CHINIOT: November 23 –
Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Asif Raza in a group photo with students during Annual Sports Gala 2023 organized by District Education Department at Hockey Stadium.
CHINIOT: November 23 –
SAPM, Jawad Sohrab Malik meets Ahmad Al-Yamani, CEO Takamol.
RIYADH: November 23 –
A herd of dear at Zoo near Faisal Mosque in Federal Capital.
ISLAMABAD: November 23 –
ECP declares PTI intra-party polls lacked transparency, calls re-election within 20 days
ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ruled on Thursday, that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intra-party polls lacked transparency, directing the party to conduct new elections if it wanted to keep its “bat” symbol.
A four-member bench, headed by Nisar Ahmed Durrani and comprising Shah Mohammad Jatoi, Babar Hussain Bharwana, and Justice (Retd) Ikramullah Khan, issued a reserved judgment instructing PTI to conduct new elections within 20 days. This verdict was declared on Thursday.
In the ruling, the ECP stated that PTI failed to conduct unbiased intra-party elections effectively, pointing to objections and controversy associated with the polls.
The commission has instructed PTI to conduct new elections within 20 days.
In the ruling, the ECP mentioned that PTI did not successfully organize impartial intra-party elections, noting objections and controversy surrounding the polls.
The verdict declared, “PTI’s intra-party elections are unacceptable,” instructing the party to conduct polls and submit the records within seven days.
The verdict further warned, “If the ECP does not conduct elections within 20 days, it will face severe consequences. Failure to hold intra-party elections will render PTI ineligible to secure an election symbol,” according to the ruling.
Notices were issued by the ECP to PTI on August 2 for failing to conduct intra-party polls, and the verdict on this matter was reserved on September 13.
Thursday’s ruling poses a concern for PTI, given that a significant portion of its leadership, including Chairman Imran Khan, his deputy Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and party president Pervaiz Elahi, are either in jail or have left the party amid the crackdown initiated against them following the May 9 riots.
Barrister Gohar, the legal counsel for PTI, stated that the party intended to contest the ECP verdict in the proper legal forum.
Students carrying Palestinian flags, banners and placards as they hold pro-Palestinian demonstration to show solidarity with Palestinians outside Faisal Mosque.
ISLAMABAD: November 23 –
ISLAMABAD: November 23 –
APP03-231123
ISLAMABAD: November 23 –
Pakistan to continue political, moral support to Kashmiris till resolution of J&K issue: PM
ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Thursday said Pakistan would continue to extend political, moral, and diplomatic support to its Kashmiri brethren till the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
PM Kakar stated this as Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq called on him here at the PM House.
The prime minister vowed support for Kashmiris till the implementation of the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
The AJK prime minister extended an invitation to PM Kakar to visit Azad Jammu and Kashmir and thanked him for addressing the issues pertaining to energy, water resources, and infrastructure.
Chief Secretary AJK Dawood Muhammad Bareach was also present.
Pakistan can earn Rs, 150 bln annually in export of meat, dairy products: Qadir
QUETTA, Nov 23 (APP): Chairman Standing Committee for Petroleum and Resources Senator Muhammad Abdul Qadir on Thursday said that Pakistan could earn foreign exchange of 150 billion rupees annually from the export of meat and dairy products.
Talking to APP, he said that more than 100 billion rupees are earned from halal meat and dairy products, while there are opportunities to get more than 50 billion rupees from the export of live sacrificial animals to Saudi Arabia.
There are big markets available for Pakistan in the USA, UK, and China. The size of the global market for halal food is more than 3 thousand billion dollars in which Pakistan’s share is less than one percent.
“No Islamic country including Pakistan is in the top five exporters of halal meat, although halal meat is mostly found in Islamic countries”, he added.
He said that Saudi Arabia is first, Malaysia is second, the United Arab Emirates is third, Indonesia is fourth among the countries that import halal meat and Egypt is in fifth place among the countries that export halal meat to Islamic countries.
The Chairman Standing Committee further said that the world’s high-quality livestock and dairy products are available in Pakistan in order to earn more foreign exchange it should give immediate and special attention to the sector and the global market.
Pakistan can become the first country to export these products and halal meat, he said adding that it has to take immediate and effective measures at the micro level to promote exports of halal meat and dairy products.
PM for national-level disaster management strategy with teamwork of NDMA & PDMAs
ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Thursday asked the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to collaborate with provincial disaster management bodies in order to formulate a national-level strategy.
During his visit to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), the prime minister PM Kakar lauded the measures taken by NDMA and NEOC in coping with natural disasters. However, he also stressed steps to enhance the capacity of Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs).
The prime minister emphasized benefiting from the research of foreign and Pakistani experts on climate change and the ways to reduce its disastrous effects.
The prime minister, who is due to participate in the 28th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP-28) in the United Arab Emirates on December 1-2, said Pakistan would update the world about its experiences in the wake of climate change.
Chairman (NDMA) Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik briefed the prime minister about the national strategy for disaster management. Federal Ministers Jalil Abbas Jilani and Shahmshad Akhtar attended the meeting.
The meeting was told that NDMA had formulated a strategy for coping with disaster management, making a two-month advance forecast, and minimizing the losses.
It was highlighted that Pakistan was among the countries that were facing the consequences of climate change in the shape of glacier melting, floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF), avalanches, landslides, and forest fires.
The meeting was apprised about the tools used by NDMA including mobile disaster vehicles and satellite monitoring to assess the high-risk areas. With a coordinated approach, the data collected is shared with the provincial and local administration.
Shahzad highlights foreign investment as key to Pakistan economic growth
ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 (APP): Chairman Pakistan Hitech Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA) Shahzad Ali Malik on Thursday said the strategic focus on attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) held the promise of sustainable, long-term economic growth for Pakistan.
Talking to a delegation of leading industrialists and entrepreneurs, he said it was an investment for our future that went beyond immediate financial gains, creating a foundation for prosperity and resilience, said a news release here.
He said the benefits of FDI extended beyond the financial realm. It signified a vote of confidence from the international community, showcasing Pakistan as an attractive destination for business and investment, he added.
He said this positive image not only attracted more foreign capital but also fostered partnerships that went beyond mere financial transactions.
It established a collaborative environment that could lead to the transfer of skills, technology, and best practices to accelerate the nation’s development, he added.
FDI encouraged economic diversification, a key component of sustainable growth, he said, adding by attracting investments across various sectors, reduced the country’s reliance on a narrow range of industries, mitigating the impact of global economic fluctuations.
He said this diversification enhanced the resilience of the economy, providing a buffer against unforeseen challenges.
Shahzad Ali Malik pointed out that loans provided immediate financial relief, adding they often come with the burden of repayment, including hefty interest rates.
This cycle of debt could stifle economic progress, diverting substantial portions of the budget towards servicing loans rather than investing in crucial development initiatives. In contrast, attracting FDI brought about a more enduring solution,he added.
He said Foreign investors, drawn by the potential for profit, contribute not only capital but also valuable expertise, technology, and management practices.
This influx can catalyze the growth of local industries, fostering innovation and creating a ripple effect of job opportunities throughout the economy.
Amnesty Int’l urged to advocate for release of Yasin Malik from Indian jail
MIRPUR ( AJK) November 23 (APP): Amnesty International, a global human rights organization, has confirmed receiving an appeal for the early release of illustrious Kashmiri politician and Chairman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Yaseen Malik from continual detention, currently languishing in an Indian infamous jail.
In response to his appeal, Amnesty International has been urged to intervene immediately and advocate for his release to facilitate constructive dialogue and establish lasting peace in the internationally acknowledged disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir.
US-based Raja Muzaffar, Acting Chairman of JKLF and Director Board of South Asia Democracy Watch USA, while lodging an appeal to AI, expressed deep concern over the prolonged detention of Yasin Malik in a message reaching and released to the media here Thursday.
Recognizing Amnesty International’s steadfast commitment to promoting justice, protecting human rights, and advocating for prisoners of conscience, Muzaffar believed that the organization was well-positioned to address Malik’s case.
Yasin Malik, a prominent figure in Kashmiri politics, has been detained for an extended period, casting a shadow over the region’s prospects for peace and stability. His release is seen as a crucial step towards initiating a constructive dialogue and fostering a peaceful environment in Jammu and Kashmir.
“As a leading global human rights organization, Amnesty International has consistently demonstrated its dedication to championing justice and advocating for prisoners of conscience worldwide. By taking up Yasin Malik’s case, Amnesty International has an opportunity to significantly contribute to the promotion of human rights and the establishment of lasting peace in the region”, Muzaffar said.
Raja Muzaffar emphasized the need for Amnesty International to use its influence and resources to bring attention to Yasin Malik’s plight and actively advocate for his immediate release. By doing so, Amnesty International can play a vital role in facilitating dialogue, fostering peace, and upholding the principles of justice in Jammu and Kashmir, he added.