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Experts emphasize on research to introduce quality dates varieties

By
Amjad Shafique
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Dates varieties
HYDERABAD, Sep 14 (APP):The agriculture and horticulture experts have said that dates had been cultivated in Sindh for thousands of years and there was need to promote research for cultivation of different varieties of high-quality dates in the province.
The researchers should ensure research on popular and standard varieties including tissue culture according to the climate of Sindh, they emphasized.
They said this at a ceremony held after the plantation of Barhi and Khunezi date palm plants brought from Green Coast Nursery Dubai in Sindh Agricultural University here Thursday.
Addressing the participants, Vice Chancellor Dr. Fateh Marri said that the date palm was a significant fruit in Sindh like mango, guava, banana and jujube but unfortunately research on it was negligible.
He said that many countries including Dubai, Iran, Iraq, India, and Saudi Arabia and the global market had large consumption of date palms in novel commodities, by-products and religious needs, while the market is limited due to the quality of our commodities and other diplomatic issues. “With research of new commodities and planting plantations in different areas, we can meet our country’s food needs and earn a lot of foreign exchange from their exports”, he said.
Dr. Inayatullah Rajpar, Dean of the Faculty of Crop Production said that there was a time when dates were exported from Sindh to neighboring countries which brought prosperity in Khairpur, Sukkur and its suburbs. However at present, due to diplomatic problems and homogenization of varieties, the farmers of Sindh and traders are frustrated and their business is less than half, he said.
Muhammad Akram Sheikh, an alumnus of Sindh Agriculture University, who donated tissue culture date plants from Dubai, said in his address that Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Pakistan were the five largest countries in the world in terms of date production.
Sindh has a long history of dates production, he said and added that dates could be cultivated in other areas around Khairpur, Sukkur and Sanghar in Sindh.
The event was also addressed by Muhammad Saleh Sarki, Nadeem Memon and Dr. Shahnawaz Marri.
Among others, Dean Dr. Manzoor Ali Abro, Dr. Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar, Dr. Aijaz Soomro, Dr. Imran Khatri, Dr. Mujahid Leghari and Shahzad Kaka.

Tourist places should be promoted: Governor Sindh

By
NNPS Desk
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KARACHI, Sep 14 (APP): Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori has stressed the need for proper projection of tourist places in the province so as to attract local as well as foreign tourists to such sites, which would generate employment for the people living there.

This he said while talking with caretaker Provincial Minister for Tourism, Environment and Climate Change Arshad Wali Mohammad at Governor House here on Thursday.

Steps to promote tourism in the province, provision of better facilities for tourists, minimizing affects of climate change and protecting natural environment were discussed in detail on the occasion.

The Governor Sindh said that there were many tourist spots in the province, including Gorakh Hill, which need effective publicity.

He asked the caretaker minister to activate Sindh Tourism Development Cooperation (STDC) for highlighting the places of interest of Tourists.

Especially, trained guides should also be assigned Moen-Jo-Daro and Makli graveyards to inform the visitors about their historic importance, the Governor added.

SFJ sets ‘Shaheed Nijjar Kill India Khalistan Referendum-II’ for October 29

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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India Khalistan
VANCOUVER, CANADA, Sep 14 (APP):The pro-Khalistan secessionist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) plans to hold Khalistan Referendum-II on October 29, 2023, in Surrey, BC, Canada, emboldened by the unequivocal and principled stand of Canadian Liberal and Conservative leadership on pro-Khalistan activities in Canada.
Alongside Khalistan Referendum-II, SFJ has announced its plans for the “Shaheed Nijjar Kill India Referendum”, after a turnout of over 135,000 Sikhs in support of Khalistan creation on 10 September at Guru Nanak Gurdawara in Surrey, British Columbia and to further allow those to vote who couldn’t vote due to the heavy turnout.
The central question of the referendum, according to the SFJ, is whether Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma bears responsibility for the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The voting will took place at the Gurdwara, which was the site of the tragic assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the President of Khalistan Referendum Canada and a prominent Sikh activist who was assassinated on June 18, 2023, by a group of unidentified individuals believed to be Indian state agents.Nijjar’s killing has been condemned by Sikhs but celebrated by pro-Modi and pro-BJP media groups, analysts and Hindutva supporters.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, SFJ General Counsel, highlighted the historical context, citing the 1984 assassination of Indira Gandhi as a response to Operation Bluestar at Sri Darbar Sahib.
He emphasized that pro-Khalistan Sikhs have transitioned from armed struggle to peaceful means, “From Bullet to Ballot” in their quest to liberate Punjab from Indian occupation.
In October 2021, US-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) began the Khalistan Referendum voting campaign in the UK. Since then, similar events occurred in over a dozen European cities.
On September 10th, Khalistan Referendum-I took place at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, drawing an unprecedented turnout of more than 135,000 Sikh voters. Remarkably, this exceeded the previous record set five months ago in Brompton, Canada. It’s worth noting that over 50,000 individuals were unable to cast their votes before the polling concluded.
The independent Punjab Referendum Commission (PRC) employed several hundred individuals to oversee the voting process, ensuring a fair procedure for this significant demand.
While participating in the G20 summit, Prime Minister Trudeau upheld the right of Canadian Sikhs to peacefully support Khalistan.
During an interaction with the media at the Punjabi Press Club BC regarding the Modi Government’s efforts to ban the Khalistan Referendum in Canada, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre asserted, “If you support the Khalistani cause, you have the same freedom of expression as Quebec separatists do in Canada. We even grant them seats in the House of Commons.”
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, General Counsel of Sikhs For Justice, alleged that the Indian government had once more stirred discord within the Sikh community by assassinating Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He vowed that Sikhs would pursue justice for Nijjar’s killing, emphasizing Nijjar’s dedication to peaceful activism and democratic principles.
Pannun squarely placed blame on Indian diplomats in Canada, Indian intelligence agencies, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Nijjar’s assassination. He stressed the declining influence of Indian politics and underscored Sikhs’ resolve to pursue India’s division.
Dr. Bakhshish Singh Sandhu, President of the Council of Khalistan, conveyed the Sikh community’s unwavering stance to the Indian government. He asserted their refusal to succumb to Indian suppression and their commitment to persist in their struggle until they achieve independence from Indian rule.
The significant turnout highlights that the Khalistan movement enjoys extensive support among millions of Sikhs.
Dr. Bakhshish Singh Sandhu also commended Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his candid statement during his visit to India.

Power pilferers attack FESCO team with sophisticated weapons

By
Amjad Shafique
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FESCO
FAISALABAD, Sep 14 (APP):The armed power pilferers have reportedly attacked the FESCO team with sophisticated weapons when the latter tried to remove electricity supply meter of an accused in the area of Raza Abad police station.
FESCO spokesman Tahir Sheikh said here on Thursday that a special anti-electricity theft operation was in full swing under the direction of the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) in FESCO region.
During this drive, the FESCO team of Madinabad Subdivision comprising of Meter Inspector Imtiaz Ahmed, Meter Readers Raza Mustafa, Abdul Razzaq and Shaukat Lineman tried to check an electricity supply meter of a consumer Faisal Roomi who had the account number 19-13228-1125800 in Gulzar Colony, when a woman Ms. Zahida came out of the house and stopped the FESCO officials from checking the electricity connection.
When the FESCO team insisted on implementation of anti-power pilferage operation, the lady produced resistance and hurled threats of dire consequences.
She also attacked the FESCO team and tore clothes of meter reader Abdul Razzaq. Her sons namely Faiz Roomi and Noomi came out from the home by carrying a rifle and the accused Faiz Roomi started firing bluntly at the FESCO officials. However, the FESCO officials immediately took shelter behind their vehicle and saved their lives whereas the accused managed to escape from the scene when the area people gathered on the spot.
Later, the FESCO team under supervision of Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) Ali Abbas removed the electricity supply meter of the accused along with its wire and got a case registered with Razabad police station.
Receiving information, Assistant Commissioner (AC) City Mr. Uzair reached at the spot and extended his full support.
The police also started investigation after taking the accused, Zahida, into custody, spokesman added.

Iranian Embassy condemns terrorist attack on JUI-F leader

By
NNPS Desk
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0
ISLAMABAD, September 14 (APP):The Iranian Embassy on Thursday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on senior leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Hafiz Hamdullah in Mastung, Balochistan.
The embassy, in a statement posted on the social media platform ‘X’, expressed its outrage in the strongest terms against this heinous act of terrorism.
“The ominous phenomenon of #terrorism is meant to destabilize the countries & to endanger #peace & #stability in the countries of the region,” it added.
https://x.com/IraninIslamabad/status/1702324688582824423?s=20
Meanwhile, diplomatic sources in the Iranian Embassy told APP that the attack on Hafiz Hamdullah, a key political figure in Balochistan, had raised concerns about the continued presence of extremist elements in the region.
They reaffirmed the collective regional and international commitment to combat terrorism and maintain peace in the region as such acts of violence against political leaders “only serve to undermine the progress and security efforts made in the area”.
They said the international community must remain vigilant in the face of terrorism, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and coordination among neighbouring countries to eradicate the root causes of such incidents and maintain stability in the region.
Wishing for the early recovery of Hafiz Hamdullah, the sources said  his safety and well-being were of utmost importance.

Ali Abbas assumes charge as BISE Lahore chairman

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
BISE Lahore
LAHORE, Sep 14 (APP):Special Secretary Punjab Higher Education Department Muhammad Ali Abbas Agha assumed charge of the post of chairman Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore, here on Thursday.
Out-going Chairman Dr. Mirza Habib Ali welcomed Ali Abbas Agha and presented a bouquet to the new chairman, who had been entrusted the additional charge of the post.
Ali Abbas hailed services of Dr Mirza Habib Ali for the Lahore Board while the Lahore Board officials showered rose-petals on the out-going chairman to acknowledge his services.
Speakers said Dr Mirza Habib Ali’s name will be written in gold letters in the Lahore Board’s history.
Mirza Habib thanked the Board officers and officials for their cooperation during his tenure and urged them to discharge their duties with honesty.

AJK President advises MUST management to ensure quality education

By
NNPS Desk
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MIRPUR ( AJK): Sep 14 (APP):: Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry Thursday directed management of Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST) to focus on the promotion of quality higher education by improving standards in the varsity harmonious with the needs of modern age.

He was chairing the Senate meeting of the university in the federal metropolis.

Barrister Sultan, who is also Chancellor of AJK-based State-run Universities assured the Vice Chancellor MUST Brigadier Retired Professor Dr. Muhammad Younis Javed of his all possible cooperation and support in resolving the problems faced by the university.

On the occasion, the annual budget of MUST was approved.

The VC briefed the house of the administrative affairs, ongoing projects and problems faced by the university.

The meeting was attended among others by, Secretary/Registrar Pakistan Engineering Council Engineer Dr. Nasir Mehmood, Justice Retired Sardar Abdul Hameed Khan, Vice Chancellor Agriculture University Faisalabad Professor Dr. Iqar Ahmad Khan, Former Chairman Education Board Mirpur Professor Muhammad Zaheer Chaudhry, Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Women’s University Rawalpindi Professor Dr. Saima Hamid and others.

OIC countries must enhance food production: Yerlan A Baidaulet

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
OIC
FAISALABAD, Sep 14 (APP):Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) Director General  Yerlan A Baidaulet said here on Thursday that majority of the OIC countries were facing challenges of food insecurity, necessitating them to enhance food production at organisational as well as individual levels.
Addressing the Afghanistan Agri Business Forum at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) here, he said that Afghanistan, in particular, had experienced profound food insecurity and hence top priority should be given to the issue as any unnecessary delay could destabilise the entire region.
He said that food security was a critical issue that resonates not only within the Islamic world but also on the global stage. He said that the IOFS had tasked with an important mission by the OIC. In the context of the implementation of its mandate on the Afghanistan Food Security Programme (AFSP), several initiatives have been undertaken to enhance the ‘Afghanistan Food Security Programme’ (AFSP). These initiatives include the execution of various projects including donating water purifiers to needy communities in rural areas, designing and strategising relief-to-development programmes, such as sustainable livelihood interventions. He said one notable example was implementation of ‘Quick Impact Projects’, aimed at promoting agricultural self-sufficiency and income generation among households. These projects focus on agricultural mechanisation and the introduction of improved agricultural technologies, including quality seeds, fertilizers, agricultural machinery, and post-harvest technologies. He said that approximately 58 per cent of the Afghanistan land is arable, totaling nearly 37,910 hectares. Given that 76 per cent of Afghans reside and work in rural areas, agriculture plays pivotal role in Afghanistan’s economic landscape. The agribusiness sector, in particular, has the capacity to become one of the leading contributors to Afghanistan’s economy. He said that the IOFS oversees the 16 strategic programs aimed at improving food security in the member countries.
UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that knowledge has no boundaries and make the coordinated efforts to address the issue of the food security for the ever increasing world. He said that it is time to learn from each other experiences. He added that with the increasing population was putting huge pressure on the land, water and climate. He said that Pakistan was self-sufficient in some crops but on the other hands, it imports edible. He added that the UAF being the one of the oldest agriculture university was founded in 1906 and since then, it had played a pivotal role in alleviating the hunger.
Co-President Pakistan Afghanistan Join Chambers of Commerce and Industry Khan Jan Alokazi said that there is a lot of opportunity in the agriculture sector in Afghanistan. He said that there is need to shift conventional agriculture to modern agriculture in Afghanistan for which the UAF should join hands.
Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Prof Dr Khalid Mushtaq said that agriculture sector was directly linked with the poverty alleviation. He said “we have to come up with innovative ideas to cope with the challenges”.
Prof Dr Asif Kamran said that all issue of agriculture, from field to market, must be addressed for progress of Islamic countries.
In-charge IBMS Dr Abdul Ghafoor urged the OIC member countries to enhance the joint efforts in order to address the challenges of the agriculture sector.
Dr Hammad Badar said that forum would come up with valuable solutions and help devise a pathway for joint working.
ICCIA Business Development Head Syed Saad Ali Pahsa,  ORIC Director Prof Dr Jafar Jaskani, Khasima Muazin from Comstech and other notable also spoke.

Meeting discusses measures to expedite development process in merged districts

By
NNPS Desk
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0

PESHAWAR, Sep 14 (APP): Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry and Caretaker Provincial Minister for Merged Districts Amir Abdullah here on Thursday chaired a meeting to ponder over measures needed to expedite development initiatives and stimulate growth in merged district.
The meeting formed a working group with caretaker minister as its chairperson and members including special secretaries from Planning and Development (P&D), Health, Education, Home and Mineral.
The primary aim of the working group is to ensure speedy execution of development projects within the merged districts, bolster investment across various sectors and address critical issues.
On the occasion, the chief secretary reiterated provincial government’s commitment to develop merged districts. He underscored the importance of capitalizing on opportunities within tourism, minerals, mining, agriculture, livestock, and other sectors.
He also directed secretaries of relevant departments to brief caretaker minister regarding both ongoing and proposed projects within the merged districts. He also directed for the establishing an Independent Monitoring Unit to take proactive measures to identify ghost schools and monitor the attendance of teachers.
APP/mds/

BBISE’s Chairman announces result of FA, FSC as girls gain first, 3rd position

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
BBISE’s
QUETTA, Sep 14 (APP):Chairman of Balochistan Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BBISE) Quetta Mir Ejaz Azeem Baloch on Thursday announced the annual result of 2023 of FA and FSC while girls students gained first and third positions.
He said in a press conference that a total of 95220 students had taken part in the examination, out of which 88732 were declared successful.
The Chairman of Board said that the pass rate was 93.20% while 44204 students participated in the first year out of which 40486 were stated successful, the success ratio was 91.60 per cent and 51016 students took part in the second year out of which 48246 were confirmed successful, the success rate was 94.60 per cent.
A total of 2780 students were absent in various subjects cases in the first year and second year while the result of 38 students was cancelled due to using illegal means during the examination, he said.
He said that in the result, the students who took the position, Hafiza Maryam son of Gul Muhammad roll number 352223 of Islamia Girls College Quetta got the first position by getting 1045 marks.
BRC Loralai student Shabbir Ahmed son of Ali Ahmed roll number 170380 secured second position with 1044 marks and the student of Government Girls Degree College, Khuzdar, Jawaria Shabir son of Shabir Ahmed Roll No. 223658 gained third position with 1042 marks, he said.
Chairman Board Ejaz Ahmed Baloch, Controller Board Abida Kakar and Secretary Board Muhammad Azim Sajdi congratulated the successful students in general and the position holders in particular and expressed their best wishes for them.
They said that these young men and women are associated with the nation and hoped that these students would work hard and make the name of the country and especially the province bright because our future depends on them.
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