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IMI training participants visit South Punjab secretariat

By
NNPS Desk
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MULTAN, Feb 21 (APP): Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab, Saqib Zafar, said that the new era of development has begun in the region due to South Punjab Secretariate by emphasizing the augmentation of infrastructure in crucial sectors like health and education.

Addressing officers of the 39th Mid-Career Management course of Institute of Management Islamabad during their visit to the South Punjab Secretariat, Saqib Zafar highlighted the completion of numerous mega projects aimed at bridging development gaps across major cities in South Punjab.

He said proposals totaling Rs132 billion for 58 mega projects have been forwarded to the government for inclusion in the upcoming budget, demonstrating a commitment to address pressing needs and foster growth.

ACS South reiterated the Secretariat’s top agenda, the eradication of poverty and backwardness through the provision of basic amenities, literacy enhancement, and agricultural development. Measures such as ring fencing development funds signify a strategic shift towards progress, he added.

Recognizing agriculture as pivotal to the nation’s prosperity, emphasis is placed on revitalizing cotton cultivation, with a proposed 5 billion rupee project to enhance yields.

Integration with national projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Motorway infrastructure underscores South Punjab’s strategic importance. Plans for a 13 billion rupee carriageway from Bahawalpur to Jhangra Interchange are indicative of efforts to enhance connectivity.

He said improving traffic systems through bypasses and underpasses, along with a 3.732 billion rupee initiative for Lal Sohanra Park’s eco-conservation, reflect a holistic approach to sustainable development. Pioneering initiatives like transgender and Subhe Nau schools underscore a commitment to inclusive education, with plans to expand facilities at divisional and district levels.

In a bid to bolster meat production, a 1.793 billion rupee meat zone is slated for establishment in Cholistan, alongside a dedicated agriculture directorate. Capt. (Rtd) Saqib Zafar also highlighted the region’s rich cultural heritage, advocating for the expansion of events like the Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally to international platforms to promote tourism.
The Chief Instructor, Institute of Management, presented a shield to Saqib Zafar on this occasion.

PHC Chief stresses rule of law, justice

By
Ali Ali
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PESHAWAR, Feb 21 (APP):Chief Justice Peshawar High Court Ibrahim Khan stated on Wednesday that efforts would be made to ensure the innocent are not punished and the guilty do not escape punishment.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of a bachelor hostel in the Judicial Complex Karak, he emphasized that no one is exempted from accountability, and he presents himself first. The chief justice highlighted that piety is the greatest wealth and emphasized the importance of judges being pious.
 He highlighted the gap between police and courts and stated that efforts will be made to resolve it. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the police.
Furthermore, he pledged to address issues faced by lawyers and stressed the importance of respecting the dignity of judges, lawyers, and litigants. He announced the approval for a digital library for the Karak Bar soon and the connection of all courts with a video link.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree to enhance bilateral trade

By
Muhammad Ashraf Wani
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP):Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday agreed to enhance bilateral trade between the two brotherly countries and improve investments in various sectors including construction, digital economy and infrastructure.

The agreement was reached during a meeting of Caretaker Minister for Commerce, Gohar Ejaz with the Saudi Minister for Commerce, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi.

Gohar Ejaz is leading a business delegation Saudi Arabia, according to statement issued by Commerce Ministry.

The other delegation members visiting Saudi Arabia included Punjab Minister S.M. Tanveer and notable businessmen; Arif Habib, Muhammad Ali Tabba, and Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram, according to statement issued by Commerce Ministry.

Highlighting the importance of enhancing trade with Saudi Arabia, Ijaz expressed Pakistan’s commitment to making comprehensive efforts in this regard, noting ample opportunities for bilateral investment between the two countries.

The Saudi Minister of Commerce praised the efforts to strengthen bilateral trade relations, the statement added.

“Pakistanis are our brothers, and our doors are open to them,” stated the Saudi Minister of Commerce, highlighting the vast employment opportunities available for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia.

 

Madad Sindhi directs NAVTTC to increase quota for disables, transgenders

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP):Caretaker Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi on Wednesday directed the chairperson NAVTTC to increase the quota for disables and transgenders in all programs.
He was chairing Steering Committee meeting of the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program (PMYSDP) at Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.
The caretaker minister said that the meeting played a pivotal role in facilitating essential discussions to propel the program’s objectives forward. He further said that this was the second meeting of NAVTTC steering committee under his tenure as minister. He pointed out that this is also the second meeting in five years. He highlighted the importance of this committee meeting. The caretaker minister said that in the last meeting, he had increased the quota for women which has been implemented in letter and spirit.
Madad Ali said that domain of NAVTTC should be expanded to provinces to achieve the progress.
He was of view that it would be prudent to include universities for increasing scope of NAVTTC in future.
He took notice of the absence of Secretary Education Punjab and Sindh.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director NAVTTC/Secretary of the Committee, Muhammad Aamir Jan briefed the committee on the current status and progress of PMYSDP 2023-24 project, achievements and outlining future goals.
A significant decision was made regarding the High-Tech IT and High-End IT Training Components.
The committee endorsed the consolidation and strategic reallocation of seats, not only to enrich industrial training opportunities but also to lay the groundwork for a groundbreaking collaboration with esteemed universities like COMSATS, NUST, NUML, and NSU to facilitate the pilot project being implemented with the Federal Directorate of Education.
This collaborative effort is crafted to launch High-Impact IT Training with 16 FDE Colleges, intending to bridge the gap between academia and industry. The initiative aims to provide cutting-edge IT skills to the youth, ensuring their relevance in the ever-evolving job market, he told.
Waseem Ajmal, Secretary Ministry of Federal Education, endorsed the pilot program and emphasized that the modalities may be formulated with the help of Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and Pakistan IT Industry Association (P@SHA).
In a bid to streamline implementation, the committee sanctioned the exemption of Bank/Insurance Guarantee for TEVTA, PVTC, PWDs, and other public institutes excluding public sector universities.
Furthermore, various courses under the program, spanning High-Tech IT, High-End IT Training Component, Hospitality, Languages, Care Workers, and Gym/Sports Trainer, will now confer international certification, thereby enhancing the global recognition of the program.
Ms. Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, chairperson NAVTTC, expressed optimism about the program, and said, “We aspire for these 56,000 youth to become valuable assets for the country. Our initiatives are geared towards inclusivity, accommodating youth from all strata of society.”
She highlighted NAVTTC’s active action for transgender and persons with disabilities (PWDs), offering exemptions from criteria approved by the steering committee and NAVTTC.
In another significant initiative focusing on High-Impact Trainings in globally IT skills demand such as AI, Data Science, and Blockchain, Ms. Gulmina Bilal Ahmad noted, “Our pilot program, catering to 500 to 700 youth in collaboration with FDE Colleges, aims to provide skill training to the youth, enhancing their prospects for better global job opportunities and contributing to the country’s remittances. We are introducing international certifications for IT programs to boost the global recognition and consumption of Pakistani youth.”
The caretaker Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training extended his support and approval to all agenda points and encouraged the committee to replicate successful initiatives in the provinces upon completion of the pilot project.

Senator Taj Haider, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament Lodges

By
Zia Ur Rehman
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Senator Taj Haider, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament Lodges
APP28-210224
ISLAMABAD: February 21 –

Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House

By
Zia Ur Rehman
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Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House
APP27-210224
ISLAMABAD: February 21 – 

Vendor busy in making traditional mehndi thaal used in wedding events at Fawara Chowk

By
Zia Ur Rehman
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Vendor busy in making traditional mehndi thaal used in wedding events at Fawara Chowk
APP26-210224
PESHAWAR: February 21 –

Karachi Kings player James Vince playing shot during the Pakistan Super League (PSL 9) Twenty20 cricket match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium

By
Zia Ur Rehman
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0
Karachi Kings player James Vince playing shot during the Pakistan Super League (PSL 9) Twenty20 cricket match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium
APP29-210224
LAHORE: February 21 –
Karachi Kings player James Vince playing shot during the Pakistan Super League (PSL 9) Twenty20 cricket match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium
APP30-210224
LAHORE: February 21 – Peshawar players celebrated the wicket of Muhammad Akhlaq catch by Mohammad Haris ball by Luke Wood during the Pakistan Super League (PSL 9) Twenty20 cricket match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium. APP/MTF/MAF/FHA

South Punjab Secretariat aims to pace development

By
AHMD Raja
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BAHAWALPUR, Feb 21 (APP):Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab Captain (retd) Saqib Zafar on Wednesday said that the South Punjab Secretariat is addressing the gaps of development by enhancing infrastructure in health, education, and other sectors.
Addressed officers undergoing the 39th Mid-Career Management Course at the National Institute of Management in Islamabad during their visit to the South Punjab Secretariat, he said that major projects in education and health have been completed in all major cities of South Punjab. He said that proposals for 58 major projects in the new budget have been submitted to the government, with an estimated cost of Rs 132 billion.
Zafar emphasized that eliminating poverty and backwardness from the region is the top priority of the South Punjab Secretariat along with focusing on providing necessities, increasing literacy rates, and promoting agriculture.
He highlighted the importance of agriculture in the country’s prosperity, mentioning the revival of cotton cultivation in South Punjab which is known as the Cotton Belt. He said that a project proposal of investing Rs 5 billion for the revival and increased production of cotton is part of the plan.
He mentioned the plans to connect all major cities of South Punjab through CPEC and motorways, including the construction of the Khanewal-Jhang Interchange on the Karachi-Lahore Motorway with an estimated cost of Rs13 billion.
The Additional Chief Secretary revealed that action plans have been prepared for the construction of flyovers and underpasses in major cities of South Punjab to improve the traffic system. A plan to construct protective dykes to prevent damage from floods.
He mentioned that a mega plan has been devised for environmental conservation in Lal Sohanra Park for Rs 3.732 billion. Captain (retd) Saqib Zafar stated that the establishment of Transgender Schools and Morning Schools in the South Punjab are unique initiatives, with a project now underway to construct their buildings at the divisional and district levels.
To increase meat production, a meat zone is being established in Cholistan with an estimated cost of Rs 1.793 billion, he said adding that  a separate agricultural directorate will be set up in Cholistan.
 He highlighted that the Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally is a popular event that needs to be expanded internationally.
The Chief Instructor presented a memorable shield to the Additional Chief Secretary of South Punjab in addition to a souvenir by the National Institute of Management.

Irrational use aggravating water crisis: DG Aab-e-Pak

By
Ali Ali
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0
FAISALABAD, Feb 21 (APP):Managing Director Punjab Aab-e-Pak Authority and Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company Syed Zahid Aziz has said that although Pakistan is blessed with plenty of water reservoirs, yet vast population and irrational use of water are aggravating its crisis that will play havoc with the lives of the people.
He was speaking as a special guest at a seminar on “Situation of Clean Water in Punjab” under the auspices of the Rotaract Club of the Senior Tutor Office of University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) here on Wednesday.
He said that we have to take practical steps to prevent wastage of water so that this beautiful gift of nature can be preserved for future generations. He said that Pakistan is one of the fifth most populous countries in the world, while only 32 countries around the world have a worse per capita water situation than Pakistan.
He called for creating awareness about population control, efficient irrigation systems with value crops, distribution network improvement at the public level.
He said that various projects are being run with the support of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to ensure clean drinking water in Faisalabad and 34 new dams have been constructed in Potohar.
Additional Deputy Commissioner General Dr Shahab Aslam said that water wastage is a common practice in our society, but if awareness is provided among people about saving water, it will help deal with the water crisis.
Senior Tutor Dr. Shaukat Ali said there was a need to create awareness about water, and foster a participatory approach towards the rational use and clean water in the society.
He said that Islam encourages us to save water and the golden principles of Islam should be followed to make life beautiful.
Dr. Fahd Rasul Associate Professor of Agronomy Department University of Agriculture Faisalabad said that at the time of independence, 5,000 cubic meters of per capita water was available in Pakistan, which has now been reduced to only 900 cubic meters.
He said that thousands of people across the country suffer from various diseases due to water contamination.
JICA’s Mr. Dairaku and Mr. Murakami also spoke.
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