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Solangi grieved over demise of veteran actor Khalid Butt

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Murtaza Solangi

ISLAMABAD, Jan 11 (APP): Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of veteran actor Khalid Butt.

The minister, in his condolence message, prayed to the Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss.

Solangi said he was deeply saddened over the demise of Khalid Butt, who had proven his mettle by showing his exceptional talent in numerous TV dramas, movies and theater. His death had left a huge void in the showbiz industry, he added.

KPRA approves revised budget for FY 2022-23

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PESHAWAR, Jan 11 (APP):The Policy Board of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA) has approved the revised budget of the Authority for fiscal year, 2022-23 and budget estimates for the fiscal year 2023-24.
A target of Rs 42 billion revenue collection has been set for the Authority for the current financial year.
The approval was accorded in the 2nd meeting of the Policy Board, held here on Thursday with the Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (R) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah in the chair. Caretaker Provincial Minister for Finance Ahmed Rasool Bangash, Senior Member Board of Revenue Ikramullah Khan, Secretary Finance Amir Sultan Tareen, Secretary Excise and Taxation Syed Fayyaz Ali Shah, Director General KPRA Ubaidullah Kakakhel and Board members attended the meeting.
Various agenda items were presented in the meeting for consideration and approval, some of which were approved on the occasion.
The forum deliberated upon proposals regarding the increase in KPRA allowance as well as giving honoraria to KPRA employees based on their performance and directed the finance department to take a closer look at the proposals and come up with final recommendations for approval of the Board.
Briefing about the implementation status of the decisions taken in the last meeting of the Policy Board, the participants were informed that all the decisions had been implemented.
The chief minister on this occasion urged KPRA authorities to show more zeal and work harder to increase the revenue of the province and achieve cent percent target of the authority.

BISP Chairperson calls for promoting saving culture

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 11 (APP):Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib Thursday said that saving is an important financial product that plays a pivotal role in individual protection.
While addressing in a brainstorming session on Saving Scheme at BISP headquarters, Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib emphasized the importance of promoting a savings culture, revealing plans for the BISP saving scheme aimed at encouraging 150,000 customers to save.
During the session, Dr. Amjad Saqib underlined the moral responsibility to support needy families while respecting their dignity. The event brought together BISP officials, representatives from various banks, and other financial institutions to discuss the design of Saving Product that would resonate with consumers and promote financial empowerment.
Dr. Amjad Saqib expressed his commitment to offer the best and most convenient Saving Product.
He stressed the need for simplicity in the product design and requested the nomination of focal persons from interested banks for efficient collaboration. Dr. Amjad Saqib said that BISP currently provides financial support to 9.3 million needy families, and under the BISP Savings Scheme the government would add an additional amount of Rs. 400.
The brainstorming session included a detailed briefing on the BISP Savings Scheme, where suggestions from bank representatives regarding savings product design were highly appreciated.
Dr. Amjad Saqib praised the efforts of the BISP team for their role in designing the Saving Scheme.
The key officials were also present at the session include Additional Secretary BISP Dr. Muhammad Tahir Noor, DG NSER Naveed Akbar, DG Finance Wasim Ahmad, DG OM Dr. Asim Ijaz, and Director Malik Muhammad Abu Bakr.

Dr. Gohar anticipates $20 billion surge in country’s exports for 2024

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gohar ijaz

ISLAMABAD, Jan 11 (APP): Caretaker Minister for Commerce, Industries and Investment Dr. Gohar Ejaz on Thursday envisioned a substantial boost in Pakistan’s exports, projecting a $20 billion increase for the year 2024 (January to December).

This optimistic outlook comes after concerted efforts by the caretaker team to address the challenges faced by Pakistani exports, said a press release issued here.

In July 2023, exports faced a setback, declining to $2.068 billion. Recognizing the significance of this challenge, the caretaker setup, assuming office in August 2023, dedicated itself to enhancing exports and curbing the trade deficit.

The results of these efforts are evident in the remarkable progress achieved by December 2023, with exports surging to $2.812 billion—a noteworthy increase of $511 million.

The caretaker team’s strategic focus on elevating the export of manufactured goods has played a pivotal role in this success.

By ensuring adequate energy supplies for industrial production, Pakistan has successfully revitalized exports, particularly targeting markets in the USA and EU.

This revival in export capacity sets the stage for Dr. Gohar’s optimistic projection of a $20 billion increase in exports for the upcoming year.

Dr. Gohar Ejaz expressed confidence in the positive trajectory and emphasized his commitment to fostering sustained economic growth through robust export strategies.

Mr. Murtaza Solangi, Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting addressing a Seminar titled “Pakistan Election 2024: The Economic Reforms Agenda of Political Parties.” The Seminar was organized by Press Information Department

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Mr. Murtaza Solangi, Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting addressing a Seminar titled "Pakistan Election 2024: The Economic Reforms Agenda of Political Parties." The Seminar was organized by Press Information Department
APP47-110124 ISLAMABAD: January 11 - Mr. Murtaza Solangi, Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting addressing a Seminar titled "Pakistan Election 2024: The Economic Reforms Agenda of Political Parties." The Seminar was organized by Press Information Department. APP/ZID
Mr. Murtaza Solangi, Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting addressing a Seminar titled "Pakistan Election 2024: The Economic Reforms Agenda of Political Parties." The Seminar was organized by Press Information Department
APP47-110124
ISLAMABAD: January 11 – 

Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing a public gathering at Hockey Stadium Tandlianwala

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Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing a public gathering at Hockey Stadium Tandlianwala
APP46-110124 FAISALABAD: January 11 - Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing a public gathering at Hockey Stadium Tandlianwala. APP/ZID
Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing a public gathering at Hockey Stadium Tandlianwala
APP46-110124
FAISALABAD: January 11

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf conferring degrees to graduates of Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine at Convocation 2024 ceremony

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Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf conferring degrees to graduates of Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine at Convocation 2024 ceremony
APP48-110124 KARACHI: January 11 - Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf conferring degrees to graduates of Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine at Convocation 2024 ceremony. APP/SDQ/ZID
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf conferring degrees to graduates of Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine at Convocation 2024 ceremony
APP48-110124
KARACHI: January 11 Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf conferring degrees to graduates of Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine at Convocation 2024 ceremony

APP49-110124
KARACHI: January 11 – Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf addressing Convocation 2024 ceremony of Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine. APP/SDQ/ZID

Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi receive a souvenir to the Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) Hina Tayyaba Khalil during visit at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design

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Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi receive a souvenir to the Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) Hina Tayyaba Khalil during visit at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design
APP50-110124 LAHORE: January 11 - Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi receive a souvenir to the Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) Hina Tayyaba Khalil during visit at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design. APP/MTF/ZID
Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi receive a souvenir to the Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) Hina Tayyaba Khalil during visit at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design
APP50-110124
LAHORE: January 11
Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi receive a souvenir to the Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) Hina Tayyaba Khalil during visit at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design
APP51-110124
LAHORE: January 11 – Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi in a group photo with Faculty members and Students during visit at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design. APP/MTF/ZID
Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi receive a souvenir to the Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) Hina Tayyaba Khalil during visit at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design
APP52-110124
LAHORE: January 11 – Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi talking the media persons during visit at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design. APP/MTF/ZID
Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi receive a souvenir to the Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) Hina Tayyaba Khalil during visit at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design
APP53-110124
LAHORE: January 11 – Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi receive a briefing during visit at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design. APP/MTF/ZID
Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi receive a souvenir to the Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) Hina Tayyaba Khalil during visit at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design
APP54-110124
LAHORE: January 11 – Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi receive a briefing during visit at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design. APP/MTF/ZID

IMF Board approves $700 mln for Pakistan

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IMF

ISLAMABAD, Jan 11 (APP): The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday completed the first review of Pakistan’s economic reform programme supported by its Stand-By Arrangement (SBA).

“The Board’s approval allows for an immediate disbursement of SDR 528 million (around US$ 700 million), bringing the total disbursements under the SBA to US$ 1.9 billion,” a Finance Ministry news release said.

The IMF’s nod follows the staff-level agreement reached between the Fund and Pakistan on November 15, 2023, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to implementing key reforms.

Earlier, the IMF’s Executive Board in mid July 2023 had approved the Stand-by Agreement (SBA) for US$ 3 billion for Pakistan.

The staff level agreement on SBA amounting to SDR 2,250 million (about $3 billion or 111 percent of Pakistan’s IMF quota) was reached during the last week of June, 2023 after the IMF staff team led by Nathan Porter held in person and virtual meetings with the Pakistani authorities to discuss a new financing engagement for the country under the arrangement.

On July 13, 2023, the Fund transferred US$1.2 billion to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) out of total $3 billion under the agreement.

The balance amount of $1.8 billion was to be provided after two reviews – one of which was held in November 2023 whereas other one is scheduled in February 2024.

KSA fully dedicated to enhance facilities for Hajj & Umrah pilgrims: Ashrafi

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Tahir Asrafi

ISLAMABAD, Jan 11 (APP): Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Religious Harmony and Pakistani Diaspora in the Middle East and Muslim Countries Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi on Thursday said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was dedicated to enhancing facilities for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

He was talking to the media on his return after attending a four-day Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition, organized by the Saudi Government in Jeddah.

Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed, Chairman of the Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan Jamal Khan Tarkai, Sardar Sajid Ali, Hafiz Muhammad Tariq, Akhlaq Ahmed, and other dignitaries actively engaged in the conference.

Ashrafi, who is also the chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council, stated that the Government of Pakistan was making comprehensive efforts to offer optimal facilities to prospective pilgrims.

He said in pursuit of bolstering coordination with Saudi officials for Hajj and Umrah services, two agreements were signed. Additionally, prizes were conferred upon select sponsoring companies during the inaugural session of the conference and exhibition.

Ashrafi emphasized that the event placed significant importance on enhancing the overall environment for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

“It demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving and promoting services for the pilgrims,” he added.

He noted that the conference drew the attention of numerous leaders, fostering discussions on future trends and creating opportunities for local and international partnerships, agreements, and initiatives.

The event also aimed to showcase the Kingdom’s efforts in terms of Hajj and Umrah services and arrangements, he maintained.