HYDERABAD
A vendor displaying the colorful dolls to attract the customers at roadside
HYDERABAD
NA Speaker declares holding general elections peacefully as key to democratic stability, continuity
ISLAMABAD, Aug 28 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Interior Sarfraz Ahmed Bhugti called on National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf in Islamabad on Monday.
During the meeting, the matters pertaining to hold general elections peacefully were deliberated upon in detail. Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf also extended felicitation to Sarfraz Ahmed Bhugti for his selection as Federal Minister.
The Speaker also expressed his confidence that interim government would take all possible initiatives to ensure general elections to be held peacefully.
Interim Federal Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bhugti appreciated Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf for his concern for general elections.
He also said, “Election Commission of Pakistan is assured for full cooperation for holding general elections.”
Govt to assist ECP in holding election as per schedule : Solangi
ISLAMABAD, Aug 28 (APP): Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi on Monday said the government would assist the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in holding the general election in accordance with its time-table.
“It is the foremost priority of the government to assist the ECP in holding the election in a free, fair and transparent manner,” said the minister while talking to a private channel.
“We will fulfill our limited role in line with the constitution,” he remarked.
To a query, he said it was the responsibility of the ECP to hold the election, and under Article 51 of the Constitution, the electoral body was bound to hold the election in accordance with the fresh census, approved by the Council of Common Interests
The ECP would have to give 54 days to the political parties for the electoral campaign once the delimitations were completed, he added.
To another query, he said the ECP would decide the date of election which was a constitutional body.
He said the government would take steps to improve the situation in the country.
The minister said the government would hand over the country to the elected government in better shape by strengthening the national economy.
“It is our responsibility to strengthen the economy and we will make all-out efforts for the purpose,” he remarked.
“The courts are open, the media is free, if anyone has any complaint, they can approach the appropriate forums,” the minister said in response to another question.
He said the caretaker government was committed to hold the election in a peaceful and conducive environment.
Disaster preparedness exercises conclude in Swat schools
PESHAWAR, Aug 28 (APP):In a groundbreaking initiative to promote disaster preparedness and ensure the safety of girls’ education, the FCDO funded Sub-National Governance (SNG) programme in collaboration with the District Government Swat successfully concluded a series of mock exercises across six schools.
According to a press release issued here on Monday, these exercises aimed to bridge the gap in girls’ education during disasters and enhance local-level risk management.
The initiative garnered substantial support from various stakeholders, including the District Administration Swat, Rescue 1122, civil defence, education department, Red Crescent Society and the Social Welfare Department.
The six-day exercise series brought together educators, students, and disaster management experts to equip them with crucial skills and knowledge to effectively navigate and respond to emergencies.
Modules covered a range of topics, including disaster risk management, disaster preparedness tailored for girls, guidance for dealing with trauma, and first aid in schools.
These comprehensive sessions aimed to empower participants with the tools they need to ensure the safety and continuation of education during challenging times.
The district administration lauded the dedication and efforts of SNG, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, education department and the Social Welfare Department in orchestrating these exercises with precision and success.
“Under the directions of Deputy Commissioners Swat and Provincial Government these initiatives are undertaken, it is inspiring to witness the commitment shown by SNG, Rescue 1122, education department, civil defence and the Social Welfare Department in conducting these exercises ” stated Additional Deputy Commissioner Relief and HR, Ibrar Wazir.
“These efforts align with our shared goal of safeguarding education and preparing our communities to face unforeseen challenges,” he added.
SNG and its partners are dedicated to fostering inclusivity and preparedness in education and this initiative marks a significant step towards achieving that mission.
By prioritising disaster preparedness, the District Government Swat ensures that every girl has the opportunity to learn and thrive, irrespective of the circumstances.
The success of these mock exercises signifies the potential for replicating the approach in other educational institutions situated in disaster-prone areas, thus amplifying the impact of this crucial undertaking.
‘Pakistan theatre festival-2023’ to start from Sept 8
KARACHI, Aug 28 (APP):Pakistan Theatre Festival 2023 will be kicked off from September 8 which will organized by Pakistan Arts Council where seven International Theatre Groups will be participating and 27 different theatre groups from all around the Pakistan will participate in the event.
These views were expressed by President ACP Muhammad Ahmed Shah in a press Conference held at Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Regarding “Pakistan Theatre Festival 2023”.
Well-known director and actor Munawar Saeed and Sajid Hassan were also present on the occasion. Muhammad Ahmad Shah said that Arts Council of Pakistan has provided a platform where theater groups and artists from Pakistan and around the world will perform. This will be the biggest theater festival of Pakistan, we have theatre groups coming from seven countries. Festival will be in Urdu, English, Sindhi, Punjabi and Persian languages.
He said that the media has a strong role in showing the positive face of Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi worldwide, thanks to the media for promoting such a big brand as the Aalmi Urdu Conference, Pakistan Literature Festival, Youth Festival.
Director and Actor Munawar Saeed said that Pakistan Theater Festival is a great success of Ahmed Shah and Sajid Hasan, I am sure that the mood of theater will be seen again from Pakistan Theater Festival.
Actor Sajid Hasan also spoke on the occassion.
Sassui Palijo concerned over sending skyrocketed electricity bill to consumers
HYDERABAD, Aug 28 (APP):Pakistan Peoples’ Party leader and Senator Sassui Palijo has said that sending skyrocketed electricity bills to the consumers of Thatta, Makli, coastal and Kohistan bellt was highly deplorable as Sindh particularly far-flung districts like Thatta had always faced water, electricity and Gas issues.
Talking to the media after meeting with Party workers in Gharo, the Senator said that the Caretaker Government should take notice of this matter as the people of Pakistan were very perplexed and staged protests on over billing regularly.
She said that the census was completely controversial and in this situation delimitation process should halted and general elections should be conducted within 90 days
Earlier, Senator Sassui Paliji visited her former constituency Mirpur Sakro and expressed condolence with Mir Mumtaz Rind and Waheed Rind on the death of Rozi Khan Rind in the Kakraand area.
On this occasion, villagers shared their complaints about the shortage of water in different canals.
Sassui Palijo urged the irrigation Ministry and relevant officers to take notice of the water shortage and resolve the issue at the earliest.
PPP Leader Usman Kumbhar, Farooq Paliji, Waheed Arfani, Ashraf Samon, Mir Mumtaz Rind, Tanveer Hyder, Gulzar Ahmed, Faiz Ahmed and others were also present on the occasion.
RCCI ‘s delegation to explore business opportunities in the Cairo conference
RAWALPINDI, Aug 28 (APP):The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) will lead a historic delegation for an unprecedented business opportunities conference in Cairo on September 7.
According to a statement issued here on Monday, with participation from esteemed Egyptian businessmen, the event was primed to set a new precedent in fostering bilateral economic growth and partnerships.
The conference, organized by RCCI, will witness the convergence of visionary entrepreneurs from both Pakistan and Egypt.
As these two nations unite to explore uncharted business territories, the event was poised to be a catalyst for cross-cultural collaboration and mutually beneficial ventures.
“Business-to-business (B2B) meetings will provide an exclusive platform for delegates to establish meaningful connections and nurture potential partnerships.”
Prior to the conference, RCCI President Mr. Saqib Rafiq had a pivotal meeting with His Excellency Tariq Muhammad Dehroug, the Egyptian Ambassador to Pakistan. H.E. Mr Sameh Ahmed El Ghamrawi, Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Mohamed Saad, Egyptian Defense Attaché, Senior Vice President Muhammad Hamza Sarosh and Chairman IAA Mr. Shahraiz Ashraf Malik were also present on the occasion.
The meeting served as an opportunity to discuss the substantial strides made in preparation for the event and highlight the monumental business prospects that await both nations.
With a delegation numbering in the hundreds, RCCI’s efforts stand as a testament to its commitment to fostering economic growth and international collaborations. “The Business Opportunities Conference in Cairo signifies a significant milestone in creating lasting partnerships that transcend geographical boundaries”, the statement concluded.
Chinese Consulate approves project for financial support to orphan students of Gwadar
QUETTA, Aug 28 (APP):The Chinese Consulate Karachi has approved a project to provide financial support to the orphan students of Gwadar under which 350,000 RMB would be spent.
Balochistan Education Department has compiled a list of 1201 orphan children in Gwadar, said in press released issued here on Monday.
It is reported that two-thirds of the RMB 350,000 will be used to purchase school bags and stationery for students while the remaining amount will be distributed among the orphan students in the form of cash.
China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC), District Administration and Education Department of Gwadar have discussed the method of distribution of money under the project.
The official of Gwadar district administration said that China’s diplomatic missions in Pakistan have accelerated socio-economic and human resource development projects in Gwadar with the cooperation of Chinese institutions working in Gwadar.
Up-gradation of schools in Gwadar is also in progress, recently the Chinese Consulate distributed 10,000 free ration bags to the deserving people of Gwadar and most of the recipients belonged to the fishing community.
No negligence to be tolerated during anti-dengue activities: Dr Jamal
RAWALPINDI, Aug 28 (APP):Caretaker Provincial Health Minister Dr Jamal Nasir on Monday warned that strict action will be taken against those showing negligence in the anti-dengue campaign.
Presiding over a meeting to review anti-dengue arrangements along with Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Liaqat Ali Chatha, he underlined the need for effective utilization of all available resources to check the occurrence of dengue larvae, particularly in high-risk union councils of the district.
He said departments failing to show adequate anti-dengue surveillance results would be held accountable and no negligence would be tolerated in this regard.
Dr Jamal directed the officials concerned to conduct frequent surveys of dengue larvae breeding sites and regularly check the tyre shops, junkyards and nurseries.
The minister directed the officials to involve the Ulema in the campaign and urged them to create awareness among the masses in the Friday sermon. He said that no campaign could be successful without the public active participation.
On the occasion, Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Liaqat Ali Chatta said that the involvement of the Islamabad administration and Cantonment Boards were being ensured during anti-dengue activities.
He said that the hospital’s administration had been instructed to set up special wards and ensure the availability of required medicines during the dengue peak season.
Govt taking steps for development mineral sector in Balochistan: Umair
QUETTA, Aug 28 (APP):Caretaker Provincial Adviser on Minerals Umair Muhammad Hassani on Monday said that the provincial government was taking all possible steps for the improvement of the mineral department in Balochistan.
He expressed these views during his visit to the Directorate General of Minerals Department to improve the efficiency of the department.
On this occasion, Secretary Minerals Syedal Khan Loni, Director General Minerals Abdullah Shahwani, Director Minerals Abdul Salam Lehri, Deputy Director Minerals, Kamal Kakar, Deputy Director Minerals Hasan Bugti, Deputy Director Judicial Mateen Kakar and Deputy Director Marble Syed. Rafiullah Agha was also present.
The adviser said that all resources would be used to develop the Minerals Department on more modern lines.
He said that the problems related to the department could be solved on a priority basis.