Dar, Nigerien counterpart reaffirm commitment to strengthen bilateral dialogue, cooperation

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Sat, 4 May 2024, 12:11 PM

ISLAMABAD, May 04 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and his Nigerien counterpart, Bakary Yaou Sangare exchanged views on a wide range of issues and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral dialogue and cooperation especially in the economic domain.

Ishaq Dar held a bilateral meeting with Niger Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare on the sidelines of the 15th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit in Banjul, The Gambia, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release on Saturday.

The two sides also discussed coordination within the OIC framework and agreed to continue working closely to advance the collective interest within the OIC and beyond. Deputy Prime Minister Dar appreciated Niger’s support to Pakistan at various regional and international platforms and its principled stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Foreign Minister Sangare reiterated Niger’s consistent position on the Kashmir dispute, emphasizing solidarity with Pakistan’s stance at the international stage.

Police dismantles Kashi gang

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AHMD Raja

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Sat, 4 May 2024, 9:47 AM

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MUZAFFARGARH, May 04 (APP):Kot Addu Police claimed to have arrested two dacoits of a notorious gang and recovered two motorcycles from their possession.

According to the police spokesman, working on tip-off, SHO Dairah Deenpanah Rao Shehroz Dilshad and his team raided and managed to arrest two members of the Kashi gang.

The police team seized two motorcycles (CG-125 and CD-70) from their possession.

SHO Rao Shehroz, talking to media persons, stated that the crackdown against the criminals would continue in the future as well. However, local people praised the performance of the police team.

American band promotes intercultural harmony thru music fusions

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AHMD Raja

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Sat, 4 May 2024, 2:26 AM

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Naeem Niazi

LAHORE, May 04 (APP):An all-female US music band ‘Raining Jane’ performed at the iconic cultural heritage site of the Lahore Fort the other night and presented before the rapt audience powerful music fusions transcending boundaries and promoting intercultural harmony.

During its two-day visit to the historic city of Lahore, the Raining Jane quartet met students and explored how art, particularly music, could be used as a vehicle for positive change in their communities. The concert aimed to promote empowerment of women and girls; encouraging young people to use art and music as a tool for social change; and promoting intercultural harmony through musical fusion.

US ambassador Donald Blome, US Consul General to Lahore Kristin Hawkins and DG Walled City Kamran Lashari attended the musical extravaganza sponsored by the US Mission in Pakistan.

The US Mission in Pakistan invited the all-female band Raining Jane to tour Pakistan as part of its efforts to promote people-to-people exchange programs such as American Music Abroad (AMA) with the goal of promoting mutual understanding between the United States and Pakistan.

The charmed atmosphere of the Royal Kitchens at the Lahore Fort at night further enhanced enchanting impact of the musical compositions played by the all-female band.

Speaking on the occasion, US envoy Donald Blome said that art and music have the power to transcend culture, language, and boundaries, adding that the American Music Abroad (AMA) program gives American artists the unique opportunity to work with international artists to create music fusion to spread message of intercultural harmony.

Blome expressed the hope that visit of the Raining Jane will inspire the next generation of Pakistani musicians, both women and men, to become influential leaders in their own communities.

During Band’s visit to the National College of Arts (NCA) and the Lincoln Corner – US government funded spaces for exchanging ideas– at the Information Technology University (ITU), the music practitioners exchange ideas with aspiring young Pakistani musicians on the power of art.

Raining Jane – an all-female band – comprises Mai Bloomfield, Becky Gebhardt, Chaska Potter, and Mona Tavakoli. The quartet has been making music together and creating social ripples for the past two decades, releasing four albums independently, collaborating extensively with Jason Mraz, touring the globe, and co-founding a music education non-profit. Vocal harmonies are a centerpiece of the Raining Jane sound, along with eclectic instrumentation including cello, cajon, sitar, ukulele, lap steel, percussion, bass, and guitar.

Pak Army organises free medical camp at Sheikhupura

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AHMD Raja

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Sat, 4 May 2024, 1:59 AM

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ISLAMABAD, May 04 (APP):In a commendable effort to serve the local community, the Pakistan Army organised a free medical camp catering to the residents of Chauhan and nearby villages near Sheikhupura.

Led by dedicated doctors and paramedical staff, including gynaecologists, the camp provided essential medical examinations and treatments to hundreds of individuals, PTV reported.

Approximately 800 patients availed themselves of the medical services offered at the camp, including various diagnostic tests such as ECG.

Beyond immediate medical care, attendees received invaluable insights through awareness lectures on hygiene, balanced diet, and disease prevention, notably focusing on combating ailments like dengue.

The initiative received widespread appreciation from the local populace, who lauded the Pakistan Army’s consistent efforts in organising such vital healthcare interventions in rural areas.

Gratitude flowed towards the Army for their ongoing commitment to public welfare, symbolising a tangible embodiment of service to the community.

CDWP okays 10 projects worth Rs115.458 bln

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NNPS Desk

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Sat, 4 May 2024, 12:55 AM

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ISLAMABAD, May 03 (APP): The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Friday approved 10 development projects with a total cost of Rs115.458 billion during its meeting, chaired by Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan.

“Out of these, eight projects worth Rs17.297 billion were approved by the CDWP forum, while its recommended two projects worth Rs98.161 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for its consideration,” a news release said.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, Members of the Planning Commission, Additional Secretary Planning, as well as representatives from Federal Ministries and Provincial Governments.

The approved projects were related to Agriculture & Food, Energy, Governance, Health, Higher Education, Physical Planning & Housing, Science & Technology, Transport & Communication, Water Resources, Education, Energy Governance, and Industries & Commerce sectors.

A project, related to the Agriculture & Food sector presented in the meeting namely “Sindh Livestock and Aquaculture Development Project (World Bank Assisted)” worth Rs38,360 million, was recommended to ECNEC for approval. The project aims to enhance the competitiveness, inclusivity, climate resilience, and sustainability of the livestock and aquaculture sectors in Sindh.

One of its main objectives is to promote the adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs) through institutional strengthening in these sectors.

The forum referred another project, related to the Energy sector presented in the meeting namely “765/500/220/132kV Islamabad West Substation(Revised)” worth Rs 59, 801 million, to ECNEC for further consideration. The project was proposed to be funded by the World Bank as part of the National Transmission & Modernization Project Phase-I, along with NTDC’s own equity.

The project is aimed at establishing a 765/500/220/132 kV Substation in Islamabad West, accompanied by relevant transmission lines, to meet the increasing power demands in the areas under Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO). Additionally, the grid station will facilitate the distribution of power from various sources including Suki Kinari, Tarbela 5th extension, and Dasu hydroelectric power projects to the National Grid.

Two projects related to the Governance sector approved in the meeting namely ” Modernization and Up gradation of Pakistan Mint Phase-II (Revised)” worth Rs2479.212 million were accorded approval by the forum. The sponsoring and implementation agency of the project will be Finance Division.

Another project of Governance sector was approved namely “Project Management, Technical Assistance, and Institutional Strengthening through Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) Post-Flood 2022 Reconstruction Program: Resilience Enhancement and Livelihood Diversification in Balochistan – Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project (IFRAP)” worth Rs2380 million by the CDWP forum.

The sponsoring and implementation agency is Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives. The proposed project will be financed through World Bank’s loan amounting to US$8.5 million.

During the meeting, five projects related to Physical Planning & Housing sector were discussed in detail. Notably, the “Smart Environmental Sanitation System and Landfill Project – Gwadar (Revised)” worth Rs. 3277.160 million was approved by the forum. The Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) will be executing agency as well as implementing in collaboration with the Chinese Government, operating under the auspices of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The second project in the same sector of physical planning & housing namely “Project Management Unit for construction of Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) at Babu Sabu, Lahore (Revised)” with a cost of Rs. 78.492 million was approved by the forum.

Following it, the project “Capacity Building Project for Performance Improvement of the Lahore & Faisalabad Water & Sanitation Agencies, Punjab,” worth Rs4238.850 million, was presented and approved.

Additionally, the fourth project, addressing post-flood 2022 reconstruction in Balochistan, focused on “Resilience Enhancement and Livelihood Diversification in Balochistan (Public Health Engineering /Water Supply Infrastructure Sector)” with a cost of Rs2800 million was accorded approval in the meeting.

The fifth project, “Construction of Audit House, Lahore,” worth Rs1528.931 million, also got approval by the forum following thorough deliberation.

A project related to Science & Technology sector presented in the meeting namely “Establishment of Regional Nuclear Safety Inspectorate at Lahore (Revised)” worth Rs515 million was okayed by the CDWP after a detailed discussion.

Ahsan Iqbal stresses need for establishing digital corridor

By

NNPS Desk

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Sat, 4 May 2024, 12:43 AM

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ISLAMABAD, May 04 (APP): Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday stressed the need for establishing a digital corridor, acknowledging Pakistan’s role as a prime ground for digital economic expansion.

During a meeting with the delegation of Huawei Pakistan including Chief Executive Officer of the company Ethan Sun, CEO Huawei Pakistan; Ahmed Bilal Masood, Director Subsidiary Board & Deputy CEO; Mr. Yushaoning, Vice CEO; Ahmad Mehboob, Senior Manager Government Affairs, the minister emphasized the pivotal role of digital advancement in shaping the future of the national economy, said a press release.

“Pakistanis are the second biggest nationality employed in Huawei,” said the delegation to highlight Pakistan’s potential to emerge as a key player in the competitive digital economy. It is projected that developed economies will witness a significant surge in their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stemming from digital advancements. According to leading experts, more than 30% of the GDP of developed nations is expected to be driven by digital innovation and infrastructure by the coming decade, as expressed by CEO Huawei Pakistan.”

During the meeting, discussions revolved around various projects to be included within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase II project list, along with collaboration opportunities concerning Pakistan’s Digital Economy Strategy. Both parties explored future ventures in digital economy transformation under CPEC, recognizing Pakistan’s significant potential for growth in this sector.

As Pakistan’s digital landscape is evolving rapidly, both parties shared views on the requirements for fostering a conducive environment for sustainable growth. Four key pillars were identified for establishing a robust digital corridor: connectivity, data centers, firewall protection, and smart governance. “These elements are essential to fueling economic growth and ensuring global competitiveness in the digital age,” the minister said.

Ahmed Bilal Masood Deputy CEO of Huawei Pakistan assured Pakistan can become a big trading zone for the large user base of Middle Eastern countries.

Emphasizing the pivotal role of digital advancement in shaping the future of Pakistan’s economy, the minister asserted, “The only path to sustained economic progress for our nation is through comprehensive digital transformation. Embracing digital technologies and infrastructure is not just an option; it’s a necessity if we are to thrive in the global marketplace.”

Moreover, notable investments are already underway to bolster the digital infrastructure and technological capabilities of Pakistan. The introduction of low prices for smartphones in the Pakistani market was also discussed. It will not only encourage users to experience mobile networks, like 4G but also will contribute to telecom market development.

The minister proposed to initiate Islamabad as a model smart city, emphasizing the importance of digital infrastructure provision for the new-age economy.

Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the establishment of an Innovation Center at UET Narowal, inviting Huawei to be a technology partner in this endeavor.

Ethan expressed Huawei’s keen interest in collaborating with Pakistan on the proposed initiatives, reaffirming Huawei’s dedication to fostering technological innovation and economic growth in Pakistan.