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‘World Refugee Day’ to be observed on June 20

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'World Refugee Day' to be observed on June 20

ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (APP): The World Refugee Day will be observed on June 20 (Tuesday) across the world including Pakistan to honor the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homeland under threat of persecution, conflict and violence.

Each year on June 20, the United Nations (UN), United Nation’s Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and civil society organizations around the world host World Refugee Day events in order to draw the public’s attention to the millions of refugees and Internally displaced persons, a Private news channel reported.

The year 2023 will be celebrated with the theme ‘hope away from home’.

On this Day, Pakistan pays special tribute to UNHCR the United Nations refugee agency for its commendable work in support of refugees and host communities throughout the world.

Pakistan looks forward to further strengthening its valuable partnership with UNHCR. We call on the international community to support the Organization in its efforts towards durable solutions for refugees worldwide.

The Day sheds light on refugees’ rights, needs, and hopes, aiding in mobilizing political will and support so that refugees will not only flourish but grow.

On this day, the UN plans to hold live digital events to address the global refugee crisis, possible priorities related to the issue, and how to make a difference.

The Day is viewed as a chance for everyone to learn about, appreciate and enjoy “the rich diversity” of the refugee populations.

We call on the international community to support the Organization in its efforts towards durable solutions for refugees worldwide.

Balochistan budget for FY 2023-24 on Monday

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QUETTA, Jun 18 (APP): Balochistan government will present budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 tomorrow on Monday, the Finance Department officials said on Sunday.

Earlier, the Balochistan government had postponed the presentation of the provincial budget for the financial year 2023.

The bud­get was scheduled to be presented 16 June, 2023, in the provincial assembly.

The date for the budget an­nouncement was extended as MPAs and ministers belonging to differ­ent political parties had suggested new development schemes in the budget, sources in the Finance Department said.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah plays active role in “Makkah Route” Initiative

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Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah plays active role in "Makkah Route" Initiative

ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (APP): Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, as an essential partner of the “Makkah Route” initiative launched by the Ministry of Interior, is actively involved in facilitating travel procedures at the airports of the countries covered by the initiative.

Within the framework of the Makkah Route initiative, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is committed to providing a range of services. Firstly, it utilizes its technical systems, specifically the Nusuk platform, to record pilgrim data and organize them into groups based on their flights.

Before they depart from their respective countries, the ministry guides the pilgrims to the airport according to their flight schedules and ensures the sorting and coding of their luggage in alignment with the registered electronic housing contracts, Saudi Arabia’s news Agency SPA reported.

Upon arrival at the airports in Jeddah and Madinah, the Ministry receives the luggage on behalf of the pilgrims and manages the necessary procedures until it is delivered to their temporary residences.

In parallel, field committees associated with the Ministry continuously monitor the duration of the pilgrims’ stay at the airports and ensure the readiness and quality of land transportation, from the start of the journey until its conclusion at the hotels in Makkah and Madinah.

Furthermore, the Ministry has the responsibility of overseeing the adherence of the pilgrim affairs offices in the respective countries to the Nusuk platform’s work mechanisms. This includes providing instructions for the sorting and coding of baggage at the departure station and verifying the accuracy of the pilgrims’ data on the luggage before they embark on their travel, ensuring that each pilgrim receives their baggage at their place of residence.

Saudi authorities go extra mile to ensure smooth stay for 179,000 Pakistani Hujjaj

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Saudi authorities go extra mile to ensure smooth stay for 179,000 Pakistani Hujjaj

MAKKAH MUKARMA , Jun 18 (APP): The Saudi authorities, with a strong commitment, are making persistent efforts to ensure the comfort and convenience of over 179,000 Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj 2023 by implementing various measures.

The Saudi authorities have opened Bab-e-Abdullah and Jabal-e-Kaaba tunnels for 10,567 Pakistani pilgrims in Makkah.

In response to a request from Pakistan, the pilgrims residing in sector one will now be dropped off at Jarwal stop, 50 meters from Bab-e-Abdullah, for direct access to the Grand Mosque.

Female Saudi staff have been working diligently to ensure a smooth stay for 179,000 Pakistani Hujjaj.
The APP correspondent had a chance to interact with various female staff members attending to the needs of pilgrims in various accommodations in Makkah.

These females appreciate Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and consider their service to the Hujjaj a sacred duty, contributing to the country’s development and socio-economic well-being.

They warmly welcome Pakistani women pilgrims in Makkah, providing comfort during luggage transportation and other necessary facilities at their residences.

Dr. Alyaa Malibari, a United States-educated individual, shares her success story and praises the Kingdom’s authorities for enabling her to attain a leadership position in her country’s workforce.

She is dedicated to empowering young women in her nation and contributing to its development.

The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform program places significant emphasis on women empowerment, aiming to increase their economic participation and achieve social and economic objectives.

These regulations represent a positive stride towards providing women with greater opportunities for leadership roles.

Another staff member named Ola highlights the crucial role of women in society, particularly in essential care work.

She recognizes the importance of women staff in serving female Hujjaj and believes that women can excel in roles such as educating pilgrims about Islamic teachings, equal to or even surpassing men.

Ola expresses gratitude for the Kingdom’s initiative to empower women under Vision 2030.

MbS unveils plans for The Line city in Neom, a mega-project revolutionizing urban living: Press Attaché

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (APP): The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Press Attaché Dr. Naif Al-Otaibi on Sunday said in a bold and visionary move, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman had announced plans for The Line city in Neom, an ambitious project set to transform the concept of urban living.

Designed to accommodate a staggering 10 million people, The Line city aimed to become a beacon of progress, innovation, and sustainability under the dynamic leadership of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, he informed the media persons in a virtual meeting from Riyadh.

Dr. Naif explained that the city, located on the pristine Red Sea coast in northwest Saudi Arabia, spanned over 26,500 square kilometers, making it one of the largest independent urban projects in the world. With a strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, it was poised to become a global hub for trade and investment, he maintained.

He said at the heart of Neom, the city’s philosophy lied a commitment to sustainable development as Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman envisions a future where cutting-edge technology and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

He said the city would be powered by 100% renewable energy, making it one of the largest carbon-neutral urban centers on the planet.

Dr. Naif said it would boast state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies, including advanced artificial intelligence systems, autonomous transportation networks, and smart city solutions. The Crown Prince’s vision incorporated the latest advancements in robotics, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, aiming to create an ecosystem conducive to innovation and scientific breakthroughs, he added.

He further said the city would prioritize quality of life for its residents as a comprehensive healthcare system, world-class education institutions, and an abundance of recreational and cultural facilities would cater to the diverse needs of its inhabitants. With a focus on nurturing talent, it planned to attract leading researchers, entrepreneurs, and creative minds from around the globe, he emphasized.

Dr. Naif said the project’s estimated cost was a staggering $500 billion, demonstrating the Saudi government’s commitment to driving economic diversification and reducing the country’s dependence on oil.

He said the Crown Prince aimed to attract foreign investment, leveraging Neom as an enticing opportunity for international businesses and venture capitalists.

He said the city would be divided into several districts, each with its unique characteristics and offerings. The coastal area would feature pristine beaches and waterfront residences, while the industrial zone would host manufacturing facilities and logistics centers, he added.

He said the Research and Technology Park would serve as an incubator for innovation and scientific advancement, while the entertainment and tourism district would offer world-class attractions and leisure activities.

Dr. Naif was of the view that Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman envisioned The Line city as a model for future urban development, setting new standards in sustainability, technology, and livability. The project was not only a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to progress but also a beacon of hope for a more prosperous and interconnected world, he added.

As The Line city begins to take shape, he said the world was eagerly awaiting the realization of this audacious endeavor and with Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman’s visionary leadership and the support of global partners, it had the potential to redefine the future of urban living and become a testament to human ingenuity.

Taking to twitter, he informed that Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman would have an interview on the Discovery Channel on June 26, in which he would bring main features of The Line city in the limelight of the world, located in Neom.

PM directs inquiry into human trafficking, causing deaths of Pakistani nationals in Greece boat disaster

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Irfan Khan
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LAHORE, June 18 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday directed for holding of an inquiry into the human trafficking that led to tragic incident of migrants shipwreck near Greece with several Pakistani nationals onboard.

The prime minister directed for an immediate crackdown against agents involved in the heinous crime of human trafficking and called for bringing them to justice.

The prime minister expressed his deep grief and sorrow over death of Pakistani nationals in the tragic incident that took place off the coast of Greece, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

He said the entire nation including him shared their sympathies with the bereaved families.

The prime minister also directed the officials of the Pakistan embassy in Greece to look after 12 Pakistanis rescued from the scene of disaster.

PM directs inquiry into human trafficking, causing deaths of Pakistani nationals in Greece boat disaster

The prime minister also directed for taking further stringent action against the elements involved in human trafficking, besides asking the law enforcement agencies for the identification of such traffickers who had been duping people to undertake such perilous steps.

Upon the directive of the prime minister, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had deputed DIG Alam Shinwari as focal person to facilitate information regarding those who lost lives in the incident and others who were injured.

Similarly, chief secretary Azad Jammu and Kashmir had also tasked a focal person to contact Pakistan embassy and Greek authorities in Greece regarding the latest information over the casualties and injuries.

According to the latest media reports, at least 78 people died after an overcrowded vessel went down on Wednesday.

A total of 104 passengers were rescued and sent to Kalamata, Greece.

The people rescued so far included 43 Egyptian nationals, 47 Syrian nationals, 12 Pakistani nationals, and two Palestinians, the Hellenic Coast Guard were quoted by international media outlets. Eight of those rescued were minors.

Forests preservation, growth mandatory to mitigate climate change impacts

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Forests preservation, growth mandatory to mitigate climate change impacts

By Adeel Saeed

PESHAWAR, Jun 18 (APP): Where climate change issue is affecting the whole world, its impacts in Pakistan are also increasing by each passing year as according to a study Pakistan is among the list of countries vulnerable to climate change if timely measures are not taken.

As many other measures are necessary to mitigate the effects of climate change, the most important one is to grow more trees besides controlling deforestation.

No doubt, there are many other challenges being faced by the country but this issue requires special attention of the current governments, both central and provincial.

Keeping in view the gravity of the issue, the Khyber Pakthunkhwa government has taken numerous measures for sustainable growth and preservation of forest resources of the province by ensuring careful utilization and protection of forest lands. 

“Considering forests a rich potential of the province, the government is giving due consideration to its protection and sustainable growth through different measures including setting up of enclosures, protection from fire, prohibition in cutting of trees and safety from livestock grazing,” informed Ibrahim Khan, Senior Officer of the KP Forest Department. 

Taking to APP, Ibrahim Khan said all the departments concerned had been taken on board for preempting fire incidents in forests due to heatwave during summer season. 

The department had constituted teams in all the forest areas for round the clock monitoring, while a new system of fire line technology had been introduced for developing distance among trees by removal of weeds and bushes which usually catch fire and spread the blaze instantly, he mentioned.

Ibrahim said awareness material in shape of printed pamphlets was also distributed among people living in forests and in its vicinity to educate them about response in case of fire. The same material was also shared with tourists visiting scenic sites with a request to avoid fire lit in forests.

The provincial government, he added, also enacted Forest Amendment Bill 2022 for protection of forests, in which, penalties in shape of imprisonment and fines had been enhanced for those found involved in destruction of government controlled forests.

In the law, rules were introduced to increase sentence of two years imprisonment to three years and fine from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 500,000 for the violators. The law also enabled Divisional Forest Officers serving in newly merged districts to punish those found involve in degradation of forest.

According to the law, the government would also take necessary measures for protection of forest carbon rights, besides having the right to declare any forest or nearby area as national park.

The ongoing Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Project was initiated in 2019 with a total cost of Rs125.184bn for four years to plant and regenerate 3.296bn trees in the country, Ibrahim said, adding under the project, 650.14 million trees were planted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while 146.2 million trees in merged districts. 

During the plantation drive, focus was also given on growing Miyawaki forest by planting 207661 trees on 280 kanals of land. 

He said majority of trees planted in Miyawaki forests were Chir, Eucalyptus, Amlook, Phulai, Anar dana, Bottle Brush, Shisham, Wild anar, Kachnar, Poplar and Willow. These plants had survival rates between 70 to 90 percent. 

“In order to expand forest cover, the first ever experiment of throwing seed balls in unattended reserve forests of KP was also made which showed encouraging results as above 60 percent germination was recorded in a fortnight period,” informs Tariq Shah, Deputy Conservator Forest Department KP.

Talking to APP, Tariq Shah apprised that the seed balls were thrown in reserved forests of Khanpur area at Haripur district in early September and results were very positive and encouraging.

The forest department had distributed around 500,000 seed balls in unattended hilly forests of Haripur out of which majority of seeds had germinated and grown into plants and finally trees, Tariq added.

He said this was for the first time seed balls experiment was undertaken by the forest department and the exercise would be replicated in other areas after assessment of results.

The balls distributed in Haripur were of multi purpose containing seeds of different plant species including Acacia, dodonaea, sheesham, cheer pine, polai, grasses etc, he added.

“KP has the potential of 11.20 million tonnes of annual carbon sequestration and avoiding of one hectre deforestation in the province means emission reduction of 367 tonnes of carbon dioxide,” said Latif ur Rehman, Spokesman of KP Environment, Forestry and Wildlife Department.

KP conducted forest carbon stock assessment in all forest regions and also developed carbon tables for 15 major tree species, Latif told APP.

He said for protection of this natural resource, the department had established satellite land monitoring system in collaboration with SUPARCO for continuous monitoring of forest cover changes. 

“In Khyber Pakthunkhwa, illegal saw machines were banned to protect the green gold,” said Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Deputy Project Director, 10 billion trees afforestration project while talking to APP.

Ibrahim said the provincial climate change policy 2016, range land policy, and REDD plus strategy have been implemented in the province.  

He underscored the need for early operationalization of the COP 29 UN fund to help climate change’s vulnerable countries including Pakistan.

Exploring KP’s  hydel  potential inevitable for  sustained  economic  development

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Exploring KP’s  hydel  potential inevitable for  sustained  economic  development

By Fakhar Alam

PESHAWAR, Jun 18 (APP): Citing the importance of cheap power generation for a county’s economic and social growth, developed and developing countries around the world give special impetus to hydel power generation.

With soaring prices of petroleum products, reliance on oil for power generation is being lessened around the globe, pushing countries to build more water reservoirs not only to fulfil growing energy needs but to enhance agricultural yields.

Like other SAARC countries, Pakistan is also confronted with the grave challenge of an energy crisis due to high population growth, power pilferage and non-construction of dams.

Despite 60,000MW hydel power potential, including 30,000MW mere in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the energy crisis has further deepened in recent years due to increase in petroleum prices, high reliance on fuel to run powerhouses, taxation, “kunda culture” and non-construction of new dams.

Prof Dr Muhammad Naeem, Economics Department of the Swabi University said hydel energy was cost-efficient for developing countries like Pakistan and underscored the need for the construction of water reservoirs and small dams for sustainable economic growth and floods mitigation in the wake of climate change challenges.

Dr Naeem said China had constructed about 98,000 dams and India 5,334 dams, while Pakistan had built only 150 dams since its independence and no big dam after Tarbela.

“The rivers in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab are most suitable for construction of dams, especially small ones,” he added.

When contacted, Engr Zahoor Hussain, Director Projects, Wapda (North) said 72 percent work on multipurpose Kurram Tangi (Stage-1) Bannu and North Waziristan had been completed and expected to be inaugurated in November next year. 

He said the design and feasibility study of its stage-II was under process which would be completed with a loan assistance of Asian Development Bank.

Engr Zahoor said the dam would store around 1.2 million acre feet water besides generating 80.9MW electricity, adding over three million people of southern districts of Khyber Pakthunkhwa would be directly benefited from the dam. 

Besides completion of 108MW Golen Gol dam in Chitral, the government had accelerated work on Mohmand dam of 800MW with 1.293 MAF water storage capacity that after completion would supplement/irrigate 160,000 acres of existing land and about 18,237 acres of new land with annual benefits of Rs2.23 billion, he mentioned.

Likewise, 300 million gallons water per day would also be provided to Peshawar for drinking purpose with benefits of Rs.957 million from Mohmand dam, which would also help saving Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera from floods.

Meanwhile, construction work on a high voltage direct current (HVDC) convertor station was in progress at Azakhel Bala Nowshera district under the CASA-1000 Project for transmission of 1300 MW inexpensive, clean, and environment-friendly electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan via Afghanistan to Pakistan.

The CASA-1000 Project carried a great example of mutual cooperation between the governments of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan aimed at harnessing clean energy trade and building a shared regional electricity market, fighting climate change, and increasing standard of living for their populations.

According to KP Energy Department, 36.6MW Daral Khwar HPP Madain Swat was completed and electricity generation with over Rs1.3 billion annual benefits started. Likewise, 300MW Balakot HPP worth Rs 85 billion approved by ECNEC would be constructed on River Kunhar in Mansehra.

Similarly, 496MW Spat-Gah HPP amounting US$ 1,015 million is being developed for which MoU between KP government having 26pc share and M/S Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company (KHNP) with 74pc share was signed.

XEN Engr Ziaullah Khan of PESCO Power Distribution Company told APP that KP was currently receiving about 1873MW electricity from the national grid while its demand was about 3220 MW, facing a shortfall of 1347 that was being fulfilled through load management.

Under aggregate technical and commercial losses (ATCL) formula, the official said the areas with high ATCL losses such as Bannu, rural areas of Peshawar including Warak Road, Chagarmathi and Regi and DI Khan district were facing brunt of load shedding (16 hours), while there was no load shedding at Hayatabad and Gulbahar due to high recovery rate and lack of power pilferage.

He said Swat, Swabi, Interior Peshawar and Hazara were comparatively better in term of low line losses and high recovery.

Similarly, in merged areas, 180 MW was being drawn from the express transmission line against 1000 MW demand with 820MW shortfall due to power stealing through direct shock, a senior official of Tribal Electricity Supply Company (TESCO) told APP.

Meanwhile, the government has earmarked a sum of Rs 107413.044 million for various ongoing and new schemes of the power sector in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the financial year 2023-24.

According to the budgetary document, out of the total allocation, the government allocated Rs 81,774.431 million from the local component while Rs 25,638.613 million from the foreign aid component.

Under ongoing schemes in KP, Rs 1600 million each were earmarked for 220kV Hairpur Substation and 220kV Swabi Substation, Rs 1,059 million for replacement of LT Bare conductor with ABC Cable in Peshawar Khyber Circle and Bannu Circle, and Rs 964 million for electrification works at different valleys of District Chitral in the PSDP for FY 2023-24.

Similarly, a sum of Rs 13,800 million had been specified for evacuation of power from Suki Kinari, Kohala, Mahal HPPs, Rs 5,667.094 million for evacuation of power from 2160 MW Dasu stage-1, and Rs 16,099.255 million for 500 kV HVDC Transmission System between Tajikistan and Pakistan (CASA-1000).

Additionally, eight projects for supplying electricity to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have been allocated a total of Rs. 7,267.352 million and by the end of June 2024, the transmission sector is expected to have an additional capacity of 3,750 MVA on the 500kV grid and 6,900 MVA on the 220kV grid. The transmission lines will be extended by 522 km on the 500kV level and 668 km on the 220kV level.

Resultantly, 6,985 villages would be electrified and 1,403,592 consumers for Distribution Companies (DISCOs) would be facilitated besides extending distribution lines of 132 kV by 1,843 km, and the capacity of 132 kV grids would be strengthened by 4,199 MVA.

Despite all these steps, there was still a need to work on more hydel power plants and establish large reservoirs for growing energy needs and trends of urbanization if Pakistan wanted to strengthened its economy and step into the developed world.

Revival, expansion of Pakistan’s film industry vital to project national narrative through screen tourism: Marriyum

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File photo

ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday said that the revival and expansion of Pakistan’s film industry were vital to project the national narrative through screen tourism.

“Screen tourism presents an opportunity to spread the narrative of Pakistan, as seen in the successful examples of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran, where budding film industries have thrived”, she said while addressing 25 high achievers of the National Amateur Film Festival Award bound to leave for Australia on Monday.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has sponsored these 25 students one-year training in New York Academy, Australia.

The government was to promote Pakistan’s narrative, focusing on heritage, youth engagement, and tourism through screen tourism, she maintained.

The minister said it was high time to invest in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, which currently enjoyed tax exemptions.

“Over the next decade, I foresee a revival of the industry that will allow it to compete with
neighbouring countries and even international markets,” she said adding that the high achievers had the potential to make a significant impact in this field.

The minister recalled that Pakistan’s film industry faced a significant setback between 1970 and 2000, causing its growth to stagnate. However, since 2000, the industry has experienced a boost, although its progress has been hindered by the absence of cinemas and affordability issues, which limited access for the general public, she maintained. The minister said the government introduced a film policy in 2017 to address these challenges.

She said that extensive research and consultations with relevant stakeholders and experts were conducted to develop this comprehensive policy. Lessons, she added ,were learned from countries with flourishing film industries or successful revivals, providing valuable insights.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said that incentives for the film industry were included in the 2018 budget, and after coming into power again last year, the coalition government established a dedicated film division in the ministry.

The film sector currently enjoyed zero taxation, with income tax exemptions for individuals and production houses. Import of equipment for film and drama production had also been tax exempted, she said. The minister disclosed that the corporate entities providing funds for film production can claim CSR tax credits from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), making it a significant incentive.

Furthermore, she said, the government has approved a film finance fund with an initial allocation of Rs 2 billion. This fund, operated through the Film Council, will support budding producers in the production of films, television dramas, and documentaries.

The minister said for making entertainment accessible to the general public, cinema income has been exempted from taxation for the first ten years, especially for those cinemas offering affordable ticket prices. She maintained that an excellent example of the cinema industry’s revival was the monumental success of the new version of Maula Jatt movie. This version, not seen by those who made the original movie a hit, generated substantial business overseas in multiplex cinemas.

She said by taking advantage of this framework, young students and professionals, equipped with valuable skill sets, can tap into the immense potential of the film industry.

Marriyum said that universities like NUST, Iqra and LUMS as well as schools and colleges, offer film production and drama as degree courses, fostering a talent pool for the industry. The revitalized PTV academy, equipped with modern studios, will be open to schools and colleges, allowing the youth to gain knowledge and experience in film production, she remarked.

About the Australia-bound high achievers of the National Amateur Film Festival Award, she said as individuals embarking on this course, they were fortunate to be part of this endeavor. Upon their return, they might even become instructors and produce films at the PTV academy, further contributing to the industry’s growth. She congratulated them on their achievement, and wished them best of luck for their future endeavors.

BRI shaped structure of global economy, trade: Ambassador Haque

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BRI shaped structure of global economy, trade: Ambassador Haque

BEIJING, June 18 (APP): Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque said that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has largely shaped the structure of the global economy and trade, and it has completely changed and enriched the concept of regional economic integration and interconnection.

The initiative has successfully overturned some suspicions and doubts among members of the international community, and based on the principle of win-win cooperation and mutual benefit, it has built a bridge of trade, business and cultural cooperation among various members of society, Haque said while addressing at the 13th China Overseas Investment Fair here.

In the past 10 years, under the BRI, Pakistan has laid 880 kilometers of road networks, 13 new energy projects have been put into operation, and more than 8,000 megawatts of electricity have been added to the national grid.

Despite the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and the challenges of economic recession and natural disasters, the original timetable was achieved and the projects in Pakistan were completed on time, Haque further noted.

The fruits of the BRI are clear. In the past decade, China has signed more than 200 Belt and Road cooperation documents with 151 countries and 32 international organizations, forming more than 3,000 cooperation projects, according to media reports.

The initiative has stimulated an investment scale of over $1 trillion, created 420,000 jobs for countries along the route, and lifted more than 40 million people out of poverty.

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