ISLAMABAD
Dr. Nadeem Jan, Federal Health Minister inaugurates the Environment Friendly Incinerator at Community Health Center, Kirpa
ISLAMABAD
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Human Rights and Women Empowerment Ms. Mushaal Hussein Mullick talking to media during a protest against India
ISLAMABAD
PSL 9 to be played locally in February-March
LAHORE, Sep 25 (APP):The Governing Council of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has decided a window between February 8 and March 24 next year for the 9th edition of the marquee event.
In a meeting with Zaka Ashraf, Chairman, PCB Management Committee in the chair at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) here on Monday, it was decided to hold PSL 9 in Pakistan to which a final decision will be taken in the next meeting. However, the PCB will explore alternative venues abroad as a contingency plan on view of the upcoming general elections in the country.
In other key decisions, the general council decided against adding a new team to the upcoming 9th edition and play the new season with the same six teams.
The PCB reiterated its support of women’s cricket and continue to explore opportunities for women’s league or exhibition matches during HBL PSL.
A detailed discussion with respect to the organisation of the HBL PSL 9 including the digital, media rights and other commercial assets tender process took place.
A report of the previous edition of HBL PSL was presented in the meeting and the franchisees’ representatives were briefed on the success of the eighth edition. Franchises appreciated the effort of PCB, government agencies, and all stakeholders who helped in the delivery of the event at four venues.
The former owner of Franchise Multan Sultans was remembered for his services to Pakistan cricket while Fateha was offered for the departed soul. “He was known for this dedication, passion, and remarkable contributions to cricket and will be missed,” Zaka Ashraf said in the meeting.
Transfer agreement signing of Ex-TARIQ TO FOCI, UK held in London
ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):The Transfer Agreement Signing Ceremony for the ex-Pakistan Navy Ship TARIQ to Falls of Clyde International (FOCI), UK took place at the Pakistan High Commission in London on Monday.
This ship, formerly decommissioned by the Pakistan Navy on August 4, 2023, has been donated by the Government of Pakistan to FOCI for conversion into a floating museum.
It will be displayed at the Clyde Maritime Heritage Center in Glasgow, symbolizing the common naval heritage shared by the Royal Navy and the Pakistan Navy, according to a press release received here.
The Transfer Agreement Signing Ceremony was witnessed by Chief of the Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi Nishan-e-Imtiaz (military) and Sitara-e-Basalat, as the Chief Guest, and Admiral Lord Alan West who was the Guest of Honour at the event. Besides, the ceremony was attended by David O’Neill, Director of FOCI, veterans from the Royal Navy, and representatives of the Pakistani community in the UK.
During his address to the audience, Chief of Naval Staff expressed confidence that the donation of TARIQ to FOCI would further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the UK and Pakistan, with the ship continuing to symbolize the shared maritime history of our respective navies in the years ahead.
Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Lord Alan West said “The close relationship between the Navies and Nations of Pakistan and the UK are clearly shown by this historic agreement focused on one ship that fought and represented each country over many years.”
The history of ex-PNS TARIQ is noteworthy, having served in the Royal Navy as HMS AMBUSCADE for 18 years, including during the Falklands War, before being integrated into the Pakistan Navy as PNS TARIQ in 1993.
Over the course of more than three decades in the Pakistan Navy, the ship earned a reputation for its versatility, agility, and readiness in combat. Notably, it played a crucial role in a Search and Rescue mission during the 2005 Indian Ocean Tsunami in the Maldives, saving the lives of 377 tourists from various nationalities.
Senate chairman extends heartfelt felicitations to Saudi Arabia on its National Day
ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP): Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani on Monday attended the National Day celebrations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and conveyed warm regards and best wishes on behalf of the Senate and the people of Pakistan to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Royal Family, and Saudi nation.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, he expressed his gratitude to Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, for extending the invitation and commended the progressive portrayal of Saudi Arabia on the event’s invitation card, highlighting its holistic development and inclusive vision. He emphasized the enduring and multifaceted bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, founded on shared values, faith, and aspirations. He acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s significant support during challenging times and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to reciprocate in diplomatic and security matters, highlighting recent high-level military engagements.
Sanjrani remarked that the partnership was fortified by an unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability, underlining both nations’ readiness to support each other in diplomatic and security matters. He lauded Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote regional harmony through diplomacy, dialogue, and mutual respect. He expressed confidence that these initiatives would open doors to mutually beneficial opportunities for trade, cultural exchanges, shared initiatives, and collaborative endeavours, contributing to global progress. He underscored the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, and mutual respect in building a foundation for lasting peace and regional prosperity.
The Senate chairman said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision, epitomized by the Neom City project and initiatives like the Misk, showcases a holistic approach to modern society while remaining grounded in Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage. Highlighting the close ties between Chagai and Saudi dignitaries, he looked forward to further collaboration with Ma’aden, a rapidly growing Saudi mining company, for mutual development and prosperity in mineral-rich areas. He also emphasized the importance of youth engagement and joint ventures in education, research, technology and innovation as avenues to deepen cooperation between the two nations.
In conclusion, Chairman Sanjrani reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support, admiration, and warm wishes to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, pledging to continue fostering this enduring friendship and brotherhood.
Earlier, Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, welcoming all the distinguished guests, shed light on the significance of National Day in the lives of the Kingdom’s people.
He was of the view that under the wise leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and the dynamic vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia had emerged as a beacon of progress and prosperity. He said their commitment to economic diversification, social reform, and global engagement had charted an inspiring path towards a brighter future.
Ambassador Al-Malki said it was a day to celebrate the Kingdom’s significant contributions to regional stability, technological advancement, and cultural preservation. “The wise leadership’s unwavering dedication to diplomacy, science, and innovation has not only transformed Saudi Arabia but has also resonated on the global stage,” he maintained.
Appreciating the historical ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Al-Malki said the diplomatic relations between the two countries were nothing but sincere Islamic brotherhood and pure love for each other.
On this auspicious occasion, besides giving a standing ovation on the national anthems of the two countries, a cake-cutting ceremony was also witnessed by a large number of people from all walks of life including politicians, bureaucrats, diplomats, religious scholars, academia, businessmen and media persons etc.
Chairman PAEC highlights Pakistan’s achievements in peaceful nuclear uses at 67th IAEA session
ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar on Monday highlighted Pakistan’s achievements in peaceful nuclear uses at the 67th session of IAEA general conference held in Vienna, Austria.
The chairman PAEC is leading Pakistan’s delegation at the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which is underway in Vienna, Austria, at the IAEA Headquarters, according to a press release received here.
During his statement, the Chairman underscored that Pakistan highly valued its cooperation with the Agency and remained committed to advance its collaboration by supporting the Agency’s role as per its motto, “atoms for peace and development”.
The Chairman appreciated the Agency’s continued assistance to member states in their efforts to meet developmental challenges through safe, secure and sustainable uses of nuclear science.
He also underscored that global issues require global solutions, highlighting that Pakistan remains one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. He stressed that Pakistan views nuclear power as an affordable, reliable and clean source of energy and a part of the solution to the climate crisis.
While acknowledging that Pakistan had been a beneficiary of the Agency’s assistance, the Chairman shared that Pakistan is effectively utilising nuclear science and technology in areas such as human health, food and agriculture, power generation, industry and environment protection.
He also highlighted that Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi’s visit to Pakistan earlier this year provided further impetus to strengthen the mutually beneficial and decades long collaboration between Pakistan and the Agency.
The Chairman stressed that nuclear technology in the human health sector remained a matter of national priority for Pakistan.
He shared that, at the moment, 19 cancer hospitals were being run by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission which were playing a vital role in providing quality treatment to over 80% of the country’s cancer patients.
The Chairman added that nuclear technologies were being deployed to enhance food security and agricultural productivity.
In this regard, Pakistan currently has four agriculture and biotechnology centres, out of which the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) has been designated as an IAEA collaborating Center and is also part of the Agency’s ZODIAC laboratories network. He further shared that, in a significant development, NIAB has been successful in producing coloured cotton and Pakistan is currently planning its large scale production.
On the margins of the General Conference, the Chairman will also hold multiple bilateral meetings to explore possibilities of collaboration in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology under the aegis of the IAEA.
The General Conference consists of representatives of the IAEA member states who meet in a regular annual session, usually in September, to consider and approve the IAEA’s budget and to decide on other issues raised by the Board of Governors, the director general and member states.
A delegation of prominent British Pakistani businessmen call on the Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar
LONDON
CS, WB’s country director discuss collaborative projects
QUETTA, Sep 25 (APP):The World Bank’s Country Director, Najy Benhasin on Monday met with Chief Secretary Balochistan, Shakeel Qadir Khan, to discuss development projects between Pakistan and the World Bank.
In the meeting, they deliberated on several topics, including the construction of homes for those affected by floods in Balochistan, water supply projects in Quetta, the Balochistan Human Capital Project, support for the promotion of various activities, and cooperation in several priority areas.
The chief secretary emphasized that the World Bank holds a prominent position among Pakistan’s key development partners, actively contributing to the country’s socio-economic progress.
He also expressed his gratitude for the World Bank’s unwavering support and dedication to the ongoing development initiatives in the province, with a special focus on the areas affected by floods.
During the meeting, both parties reached a consensus to maintain collaboration in various domains, including human resource development, education, vocational training, employment, water resources, agriculture, irrigation, and livestock development.
Additionally, several key officials, including Secretary Irrigation Hafiz Abdul Majid, Secretary Health Asfand Yar Khan Kakar, Secretary Population Abdullah Khan, Secretary Education Abdul Rauf Baloch, Secretary PHE Saleh Muhammad Baloch, and Secretary Planning Asghar Harifal, were in attendance.
Pakistan strongly condemns desecration of the Holy Quran in Netherlands
ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):Pakistan on Monday strongly condemned the latest senseless and deeply offensive act of desecration of the Holy Quran that took place in The Hague, the Netherlands in front of some embassies of OIC member countries including Pakistan.
It is a deliberately provocative and Islamophobic act that has hurt the sentiments of Muslims around the world. Such acts cannot be condoned under the guise of freedom of expression, opinion and protest, a spokesperson of the ministry of foreign affairs said.
Pakistan believes that freedom of expression comes with responsibilities. National governments should actively prevent racist and Islamophobic acts, which incite religious hatred.
It is important for the international community to raise its voice against Islamophobia and work in concert to promote interfaith harmony. That was the spirit behind the resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 to mark 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
Pakistan’s concerns have been conveyed to the Dutch authorities. We urge them to be mindful of the sentiments of the people of Pakistan and Muslims around the world and take active steps to prevent such hateful and Islamophobic acts, the spokesperson added.
Caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai addressing a press conference regarding cabinet meeting
QUETTA