Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Home Blog Page 11495

BISP Savings Scheme- a landmark step to instill financial independence among vulnerable sections

By
Ali Ali
-
0
BISP
ISLAMABAD, Jan 7 (APP):The newly launched ‘Savings Scheme’ by the internationally acclaimed Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) will prove as a landmark step towards instilling financial independence and promoting a savings culture among the vulnerable sections of society.
The BISP Saving Scheme is aimed at providing a financial buffer to the piece-rate workers for unexpected expenses and emergencies, making them self-reliant.
According to the Director General National Socio Economic Registry (NSER) BISP, Naveed Akbar, the piece rate workers were the biggest affectees during the COVID-19 who found it hard to earn their livelihood as they lacked savings.
Therefore to mitigate their sufferings, the government provided one-time financial assistance to them of Rs. 12,000 during that difficult time.
Keeping in view those circumstances, BISP Savings Scheme has been initiated to motivate those piece-rate workers to save a little amount from their daily earnings to cope with any untoward situation, the DG said.
The BISP has been receiving applications under the `Savings Scheme’ from those applicants both men and women living in Islamabad, Muzaffarabad, Neelam, Peshawar, Lucky Marwat, Quetta, Qila Saifullah, Lahore, Multan, Karachi, Sukkur, Gilgit and Astore.
Following the application submission, a ‘Registration’ process will be initiated, and upon successful completion of this stage applicants will become eligible for the ‘Savings Scheme.’
The applicants, having a PMT score below 40, are required to apply through a web portal: savings.bisp.gov.pk to become a part of this scheme without paying any fee.
In the initial phase, the scheme will accommodate one hundred and fifty thousand customers on a first-come-first-served basis.
The Savings Scheme is open to both men and women, with one person per family eligible to apply. Upon joining the scheme, customers commit to two-year tenure, during which they must save between Rs 500 to Rs 1000 in their dedicated ‘Savings Accounts.’ BISP will provide an additional forty per cent of the gross savings to customers every quarter.
Notably, while the additional amount provided by BISP can be withdrawn, the principal amount deposited for savings is non-withdrawable.
The participants retain the flexibility to terminate the scheme at any stage of their choosing. The scheme is free of any application fees, and applicants are cautioned to be vigilant against potential fraudulent activities.
In case of complaints, individuals are encouraged to reach out to their nearest BISP offices or contact the toll-free number 080026477.
The beneficiaries will get an additional 40 per cent of their savings from the BISP. The duration of the scheme is two years at the end of which the beneficiaries will be able to withdraw their entire amount.

RDA accelerates its ongoing operation against illegal housing societies

By
Ali Ali
-
0
RDA
RAWALPINDI, Jan 07 (APP):Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), on the directives of the Director General (DG) RDA Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa, has accelerated its ongoing operation against illegal housing societies.
Talking to APP, the RDA spokesman informed that the authority had issued 548 legal notices and lodged 212 FIRs.
He further informed us that the authority also sealed more than 183 offices of illegal housing schemes and demolished 195 illegal constructions.
He said that the authorities concerned, on the orders of the DG, were taking strict action against the rule violators.
The DG RDA, Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, and City Police Officer Rawalpindi were monitoring the operation against illegal housing societies, launched on the special instructions of the Commissioner Rawalpindi division, Liaquat Ali Chatta, to control the illegal business.
RDA also sent 129 letters to the Cyber Crime Wing for legal action against rule violators, he added.
The operation was underway against illegal housing societies without any discrimination, he said.
The citizens were advised not to invest in illegal housing schemes and to check their status on RDA’s website, www.rda.gop.pk, before any investment, he added.
The offices of several illegal housing schemes had also been demolished, and FIRs were also lodged against illegal and unapproved housing societies.
Strict action was taken against illegal housing schemes including Blue World City, Multi Garden, Abdullah City, Avalon City, Faisal Town Phase-2, Rudn Enclave, Capital Valley, Shaheen Garden, Atlantic City, Century Town, High Capital City, Royal Farm/Residencia/Apna Ghar, Chinar Enclave, Eman Garden, Theme Park View, Al-Imran Homes,
Imarat Hoon Farm Houses, Khan Builders, Kashmir Homes/Imam Hassan Towns, Usmania Fort Housing Scheme, Haider Residencia, Khalid Colony, Al-Baraka Garden, Zam Zam Villas, Eman Garden, Chinar Enclave, Gulshan-e-Abbas, Potohar Valley, Dua Garden, Anmol Garden, Ameen Housing, Watan Enclave, Cighu Farm House, Green Oaks (Harutus Flora), Manan City, Shakir Farms, and others.
He informed us that, on the special instructions of the Commissioner Rawalpindi division, Liaquat Ali Chatta, and DG RDA Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa, the operation against illegal housing schemes would continue.
He said that not only were operations conducted against illegal housing societies, but their offices were also demolished, and FIRs were registered against those violating the rules.
He said 218 challans were also issued during the operation against illegal housing schemes.
The spokesman informed that nine accused involved in illegal housing societies’ business were sent behind bars, while 28 housing society owners’ securities were confiscated.
72 cases of illegal housing societies were in the session court, and 24 cases were in the high court, he added.
He said that the authority also succeeded in achieving the recovery target of Rs 52.11 million.
Along with the district administration, Rawalpindi Police were also playing an important role in controlling the illegal business, he said.
RDA had also directed the illegal housing societies to immediately stop their illegal advertisements and sale of the plots of unapproved housing schemes.
Notices were also issued to the marketing companies for advertising illegal housing projects, he added.

Rwp division’s first Business Facilitation Center to be inaugurated on Jan 15

By
Ali Ali
-
0
RAWALPINDI, Jan 07 (APP):Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Liaquat Ali Chatta, has said that the purpose of establishing the Business Facilitation Center is to provide all the facilities needed to start a new business at one window operation center.
Rawalpindi Division’s first Business Facilitation Center, being established at Rawalpindi Development Authority, would be inaugurated on January 15, he added.
The center would have focal persons from all the departments concerned, he added.
The one-window operation center would help save precious time for businessmen and avoid their visits to different departments.
The issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NoC) would be within the shortest possible time frame, which would help increase economic activity in the region, Liaquat Ali Chatta said.
The Commissioner informed me that the first Business Facilitation Center of Rawalpindi would be completed in a very short period, and 90 percent of its work had been completed.
The establishment of the center would promote economic activities in the area and provide employment opportunities to people at the local level, he added.
With the establishment of the center, businessmen doing business in other divisions besides Rawalpindi would be able to obtain a NoC if they needed it from the center, the commissioner informed.
The Commissioner further said that the upgrading work on the e-library in Liaquat Bagh was swiftly being completed.
The district administration was making efforts to equip the e-library with modern sciences, the commissioner added.
There are 8,000 books in the library, and more would be added, he informed.
The books for the competitive exams were also being provided in the e-library, he said, adding that the library would also have a computer as well as an internet facility.
The students would be equipped with modern sciences through the E-System.
A separate place should be allocated for the sitting of the students participating in the competitive examinations so that there is no disturbance in their studies, he directed.
In the library, a separate space should also be allocated for people who want to read newspapers and magazines, the commissioner further instructed.
“Our aim is to provide a pleasant environment for the students visiting the library so that they can concentrate on their studies,” he added. Ommissioner Rawalpindi Division, Liaquat Ali Chatta, has said that the purpose of establishing the Business Facilitation Center is to provide all the facilities needed to start a new business at one window operation center.
Rawalpindi Division’s first Business Facilitation Center, being established at Rawalpindi Development Authority, would be inaugurated on January 15, he added.
The center would have focal persons from all the departments concerned, he added.
The one-window operation center would help save precious time for businessmen and avoid their visits to different departments.
The issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NoC) would be within the shortest possible time frame, which would help increase economic activity in the region, Liaquat Ali Chatta said.
The Commissioner informed me that the first Business Facilitation Center of Rawalpindi would be completed in a very short period, and 90 percent of its work had been completed.
The establishment of the center would promote economic activities in the area and provide employment opportunities to people at the local level, he added.
With the establishment of the center, businessmen doing business in other divisions besides Rawalpindi would be able to obtain a NoC if they needed it from the center, the commissioner informed.
The Commissioner further said that the upgrading work on the e-library in Liaquat Bagh was swiftly being completed.
The district administration was making efforts to equip the e-library with modern sciences, the commissioner added.
There are 8,000 books in the library, and more would be added, he informed.
The books for the competitive exams were also being provided in the e-library, he said, adding that the library would also have a computer as well as an internet facility.
The students would be equipped with modern sciences through the E-System.
A separate place should be allocated for the sitting of the students participating in the competitive examinations so that there is no disturbance in their studies, he directed.
In the library, a separate space should also be allocated for people who want to read newspapers and magazines, the commissioner further instructed.
“Our aim is to provide a pleasant environment for the students visiting the library so that they can concentrate on their studies,” he added.

Rescue-1122 urges citizens to follow traffic laws to avoid mishaps

By
Ali Ali
-
0
Rescue 1122
RAWALPINDI, Jan 07 (APP):Rescue-1122 Rawalpindi has advised the citizens to strictly follow traffic rules, as road accidents could be avoided if they properly followed the safety laws.
According to a Rescue-1122 spokesman, 16,429 road traffic accidents were reported to Rescue-1122 in Rawalpindi district during 2023.
A total of 16,525 people were victims of the road accidents.
Emergency Rescue Service Rawalpindi provided timely rescue services to all victims. 164 people were killed, 8040 were seriously injured, and 8321 were slightly injured in road traffic accidents during 2023, he added.
Rescue Service Rawalpindi maintained its average response time and reached the scene on the spot. Most of these road traffic accidents involved car and motorcycle riders, he informed.
16,525 traffic accident victims included 14,008 males and 2,517 females, he said, adding that the main causes of the accidents include speeding, careless driving, one-wheeling, wrong turning, tire bursts, and others.
Most of the victims of the accidents were between the ages of 21 and 40, he said.
Rescue Service Rawalpindi was also trying to reduce road traffic accidents, and awareness and training programs in schools, colleges, and other programs are
ongoing to reduce traffic accidents, he added.
Meanwhile, a police spokesman informed that Rawalpindi district police, under an effective operation against underage drivers, were taking action in accordance with the law, and 66 cases were registered in a single day.
He informed me that a total of 5622 FIRs were registered under the special campaign launched against underage drivers, while 66 cases were registered during the last 24 hours.
Police, on the directive of City Police Officer Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Hamdani, were also conducting awareness campaigns in schools and colleges to educate
the students about the legal age requirements for obtaining a driving license, he said.
All possible steps were being taken to improve the traffic situation on the city roads and facilitate citizens, he added.
He informed them that the CPO had directed the officers concerned to take solid steps to control traffic rule violations and underage driving.
He urged the parents to keep a vigilant eye on their children to avert road accidents.

Authorities directed to complete Rwp Safe City Project by January 30

By
Ali Ali
-
0
RAWALPINDI, Jan 07 (APP):Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Liaquat Ali Chatta, has directed the authorities concerned to utilize all resources to complete the Rawalpindi Safe City project by January 30.
The commissioner was informed that the project would be completed in two phases and that all-out efforts were being made for the immediate activation of the Safe City system.
The deadline of January 30 had been set by the Punjab government to make the Rwp Safe City Project functional, he informed.
The administration had given permission to FWO to cut the road, he said, adding that 92 sites were identified in phase one and civil teams were engaged in the excavation. The work was in progress at 61 sites, he informed.
All the departments should fully cooperate with FWO to make the project functional until the deadline, the commissioner instructed.
In the new system of Safe City Authority, the software would be developed in a machine learning model, he informed.
The cameras would be capable of instantly alerting the system by identifying the faces of the suspects.
In the first phase of the project, the cameras would be installed at 370 different sites and points, including major intersections, major mosques, churches,
commercial points, Muharram procession routes, and petrol pumps.
The Safe City project would be very beneficial for the citizens of Rawalpindi, the commissioner added.
Rawalpindi Safe City would help improve the sense of security among the citizens, Liaquat Ali Chatta said.
The Safe City Project would help in digital intelligence-based crime control and maintaining law and order in Rawalpindi city.
The project would also help in regulating traffic on city roads, he added.
There is no room for further delay in the project to provide a peaceful and safe environment to the citizens, the commissioner added.395

460,881 illegal Afghan nationals returned to homeland

By
Ali Ali
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 7 (APP):In a concerted effort to address the issue of illegal immigration, the repatriation of foreign nationals, primarily Afghans, continues in Pakistan.
During the last 24 hours, 693 illegal Afghan nationals were safely returned to their homeland, bringing the total number of repatriated immigrants to 460,881, Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday.
The repatriation operation utilized 23 vehicles to transport 200 men, 164 women and 329 children back to Afghanistan.
The apex committee of the National Action Plan (NAP), in a meeting on October 3, set a deadline for all foreign nationals living illegally in Pakistan. Until October 31, individuals were given the option to leave voluntarily or face deportation.
The government of Pakistan has taken an active role in facilitating the repatriation process, particularly at the Torkham and Chaman borders. This coordinated effort aims to ensure a smooth and secure return for individuals who had been residing in the country without legal authorization.

Bahawalpur police arrest bike lifter gang

By
Ali Ali
-
0
BAHAWALPUR, Jan 07 (APP):The district police have arrested two members of a bike-lifting gang and recovered stolen motorcycles from their possession.
According to a spokesman for Bahawalpur police, acting on a tip-off, the police team conducted a raid at a den in the Hasilpur area and arrested two members of a bike-lifter gang who were identified as Ishtiaque and Sajid.
The police also recovered seven stolen motorcycles from the possession of the accused.
“Modern technology was utilized to ascertain the whereabouts of the suspects,” the police spokesman said.
The Hasilpur police have registered a case against the accused.
Further probes were in process.

EPD seals 474 brick kilns, imposes over Rs 52m fine in Multan division

By
Ali Ali
-
0
MULTAN, Jan 07 (APP):Environment Protection Department (EPD) has raided and sealed 474 brick kilns by imposing over Rs 52.2 million fine during anti-smog drive across the division.
According to the EPD’s official sources, the teams have visited/revisited 4518 brick kilns across the division including Multan, Khanewal, Vehari and Lodhran districts during the period from 1st September 2023 to 1st January 2024 and served warning notices on 215 brick kilns.
The FIRs were got registered against 295 brick kilns owners over zigzag technology violation.
Likewise, the EPD teams have visited 823 industrial units and sealed 52 units by imposing over Rs one million fine. Notices were also served on 239 units and FIRs got registered against 23 unit owners during above said period across the division.
Similarly, transport department also launched crackdown against smoke emitting vehicles and checked 12014 vehicles across the division.
The teams imposed over Rs 4.5 million fine and impounded 227 vehicles. Challans were also issued to 2276 vehicle owners.

Seven day Anti-Polio drive to kick off from January 8

By
Ali Ali
-
0
Polio
QUETTA, Jan 07 (APP):Coordinator Emergency Operation Centre of Balochistan Syed Zahid Shah has said that a 7-day Anti-Polio drive will start in the entire province from January 8 (Monday).
During the campaign, a target number of 2.6 million children will be vaccinated.
He made this announcement in an issued statement.
Syed Zahid Shah mentioned, “Since 2021, not a single case of Polio has been reported in Balochistan, but it is noteworthy that the virus is detected in the environmental samples of five districts. The districts where the polio virus has been detected in environmental samples, include Quetta, Pishin, Chaman, Hub, and Dera Bugti.”
He emphasized, “For the eradication of poliovirus, all the available resources are being utilized and the polio teams are determined to do that.”
“Due to the dedicated efforts of the polio teams and others, Balochistan has been declared polio-free for two years,” he said.
While appreciating the efforts of the Polio workers, he said, “Despite the cold and harsh weather, the teams are fulfilling their national responsibility.”
Syed Zahid Shah said, “During the campaign, a total of 11,399 teams will be working, including 9,116 mobile teams, 958 fixed sites, and 630 transit points teams. He stressed that the security arrangements for the polio workers have been completed.”
He expressed that the efforts would not stop until the threat of Polio is eradicated.
Coordinator said, “Though we don’t have case for more than 2 years but the positive environmental samples is a constant threat and it can affect any child who missed the polio vaccine in any campaign.”
He requested parents not to put an ear on the negative propaganda on polio vaccine rather welcome the polio teams at their doorsteps and let their children vaccinated and protected against the polio disease.
He urged the parents that along with the polio vaccine, the routine immunizations of the children should also be completed to protect them from other diseases and viruses.
Syed Zahid Shah has urged the media, civil society, clerics, and people from all walks of life to play their due role in this attempt to eradicate the polio virus from Balochistan.
He further added, “Due to the winter weather, many families are travelling to other cities, its good to have their kids vaccinated at the transit points in order to protect not only their children from the polio disease but also other kids where they are going and staying for spending vacations.”

Pakistan’s sesame export to China registers 117.85pc increase in last year

By
NNPS Desk
-
0
Chinese importers eyeing recovery of Pakistani sesame seed production

BEIJING, Jan.6 (APP): Pakistan registered a remarkable surge of 117.85 percent in Sesame seed export to China last year as sesame seeds amounting to $250 million was shipped to China from January to November 2023.

This unprecedented growth has positioned Pakistan as a major player in the global Sesame seed market, with Chinese consumers increasingly embracing the quality and flavor of Pakistani sesame, according to a senior official at Pakistan Embassy Beijing.

Pakistan’s export of sesame seeds to China was $250.85 million from January to November 2023, compared to $117.85 million in the same period last year. This marks an increase of more than 112 percent. Overall, Pakistan’s export of sesame seeds to China in 2022 was $128.44 million, while it was $120.44 million in 2021.

According to details, Pakistan exported 143,527.875 tons of sesame seeds to China from January to November 2023, whereas in 2022, it was 84,985.321 tons.

China imported 92,516.55 tons in 2021 and was one of the key destinations for sesame seeds exports from Pakistan,” he added.

The official said that the sesame seed industry continues to thrive and added, experts attribute this remarkable achievement to a combination of favorable climatic conditions, strategic agricultural policies, and adept market positioning.

1...11,49411,49511,496...30,977Page 11,495 of 30,977

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan