ten position holders in this 1st President PGA Open Golf Event for golf professionals .
Results of Senior Professional Event and Junior Professional Event.
M.Akram (Gymkhana )first with a score of 148; Nisar Hussain (PAF )second, M.Tariq (Islamabad) third, Muhammed Akhter (Islamabad) fourth, S/Lt Tariq Mehmood, fifth and Col Rustam Ali Chattha, sixth.
In the Junior Professional Category, the best junior of the event was Rehan Babar of Lahore Garrison. Runner up junior was Ashass Ahmed of Karachi Airmen Golf Club and Abid Iqbal of Gymkhana was third.
Subsequent to the conclusion of the Professionals Events, cash prizes were awarded to the top three players in Professional Section, Senior Professional Section and Junior Professional Section. Prizes were awarded by Brig Ayyaz Masood Khan (Retd), Secretary of Punjab Golf and Air Cdre Imran Pervaiz, Tournament Director in the presence of Kashif Bhatti and M.Zakir of Punjab Golf Association and golf professionals.
The next three days are earmarked for competition among amateurs, senior amateurs and ladies at the PAF Skyview Golf Course .

PAC directs FIA, NAB to conduct inquiry about $ 3 billion loans

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 12 (APP):The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Auditor General to conduct a joint investigation to probe the matter of three billion dollars loans taken during the previous government.

Chairing the PAC meeting, its Chairman Noor Alam Khan urged the FIA, NAB and Auditor General to complete their joint inquiry within 15 days and present it before the committee to take further actions against the perpetrators.

The committee apprised that it would take prompt actions against those allegedly involved in corruption, irregularities and embezzlement in any government department.

“We are working in the larger national interest to highlight the corruption scandals and to take actions against those looted national exchequers,” Noor Alam Khan said.

Meanwhile, the committee recommended that the salaries of law enforcement agencies and the Frontier Corps (FC) personnel should be increased.

Officials of the relevant government institutions and PAC members attended the meeting.

PTV, Radio Pakistan attacked by proponents of institutions’ auctioning: Marriyum

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NNPS Desk
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PTV, Radio Pakistan attacked by proponents of institutions’ auctioning: Marriyum

ISLAMABAD, Jul 12 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday said national assets like Pakistan Television (PTV) and Radio Pakistan were attacked by those who were proponents of privatizing the national institutions and selling their buildings during their 4-year tenure which ensued nothing but conspiracies, lies and propaganda.

“On coming into power, we have not chanted slogans to auction buildings of Radio Pakistan which is a national heritage and asset of the country,” she said while recalling policies of the previous regime which was bent upon privatizing the national institutions, especially in the information sector.

“Those who vowed to auction national institutions were the same individuals who had not only attacked the Pakistan Television (PTV) in 2014, but also the building of Radio Pakistan in Peshawar on May 9 this year,” the minister regretted while addressing the media here at Radio Pakistan after inaugurating 12 new studios which were set up on modern lines as a result of the reforms started 14 months ago.

She was accompanied by Secretary Information and Broadcasting Sohail Khan and DG Radio Tahir Hassan.

The minister said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) plan to auctioni the Radio Pakistan was also akin to an attack on the national asset, but it was the then opposition led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who foiled their nefarious design.

Recalling the May 9 incidents which included vandalizing of Radio Pakistan and sensitive installations, and burning of memorials of martyrs, she said it was the same mindset that wanted to privatize the national assets on coming into power.

The minister told the reporters that the present government rolled out a reform programme to upgrade and digitize the Radio Pakistan on war footing soon after assuming the power.

It was under implementation for last 14 months, she added.

Marriyum said a comprehensive business plan had been worked out to transform the Radio Pakistan into a financially viable organization. “New studios have been established at the Radio Pakistan which I visited today for reviewing its efficiency,” she added.

Round the clock sports transmission of Radio Pakistan FM had been initiated at 94 frequency, she said, adding programmes in 11 regional languages were also launched.

As regards the environment, she said a dedicated transmission had been initiated to discuss its challenges and highlight the country’s biodiversity, wildlife, water management, forest conservation and management.

Marriyum said a studio had been launched to instill research-based information regarding tech in the masses. Likewise, a studio was established to broadcast moral drama reel live, while podcast studios had also been launched.

“We have started a dedicated live 24-hour music transmission,” she said, adding a world service was also launched to disseminate all sort of news, culture and heritage related content among the overseas Pakistanis.

Another studio to broadcast news bulletin had also been launched, while Saut-ul-Quran segment of Radio Pakistan was completely digitalized, Marriyum noted.

She said Saut-ul-Quran was the vision of Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, which had been implemented by the Radio Pakistan.

The minister said a total of 12 studios were established on modern lines and at par with the international standards.

She said all those initiatives were taken by the incumbent government in last 14 months, as the Information Ministry was unfortunately spearheaded by a minister who completely focused on gagging the media by assaulting journalists.

Other than those initiatives, cinemas research cells were also established in Radio Pakistan, she said, adding all the studios would welcome the talented students who would eventually get an opportunity to hone their skills.

She said a summer programme was being launched for universities’ students by integrating academies of PTV, Radio Pakistan Academy, and Information Services.

Marriyum lashed out at the PTI chief for consistently churning out lies, spreading propaganda, hatching conspiracies, and above all using national institutions for political purpose during his government tenure.

She said the PTI chairman today stated that the country would have been defaulted if the PTI opposed to the IMF bailout programme. “This is a mental state and that is why I say he is not normal,” she added.

Marriyum said the person had been declared a “predator” for free press by international organizations and it was he who was responsible for bringing the country to the brink of default.

On the other hand, she said, today Pakistan’s ranking had been improved for its national economy as well as human rights. “Our mission and vision is reflected in continuous progress of the economy,” she added.

The minister said the present government took tough decisions and even sacrificed its politics over the national interest.

Kashmiri expatriates to advocate for Kashmir Dispute Resolution: AJK President

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NNPS Desk
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Kashmiri expatriates to advocate for Kashmir Dispute Resolution: AJK President
File photo

ISLAMABAD, Jul 12 (APP):Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry on Wednesday emphasized the importance of Kashmiri expatriates playing an active role to sensitize the world community to expedite the resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

During a meeting with delegations of Kashmiri expatriates from Norway, America, and Britain at Kashmir House in the federal metropolis, President Chaudhry highlighted the deteriorating political and human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

He urged the international community to take effective notice of the human rights violations perpetrated by Indian occupation forces in IIOJK.

Drawing attention to the significant rise in violence and bloodshed since August 5, 2019, the president lamented the loss of innocent lives in fake encounters and alleged search operations. Additionally, he expressed concerns about the Indian authorities’ deliberate attempts to alter the region’s demographic composition and political landscape.

The president stressed the urgent need for the international community to play its part in mitigating the suffering of the Kashmiri people and facilitating the resolution of the long-standing dispute, which has been a primary cause and consequence of bloodshed and human rights violations in the region.

He urged Kashmiris residing in America, Britain, and Europe to raise their voices in support of their fellow Kashmiris and to engage with their respective countries, urging them to put an end to the atrocities committed by Indian forces in IIOJK.

The visiting delegation included Sardar Ali Shahnawaz, Executive Director of Kashmiri Scandinavian Council from Norway, prominent Kashmiri leader Sardar Zulfiqar Khan from America, and Chaudhry Khadim Hussain, President of Kashmir Peace Forum International Midland from the UK, among others.

By urging the active involvement of Kashmiri expatriates, President Sultan hoped to garner international attention and support in resolving the Kashmir dispute and alleviating the suffering of the Kashmiri people.
APP/ahr

Pakistan achieves remarkable progress on polio eradication: Secretary Health

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NNPS Desk
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Pakistan achieves remarkable progress on polio eradication: Secretary Health

ISLAMABAD, Jul 12 (APP): Secretary for Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Iftikhar Shallwani said that Pakistan has made remarkable progress on polio eradication, despite many challenges, and was well on the path to wiping out polio from its borders.

Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minister for Health Abdul Qadir Patel at the 22nd meeting of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) in Geneva, the federal health secretary said that polio eradication has been and was a top priority for the Government of Pakistan.

He stated that the government’s commitment was evident from the fact that polio campaigns continued during a climate catastrophe and economic hardship.

Iftikhar Shallwani said, “The emergence of polio cases last year after a historic gap of 15 months was a stark reminder that while we have made remarkable progress, the work was far from over, and even greater determination was needed now more than ever.”

Highlighting the innovative strategies of the Pakistan Polio Programme to reach every last child with the vaccine, he said that after the 2022 outbreak, only one polio case has been reported this year, which speaks volumes about the Programme’s preparedness and response capacity.

“Many challenges still remain between us and the polio finish line, and the government was doing its utmost to reach all inaccessible children, address community hesitancy and vaccinate at border crossings,” the health secretary said. “We are confident that we are on the right path, and we will interrupt virus transmission this year.”

The Pakistani delegation at the IMB meeting, which continues till July 13, also includes Sindh Chief Secretary Sohail Rajput, Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, Chief Secretary Balochistan Abdul Aziz Uquaili and National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication Coordinator Dr Shahzad Baig, among others.

The IMB was an impartial, independent body of global health experts which assesses the progress and challenges of polio eradication and issues an annual report. Through its unbiased evaluations and recommendations, the IMB promotes transparency and accountability in polio eradication strategies worldwide.

PTI chief taking credit for IMF programme despite ‘shameless tactics’ for default: Bilal Kayani

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File photo

ISLAMABAD, Jul 12 (APP): Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Energy Economy Bilal Azhar Kayani on Wednesday said the PTI chief had the audacity to take the credit for stand-by programme with the IMF despite his party’s “shameless tactics” to push Pakistan to the brink of default.

Referring to a statement of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman regarding his meeting with a delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Bilal Kayani said the “shameless person” while in power for four years had first ruined the economy and then deliberately stopped implementing the commitments made under the IMF programme.

Moreover, he tried to get stalled the incumbent coalition government’s efforts for the revival of IMF programme through Shaukat Tareen and Taimur Jhagra by writing a letter, and ironically he was now commenting on the economic loss suffered by the country, the PM’s Coordinator added.

He said the government had already reached to a staff-level agreement with the IMF before his meeting the Fund’s officials. The purpose of the meeting was only to ensure that the “shameless person” would not do any “new mischief” or hatch another conspiracy against the country, he added.

Instead of highlighting his “support for the IMF programme” the PTI chief should better apologize to the nation for damaging the economy, he concluded.

FM Bilawal raised desecration of Holy Quran issue internationally: Sharjeel Memon

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NNPS Desk
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KARACHI, Jul 12 (APP): Minister for Information Transport and Mass Transit Sindh Sharjeel Inam Memon Wednesday said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in his capacity as a foreign minister of Pakistan has brought the issue of the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden to draw the attention of the international community towards the issue.

Bilawal has emphasized the importance of respecting all religions and urged for the sanctity of Islam to be upheld in the same manner, said Memon while speaking at the media corner before the meeting of the Sindh Assembly.

Sharjeel Memon stated that the foreign minister effectively conveyed his commitment to advocating for religious respect worldwide, anticipating the international community to devise a comprehensive action plan on promoting religious tolerance, ensuring that the sentiments of followers of all religions are safeguarded from any form of harm in the future.

He mentioned that the Israeli statement has confirmed its alleged support for Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

He highlighted a previous incident where the Chairman of PTI supported his Jewish brother-in-law over a candidate of Pakistani origin Sadiq Khan in the election for Mayor of London.

The Sindh Information Minister expressed concern over the recent revelation of connections between certain politicians and Israel, which is a significant matter of concern for the entire Pakistani population.

Sharjeel Inam Memon emphasized that the development, in light of the Israeli statement, raises alarming implications. He stated that such affiliations of the PTI are potentially perilous and need to be carefully addressed.

He questioned the relevance of Israel’s support for Imran Khan.

When asked about Imran Khan, Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the truth about the PTI chief was revealed late.

He further added that had the facts have been known earlier, it is unlikely that any honest Pakistani would have voted for or supported him.

In response to a question, the Minister said that Pakistan consistently safeguarded its minority communities and their places of worship, and this duty will be upheld continuously.

In response to another question, Sharjeel Inam Memon said that if an individual is found to be acting as a foreign agent, appropriate actions should be taken against them.

He highlighted that it is unprecedented in history for Israel to publicly issue a statement in support of Imran Khan.

In response to a question, the Sindh Information Minister said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) brought together the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Jamaat-e-Islami, the PPP has a history of fostering unity among people.

In response to a question, Sharjeel Inam Memon said that it is a bitter truth that the leader of a political party was allegedly pursuing the agenda of another country.

He expressed that this revelation has left everyone surprised and astonished, prompting a need for reconsideration of their opinions regarding PTI.

In response to a question, Sharjeel Inam Memon emphasized that Sindh will always maintain its status as a province.

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