ISLAMABAD: February 22 – .
An attractive view of Rainbow from Bhara kaho Bypass
ISLAMABAD: February 22 – .
Swift decision making must for national development: Arif Alvi
LAHORE, Feb 22 (APP):President Dr Arif Alvi has underscored the need for taking swift decisions to put the country on the road to progress and prosperity.
He said this while addressing the recognition ceremony of officers of the Federal Insurance Ombudsman (FIO) Secretariat, chief executive officers (CEOs) and managing directors (MDs) of insurance companies, organised by the Federal Insurance Ombudsman, here at Governor’s House, on Friday. He said, “Slow decision-making has hindered the process of national development.”
The president said the institutions of ombudsmen had played a commendable role in providing speedy and free-of-cost justice to the aggrieved complainants against the administrative injustices of the government organisations.
He congratulated the FIO on its outstanding performance by providing monetary relief to the tune of over Rs 5 billion to the aggrieved policyholders.
The president also remarked that Pakistan had tremendous potential to grow, but it required honesty and fast decision making to put it on the right track. He stressed that honesty must be the foundation-stone with a key focus on integrity and fair play. Arif Alvi said that institutions of the country were required to do justice. The president added that he firmly believed in merit, saying that he had never asked for any favour for anyone during his tenure as the president.
He hoped that Pakistan would turn around as it was blessed with enormous potential and talented youth.
Federal Insurance Ombudsman Dr Muhammad Khawar Jameel highlighted the role of FIO in providing justice to the policyholders against the maladministration of insurance companies. He said that under the guidance of President Dr Arif Alvi, the FIO had significantly improved its performance and processed 6,000 complaints last year.
The president also distributed recognition shields among the representatives of insurance companies and officials of the FIO over their valuable services in provision of timely relief to insurance policyholders against the maladministration of insurance companies.
PTA strengthens measures against illegal SIM issuance
ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (APP):The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office in Lahore, in close collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Circle, conducted a successful raid against the franchise of a mobile phone company located in Raiwind.
The franchisee was found to be involved in the illegal issuance of SIMs, said a news release on Thursday.
During the raid, 256 active SIMs were discovered. The FIA team confiscated these active SIMs along with 16 BVS devices as evidence. One person was also apprehended on the premises by the FIA team. FIA is currently investigating the matter.
PTA had filed the complaint with FIA earlier based on information regarding the illegal issuance of SIMs by the sale
channel.
The recent raid is part of PTA’s ongoing efforts to prevent the circumvention of the Multi-Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS).
Over 5000 cops to perform security duties at PSL matches; no road closures planned
KARACHI, Feb 22 (APP):The Sindh Police, under the leadership of IGP Sindh Riffat Mukhtar Raja, has devised a comprehensive security strategy for the upcoming Pakistan Super League season 9 matches in Karachi.
In a recent high-level meeting, officials briefed the IGP that approximately 5600 police personnel would be deployed to ensure the safety of the event. Moreover, the plan emphasizes minimal disruption to the city’s normal traffic flow, with no permanent closures of roads or thoroughfares unless necessary for security reasons.
During a high-level meeting led by IGP Sindh Riffat Mukhtar Raja, comprehensive security and traffic arrangements for the upcoming PSL season 9 matches in Karachi starting February 28th were meticulously deliberated upon.
The meeting addressed the prevailing law and order situation, identified challenges, and formulated proactive measures to ensure a smooth and secure environment. Detailed guidelines were issued to effectively address any potential security concerns and uphold public safety throughout the cricket series.
IGP Sindh emphasized the significance of incorporating input and suggestions from other law enforcement agencies into the development of a robust security and traffic plan. Additionally, he stressed the importance of consulting with representatives and officials from the PCB to ensure a collaborative approach.
Furthermore, the Sindh Police Chief underscored the necessity of assigning security duties to competent, dedicated, and seasoned officers and personnel to safeguard the PSL event effectively.
Furthermore, it was emphasized that threats and confidential information must never be overlooked. In this context, proactive and preemptive measures should be implemented at all levels to mitigate risks effectively.
The IGP also directed arrangements to be made for providing Iftar, dinner, and clean drinking water to the officers and personnel who will be on security duties during the PSL event throughout Ramadan.
During the briefing, the DIGP – Security and Emergency Response, highlighted that approximately 5600 police personnel will be deployed to ensure foolproof security during the PSL cricket matches. Additionally, it was emphasized that round-the-clock security will be provided to all domestic and foreign players, coaches, staff, and other delegates participating in the PSL matches.
DIGP – Traffic Karachi reported that a comprehensive traffic plan has been devised to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic on designated routes during the PSL matches. Additionally, efforts are underway to inform citizens about alternative traffic routes through an upcoming awareness campaign, ensuring effective implementation of the plan.
He explained that as part of the traffic plan, alternative routes have been arranged to ensure citizens’ convenience, with no permanent closures of roads or thoroughfares. However, temporary closures will be implemented to facilitate the movement of national and foreign players/delegates. Additionally, to guide citizens, maps of alternative routes will be shared via various channels such as media, social media platforms, and the police FM radio station.
In addition to Additional IGP – Karachi, the meeting was attended by DIGP Admin of Karachi Police Office, Zonal DIGPs, District SSPs of Karachi, and senior police officers of CPO.
Friendly atmosphere delights foreign guests, PSL broadcasters
MULTAN, Feb 22 (APP):The broadcasters of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and foreign guests visited the Seetal Mari police station on Thursday, where they were pleased to experience the citizen-friendly atmosphere.
City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Ali welcomed the distinguished guests including Callum Russe, William John, Christopher, and Archie Charles. He stated that all police stations in Punjab have been transformed which are offering citizens the highest quality facilities.
The broadcasters described Pakistan as a peaceful country and declared Multan a unique city in terms of tourism and culture. They added that Multan’s model police station was equipped with modern necessities and provided excellent service to citizens.
CPO Sadiq Ali thanked the guests and assured them that foolproof security measures were being implemented to safeguard the players, officials, and foreign visitors during the PSL event.
SSP Operations Multan Arsalan Zahid, SSP Investigation Rana Muhammad Ashraf, CTO Jalil Imran Khan, SP Gulgasht division, and others were present on the occasion.
PBA delegation meets PIO Tariq Mehmood
ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (APP): A delegation of Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) headed by Naeem Muhammad Mirza on Thursday met with Principal Information Officer Dr. Tariq Mehmood Khan in his office.
Dr. Tariq Mehmood Khan assured the delegation to resolve all their problems.
He said that the ministry was well aware of the problems faced by the media persons and efforts were being made to resolve them on priority.
At the end of the meeting, the delegation thanked the PIO.
Plantation drive- 2024 kicked off at Sindh University by Green Youth Movement Club
HYDERABAD, Feb 22 (APP):The Green Youth Movement Club (GYMC) of Sindh University Jamshoro Thursday launched “Plantation Drive 2024” in the Arts Faculty Building of the university, many plants were planted on the campus.
Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Forest Officer Dr. Zubair Ahmad Chand said that there are many benefits of planting trees and there is a need to reduce environmental pollution for a better human life.
He said that cutting of trees should be avoided and plants should be planted as much as possible and take care of their growth.
Range Forest Officer Dr. Ghulam Hussain Shah said that everyone knows about the importance of tree planting, so it is everyone’s responsibility to pay attention to tree planting and keep their environment green to keep Sindh alive.
Director of Students Affairs Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus Laghari said that the campus is being made green under the vision of the Vice Chancellor, for which the current afforestation campaign has been started.
Director Campus Security Dr. Saqib Ali Bharro, Security Officer Muhammad Ismail Bajir and Police Headquarters Jamshoro DSP Abdul Rehman Khaskheli participated in the campaign and planted saplings.
Netherlands Embassy hosts reception to honor hockey team
ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (APP): Ambassador of the Netherlands in Pakistan, Henny de Vries, hosted a reception on Thursday to honor the Dutch hockey team, emphasizing the crucial role of sports diplomacy in nurturing international relations and building bridges between nations.
This historic visit has significant cultural and sporting importance as the team hailing from Oldenzaal in the Netherlands becomes the first hockey team to visit and compete against a Pakistani team in over 22 years, said a news release of the embassy.
Commenting on the occasion, Ambassador Henny de Vries said “Hockey holds a special place in the hearts of both the Dutch and Pakistani people, and it this week is a testament to the power of sports in bridging cultures and fostering understanding. The matches played in Lahore, and the upcoming match in Islamabad, have not only showcased the skill and ability of our athletes but have also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual appreciation.”
The ambassador expressed her gratitude to Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy for extending the invitation to the club and to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for their invaluable support.
The presence of such influential voices from the media, sports, and diplomatic community underscored the collective commitment to leveraging sports as a vehicle for strengthening international relations.
Through initiatives such as these, the ambassador emphasized the willingness to continue leveraging the power of sports to foster mutual understanding and friendship between the Netherlands and Pakistan.
The event was attended by esteemed guests, including media representatives, sports personalities, diplomats, and other stakeholders committed to promoting sports and international cooperation.
A woman buying used shoes at a roadside stall.
KARACHI: February 22 –