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Pakistan can’t allow misuse of Afghan transit trade agreement: FO

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Foreign Office

ISLAMABAD, Sep 11 (APP): Pakistan on Monday said that for the last several decades, it had facilitated Afghan transit trade and would continue to do so, however, it could not allow the misuse of the agreement.

The Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, in response to a statement by the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Torkham, said the remarks came as a surprise as the “Interim Afghan authorities know fully well the reasons for the temporary closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Torkham.

The spokesperson said Pakistan could not accept the construction of any structures by the Interim Afghan government inside its territory since those violated its sovereignty.

“On the 6th of September, instead of a peaceful resolution, Afghan troops resorted to indiscriminate firing, targeting Pakistan military posts, damaging the infrastructure at the Torkham Border Terminal, and putting the lives of both Pakistani and Afghan civilians at risk, when they were stopped from erecting such unlawful structures,” she commented.

She said that such unprovoked and indiscriminate firing on Pakistani border posts could not be justified under any circumstances.

The spokesperson said that the unprovoked firing by Afghan border security forces invariably emboldened the terrorist elements. These elements are enjoying sanctuaries inside Afghanistan as confirmed by the UN Security Council’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team in its latest report, she added.

The spokesperson said that Pakistan had always wished the Afghan border to be a border of peace and amity between the two countries.

“We have welcomed our Afghan brothers and sisters with open arms for decades. Pakistan has continued to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue in the face of persistent unwarranted provocations by Afghan troops deployed along the Pakistan-Afghanistan Border,” she remarked.

The spokesperson said that the temporary closures took place only in extreme cases such as the incident of September 6, 2023, on the border or when Afghan soil was used to launch terror attacks inside Pakistan.

She said the statement of the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs also included some irrelevant comments and unsolicited advice about Pakistan’s economy and foreign trade.

She reiterated that Pakistan stood ready to resolve all bilateral issues and concerns through constructive dialogue so that both countries could reap the dividends of economic connectivity and resultant prosperity.

“We expect the Afghan interim authorities to be mindful of Pakistan’s concerns, respect the territorial integrity of Pakistan and ensure that the Afghan territory is not used as a launching pad for terrorist attacks against Pakistan,” the spokesperson added.

Famous Urdu writer Mumtaz Mufti remembered

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Mumtaz Mufti remembered
ISLAMABAD, Sep 11 (APP):Famous Urdu writer Mumtaz Mufti was remembered on the occasion of his birth anniversary on Monday.
Mumtaz Hussain Mufti was born on  September 11, 1905 in Batala, east Punjab. He became a civil servant under British rule and started his career as a school teacher. At the time of partition, he migrated to Pakistan with his family.
Mumtaz Mufti started writing Urdu short stories while working as a school teacher before 1947. At the beginning of his literary career,he was considered, by other literary critics, a non-conformist writer having liberal views, who appeared influenced by Freud.
 His transformation from liberalism to Sufism was due to his inspiration from a fellow writer Qudrat Ullah Shahab. All the same, he did manage to retain his individual point of view and wrote on subjects that were frowned upon by the conservative elements in the society.
 The two phases of his life are witnessed by his autobiographies, “Ali Pur Ka Aeeli” and “Alakh Nagri”. According to forewords mentioned in his later autobiography, “Ali Pur Ka Aeeli” is an account of a lover who challenged the social taboos of his times, and  “Alakh Nagri” is an account of a devotee who is greatly influenced by mysticism.
 In recognition of his literary contribution, in 1986 he was given Sitara-e-Imtiaz and in 1989 Munshi Premchand Award.
Besides  Ali Pur Ka Aeeli  and Alakh Nagri, his works include “Docter ka istemaal”, “Ram Din”, “Un Kahi”, “Chup,Guria Ghar”, “Ismaraeen”, “Kahi Na Jai”, “Labbaik” ,”Muftianey”, “Nizam-e- Sakaa, “Roughani Putlay”, “Samay Ka Bandhan”, “Hind Yaatra”, “Piyaaz Ke Chhilkay”, “Okhay Awallay”, “Okhay Log,”and Talash.
Mumtaz Mufti died on October 27, 1995.

111 cases registered over serious violation of traffic rules

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Islamabad Traffic Police

ISLAMABAD, Sep 11 (APP):Islamabad Capital Police have launched an intensified crackdown on drivers who are violating traffic rules, resulting in the registration of 111 cases against individuals engaged in serious traffic violations across various police stations during the last three days.

Police spokesperson said that Islamabad capital police have initiated the process of registering cases against traffic rule violators involved in significant traffic infractions. During this enforcement period, the police issued a total of 11,708 challan tickets, and 201 vehicles along with 565 motorcycles were impounded.

Over the last 24 hours, police teams issued 32 challan tickets for overcharging on traveling fares and 79 for overloading, leading to the impoundment of 75 vehicles and 97 motorcycles across various police stations.

Furthermore, special squads have been deployed along major highways and important boulevards within the federal capital to address traffic congestion and violations. These cases were registered at Sangjani and Ramna police stations.

Additionally, Islamabad Capital Police FM radio 92.4 is broadcasting a dedicated program focused on educating the public about traffic rules. Citizens are urged to fulfill their civic responsibility as this initiative aims to safeguard the lives of the community.

HEC awards student players for performance in 34th National Games

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34th National Games

ISLAMABAD, Sep 11 (APP):The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has organised a ceremony to encourage sports in academic institutions by distributing cash prizes among the university student players who remained third in terms of winning medals in the 34th National Games Quetta 2023.

The 34th National Games, Quetta were held from May 22-30, 2023, wherein HEC secured 5th position. Out of 118 medals, HEC won eight gold, 17 silver, and 93 bronze medals.

HEC players competed in individual as well as team events including Volleyball and basketball the National Games Quetta 2023 with departmental and provincial players.

HEC was among 14 participating units, including Pakistan Army, WAPDA, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan, Police, Islamabad, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi conferred the ‘Best Turn Out Trophy’ upon HEC for being an extraordinary contingent of the Games.

Caretaker Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Mr. Madad Ali Sindhi was the chief guest of the prize distribution ceremony, whereas Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed was the guest of honour.

The ceremony was attended by former Olympians, Mr. Khwaja Junaid and Mr. Shahbaz Ahmad (Senior), CEO Lahore Qalandars Mr Atif Rana, Director/Incharge Sports HEC Mr. Javed Ali Memon and students from various universities.

In his address, the Minister said, “We are prioritizing such policies that are youth-centric.” He said no nation in the world could make progress without investing in education and sports. Despite, curtailed resources, and tough times, we are working on opening avenues of growth for our young generation, he added.

Chairman HEC Dr Mukhtar Ahmed hoped that Pakistan would get many Olympians from this pool of young players in the coming years.

He maintained that along with patronizing regulations for the universities in Pakistan, HEC regularly carries out extracurricular activities in universities to promote healthy activities among youth.

He stressed the need for holding regular sports activities in educational institutions. To motivate the players, Chairman HEC announced that cash prizes for upcoming National Games would be enhanced to Rs. 3 lacs, Rs. 2 lacs and Rs. 1 lac for gold, silver and bronze medal winners respectively.

In his welcome address earlier, Mr Javed Ali Memon briefed the dignitaries about the way forward for reinvigorating and strengthening the sports ecosystem in Higher Education Institutions through developing a systematic approach towards player management mechanism and their retention.

Mr. Atif Rana, on this occasion, said that Lahore Qalandars fully supports HEC players to outperform in their areas of expertise.

He also informed the players that in the upcoming Pakistan Super League, HEC’s contingent would be invited to watch Lahore Qalandars matches.

Mr. Shehbaz Ahmad motivated players with his lifelong successful journey and advised them on acquiring time management skills.

He asked them to believe in teamwork and fair play. Respect your parents, teachers, coaches, and trainers, who have contributed to your success, he emphasised.

Shah grieved over legendary artist Ahmed Khan’s sad demise

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Jamal Shah

ISLAMABAD, Sep 11 (APP): Interim Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Jamal Shah, conveyed his profound sadness and condolences regarding the unfortunate passing of Prof. Ahmed Khan, a renowned artist, designer, teacher, and mentor.

In expressing his sorrow over Ahmed Khan’s demise, the minister extended his heartfelt condolences and offered prayers for the grieving family.

He also beseeched Allah Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul.

The minister remarked that his contributions to education and the world of art will be fondly remembered and valued by all those fortunate enough to have learned from him, both at the National College of Arts (NCA) and beyond.

He emphasized that the void left by his passing is irreplaceable.

Furthermore, the minister issued instructions to the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) to arrange a condolence reference in honor of Prof. Ahmed Khan, a legendary figure in the realms of art, education, and mentorship.

Professional beggars arrested during crackdown

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ISLAMABAD, Sep 11 (APP):In a major crackdown against beggars here, assistant Commissioners have arrested dozens of professional beggars
in recent days.
The operation is being carried out under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, who has directed the assistant commissioners to take strict action against beggars.
The assistant commissioner secretariat arrested 12 beggars from different areas of the Secretariat subdivision on Monday. The beggars were taken to the police station.
The official source said that the operation against beggars would be continued.

ANF recovers 70 kg drugs; nets 11 accused

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drugs

RAWALPINDI, Sep 11 (APP): Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) while conducting 11 operations across the country managed to recover over 70 kg drugs and arrested 11 accused, said an ANF Headquarters spokesman here on Monday.
He informed that over 600 grams Ice drug concealed in two water coolers was recovered from a parcel reached at a private cargo office in Jhelum. The parcel was sent from Peshawar.
2.2 kg hashish was recovered from a local resident netted from Haq Bahu Hotel in Bhakkar.
The spokesman further informed that over 2.5 kg Ice drug was recovered from a passenger’s trolley bag at Sialkot Airport.
The accused, a resident of Jhelum, was leaving for Bahrain by flight number GF-769.
Three suspects were rounded up from a passenger bus near Motorway Toll Plaza Islamabad and drugs were recovered from their possession.
19 heroin-filled capsules were recovered from the possession of an accused, resident of Chiniot.
In a joint operation with Punjab Rangers, five accused were netted in Kasur while 7.1 kg heroin was recovered from their possession. A motorcycle was also impounded during the operation.
In an operation conducted in Peshawar, 18 ecstasy tablets were recovered from a parcel booked for Murree through a courier office.
200 grams hashish and 400 grams opium were recovered from the possession of an accused, resident of Mastung arrested near Raja Bazar, Gilgit.
10 kg hashish concealed for smuggling was recovered in Bajor area while 10 kg hashish concealed near Sepina Morga border of Khyber area was also recovered.
In 10th operation, 24 kg hashish hidden near Mazani area in Gwadar was recovered.
The spokesman said that in 11th operation, 15 kg opium hidden near Gardi forest in Chagai area was recovered.
Separate cases have been registered against the arrested accused under the Anti-Narcotics Act while further investigations are under process.

238 power pilferers nabbed in Faisalabad

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power pilferers

FAISALABAD, Sep 11 (APP): Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) has claimed to nab 238 power pilferers from its region during last 4 day.
FESCO spokesman Tahir Sheikh said here on Monday that on special instruction of Ministry of Energy (Power Division), the FESCO had launched a crackdown against electricity theft across its region four days ago.
He said that FESCO region comprised of 8 districts including Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, Sargodha, Mianwali, Khushab and Bhakkar.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) FESCO Engineer Bashir Ahmed had activated special teams to nab maximum power pilferers. The teams conducted surprise checking of electricity supply meters across the region and detected electricity theft at 238 points where the accused were stealing power by using different modes including direct supply, tampering meter body, shunt system, etc.
Giving some further details, he said that the FESCO teams caught 45 power pilferers during last 24 hours and imposed Rs.5.566 millions on them as fine of more than 141,000 detection units.
He said that cases were registered against 71 accused while further action against the power pilferers was under progress.

PR completes 90% rehabilitation work of Shahdadpur Railway Station platform

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Shahdadpur Railway Station

ISLAMABAD, Sep 11 (APP): Pakistan Railways has almost completed 90 percent upgradation and rehabilitation work of the Shahdadpur Railway Station platform which would facilitate the passengers of the area.

“The government has allocated around Rs 2 million more funds for completing the renovation of the platform of Shahdadpur Railway Station, an official in the Ministry told APP.

He said Shahdadpur Railway Station, operating with three platforms, is one of the important stations situated on the mainline where most of the mail and express trains have their stoppages.

The official said the contractor had stopped the construction work due to non-payment of bills and funds but now the funds have been arranged for the remaining rehabilitation work.

The official said the platform condition on the downside was dilapidated and therefore it was decided to carry out its repair under the head of improvement and welfare expenditure.

To a question, the official said Pakistan Railways was a big organization comprising of around 63,000 employees and its network stretched across the country.

He said the employees are well-cared under the welfare activities like health facilities through a wide network of hospitals, dispensaries and child healthcare units.

Elaborating, the official said the provision of government accommodation according to entitlement and priority list, staff benevolent funds, benefits and incentives were provided through the Prime Minister’s Family Assistance Package policy for families of deceased employees.

He said the other welfare activities included benefits and incentives provided through policy for disabled employees’ families, monthly grants to widows scale-wise, the establishment of primary and high schools, industrial schools to teach handicrafts, sports activities through the constitution of Pakistan and pick and drop facility for schools/offices.

The official said the installation of water filtration plants, a special provision of five medical seats in Ripha Islamic Universities with a reduction of 50 percent in admission and tuition fees, loans on easy instalments, availability of all recreational facilities, payment for burial and ambulance charges, marriage grant, farewell grant, free passes and concession in railways fares.

Hot, humid weather to prevail in KP

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Dry weather

PESHAWAR, Sep 11 (APP):The Meteorological Department on Monday forecast mostly hot and humid weather for the next 24 to 48 hours in most parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

However, isolated thunderstorm-rain with gusty winds are likely to occur over Abbottabad, Mansehra, Swat and at some places in Dir, Bajaur and Nowshera in the evening and night during the period, and dusty winds are also likely to blow in the plains of the province.

The minimum temperature in Peshawar and other districts is likely to decrease in the evening and at night and humidity in the air to increase.