RAWALPINDI, Sep 01 (APP): Rawalpindi district police on the directives of the Senior Superintendent of Police, Operations Rawalpindi conducted raids in different areas and netted six accused for possessing illegal weapons.
According to a police spokesman, Chontra, Wah Cantt, Pirwadhai, Waris Khan and Civil Lines police conducted raids in their respective jurisdiction and arrested six namely Faraz, Shehbaz, Shohab, Munir, Ramzan and Husnain and recovered five 30-bore pistols, a rifle and ammunition.
Separate cases have been registered against the accused while further investigations are under process.
Divisional Superintendents of Police said that strict action in accordance with the law was being taken against the lawbreakers and operations against aerial firing and illegal weapon holders would continue.
PESHAWAR, Sep 01 (APP): The first ever Afghanistan-bound China cargo shipment that entered Pakistan through the Sost border from Khunjerab on August 28, 2023 crossed Torkhem border on Thursday evening for its final destination of Kabul.
The shipment was allowed to use old Silk Route under the UN’s Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) Convention, which provides an easy & economical route for trade between countries across the world.
On the occasion of the crossing of the border by China shipment a ceremony was also held at Torkhem Zero point.
Directorate of Transit Trade, Peshawar, Collectorates of Customs, Appraisement and Enforcement, Peshawar, Incharge Pak Army, Incharge NLC, representative of Afghan Gumrak, office holders of Pak Afghan Chamber of Commerce and local traders attended the ceremony.
Director Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi was also present at the historic event.
“This remarkable initiative marked a major development in the realm of transit trade and will go a long way in enhancing the transit trade activities on the Pak Afghan border as well as strengthening economic ties with China, Afghanistan and Central Asian republics,” observed Shams ur Rehman Wazir, Director Transit Trade Torkhem while speaking on the occasion.
He said the convoy of China cargo reached its destination safely and within its stipulated period of time without any hurdles.
Utilization of this route by Chinese businessmen for transportation of goods to Afghanistan will open up new vistas of commerce and livelihood in Pakistan, Shams added.
“This trade activity has been started on trial basis and soon its volume will be increased to a desired level,” commented Arbab Qaiser, Director Transit Trade Customs Department.
In a press statement issued here, Arbab Qaiser said the scope of China goods will be expanded to Central Asian Republics after supplying goods to Afghanistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Director PAJCCI, Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi highly hailed the crossing of first-ever China cargo for Afghanistan via the Khunjerab border and termed it a good omen for enhancing trade in the region.
This development, Zia added, would not only increase the volume of trade at the regional level but would also create a large number of livelihood opportunities for people associated with customs clearance, goods transportation, fuel business, daily wagers, etc.
“This transit route is very suitable for China to target Afghanistan and CARs by reducing the travel time to almost 70% and is also economical as it is expected to reduce the logistics costs by more than 30%,” Zia opined.
He said presently flow of bilateral and transit trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan is not upto mark and the inclusion of China cargo in the business will improve commercial activities in the region.
ISLAMABAD, Sep 1 (APP): Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Munir has urged the United Nations to enable Peacekeeping Missions to be more effective in addressing the complex threats while assuring the safety and security of the Peacekeepers.
He was addressing a preparatory meet as the chief guest, held as a precursor to the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meet here from August 30-31.
Co-hosted by Pakistan and Japan on the theme of the Safety and Security of Peacekeepers, the meet was attended by delegates from different countries, senior officials from UN and members of the diplomatic community in Islamabad.
In his remarks, the army chief commended the role of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and highlighted increasing challenges and unprecedented levels of threats being faced by Peacekeepers.
The army chief further highlighted that Pakistan aspired to create a region where peace prevailed and trade, transit and investment generated prosperity for all the states of South, West and Central Asia.
He also called on the Security Council and the UN Secretary-General for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the Security Council Resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Earlier, the Under Secretary General for the Department of Peace Operations thanked Pakistan for hosting the conference and making invaluable contributions for global peace.
Addressing the participants, Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani recalled Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping, spanning over six decades, as a tangible manifestation of its contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security.
He paid tribute to the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in the noble cause of peacekeeping, including 171 Pakistanis.
He underscored the need to ensure a safe and secure environment for UN peacekeepers who tirelessly safeguard peace around the globe.
ISLAMABAD, Sep 01 (APP): Director General of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in Balochistan Zafar Iqbal on Friday pledged to hold accountable and bring to justice those who have plundered the province’s resources.
Speaking at an open forum, the head of NAB Balochistan affirmed that corruption would not be tolerated, emphasizing the protection of people’s rights.
‘The Bureau is diligently carrying out its duties in compliance with the laws and the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Addressing a “Khuli Ketchery”, the head of NAB Balochistan affirmed that corruption would not be tolerated, emphasizing the protection of people’s rights.
The Bureau is diligently carrying out its duties in compliance with the laws and the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The chief attentively listened to the people’s concerns, assuring them that their issues were being addressed as per the directives of Chairman NAB Lt. Gen. (retd) Nazir Ahmed.
Zafar Iqbal Khan met the distressed individuals with a friendly demeanor and attentively heard their issues. During his speech, the Director General discussed NAB’s jurisdiction and explained the process for filing complaints with the organization.
In his speech, he mentioned that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is vigorously combating corruption and will employ all available means to hold those involved in corruption accountable. Additionally, he emphasized the Bureau’s dedication to eliminating corruption from the nation.
The Director General of NAB Balochistan assessed the progress of ongoing cases, issued prompt directives for required actions, and stressed the swift resolution of pending issues.
Additionally, NAB Balochistan intends to hold “Khuli Ketchery” sessions routinely on the last Thursday of each month, from 2:00 p.m. to 4 p.m.
ISLAMABAD, Sep 01 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah on Friday formally inaugurated a week-long cultural activity being organized in connection with Pakistan Defence Day to be observed on September 6, 2023.
In this regard, a special exhibition of warfare artifacts opened here at the Islamabad Museum located at Sir Syed Memorial.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Humaira Ahmed and heads of all attached departments of the division.
Talking to the media, the minister highlighted the importance of the participation of children and youth in the mega cultural and literary activities.
National Heritage and Culture Division and its attached department have planned a series of cultural activities and events aimed at highlighting the importance of patriotism and sacrifices and inculcating the love and respect of our homeland in the hearts of our younger generations.
The minister said that a total of 23 cultural activities will be held that include live performances, stage plays, puppet theatres, musical concerts, exhibitions, artisans at work, seminars, tableaus, etc.
Jamal Shah said that Pakistan Defence Day is an opportunity for Pakistanis to reaffirm their commitment to National unity and harmony. He said that September 6 is an important day in the history of our country and in this aspect, all the attached departments have planned special cultural events to highlight the sacrifices of our national heroes.
He also said that a National Songs mega-musical event would be organized in which renowned singers would sing national songs to mark the day in a befitting manner.
Earlier, the minister also took a round of the special exhibition of warfare artifacts displayed at the Islamabad Museum by the Department of Archeology and Museum (DoAM).
ISLAMABAD, Sep 1 (APP): The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Directorate General Public Relations has released a short documentary on the courage and bravery of Pakistan Air Force soldiers in connection with the September 1965 war, in which the air battle that took place on September 1, 1965 has been described.
The documentary features Air Commodore (R) Khalid Chishti who has described the account of the air battle that took place after the Indian fighter aircraft intruded into Pakistani air space and the leadership role of the then Commander in Chief of PAF Air Marshal Nur Khan.
ISLAMABAD, Sep 1 (APP): Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Friday paid tribute to the iconic leader of Kashmir freedom struggle Syed Ali Shah Geelani on his second death anniversary.
“He was a brave and steadfast leader. He inspired generations of Kashmiris in their struggle for realization of their right to self-determination in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions,” the foreign minister wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, in a statement, also remembered the life and legacy of Syed Ali Shah Geelani on his second death anniversary.
“A courageous leader, he continues to inspire generations of Kashmiris who remain steadfast in their just struggle for realization of right to self-determination,” the spokesperson added.
ISLAMABAD, Sep 1 (APP): Fertilizer-manufactured imports into the country during the first month of the current financial year grew by 130.40 per cent as compared to the imports of the corresponding month of last year.
During the month of July 2023 about 18,995 metric tons of fertilizer valued at $11.388 million were imported as compared to the imports of 6,449 metric tons valued at $4.943 million in the same month last year, according to the data of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
Meanwhile, the imports of agricultural and other chemicals into the country during the first months of the current financial year decreased by 10.78 per cent as compared to the imports of the corresponding month of last year.
During the month of July 2023, agricultural and other chemicals costing $718.801 million were imported as compared to the imports of $805.634 million in the same month of the previous year.
In the first month of the current financial year, 2,987 metric tons of insecticides valued at $17.789 million were imported as compared to the imports of 3,114 metric tons worth of $24.064 million in the same month last year.
During the period under review, 156,948 metric tons of plastic materials valued at $204.250 million were imported as against the imports of 143,102 metric tons valuing $241.805 million in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, 2,502 metric tons of medicinal products worth $93.541 million were imported to fulfill the local requirements as compared the imports of 2,333 metric tons valuing $92.451 million.
ISLAMABAD, Sep 1 (APP): A briefing session for the resident diplomatic missions in Islamabad on the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was held by the Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Government Effectiveness Dr Jehanzeb Khan made a detailed presentation informing the diplomatic corps on the establishment and various aspects of the Council.
He particularly highlighted investment opportunities in Pakistan in four key areas including information technology, agriculture, energy and mining.
The participating diplomatic missions were requested to brief and encourage their countries to profit from the promise of Pakistan being a resource-rich country.
The Government of Pakistan has recently constituted the SIFC to serve as a ‘One-Window’ platform to fast-track decision-making and promote as well as facilitate foreign direct investment in the country.
The briefing session was also attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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