Governor Sindh visits SSU headquarters

Wed, 12 Jul 2023, 9:12 PM

KARACHI: July 12 – Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori is being briefed by DIG Maqsood Memon on professional skills Special Security Units. APP

KARACHI, Jul 12 (APP): Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori on Wednesday visited the Special Security Unit (SSU) Headquarters and lauded the Unit’s professionalism in administrative, security, and counter-terrorism functions by paying tribute to martyrs of Sindh Police.

He said the Police were playing a key role to restore peace in the province, according to a news release.

Upon his arrival at the SSU headquarters, Governor Sindh was welcomed by the DIGP Security and Emergency Services Division Dr. Maqsood Ahmed. He was presented a guard of honor by a special contingent of SSU.

Governor Sindh visits SSU headquarters — APP67-120723 KARACHI: July 12 – Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori visiting departments of Special Security Units. APP/TZD/ABB

Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori accompanied by DIGP Security visited the armory, firing range, and different sections of SSU.

Dr. Maqsood Ahmed briefed the Governor about the journey of SSU since its establishment to a state-of-the-art and modernized unit.

He also informed about the foundation of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T), the first ever in the country, comprising highly trained commandos and lady commandos equipped with modern tactical weapons, capable to challenge any emergency situation, round the clock.

The Pakistan Army was also providing training to further enhance the professional techniques of commandos including lady commandos at its different training institutes, he added.

The DIGP Security and Emergency Services Division further briefed about the up-gradation and advancement made in Madadgar-15 which was one of the sub-units of Sindh Police as the response time of the Madadgar had been reduced to 7 to 10 minutes from 30 to 40 minutes in any emergency situation.

Governor Sindh on the occasion also witnessed the drill conducted by the commandos of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.AT) to deal with any hostile situation.

Commandant SSU Dr. Farrukh Ali Lanjar, SSP Madadgar-15 Amjad Hayat, SSP Security-II Syed Salman Ahmed, SP Foreigners’ Security Cell Saddam Hussain, SP SSU Anil Haider and SP SSU Farah Ambreen were also present.

Later, DIGP Security Dr. Maqsood Ahmed presented an honorary shield to the guest.

PM felicitates Uzbek President Mirziyoyev on his re-election

Irfan Khan

Wed, 12 Jul 2023, 8:59 PM

ISLAMABAD, July 12 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday congratulated President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his re-election in the presidential elections held on July 9.

Terming the re-election of President Mirziyoyev as the reiteration of the confidence of the Uzbek people in his leadership, the prime minister expressed his strong confidence that bilateral relations between the two countries would continue to strengthen under his stewardship.

The prime minister held a telephone call with the Uzbek president, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release

The prime minister underscored the importance attached by Pakistan to bilateral relations with Uzbekistan.

He noted with satisfaction the operationalization of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (UPTTA).

Both these agreements would enhance economic and trade relations between the two countries, he added.

Recalling their previous interactions in Samarkand and Astana, the two leaders discussed the prospects of accelerating regional development and agreed on the need to further expand bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy, connectivity, agriculture, IT, textiles, and logistics.

Senator Talha for developing sustainable tourism initiatives on Gandhara

Asim Usman

Wed, 12 Jul 2023, 8:56 PM

Senator Talha for developing sustainable tourism initiatives on Gandhara

ISLAMABAD, Jul 12 (APP): Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony, Senator Talha Mahmood on Wednesday said that developing sustainable tourism initiatives, particularly related to Gandhara, should be one of key goals.

He expressed these views here during the concluding session of Gandhara Symposium 2023 titled “Cultural Diplomacy: Reviving Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan”

Senator Talha highlighted the hospitable nature of Pakistani society and dispelled the negative propaganda about security in Pakistan. As a mark of Pakistan promoting inter-faith harmony, he extended an invitation to the people of different faiths and cultures to visit Pakistan.

Day-II of the symposium commenced with the Fourth Session on “Exploring the Spirit of Gandhara: Preserving the Past & Illuminating the Future.”

The speakers stressed the vital role of the local communities in the preservation, protection, and promotion of the Gandhara heritage.

The session was moderated by the Director of the State Bank Museum and Head of ICOM Pakistan, Dr. Asma Ibrahim.

Speakers of the session were Prof of Archaeology, University of Leicester, UK, Prof. Ruth Young; Senior Researcher, Cultural Heritage Foundation, South Korea, Yi Yun Jung; Director Minister of Buddhasana Religious And Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka, Nishantha Pushpakumara; Prof. Dr. Hridya Ratna Bajracharaya; Former VC Lumbini University, Nepal; and Prof. Xiang Debao, Prof. School of International Journalism & Communication, Beijing University.

The panelists discussed that the heritage sites were very important for religious practices but also for building religious and national identity.

They highlighted that the true spirits of Gandhara were reflected in the stone sculpture of fasting Siddharta, the academic excellence of Taxila, and the mindful, pragmatic, imaginative, creative, and bold nature of Gandhara.

It was proposed to support the bringing of new digital technology and chemicals for preservation purposes. It was also underlined that Gandhara was not only a communication but an all-out campaign for modernization for not only an international audience but also for the Pakistanis themselves.

In the Concluding Session, a summary of the Symposium was presented by Dr. Abdul Samad that highlighted key takeaways from the 2-day Panel Discussions, Round Table, and In-house deliberations.

This was followed by concluding remarks from Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, who stressed inter-faith harmony and shared his views and suggestions on promoting Gandhara tourism. An address by the Chief Guest Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith, Senator Talha Mahmood, was delivered.

Lastly, a vote of thanks was presented by DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood. He congratulated the organizers and participants on the completion of the academic sessions, which had held in-depth deliberations on various aspects of Gandhara civilization, and produced takeaways that would be beneficial in crafting an appropriate strategy and action plan.

He extended special thanks to foreign participants and Pakistani scholars and experts for their insightful presentations and thoughtful discourse.

He concluded that this Symposium, a multi-stakeholder enterprise, was a resounding success owning to the excellent collaboration and coordination among all relevant departments and institutions.

Multiple crises pushed over 122 million people into hunger since 2019: UN report

NNPS Desk

Wed, 12 Jul 2023, 8:55 PM

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 12 (APP): Over 122 million more people are facing hunger in the world since 2019 due to the pandemic and repeated weather shocks and conflicts, including the Ukraine war, according to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report published on Wednesday jointly by five UN specialized agencies.

The report revealed that between 691 and 783 million people faced hunger in 2022, with a mid-range of 735 million, representing an increase of 122 million people compared to 2019. It also adds up to a grim warning, potentially jeopardizing the Sustainable Development Goal of ending hunger.

“Overall, we need an intense and immediate global effort to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We must build resilience against the crises and shocks that drive food insecurity – from conflict to climate,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a video message launching the report.

It shows that hunger rose in Western Asia, the Caribbean and across Africa, where one in five people — more than twice the global average — faced hunger. Only Asia and Latin America observed progress in improving food security.

In addition to rising hunger, the capacity of people to access healthy diets also deteriorated across the world. More than 3.1 billion people globally unable to afford a healthy diet in 2021, the report issued jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and World Food Programme (WFP) said.

According to the report, 148 million children under five were stunted (a condition marked by low height per age), 45 million were wasted (low weight), and 37 million were overweight, often an indicator of poor nutrition.

“Malnutrition is a major threat to children’s survival, growth and development,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said.

Children’s malnutrition also displays differently in urban and rural settings, the report added, noting that the prevalence of child stunting was higher in the countryside (35.8 per cent) than in urban areas (22.4 per cent).

Similarly, wasting was higher in rural areas (10.5 per cent) compared to urban areas (7.7 per cent), while being overweight is slightly more prevalent in urban areas (5.4 per cent) compared to rural areas (3.5 per cent).

“The scale of the nutrition crisis demands a stronger response focused on children, including prioritizing access to nutritious and affordable diets and essential nutrition services, protecting children and adolescents from nutrient-poor, ultra-processed foods, and strengthening food and nutrition supply chains including for fortified and therapeutic foods for children,” Ms. Russell said.

Zong collaborates with Sehat Kahani for discounts for My Zong App users

NNPS Desk

Wed, 12 Jul 2023, 8:36 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 12 (APP): Zong 4G, the leading telecommunications company in Pakistan, has forged a strategic collaboration with Sehat Kahani, propelling the nation’s healthcare landscape into a new era of accessibility and affordability.

“This dynamic alliance empowers users of the My Zong App with exclusive discounts on telemedicine solutions and comprehensive healthcare services, spanning from diagnosis to treatment. Together, Zong 4G and Sehat Kahani are revolutionizing healthcare access, making it more convenient, affordable, and transformative for people across the country,” a Zong spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.

The spokesperson said Zong 4G users in far-flung areas could access the Sehat Kahani portal through the My Zong App, available on both Android and iOS platforms, enabling them to connect with the best doctors in Pakistan, who provide quality and cost-effective healthcare services.

“Under this month-long initiative, My Zong App users can avail the first two consultations with general physicians free of cost, followed by a 50 percent discount on the third consultation. Moreover, the first consultation with a medical specialist will only cost Rs. 249, regardless of the original consultation fee, which ranges from Rs 300 to Rs 4,500.

“The app also offers the first mental well-being consultation at Rs. 750 (whereas the original consultation fee ranges from Rs 1,500 to Rs 4,500.”
Additionally, the spokesperson said My Zong App users could subscribe to a month-long unlimited consultation package with general physicians and medical specialists for just Rs 499.

He expressed the company’s commitment to providing exceptional services for their customers. “Zong 4G has always sought to make its customers’ lives easier and digitally enabled. This partnership proves that the difference is truly digital. Through it, we have successfully made digital healthcare available at affordable rates and in exclusive deals to all Zong subscribers and My Zong App users.”

“Sehat Kahani offers a comprehensive one-window digital healthcare platform that connects a network of nationally recognized and highly qualified online doctors to patients for consultations through online chats, audio, and video-enabled instant/on-appointment consultations, online diagnostics, and at-home pharmacy services,” the spokesperson added.

“The healthcare service lines allow individual consumers, corporate employees, and patients in hard-to-reach areas to access doctors via a mobile application and intermediary-assisted telemedicine facilitation centers,” he said.

Israel has no right to meddle in Pakistan’s internal affairs: Ashrafi

Asim Usman

Wed, 12 Jul 2023, 8:36 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 12 (APP):Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Interfaith Harmony and Middle East, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, on Wednesday firmly asserted that Israel had no right to meddle in Pakistan’s internal affairs.

Addressing a press conference Ashrafi, who is also the chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council, criticized the Israeli government for showing sympathy towards individuals allegedly responsible for the attacks on government and military installations on May 9.

He warned Israel to refrain from interfering, emphasizing that the matter at hand solely concerned Pakistan.

Ashrafi labeled Israel as a notorious perpetrator responsible for the deaths of numerous innocent Palestinians, expressing his dismay that the concerned party did not give a stronger response to Israel’s actions on the international stage.

However, he assured the public that all minority communities in Pakistan were safe, enjoying a peaceful life with their full rights protected.

In a united stance against Israeli interference, Ashrafi announced that the Ulema and Mashaykh (religious scholars) would unequivocally condemn Israel on the upcoming Friday, making their voices heard across the nation.

This collective denouncement aimed to shed light on the specific segment of Pakistani society for which Israel had advocated on the global platform.

Ashrafi also expressed gratitude towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its generous economic and financial aid to Pakistan.

He emphasized the pivotal role played by Saudi Arabia in fostering economic cooperation between the two countries.

According to Ashrafi, the Saudi government had transferred $2 billion to Pakistan’s State Bank, a significant financial injection that was expected to have a transformative impact on the country’s economic landscape. This infusion of funds would create new opportunities for growth and development in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister’s Special Representative further commended Islamic countries for their endorsement of Pakistan’s proposed agreement against the desecration of the Holy Quran at the United Nations.

Ashrafi specifically praised Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for their efforts in securing approval for the agreement and promoting the cause of protecting the sanctity of the Holy Quran on a global scale.

He expressed optimism that this landmark agreement would pave the way for the wider acceptance of laws safeguarding the sanctity of celestial religions, scriptures, and prophets, ultimately enhancing Pakistan’s reputation as a champion against Islamophobia.

Ashrafi concluded his address by applauding both the civilian and military leadership for launching the Special Investment Facilitation Council and the Green Pakistan Initiative. These initiatives were seen as crucial steps in propelling the country towards progress and prosperity.

Police set aside two cases against Dubai based businessman Umar Farooq Zahoor

Asim Usman

Wed, 12 Jul 2023, 8:36 PM

LAHORE, Jul 12 (APP):The Lahore Police have dismissed two cases against Dubai-based businessman Umar Farooq Zahoor registered nearly 15 years ago against him by his former wife Khushbakht Mirza (known as Sophia Mirza) during the custody battle of their twin daughters.

The Lahore Police investigation has revealed that there was no evidence and merit in Sophia Mirza’s two applications against Umar Farooq Zahoor and Sophia Mirza, after registering the cases, didn’t cooperate with the police despite several requests and didn’t produce any evidence at any stage in support of her claims.
Police Station Race Course officer Rehan Anwar has disposed off the cases after a thorough investigation. The police officer wrote in his report that Sophia Mirza registered the first case in 2009 against Zahoor alleging that he along with Malik Shahid had conspired to kidnap their minor daughters Zainab and Zuneirah from PC Hotel Karachi and that the minors should be returned to their mother.
Rehan Anwar said the investigation in the case was conducted by Muhammad Basharat Hassan (ASI/INV at Police Station Race Course, Lahore. The investigating officer repeatedly called the complainant through an official order, but she did not appear, he wrote, saying that during the probe it came to light that the UAE Court had already granted minor’s custody to their father (Umar Farooq).
The officer wrote that as per the records, there were two attempts made to hand over the minors to the complainant in light of the court’s decision. However, these attempts were unsuccessful due to the intervention of the UAE Court’s decision. Taking into consideration these facts, the Supreme Court has also dismissed the petitioner’s petition as she received Rs 1 million to pursue the case in UAE. Considering the aforementioned facts and circumstances, it may not be appropriate to continue the investigation in this case, and no credible evidence has emerged regarding the offence of Section 363 PPC against the accused in this case. Based on the information provided, considering the aforementioned facts and circumstances, it may be deemed a waste of time to continue the investigation in the mentioned case. Therefore, the decision to dismiss the case has been made. Hence, a report of dismissal has been prepared and forwarded.
The officer also dismissed another case as frivolous and without merit registered by Sophia Mirza on in 2009 alleging that Zahoor allegedly stole her Cheque Nos. 6028414 & 6028424 & 6028414 from her purse and wrote for forty million rupees and forged her signature to withdraw money from her bank account but failed.
The officer wrote that the investigation in this case was conducted by Rafaqat Ali (ASI/INV at Police Station Race Course, Lahore). The investigating officer repeatedly called the complainant to join the investigation and submit the documentary evidence, but she did not appear nor submitted any evidence and she did not receive the summons or notice.
Furthermore, a case No. 297/09 was filed by Shahid Ahmad Khan against the complainant at Police Station Defence regarding the cheque No. 6028414 (as mentioned in the FIR). The investigating officer repeatedly called the complainant to join the investigation and submit the documentary evidence, but she did not appear nor submitted any evidence. Since the case was filed in 2009 and remained under investigation for a period of 13 years, however, there is no legal provision to keep the instant case under investigation indefinitely. Therefore, a decision has been made to dismiss this case, considering the suspicious circumstances. Hence, a report of dismissal has been prepared and forwarded.
Sophia Mirza had registered a total of eight cases against her ex -husband Umar Farooq Zahoor in Lahore and Karachi. These cases related to allegations of kidnapping, money laundering and fraud. Except one, all cases have been dismissed due to lack of evidence and lack of cooperation with the police from the complainant.
It may be noted that Islamabad Police had registered a criminal case against former accountability minister Shahzad Akbar, model Sophia Mirza, and others for registering “false and vindictive cases” against businessman Umar Farooq Zahoor in the summer of 2020 — when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was in power.
According to a copy of the FIR registered at Islamabad Secretariat Police Station, a case for criminal investigation has been formally registered against Akbar, Mirza (whose real name is Khushbakhat Mirza), her sister Mariam Mirza, Maira Khurram, Umaid Butt and Ali Mardan Shah under Sections 420, 468, 471, 385, 386, 389, 500 and 506 of PPC 1860.
The FIR has been registered for cheating, preparation of forged documents, extortion of money, defamation and criminal intimidation.
As per the story of FIR, an inquiry against Umar Farooq Zahoor and others was initiated by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Corporate Crime Circle (CCC) Lahore by treating an application submitted by his ex-wife Mirza.