RAWALPINDI: December 22 –
Traditional drummers sitting around fire to keep themselves warm due to cold weather at Faizabad.
RAWALPINDI: December 22 –
Christmas cake-cutting ceremony held
FAISALABAD, Dec 22 (APP):A Christmas cake-cutting ceremony was organised at Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) complex to express solidarity with the Christian employees.
FDA Additional Director General Junaid Hasan Manj, Sadaqat Ali Baloch, Revolutionary Workers Union President and other officials and staff cut the cake, along with the Christian employees and greeted them on their religious event.
He said the Christian employees were playing an equal role in the public service and stability of the institution.
The Christian employees thanked all FDA officers and said that they would spare no effort in fulfilling their departmental responsibilities.
Solangi reiterates commitment to hold free, fair general elections in February next year
ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP):Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Friday reiterated the commitment of the government with regard to the holding of free, fair and transparent general elections on February 8 next year.
Ruling out any possibility of delay, he said the general elections would be held under the schedule, already given by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Talking to media persons, he said that Chief Election Commissioner Raja Sultan did enjoy the confidence of majority people and there was no question of his resignation.
To a question, Solangi said he could not comment on internal issues of political parties as the caretaker government wanted to maintain cordial relations with all political forces.
On a question about termination of service of some employees, he said that media channels initially gave feasibility reports to PEMRA which was also required at the time of issuance of licence. He said that under PEMRA Amendment Act 2023, the journalist job was protected.
Murtaza Solangi assured that the government would take legal measures to protect the employment of journalists.
The minister said an unpleasant and unwarranted situation had arisen regarding the protesters from Balochistan.
and added their demands were long-standing.
He said all women and children had been released besides most of the men, adding their protection was being fully ensured.
He said that the committee, constituted by the Prime Minister, was doing its work. Currently the Governor Balochistan
was in Islamabad and consultations with him were underway, he added. Moreover, today a meeting of this committee
with the Prime Minister was also scheduled, he said.
Pakistan’s textile exports reach $6.88 billion in 5 months
ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP):Pakistan exported textile products worth $6,883.615 million during the initial five months of the current financial year (2023-24), the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported.
The exports of the product however witnessed a decline of 6.50 percent during July-November (2023-24) when compared to the exports of $7,361,914 million during July-November (2022-23).
The textile commodities that witnessed positive growth in trade included raw cotton, the exports of which grew by 253.10 percent, from $11.253 million last year to $39.733 million this year.
Likewise, the exports of cotton yarn increased by 50.30 percent, from $328.197 million last year to $493.277 million this year, cotton carded or combed by 22.86 percent, from $0.477 million to $0.586 million and towels by 0.74 percent, from $409.510 million to $412.544 .
The textile commodities that witnessed negative growth include cotton cloth, the exports of which declined by 13.35 percent, from $903.685 million to $783.087 million, yarn other than cotton yarn by 11.47 percent, from $19.455 million to $17.223 million, and knitwear by 13.11 percent, from $2,112.818 million to $1,835.782 million.
Likewise, the exports of bed wear declined by 5.62 percent from $1,219.307 million to $1,150.777 million, tents, canvas and tarpaulin by 5.72 percent, from $51.514 million to million, $48.568 , ready-made garments by 9.45 percent, from $1,513.719 million to $1,370.736 million.
The exports of art, silk and synthetic textile also decreased by 18.55 percent by declining from $179.327 million to $146.068 million, madeup articles by 4.72 percent, from $307.390 million to $292.889 million whereas the exports of all other textile materials also went down by 4.23 percent, from $305.261 million to $292.345 million.
Meanwhile, on year –on-year basis, the textile exports declined by 7.21 percent by falling from $1,420.921 million in November 2022 to $1,318.536 million in November 2023.
On month-on-month basis, the exports declined by 8.26 percent when compared to exports of $107.009 million in October 2023.
It is pertinent to mention here that country’s merchandize trade deficit contracted by 33.59 per cent during the first five months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last year.
The Trade deficit from July-November (2023-24) was recorded at $9.378 billion as against the deficit of $14.122 billion in July–November (2022-23), showing negative growth of 33.59 per cent.
During the period under review, the exports increased by 1.93 per cent to $12.172 billion compared to the exports of $11.942 billion during the corresponding period of last year, according to the latest PBS data.
On the other hand, the imports narrowed by 17.32 per cent and were recorded at $21.550 billion compared to $26.064 billion last year.
Global peace can be achieved by uniting people across all faiths: Mushaal
ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP):Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Human Rights and Women Empowerment, Mushaal Hussein Mullick, has emphasized that true global peace can be achieved through the unity of people from diverse faiths.
Speaking at a Christmas cake-cutting ceremony arranged by the Nazriya Pakistan Council, she underscored the importance of fostering harmony and understanding among individuals of different religious backgrounds.
Sabien Hussein Mullick (Focal Person to SAPM), Mian Javed (Chairman Nazriya Pakistan Council), Manzoor Maseh (Executive Member Nazriya Pakistan Council), Faisal Zahid Malik, Salahuddin (Former High Commissioner of Pakistan to United Kingdom), Ms. Nargis and Mr. Khalid Suleri were among the attendees.
Mushaal highlighted the universal values of love, sacrifice and peace embedded in every religion. She said that during her meeting with Vatican pope she had emphasized fostering Multi-Faith Harmony as a key driver for enduring global peace.
Mushaal asserted that the resolution of global conflicts, including those in Kashmir and Palestine, lies in the propagation of the messages of love, peace, and harmony embedded in all religions. She stressed the need to stand in solidarity with people who were oppressed.
Mushaal underscored the unanimous condemnation from all segments of Pakistani society regarding the Jaranwala incident. She commended the measures taken by the Government in response to the situation. She also praised the peace rallies organized by civil society, noting the substantial participation of ordinary citizens in these gatherings.
Mushaal voiced deep concern over the persecution of minorities in India carried out on daily basis. She attributed it to the influence of Hindutva-inspired policies within the Indian government. She also brought attention to the atrocities and human rights violations perpetrated by India in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Mushaal recognized the invaluable sacrifices made by the Christian community in the struggle for the creation of Pakistan. She also highlighted their dedication to supporting the Kashmir cause.
Emphasizing the significance of December 25th, she noted that it marks a double celebration for Pakistan, the birthday of the nation’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the joyous festivities of Christmas.
Mushaal took part in the Christmas festivities by cutting the ceremonial cake and extending Christmas wishes to everyone.
Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Murtaza Solangi giving away certificates to the graduates during the graduation ceremony of 38th MCMC Domain Specific Training and 40th Specialized Training Program at Information Service Academy Auditorium.
ISLAMABAD: December 22 –
ISLAMABAD: December 22 –
Three dacoits arrested days after snatching Rs 350,000 from company official
MULTAN, Dec 22 (APP):Local police have arrested three dacoits and recovered Rs 350,000 cash they had snatched from manager of a medicine company four days back, police said on Friday.
Police spokesman said that an employee of the company was among those arrested for being involved in the criminal activity.
Abid Sohail, the manager of Khan Medicine Enterprises, told police that Abid and another employee Usman were on a regular visit for recovery from medical stores. When they reached near Al-Khalil mosque, two unknown accused snatched Rs 350,000 cash at gun point and escaped.
Daulat gate police had reached the site, registered FIR and started investigations under supervision of SP City Hassan Raza Khakhi.
SDPO Shahzad Gull, SHO Shoaib Ahmad and their team arrested the three accused including Usman alias Seth, the employee of the company.
The other two accused arrested included Sheheryar alias Shery and Akash.
Police recovered Rs 350,000 cash and the weapon used in the crime. CPO Sadiq Ali appreciated the police team on their success.
Secretary Ministry of Information, Broadcasting Shahera Shahid addresses the graduation ceremony of 38th MCMC Domain Specific Training and 40th Specialized Training Program at Information Service Academy Auditorium.
ISLAMABAD: December 22 –
ECP awareness drive likely to double women, youth turnout in upcoming polls: Zafar Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP):Special Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan Zafar Iqbal on Friday said that the Election Commission of Pakistan continued a media awareness drive among people with the overarching goal of motivating women and youth actively involved in the electoral process where youngsters of the country likely to double its voter turnout in upcoming elections.
Talking to PTV news channel he ensured that ECP will provide a level playing field for all political parties and advocate the active involvement of youth and women to ensure inclusive in the electoral process.
He said that elections will be conducted with strict implementation of gender equality and all political parties also strive hard through their election campaigns to increase youth voter turnout.
He also mentioned that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a comprehensive code of conduct for the upcoming general elections scheduled on February 8.
Additional Director General Election Commission of Pakistan Syed Nadeem Haider said that any violation of the code will be treated seriously, and allegations made by one candidate against another will require confirmation from both sides before prosecution can commence.
To ensure the smooth functioning of the election process, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has complete powers to conduct general elections in a fair and freestyle while all the institutions, including military, judiciary and provincial governments are fully cooperating with us.
Replying to a question related to security arrangements, Special Secretary Zafar Iqbal said that ECP has constituted monitoring teams and appointed district coordination officers or equivalent officers (such as deputy commissioners or political agents in tribal areas) as district monitoring officers for the coming general elections in the country.
With the coordination of the Interior Ministry ECP would provide all types of strict security forces for the protection of voters in polling stations in the country, he added.
Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Murtaza Solangi addresses the graduation ceremony of 38th MCMC Domain Specific Training and 40th Specialized Training Program at Information Service Academy Auditorium.
ISLAMABAD: December 22 –