ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday will undertake a one-day visit to Kuwait.
He will convey to the Royal Family, the government and the people of Kuwait the sympathies and condolences of the Government and people of Pakistan on the sad demise of Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Foreign Office Spokesperson said on X on Sunday.
PM Kakar to travel to Kuwait to convey condolences on death of Amir Sheikh Nawaf
Police campaign against underage drivers; 474 FIRs registered in three days
RAWALPINDI, Dec 17 (APP):Rawalpindi District Police registered 474 FIRs against underage drivers during the last three days, said a police spokesman here on Sunday.
He informed that police, on the directive of City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi, Syed Khalid Hamdani, were taking action by the law against underage drivers.
A total of 3445 FIRs had been registered against underage drivers, he added. He informed that City Police Officer Rawalpindi had directed the City Traffic Police officers to take solid steps to control traffic rule violations and underage driving, adding that parents were also advised to discourage driving by underage drivers.
Police had initiated a drive against underage drivers without any discrimination, he informed. Underage drivers not only endanger their own lives but also the lives of other road users, he said, adding that parents should keep a vigilant eye on their children to avert road accidents.
Ombudsman Office receive 190,000 complaints during current year
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):Wafaqi Mohtasib (Federal Ombudsman), Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi has directed the investigation officers and the heads of federal agencies to ensure timely implementation of Wafaqi Mohtasib decisions since no slackness would be tolerated on this count.
He said that 178000 complaints have so far been decided since January 2023 and the number of complaints may touch an all-time high figure of 190000 by the year-end.
Wafaqi Mohtasib was presiding over a high-level meeting of WM Regional Officers from Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Gujranwala on Wednesday. Ijaz Ahmad Qureshi, speaking to the media in Lahore, for the first time after having been elected as President of the Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA) said that it was a great honor and recognition of Pakistan’s valuable contribution.
Commending the performance of the Regional Offices, he reiterated his firm commitment to resolving the issues faced by the poor masses. He said that the Wafaqi Mohtasib was a “ poor man’s court’’ and its main purpose was to redress the grievance of oppressed and marginalized members of the community.
All out efforts would be undertaken by the government officials to resolve the complaints so that relief was provided to poor strata, he added. He said without the allocation of additional budget and manpower, the officers of Wafaqi Mohtasib had put in their best to reach out to the public to resolve their complaints through Khulli Katchehries and IRD. He said several complaints, filed with Wafaqi Mohtasib, were increasing every year and only in 2022 WM received 164174 complaints out of which 154770 complaints were resolved.
This year WMS has received 183000 complaints till now and it is expected that this number may reach 190000 by the end of the year, he added. He said his increase in the number of complaints showed the trust of the people, reposed in the Wafaqi Mohtasib institution. He commended the role of media in creating awareness about the institution of Wafaqi Mohtasib among the public, he added.
Wafaqi Mohtasib also highlighted steps being taken for the benefit of the pensioners, Overseas Pakistanis, Prisoners, and specially the Women and Child Prisoners. He emphasized that the media to cooperate in disseminating the message of Wafaqi Mohtasib to far-flung areas to ensure that poor segments of society receive the information about Wafaqi Mohtasib and enable them to get timely relief.
He said that in April 2022, Information Resolution of Disputes (IRD) was initiated in selective Regional Offices which received full positive response, and up till now 2951 cases have been decided under IRD Programme while 473 cases were under process.
Media urged for factual reporting on CPEC, countering propaganda
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): Speakers at the training workshop here on Sunday called upon the Pakistani media to engage in objective and factual reporting on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and counter the negative propaganda against the game-changer project. The journalists are the source of information for the public and their impartial reporting can convey authentic information about CPEC to the people of Pakistan, they said.
The speakers expressed these remarks during a three-day training workshop organized by the Center for Democracy and Climate Studies (CDCS) for the journalists of Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Bao Zhong, Counsellor of the Political and Media Section, Embassy of China to Pakistan while speaking to the participants said that the Pakistani media was playing a vital role in promoting CPEC and creating a positive image of the China-Pakistan bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields beneficial for both the nations.
She however said the fake news and negative propaganda against the CPEC still exist in some sections of the media which should be countered by the journalists.
She said that the Chinese embassy was always open to answer queries about CPEC or information related to any project initiated by the Chinese embassy.
She urged the journalists to do factual reporting on CPEC and play their role against malicious media campaigns and disinformation against the projects.
Expressing deep affection for Pakistani friends, Ms. Zhong, with over six years of service in the country, emphasized the robust foundation of the China-Pakistan relationship, attributing it to the profound political trust, particularly exemplified by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
She expressed the confidence in ongoing collaboration with the Pakistani government and encouraged media and citizens to contribute valuable insights for the continued success of China-Pakistan relations. She highlighted the warm reception of Pakistani visitors in China, underscoring the reciprocal treatment she and her family receive in Pakistan.
Motivated by these strong ties, she called for joint efforts to further deepen and strengthen cooperation, urging the passing on of this relationship from generation to generation.
Ms. Zhong emphasized collaborative endeavors at both government and private sector levels, encouraging increased business-to-business (B2B) cooperation. She stressed the significance of encouraging Pakistani youth to study in China and return to contribute to their homeland, focusing on highlighting commonalities. She urged a collective focus on these areas, seeking advice and active promotion from Pakistani media to maximize joint benefits.
Highlighting the initial focus on infrastructure and energy, she stressed the importance of empowering Pakistan through energy projects, subsequently moving towards broader industrial cooperation.
She said that China extends a helping hand to Pakistan in overcoming energy challenges, paving the way for increased industrial productivity and collaboration.
The Counsellor said that China sees the world as a big family, echoing a philosophy of global unity and cooperation the Belt and Road Initiative is presented as a tangible effort towards building a global community of shared future.
Despite challenges such as the impact of COVID-19, China remains confident in its progress under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party of China.
Naghmana Hashmi, former ambassador of Pakistan to China speaking on the occasion, said that the media should do impartial reporting on CPEC.
Highlighting the significance of CPEC for Pakistan, she said bilateral cooperation under CPEC has contributed to Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure development while the second phase focuses on poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, agriculture and industrial development in Pakistan.
Former Vice Chancellor of Sargodha University Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad said that the media’s role was significant in shaping public opinion about CPEC. He hailed the Pakistan’s media role and its contribution towards CPEC development. He also said that higher education institutions can play a major role in reaping the real benefits of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by bridging a gap in the language and cultural sectors of both countries.
Prominent journalists and anchors/analysts Javed Iqbal, Rasheed Safi, Aoun Sahi, Sherish Qureshi, Mian Ibrar Hussain and Muhammad Imran also attended the three-day training workshop
A vendor displaying and selling Waistcoat to attract customers at his roadside setup
LAHORE
People busy in selecting and purchasing old books from roadside setup in Provincial Capital
LAHORE
A view of construction work of Nazria-e-Pakistan Trust Masjid dome is in progress
LAHORE
A view of camels walking on roadside during foggy weather in the city
CHINIOT
People visiting stalls during 3rd Pakistan International Property Housing and Construction EXPO 2023 organized by Pakistan Association of Exhibition Industry (PAEL) at Pak China Friendship Centre
ISLAMABAD
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ISLAMABAD
PTDC organizes one-day photo exhibition at PNCA
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) organized a one-day photo exhibition at the Pakistan National Council of Arts here on Sunday.
Renowned mountaineer Nazir Sabir and PTDC’s Managing Director Aftab ur Rehman Rana graced the inauguration ceremony.
Focused on mountainous tourist places, the exhibition featured 57 captivating photographs from the successful Salam Pakistan photography competition said a news release.
The tourist places in mountain areas were the special focus of this photography competition.
The exhibition showcased captivating photographs depicting various tourist sites, capturing the attention of a diverse and enthusiastic audience.
After the successful Salam Pakistan photography competition, 57 photographs were displayed at the exhibition.
The competition was organized on the eve of International Mountain Day where people submitted their photographs online in two categories, Professional and Amateur while a four member jury decided the winner.
A total number of 378 entries were received in professional category while 110 entries were received for the amateur category.
Muhammad Asmar Hussain secured the first position in professional category while Mushahid Hussain secured first position in the amateur category.
The winners were awarded with certificates and cash prizes.
The exhibition exemplifies the commitment of PTDC towards promoting the scenic wonders of Pakistan, fostering tourism, and celebrating the nation’s rich cultural and natural heritage.