LESCO detects 363 power pilferers in 24 hours

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Tue, 21 Nov 2023, 6:10 PM

LAHORE, Nov 21 (APP): The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has detected a total of 363 connections from where the customers were pilfering electricity in all its circles of five districts (Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur and Okara) on the 74th day of grand anti-power theft campaign.

The LESCO spokesman told media here Tuesday that the company has also submitted FIR applications against 361 electricity thieves, out of which 234 FIRs have been registered in respective police stations, while 21 accused have been arrested.

Grand anti-power theft operations against electricity thieves are being conducted on the directives of the Federal Power Division and the LESCO Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engineer Shahid Haider is supervising these operations.

The LESCO chief vowed that the operations would continue without discrimination until the complete end of electricity theft. The electricity pilferers as well as the LESCO officers and employees who facilitate them are also being brought to justice.

On the 74th consecutive day (Nov. 21) of the anti-power theft campaign, the spokesman added, large commercial consumers were also found involved in electricity theft and all of them were also disconnected and charged with detection units.

Among the seized connections 11 were commercial, 03 agricultural, 02 industrial and 347 domestic, and all these connections were disconnected and charged with a total of 402,088 units as detection bill amounting to Rs 15.864 million.

Apprising the media about some major power pilferers, he explained that LESCO charged Rs 300,000 detection bill against 5,000 units to an electricity pilferer in Johar Town Lahore; Rs 200,000 fine in the form of detection bill against 2,000 units to a customer stealing electricity in Shafi Park area of Ferozwala; Rs 198,750 detection bill against 2,215 units to another power thief in Manga Mandi; and Rs 185,000 detection bill to a power thief in Race Course area of Lahore.

During the 74 days of grand anti-theft campaign, the spokesman mentioned, the LESCO detected pilferage on 28,481 power connections and submitted 28,128 FIR applications against electricity thieves in the relevant police stations out of which 27,174 FIRs have been registered, while 13,144 accused have so far been arrested by the police. The LESCO has so far charged a total of 50,831,215 detection units worth Rs 2,069,014,694 to all the power pilferers.

Algeria keen to promote trade, economic ties with Pakistan: envoy

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Zaka Ullah Ch

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Tue, 21 Nov 2023, 6:02 PM

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SIALKOT, Nov 21 (APP): Ambassador of Algeria in Pakistan Dr. Brahim Romani has said that his country was keen to promote trade and economic ties with Pakistan as Pakistan was a huge market for business relations.

He stated this during an important meeting with the Sialkot business community at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here today.

SCCI President Abdul Ghafoor Malik, SVP Wahub Jahangir, VP Amer Majeed Sheikh and business people were also present on the occasion.

The ambassador urged Sialkot exporters to come forward and tap and explore the untapped international trade markets of Algeria to promote bilateral trade between Algeria and Pakistan.

He said that Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Algeria and both countries enjoyed good relations. He said that the ties between Algeria and Pakistan spanned over several decades as they had flourished with the passage of time.

“However, it is the need of the hour that both countries focus on improving trade and economic relations to achieve more beneficial results for their economies,” he added.

He said that Algeria is very keen to establish stronger business-to-business contacts between the two countries besides strengthening bilateral trade relations. “Pakistan has great potential to enhance trade relations with the African region and its close cooperation with Algeria would help it increase its outreach to Africa.”

He said that an international trade fair was held in Algeria in June 2023 and Pakistani companies participated in it to improve business linkages with Algerian counterparts and explore new avenues of trade promotion with Algeria. He assured that his embassy would facilitate Pakistani entrepreneurs in visas for visiting Algeria to explore business opportunities.

Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Abdul Ghafoor Malik said that Sialkot had promoted an SME culture and was an ideal hub for business partnerships and collaborations in various industries.

“Our city’s export industry proudly crafts top-notch products, including but not limited to surgical instruments, sports gear, leather products, gloves, safety equipment, musical instruments, and cutlery, to military uniforms. I mention with a great sense of satisfaction that new product lines are added to the Sialkot export sector while the conventional are upgraded and modernized in line with top international standards.

Not only have we excelled in business, but our commitment to social development and people’s welfare is exceptional. We’ve undertaken many mega projects that have positively impacted our society. These pioneering initiatives include the establishment of Sialkot International Airport, the Sialkot Dry Port Trust, the Sialkot City Development Program, the Sialkot Export Processing Zone, the Sialkot Business & Commerce Centre, the Sialkot Tannery Zone, Child Social Development Organization and AIRSIAL. A project of Sialkot Medical City is also shapping up,” he added.

The SCCI president said, “I wish to stress how crucial it is to further build upon the existing friendship and untap the potential of trade that exists between the two countries by promoting economic and people-to-people linkages.

” Malik said that as per the data made available by the State Bank of Pakistan, the total bilateral trade of goods and services between the two countries in the financial year July 2022 to June 2023 was just around $11.7 million. “We believe that bilateral trade has immense potential for growth considering the fact that Algeria is a huge import market of $35.91 billion as per UN COMTRADE,” he added.

Pakistan secures two-year extension in MMPA exemption period

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NNPS Desk

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Tue, 21 Nov 2023, 5:53 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (APP): Pakistan attained a remarkable global milestone as the Department of Commerce and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) grant a prestigious two-year extension to the exemption period, distinguishing the nation among a select few out of 130 countries.

This significant extension, as outlined in a Federal Register Notice, extended the deadline for comparability findings for commercial fishing operations exporting fish and fish products to the U.S. to December 31, 2025, said a news release issued here on Tuesday.

This extension represents a notable revision to the regulations implementing the import provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), initially introduced in 2016.

The regulations initially granted foreign nations a five-year exemption period to develop regulatory programs addressing marine mammal bycatch comparable to U.S. standards. Originally set to conclude on December 31, 2023, this exemption period has now been extended.

NMFS, entrusted with evaluating each nation’s regulatory programs, acknowledges the complexity of assessing the incidental and intentional mortality and serious injury of marine mammals in fisheries exporting to the U.S. The Department of Commerce and NMFS, in a strategic move, have determined that additional time is necessary to ensure fair and consistent comparability determinations across harvesting nations.

This achievement is not just about securing an extension; it’s a testament to country’s commitment to aligning its fishing practices with the highest international standards. The extension underscored Pakistan’s dedication in upholding the objectives of the Marine Mammal Protection Act while navigating the practical challenges of evaluating regulatory programs in foreign countries.

Moreover, this also sets a powerful precedent for other nations to follow suit, demonstrating Pakistan’s leadership in sustainable marine resource management.

Pakistan to host DCO’s Digital Investment summit next year: Minister

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NNPS Desk

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Tue, 21 Nov 2023, 5:45 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Dr. Umar Saif Tuesday said that Pakistan will host the Digital Cooperation Organization’s (DCO) first-ever summit on Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) early next year.

This announcement was made during a virtual meeting with the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, where strategic initiatives for the expansion of Pakistani IT companies in DCO member states were also discussed.

Dr. Umar Saif talked about Pakistan’s robust relations with all DCO member countries and unveiled an innovative approach to facilitate digital businesses through the introduction of the DCO digital passport.

This passport, he described as a one-stop-shop, aims to streamline the process for Pakistani companies looking to expand into markets, starting with Saudi Arabia.

The minister underscored the pivotal role of DCO in enhancing the investor network for the upcoming Pakistan Startup Fund, a move set to elevate the startup ecosystem in the country.

DCO member states included Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Nigeria, Oman, and Jordan.

Meanwhile, Dr. Umar Saif chaired a crucial meeting to finalize a strategic plan with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) aimed at elevating the quality of Computer Science students in universities and ensuring their seamless placement in the IT industry.

During this meeting, it was decided that HEC, in collaboration with PASHA, PSEB, and the National Computing Education Accreditation Council, would conduct a standardized test to assess and ensure the quality of IT students in their final semester.

The initiative included an industry co-opt program, providing students with 6-9 credit units for hands-on experience in the IT industry before graduation.

PASHA will collaborate with the industry to ensure the placement of qualified students in IT companies, fostering job opportunities in alignment with industry needs.

Planning minister, Chinese envoy discuss progress on CPEC

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NNPS Desk

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Tue, 21 Nov 2023, 5:45 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (APP): Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong called on Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Muhammad Sami Saeed here on Tuesday and discussed progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

During the meeting, the minister felicitated the Chinese leadership for the successful holding of the 3rd Belt and Road (BRI) Forum-2023 last month and appreciated the Vision of President Xi Jinping who identified eight areas of cooperation, a news release said.

The Secretary Ministry of Planning and the CPEC Project Director also attended the meeting, which “discussed progress on the ongoing CPEC projects and future outlook”.

The two sides reiterated the resolve to further strengthen relations between the two countries.

The Planning Minister said President Xi’s Vision would have a strong impact on the implementation of phase–II of the CPEC and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to accelerate the implementation of the projects.

It is noted that the second Phase of CPEC has already started as both countries have been celebrating the decade of CPEC.

Highlighting the ongoing development projects under CPEC, particularly after the successful BRI forum, the minister informed the envoy that the Planning Ministry frequently reviewed the progress in order to ensure their timely completion.

Sami Saeed highlighted the significance of ML-1 and Karachi Curricular Railways (KCR) projects, considered to be ‘strategic interventions.

He also emphasized the importance of new areas like Science & Technology, Agriculture and Mining. “These areas will have a great economic impact,” he added.

While highlighting the significance of Gwadar, both sides highlighted key interventions to transform the socio-economy of the city through a high-quality vocational training institution, desalination plant and state of the art hospital.

The minister said all the ongoing projects were progressing well.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to implement CPEC as it had achieved fruitful outcomes covering major areas like infrastructure, energy and others.

He appreciated the efforts of the Planning Ministry which not only played a vital role in the implementation of CPEC but also made significant contributions to promoting Pakistan’s economic and social development, upgrading infrastructure, improving Pakistani people’s well-being, enhancing people-to-people contacts and deepening regional connectivity.

Both sides agreed to follow up the CPEC progress and mutually identify new areas of cooperation in the light of President Xi’s Vision.

14th NBP T20 Blind Cricket Trophy from Wednesday

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NNPS Desk

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Tue, 21 Nov 2023, 5:21 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (APP): The 14th edition of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) T20 Blind Cricket Trophy (Grade-2) will roll into action from Wednesday in Faisalabad.

The top eight teams will be competing for the prime title, the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) said in a press release on Tuesday.

The teams have been divided into two following pools.
Abbottabad, Attock, Faisalabad, and Sheikopura are part of group A, while Karachi, Quetta, Sargodha, and Gilgit-Baltistan form group B.

The tournament matches will be played at Bohranwali Cricket Ground Faisalabad and Cricket High-Performance Centre Chak No. 8 Faisalabad.

The semifinals and the final of the five-day event will be played on the 25th and 26th of November 2023 at the Bohranwali Cricket Ground Faisalabad.