ISLAMABAD, Jan 22 (APP): Deputy Director at Punjab Irrigation Department Farooq Ahmad said on Monday that to solve the problem of water logging in Punjab, the provincial government has started a campaign for desilting over 17,000 km of canals in the whole province which first phase will conclude by the end of January.
Talking to PTV news channel, he said that removed silt through the crane, stating that the first phase would continue till January 31, while embankments of 5000 km long canals would also repaired in the second phase.
He stressed that the people should cooperate with the government during the drive and should avoid polluting the canal as the government could not do everything all alone.
The Deputy Director said that cleaning and silt-cleaning (bhal safai) in Punjab would hopefully be done in the best possible manner and all related arrangements were made to complete the project on its targeted time.
He said that banks of canals and rivers will also be strengthened with time as all relevant officers are actively visiting the site to ensure smooth working on the drive.
The high-level meetings were also held regarding the implementation of Bhal Safai campaign, he added.
He mentioned that caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi has issued clear instructions to make the clean-up (Bhal Safai) campaign a success.
Replying to a question, he said that the Punjab government was taking the help of LUMS experts for the scientific management of the water resources.
In concluded remarks he further appealed to the citizens to realize their responsibilities and not to dump dirt and garbage in the canals, adding, that only the farmer knew the real benefits of good sanitation and that the people of the village had to wait every year for the Bhal-Safi campaign.
First phase of ‘Silt-cleaning’ drive in Punjab countinue till January 31
Foreign exchange rates
KARACHI, Jan 22 (APP):The Exchange Rates Committee of Financial Markets Association of Pakistan issued the following Exchange rates bulletin, here on Monday.
CONVERSION RATES FOR JANUARY 22, 2024 FOR FOREIGN CURRENCY FOR FORWARD COVER FOR DEPOSITS (EXCLUDING FE 25 DEPOSITS)
SBP SETTLEMENT VALUE DATE JANUARY 24, 2024
USD 279.7353
GBP 354.6763
EUR 304.2680
JPY 1.8864
Currency rates of NBP
KARACHI, Jan 22 (APP): Following are the selling/buying rates of major currencies issued by the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), here on Monday.
CURRENCY SELLING BUYING
USD 283.10 277.00
GBP 359.99 352.14
EUR 308.66 302.54
JPY 1.9141 1.8727
SAR 75.48 73.85
AED 77.08 75.93
NBP Exchange Rates
KARACHI, Jan 22 (APP): Treasury Management Division of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on Monday the following exchange rates.
URRENCY SYMBOL TT Selling TT Buying
U.S DOLLAR USD 280.30 279.80
EURO EUR 306.17 305.62
JAPANESE YEN JPY 1.8952 1.8918
BRITISH POUND GBP 356.43 355.79
SWISS FRANC CHF 322.86 322.28
CANADIAN DOLLAR CAD 208.60 208.23
AUSTRALIAN DOLAR AUD 184.83 184.50
SWEDISH KRONA SEK 26.95 26.90
NORWEGIAN KRONE NOK 26.76 26.71
DANISH KRONE DKK 40.98 40.90
NEWZEALAND DOLLAR NZD 171.66 171.35
SINGAPORE DOLLAR SGD 209.10 208.72
HONGKONG DOLLAR HKD 36.00 35.93
KOREAN WON KRW 0.2099 0.2095
CHINESE YUAN CNY 39.09 39.02
MALAYSIAN RINGGIT MYR 59.36 59.25
THAI BAHT THB 7.89 7.88
U.E.A DIRHAM AED 76.84 76.70
SAUDI RIYAL SAR 74.74 74.60
QATAR RIYAL QAR 76.92 76.78
KUWAITI DINAR KWD 911.13 909.50
CONVERSION RATE FOR FROZEN FCY DEPOSITS
USD 279.7353
GBP 354.6763
EUR 304.268
JPY 1.8864
SETTLEMENT DATE: 24-01-2024
Huge fire engulfs mobile market in Peshawar
ISLAMABAD, Jan 22 (APP): A huge fire broke out in the early hours of Monday in a mobile market located in Peshawar’s Saddar area, where no loss of life reported so far.
According to rescue officials, the blaze from the fourth floor of the building, quickly spread to the other floors, creating panic among the shopkeepers and customers, private news channels reported.
More than 30 fire brigade vehicles and four water bowsers are taking part in the rescue operation.
The fire is declared third-stage and being doused by the teams of the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Cantonment
Board. Rescue 1122 teams rescued four people.
The district administration has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
Landslide traps 47 in SW China’s Yunnan province
BEIJING, Jan 22 (APP): Forty-seven people got trapped after a landslide buried their houses on Monday morning in Zhaotong City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, local authorities said.
The landslide occurred at 5:51 a.m in Liangshui Village of Tangfang Town in Zhenxiong County, CGTN reported.
The provincial disaster management authorities have initiated an emergency response operation and dispatched rescuers as well as dozens of fire engines and other equipment.
More than 200 people have been “urgently evacuated” from the region.
Mushahid Hussain applauds Pakistan’s exemplary crisis handling after Iranian attack
ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (APP): Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, Mushahid Hussain Syed on Sunday commended Pakistan’s adept crisis management in response to the unexpected Iranian attack.
Speaking to Pakistan Television News, he emphasized the nuanced diplomatic approach, coordinated military response, and successful mission accomplishment, terming it Pakistan’s finest hour in national security crisis management.
Mushahid Hussain highlighted the maturity in handling the crisis, acknowledging deft diplomacy, nuanced statements, and a carefully calibrated military response.
He praised the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and his command for achieving the mission successfully without creating an atmosphere of war.
The chairman expressed confidence that the crisis management approach might become a textbook model.
He underscored the superb manner in which the system worked, emphasizing the coordination between armed forces, government departments, and the people of Pakistan to face the challenge.
“Within 72 hours, the crisis was diffused, showcasing Pakistan’s ability to handle challenges swiftly and successfully”, he added.
He said the Iranian attack presented three extraordinary challenges – unexpected surprise, emanating from a friendly neighbour, and the need to respond defensively without escalating the crisis.
Mushahid Hussain termed it a time for national self-congratulations, emphasizing the sense of responsibility and maturity displayed by the leadership and people of Pakistan.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed acknowledged the historical relationship with Iran and the challenge of maintaining sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The chairman highlighted Pakistan’s historical ties with Iran, emphasizing Iran’s support during wars, strategic depth, and a shared cultural heritage.
He stressed that Pakistan has consistently ensured not to act against Iran’s interests, maintaining a common bond and understanding.
The Senator emphasized the need for collective action in combating terrorism, considering Pakistan as a significant victim of 21st-century terrorism.
He highlighted the common challenge faced by both Pakistan and Iran, calling for coordinated efforts to address it collectively.
In a query, the chairman appraised the Saudi Arabia-Iran rapprochement brokered by China and the China-Iran strategic agreement.
He viewed these positively for the region and emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving issues.
Pak hockey team fails to qualify for 2024 Olympics
ECP launches crackdown against election code of conduct violations
Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is addressing a public gathering during election campaign at Township Ground
LAHORE: January 21