ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Saturday here held a meeting with Senator Muzaffar Hussain Shah.
Senator Muzaffar congratulated him on assuming the office of prime minister and expressed best wishes for him.
Shri Swami Vichar Purananand Ji Maharaj, accompanied by his followers, is providing Darshan (spiritual sight) to devotees during a ceremony at Anand Ashram
KARACHI: August 19 –
KARACHI: August 19 – 19: Hundreds of devotees from Hindu community gathered to have a sight of Shri Swami Vichar Purananand Ji Maharaj who is providing Darshan (spiritual sight) to devotees during a ceremony at Anand Ashram. APP/SDQ/ABB/ZID
PM visits Sarfraz Domki in hospital
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Saturday here visited former provincial minister Mir Sarfraz Chakar Domki in a hospital to inquire after his health.
The prime minister prayed for his early recovery and health.
Saudi Hajj & Umrah minister’s visit to Pakistan highlights bilateral significance: Aneeq
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed on Saturday said the visit of Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, to Pakistan was highly important due to its significant implications for bilateral relations.
He said this during a crucial meeting with Saudi Ambassador, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki here in the ministry.
The meeting, attended by prominent figures including Saudi Deputy Minister for International Cooperation Dr. Alhassan bin Yahya Al-Manakhara, Religious Affairs Secretary Aftab Akbar Durrani, and Director-General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro, delved into various aspects of collaboration between the two countries.
Minister Aneeq asserted that Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah’s position as Chairman of the administration of Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi had immense respect for Pakistan.
He said the visit of the Saudi delegation was poised to facilitate the exchange of ideas on matters of mutual interest, including crucial topics such as Hajj, Umrah, the administration of Haramain Sharifain, Route Makkah Project, and the promotion of religious tourism.
He expressed the hope that this collaborative engagement was expected to foster a deeper understanding and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki shared insights on the enduring importance of Pakistan within Saudi Arabia.
The ambassador highlighted that Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, had consistently recognized the value of Pakistan as a crucial partner. During his previous visit to Pakistan, the Crown Prince even declared himself as Pakistan’s ambassador, a gesture that resonated deeply with the Pakistani populace, he maintained.
Ambassador Al-Maliki also underscored the personal bond referring to the nation as his second home and expressing a profound connection with his Pakistani brethren.
Furthermore, a commitment to future collaborations was demonstrated during the meeting, as Ambassador Al-Malki expressed intentions to establish memorandums of understanding for enhanced cooperation in refining Hajj arrangements.
He said this step was anticipated to bring improvements and innovations to the pilgrimage experience, underlining the commitment of both nations to continually enhance the religious journey of millions of pilgrims.
Minister emphasizes quality medical research
LAHORE, Aug 19 (APP):Caretaker Punjab Health Minister Dr. Javed Akram has emphasized the significance of quality research in government medical institutions in the province.
During the inauguration of the modern research center at Indus Hospital Jubilee Town here on Saturday, he expressed his enthusiasm for the establishment of this center. Dr. Akram stressed that modern medical research was essential to safeguard Pakistani citizens from hazardous diseases. He highlighted the Indus Hospital’s role in delivering improved medical services to patients and noted the global trend of utilizing modern research to combat perilous illnesses. The minister underscored the incorporation of an artificial intelligence system in the Punjab health department, aimed at achieving the same goal. He further noted that advancing medical research holds immense importance in enhancing healthcare provisions for the public. Notably, the research center includes a clinical trial unit and various other departments. Dr. Shafiq Haider, CEO of Indus Hospital, along with other officials, also attended the event.
CM observes inaugural ceremony of expansion block at Children’s Hospital
LAHORE, Aug 19 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi oversaw the inauguration of the Emergency Expansion Block and Shelter at Children’s Hospital on Saturday.
The event was graced by young patients Maah Noor and nine-year-old Muhammad Qamar Javed, who despite their thalassemia affliction, symbolically inaugurated the project by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
The formal inauguration of the Children’s Hospital Shelter was conducted by pharmacist Dr. Aqeela Iqbal. Notably, the Emergency Expansion Project at the Children’s Hospital was a collaborative effort involving Islamic Aid Pakistan. The extensive Children’s Hospital Emergency Expansion Project is designed to accommodate a total of 200 beds, providing critical healthcare services to the region. The initial phase of the expansion has established a fully functional ward with 38 beds.
During his visit, Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi meticulously inspected various hospital facilities including the ORS room, isolation wards, and radiology departments. He also took time to assess specially designed facilities, such as the accessible toilets for children with special needs. Impressed by the construction standards of the Children’s Hospital Emergency Expansion Block, the Chief Minister also personally examined the residential rooms. He engaged with resident parents, discussing the range of facilities available to them.
Given the prominence of patients from Afghanistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, many of the parents were residing within the hospital’s accommodations. Noteworthy individuals under treatment included children from Afghanistan such as Mohammad Naseer, Aamir Hussain, Saraj from Lucky Marwat, and Saifullah from Batgram. Their parents praised the exceptional quality of treatment provided at Punjab’s Children’s Hospital.
The Chief Minister engaged in detailed discussions with parents about the quality of accommodation and food facilities, demonstrating his dedication to their welfare.
Additionally, Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi visited the under-construction site of the Children’s University project located behind the hospital. He was informed that the University’s completion is anticipated by 2025, with a four-story building set to cater to educational needs. Displaying his commitment to expeditious progress, the Chief Minister directed collaboration with generous individuals to expedite the completion of Children’s University. He conveyed his gratitude to Islamic Aid’s Chairman, Mahmoud al-Hasan, through a telephonic call from London.
The event was attended by various provincial ministers, including Aamir Mir and Dr. Javed Akram, along with secretaries of health and information, Deputy Commissioner Lahore, and other dignitaries.
World Humanitarian Day observed with theme “no matter what “
LAHORE, Aug 19 (APP):To highlight the dignity and esteem of humanity, World Humanitarian Day was observed on August 19 across the globe including Pakistan.
The theme of this year’s day was “no matter what “. In a video message on World Humanitarian Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “we salute the courage and dedication of humanitarian aid workers everywhere.”
Like other parts of the country, in Lahore some forums and bodies spoke to the press and respective circles to help spread the key message of World Humanitarian Day, while some groups organised public events including seminars, conferences and walks featuring humanitarian work.
The day was marked to honour all humanitarians, who work to promote the humanitarian cause, and those who lost their lives in the cause of duty. According to a UN report, the total number of people affected by natural disasters has risen over the past decade, and about 211 million people are directly affected each year.
Kashif Mukhtar, a social and human rights activist, expressed his resolve to increase public awareness about humanitarian assistance activities globally and the importance of international cooperation.
The World Humanitarian Day is a day dedicated to humanitarians worldwide, as well as to increase public understanding of humanitarian assistance activities. The day aims to honour humanitarian workers, who had lost their lives or injured in the course of achieving their task and to acknowledge the ongoing work of humanitarian staff around the world, Mukhtar added.
Many communities and organisations try to stress the importance of humanitarian work by distributing publicity and information material. So for, more than 700 humanitarian workers have died or experienced the most dangerous situations while trying to help those in need, he added.
Humanitarians provide support for different world challenges such as hunger, gender-based violence, refugees and displaced people, help for children, as well as clean water and access to sanitation.
Sources in the Ministry of Human Rights told APP that the government of Pakistan was working well and mandated to the review the human rights situation in the country including implementation of laws, policies and measures.
The wing coordinates the activities of ministries, divisions and provincial governments in respect of human rights, they added.
Illegal stock of 5000 sugar bags recovered
MUZAFFARGARH, Aug 19 (APP):District administration recovered illegal stock of sugar and recovered 5000 bags during a special raid conducted in premises of Chowk Serwer Shaheed police station on Saturday.
Taking action on reports of special branch, a team of district administration under the supervision of senior officers raided godown of Malik Mushtaq situated at Juggi Morr.
The team recovered 5000 sugar bags from the godown. The team imposed fine of Rs 100,000 on the godown owner and Malik Mushtaq and also sealed the godown.
Gold rates up by Rs 1,500 to Rs 226,800 per tola
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):The per tola price of 24 karat gold increased by Rs 1,500 and was sold at Rs 226,800 on Saturday compared to its sale at Rs 225,300 on the previous day.
The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also increased by Rs 1,286 to Rs 194,444 from Rs193,158 whereas the price of 10 gram 22 Karat gold went up to Rs 178,240 from Rs 177,063, All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association reported.
The price of per tola silver increased by Rs 50 to Rs 2,800 whereas that of ten-gram silver went up by Rs 42.86 to Rs 2,400.54.
The price of gold in the international market decreased by $5 to $1,889 from $1,894, the association reported.
Proper birth spacing essential for children’s health, well-being and better future; experts
ABBOTTABAD, Aug 19 (APP): The Population Welfare Department (PWD) and UNFPA here on Saturday jointly organized a seminar to highlight the proper birth spacing essential for children’s health and well-being.
While addressing the seminar, District Population Welfare Officer (DPWO) Abbottabad Shams ur Rahman highlighted the significance of appropriate birth spacing for children’s health, proper nurturing, and a brighter future. He emphasized the importance of a healthy society and its positive impact on the overall well-being.
He said that the rapid growth rate and population increase in the district were alarming and presented a comprehensive profile of Abbottabad district in collaboration with its complete partners.
He underscored the importance of educating the public about population-related matters and creating awareness to effectively implement the Population Welfare Department’s programs.
The primary objective of the seminar was to strengthen the connections with selected
representatives and ensure that their opinions contribute to the successful execution of the Population Welfare programs, aligning with the ultimate goal of maintaining a suitable and stable population, adding DPWO.
Shams ur Rahman emphasized the significance of spacing between childbirths, as it is essential for a healthy and prosperous society. Just as individuals plan various aspects of their social lives from education to marriage to practical life. He urged the audience to incorporate thoughtful planning in their future lives as well.
He further elaborated that the nation faced numerous challenges due to the uncontrolled population growth, leading to issues in healthcare, education, poverty, food, water scarcity and unemployment.
Shams ur Rehman highlighted the necessity of addressing these challenges and the importance of adopting family planning facilities to alleviate these issues.
Selected public representatives presented their opinions and suggestions.