PESHAWAR, Dec 04 (APP):Special Secretary Health for Polio Eradication and Coordinator Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) , Abdul Basit Monday chaired a crucial meeting focused on the investigation and linkages of the WPV1 polio case in District Orakzai .
In the meeting, Acting PPO WHO, Dr. Jahangir Khan delivered an extensive presentation outlining the overall vaccination landscape in Orakzai.
The participants engaged in a thorough discussion regarding the background of the recent polio case and explored various strategies to prevent further spread of the virus.
The meeting boasted the presence of key figures, including Deputy Coordinator EOC, DHOs from Orakzai, Hangu, and Kohat, Team Lead WHO, Team Lead NSTOP, members of the EOC Core Team, and other pertinent officials.
ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP): President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday emphasized that attitudinal change in any sector of the economy could lead to its growth and development including the production and export of world famed Pakistani indigenous Basmati rice.
The president, elaborating his viewpoint, said that technological and scientific research and inputs would pave way for the latest innovations in the agriculture sector and the rice exporters should utilize all available tools to enhance their yield by supplementing the country’s exports.
He was addressing the Biryani Festival and presenting of REAP journal organized by the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. The event was attended by the REAP office bearers, members of the diplomatic corps, exporters, traders and mediapersons.
The president underlined the need for inclusion and encouragement of women in the agriculture sector as the country was looking towards such initiatives, leading to further women empowerment. “With such changes in attitude, they can stimulate changes in the country’s economy,” he added.
The president said that with proper scientific tools and knowledge, Pakistan could attain food autarky and cited Netherlands that was 19 percent smaller than Pakistan in size but had become the second largest food exporter in the world owing to usage of latest technology and research.
Appreciating the role of REAP in boosting country’s exports and the national economy, the president said that with organizing of festivals and road shows in different countries, they were providing huge business opportunities to the local Basmati rice growers and exporters.
He also suggested for exploring the organic cultivation of rice crop as the world including Pakistan were facing water scarcity.
He opined that if the world resources were properly utilized, about 7 billion world’s population could be fed properly and regretted that along with the global trade, the exploitation of population and accumulation of wealth also continued.
He said that hoarding of food stuff was also a reason which led to food crises and it could be ended if priorities across the globe were set, adding that only $1 trillion could be suffice to address the food scarcity in the world.
Contrary to it, the Islamic teachings had made the wealth a source for channeling the uplift of entire community, leading to well being of the human beings, he added.
The president also stressed upon measures to water conservation in the agri-sector, particularly during the rice cultivation as it was a water intensive crop.
Besides, value addition products based upon rice crop, the exporters could increase Basmati outreach to different parts of the world, he said, and lauded REAP for projecting the soft image of Pakistan and promoting their culture, industry and livelihood.
He said that certain things in the agriculture sector were possible and doable and expressed the optimism that the country would soon rise economically.
Earlier, Chairman REAP, Chela Ram Kelwani, in his address, highlighted the contribution of the association in the country’s exports. He said that country’s Basmati was renowned worldwide due to its aroma, quality and taste.
He apprised that they had arranged rice festivals in 14 countries so far, while Mexico and Russia were the latest rice export destinations for REAP.
Convener of REAP Abdul Rahim Janoo, said that with strenuous efforts, the rice export had jumped from $300 million to $3 billion and if they were given further incentives, it could surpass $5 billion annually.
On the occasion, the president also gave away medals among the recipients to recognize the contributions of REAP.
ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP):PBM’s event ‘Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal at a Glance’ is set to showcase anti-poverty initiatives, featuring children’s performances and diverse guest participation, while emphasizing thorough preparations and open involvement.
Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) is organizing the special event, on December 6 at Fatima Jinnah Park here.
The event is designed to spotlight Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal’s endeavors and initiatives in the fight against poverty, featuring various stalls. The main proceedings will unfold at Aiwan-e-Quaid Hall.
The agenda features presentations by children from Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal Sweet Homes and Child Labor Rehabilitation Centers, showcasing various tableaus, dramas, and musical performances.
Notable guests, including media figures, diplomats, parliamentarians, multinational companies, and representatives of national and international NGOs, have received special invitations.
Managing Director, Amir Fida Paracha highlighted the comprehensive preparations undertaken by the administration of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal for the event, with officers designated specific responsibilities for various aspects of the program.
Moreover, the PBM invites active involvement in the program from all pertinent circles and stakeholders.
FAISALABAD, Dec 04 (APP):The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) has issued shutdown program for Tuesday due to necessary repair, maintenance and expansion of electricity lines.
According to the program issued by the company, power supply from Ejaz Town, Usman Ghani, City, new Civil Line, Raja Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Gobindpura, State Bank, Rehmat Town, Agri University, Rasool Pura, Saeed Abad, Madan Pura, General Hospital, Khayaban Garden, Ismail Road, Iqbal Stadium, Moon Textile, Qudrat Abad, Punj Pulli Road, Ali Road, Qaim Sain, Munir Abad, Cres Tex-II, Iqbal Town, Cardiology, Faisal, new Jinnah Colony, Islam Nagar, Taj Colony and Rasheed Abad feeders linked with 132-KV Agri University grid station will remain suspended from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. while Paradise feeder attached with 132-KV Jhang Road, Mahi Chowk feeder connected with 132-KV Tandlianwala grid station, Kallar Wala feeder originating from 132-KV Manjhala Bagh grid station, Mamonkanjan City feeder linked with 132-KV Mamonkanjan grid station, Painsara feeder attached with 132-KV Nia Lahore grid station, Sir Shameer feeder connected with 132-KV Thikriwala grid station, M Ali Street feeder originating from 132-KV Sammundri Road grid station, new Dijkot feeder linked with 220-KV Sammundri Road grid station, Ashraf Colony, Bashir Abad, Ramzan Shaheed and Shalimar feeders attached with 132-KV Gojra grid station, Pakka Anna feeder connected with 132-KV Nia Lahore grid station and Rajana feeder originating from 132-KV Muridwala grid station will observe shutdown from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday (December 05).
Similarly, electricity supply from al-Barkat Pura feeder linked with 220-KV Sammundri Road grid station will also remain suspended from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and then from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on December 05, 2023.
QUETTA, Dec 04 (APP):Pakistan Customs recovered goods of smuggling worth 10 billion rupees after foiling bids of smuggling during the last 5 months in respective areas of Balochistan.
Spokesperson of Pakistan Customs Balochistan Superintendent Dr. Atta Bareach on Monday said that the value of the goods seized during the entire period was 10 billion rupees, never before has such a large amount of contraband been recovered in such a short period.
He said that about Rs 2.22 billion worth of goods were seized in October, seizure of smuggling goods worth Rs 3.40 billion were recovered in November by respective areas of Balochistan.
These seized smuggling goods including Chalia, Panprag, cloth, tires, cigarettes, non-customs paid vehicles, sugar, urea, auto parts, medicine and other things, he said.
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QUETTA: December 04 - Balochistan Caretaker Education Minister Qadir Bakhsh Baloch addressing at ceremony of competition speech about anti-corruption. APP/MNN/TZD/ZID
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PESHAWAR: December 04 - Group photo of VC SBBWU Prof. Dr. Safia Ahmed, SRSP CEO Masaud ul Mulk and UNHCR KP Head Kofi Ohenenana Dwomo along with Governor KP Haji Ghulam Ali during 1st International Women Conference on Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, Uniting Women's Voice for a Better World at Local hotel. APP/SYR/TZD/ZID
ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP):Blue Carbon, partnering with the government of Papua New Guinea (PNG), is actively engaged in projects aligning with the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
During COP28 in Dubai, Blue Carbon, a UAE-based environmental asset developer, and PNG marked a significant milestone by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU reflects their dedication to advancing cooperative climate solutions at the conference.
The signing ceremony in Dubai featured Minister Simo Kilepa, responsible for Environment, Conservation, and Climate Change in PNG, along with Josiane Sadaka, Blue Carbon’s CEO.
This notable event witnessed the presence of James Marape, the Prime Minister of PNG, and Sheikh Ahmed Dalmouk Al Maktoum, a distinguished member of the Dubai Royal family and chairman of Blue Carbon.
The updated and refined MoU strengthens the collaboration between Blue Carbon and Papua New Guinea, enabling a more in-depth exploration of projects, especially those associated with the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Th MoU represents a noteworthy achievement in global collaboration, establishing a foundation for bilateral discussions that promote a cooperative approach across diverse sectors of the economy.
This includes the application of best practice methodologies for the removal and reduction of GHG emissions, aligning with the evolving provisions of Article 6.
A significant facet of this initiative involves evaluating Papua New Guinea’s extensive mangrove areas, pivotal for sequestering CO2 and delivering essential services to local communities.
Expanding their capabilities, this broadened scope allows for the creation of mitigation outcomes (MOs), which can be traded as Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs).
It signifies a crucial advancement in achieving National Determined Contributions (NDC) targets and promoting the overarching objectives of the Paris Agreement.
The MoU signing highlighted the commitment of both parties to propel impactful climate action, acknowledging the pressing demand for global collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate.
LAHORE, Dec 04 (APP):National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmad on Monday announced a new policy for housing schemes to check fraud.
Addressing a ceremony in connection with Anti-Corruption Day here, he said that 7 out of 10 people in housing schemes fell victim to fraud, and a new policy was being introduced to protect urban residents from housing scheme frauds.
He disclosed that NAB Lahore crafted this policy and soon, collaborative efforts with the Punjab government would be undertaken to implement it, ensuring protection against fraudulent practices.
While congratulating NAB DG and officers on the successful event in connection with Anti-corruption Day, the NAB chairman said that looted funds were being returned to the rightful owners, adding that it was the mission of the NAB. However, many were still waiting for justice, and significant efforts were required for it, he added. He said that a week-long campaign would be launched against corruption to raise awareness.
The chairman said that corruption was a significant problem and its elimination was crucial. He emphasized collective responsibility for NAB’s success, stating that no single institution could single-handedly eliminate corruption. He affirmed NAB’s unwavering commitment to combat corruption, emphasizing it as his key responsibility.
He urged business individuals to fearlessly contribute to the country’s progress through honest conduct, adding, “We stand with you.”
Concerning the accountability of civil servants, he emphasized that the chief secretary should conduct an investigation and furnish a response. He questioned, “If everyone is apprehensive, how can the country and the economy function?”
