Friday, December 26, 2025
Home Blog Page 11906

PPP to speed up development process in Balochistan after winning elections: Zardari

By
NNPS Desk
-
0
Zardari

TURBT, Dec 18 (APP): President of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians Asif Ali Zardari on Monday vowed that the PPP government after winning the upcoming general elections would to speed up the development process in Balochistan.

It would particularly start development projects in the fields of education, health and communication, besides ensuring supply of irrigation water to promote agriculture in the province, he said while addressing the party workers’ convention, according to a Bilawal House press release.

Asif Zardari said in terms of development projects, “Balochistan will be the first now, as it has a lot of scope to move forward”.

The former president said that Balochistan was the heart of Pakistan. “Conflict does not bring prosperity,” he said, adding “We will beautify the province which has many resources.”

He claimed that during the party’s previous government in the province, he provided funds but did not monitor the development projects. “Now I will supervise the development projects myself,” he vowed.

The former President pointed out that previous Pakistan peoples Party (PPP) governments in Sindh had built lining canals, as a result of which sugarcane was being cultivated in many uninhabited areas of the province.

“Gold can also grow here in Balochistan,” he added.

Asif Zardari said that development in Balochistan would be carried out in cooperation with China.

“China will be our partner, we will work together with China.”

He pointed out that Gwadar was already there, but no one except the PPP government paid attention to the expansion of that port. “We have to improve the economic conditions, we have to give employment to the youth of Balochistan,” he said, adding that the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) would be expanded and educated unemployed youth would be given stipend till they get employment.

The former president said that if the PPP government formed after the upcoming general elections it would build a university in every division of Balochistan, a college in every district and medical colleges and hospitals keeping in view the population.

He said that he had endured 14 years of imprisonment, during which he trained himself.

“Whenever the PPP comes to power, it comes to serve the people,” he said and added: “I gave identity to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province by giving its name. It’s not our fault, it’s our pride.”

He said that no nation could bear the burden of another nation. “We hosted Afghans for 40 years, but today they are reluctant to be our brothers.”

They should go to their home country as no other country could take care of them, he added.

Meanwhile, former caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti formally announced his joining the PPP at the workers convention.

Pakistan, Norway celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
Pakistan, Norway
ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP): Pakistan and Norway Monday marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Pakistan and Norway had continued to grow over the past 75 years on the basis of mutual respect and shared values,  the Foreign Office Spokesperson said here in a statement.
The two countries enjoy a mutually beneficial partnership in political, economic, academic, environmental, social and cultural domains. There is a common desire to promote regional and global peace, security and sustainable development.
Pakistan-Norway relations are marked by high-level exchanges and contacts with frequent meetings at the leadership level. The two countries also actively collaborate in various multilateral fora.
The bilateral economic relations between Pakistan and Norway are robust and growing with sizeable trade in multiple product lines and substantial investments of leading Norwegian companies in Pakistan, including Telenor Group, Scatec ASA and Jotun Paints. Cooperation in the fields of IT & ITES, ship-breaking and ship-recycling has recently emerged with great promise.
Pakistan appreciates Norway’s steady and generous development assistance in sustainable development including SDGs, climate action and renewable energy and its solidarity during times of natural disasters and calamities.
Following last year’s floods, Norway provided humanitarian assistance of 227 million NOK to Pakistan. NORPART programme of Norway’s development agency Norad has helped advance bilateral academic cooperation with enhanced student mobility and curriculum development programmes.
Pakistani-origin Norwegians are the most vital link between Pakistan and Norway. Pakistani diaspora that first arrived in Norway in early 1970s is today among the largest immigrant groups in Norway.
They are a diverse multi-generational group that contributes in all walks of life including politics, liberal arts, business, education, science, research, medicine, healthcare, law, consultancy and engineering. As a country of origin, Pakistan takes pride in their socio-economic contribution in the country of their choice.
The FO spokesperson said, “As we celebrate an important milestone in Pakistan-Norway relations, Pakistan strongly believes that friendship and cooperation between the two countries would continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.”

WIFAS program reaches 50 public sector schools

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP): Federal and Punjab governments and Nutrition International (NI) started the school-based weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation project aimed at anaemia’s reduction among adolescent girls.

The pilot project benefited over 5000 in-school adolescent girls with weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFAS) and education about nutrition and anaemia.

Nutrition International joined hands with the Nutrition Wing of Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSRC), Integrated Reproductive Maternal Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition Program (IRMNCH&N) Punjab and Lodhran district’s health and education authorities to pilot a school-based Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFAS) program in 50 public sector schools.

The pilot project reached more than 5,000 adolescent girls with the recommended scheme of WIFAS and enhanced their knowledge about nutrition and iron deficiency anaemia.

‘There’s a need for a comprehensive integrated Behaviour Change Communication Strategy including family planning, nutrition, maternal and child health, EPI, polio and all other things happening at the ground level, said Dr. Nadeem Jan, Federal Minister for National Health Services.

He appreciated the efforts of the Nutrition Wing, Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination and Nutrition International for taking initiatives aimed at improving the health and nutrition outcomes of women and adolescent girls.

He tasked his Ministry to develop a special task force on Nutrition to strategize and guide on Nutrition Programming in the country using life cycle approach.

He told the participants that two million doses of MMs have been donated to the Ministry for Pregnant women and 10 million dollars have been committed by a donor for local production of MMS in Pakistan which will be a great step towards improving the nutritional status of women.’

He reiterated the commitment of his government to focus on the health and nutrition of population especially the most vulnerable including women, children and adolescents.

‘WIFAS pilot project has been a well-coordinated and comprehensive program with a set of activities around adolescent health and nutrition’, Dr. Khawaja Masuood, National Coordinator Nutrition.

He said that iron deficiency anaemia is one of the key public health problems faced by adolescents in Pakistan.

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

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 (2020-2025) 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, MoNHSRC, IRMNCH&NP 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% of the total adolescent population in Pakistan and half of them are anaemic.

Addressing their nutritional needs is critical not only for their own health and wellbeing but for the generations they produce, stated by Dr. Shabina Raza, Country Director, Pakistan, Nutrition International.

Sharing the key achievements of the project, Dr. Raza said, the pilot phase was successful in showcasing an operational model of implementing the WIFAS program for in-school adolescent girls and generating acceptance from all stakeholders including national, provincial, and district-level government authorities, schools, community, and beneficiaries.

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.

Lukas Van Arragon, Second Secretary Development, Canadian High Commission Islamabad said health and nutrition are specifically ranked high among Canada’s international assistance priorities.

He said that WIFAS program itself has been an existing and promising initiatives because it is clearly doing what good deployment work should do.

The event was attended by over 80 participants including, Representative from UNICEF, WFP, International and National NGOs, Civil Society and Media. Dr. Faisal Waheed, CEO District Health Authority Lodhran, Dr. Fazal Majeed, Director Nutrition Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Dr. Musa, Project Director integrated Health KP, Dr. Abdul Latif, District Health Officer, Swabi, Ayaz Kamboh, Assistant Director Education Lodhran also participated.

Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Jamal Shah cutting ribbon to inaugurate Exhibition of Books and Photographs in connection with upcoming Quaid-i-Azam Day at Heritage Museum, Lok Virsa

By
Khuram Maryam
-
0
Jamal Shah
ISLAMABAD: December 18 – Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Jamal Shah in a group photograph with participants during Exhibition of Books and Photographs in connection with upcoming Quaid-i-Azam Day at Heritage Museum, Lok Virsa. APP
Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Jamal Shah cutting ribbon to inaugurate Exhibition of Books and Photographs in connection with upcoming Quaid-i-Azam Day at Heritage Museum, Lok Virsa
APP28-181223
ISLAMABADCaretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Jamal Shah cutting ribbon to inaugurate Exhibition of Books and Photographs in connection with upcoming Quaid-i-Azam Day at Heritage Museum, Lok Virsa

APP32-181223
ISLAMABAD

Cold and dry weather likely in most parts of country: PMD

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP): Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast mainly cold and dry weather for most plain areas of the country during the next 24 hours.
However, very cold weather is expected in northern areas, as per Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD)’s forecast.
Fog/smog is likely to occur in upper Sindh, plain areas of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa during morning and night hours.
According to the synoptic situation, continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country.
During the last 24 hours, cold and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country, while very cold and partly cloudy in northern parts.
The lowest minimum temperatures recorded were Leh -06C, Skardu, Kalam, Astore, Gupis, Kalat -05, Gilgit -04, Quetta, Rawalakot, Hunza and Dir -03C

Uninterrupted Sehat Card Services to continue

By
NNPS Desk
-
0
Health Minister

ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Health Dr Nadeem Jan on Monday said that uninterrupted Sehat Card Services will continue in federally funded areas.

Addressing a high level meeting, he said that the services will be ensured in all federally funded areas including AJK, GB, ICT and district Tharparkar. He assured that all funding issues will be resolved.

Dr Nadeem Jan thanked Punjab Health Minister Javed Akram and State Life leadership for their continued support to the Federal Program.

He reassured the nation that with the support of all stakeholders this wonderful program will continue for the benefit of all Pakistani citizens.

The meeting was participated by Ansar Abdali, Health minister, AJK, Salman Mehdi, Chairman State Life, Muhammad Shoaib, CEO State Life and Muhammad Arshad, CEO Federal Sehat Sahulat Program.

CM increases annual grant of IDA RIEU to Rs15m, donates three pianos

By
NNPS Desk
-
0
CM Baqar

KARACHI, Dec 18 (APP): The Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar Monday declared that the Annual Grant of IDA RIEU will be raised from Rs10 million to Rs15 million.

Additionally, he has supplied three pianos specifically for children with disabilities.

He made this announcement while speaking at the opening ceremony of the inclusive Youth Parliament at IDA RIEU. President of IRWA Ida RIEU Welfare Association, Nadira Panjwani, Secretary of the Department of Differently Abled Persons, Taha Farooqi, and others received the president.

He said that the IDA RIEU was doing a great service for the cause of education of differently abled children, therefore he has decided to increase their grant from Rs10 million to Rs15 million.

The CM watched the differently abled children playing the piano. The four children had one piano, therefore he announced to get them three more pianos so that they could enjoy playing their favourite music.

Speaking on the occasion, Baqar said the role of IDA RIEU Schools & Colleges for the Blind & Deaf for taking this important initiative and congratulated all the participants selected for the significant event.

The CM said that the Youth Parliament aimed at empowering diverse young voices for an inclusive Pakistan. I can see that it is inspired by the vision and mission of the IDA RIEU Welfare Association, which has been serving the cause of persons with disabilities for over a century.

“The IDA RIEU Welfare Association endeavours towards providing quality education and rehabilitation services for the differently abled, empowering them and ensuring inclusiveness and equality,” he said and added that the IDA RIEU was playing a lead role in creating a more accessible and equitable Pakistan.

He said that with the efforts of IDA RIEU thousands of students have had the chance to nurture their talents and contribute to the world. “Our country grows stronger and more vibrant with each passing day,” he said.

The Youth Parliament is an opportunity to celebrate pluralism as a nation, however, this diversity also comes with challenges and responsibilities to ensure that all our citizens enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and benefits in every aspect of life and that our citizens are involved in decision-making processes, the CM said.

He added that this initiative would have a dual impact and it would help participants of the parliament understand the legislative process; study and debate the current laws; and collaborate to suggest solutions for a stronger Pakistan.

He said that the draft policy solutions prepared by IDA RIEU would help us understand the perspective of youth, their vision for an inclusive and strong Pakistan, and how they want their vision to be implemented.

Baqar urged IDA RIEU youth parliament participants to participate actively in this event with enthusiasm, curiosity, and respect. “Do not be afraid to ask questions, to share your views, to disagree politely, or to agree constructively, and do not be shy to listen attentively, to learn something new, to appreciate someone else’s contribution, or to acknowledge their achievement,” he advised them and urged them to embrace their uniqueness.

Court will pass order about delimitations as per SC directives: IHC CJ

By
NNPS Desk
-
0
IHC

ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday declared that it would pass orders on petitions about delimitations keeping in view the directive of the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard the cases pertaining the delimitations in various constituencies.

During the course of proceedings, law officer of the Election Commission of Pakistan Zeghan Anees informed the bench that the top court had declared all the complaints pertaining to delimitations filed after December 14, as ineffective.

The chief justice said that he would do consultation with other judges of the high court, and issue orders keeping in view the directives of the top court.

Meanwhile, a single member bench comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued notices to the ECP in petitions against delimitations of two constituencies including PS-41 and PS-42 of District Sanghar.

The Petitioner’s lawyer Qasim Nawaz Abbasi prayed the court to restore the old delimitations in two constituencies. The further hearing of the case was adjourned till Tuesday.

SC neither makes rules for body search at airports nor seeks exemption: Spokesman

By
NNPS Desk
-
0
Supreme Court

ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP): The Supreme Court’s spokesman on Monday clarified that neither the body search rule for the families of judges at airports was not made by the apex court nor its exemption was sought.

The spokesperson, in a statement, said that a letter had been written to the Secretary Aviation and Director-General of the Airport Security Force.

The letter stated, “This is with reference to Aviation’s letter of 12th October, 2023, which surprisingly found its way to the media immediately after Justice Qazi Faez Isa and his wife left Pakistan for Turkiye during the Supreme Court’s winter vacations.

It said, “In the interest of full disclosure kindly also disclose the Registrar of the Supreme Court’s letter of 21st September, 2023 to correct the misconceptions.”

It said, “The body search exemption rule was not made by the Supreme Court nor was exemption sought. The Registrar had simply pointed out an anomaly, which was that the spouses of retired Supreme Court judges were exempt from body search but those of serving judges were not.”

Addressing the Aviation, the letter further said, “Your letter while resolving the anomaly does not offer an explanation. And, neither the ASF nor the Government of Pakistan is concerned about the security breach.”

It said, “The facts are that the coincidentally interesting timing of the letter, written 66 days ago, now coming into the public domain; immediately on Justice Isa’s departure from Pakistan.

“Body search exemption cards for spouses have not been received,” it added.

Furthermore, it said,”departing from Pakistan, on 16th December, 2023, Mrs Isa herself went into the cubicle of the ASF and was searched by a lady officer; the recording by cameras installed at the airport will confirm this; no exemption sought, nor given.

Justice Isa, the spokesman said, was offered, but he declined the use of the VIP lounge and the luxury limousine which drove VIPs right up to the aircraft at the Islamabad Airport.

Ethiopian Parliament ratifies bilateral trade agreement with Pakistan

By
NNPS Desk
-
0
Ethiopian

ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP): The Embassy of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) in Pakistan on Monday announced that the House of the Peoples Representatives of FDRE had unanimously approved the bilateral trade agreement signed by the two countries on February 14 this year to boost bilateral trade.

The trade agreement was submitted by the Standing Committee of the House on Trade and Tourism to the Ethiopian Parliament for approval during the 8th regular meeting of the 3rd year of the House of the Peoples Representatives held the other day, said an embassy news release.

The bilateral trade agreement is aimed at boosting trade cooperation between the two countries for further strengthening the economic and commercial relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan.

Ethiopian Ambassador in Pakistan Jemal Beker Abdula described the approval of the agreement as a “major breakthrough” in the bilateral relations of the two countries.

He said the landmark agreement would give a major boost to the bilateral trade that currently stood at over $80 million. It would pave the way for the establishment of a joint action committee on trade and fostering strong institutional linkages between the two countries, he added.

He congratulated the business community of Ethiopia and Pakistan over the approval of the agreement.

The ambassador said it was a welcoming news for the business community of both the countries who had already explored each other lucrative markets through delegation exchange in the current year.

“The new year will open a new chapter in the history of bilateral trade and hopefully, bolster business and trade activity between the two countries,” he said, while recalling the visit of over 70 businessmen and investors to Ethiopia in March and a trip of over 50 Ethiopian businessmen to Pakistan in May this year.

“These developments coupled with the commencement of the Ethiopian Airlines set the stage for the bilateral relations of Ethiopia and Pakistan to flourish and thrive in the changing global dynamism,” the ambassador noted.

1...11,90511,90611,907...31,156Page 11,906 of 31,156

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan