Home Blog Page 11893

SJC awards 12-year RI , Rs 17 mln fine in criminal breach of trust case

0

RAWALPINDI, Dec 21 (APP): The Special Judge Central (SJC) on Thursday awarded 12-year Rigorous Imprisonment(RI) and a fine of Rs 17 million to Munawar Hussain, resident of Pind Aziz Tehsil Sarai-Alamgir in a corruption case and criminal breach of trust.

According to details, accused Qadeer Hussain r/o Mirpur AJK with the connivance of officers of Post Office Bani District Mirpur and official of GPO Mirpur AJK Munawar Hussain S/O Muhammad Boota, and others en-cashed Defense Saving Certificates(DSCs) of his uncle Nazar Hussain and withdrew an amount of Rs. 1,67,00,000 against the said DSCs by presenting fake Power of Attorneys in PO Banni and GPO Mirpur, AJK.

SJC Amjad Ali Shah, after recording evidence of the witnesses and final arguments by the defence and prosecution awarded five years RI and a fine of Rs10 million under section 109/409 of Pakistan Penal Code and announced one
year additional imprisonment in case of default.

Similarly, the Court also sentenced seven-year Rigorous Imprisonment and fine of Rs 700,00,00 on charges of corruption under section 5(2) 47 PCA 1947 for the convict while Munawar will spend one more year in prison if failed to deposit the amount.

Earlier, Federal Investigation Agency Rawalpindi had registered a case against the convicts Munawar Hussain ,Qadeer Hussain and others in 2016, under sections 109,409,420,468,471 PPC and 5(2) PCA 1947.

DSP Faheem Farooqi dismissed from service

0
DSP FAHEEM FAROOQI
KARACHI, Dec 21 (APP): The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Riffat Mukhtar Raja has awarded major penality of dismissal from service to the Deputy Superintendent Police Faheem Farooqi after he was found guilty of misconduct in the inquiry reports.
According to a final order issued by the AIG/Establishment-1 Central Police office Karachi, Faheem Ahmed Farooqi proved guilty of all charges levelled against him and was found guilty of misconduct in different inquiries conducted against him.
The IG Sindh, after going through the record of the officer concerned, awarded major penality of dismissal from service under rule 4(b)(v) of Sindh Police (E&D) rules 1988 amended in 1999.
After completing all codal formalities,  provincial Police Officer stated that Faheem Farooqi found to be incorrigible officer who did not mend his way therefore he has been awarded a major penality of dismiss from service.

3rd Bint-e-Hawa Achievement Awards 2024 seeks nominations

0
3rd Bint-e-Hawa Achievement Awards 2024 seeks nominations
PESHAWAR, Dec 21 (APP):The Bint-e-Hawa Achievement Awards, in partnership with the Youth Affairs and Bint-e-Hawa Forum, is thrilled to announce the commencement of nominations for the third Bint-e-Hawa Achievement Awards 2024.
Female entrepreneurs, social workers, doctors, education, sportswomen, science and technology, art and designing, performing arts, media and journalists, healthcare professionals can send their nominations by January 31, 2024.
The prestigious event aims to honor and recognize the remarkable achievements of women across Pakistan and inspire future generations of women to pursue excellence and create a positive impact on society.
Alamzeb, a representative of the Bint-e-Hawa Forum, expressed his optimism for the upcoming awards, stating, “We are excited to launch the 3rd Bint-e-Hawa Achievement Awards and look forward to receiving nominations from talented and inspiring women across Pakistan.”
Interested candidates can submit their nominations through the official website of the Bint-e-Hawa Achievement Awards at www.bintehawaawards.com

IESCO detects 2,527 suspected meters in current month

0
IESCO
ISLAMABAD, Dec 21 (APP): Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has caught 2,527 suspected meters so far in the current month in various circles of the company during the ongoing power anti power theft and recovery drive.
Sharing the details, the IESCO spokesperson told that IESCO teams checked over 118,000 meters in various circles. Out of total, 2,514 meters were found slow and 13 tampered while 85 consumers were getting direct electric supply. Fine of over Rs 80 million has imposed on the power pilferers besides arresting 27 power thieves.
He requested the customers to report power pilferage at toll free no 118.

Civil Society demands complete ban on vapes in Pakistan

0
PESHAWAR, Dec 21 (APP):The Provincial Alliance for Sustainable Tobacco Control Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alongside the local Non-profit organization Blue Veins on Thursday called for an immediate ban on vapes and e-cigarettes in Pakistan.
This urgent plea aligns with the recent directives by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has recommended that governments should treat e-cigarettes similarly to traditional tobacco products and enforce a complete ban on all flavors, they told a press conference here at Peshawar Press Club.
The spotlight of the conference was on the unregulated sale of vapes and e-cigarettes, particularly highlighting their detrimental impact on Pakistan’s youth.
The speakers said that despite common misconceptions that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, the WHO has highlighted the necessity for “urgent measures” to regulate these products, adding that recommended actions include the prohibition of flavoring agents like menthol and the implementation of rigorous tobacco control measures, such as high taxes and usage bans in public places.
Qamar Naseem, Program Manager of Blue Veins, demanded, “The Federal and provincial governments must act swiftly to impose a complete ban on vapes and all forms of e-cigarettes in Pakistan. The potential health hazards, especially to our youth, are too significant to overlook. We must choose public health over industry profits.”
Dr. Qazi Shahbaz, Chairman Provincial Doctors Association, a leading voice in tobacco control, emphasized, “The imperative to ban vapes in Pakistan is clear. It’s about protecting public health and preventing a new generation from falling prey to nicotine addiction and its harmful consequences. We cannot allow the vaping industry to undo the progress made in tobacco control over the years.”
Dr. Ihtisham, Chest Specialist LRH said, “Vaping, often perceived as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, is a growing concern in the medical community. There is a lack of convincing evidence to support the idea that vapes are effective tools for quitting smoking. On the contrary, the use of vapes introduces a new set of health risks, including respiratory issues, which must not be overlooked.
They observed that in Pakistan, vapes are sold with minimal regulation, making them easily accessible to the public, including the youth. Their designs are often sleek and modern, deliberately appealing to a younger demographic.
These e-cigarettes come in a variety of flavors like bubblegum and strawberry, specifically targeting children and teenagers, making them more enticing than traditional tobacco products.
According to civil society organizations, there are approximately 55 million e-cigarette users globally as of 2021, with vaping sales projected to soar to $40 billion by 2023.
In Pakistan, data from the National Institute of Health (NIH USA) reveals that 23.9 million individuals (19.1 percent) are regular smokers. Around 6.2 percent of the population engages in vaping or uses e-cigarettes.
Responding to the WHO’s call for a ban on e-cigarettes, the Provincial Alliance for Sustainable Tobacco Control Khyber Pakhtunkhwa advocates for Pakistan to follow the lead of neighbouring countries.
The Alliance strongly recommends that Federal and Provincial Tobacco Control Cells instruct medical professionals to refrain from conducting or participating in any research activities related to e-cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) without proper authorization from the Ministry of Health and the Directorate General of Health especially those which are funded by Tobacco Industry and its front groups.

IRSA releases 68,200 cusecs water

0
IRSA
ISLAMABAD, Dec 21 (APP): Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Thursday released 68,200 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 36,200 cusecs.
According to the data released by IRSA, water level in River Indus at Tarbela Dam was 1474.99 feet and was 74.99 feet higher than its dead level of 1,398 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam was recorded as 17,300 cusecs and 28,000 cusecs respectively.
The water level in River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1157.55 feet, which was 107.55 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded 4,700 cusecs and 26,000 cusecs respectively.
The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa , Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 42,200, 32,900, 26,000 and 500 cusecs respectively. Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 7,100 cusecs of water released at Nowshera and 2,000 cusecs released from River Chenab at Marala.

3rd round of ‘Infodor Media Salon’ held

0
3rd round of 'Infodor Media Salon' held
ISLAMABAD, Dec 21 (APP):The 3rd round of the “Infodor Media Salon” this time on China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) ICT projects was held at the office of the All-Pakistan Chinese Enterprises’ Association (APCEA).
The event commenced with an overview of CPEC’s progress, the contributions of all stakeholders, and perspectives on Pak-China relations.
The session was attended by representatives from Chinese ICT sector companies including China Mobile Pakistan (CM Pak) Zong, Huawei, Sunwalk, Hikvision, Heroboss, Carlcare Services, ZTE Pakistan, said a news release.
3rd round of 'Infodor Media Salon' held
Among other participants were senior representatives from the Embassy of People’s Republic of China, Global Silk Route Research Alliance, and COMSATS University China Study Center, said a news release.
The event also had significant from both Chinese media (CCTV, Economic Daily, Huashang Weekly, Xinhua News, China Economic Net) and Pakistani media (Pakistan Observer, PTV, Jang Media Group, Daily Ittehad, Pakistan Economic Net, Gwadar Pro, Hum News, APP).
Executive Director Infodor shared Infodor’s perspective as a media entity, emphasizing the importance of transparent reporting and communication in enhancing the public’s understanding of CPEC and Pak-China relations.
He highlighted the specific coverages, challenges faced and various strategies employed to disseminate accurate information.
CM Pak presented its contributions in the energy sector, emphasizing the crucial role of sustainable energy solutions implemented, specific CPEC projects undertaken and enhancing Pakistan’s economic development and its effect on Pakistan’s economic landscape.
Huawei outlined its significant contributions to the development of 5G infrastructure in Pakistan, supporting the digital transformation crucial for CPEC’s success and enhancing connectivity between the two nations.
They included the technical details, deployment timelines, and the broader societal benefits of Huawei involvement in advancing digital connectivity.
The advancement in smart cities and the role of ICT in facilitating seamless connectivity and communication and had an outstanding performance by Huawei and it’s a great initiative taken by Huawei for the youth. Sunwalk mentioned their achievement on fiber network delivery and planning and importance of connection for digital economy.
They expand team in two years from less than ten persons to a thousand employees, Sunwalk expressed their confidence on Pakistan digital development future.
Hikvision highlighted its role in providing advanced surveillance and security solutions for CPEC projects, emphasizing the importance of technology in ensuring the success and safety of infrastructure developments.
Details included specific technologies employed, their impact on project safety, plans for future innovations in the security domain.
Heroboss elaborated on its innovative technologies and solutions aimed at enhancing communication networks and infrastructure, contributing to the connectivity goals of CPEC.
The company presented cases of successful implementations, showcasing the tangible impact on CPEC connectivity goals.
Carlcare Services discussed its role in providing technical support and maintenance services, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of electronic devices deployed in CPEC projects.
They explained about the range of electronic devices they serviced, strategies for ensuring longevity and the company’s commitment to sustainable practices.
ZTE Pakistan shared technical deep insights into its telecommunications solutions, underlining their commitment to advancing connectivity and communication infrastructure in alignment with CPEC objectives.
They included the specifics on network enhancements, ongoing projects, and plans for future technological advancements.
The representatives engaged in a fruitful discussion, exchanging ideas and perspectives on how their respective companies could further contribute to the success of CPEC and strengthen the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan.
The salon concluded with a commitment to continued collaboration and shared efforts in realizing the shared goals of economic prosperity and regional development.
The shared vision remains the realization of sustained economic prosperity and enhanced regional development through the successful implementation of CPEC projects.

Fertilizer output increases 8.91 % in four month of FY 2023-24

0
Fertilizer output increases 8.91 % in four month of FY 2023-24
ISLAMABAD, Dec 21 (APP):Fertilizer production in the country during the first four months of the current financial year increased by 8.91 per cent as compared to the output of the corresponding period of the last year.
During the period from July-October 2023 over 1.17 million metric tons of Nitrogenous fertilizers were locally produced as compared to the output of 1.05 million tons of the same period of last year,  according to the data of Large Scale Manufacturing Industries (LSMI) released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
However, during the period under review, the local output of Phosphate fertilizer decreased by 9.22 per cent as compared to the production of the same period of last year, it added.
During the period under review, about 250,315 metric tons of Phosphate fertilizer were manufactured in the country as compared to the manufacturing of 275,746 metric tons in the same period of last year, it added.
Tractor assembling in the country during the first four months of the current financial year increased by 55.58 per cent as compared to the assembling of the corresponding period of last year.
Meanwhile, about 17,259 tractors were locally produced as compared to the production of 11,093 tractors in the same period last year.
As compared to the corresponding month of last year, tractor production in the country during the month of October 2023 grew by 80.74 per cent as 5,536 tractors were locally assembled as against the assembling of 3,063 tractors of the same month of last year.
During the period under review, the overall output of LSMI in the country witnessed a negative growth of 0.44 per cent as compared to the production of the same period of last year.
The output of the industries including food, beverages, wearing apparel, coke, petroleum products, chemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, non-metallic mineral products, machinery and equipment witnessed growth during the period under review.

HRH the Crown Prince congratulates President of Finland on Independence Day

0
Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz
ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP):- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister  has sent a cable of congratulations to Republic of Finland President Sauli Niinisto on his country’s Independence Day.
 The Crown Prince wished Niinisto continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Finland steady progress and prosperity.

Shopping frenzy reaches its peak during December sale offers

0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 21 (APP): As the birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is around the corner, famous brands outlets and online shopping platforms have announced sale offers on dresses and other seasonal accessories to attract the buyers especially women who remain in search of discounted items for their family due to the prevailing price hike situation.
The shopping frenzy reaches its peak in the month of December with sales in connection with the Quaid-i-Azam Day, Christmas and New Year celebrations. December is the month when majority of the brands and fashion outlets offer sales up to flat 50 on various items to attract the buyers who usually purchase the stock for this season as well as next assuming further rise in the prices.
Following the past trends, the famous brands of dresses, shoes and other accessories have started offering Quaid Day sales while many online retailers have also displayed discount offers to sell maximum winter stock.
A number of women buyers have started visiting the popular malls and brands outlets to look into the discount offers for purchasing winter stuff for them and their families.
“Purchasing winter stock at the advent of the season is difficult for the salaried class due to high rates. I always buy dresses, shoes and other needed items at the end of December when the New Year sale starts”, Shaista Hameed, a mother of three children said.
Talking to APP, she said the prevailing price hike situations has limited the purchasing capacity of the general public who now think twice before buying a dozen of eggs and tomatoes what to talk about dresses.
She said, “It is a routine practice of the people across the world to buy from sale offers and now the trend of sale offers during the special occasions has picked up pace in Pakistan too which is a good thing”.
Shahzad Ali, who is a father of two children said, “Some of the brands only offer sales on the unwanted items or those which are left in only few sizes to just finish their stock which we cannot call as a sale offer in real sense however there were some brands which offer very good discounts on all their stock”.
Taking advantage of our residence near to one of the popular malls of capital, “We use to visit frequently to check if there is some good buying opportunity for the next season”.
He said “Whatever we buy now can be used in the next Winter season also except clothes and shoes of those children who are in growing age”.
It has been observed in the capital that most of the eateries, can hailing services and fashion brands announce sale offers on the special occasions to attract the customers.
Naheed Raza, a working woman said, “There was a time when these branded dresses were out of reach of the average customers. Thanks to inventors of replicas which compelled the brands owners to decrease the prices and now everyone can afford to buy these”.
“Wearing nice dresses is the weakness of women and I hope this New Year will bring good sales of all the brands enabling the customers to have stock of good dresses for the next Winter season”, she added.
Ali Nawaz, a salesman at a famous brand shop said, “December is the month when majority of the customers visit our shop and buy maximum dresses taking advantage of consistent sales due to Quaid day, New Year celebrations and then end season discounts”.
“It is a perfect time to get maximum profit by selling a large number of Winter stuff with offering even minimum discount”, he observed.