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Pakistan introduces business friendly visa policy to boost investment, economic growth: Bugti

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business-friendly visa policy

ISLAMABAD, Sep 09 (APP): The Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti on Saturday said that a significant business-friendly visa policy was introduced, aiming to promote investment and stimulate economic growth.

He said that, under the revised policy, the visa process has been streamlined to be more business-friendly, facilitating foreign investors in establishing businesses within the country.

Additionally, visas will be issued with greater ease to individuals associated with business entities, and recommendations from bodies like the Chamber of Commerce will also be considered.

Minister Bugti emphasised the government’s commitment to combat smuggling vigorously. A collaborative anti-smuggling campaign, involving federal and provincial law enforcement agencies, has been initiated to prevent the illegal trafficking of various goods, including currencies, fertilizers, sugar, and wheat.

Furthermore, Minister Bugti revealed a comprehensive strategy for repatriating refugees to their respective countries. The objective is to significantly increase refugee registration rates from 38% to an impressive target set at 98%, with the assistance of NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority).

Bugti reaffirmed the government’s dedication to maintaining peace and stability.

He underlined the successful past efforts in combating terrorism and stressed the government’s resolve to prevent any individuals or groups from pursuing any agenda through firearms and violence.

Crackdown against smuggling, hoarding continues in Sindh

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ISLAMABAD, Sep 09 (APP): As part of the ongoing campaign against smuggling and hoarding in the country, a crackdown was conducted on Saturday against profiteers in different parts of Sindh. During the raids, 43983 bags of fertilizers were confiscated in Naushero Feroze. The fertilizer included both Urea and DAP. Similarly in Sukkur, the law enforcement agencies seized 4000 bags of Urea while they recovered 23000 bags of wheat in Ghotki. While in another operation, 550 bags of sugar were seized in Noushero Feroze. The countrywide operation against illegal activities and hoarding would continue in the coming days and weeks.

Crackdown against smuggling, hoarding continues in Sindh

 

Caretaker Federal Minister for Human Rights Khalil George talking to the media

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Caretaker Federal Minister for Human Rights Khalil George talking to the media
APP21-090923 QUETTA: September 09 - Caretaker Federal Minister for Human Rights Khalil George talking to the media. APP/ABB
Caretaker Federal Minister for Human Rights Khalil George talking to the media
APP21-090923
QUETTA: September 09 –

Country Director World Bank Mr. Najy Benhassine calls on Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, and Privatization Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, at Finance Division

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Country Director World Bank Mr. Najy Benhassine calls on Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, and Privatization Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, at Finance Division
APP20-090923 ISLAMABAD: September 09 - Country Director World Bank Mr. Najy Benhassine calls on Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, and Privatization Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, at Finance Division. APP/ABB
Country Director World Bank Mr. Najy Benhassine calls on Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, and Privatization Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, at Finance Division
APP20-090923
ISLAMABAD: September 09 –

UN ready to help victims of deadly Morocco earthquake: Guterres

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UNITED NATIONS, Sep 09 (APP): UN Secretary-General expressed his profound sadness over the deadly earthquake that struck central Morocco late Friday night reportedly leaving over 1,000 dead, expressing his solidarity with the Government and people of the country.

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that the UN was ready to assist the Government in any way needed, to help those impacted.

According to the UN humanitarian hub Reliefweb, the powerful quake struck shortly after 10pm local time, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale at a depth of 18.5 km, with the epicentre located in the High Atlas mountains, some 71 km southwest of the historic city of Marrakech.

According to media reports, several houses in the city of 840,000 collapsed and other buildings suffered structural damage. The epicentral zone is not densely populated.

“The Secretary-General was profoundly saddened to learn of the earthquake that hit Morocco today which claimed many lives,” the statement read.

Guterres addressed his most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

In a tweet, the President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, offered his heartfelt sympathy and condolences, calling on the international community “to stand together in support of Morocco in this time of sorrow.”

Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, also responded on social media platform X, saying that her “prayers and thoughts” are with the people of Morocco.

“The UN is by your side as we strive to recover,” she wrote.

Apex Committee of SIFC focuses on efforts to improve business, investment climate

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ISLAMABAD, Sep 09 (APP):Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) resumed the proceedings of the 5th Apex Committee meeting on Saturday here, focusing on efforts to improve business and investment climate in the country.

The second session was arranged to seek input from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Information Technology & Telecommunications, National Food Security & Research, and Water Resources for improving the business and investment climate in the Country.

The meeting was chaired by the caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Federal Cabinet, Provincial Chief Ministers and high-level government officials. Ministries presented comprehensive plans, covering milestones, timelines and solutions to overcome major challenges.

The committee unanimously decided to take all decisions in the larger interest of the Country and deal with the menace of smuggling, hoarding and market manipulations with iron hands through an elaborate enforcement mechanism.

The Prime Minister directed the ministries to optimally utilize the short interim period for a positive contribution while also initiating medium and long-term policy interventions.

Chief of Army Staff pledged unwavering support of Pakistan Army to backstop the government’s efforts for economic revival of the country.

 

Ashrafi seeks world role for resolving Kashmir, Palestine issues

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Kashmir issue
LAHORE, Sep 09 (APP):Interfaith Harmony Council President and Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on Saturday appealed to leaders of G20 nations to play their role to settle down the Kashmir and Palestine issues to maintain the world peace.
Addressing a press conference along with religious scholars here, he reminded that the 18th Group of 20 (G20) Heads of State Summit was being held in the Indian capital, New Delhi. He said that the G20 summit was a forum of the world leaders to discuss and find practical solution of these long-standing global issues, adding that these issues were connected with world peace directly. So peaceful solution to these issues was necessary to restore peace.
He appealed to the leaders of G20 nations to raise their voices against the Indian atrocities being committed against minority communities and urge India to end the cycle of injustices against the people residing in the occupied Kashmir valley, which was currently the world’s largest prison.
The entire Muslim Ummah was closely watching the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, currently led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with hopes that it would continue to play a leading role in advocating for the rights of oppressed Muslims in India and the occupied Kashmir, he mentioned.
He outlined that Pakistan had consistently supported dialogue with India to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute, in accordance with United Nations resolutions. He made it clear that India should resolve the occupied Kashmir issue according to the United Nations resolutions for peace in the region.
Ashrafi said the Muslim world expects Saudi Arabia to play a decisive role in advocating for the rights of oppressed Muslims in India and the occupied Kashmir, urging it to continue to champion the just cause of the oppressed Muslims and fulfill its leadership role.
He demanded strict legal action against hoarders and profiteers as these black sheep should be punished for their deeds, adding these were the actual responsible for price hike in the country. He said that all political powers of the country should sit together and reach consensus for the sake of country’s development.
Ashrafi extended his heartfelt condolences over devastating earthquake that struck Morocco, claiming the lives of more than six hundred individuals. He expressed his deep sorrow and solidarity with the families affected by the earthquake. He conveyed his sympathies and support to the people and government of Morocco, also offering prayers for the swift recovery of the injured victims.

SNGPL disconnects 10 connections over using compressors

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MULTAN, Sep 09 (APP):Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) disconnected 10 connections and removed gas meters over using gas compressors during a crackdown launched across the region in a single day.
TaskForce raided at various places and removed gas metres four in Multan city, four in Mian Channu, one in Muzaffargarh and one in Shujabad during a crackdown over using compressors.
Speaking on this occasion, Regional general manager Sui Gas Rashid Ishaq said that the use of compressors in gas meters was illegal and the operation had been launched on a large scale. Taskforce teams were formed which were conducting raids.
Addressing the citizens, he said that the use of a compressor could prove harmful and added that legal action would be taken by disconnecting the connection over any complaint received.

Health research critical to making progress in medical field

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Health Research
Federal Secretary Health Iftikhar Ali Shallwani addressing two day National Health Research Conference in Islamabad on September 09, 2023
ISLAMABAD, Sep 09 (APP):Federal Secretary Health Iftikhar Shallwani on Saturday emphasized prioritizing health research as it is of critical importance to making progress in the health sector.
Inaugurating the two-day National Health Research Conference, he said that evidence-based decision-making is of pivotal importance in meeting the challenges that confront us in the provision of health care to the masses.
He was addressing top health research experts and public health leaders from across the country.
Top public health leader Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta Chairman Board of Governors National Institute of Health (NIH) delivered his keynote address making a strong case for priority to health research.
The two-day National Health Research Conference has been jointly organized by the National Institute of Health, the Higher Education Commission, the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, and the Pakistan Science Foundation.
The main objective of the conference is to promote collaboration and networking among funding agencies, researchers, policymakers, and allied stakeholders and also to provide a platform for research funding agencies to present their experiences and research.
This conference is a unique opportunity for researchers, healthcare professionals, academicians and policymakers to come together to share knowledge, discuss the latest trends in health research and explore new ideas and collaborations.
The conference covers a wide range of topics including health research contextualization and prioritization, emerging areas of research, pharmaceutical research, and drug development besides formulating a draft Islamabad Declaration for Health Research prioritization and capacity strengthening in Pakistan.

Dengue tally reaches 366 cases in Rawalpindi

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dengue
RAWALPINDI, Sep 09 (APP):The Rawalpindi’s dengue total tally had reached 366 positive cases with the arrival of 21 more patients during the last 24 hours.
Chief Executive Officer, of District Health Authority Dr. Ijaz Ahmad, said that 12 patients had arrived from the Potohar town urban area, four from Chaklala Cantonment, two from the Municipal Corporation area and one from Kalar Syeda,
Tret(Murree) and Wah area.
He informed that 303 confirmed patients had been discharged after recovery while 80 patients were admitted to the district’s health facilities of which 63 were positive cases.
During the last 24 hours, Dr Ijaz said that the district administration had registered 50 FIRs, issued tickets to seven, sealed four premises, and a fine of Rs 188,500 was imposed against the violations of dengue SOPs.
The CEO asked the residents to adopt precautionary measures as September and October were crucial for dengue spread.
He also urged the residents to remove stagnant water, especially after rain in outdoor and household settings to stop mosquitoes from breeding.