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FM reaffirms govt commitment to foster partnerships with global business, industrial community

By
Najam ul Hassan
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NEW YORK, Sep 23 (APP):Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani has reaffirmed the government’s resolute commitment to foster partnerships with global business and industrial community during his interaction with a group of US business leaders here at the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU).

During his address to the US business leaders, the foreign minister highlighted the resilience of Pakistani market despite formidable challenges in recent years, including COVID-19 pandemic, last year’s devastating floods, and the global supply chain crisis. He said the stabilizing measures implemented by the government were steering the nation towards economic recovery and growth.

The foreign minister called upon US businesses to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, underscoring that the country’s ongoing transformation presented a unique window for investments across a wide range of sectors.

In this context he emphasized the significance of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a landmark initiative launched by the Government of Pakistan to promote investments in agriculture, IT, mineral & mining, renewable energy and defense production sectors.

The foreign minister underscored the immense potential awaiting foreign investors in these sectors. He assured investors of Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to providing a secure investment environment, offering legal protection and avenues for profit repatriation.

Country’s affairs to be run by people’s representatives: Solangi

By
NNPS Desk
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KARACHI, Sep 23 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Election Commission and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi said on Saturday that as per the Constitution, the country’s affairs would be run by its elected representatives.

Addressing a press conference on the occasion of his visit to Karachi Press Club, the minister said that the Election Commission of Pakistan ( ECP) was responsible for conducting free, fair, transparent and impartial elections under Article 218(3) of the Constitution.

Principal Information Officer Muhammad Asim Khichi was also present on the occasion.

He said that the caretaker government would play its full role in holding free and fair elections.

The minister said that delimitation of constituencies would be completed by November 30 and after that, the final date of the election would also be given.

Terming Karachi Press Club as his old home, he said it has been an important front in the evolution of democracy in the country.

He said that Karachi Press Club had a historical status and its role in the freedom of expression, knowledge and people’s right to rule was praiseworthy.

The minister said that working class and oppressed people of Pakistan also come to Karachi Press Club and explain their pains and sufferings.

Murtaza Solangi said that he was aware of the hardships suffered by the journalists as there were problems related to their jobs.

He said that the current caretaker government was a constitutional and legal government under Article 224 of the Constitution and during its tenure, injustice cannot be done to journalists.

He said that measures would be taken together with the Principal Information Officer to solve the problems of journalists.

In response to a question, the caretaker Federal Minister for Information said that the ECP had announced holding of elections in the last week of January.

He said that the caretaker government would help the Election Commission in every way and all the requirements of the ECP would be fulfilled.

In response to a question about the prices of petroleum products, the caretaker federal minister of information said that the prices of petroleum products were determined by the prices in the world market.

He expressed the hope that the prices of petroleum products would decrease in the coming days.

To a question related to non-payment of salaries to media workers and journalists, the federal minister said that government advertisements would not be issued to those media houses that would not pay salaries to their employees.

To another question, he said that about Rs 8 billion had been recovered from electricity thieves.

He said due to electricity theft, other consumers are burdened and there was a need of correcting this system.

In response to a question, the minister said that if someone had any reservations about the ECP, he could knock the door of the courts.

He said that the caretaker set up had limited mandate and time duration and they want to improve the economy of the country while remaining in their constitutional ambit.

PHP launches road safety awareness drive

By
Abdul Hanan
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SARGODHA, Sep 23 (APP):The Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) Police Chowki Shaheenabad has launched a campaign to create awareness among people about the traffic rules.
A PHP spokesman said here on Saturday that lectures were being arranged at various educational institutions, bus terminals and other public places of the city to inform the public about the traffic rules.
Head Constable Waqas Ali, along with his team, was delivering lectures at private and government educational institutions.
He said that by following the traffic rules, people could avoid the loss of precious lives.
He said the main cause of accidents was ignorance of the traffic rules and their violation.
The head constable urged students to wear helmet while driving their bikes to remain safe from serious injuries in case of any road mishap.
During the briefings and lectures drive, information booklets were also distributed among citizens and students by the PHP Chowki Shaheenabad, the spokesman added.

Balochistan youth being engaged in healthy activities to ensure their participation in national development

By
Najam ul Hassan
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP):The youth of Balochistan are being engaged in different sports and other healthy activities to enable them play role in development of the country.

By making such positive and healthy activities available to the youth of Balochistan, the feeling of deprivation in the province is gradually reducing.

Due to these activities, Baloch youths are proving to be active citizens for the construction and development of Pakistan by joining the national mainstream.

Balochistan youth being engaged in healthy activities to ensure their participation in national development

According to details, various football matches were organized in district Kalat, Hub, Kohlu, Lasbela, Kech, and Loralai that were witnessed by some 2659 enthusiastic people.

Likewise, cricket matches were organized in Nushki, Khuzdar, Chagai, Surab, Loralai, Panjgur, Nasirabad, Kech and Kohlu districts in which more than 4600 spectators participated.

Balochistan youth being engaged in healthy activities to ensure their participation in national development

Various career guidance sessions were also organized in Gwadar, Kech and Hub districts in which around 850 Baloch youth participated.

Similarly more than 600 students participated in speech competitions on various topics in Kohlu, Hub, and Lasbela districts. During these speech competitions, Baloch students delivered most of the speeches on the topics of sacrifices of Pakistan forces.

Balochistan youth being engaged in healthy activities to ensure their participation in national development

A special function related to the September War was also organized where the undying sacrifices of the brave Jawans and officers of the Pakistan Army were appreciated. A community program was also organized to appreciate the role of armed forces in Balochistan.

Balochistan youth being engaged in healthy activities to ensure their participation in national development

In another event in Kech district, a seminar on Islamic teachings was organized which was attended by around 130 people. While a youth talent program was organized in Gwadar district in which more than 200 people participated.

Balochistan youth being engaged in healthy activities to ensure their participation in national development

Career counseling sessions were also held for the future of youth in Kech district that were attended by 250 youth.

In another event, 120 participants witnessed a program related to cleanliness that was organized in Kech district.

Kazak President to visit Pakistan for strengthening economic ties: Ambassador Kistafin

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP): Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan on Saturday said the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is scheduled to visit Pakistan in the near future for further strengthen bilateral trade and economic relations.

A business delegation of Kazakhstan led by Mr.Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and showed interest to explore business and investment opportunities in Pakistan, said a press release issued here by the ICCI here.

The delegation was representing food and beverages, oil and gas, minerals, precious stones, fertilizers, chemicals, textiles, autoparts, wholesale and retail sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan said that his country wants to further strengthen trade relations with Pakistan as both countries have good potential to do trade in many items.

He said that last year, a trade delegation of Kazakhstan was organized to Pakistan and hoped that the visit of another Kazakh delegation would contribute to promote business relations between the two countries.

Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that both countries should set at least US$ 1 billion bilateral trade target as the current level of trade is not matching with their actual potential.

He said that Kazakhstan is a big landlocked country and Pakistani ports provide it the shortest route through Arabian Sea to access other markets.

Pakistan and Kazakhstan can cooperate in many fields including construction, agriculture, energy, textiles, pharmaceuticals, food items, engineering equipment, machinery, banking & finance.

He said both countries should explore road and railway links that would boost trade and economic relations between them.

He said that ICCI is planning a delegation to Kazakhstan to explore new avenues of business partnerships increasing bilateral trade ties between the two countries.

Yessentayev Arman, Head of Kazakh delegation said that Pakistan is a huge market for business and investment and they have come to explore business opportunities in many sectors in Pakistan including oil & gas, surgical instruments, juices, textiles, rice, sugar, fertilizers and others.

He said that both countries should open bank branches in each other’s market that would facilitate bilateral trade promotion. He said that there is a lack of information in private sectors of both countries about potential areas of business cooperation and hoped that their visit to Pakistan would bridge this gap.

Engr. Azhar ul Islam Zafar, Vice President ICCI said that both countries should sign a transit trade agreement to provide a legal framework to the private sectors for trade promotion. He said that Pakistan can also get easy access to Central Asian markets by developing close cooperation with Kazakhstan.

Ali Mardan appreciates Pashtun brothers’ unique culture, traditions, heritage

By
NNPS Desk
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QUETTA, Sep 23 (APP): Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki, in his message, congratulated Pashtun brothers on ‘Pashtun Culture Day’ being observed today (Saturday) and appreciated them for keeping tribal traditions, heritage, and unique culture alive.

He also lauded the Pashtuns for their valuable contribution to the freedom struggle of Pakistan and their role in promoting peace and the durable development of the country.

He said Pakistan is a bouquet of people belonging to different nations, tribes, and races while the unique culture, traditions and civilization are the identity of the people living here.

Ali Mardan added that the history of Pashtun tribes is based on brotherhood, tolerance, traditional hospitality, and respect.

“On the occasion of Pashtun Culture Day, he was an equal participant in the celebrations and happiness of his Pashtun brothers.”

President for educating 27 mln out of school children through traditional, nontraditional ways

By
Abdul Hanan
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP):President Dr Arif Alvi on Saturday sought the government’s special attention to provide education to the 27 million out of school children through both traditional and nontraditional ways.
During a meeting with Caretaker Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Madad Ali Sindhi who called on President Dr Arif Alvi here, the president also stressed for promotion of quality education and professional training in the country.
He said special arrangements should be made to provide education to the people living in remote areas of the country.
President Alvi also proposed that online tools of education could also be utilized for the provision of education to the people living in remote areas.
He also suggested to utilize various platforms other than school buildings such as mosques to provision education to the people.
Highlighting the importance of education for special persons, the president stressed that special arrangements should also be made for them to give education along with the normal children.
With respect to the girls education, he said the girls should be encouraged to continue their education in schools.
He said the universities should equip their students with skills according to the needs of the market.
The number of people enrolled in universities for higher education in Pakistan is very less compared to other countries in the region, he said adding special measures should be taken to increase the number of people with higher education in the country.
He proposed the universities to provide higher education to more students with the help of online education and different shifts, adding that besides the 4-year programs, the universities should also start 2-year degree programs.
With the help of online and distance education programs of Virtual University and Allama Iqbal Open University, the number of highly educated people can be increased, the president said.
He also stressed the universities to focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning, cyber security and cloud computing
Matters related to the Federal Urdu University were also discussed in the meeting.

Measures to mitigate TB negative impacts urged

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP): Federal Secretary Health, Iftikhar Ali Shallwani expressed the need for intensified efforts backed by increased funding to mitigate and reverse the negative impacts of the pandemic on Tuberculosis (TB).

He was addressing the high-level meeting on the fight against tuberculosis at the United Nations Headquarters.

The Secretary, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination expressed deep concern over the continued challenges being faced by the current health systems, despite numerous scientific advancements.

He highlighted the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to TB diagnosis and treatment and the burden of TB disease.

He shared Pakistan’s progress in establishing more TB diagnostic centres and also expanding Lab network to diagnose TB cases, especially MDR-TB.

He mentioned being one of the largest TB burden countries Pakistan needs certain innovative approaches through private sector and CSO involvement for TB response sustainability and affordability.

He emphasized that the need for action has become even more pressing in the context of ongoing conflicts, global energy crisis and associated impacts on food security, which are likely to further worsen some of the broader determinants of TB.

He highlighted that tuberculosis remains Pakistan’s top cause of death from infectious diseases and that Pakistan has the fifth highest TB burden globally.

He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to the objectives set forth in the 2018 Political Declaration on Tuberculosis by pointing out Pakistan’s achievements in the field of TB prevention, diagnostic, treatment, and care services.

He expressed support for the goals and targets set out in the Political Declaration adopted in today’s meeting.

He called upon the global community to expedite the development, widespread deployment, and accessible availability of an effective TB vaccine by the year 2025.

He urged the member states to provide sustainable funding, quality, and equitable access to the latest preventive and treatment facilities, invest in TB research and innovation, and develop safe, effective, and accessible vaccines, particularly for drug-resistant TB, with equitable distribution of vaccines.

The High-Level Meeting also had an opening segment containing the remarks of Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the General Assembly, Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations, Ms. Paula Narváez, President of the Economic and Social Council, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization, and other high-level dignitaries.

Kashmir not India’s integral part– never was, nor will be: Pakistan

By
NNPS Desk
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0

UNITED NATIONS, Sep 23 (APP): Pakistani and Indian delegates engaged in a verbal duel at the U.N. on Friday, after Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar drew the world community’s attention to the unresolved Kashmir dispute and to India’s grave human rights abuses in the occupied territory.

Indian delegate Petal Gahlot reacted to the prime minister’s reference to the deteriorating situation in Jammu and Kashmir during the general debate at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, claiming that the disputed Himalayan state is an integral part of India. “Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on our domestic matters,” she asserted.

Ms. Gahlot also accused Pakistan of involvement in terrorism and urged Islamabad to concern itself with the “deplorable” conditions of minorities and women in the country.

Pakistan’s delegate Saima Saleem hit back. She rejected India’s claim that Jammu and Kashmir was its integral part, saying “It never was, it never will be.”

The UN Security Council has affirmed that the final disposition of the territory will be decided by a plebiscite, which India accepted under Article 25 of the Charter of the United Nations. India, she said, had failed to implement the UNSC resolutions ,”through fraud and force”, and suppressed Kashmiri demands for the right to self-determination by imposing occupation and, on 5 August 2019, annexing Jammu and Kashmir.

The Pakistani delegate said that the entire Kashmiri population has been the victim of India’s brutal tactics.

“A classic colonial-settler project is underway,” Ms. Saleem said.

The Kashmiri freedom struggle not terrorism, she said, adding that the resistance to foreign occupation is “just and legal” under international law. “It is India’s oppression that is illegal,” the Pakistani delegate said.

India must be held responsible for its war crimes in the territory; it is not a victim but a serial sponsor of terrorism against each of its neighbours, Ms.Saleem stressed. “Now, India’s terrorist franchise has gone global,” she said in an obvious reference to the killing of a Sikh leader on Canadian soil, a murder in which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the Indian state was involved.

The Pakistani delegate also called for removing India’s sense of immunity, while urging the world to stop giving that country a free pass for strategic reasons.

APP/ift

200 sugar bags recovered

By
Abdul Hanan
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0
Sugar bags
SARGODHA, Sep 23 (APP):Assistant Commissioner (AC) Kotmomin, Rabnawaz launched a massive crackdown against illicit sugar hoarders, profiteers and stokers across the Tehsil, here on Saturday.
AC spokesman told  that raiding team under the supervision of AC concern raided on a tip off at several sugar godowns and sealed a private godown owned by a private owner after recovering 200 illegal sugar bags.
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