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Govt spending Rs100 mln to advance Balochistan Toposheets’ geological mapping project

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Govt spending Rs100 mln to advance Balochistan Toposheets’ geological mapping project
APP File Photo

ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): The government would utilize funds amounting to Rs100 million, during the current fiscal year, to advance an ongoing project of the Petroleum Division for the geological mapping of 50 Toposheets of ‘outcrop area’ to identify minerals’ potential in Balochistan province.

Last year, an amount of Rs 30 million had been allocated for the project under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP 2021-22).

“Under the project, 50 geological mappings of Toposheets of Outcrop Area, out of 354 unmapped Toposheets of Balochistan, are being carried out. The geological maps provide a bird’s eye view of the surface and (subsurface) distribution of various types of rocks and economic minerals that are found in a particular region,” according to an official document available with APP.

Through the mapping, the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) wanted to maintain a database for future exploration of the occurrences of metallic and non-metallic minerals potential, dimension stones, aggregates and limestone reserves for the industry.

“These maps are essential for all future detailed geological works including, minerals’ exploration, civil engineering, soil surveys, land use, town planning, groundwater, earthquake hazards; environmental geology and soil conservation projects,” the GSP said in the project detail.

Worldwide experience suggests that geological maps of 1:50,000 scale provide the most useful information and meet the basic requirements of the majority of the demands, involving research in ‘stratigraphy’, structure & tectonics, sample collection for laboratory studies, mineral evaluation and identification of promising areas for further exploration of natural resources.

According to the document, the total outcrop area of Balochistan is 335,360 square kilometer (524 Toposheets) out of which 108,800 sq. km (170 Toposheets) have been mapped and published on a 1:50,000 scale and the maps are available.

The promising mineral potential outcrop area would be mapped under this project, following which its gained experience would be used in mapping the rest of the outcrop area.

“This project will help map the outcrop area in detail on 1:50,000 scale and maintain a database for future exploration of the occurrences of metallic and non-metallic mineral potential, dimension stones, aggregates and limestone reserves for the industry in targeted potential areas of Balochistan,” the GSP said in the document.

For the current fiscal year, the GSP has set the target to fill the posts for the project, collect and review of technical data, perform geological mapping of 16 Toposheets, measure 32 ‘stratigraphic’ sections, collect field rock samples, do chemical analysis and petrographic studies besides the digitization of geological maps.

The information collected after geological mapping and laboratory testing of rock samples would generate a database for interpretation to lead the individual occurrences of mineral reserves and other natural resources.

The studies would provide a platform for the exploration of mineral resources by using other geoscientific investigations like geophysical surveys and geochemical studies followed by drilling operations and contribute considerably towards the development of the mineral industry and mining sector.

Railways receive 46 coaches to modernize train operations

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP):Pakistan Railways has received the first batch of around 46 of the total 230 high-speed modern coaches from China which would not only help to modernize the railway operations rather generate enhanced revenue for the department.

“The new coaches will have the capacity to run at a speed of 160 kilometres per hour whereas the current maximum speed limit of trains is about 120 kilometres per hour.

These coaches will significantly improve train service,” an official in the Ministry of Railways told APP on Friday.

The official said that the modern coaches would offer an improved train travel experience in the country to 220 million people, many of whom rely on trains for long journeys.

“The new coaches comprising economy, AC standard and AC parlour classes for passengers and luggage and brake vans reached via ship at the Karachi Port,” he added.

He said that Pakistan Railways would carry out a test run of the new coaches on the Main Line-I (ML-I) starting from Karachi to Peshawar via Rohri, Sukkar, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Lahore and Rawalpindi before beginning the commercial travel.

After receiving 46 completely built units (CBUs) manufactured in China, Pakistan Railways would soon begin manufacturing 184 similar coaches at its carriage factory in Islamabad with the assistance of Chinese engineers under the technology transfer agreement.
To a question, the official said that Pakistan Railways had signed a contract with major Chinese high-speed train manufacturer CRRC Tangshan Co Ltd in August 2021 for 230 modern, high-speed passenger coaches.

He said the passenger trains included 80 economy coaches and 80 air-conditioned standard trains, 30 lounge-type trains and others.
The manufacturing of 184 coaches in the country would be under the technology transfer project as the Chinese firm will provide spare parts, raw materials and expertise for the coaches planned to be manufactured at Pakistan Railways Carriage Factory in Islamabad, he added.

He said Pakistan has signed another similar contract with a Chinese firm to manufacture 800 freight wagons and 20 brake wagons. After receiving 200 modern freight wagons from China, the country would begin manufacturing 620 modern wagons at its Mughalpura workshop and the carriage factory in Risalpur, he added.

The official said that with the new coaches and technology transfer, Pakistan Railways aimed to improve its operation system and the condition of its railway tracks that along with other issues such as poor maintenance, and official negligence led to some of the most fatal railway accidents in the world.

Marriyum grieved over Imran Aslam’s demise

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Delay in departure Maryam due to illness of PML-N worker: Marriyum

ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP):Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of president Jang and Geo Group, Imran Aslam.

In her condolence message, she said she was saddened to hear the news of the journalist’s demise.

Appreciating Imran Aslam’s services for the journalism, she said he had a brilliant journalistic career and will always be remembered.
Marriyum prayed for the rest of the departed soul in eternal peace and grant of courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss with fortitude.

India assumes UNSC’s presidency for December; faces question about decline in democracy

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Pakistan urges additional non-permanent seats in UNSC to ensure regional representation

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 02 (APP):India took over the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council Thursday for December — the month this South Asian country will also complete its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the 15-nation body.

It is the second time India has held the council ‘s presidency, which rotates on a monthly basis in alphabetical order. In August 2021, the then Indian Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti, now retired, misused his powers as president to deny Pakistan, which is not a Council member, its right to participate in a debate on the situation in Afghanistan.

Pakistani Ambassador Munir Akram reacted sharply to the Indian move to block Pakistan, saying, “India’s partisan and obstructionist action is a manifestation of its hatred for Pakistan…”

At a press conference to outline the programme of work for the month, India’s Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said that her country will host “signature events” on countering terrorism and renewed orientation for reformed multilateralism.

She said Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will travel to New York to preside over the debates in mid-December.

In her remarks to reporters, Ms. Kamboj highlighted India’s democratic credential and its role as a “bridge builder” in international affairs, but appeared irritated when a correspondent questioned about the decline in democracy and press freedom under the present government. “We don’t need to be told what to do on democracy,” the Indian envoy retorted.

In India, she added, democracy had roots going back to 2500 years. “Coming down to very recent times, we have all the pillars of democracy that are intact– legislature, executive, judiciary and the fourth estate, the press. And a very vibrant social media. So the country is the world’s largest democracy, Ms. Kamboj claimed.

“Every five years we conduct the world’s largest democratic exercise,” she said.

“Everyone is free to say as they wish and please and that is how our country functions. It’s rapidly reforming, transforming and changing. And the trajectory has been very impressive. And I don’t have to say this, you don’t have to listen to me. Others are saying this,” Ms. Kamboj added.

PM invites Chinese companies to invest in renewable energy

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday invited Chinese companies to invest heavily in renewable energy projects in Pakistan, particularly solar energy.

He was talking to a delegation of China Construction; Third Engineering Bureau headed by Tan Guofu, Vice Chairman of the company.

The Prime Minister appreciated the company’s Vice Chairman Tan Guofu’s commitment to invest more in infrastructure and energy projects in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Sharif said the relations between Pakistan and China have been very exemplary in all areas and mentioned his recent meeting with the company’s president during his visit to China.

He also appreciated the company for its donations to the flood-affected people of Pakistan. Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, Zafaruddin Mehmood and other senior government officials also attended the meeting

Despite resignations, PTI ex-ministers still enjoying perks, PML-N MNA

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP):Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) MNA, President Women Wing Lahore Shaista Pervaiz Malik on Friday said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s ex-ministers are still enjoying perks despite tendering their resignations collectively where individual verification has not taken place, which was an imperative part of the process.

“The coalition government will not believe that U-turn master Imran Khan will stick to his decision of quitting the assemblies, she said while speaking to a Private news channel.

She asked PTI leadership to verify their resignations and present their resignation letters individually to the speaker if they are serious and stick to their words.

MNA said that Khan will have to take a U-turn from his decision to quit the assemblies as the PTI leaders would not be willing to resign from their assembly membership.

Replying to a question, she lashed out that “a greedy person deprived of power” was targeting state institutions, adding, the election would be held in time.

Late Imran Aslam’s services for journalism to be long remembered: PM

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Strengthening of institutions must to eradicate corruption: PM
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-File Photo

ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed deep grief over the death of Imran Aslam, president of Jang and Geo Media Group.

The prime minister prayed for the departed soul of Imran Aslam to rest in peace and for the grant of patience to his family.

He said late Imran Aslam was a renowned figure in the field of journalism. 

Shehbaz Sharif said the services of Imran Aslam for journalism in Pakistan would always be remembered. 

IRSA releases 83,600 cusecs water

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IRSA releases 205,500 cusecs water

ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Friday released 83,600 cusecs of water from various rim stations with an inflow of 47,400 cusecs.

According to the data released by IRSA, the water level in River Indus at Tarbela Dam was 1507.55 feet and was 109.55 feet higher than its dead level of 1,398 feet.

Water inflow in the dam was recorded as 22,300 cusecs while outflow was recorded as 46,000 cusecs.
The water level in River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1135.40 feet, which was 85.40 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water were recorded at 9,500 cusecs and 22,000 cusecs respectively.

The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa, Guddu and Sukkur was recorded at 60,900, 38,800, 31,400 and 12,200 cusecs respectively. Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 9,100 cusecs of water was released at Nowshera, whereas 2,000 cusecs of water was released from River Chenab at Marala.

NBP Exchange Rates

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Foreign exchange rates

KARACHI, Dec 02 (APP):Treasury Management Division of
National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on Friday issued the following
exchange rates.

CURRENCY SYMBOL TT Selling TT Buying
U.S DOLLAR USD 224.20 223.70
EURO EUR 236.40 235.87
JAPANESE YEN JPY 1.6592 1.6555
BRITISH POUND GBP 274.68 274.07
SWISS FRANC CHF 239.15 238.62
CANADIAN DOLLAR CAD 166.82 166.44
AUSTRALIAN DOLAR AUD 152.70 152.36
SWEDISH KRONA SEK 21.85 21.80
NORWEGIAN KRONE NOK 23.05 22.99
DANISH KRONE DKK 31.72 31.65
NEWZEALAND DOLLAR NZD 142.97 142.65
SINGAPORE DOLLAR SGD 165.80 165.43
HONGKONG DOLLAR HKD 28.91 28.85
KOREAN WON KRW 0.1726 0.1722
CHINESE YUAN CNY 31.95 31.88
MALAYSIAN RINGGIT MYR 51.02 50.91
THAI BAHT THB 06.45 06.43
U.E.A DIRHAM AED 61.47 61.34
SAUDI RIYAL SAR 59.71 59.58
QATAR RIYAL QAR 61.59 61.46
KUWAITI DINAR KWD 732.23 730.59

CONVERSION RATE FOR FROZEN FCY DEPOSITS
USD 223.6272
GBP 270.0746
EUR 232.6841
JPY 1.6391

SETTLEMENT DATE: 06-12 2022

Foreign exchange rates

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Exchange Rates

KARACHI, Dec 02 (APP):The Exchange Rates Committee of Financial Markets Association of Pakistan issued the following Exchange rates bulletin, here on Friday.

CONVERSION RATES FOR DECEMBER 02, 2022 FOR FOREIGN CURRENCY FOR FORWARD COVER FOR DEPOSITS (EXCLUDING FE 25 DEPOSITS)

SBP SETTLEMENT VALUE DATE DECEMBER 06, 2022

USD 223.6272
GBP 270.0746
EUR 232.6841
JPY 1.6391