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Only realistic, mission-oriented training in peacetime can guarantee excellence on battlefield: COAS

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RAWALPINDI, Nov 21 (APP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday while interacting with the troops participating in the exercise said only realistic, mission-oriented training in peacetime could guarantee excellence on the battlefield should the need arise.

The Army Chief visited Corps Level Collective Training exercise of Strike Corp aimed at validating offensive operational concepts, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said.

He witnessed an impressive display of complex manoeuvres undertaken, led by Armoured formation equipped with state of the art VT-4 tanks.

The COAS met the troops participating in the exercise and commended their verve, operational efficiency and professionalism.

The Army Chief highlighted the importance of combat readiness and mental agility to respond to multi-spectral threat paradigm.

He dilated upon the significance of achieving synergy among various arms in view of rapidly changing threat environment. He also appreciated the proficiency gained in night operations.

Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Commander Mangla Corps.

Three terrorists killed in separate IBOs; soldier embraces martyrdom in IED blast

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ISPR

RAWALPINDI, Nov 21 (APP): Three terrorists have been killed during two separate Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) conducted to eliminate inimical elements in the areas of Dera Ismail Khan and South Waziristan whereas a soldier of Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom after an improvised explosive device went off in the area of North Waziristan.

Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday that an IBO was conducted in general area Kulachi of Dera Ismail Khan District on November 20 and after intense exchange of fire, two terrorists were sent to hell.

In a separate operation conducted in general area Kot Azam, South Waziristan District, one more terrorist was killed.

The forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from all three killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces as well as the innocent civilians.

In another incident that occurred in general area Gharyoum, North Waziristan District, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded and resultantly, Sepoy Shahzeb, 26, resident of Rawalpindi district embraced Shahadat (martyrdom).

“The sanitization operations are being carried out to eliminate terrorists present in the area as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,’ the ISPR said.

President for enhanced economic, cultural cooperation with Bulgaria

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (APP): President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday called for increasing economic, trade, and cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Bulgaria.

He said Pakistan greatly valued its ties with Bulgaria and wished to strengthen them in all fields of mutual interest.

The President expressed these views while talking to Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Bulgaria, Modasar Chaudhry, here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

President Alvi underscored the need for the exchange of political and business delegations to further improve bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Bulgaria. He asked the newly-appointed envoy to work on establishing institutional linkages between the chambers of commerce of the two countries to enhance economic relations.

The President also emphasized the need to improve relations in the education sector by developing collaborations between Pakistani and Bulgarian universities and arranging exchanges of faculty and students.

 

Plight of animals in zoos cause concern

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ASMP
MULTAN, Nov 21 (APP): President of Animals Save Movement Pakistan (ASMP), a global network of activist groups Tuesday expressed concern over plight of animals in zoos across the country.
Talking to APP here , he underlined the zoos were being run by inept management that led to raise question of survival of the sensitive creatures.
He said the death toll of zoo residents was increasing due to inadequate treatment followed by poor nutrition for the animals. It could be proved with the example that Madhubala, the famous female elephant at the Karachi Zoo was on the verge of dying due to starvation and neglect.
He said the ASMP had high concern and called for the government of Sindh to intervene immediately to hold reforms in zoos for welfare of these creatures.
Infect, there is an immediate need for better treatment and nutrition for animals & birds in all zoos of Pakistan, he added.
Referring ‘poor condition of zoo of Dera Ghazi Khan’ as well, Khalid Mahmood appealed to the authority concerned to take immediate action to address the situation.
The potential loss of such a magnificent creature serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic changes in the management and monitoring of Pakistan’s zoos, he maintained.
He urged  the government to prioritize creation of natural environments that supported the physical and psychological well-being of animals to overcome such crisis.
He said the welfare of animals and birds in Pakistan’s zoos was not only a moral concern but a reflection of the nation’s commitment to compassion and responsibility.

No peace without settlement of Jammu & Kashmir issue: PM

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RISALPUR, Nov 21 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday said peace in the region could not be guaranteed till the resolution of the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir between Pakistan and India.

“Let me make it clear that there can be no peace without the settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue,” he said in his address at the graduation ceremony of the officers here at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Academy Asghar Khan.

PM Kakar said Pakistan was a peace-loving nation and wished to maintain friendly relations with all countries, especially its neighbours.

He, however, categorically stated that the country’s desire for peace “must not be understood as weakness”.

No peace without settlement of Jammu & Kashmir issue: PM

The prime minister strongly condemned the ongoing grave human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan, he said, would not indulge in any arm race but would continue to enhance its capabitlity in line with evolving technology to deter any aggression.

The prime minister highlighted that the rapidly changing geo-strategic environment had a profound impact on Pakistan and rest of the region.

“Therefore, the situation demands advancements in space networks, cyber technology, nano technology and artificial intelligence,” he said.

No peace without settlement of Jammu & Kashmir issue: PM

He expressed satisfaction that PAF modernized itself though smart induction of cutting-edge niche technology and achieved great progress in cyber space and non-contact warfare through indigenous means.

PM Kakar termed the armed forces of Pakistan as professionally competent and well-trained to cope with all internal and external challenges.

“The nation holds our armed forces in high esteem for the sacrifices they rendered for national defence and for their contribution towards nation-building,” he said.

He mentioned that the country’s brave armed forces always showed great courage during testing times to keep the national flag high.

“I assure you that as a nation we have surmounted challenges in the past and Insha’Allah, we will do so in future and make the country prosperous,” he said.

No peace without settlement of Jammu & Kashmir issue: PM

The prime minister congratulated the cadets graduated from the colleges of flying training and aeronautical engineering and expressed confidence that they would give their best professional performance with commitment and diligence.

“Being the custodians of the PAF, you carry the hopes of this nation and must work hard to keep abreast with modern technology and trends related to modern warfare,” he told the graduates.

A total of 131 Aviation Cadets,  08 Gentleman Cadets and 03 Naval Cadets graduated during the ceremony. The prime minister awarded Branch insignias and trophies to the distinction holders.

Earlier, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu received the prime minister on the venue. Bugles were blown when PM Kakar as chief guest of the ceremony entered the arena. The prime minister onboard a PAF jeep inspected the formation of the smartly turned out contingents of the PAF falcons.

The prime minister awarded the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Banner to the Champions No. 3 Squadron on its consistently best performance in all semesters. He also pinned badges on the professionally distinguished graduating cadets.

The Chief of the Air Staff trophies for best performance were given to Muhammad Moosa Jawad (best pilot), Muhammad Ali Gohar (general aviation), Sajid Sikandar Abbas (air defence), Syed Saad Ali (combat support) and Sohaib Saeed (aeronautical engineering).

The Swords of Honour were awarded to Aviation Cadets Ahmed Malik (flying) and Sohaib Saeed (engineering).

The prime minister witnessed the PAF Academy Aerobatics team “Bravehearts” presenting a spirit pass over the parade venue. Afterwards, a thrilling formation flying display by PAF Mirage, F-7PG, JF-17 and J-10C fighter jets captivated the spectators by showcasing PAF’s professional prowess.

Chinese premier to attend the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit

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Mao Ning
ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (APP):Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Tuesday.
Premier Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will attend the summit at the invitation of the government of the Republic of India.

Cars’ sale drops 47% during Jul-Oct

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (APP): The sale of cars during the first four months of the current financial year 2023-24 has dropped by 47.4 per cent as compared to the same months of last year, a recent data released by Pakistan Automobile Manufacturing Association (PAMA) said.

According to the data, as many as 20,871 cars were sold during the months under review as opposed to 39,700 units in the same months of last year.

The breakup figures showed that 2,239 units of Honda Civic and City were sold during July-October 2023-24 as compared to the sale of 6,416 units during July-October 2022-23.

Toyota Corolla and Yaris car sales also declined by 51 per cent as it went down to 4,032 units from 8,253 units in the previous year.

Suzuki Swift’s sales also decreased by 55 per cent as its sales went down to 1,576 units from 3,466 units last year.

Sale of Suzuki Cultus declined to 1,142 units during the first four months of the current year, whereas during the same months last year, the sale was recorded at 2,952 units while the sale of Suzuki WagonR also decreased to 1,160 units from 2,181 units last year.

Suzuki Alto’s sales also witnessed a sharp decline of 30 per cent from 13,464 units to 9,362 units during the current year, whereas the sales of Suzuki Bolan decreased to 684 units as opposed to sales of 1,469 units in the same month of last year.

3rd China-Pak non-wood forest S&T exchange conference to be held this month

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China-Pakistan

BEIJING, Nov 21 (APP): The third Science and Technology Exchange Conference on China-Pakistan Tropical Arid Non-Wood Forest will be held from October 26 to 28 in Zhengzhou, China, and Gwadar, Pakistan.

The conference will take place both online and offline simultaneously.

The event is hosted by the Chinese Society of Forestry (CSF) and Central South University of Forestry and Technology, and organized by Henan Agricultural University, Henan Forestry Society, Economic Forest Branch of CSF, China Overseas Port Holding Company and Yulin Holdings.

With a focus on medicinal woody plants and their active substances, the organizers will invite experts from both China and Pakistan to discuss the advancements made in improving the efficiency of the non-wood forest industry in arid areas.

The conference will specifically highlight the extraction and utilization of these plants and their active substances in arid regions.

The science and technology exchange conference also seeks to facilitate the improvement of the ecological environment and people’s livelihoods in Pakistan’s tropical arid areas.

At the same time, its research results will also contribute to the Chinese market and help address the shortage of non-wood forest products in China.

Education sector totally ignored in past: Senate told

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Madad Ali Sindhi

ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (APP): Caretaker Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi on Tuesday apprised the Senate that the education sector was ignored in the past and many private universities were allowed to operate in various parts of the country.

Replying to various supplementary questions during Question Hour, he said that even some universities were set up in few rooms. The chairman Higher Education Commission has been tasked to improve the standard and quality of education, he said.

To a question, the minister said Ms Lubna Said, an officer of the Pakistan Administrative Services serving in BPS–19 was appointed on the vacant post of Deputy Permanent Delegate of Pakistan to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris.

The officer has earned academic degrees in MSc in the discipline of International Relations from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad and Maters degree in Business Administration in Financial Management from the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi.

He said the vacancy announcement of the post of Deputy Permanent Delegate of Pakistan to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris was advertised in the national dailies on 10th March, 2023.

The then prime minister appointed Lubna Said from a panel of three candidates, he added.

To another question, he said that in pursuance to Section 4(c) and 5(b) of ICT – PEIRA Act No. XI of 2013, ICT-PEIRA has been empowered to regulate and fix the fees of private schools in Islamabad.

However, the enabling Rules of Private Educational Institutions (Registration and Fee Determination) Rules, 2016 for fee fixation and determination i.e. Rule 36 and Rule 37 and mechanism defined as criteria and financial model as set out in Schedule-V and Fee increase proposal (FIP) are struck down by Honorable Islamabad High Court (IHC), he said.

He said in this regard, ICA has been filed and still not decided. The ICA is fixed for a hearing on November 11, 2023.

He said In pursuance of the Judgement of IHC, ICT-PEIRA has formulated and issued a Fee Determination Policy for PEIs in ICT, while seeking a benchmark guideline from the Judgements of the August Supreme Court of Pakistan and Islamabad High Court.

However, the said policy has also been challenged by private schools in the IHC and the matter is subjudice with the directions that no coercive measure shall be adopted, according to the policy impugned, he said.

Caretaker setups responsible for conducting elections: KP Governor

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PESHAWAR, Nov 21 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Ghulam Ali on Tuesday said that after the announcement of the elections’ date by the Election Commissions of Pakistan (ECP) the caretaker governments are responsible for making arrangements for conducting the general elections for the continuation and strengthening of the democratic process in the country.
Addressing the business community at Nowshera Chamber of Commerce in district Nowshera, he said that it was the responsibility of provincial governments and law enforcement agencies to ensure the maintenance of law and order for peaceful and transparent conduct of the elections.
Referring to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s address to the workers, the Governor said that every political party has their own agenda and ideology, adding that being chairman of a leading political party, Bilawal has full authority to give his opinion and stance, however, he requested that rumors should not be spread related to holding of the general elections.
Regarding repatriation of the Afghan refugees, the Governor said that it was the decision of the state must be accepted by everyone, adding that Pakistan and Afghanistan are two Islamic brotherhood countries and Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for more than forty years.
He said that since peace has restored in Afghanistan now, therefore the refugees should go back to their country.
Earlier, the Governor appreciated the Nowshera business community and said it would not be wrong if Peshawar and Nowshera are called “business hub” in the districts of the province.
He said if the country is to be lifted out of difficulties, the business community must be given full support.
The Governor inaugurated e-bill NADRA desk at Nowshera Chamber of Commerce.