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Pakistan exports first shipment of dried Chillies to China: Minister

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NNPS Desk
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Ejaz Gohar

ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Minister of Commerce and Industries Dr Gohar Ejaz,  on Tuesday, announced a significant breakthrough in Pakistan’s agricultural exports to China with the inaugural shipment of dried chillies.

This momentous achievement, made possible through the outstanding efforts of Litong Food Co. Ltd., marks the beginning of a new era in the trade relationship between Pakistan and China, said a press release issued here.

The minister extended best wishes to Litong Food Co. Ltd. for their extraordinary feat and expressed sincere appreciation for the unwavering support of the Chinese government in creating a substantial market for Pakistani goods within China.

“I am delighted to announce that the first-ever consignment of dried chillies is on its way to China. This achievement not only showcases the capabilities of our exporters but also highlights the potential for further collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese businesses,” the minister stated.

He emphasised that the exports of Pakistan’s products to China have the potential to exceed $20 billion in the coming years.

However, achieving this ambitious goal requires concerted efforts from Pakistani agricultural exporters.

Dr. Gohar Ejaz encouraged the exporters to uphold high-quality standards, increase productivity, and implement effective marketing strategies to meet the expectations of the Chinese market.

Acknowledging the crucial role of the Chinese companies in the process, the minister expressed optimism about the prospects of collaboration. “If our companies can meet the standards set by the Chinese authorities, our exports can soar.

I congratulate the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, and our Mission in China for their dedicated work in finalising protocols and completing compliance formalities in just four months,” he added.

Benefiting from the Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement, Pakistan enjoys a competitive edge with zero tariffs, giving it a unique position in the region.

The minister highlighted the immense potential for growth in the Chinese market, especially in the agricultural sector and urged the adoption of new technologies such as hybrid seeds and openness to corporate farming.

The minister expressed gratitude to the Chinese counterparts for their warm reception during his recent visit to China. “Our Chinese brothers have opened their doors for us, be it the Ministry of Commerce, the Agriculture Ministry, COFCO—the largest agricultural goods importer with $100 billion worth of imports—or the mayors of the cities we visited.

The enduring Pak-China relationship has withstood the test of time, and this dried chilli export will pave the way for Pakistani agricultural goods to reach new markets in China,” the minister concluded.

Paracha resigns as MD of PBM to participate in elections

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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Paracha
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Aamir Fida Paracha has stepped down as the Managing Director of Pakistan Baitul-Mal, to contest the elections as a candidate from Rawalpindi following Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s directive.
He expressed gratitude to Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for placing their trust in him. The PPP, committed to public service, has diligently served the people without discrimination.
Speaking at the farewell function, he expressed profound satisfaction from serving the public both spiritually and emotionally during his term as MD of PBM. He extended his gratitude to all directors and employees who participated in the farewell event to bid him farewell.
Aamir Fida Paracha added that Pakistan Baitul-Mal is an institution where serving God’s creation without discrimination brings satisfaction and spiritual peace, pleasing Allah.

Pakistan’s envoy to EU calls on Czech counterpart

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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BRUSSELS, Dec 19 (APP): Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union Amna Baloch on Tuesday called on the Permanent Representative of Czech Republic to the EU Edita Hrda.

In the meeting, they discussed the issues of mutual interest and agreed to strengthen diplomatic ties for deeper collaboration.

PM directs to accelerate rehabilitation of Balochistan’s flood-hit families, reconstruction of their houses

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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QUETTA, Dec 19 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to accelerate the rehabilitation process of the flood-hit families of Balochistan as well as the reconstruction of their damaged houses.

The prime minister, in a meeting held to review the administrative affairs of the province, was briefed about the ongoing reconstruction of the infrastructure damaged by the flood in 2022.

He instructed the relevant authorities to immediately ensure the water supply to all the deprived areas of the province.

The prime minister was given a briefing on the water reservoirs of Balochistan, the construction of houses, communication infrastructure, law and justice, fishing, and other sectors.

The prime minister, who was given a briefing about the mining sector, said the future of Balochistan’s people was linked with the domestic and foreign investment in the mining and mineral sectors of the province.

Prime Minister Kakar instructed to improve the transportation system in the country and introduce a mechanism of safety certificates, besides establishing a database for issuance and verification of the licenses.

He also directed the relevant authorities to raise a special patrolling force to curb illegal trawling in the coastal areas. He said a similar force comprising local people should also be formed in Gwadar to do away with illegal trawling.

Caretaker Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki, Caretaker Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Murtaza Solangi, Caretaker Federal Education Minister Madad Ali Sindhi, provincial ministers, and senior officers of the provincial administration attended the meeting.

Anaemia reduction program launched in 50 girls’ schools

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NNPS Desk
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Anaemia reduction

ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): The pilot project of weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFAS) has benefited over 5,000 in-school adolescent girls for anaemia’s reduction.

The project was jointly started by the Federal and Punjab governments and Nutrition International (NI).

The pilot project reached adolescent girls with the recommended scheme of WIFAS and enhanced their knowledge about nutrition and iron deficiency anaemia.

Under the project, Nutrition International joined hands with the Nutrition Wing of Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, Integrated Reproductive Maternal Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition Program Punjab and Lodhran district’s health and education authorities to pilot this program in 50 public sector schools.

As per the findings of the National Nutrition Survey 2018, 54.7 percent of the country’s adolescent girls are anaemic, with a higher prevalence in rural areas (56 percent) than urban areas (53 percent).

The consequences of outcomes due to anemia and malnutrition can lead to diminished human capital and academic potential.

The government of Pakistan has developed the Pakistan Adolescent Nutrition Strategy and Operational Plan 2020-25 that includes WIFAS, however, there was a need to develop an implementation model for delivering the program in practical settings.

Continuing its mandate of providing technical assistance on nutrition to the government, Nutrition International initiated the WIFAS pilot project in Lodhran district of Punjab.

The project was implemented in collaboration with the District Health Authority and District Education Authority, Lodhran along with technical oversight and leadership from the Nutrition Wing, Primary and Secondary Health Care Department of the Government of Punjab.

Besides the provision of WIFAS, the project also focused to improve knowledge and practices of adolescent girls and their immediate influencers concerning iron deficiency anaemia through capacity building of education and health staff.

Girls constitute 48 percent of the total adolescent population in Pakistan and half of them are anaemic.

The project was successful in improving nutrition outcomes of adolescent girls in the project area, through behavior change communication and enhanced their knowledge about anaemia and its prevention.

Building on the successful pilot, Nutrition International has expanded the program to two new districts – Swabi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pishin in Balochistan.

In its new phase in 2022-2025, the project will reach at least 60,000 adolescent girls with WIFAS and appropriate education about anaemia.

Steps being taken for development, progress of tribal areas: Governor

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NNPS Desk
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Governor kp

PESHAWAR, Dec 19 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Haji Ghulam Ali has said that steps had been taken to usher tribal areas into new phase of progress and to address deprivations of tribal people.

He was talking to a thirty five member delegation of Mohmand tribal district led by Malik Shehryar Khan here Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that provincial and federal governments have taken steps for the development and progress of merged tribal districts.

He highlighted the sacrifices of tribal people for the peace of the country and strengthening its sovereignty. He also urged the youngsters to counter narrative of elements that are targeting state institutions and added that it was the prime responsibility of each and every citizen to join hands for protection of the motherland.

The delegation informed the Governor about their problems relating to transport, health, education and other basic amenities. The Governor listened to their problems and assured cooperation to resolve them and stressed the use of modern technology to tap potential of tribal area.

A delegation of local government representatives of North Waziristan also called on the Governor and discussed their problems with him. The Governor also assured them cooperation to convey their concerns to relevant authorities.

He also met with a delegation of Artists Action Foundation that included Tariq Jamal, Shazman Haleem, Waisal Khial and others.
The Governor also met with a delegation of Sindh and discussed with them matters of mutual importance.

Arabic language source of unity for Muslims worldwide: Pakistan

By
NNPS Desk
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Arabic language

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 19 (APP): Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Munir Akram, Monday joined the commemoration of 2023 Arabic Language Day at the UN, saying the language has been a source of solace, enlightenment, and unity for Muslims worldwide.

“This commemoration holds immense importance, particularly for the Arab as well as the Muslim nations, including Pakistan, as Arabic is not merely a language; it is the vessel that carries the divine words of the Holy Quran,” he told an event organized by Saudi Arabia at the spacious chamber of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

This year’s commemoration coincides with the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of Arabic as one of the six UN official languages. The other languages are: English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese.

“Together, let us forge a path of unity, understanding, and peace, recognizing that language is not merely a means of communication but a bridge that connects hearts and minds,” Ambassador Akram said .

Urdu, Pakistan’s national language, he said, traces at least one-thirds of its etymology to Arabic, and millions of Pakistanis learn it out of conviction and because of their love for Islam.

“Millions more also learn Arabic because it is a gateway to their livelihood and prosperity, as they are welcomed by our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in other Arabic speaking countries. Therefore, Arabic for Pakistan is an essential reality and objective.

“The language came to Pakistan a few years after the emergence of Islam when Muhammad bin Qasim landed on the shores of Sindh and it has never left the sub-continent ever since”, the Pakistani envoy added.

“This was the initiation of Islam in South Asia.”

The Arabic language, he said, has served as a bridge from Maghreb to China, connecting diverse communities and fostering understanding among different cultures.

“In our diverse global community, the United Nations aims to serve as a platform for dialogue, understanding, and cooperation,”Ambassador Akram said. The inclusion of Arabic as one of the official UN languages not only upholds world’s linguistic diversity but also amplifies the voices and aspirations of millions of people in the Arab and Islamic world.

“Today the Islamic world is concerned with all the challenges that we are facing whether it is in Palestine or in Africa,” the Pakistani envoy said.

“Our effort must be to utilize the Arabic language as a means of conveying our aspirations, of promoting our national interest, of fostering commerce, trade, industry and investment, which are the key to future prosperity and peace for all our peoples.

“We therefore must look forward to an active effort not only by the Arab countries but also the Islamic countries and others who are aligned with our aspirations to promote greater and more effective utilization of the Arabic language,” he added.

AJK PM directs for focusing on reducing disparity between filers and non-filers

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NNPS Desk
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ANwaar ul Haque

MIRPUR ( AJK): Dec 19 (APP) : Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq has directed the State Inland Revenue Department to pool in all its efforts to achieve the tax collection targets besides reducing the disparity between filers and non-filers.

Chairing a high level meeting of the AJK Inland Revenue Department here Tuesday, he said that the government would provide the required resources to the department but negligence in duties won’t be tolerated under any circumstances.

The meeting discussed in detail the taxation related matters, setting up taxation targets and implementing fiscal policies to widen the tax base in the region.

The Commissioner of Inland Revenue (North), on the occasion, briefed the prime minister, in detail of the tax collection targets in Muzaffarabad, Neelum and Jhelum Valley and the problems faced by the department.

The prime minister further directed the IRD officials to collect the data of all the private hospitals, hotels, tourism resorts, business centers, shops, local industries, marquees and private schools and furnish the report to the PM office within next couple of weeks.

The meeting was attended among others by senior Minister Colonel Retired Waqar Ahmed Noor, Communications Minister Azhar Sadiq, Health Minister Ansar Abdali, Special Secretary Masood-ur- Rahman and officers of the Inland Revenue Department.

Dr Nadeem for adoption of new emerging technologies

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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Dr Nadeem
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Health Dr Nadeem Jan on Tuesday said that the timely adoption of new emerging technologies was important for the health sector.
He said this during a meeting with Federal Minister for Information Technology Dr. Umar Saif. Both discussed the ongoing reforms in the health sector. They also discussed the promotion and cooperation of IT in the health sector.
Dr. Nadeem Jan said that the ministry was working on the reforms agenda in the health sector and added that the government laid the foundation of digitization in the Ministry of Health.
The minister said that the registration and licensing system of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has also been digitized.
The pharmacies of government hospitals are being computerized, he added.
Dr. Nadeem said that data was also being computerized in primary health centers.
Dr. Nadeem said that the digitization of the Ministry of Health will continue under the reform agenda.
He said that innovation in the health sector is the need of the hour and IT has an important role to play.

Caretaker CM hails airing Hazargi language programs from PTV Bolan

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NNPS Desk
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CM Ali Mardan

QUETTA, Dec 19 (APP): Caretaker Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki has expressed his happiness over the launch of airing Hazargi language programs from PTV Bolan Quetta Center calling it a historic initiative.

In a statement issued here on Tuesday, the chief minister said Pakistan Television Corporation, after its establishment in the 1960s, filled the lives of Pakistanis with a lot of entertainment and rich culture of all provinces.

“Pakistan Television has been under criticism for being the mouthpiece of governments,” he said adding that there was no doubt that PTV has been our only ‘authentic source of news’ for decades and even today, it was also an authentic source for private media.

He hoped that PTV would maintain its uniqueness in providing authentic information to the public and broadcasting programs with the same passion and sense of responsibility.

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