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Pakistan, WHO unite to accelerate fight against Hepatitis C

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 01 (APP): Pakistan’s Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and key partners, reaffirmed its commitment on Friday to intensify efforts in eliminating hepatitis C.
The renewed pledge aims to scale up prevention, testing, and treatment strategies to meet national and global health targets.
The commitment was made to avert 850,000 deaths and 1.1 million new infections by 2050 under the umbrella of the Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C.
This was one of the objectives discussed during an event chaired by Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal as part of World Hepatitis Day commemorations. WHO and the Ministry of Health convened the national and international experts for a discussion.
Kamal said,  “This is a commitment. I, along with my entire team, will work day and night, and we will leave no stone unturned to achieve our target.”
He said,”  Millions of people are already affected, and many more are getting affected every single day. We must act now to save our people.”
“The fight against hepatitis is not a job, but a passion, a commitment and a mission. We have to screen our population.”
According to data presented during the event, the implementation of the Prime Minister Programme could save 150,000 lives and avoid 210,000 infections by 2030, preventing 90,000 liver cancer cases and 71,000 cirrhosis cases.
This prevention will also save over the next five years 1.3 billion Pakistani rupees (PKR) (USD 4.6 million) in treatment and over PKR 2 billion (USD 7 million) in hospitalization costs, totaling savings of PKR 3.3 billion.
WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Dapeng Luo said, “Detecting and treating hepatitis is essential, but prevention is the key to end the disease.”
He said, ” We will continue to partner with Pakistan to implement science-based approaches and adapt to the Pakistani context best practices and lessons learned from around the world.”
With 10 million of the 50 million estimated cases worldwide, Pakistan has the heaviest burden of hepatitis C globally.
 It is estimated that, every year, 110,000 people are infected in the country as 62% due to unsafe medical injections (including blood transfusions) and 38% due to injection drug use.
“WHO reiterates its full support for Pakistan’s efforts to fight the disease, including the Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection.”
The Programme aims to test 50% of the eligible population (82.5 million people aged 12 years and above) and treat five million people by 2027.

Ambassador Qureshi discusses Pakistan’s tourism with media experts

By
Asif Jalal
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0
BRUSSELS, Aug 01 (APP): Pakistan’s ambassador to European Union and Belgium Rahim Hayat Qureshi Friday here met media experts Ayse Malcikan and Syrdaryasy from EU Reflect.
They discussed constructive engagement in the media domain at the Belgium and EU level.
The exchange also focused on highlighting Pakistan’s rich tourism potential.

PCRWR declares 23 brands of bottle water unsafe for human consumption

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 1 (APP): Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has revealed that 23 brands of drinking bottle water were unsafe for human consumption due to microbiological or chemical contamination.
PCRWR collected 203 samples of mineral/bottled water brands from 21 major cities during the 2nd quarter of year 2025 (April to June), said a report issued here Friday.
Eleven brands (New Mehran, Aqua 111, Nice Pure Max, Pure Drinking Water, Logic, Himalya Cool, Natural Pure Life, Natural, Forever Bottled Drinking Water, Drinkly Pure Drinking Water, Qudrat Water) were found to be unsafe due to presence of higher levels of sodium, four brands (Atco Drinking Water, Aqua nest, Pani, New mountain) were found to be unsafe due to presence of higher levels of arsenic, while, one brand (Vey Forever) was found unsafe due to presence of high level of potassium than the permissible limit, it further said.
Nine brands (Noble pure drinking water, Aqua 111, Clear, Wah water, Nice pure max, Aqua king bottled water, Maa jee, Freshin drinking water, Iceland) were found contaminated with bacteria and thus were unsafe for drinking purpose.
The detailed report is available on PCRWR website www.pcrwr.gov.pk.

Flexible financial terms for ferry operators under consideration: Junaid Chaudhry

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 01 (APP): Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has called for swift launch of Pakistan’s first ferry service, urging immediate reforms to licensing procedures and financial facilitation for operators to ensure affordable sea travel, support pilgrims, and boost maritime connectivity.
The minister made these remarks on Friday during a detailed presentation by the Director General of Shipping and Ports, Alia Shahid at his office here.
To remove bureaucratic bottlenecks, the minister instructed that the ferry licensing process be fully digitalized and integrated into the Pakistan Single Window platform, similar to existing ship registrations. He specifically ordered the reduction of the current six-month license issuance period to just one month.
“There’s no justification for a half-year delay,” he stated. “We must eliminate red tape and act decisively.”
In a move to attract private sector participation, the minister called for exploring flexible financial models for ferry operators. “We must assess whether a bank guarantee, insurance guarantee, or a hybrid model is most viable,” he said. “Our aim is to support not hinder entrepreneurs who wish to invest in this sector.”
Highlighting the broader benefits of sea travel, the minister pointed out that ferry services could provide an affordable and reliable travel solution for Zaireen (pilgrims) aspiring to visit Iran and Iraq.
“Beyond tourism and business, this service can greatly facilitate religious travel. We can offer pilgrims a new, secure, and cost-efficient option for their journeys,” Junaid Chaudhry noted.
The minister underscored the broader utility of ferry services, particularly for religious travelers. “Every year, 700,000 to 1,000,000 Pakistani Zaireen travel to Iran and Iraq. If even 20% opt for ferries in the first three years, that’s 140,000 to 200,000 passengers annually, representing significant economic potential,” he noted.
Stakeholder consultations, including with private operators and regional maritime authorities, are currently underway. Feasibility studies and regulatory frameworks are being finalized, with a pilot launch expected in the coming weeks.
“If implemented effectively, this service could become a vital new transport link across the region,” Junaid Chaudhry concluded. “We will unveil a detailed roadmap for rollout within the next few weeks.”

Ambassador Qureshi discusses Pakistan’s tourism with media experts

By
Munir Hussain
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0

 

Pakistan’s ambassador to European Union and Belgium Rahim Hayat Qureshi Friday here met media experts Ayse Malcikan and Syrdaryasy from EU Reflect. They discussed constructive engagement in the media domain at the Belgium and EU level. The exchange also focused on highlighting Pakistan’s rich tourism potential.

 

ITP issues traffic diversions, ensures tight security during foreign delegation movement in Capital

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 01 (APP): Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has implemented special traffic and security arrangements in the federal capital on Friday due to the arrival and movement of a foreign delegation.
An ITP spokesperson told APP that strict security and traffic management protocols have been enforced on Koral, Faizabad, Express Highway, Murree Road, Club Road, Serena Hotel, Zero Point, and Srinagar Highway.
From 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, traffic flow on Express Highway and Srinagar Highway is expected to be slow or temporarily halted due to the movement of the delegation. Commuters are advised to plan ahead and expect delays.
To ensure smoother travel, motorists are encouraged to use the service roads adjacent to Express and Srinagar Highways. Travelers heading toward Blue Area or sectors F-6 and F-7 are advised to use the H-8 underpass.
Those commuting to and from the Red Zone or Serena Hotel should take alternate routes via Margalla Road, Jinnah Avenue, Ayub Chowk, and NADRA Chowk. Citizens going toward Bari Imam are also advised to use NADRA Chowk.
For access to sectors H and I, motorists should take Rawalpindi–Peshawar Road and IJP Road via service roads.
Additionally, the route from Murree Road to Serena Hotel and Faizabad via Rawal Dam will remain closed during the delegation’s movement.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (R) Syed Zeeshan Haider said that ITP personnel will remain deployed at multiple points across the city to assist commuters and ensure traffic flow.
He advised the public to plan their journeys with a buffer time of at least 20 minutes.
For real-time updates or any assistance, citizens can contact the ITP helpline at 1915. The ITP’s official social media channels will also provide continuous information regarding route changes and traffic updates, he added.

SBP injects Rs 12.88 trillion in market

By
Asif Jalal
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0
KARACHI, Aug 01 (APP): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), on Friday, injected Rs 12,878.069 billion in the market through Reverse Repo Purchase and Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operations (OMO).
The central bank conducted the Open Market Operation, Reverse Repo Purchase (Injection) for 7 and 14 day tenors on August 01 and accepted an amount of Rs 12,603.535 billion against 39 quotes while another Rs 274.534 billion were injected through Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based OMO.
For the Reverse Repo Purchase, SBP received 10 quotes for the 7-day tenor cumulatively offering Rs 893.309 billion at the rate of return ranging between 11.02% to 11.10%. SBP accepted all the bids with the total realized value amounting to Rs 893.309 billion at 11.02% rate of return.
Moreover, the SBP also received 29 bids for the 14-day tenor cumulatively offering Rs 11,953.462 billion at the rate of return ranging between 11.01 to 11.12%. The SBP accepted an amount of Rs 11,710.226 billion against 29 bids at 11.01% rate of return. The total amount offered at 11.01% was Rs 5,345 billion, out of which SBP accepted Rs 5,089.25 billion on a pro-rate basis.
Meanwhile, SBP also conducted Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operation for 7 and 14 day tenors. The central bank received one bid for the 7-day tenor offering Rs 121.245 billion at 11.15% rate of return. The SBP accepted the quote with the entire amount at the offered rate.
The central bank also received two bids for the 14-day tenor offering Rs 153.289 billion at 11.13% rate of return. SBP accepted both the bids with the entire amount at the offered rate.

UAE ambassador to Pakistan calls on Nawaz Sharif, Punjab CM Maryam

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Aug 01 (APP): United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi called on PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, here on Friday.
According to a handout issued here, detailed discussion was held during the meeting on how to expand bilateral cooperation in fraternal relations, economic partnership, education, science and sustainable development.
Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz warmly welcomed the UAE ambassador, and conveyed their best wishes and goodwill of people of Punjab to the visionary leadership and people of the UAE.
They agreed to take cooperation between Pakistan and UAE to new heights and paid tribute to the leadership of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
They appreciated the scientific progress, environmental friendliness and modern vision of UAE leadership.
The PML-N president said, “Relationship between Pakistan and the UAE is not just diplomatic but a bond of hearts.”
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, “We are keen to further expand cooperation with the UAE in fields of education, research and environment.” She said, “Visa-free entry for official and diplomatic passport holders between Pakistan and the UAE is commendable.”
She highlighted, “Increase in Pak-UAE bilateral trade volume is a source of joy. Education, health, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors in Punjab have been put on the path of innovation.”
The Punjab CM invited the UAE investors, institutions and business community to invest in Punjab.

DIG Welfare meets families of police martyrs in Dera Ismail Khan

By
Asif Jalal
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0
DERA ISMAIL KHAN , Aug 01 (APP): On special instructions from the Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,  Zulfiqar Hameed, the DIG Welfare KP Police, Kashif Mushtaq Kanju, visited Police Lines in Dera Ismail Khan Friday and met with the families of police martyrs from Dera, Tank, Upper and Lower South Waziristan.
The visit was aimed at honoring the sacrifices of the martyred police personnel and expressing solidarity with their families. During the meeting, DIG Welfare presented condolence letters and cheques worth Rs. 50,000 each to the families on behalf of the IGP.
Regional Police Officer (RPO) Dera, Syed Ashfaq Anwar, and District Police Officer (DPO) Dera, Sajad Ahmad Sahabzada, were also present on the occasion.
DIG Welfare listened to the concerns of the families and issued on-the-spot directives to resolve their problems. He said the bravery and sacrifices of the police martyrs had played a key role in restoring peace in the province. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police stands firmly with the families of the martyrs and will continue to take all possible measures for their welfare,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, RPO Dera Syed Ashfaq Anwar said that police martyrs are the true national heroes who live in our hearts. “Observing Police Martyrs’ Day is meant to reaffirm our commitment to the families that we are always with them,” he said.
He further said that the KP Police is focusing on the education, health, and employment needs of the children of martyrs. “Every officer of the police force is now a guardian of these children. If you face any issue, our offices and homes are always open for you,” he added.
The families of the martyrs expressed gratitude and full confidence in the leadership and ongoing support of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police.

Shaza, DG SIFC visit LIMS to review Agri-Tech, AI, land transformation initiatives

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 01 (APP): Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Director General of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) visited the Land Information and Management System (LIMS) facility to assess ongoing digital and AI-driven innovations in agriculture and land management.
The delegation was received by DG LIMS Maj Gen Muhammad Ayub Ahsan and briefed by Dr Col Waqar on the role of LIMS to ensure food security, bringing the latest Agri tech advisory to more than 2 million farmers, automated pest attack mitigation like that of whitefly in 2023, saving over Rs. 5 billion.
The Minister and her team saw a live demonstration of Agri Stack – an initiative of MoITT, said a news release issued by the Ministry of IT.
Shaza appreciated the efforts and said that this Agri Stack is going to revolutionise the agriculture of Pakistan being a complete digital echo system and e-commerce platform developed by LIMS.
Some other initiatives include the Pak Sar Zameen Card  — a farmer-focused smart tool GIS/RS-based, to access land records, subsidies, and agri-advisory services.
A very healthy discussion took place on the branding of Pakistani Agri products with export potential. Job creation in the field of Agriculture for the youth under tech-savvy agri advancement, including the distribution of smartphones, improving connectivity, AI utilisation for crop yield prediction, and a centrally operated agri-tech system under LIMS.
To ensure coordinated progress, a proposal for forming a steering group to support LIMS in its agri-tech and operational expansion was also discussed.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja praised LIMS as a flagship of Pakistan’s digital transformation, while DG SIFC emphasised the project as a model of the Whole-of-Government approach, driven by SIFC and Pakistan’s Armed Forces. Both reaffirmed their commitment to a tech-enabled, sustainable future for Pakistan’s agriculture and environment.
The Minister of IT laid special emphasis on the accessibility and usability of LIMS.
A key direction is to ensure that the LIMS platform is fully functional and easily accessible through smartphones. This initiative aims to bring land-related services directly to users’ fingertips, enhancing transparency and public convenience.
Mobile access will allow real-time data retrieval, location tracking, and efficient land record management.
The Minister stressed that such digital integration is vital for modernising land governance.
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