Gypsy children binding the brooms for the customers
1,499,472 Hajj pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia
ISLAMABAD, Jun 22 (APP):Up to 1,499,472 pilgrims arrived so far in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj season 2023, according to the statistics released by the General Directorate of Passports on Thursday.
About 1,435,014 pilgrims came to the Kingdom through airports, including 230,170 beneficiaries of the Makkah Route initiative; 59,744 pilgrims through land ports, and 4,714 through sea ports, SPA reported quoting the Directorate.
Self-driving vehicles to first time transport Hajj pilgrims
ISLAMABAD, Jun 22 (APP):Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority, for the first time, is launching the trial of self-driving electric buses to serve the pilgrims this Hajj season besides providing innovative modern technologies for sustainable and environment-friendly transportation.
The initiative is part of the authority’s efforts to offer multiple transportation options, making it easier for the pilgrims.
The self-driving buses utilize artificial intelligence, cameras, and surrounding sensors to operate without human intervention along a predefined route. They gather information during movement and analyze it to make necessary decisions, aiming to enhance passenger experience and ensure safety. Each bus has 11 seats, operates for 6 hours per charge, and can reach speeds of up to 30 km/h, SPA reported.
The service aims to facilitate the transportation of pilgrims and assess the feasibility of using these technologies during Hajj. It also aims to establish the necessary requirements for their commercial operation in coming years.
This falls within the role of the authority in providing different and diverse transportation options, as well as adopting modern technologies and smart mobility solutions to assess their suitability and contribution to providing a unique transportation experience for Hajj pilgrims.
It aims to ensure smooth and comfortable transportation and enable pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind.
KP Governor, CM call on President
PESHAWAR, Jun 22 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali and caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan called on President Dr Arif Alvi here at the Governor House on Thursday.
Overall law and order situation in the province, besides administrative, financial and development affairs, especially of the merged tribal districts came under discussion during the meeting.
Difficulties and problems confronted by tribal people after the merger and the measures taken for their resolution under the law and the Constitution were also discussed.
During the meeting, matters related to financial and administrative issues of the KP’s public sector universities also figured in the discussion.
Ideal democracy linked with constitutional supremacy: Shazia Marri
ISLAMABAD, Jun 22 (APP):Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Marri on Thursday said that the role of all institutions was well defined in the Constitution adding that ideal democracy in the country was linked with constitutional supremacy.
Taking part in the budget debate in the National Assembly, she said that the disbursement of fund under Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was not a charity rather, it was the right of the people. Shazia Murri said the government has to take responsibility in difficult situation due to poor economic policies of past regime.
She said that the budget of BISP had been significantly increased as now social security had become an important issue in the country.
The children enrollment in school has jumped to 7.4 million from 3.7 million registering an increase of 210 percent due to Benazir Bhutto Shaheed education scholarship. The government has set enrollment target of 9.2 million, she added.
She went on to say that the assembly was dissolved unconstitutionally and the prime minister was ousted through adopting constitutional procedure. The coalition parties united for survival and stability of the country, she said and added that it was not for the first time that many parties were on same page for the stability of the country.
She said that earlier, PPP and PML-N inked charter of democracy for strengthening of democracy.
The minister said that all amendments incorporated in the constitution by the military dictator Zia ul Haq were changed with consensus of all political parties. We will continue our struggle to strengthen democracy in the country, she added.
Commander Turkish Air Force visits Air Headquarters
ISLAMABAD, Jun 22 (APP): A delegation led by Commander Turkish Air Force, General Atilla Gulan called on Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu here at Air Headquarters on Thursday,
During the meeting, several key areas of mutual interest along with regional developments were discussed, a PAF news release said.
On his arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented General Atilla Gulan the guard of honour. He also laid a floral wreath on the martyrs’ monument. Later, the visiting dignitary was introduced to the Principal Staff Officers.
During the meeting, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu shared the broad contours of PAF’s modernization plan of smart acquisitions from allied countries, up-gradation of infrastructure and revamping of training. Air Chief highlighted that both countries enjoy long-standing religious and historic relationship which is manifested through unprecedented strategic partnership.
He also reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral ties in military-to-military cooperation, strategic alliance and the training domain.
The Air Chief further said, “Pakistan values its strong diplomatic, economic and defence relationship with Türkiye which is based on convergence on all important issues relating to regional peace, security and stability. The two brotherly countries have never left each other stranded in times of need and Pakistan Air Force will remain committed to providing training and capacity-building assistance to the Turkish Air Force.”
The Air Chief further remarked that PAF pilots are playing an active role in training Turkish aircrew on a variety of aircraft, including trainers and fighters.
General Atilla Gulan, Commander Turkish Air Force, commended the professionalism of PAF and acknowledged its rising indigenous capacity in the aviation industry.
He also expressed keen interest in the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park which is being spearheaded by Pakistan Air Force, and appreciated the unwavering commitment of the Air Chief in making the project a huge success.
The visiting dignitary highlighted that both countries enjoy cordial relations and reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral ties between the two brotherly countries. Both the commanders agreed to explore further avenues of bilateral cooperation including collaboration for joint production of military hardware with a special focus on fifth-generation aircraft and unmanned aerial platforms.
During his visit, the Government of Pakistan conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon General Atilla Gulan, which is the highest Non-Operational Military Award, in recognition of further strengthing the brotherly Bonds between the two Nations.
The Turkish Air Force Commander also visited different installations and technological infrastructure established at Air Headquarters, Islamabad, including PAF’s National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Centre (NIIAOC) and PAF’s Cyber Command, where he was briefed about the operational capabilities and ongoing projects of PAF’s modernization drive.
Azerbaijan Ambassador calls on Minister for Defence Production
ISLAMABAD, Jun 22 (APP): Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Khazar Farhadov called on Federal Minister for Defence Production, Muhammad Israr Tareen here on Thursday.
The Federal Minister welcomed the dignitary and said that Pakistan attached great value to its relations with Azerbaijan, a news release said.
The Minister acknowledged the importance of Pakistan and Azerbaijan relations and said that the two countries enjoyed good and brotherly relations and would like to continue with the same pace and momentum.
The Minister for Defence Production said that Pakistan was a peace-loving country, strictly believing in the policy of peaceful co-existence with all. He stated that Pakistan’s commitment to peace was evident through its major contribution to UN peace efforts in war-torn countries in different parts of the world.
PPP to continue BB Shaheed’s mission: Kaira
RAWALPINDI, Jun 22 (APP): Advisor to Prime Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said on Thursday that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was committed to continuing the vision and mission of their leader Shaheed Benazir Bhutto with the pledge to promote democracy in the country.
Addressing the 70th birthday of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto here, he said Benazir Bhutto is alive in the hearts of people and her services rendered for the poor people would be remembered.
Even the worst political opponents of Benazir Bhutto and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto praised their vision which was a glowing tribute for both leaders, he said adding that Benazir Bhutto Shaheed had a close association with every party worker.
He said that PPP always strived for the uplift of poor segments of the society and that was why terrorists assassinated her but she is still alive in the hearts of people.
Kaira said that the farmers were prosperous and there were job opportunities in abundance during the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed’s regime.
He categorically stated that PPP always made decisions in the largest national interest and believed in the politics of reconciliation and the credit goes to Asif Ali Zardari who brought all the political parties to the dialogue table to steer the country out of a political quagmire.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was also following BB’s vision for the supremacy of law and strengthening of democracy, he said and expressed confidence that PPP would win the next general elections with an overwhelming majority and Bilawal Bhutto Zaradari will be the next prime minister.
Qamar Zaman Kaira said that Benazir Bhutto’s daughters would also come in politics, you will see their ability. People’s Party workers will have to come out of their homes in the coming general elections.
He said that Asif Ali Zardari brought together all the political parties. He is a visionary leader, adding that he is the champion of democracy. It is difficult to fight with Zardari on the issue of principles.
State Minister Sardar Saleem Haider also addressed the event and paid tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. He said that his doors were open for every PPP worker.
Later, the minister expressed his deep sorrow over the drowning of Pakistanis in the tragic sinking of a boat in Greece and express sympathies with grieved families.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets President of France Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of New Global Financial Pact Summit being held in France
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of New Global Financial Pact Summit being held in France
