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IFC delegation meets Privatization Minister

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP): Caretaker Minister for Privatization Fawad Hassan Fawad on Monday held a meeting with the team of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for the region headed by its Country Director Zeeshan Sheikh.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary Privatization Commission, the Chairman National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, the Additional Secretary of the Power Division, and other senior officers of the Commission.

During the meeting, IFC made a presentation to the participants sharing different best practices around the world to help the government reform electric distribution utilities with a focus on improved customer services, reduction in losses and an enhanced user base.

IFC also highlighted in detail different reasons for the failures of governments to successfully undertake privatization of electric distribution utilities including lack of political will and absence of mechanisms including an efficient regulatory framework.

During the meeting, detailed deliberations were made on different options available for bringing in private sector efficiencies in the management of electric distribution utilities.

The minister while thanking IFC expressed that there was a need for seeking clear instructions from the cabinet in view of various decisions/instructions in the past and that it will be in the best interest of all stakeholders to come to that clarity before proceeding further.

BFA destroys vegetables cultivated with sewage water on over 250 acres

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NNPS Desk
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QUETTA, Sep 25 (APP): The Balochistan Food Authority (BFA) has uprooted and destroyed vegetables cultivated on over 250 acres of land with contaminated and hazardous wastewater during the recent ongoing drive in collaboration with the district administration of Quetta.

The BFA has accelerated its efforts against vegetable crops cultivated with contaminated sewage water and discarded several ripened crops including coriander, cabbage, mint and salad on Sabzal Road in Quetta.

The Balochistan Food Authority’s crackdown on vegetables grown and produced from sewage water also continued during Saturday and Sunday holidays, said a news release.

It would be noted that vegetables cultivated with toxic sewage water are extremely dangerous for human health.

According to experts, arsenic, sulfur and other chemicals in vegetables prepared from sewage water are extremely dangerous for human health, such vegetables are harmful to bones, liver, and kidneys and may cause heart disease

Director General of Balochistan Food Authority Muhammad Naeem Bazai said that the farmers and landowners have been told repeatedly through print and social media and issued warning notices that the cultivation of vegetables cultivated with poisonous water is not allowed, Only non-edible crops can be cultivated with sewage water.

According to the Director General of BFA, in light of the decisions of the Supreme Court, the operations of BFA will be continued for the complete elimination of vegetables harmful to human health.

Youth voters to take center stage in upcoming elections

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP): As Pakistan gears up for its forthcoming elections, the nation’s political landscape is poised for a significant transformation, with a staggering 57.1 million youth voters between the ages of 18 to 35 out of a total of nearly 127 million voters preparing to make their voices heard.

This demographic, often referred to as the “youth vote,” is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.

Sindh boasts 11.6 million youth voters, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa follows closely with 10.8 million, and Balochistan contributes 2.5 million, while Islamabad chimes in with 0.5 million youthful voices.

In Pakistan, there are 27.79 million voters aged 36 to 45, and 18.12 million voters aged 46 to 55. Additionally, 11.8 million voters are between the ages of 56 to 65, while 12 million voters are aged above 66, highlighting the diverse range of age groups participating in the electoral process.

The province of Punjab stands out with an impressive 31.7 million young voters eager to participate in the democratic process.

This surge in youth participation reflects a growing engagement in the democratic process, as young citizens exercise their right to vote. Their collective influence is anticipated to have a substantial impact on the election outcomes, making them a crucial demographic to watch as the electoral process unfolds.

The data released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) indicates a notable increase in the overall number of registered voters nationwide, surging from approximately 105.95 million in 2018 to nearly 127 million as of July this year.

Male voters now exceed 68.50 million, while female voters have reached 58.47 million in 2023. In major urban areas, Islamabad has witnessed a remarkable rise from 765,447 voters in 2018 to over 1.04 million this year, according to ECP data.

This year, Punjab boasts a total voter count of 72.3 million, marking a significant increase from 60.6 million in 2018. Sindh’s voter numbers have grown from 22.3 million in 2018 to 26.6 million in 2023.

In 2018, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the former Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) combined had 10.53 million voters. Right now, that number has surged to 20.169 million in 2023.

Balochistan also witnessed growth in voter count, reaching 5.28 million in 2023, compared to 4.29 million in 2018.

PM’s speech at General Assembly is reflection of Pakistani people’s aspiration: Jan

By
Amjad Shafique
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QUETTA, Sep 25 (APP):Balochistan Caretaker Minister for Information Jan Achakzai on Monday said that the Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly session is a reflection of the wishes and aspirations of the Pakistani people.
The PM presented the Muslim Ummah’s position on the issue of Kashmir in a good manner, he said. He expressed these views while addressing a press conference regarding cabinet decisions at the Chief Minister Secretariat here.
He said that various posts have been approved in today’s cabinet meeting which was chaired by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki.
The information said that the Caretaker Chief Minister would meet with Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq to inform him about the problems of flood victims in order to rehabilitate the victims of last year’s flood in Baluchistan,
He said that in today’s cabinet meeting termed the speech of Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar positive who addressed to the General Assembly and presented Pakistan’s position in the UN General Assembly in the best way.
He said that in the cabinet meeting, notice has been taken of the bad condition of the flood victims, and every possible effort was being made by the Balochistan government, especially in the areas of health, water, and education.
Education, health, and water are the first priority of the government and no one will be tolerated in this regard, he said.
He said that the university policy for the promotion of IT sector was approved in the cabinet meeting, and a committee of provincial ministers and IT experts has been established for the promotion of IT, which will not lag behind other provinces in the department.
The committee will submit its recommendations in a month, Cabinet members approved funds for the Indus Hospital cancer ward as funds of Rs. 18O million have been sanctioned for Censer Ward which will be released soon, Apart from this, they have approved the feasibility report of Pasni Fish Harbours, several dams broke due to floods in the province Balochistan is facing a severe water crisis, he noted.
He said that apple and onion crops require more water, so instead of apples and onions, farmers should focus on farming that can earn more income with less water. He said that law and order in Baluchistan was better than Karachi and other parts of the country, no one would be allowed to disturb the law and order.

HESCO claims recovery of almost Rs1.68 billion from consumers, electricity thieves in 18 days

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
HESCO
HYDERABAD, Sep 25 (APP):The Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) has claimed to have recovered Rs1.6842 billion and Rs1.588 billion since September 7 out of Rs169 billion in payable dues over the public and private sector consumers as well as in fines from the electricity thieves.
The company’s spokesman Sadiq Kubar informed here on Monday that Rs35.59 million out of Rs158.15 million fines imposed against the power theft till September 23 had also been collected during the ongoing crackdown against theft and for the recovery.
he said the officials of HESCO had submitted 907 letters for registration of FIRs against the people involved in stealing electricity while 317 FIRs had been lodged so far besides the arrest of 31 persons.
He said that the power supply from 777 pole-mounted transformers had been disconnected so far including the removal of 149 PMTs because of default in payment of bills and the theft.
The spokesman said the highest recoveries of Rs318.28 million and Rs274.75 million were made on September 18 and September 15, respectively, from the defaulting consumers while the lowest recovery of Rs36.9 million was done on September 12.
Kubar apprised that on the directives of the caretaker Prime Minister Awaarul Haq Kakar and the Energy Ministry, the clampdown continued in all the 13 districts of Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas and Benazirabad divisions which were powered by HESCO.
He said the company was not only taking action against the theft but was also providing hassle-free connections to the people who want to become their consumers.
He added that HESCO would continue the crackdown against the theft and even if its employees were found conniving in the theft the company would not spare them.

Crackdown against electricity theft continues, Rs 10 million arrears recovered from defaulters

By
Amjad Shafique
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Power theft
PESHAWAR, Sep 25 (APP):Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) has registered more than 25 cases related to electricity theft against individuals involved in illegal power consumption within the Lala Subdivision.
The PESCO has launched a crackdown against electricity thieves in the city.
This crackdown, led by PESCO officials, is being carried out in collaboration with district administration officials.
Over the past twenty days, more than 25 cases related to electricity theft have been registered against individuals involved in illegal power consumption within the Lala Subdivision.
In this operation, over 100 illegal connections have been disconnected to date to curtail electricity theft in the region.
Moreover,  the PESCO has recovered Rs. 10 million in arrears from defaulters.
The inspection teams are taking strict actions against those involved in electricity theft, sending a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated.
SDO Lala Subdivision said that this operation will continue until the complete eradication of electricity theft in the area.

Ashrafi calls for interfaith dialogue to combat blasphemy, promote peace in Mauritania conference

By
Amjad Shafique
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi invited all faith leaders for interfaith dialogues to remove differences as burgeoning incidents of blasphemy were promoting an environment of hatred in the comity of nations.
Addressing the 36th annual International Conference on Seerat in Mauritania the other day, he said to overcome the menace of Islamophobia was not only the responsibility of Muslims proposing that all faith leaders should come forward and devise a combined strategy to meet the disgraceful acts being occurred worldwide from time to time.
The conference, attended by delegates from 65 Islamic countries, included the Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohmmad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.
Ashrafi who is also the President of International Interfaith Harmony Council categorically stated that the Holy Prophet Muhammad Peace Be upon Him was not only the blessing for Muslim Ummah but also for the entire world.
He said the solution of Palestine and Kashmir issues was in the unity and solidarity of Muslim Ummah.
He said Pakistan was a nation of various faiths and sects but it was facing extremism and terrorism for a long time.
“The Pakistani nation was against all extremist and terrorist elements and standing by its security institutions and armed forces through thick and thin,” he maintained.
Ashrafi said Islam gave the lesson of respect to all celestial books expressing his dismay over the indecent drive against the Muslims sacred sanctities and values. He said Islamophobia was endangering the peace of the world urging the international human rights watchdogs to legislate against it to maintain peace and tranquility.
He opined that those who desecrated the Holy Quran in Sweden and Demark and made caricatures of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him must be given exemplary punishment as it would help pave the way to create an enabling environment of interfaith dialogue in the world.
Ashrafi said the way Muslim World League had given the message of peace in the “Charter of Makkah al Mukkaramah”, in the same way, the Ulema and Mashaykh of Pakistan had given a clear-cut religious decree against the extremism and terrorism in the “Message of Pakistan”.
Talking to Arab media after the conference, he said Palestine and Kashmir were the issues of Muslim Ummah and it would like to resolve them with peaceful dialogues. He said the brutalities of Israel in Palestine and India’s in Kashmir were not acceptable at all costs.
Ashrafi said the Muslim world appreciated productive leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince Mohmmad bin Salman expressing the hope that they would further play their proactive role in the resolution of Palestine and Kashmir issues.

NAB submits 15 more references in accountability court

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
NAB
ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has submitted fifteen more references to the accountability court after examining the legal details.
The Registrar of the Accountability Court and NAB Prosecutor appeared in the court of Judge Muhammad Bashir and informed the court about the legal aspects of the references.
After checking the legal aspects, the judge issued to the parties of references.

Japanese envoy discusses issues of mutual interest with CM Naqvi

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
LAHORE, Sep 25 (APP):Japanese Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro called on caretaker chief minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi at his office to discuss various areas of mutual interest.
During their discussion, topics such as tourism, museum restoration, the automotive industry, water resources, and the ongoing programme by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) were addressed. The CM expressed his appreciation for Japan’s technical assistance aimed at enhancing services for the people of Punjab. He highlighted the collaboration with Japan in restoration of not only the Taxila Museum but also the Lahore Museum. Recognising Japan’s prominent position in the automotive industry, he showed interest in cooperation regarding electric motorbikes. Japan’s remarkable technological expertise was acknowledged and its support in advancing Punjab’s development was sought by the CM.
The Japanese ambassador assured the CM of continued technical support and emphasized their commitment to cooperation in fields such as museums and culture.
Provincial Information Minister Amir Mir, chief secretary, senior member board of revenue, secretary P&D, secretary to CM, deputy commissioner, honorary consul general of Japan Amir Shirazi, first secretary & head of the political section Mr Nabukuni Shinohara were also present.

EU releases €1 million in humanitarian aid to respond to monsoon floods

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):The EU has released an additional €1 million in humanitarian aid to respond to the floods that have affected Pakistan in the past weeks, which have directly or indirectly affected some 900,000 people.
The funding will help address the most pressing needs of vulnerable people in the provinces of Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as the areas hit the hardest, said a news release.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, said: “One year after the tragic floods that caused tremendous suffering in Pakistan, the EU remains committed to helping those most in need. As a new rain season has again displaced thousands of people in parts of the country, this additional EU funding will help support vulnerable communities as they try to recover their former lives.”
This allocation will be used to provide multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance to those who remain displaced, as well as those who have returned to their place of origin, given the level of damage to houses and key basic services such as water and sanitation or health. As the winter season approaches, multi-purpose cash assistance, shelter and non-food items will be prioritized.
This new funding comes in addition to the €16.5 million already allocated in humanitarian assistance to Pakistan earlier this year, in order to assist the most vulnerable population affected by conflict and climate-induced disasters.
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