Monday, December 29, 2025
Home Blog Page 12954

Commerce minister underscores significance of increasing investment

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP): Federal Minister for Commerce Dr Gohar Ejaz on Monday underscored the critical importance of increasing the investment rate in Pakistan.

The minister made it abundantly clear that investing in businesses holds the potential for far greater returns than investing in real estate.

Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) Dr. Nadeem ul Haque along with academia from PIDE called on the Federal Minister for Commerce, Dr. Gohar Ejaz, said a press release issued.

The meeting was centred around the prevailing economic situation in Pakistan.

Dr Ejaz expressed the government’s commitment to formulating policies that encourage capital investment, thus diverting funds towards businesses rather than traditional savings.

The Ministry of Commerce remains dedicated to working in collaboration with key stakeholders to implement policies that will drive economic growth, foster innovation, and enhance the nation’s competitiveness on the global stage.

During the meeting, Vice Chancellor Dr Nadeem ul Haque highlighted the pivotal role that PIDE has been playing in analyzing various facets of Pakistan’s economy, including international trade, import and export, domestic commerce, real estate, construction, transport, and tourism, said a press release issued.

He emphasized that the extensive studies conducted by PIDE have been instrumental in understanding value chains and identifying the key factors that influence the nation’s economy.

Several key issues were raised during the discussion. High tariffs were identified as a significant challenge hindering Pakistan’s exports.

The meeting participants stressed the importance of addressing this concern to boost the country’s international trade.

Furthermore, the current account deficit was addressed, with an emphasis on the need to curtail the top 10 imports of Pakistan to achieve a more balanced trade situation.

Another critical aspect discussed was the excessive number of business regulators in the country.

It was pointed out that the existing regulations are outdated and need modernization to streamline the business
environment and foster economic growth.

The complexity of Pakistan’s tax system was also brought to attention, with a call for modernization.

The meeting participants voiced concerns over the high cost of electricity for manufacturing firms, which hampers the competitiveness of Pakistan’s industries. Additionally, it was highlighted that research and development efforts in Pakistan are currently lacking, and there is a need to foster innovation and technology-driven industries.

83 challan tickets issued for creating hindrance in smooth flow of traffic

By
Hussain Lashari
-
0
Rawalpindi traffic jam

RAWALPINDI, Sep 25 (APP):City Traffic Police (CTP) Rawalpindi launched a grand operation against encroachment aimed at to maintain traffic flow here on Monday.
Incharge New Town Circle along with his team conducted operation against encroachment at Sixth Road, Commercial Market and the surrounding area.
During operation, CTP issued challan tickets to 83 vehicles and motorcycles while 13 were vehicles were impounded in the police station over violation.
Taking action against the encroachment for disrupting the flow of traffic, several highways were cleared from the encroachment mafia,
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi Taimoor Khan congratulated in charge of Traffic New Town Circle, Waheed Iqbal and his team for their good job, said that in order to keep the flow of traffic smooth, a series of operations against push carts, encroachments and wrong parking on the road must be conducted to purge the area from encroachment.
The operation against wrong parking will improve the flow of traffic and it will directly benefit the traders and shopkeepers.
Only the buyers have to face difficulties, “CTO adding that Encroachments and wrong parking not only disturb the flow of traffic but also affect the beauty of the city”.

Balochistan Cabinet approves important decisions

By
Amjad Shafique
-
0
Balochistan Cabinet
QUETTA, Sep 25 (APP):The Balochistan cabinet on Monday approved delegating the awarding of the powers of the magistrate to the Environment Department under Section 1 of Sub-section 32 of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Act, 2012.
The cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Ali Mardan Domki has also approved the release of funds for the Pediatric Oncology Unit at the Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Quetta, in collaboration with Indus Hospital. The cabinet has decided to improve the condition of treasury care hospitals across the province.
The cabinet has decided to form a committee for the preparation of the first cloud policy for Balochistan in 2023 on the recommendation of the Department of Science and Information Technology.
The said committee will present the first cloud policy in the upcoming cabinet meeting after taking consultations.
The cabinet approved the revised policy for the appointment of project directors, project staff, and the establishment of a project management unit on the recommendation of the planning and development department.
It was also agreed that recruitment of manpower from the private sector on the basis of merit and expertise would be preferred for the appointment of project directors. The Cabinet reviewed the other relevant matters, including the operation of Pasni Fish Harbour in public-private partnership and BOT mode for the complete remodeling of Pasni Fish Harbour.
The Cabinet jointly agreed that the provincial government would take a decision in this regard within its jurisdiction. The cabinet decided that the solid waste management system in Quetta City will be improved, and the pending rules of all departments will be submitted to the cabinet for approval after being vetted by the relevant forums.
Addressing the Cabinet meeting, the Caretaker Chief Minister said that decisions related to public interest and administrative matters, including pending departmental matters, were taken in the Cabinet meeting to provide relief to the masses. He said that the Balochistan Cabinet has unanimously approved important decisions, which are a step towards better governance.

SECP warns public against investing in ISMMART Group

By
Hussain Lashari
-
0
ISMMART Group

ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued a warning advising the general public against investing in fraudulent investment schemes of ISMMART Group.
The SECP has noticed that an entity, namely “Ismmart Group”, owned by Shaukat Ullah Khan, is prima facie raising deposits from the public by promising them unrealistic monthly returns. It is clarified that the said entity does not hold any license to collect deposits from the public, said a press release issued here Monday.
It is pertinent to mention here that SECP had imposed penalties on Shaukat Ullah Khan for marketing such illegal investment schemes through companies of Shaukat Marwat Group.
In addition, he has been disqualified from becoming chief executive or director of any company in Pakistan, and matter has been referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which has already initiated an inquiry against Mr. Shaukat Ullah Khan and his companies.
Since Mr. Shaukat Ullah Khan is not eligible to form a company, he has registered 12 new companies through his family members and other associates. Further, in order to give the public, the impression that Issmart Group is a large business group with a global presence, he has also registered a number of 1-pound companies with Companies House UK.
The names of companies of Ismmart Group have been added to the list of companies engaged in unauthorized activities, available on SECP’s website. SECP has also initiated investigation proceedings against companies of Ismmart Group; however, Mr. Shaukat Ullah Khan has challenged the investigation proceedings in the Honorable Islamabad High Court, which has restrained SECP from passing the final investigation order.
SECP WARNS THE PUBLIC NOT TO DEPOSIT / INVEST FUNDS with Mr. Shaukat Ullah Khan and companies of Ismmart Group in whatsoever form and or arrangement, as they are not allowed to accept deposits/ investments from anyone.

 

Seven illegal arm holders arrested during crackdown

By
Amjad Shafique
-
0
RAWALPINDI, Sep 25 (APP):Police have arrested 07 illegal arms holders and recovered arms and ammunition from their possession during a crackdown here on Monday.
According to a police spokesman, Pirwadhai police recovered 01 pistol of 30 bore from Farhan.
Similarly, Sadiqabad police recovered 01 pistol of 30 bore from Haris.
While, Saddar Wah police Held Tayyab and recovered 01 pistol of 30 bore from his possession.
Following operation, Mandra police recovered 01 pistol of 30 bore from Yousaf.
Dhamyal police recovered 01 pistol of 30 bore from Usman.
Rawat police recovered 01 pistol of 30 bore from Nadeem.
Chontra police nabbed Waqas and recovered 01 pistol of 30 bore from his possession.
Police have registered separate cases against the accused and further investigation was in progress.
The Divisional SPs appreciated the performance of police teams said that crackdown against those possessing illegal weapons will be continued without any discrimination.

Committee expresses dissatisfaction over delay in appointments in PSQCA

By
Hussain Lashari
-
0
Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority

ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology in a meeting held here Monday expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in the appointment process in the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).
In the meeting presided over by Senator Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen, the committee was informed that there are currently 321 vacant positions within the department responding to which the committee members raised concerns about the delay in the appointment process.
The Director-General of PSQCA attributed this delay to ongoing court cases and employee representations demanding promotions, which hindered new appointments.
The committee chairman expressed dissatisfaction with the delay and instructed the identification of promotion quotas and direct recruitment quotas to clear the backlog. The chairman emphasized the importance of adhering to provincial quota rules.
The committee received a comprehensive briefing on the number of employees currently serving in look after charge and on deputation basis in the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).
Additionally, the committee was presented with a list of employees who have not been repatriated despite court orders, along with details of those who have been regularized and those who have not, accompanied by explanations for the latter group’s status.
According to the information provided by the Director-General PSQCA, there are a total of 15 employees serving on look after charge, with several more on deputation. A summary for the appointment of a regular Director-General for PSQCA was submitted to the Prime Minister’s office, which, in turn, directed the committee to seek approval from the caretaker Minister for Science and Technology. Simultaneously, a summary for the appointment of a Director-General as additional charge is also forwarded to the Prime Minister’s office.
The committee members emphasized that the caretaker government is not authorized to make regular appointments, as its mandate is limited to day-to-day affairs.
After careful deliberation, the committee resolved to maintain the current caretaker arrangement until an elected government is in power, at which point a regular Director-General can be appointed for PSQCA.
The committee also received a briefing on the substantial deficit in the pension account of Comsats University employees, amounting to billions of rupees.
The Rector of Comsats University explained that initially, university employees were enrolled in a contributory pension fund.
However, in 2010, the university’s board of governors decided to provide pension benefits, deducting 15% of the basic pay from employees’ salaries.
To date, approximately 1.6 billion rupees have been collected, with an estimated pension liability of six billion rupees by 2035, resulting in a five billion rupees deficit. The Rector stated that the university lacks the resources to bridge this financial gap.
The committee members expressed dismay at the lack of planning by the CUI administration and called for an inquiry into the matter.
Consequently, the committee chairman established a subcommittee to address CUI’s issues, including those related to pay scales.
Additionally, the committee ratified the appointment of Senator Prince Ahmed Omer Ahmedzai as a member of the Board of Governors of the Pakistan Council of Science and Technology.
The discussion on “The Pakistan Halal Authority (Amendment) Bill 2023” was dropped and matter was disposed off due to the continued absence of the bill’s mover.
Similarly, the discussion on the starred question posed by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed during the Senate sitting was deferred due to his absence.
The committee meeting was attended by Senators Kamran Murtaza, Sana Jamali, and Dr. Humayun Mohmand, as well as the Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Director-General of PSQCA.

One killed, one injured in road accident

By
Hussain Lashari
-
0
KILLED

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Sep 25 (APP):At least one person was killed while another got injured in a road accident on Multan Road here on Monday.

According to Rescue-1122, the accident occurred when an auto-rickshaw carrying college students collided with a
road Roller near Nawab Adda on Multan Road.

As a result, a female student died on the spot while the three-wheeler’s driver Farhat Shah was injured.

After receiving information, the rescue medical team from Station-11 rushed to the site and shifted the deceased
and the injured to the hospital.

Capital’s waste management system to be further improved

By
Amjad Shafique
-
0
Dr. Nadeem Jan
ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):Caretaker Federal Minister for Health Dr. Nadeem Jan on Monday said that the government has planned to further improve the waste management system in the federal capital.
Addressing the launching ceremony of environment-friendly incinerator at Karpa, the minister said that the federal capital has 5,000 kg of hospital waste.
He said that the country is facing the challenges of climate change.
“Our job is to provide the best health facilities to the people. If the health system is better, the health of the people will be better.”
He said, “We are trying to provide the best health facilities to the people with the available resources.”
He said that the government will improve facilities at Basic Health Units in the federal capital. “We are going to digitize the system.”
He said the country is facing many channels like flood, climate change etc.
He said that the primary health care system needs to be strengthened.
He said that Pakistan is the signatory of Universal Health Coverage and steps are being taken in this regard.
He said that the National Health Card authorities have been asked to have one system for all.
“We want to eradicate polio from Pakistan.” He said that three rounds of polio vaccination drive will be completed by December.

ICCI for focusing on development of markets

By
Hussain Lashari
-
0
ICCI

ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) called upon the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to focus on better development of markets so that would facilitate the growth of trade activities.

He was addressing a ceremony organised by ICCI in honor of the newly elected Office Bearers of Traders Welfare Association, G-11 Markaz, Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President ICCI said that G-11 Markaz is one of the important commercial centers of the federal capital.

He said that ICCI is working actively with CDA to develop all markets on modern lines and assured that ICCI would work with CDA to develop G-11 Markaz as a model market.

Naeem Akhtar Awan, President and Farrukh Khan, Secretary General, Traders Welfare Association G-11 Markaz, Islamabad said that due to the inattention of CDA and MCI, their market is deprived of the basic facilities and traders are facing many problems.

They pointed out that G-11 Markaz needs a parking facility, carpeting of roads, repair of footpaths, installation of a filtration plant , and construction of public toilets to facilitate the traders
He urged the CDA to address these issues without further delay.

Khalid Iqbal Malik, Group Leader ICCI said that all markets are playing a key role in generating economic activity and emphasized to develop them on modern lines that would help boost trade activities and strengthen the local economy.

Zafar Bakhtawari, former President ICCI and Secretary General UBG Pakistan said that the Office Bearers of Market Associations are playing an important role in solving the problems of the traders by sacrificing their business and family responsibilities, which is laudable.

He said that Ahsan Bakhtawari is working hard to solve the issues of traders and assured that he would also work for the welfare of the traders of G-11 Markaz.

Habib University unveils space for collaborative learning

By
Amjad Shafique
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):Habib University takes pride in introducing ‘Horizon,’ an innovative learning space co-designed in partnership with experts from prestigious institutions such as Stanford d.school.
This initiative signifies a significant pedagogical shift in education, promoting open and collaborative environments that foster innovation. The event, titled ‘Unveiling the Horizon,’ was a collaborative endeavour between the University and its valued associates.
Guests of honour included Amir Paracha, CEO of Unilever Pakistan Limited, Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder & CEO of Nutshell Group, and Umar Ahsan Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Dawlance, along with senior management from Habib University.
As Pakistan’s premier undergraduate-focused Liberal Arts and Sciences University, Habib University has developed a distinctive world-class liberal arts curriculum that is contextually relevant and grounded to the South Asian context and heritage.
President of Habib University Wasif Rizvi expressed his gratitude to the community for coming forward and contributing to the cause of education.
Talking of HU’s vision he said, “The strength of a community lies not only in its shared values but in its commitment to nurturing the minds of its future through the development of robust educational infrastructure.”
Talking of the environmental need that inspired the newest addition to Habib University’s campus, he elaborated that, “Higher education is the bridge to a brighter tomorrow, where innovation, knowledge, and creativity flourish.
Almost, 97% of Pakistani students represent the state-owned education sector and yet they get overshadowed by private school students who occupy 90% of seats in good universities. HU would want equity to be most pronounced in the education sector and our mission is to enable students to come together in terms of capacity building and readiness for opportunities. Horizon is all set to unlock the doors of possibilities for each student at HU and learners across the board, through an enabling environment.”
“Habib University is changing the context for students to learn.” Amir Paracha emphasized the importance of transforming education to meet global expectations. “In the age of human capital, employees are not resources; they are the competitive advantage that sets organizations apart. Let’s reframe our thinking: employees are not costs to be minimized but investments to be maximized, especially from the education sector.”
Commending the role of Habib University in contributing to society at large, Azfar Ahsan from the Nutshell Group said, “I have always spoken for investments and economy but would like to state the obvious that all that we do and hope to do is intrinsically linked with the quality of education that we provide.
We have the largest number of children outside schools, we have severely harsh numbers for malnutrition and wasting – It’s time to shift our perspective from ‘human resources’ to ‘human assets’— work on our generations and enable good ideas to spread far and wide. Investing in education is investing in the prosperity and well-being of Pakistan. It is the golden key to unlocking our potential and shaping a better future.”
Umar Ahsan Khan from Dawlance said, “In the world of today, education is the most essential tool for achieving success and making a difference. At the workplace, the difference between a well-educated youngster and a poor one is visible and becomes the sole reason for his or her expedited growth or the lack of it.
Investing in education yields the greatest returns, both for individuals and for society. Habib University is a pioneer in introducing the liberal arts education model in Pakistan, which is highly effective and needs to become the pilot model for our college education across the country.”
Dr. Sarah Stein Greenberg from Stanford d. School commenting on the importance of spatial design for modern-day students’ learning said, “Modern education demands modern spaces. Thoughtfully designed environments are the launch pads for students’ intellectual journeys. Spatial design is the secret ingredient that turns educational spaces into vibrant ecosystems of exploration and growth.”
The event provided an engaging platform for attendees to discuss and articulate their desire to establish a connection with Habib University and engage with its intellectual offerings. A ‘Visual Display of HU Student’s Journey, co-designed by Student Success and Academic Affairs teams was also presented by the students and alumni.
1...12,95312,95412,955...31,188Page 12,954 of 31,188

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan