FAISALABAD
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar distributes cheques of 2 million rupees each to individuals from the Christian community whose residences were damaged due to mob violence in Tehsil Jaranwala
FAISALABAD
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar distributes cheques of 2 million rupees each to individuals from the Christian community whose residences were damaged due to mob violence in Tehsil Jaranwala
FAISALABAD
NBF to launch special learning material for slow learners soon: Minister
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Madad Ali Sindhi Monday announced the launching of special learning material for slow learners soon.
During his visit to the National Book Foundation (NBF), the minister said that the learning material will be launched in the government schools within a few days for the students suffering from dyslexia.
Expressing satisfaction over the performance of NBF, Madad Ali Sindhi hoped that the NBF will continue its efforts for the promotion of all languages of Pakistan.
The minister was briefed by Managing Director, NBF, Raja Mazhar Hameed about the working and contribution of the department.
Speaking on the occasion, Mazhar Hameed said that NBF earned a profit of Rs. 400 million during the last year.
He informed the minister that NBF has provided books to 55 Madrassahs.
He said that NBF is ISO certified and has developed 105 textbooks and printed 6,500,000 books in the past year.
Water in Mangla Dam remains maximum level 5th consecutive day
MIRPUR, Aug 21 (APP):The water level in Mangla Dam has remained consistent at its designated maximum level of 1242 feet for the fifth successive day on Monday.
As confirmed by official sources, Mangla Dam, a colossal reservoir renowned for its substantial water storage capacity, was filled to its full conservation capacity of 1242 feet just last Thursday.
At present, the reservoir holds a significant 7.356 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, as reported by WAPDA’s media wing. Notably, the inflow of the Jhelum River into the Mangla reservoir was measured at 22500 cusecs, which aligned with the outflow of the same volume from the dam.
All culprits of Jaranwala riot must be taken to book: CM
FAISALABAD, Aug 21 (APP):Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi on Monday said that Jaranwala riot was one of the most tragic incidents and the Punjab government must take its all culprits to the book.
Addressing a solidarity function in Jaranwala, he said that the Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar had given top priority to the protection of the minority and his first official visit which he paid to Jaranwala indicated his keen interest in sharing the sufferings of Christian community.
“The objective of PM’s visit is to express complete solidarity with the Christian community”, he said and added that on his (PM) directive various steps had been taken to mitigate the sufferings of the affectees.
He further assured that each and every culprit would be dealt with an iron hand. He said that the main culprits had already been booked while efforts were expedited to identify the remaining miscreants through geo fencing.
He said that the damaged churches would be repaired and affected families would be compensated. The repair work of two churches had already been completed and work on another was in progress.
He said that as soon as the remaining churches would be handed over to the government, these would be repaired and renovated on top priority basis.
He said that each affected family would get Rs.2 million and this process had been started right now.
“I shall ensure justice to every affectee and I may pay repeated visit to Jaranwala to satisfy the Christian community”, he added.
AJK President advocates resource optimization for State’s progress
MIRPUR, Aug 21 (APP):President Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry on Monday emphasized the urgency of expeditiously accomplishing ongoing developmental initiatives within Azad Jammu Kashmir.
According to Kashmir House officials, the newly inducted Chief Secretary of Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, Muhammad Dawood Bareech was called on for a meeting with the president at Jammu Kashmir House in the federal capital.
The meeting encompassed a comprehensive exploration of matters pertinent to mutual interests and the region’s advancement.
He articulated a resolute call for the judicious utilization of all available resources and energies, with the ultimate objective of steering the state toward enhanced welfare and progress.
CM chairs 7th meeting of standing committee on finance, development
LAHORE, Aug 21 (APP):The 7th meeting of the cabinet standing committee on finance & development was convened under the chair of the caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi at his office on Monday.
The meeting decided in principle to give a special package to the heirs of employees, who had passed away during service. In addition, the CM ordered that financial aid to employees’ families should be provided within 10 days positively.
The committee granted approval for rehabilitation and expansion of Gatwala Road, originating from the Nishat Abad overhead bridge in Faisalabad. A decision was reached to collaborate with the French Development Agency (AFD) to enhance the efficiency of the Water and Sewerage Authorities (WASAs) in Lahore and Faisalabad.
A decision was made to incorporate the acquisition of snow blowers for the Murree roads into the annual development programme. Concurrently, the green light was given for comprehensive restoration of historically significant gates in Lahore, ensuring their return to their original condition. Moreover, funding was allocated for modernisation of the Lahore Zoo.
Funds were allocated to adorn the shrine of Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar, and the project was included in the Annual Development Programme. Under the aegis of the Prime Minister’s National Programme, in-principle approval was granted for conversion of agricultural tube-wells to solar power in Punjab.
The committee’s consent was extended to include the Flood Protection Sector Project-III in the Annual Development Programme for fiscal year 2023-24. Re-issuance of funds was approved for small dams in Chakwal and other locations under the Public Sector Development Programme.
Provincial ministers SM Tanvir, Mansoor Qadir, and Amir Mir, along with the chief secretary, chairman Planing & Development, ACS (Home), administrative secretaries, and others attended the meeting.
Six healthcare establishments sealed over malpractices
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) has sealed six Healthcare Establishments (HCEs) in different areas of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
IHRA inspection teams carried out inspections of 47 Healthcare Establishments (HCEs) in different areas of the Islamabad Capital Territory during the past two weeks.
Quest Medical Complex, Zia Dental Clinic, Abbas Clinic, First Aid Medical Center, Sana Clinic and Subhan Clinic were sealed due to malpractices like the absence of qualified medical staff, unhygienic conditions and absence of a proper waste management system, and not getting registration with the IHRA.
IHRA suspended the services of two Healthcare Establishments over different medical non-compliance.
Hassan Dental Cosmetic and Quality Labs were suspended while 27 Healthcare Establishments were served notices for minor non-compliance and instructed to comply with the directions given by the inspections team.
Eight HCEs were found closed upon arrival of inspection teams while four Healthcare Establishments were recommended for registration and revocation of suspension.
IHRA inspection teams also visited the Blood Bank of KRL Hospital and Islamabad Medical Complex (Nescom) and instructed to comply with the directions given by the inspection teams for improvements.
Chinese company official terms Gwadar seaport CPEC’s vital axis
LAHORE, Aug 21 (APP):In a meeting with the business community here at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Monday, Mr. YO BO, chairman of China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC), highlighted the transformative progress of Gwadar under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, saying that the seaport had emerged as CPEC’s vital axis.
He emphasised that Pakistan’s economic circumstances were primarily responsible for only delays in CPEC development. The gathering witnessed the convergence of top officials including LCCI President Kashif Anwar and Senior Vice President Zafar Mahmood Chaudhry, alongside Mr. Wang, Deputy Manager of COPHC, Atif Khan, Convener of the LCCI Standing Committee on Gwadar Coastal Tourism and the chamber’s Executive Committee members.
The COPHC chairman underscored the significance of Gwadar within CPEC, hailing it as the project’s pivotal axis. The first stage of Gwadar’s port and city development, along with the Gwadar Free Zone, has been completed, marking a substantial achievement. Chairman YO BO’s testimony outlined that COPHC’s decade-long stewardship had remarkably transformed Gwadar from a modest village into a thriving modern city, replete with cutting-edge technology.
Chairman YO BO highlighted China’s substantial investments in Gwadar’s growth, spanning construction, airport infrastructure, and healthcare facilities. The Gwadar Free Zone, which came under the auspices of the Free Zone Company in 2018, has already established a vibrant phase one, spanning 25 hectares adjacent to the port. Notably, this area has attracted six companies.
The North Free Zone, sprawling over 900 hectares, is positioned for industrial and warehousing purposes, and Chairman YO BO emphasized its role in processing raw materials for subsequent export.
Addressing Balochistan’s economic disparity, Chairman YO BO highlighted the region’s untapped potential, brimming with natural resources yet plagued by underdevelopment and negligible trade. The Gwadar port, however, is fully operational, equipped to manage both imports and exports.
Chairman YO BO’s visit wasn’t merely a formality; it was an invitation to the LCCI delegation to explore collaboration and investment opportunities in Gwadar. This gesture highlighted China’s eagerness to foster joint ventures and establish industries, not just within Gwadar but also beyond its borders.
LCCI President Kashif Anwar reciprocated with enthusiasm, announcing a forthcoming business delegation to Gwadar. He hailed Gwadar’s paramount role within CPEC, accentuating its potential to catalyze regional connectivity, benefiting not only China and Pakistan but also adjacent nations such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asian Republics. He viewed CPEC as a cornerstone for Pakistan’s industrial and economic revitalization.
Despite the strides taken since CPEC’s inception, Anwar admitted that much remained to be realized. The eight-year journey saw the rise of new infrastructure, from extensive road networks to power plants and free zones. While acknowledging these advancements, Anwar’s focus remained on fully unlocking CPEC’s economic potential, looking toward COPHC and Chinese investors for guidance.
In response to queries from the LCCI, Chairman YO BO detailed the Gwadar port’s operational status, its cargo handling capacity, and plans for the Gwadar International Airport’s full-scale operation. He emphasized the port’s role in facilitating barter trade with Iran, Afghanistan, and Russia, and highlighted Gwadar’s strategic advantages over Port Qasim.
The robust incentives extended to Chinese companies in the free zones, coupled with the prospect of win-win partnerships for Pakistani and Chinese businesses, was a recurring theme. Chairman YO BO revealed COPHC’s pivotal role in CPEC’s second phase, aligned with the One Belt Road Initiative. He detailed avenues for Pakistani investors to engage formally with Chinese companies for joint ventures.
The LCCI gathering concluded on a promising note, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration and camaraderie between China Overseas Port Holding Company and Pakistani business entities. As Chairman YO BO’s vision and accomplishments echoed through the LCCI’s corridors, it is evident that Gwadar’s ascent is poised to shape CPEC’s evolution and Pakistan’s economic trajectory, positioning both nations for a mutually prosperous future.
Rescue, relief operations accelerated in Kasur flood affected areas
LAHORE, Aug 21 (APP):On the directions of Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Randhawa, rescue and relief operations have been accelerated in the riverine/ flood effected areas of Kasur.
On Sunday, the flow of water at Talwar post was 222,955 cusecs. After 24 hours, water flow at Talwar post in River Sutlej was recorded 157,000 cusecs. On Monday, another 400 people were rescued and 179 were shifted to safe places.
All resources of MCL, LDA, WASA have been placed at the discretion of the Kasur administration. As many as 7,121 people have been given medical aid and medicines at 11 medical camps and 1,060 people treated at the mobile hospital at Talwar post, while a full base camp has been set up at the said post.
Commissioner Lahore said that Kasur deputy commissioner and district police officer are monitoring the flood relief activities. He said water situation in Sutlej river was being monitored continuously. He said that rescue teams are consistently present in the villages situated near the river and backup rescue and relief teams are also ready. Provincial and district authorities, along with other organisations, are actively engaged in providing assistance and relief day and night, he added.
The commissioner said that a total of 23,764 citizens had been rescued and shifted to safe locations from the flood-affected areas. Moreover, 16,000 animals had been transferred to safe areas via boats. He mentioned that Kasur district had been affected by flood waters, affected people in 15 villages have been evacuated under Section 144, and eight police checkpoints established for their protection.
Furthermore, thousands of ration boxes have been distributed in the third phase. Relief camps and nearby villages are being provided with timely food by the administration, Randhawa added. Ninety-three rescue boats and three troops are active in flood areas. Additional dumpers and trollies have reached Kasur from Lahore.
In the flood-affected areas, 13 flood relief camps, 11 medical camps, and four livestock camps are operational, the commissioner said.
Fodder is also being provided to animals as well. He said all department officials, staff, and machinery had been deployed at Talwar Post. The flood situation is being closely monitored and assistance is being provided to the affected citizens.