Monday, August 11, 2025
Home Blog Page 134

PM, President of Iran exchange views on regional, global developments

By
NNPS Desk
-
0
Islamabad : President of Islamic Republic of Iran H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in a delegation level talks, on 3 August, 2025.

ISLAMABAD, Aug 03 (APP): President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, who is currently on an official visit to Pakistan, Sunday met Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House and discussed matters of bilateral, regional and global interest.

Upon arrival at the Prime Minister House, President Pezeshkian was received by the Prime Minister and presented a guard of honour followed by the official welcome ceremony.
The two leaders then held talks in a narrow format, followed by delegation level talks between the two sides. During the talks, the Prime Minister was assisted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, as well as other important Federal Ministers, Ministers of State and senior government officials.

While underscoring the long standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity and support for the Iranian leadership, Iranian armed forces and the people of Iran, who bravely fought against Israel’s aggression in the 12-days war. He offered condolences on the martyrdom of Iranian military officials, scientists and innocent citizens during the war and prayed for early recovery of the injured.
He also thanked Iran for its strong support to Pakistan during the recent Pakistan-India standoff. President Pezeshkian thanked the Government and people of Pakistan for their unwavering support to Iran during the war and said that the Iranian nation would always remember this gesture.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to further expand the existing wide-ranging bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Iran, particularly in the areas of trade, connectivity, culture and people-to-people contacts. In this regard, the Prime Minister called for early convening of the 22nd Joint Economic Commission between Pakistan and Iran, which is expected to be held soon. The two leaders witnessed the exchange of a number of MoUs and agreements in various sectors of mutual interest that will go a long way in enhancing bilateral ties.

PM, President of Iran exchange views on regional, global developments

A number of initiatives for enhancing trade were discussed, including facilitating barter trade, enhancing quota for export of rice, fruits and meat, border markets operationalization, and addressing issues related to enhancing trade. The two leaders also expressed satisfaction at the progress of recently held trade talks between Pakistan and Iran. The two leaders reaffirmed their shared vision to enhance the existing volume of trade of USD 3 billion to the mutually agreed target of USD 10 billion soon.
During the talks, both sides also exchanged views on important regional and global developments. The Prime Minister thanked the Iranian leadership for Iran’s vocal and active support for the innocent Palestinian people, who have been suffering brutal aggression at the hands of Israeli security forces.
While reaffirming Pakistan’s strong support to the creation of an independent state of Palestine in accordance with the U.N. resolutions, the Prime Minister called for an immediate end to Israeli barbarity against innocent people of Gaza who were being denied humanitarian assistance and being forced to starve. Both leaders urged the international community to act swiftly to resolve this crisis. The Prime Minister also thanked Iran for its support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir.
The Prime Minister also hosted a luncheon banquet for the visiting Iranian President and members of his delegation. Both leaders also held a joint press conference where they spoke on the issues they had discussed earlier in the day.

SSP Shoaib directs SHOs to step up operations against criminals

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 03 (APP): Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Muhammad Shoaib Khan, presided over an important meeting with Station House Officers (SHOs) on Sunday to review the crime situation and evaluate ongoing operational strategies.
A police spokesperson told APP that SSP Shoaib Khan issued firm directives to tighten the grip on criminal gangs and ensure the immediate arrest of absconding members involved in organized crime.
SSP Shoaib instructed all SHOs to compile complete data on individuals involved in property-related crimes and expedite efforts to apprehend them without delay.
The SSP Shoaib further emphasized that all under-investigation cases must be concluded on merit and their challans submitted promptly to the competent courts.
He also ordered close surveillance of previously released individuals with criminal backgrounds, especially those linked to property crimes, and directed that swift action be taken if they are found reoffending.
Highlighting the rise in vehicle and motorcycle thefts, the SSP stressed the need to apprehend suspects in these cases and ensure the arrest of proclaimed offenders.
“Protecting the lives and property of citizens is our top priority,” SSP said, adding that any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated.

Deadly deals on wheels: substandard rims and retreaded, expired tyres put lives at risk

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
Roy Zia Ur Rahman
ISLAMABAD, Aug 03 (APP): Every day in Pakistan, lives roll on wheels built for disaster — handmade rims beaten from scrap sheet metal and old Tyres shaved and reshaped to look new. These dangerously weak wheels cannot handle summer heat, passenger weight or highway speed. But they’re sold cheaply in open markets, trusted by unaware drivers, and placed under the feet of entire families. In moments of pressure, they don’t survive — and neither do the people riding on them.
In Rawalpindi’s Pirwadhai area, particularly at Sultan da Khuh and in Lahore’s Bilal Gunj, small workshops manufacture vehicle rims using thin steel sheets locally called Chadar. These rims, ranging from 12 to 15 inches in size, are hammered out manually, often from discarded or recycled metal. They are not tested, certified, or verified — yet they are fitted under pickups, loaders, and passenger rickshaws.
Deadly deals on wheels: substandard rims and retreaded, expired tyres put lives at risk
“These rims are too weak to survive heavy load or hot weather,” said veteran mechanic Ustad Billa, who runs a workshop in Rawalpindi’s Commercial Market. “They bend, crack, or collapse — we’ve seen many accidents because of them. Even if the steel sheet’s thickness or gauge looks fine, the material is scrap-based. It doesn’t have the quality or strength of proper industrial steel. The same goes for cheap alloy rims made from melted-down aluminum, silver, and other scrap parts. They look good but fail under pressure.”
Side by side, retreaded tyres are reshaped from old, worn-out rubber. Their surface is scraped down, re-grooved, and polished to look new. But in reality, their structure remains weak and dangerous. These tyres sell at half the price of new ones and are often chosen by low-income drivers trying to cut costs.
Malik Sohail, owner of New Global Tyres, explained, “Many customers go for these cheaper tyres, thinking they’re getting a good deal. But these tyres are either retreaded or expired. They cannot handle heat, speed, or weight. One burst, and a family can be gone in seconds. A tyre might be cheap, but it should never be cheaper than life.”
Some tyres are smuggled into markets with expiry dates deliberately erased. “Most drivers don’t even know tyres have expiry dates,” said Ijaz, a long-route taxi driver who travels between Islamabad, Sargodha, and Lahore. “We buy what’s available and affordable. But no one tells us these tyres have limits. We find out only when they burst.”
Deadly deals on wheels: substandard rims and retreaded, expired tyres put lives at risk
Ali Hassan, a puncture repairman in Pirwadhai, added, “Many bike and small vehicle owners bring in old tyres and ask for another patch. They say, ‘just make it work for a few more days.’ But we keep seeing the same tyres come back. These tyres are finished — they’re not safe anymore.”
Rai Ahmad Nawaz, a regular passenger from Sargodha to Islamabad, expressed growing fear. “Recently, a tyre burst on the motorway and more than ten people died. I travel with my wife and children. I pay full fare, but now I’m afraid. What if the tyre under us gives up?”
Deadly deals on wheels: substandard rims and retreaded, expired tyres put lives at risk
 Usman Farooq Rai, a legal analyst said, “We badly need strong tyre and rim safety laws. There should be clear rules, awareness campaigns, and proper checks on workshops. This is a matter of public safety. People are dying on the roads while others are selling danger without consequences.”
Although the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) is responsible for setting product standards in the country, experts say more visible regulation and real-time enforcement are needed to address this growing threat.
Ghulam Ali Dhudhi, a local representative appealed to the government: “Workshops must be made to follow national safety rules. These poor-quality rims and tyres should be banned. We can’t keep losing lives for someone else’s profit.”
Islamabad Traffic Police CTO Capt. (R) Syed Zeeshan Haider said that vehicle safety is a top priority. “We are using modern systems to catch unsafe vehicles. We urge all drivers to check tyre condition and rim quality before driving. Safety is not optional — it’s a must. We have zero tolerance.”
Until better laws are passed, unsafe workshops are shut down, and people become aware of the risks, Pakistan’s roads will remain deadly — not because of speed or carelessness, but because of what lies beneath the wheels.

Sino-Pak strategic cooperation plays crucial role in maintaining peace, stability in South Asia

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
BEIJING, Aug 3 (APP): The strategic cooperation between China and Pakistan, rooted in a profound traditional friendship and shared interests, plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in South Asia and its surrounding regions.
This cooperation is reflected in multiple dimensions such as political mutual trust, economic collaboration, and security coordination, forming a powerful force to drive forward regional stability.
These views were expressed by Prof. Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute on Sunday.
In a statement, he said that China-Pakistan strategic cooperation serves as “an anchor” for regional stability. The two countries have always firmly supported each other on issues involving their respective core interests, and this high-level political mutual trust provides a fundamental guarantee for regional stability. China firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and development interests. Pakistan has always stood by China on issues concerning China’s core interests. The two countries have maintained close coordination on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the SCO and the BRICS, working together to promote the establishment of a more just and reasonable international order.
China-Pakistan economic cooperation serves as a “booster” for achieving stability through development. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor promotes regional economic development through practical cooperation and reduces potential risks of conflicts. The construction of the corridor has not only improved Pakistan’s infrastructure, but also radiated to neighboring countries through enhanced connectivity, boosting regional economic integration, he added.
Prof Cheng said that China-Pakistan security coordination serves as a “firewall” to curb the spread of risks. The South Asian region is confronted with multiple security challenges such as terrorism, extremism and drug smuggling. The close cooperation between China and Pakistan in the security field has built a solid security barrier for the region. The two countries have established the counter-terrorism cooperation mechanism to jointly crack down on terrorist organizations, effectively curbing the spread of terrorist forces in the region.
The demonstration effect of China-Pakistan cooperation serves as a “catalyst” for promoting regional cooperation. China-Pakistan strategic cooperation adheres to the principles of “non-alignment, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party”. Its mutually beneficial and win-win model sets an example for cooperation among regional countries and is conducive to building a new type of regional relations. This cooperation model has proven that countries can achieve common development through equal consultation and complementary advantages, providing a reference for South Asian countries in handling their relations with each other, he added.

CM takes notice of acid attack

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Aug 03 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken strict notice of an acid attack on a girl in Muharram Sial village, Jhang.
The CM, expressing profound grief over the incident, directed the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Faisalabad to submit an immediate report.
The chief minister ordered the swift arrest of those responsible and directed the authorities to ensure the victim, Bushra Fatima, receives the best possible medical treatment without any delay.

Governor Mandokhail underscores need for good governance, civic engagement

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
QUETTA, Aug 03 (APP): Governor Balochistan, Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, has emphasized that good governance was essential for improving citizens’ quality of life and strengthening democratic institutions.
 In a statement issued here on Sunday, he called for enhanced coordination and cooperation between the federal and provincial governments, describing it as a critical step toward fostering harmonious intergovernmental relations.
Governor Mandokhail highlighted that active civic participation is the cornerstone of effective governance.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to involving citizens in policy formulation and decision-making processes at both national and provincial levels. “Policies and development initiatives must reflect the public’s needs and aspirations. Sustainable progress is only possible when public opinion is genuinely integrated,” he said.
Stressing the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness, the governor noted that these principles were vital for building public trust.
“Implementing people-centric policies and ensuring accountable governance will help restore confidence in the system and create a model that truly serves the people,” he added.
He also advocated for the establishment of efficient grievance redressal mechanisms at the union council level to address citizens’ concerns promptly. Furthermore, he urged political workers and media professionals to actively promote awareness of civic rights and responsibilities.
Governor Mandokhail concluded by emphasizing the role of civic education in empowering citizens and reinforcing democratic values. “Inclusive governance, rooted in transparency and public engagement, is key to sustainable development and a resilient democratic framework in the country,” he said.

Ahsan Iqbal meets President CIKD

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 3 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal has met with Lu Hao, President of China’s Development Research Center (DRC) and Centre for International Knowledge on Development (CIKD).
During the meeting, both sides discussed further strengthening economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, said a press release issued by the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives on Sunday.
The strong economic collaboration between Pakistan and China is key to national development, he said adding that CPEC has transformed the everlasting friendship between Pakistan and China from political cooperation into a comprehensive economic and social partnership.
He emphasized that Pakistan is eager to learn from China’s economic and reform successes, and termed  China’s scientific planning as a guiding light for achieving long-term and sustainable development.
The minister noted that under the Uraan Pakistan program, the country’s economy is moving toward stability, with the target of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035.
He further stated that all indicators of Pakistan’s economy are showing positive trends, a fact also acknowledged by international institutions.
He mentioned that the policy rate has declined from 23% to 11%, while the Pakistan Stock Exchange has crossed 140,000 points. He pointed out that China imports nearly 2 trillion dollars worth of goods annually, while Pakistan’s share remains negligible.
He added that Pakistan seeks to expand trade and exports with China and that gaining access to Chinese markets is a key economic objective.
Referring to past challenges, the Minister highlighted that political instability and lack of policy continuity had hindered the country’s development process.
On this occasion, Minister Lu Hao expressed confidence in Pakistan’s strategy to build an export-led economy.
During the meeting, it is agreed upon to enter into a partnership and cooperation agreement between  Ministry of Planning and China’s Development Research Center .
Under the agreement, China will support Pakistan’s economic development through joint research, training programs, and expert exchanges.

PIDE’s deregulation plan promises billions in farmer benefits

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 3 (APP): The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) has released a game-changing policy blueprint titled “Towards a Free Market: A Blueprint for Wheat Sector Deregulation,” authored by Dr Muhammad Faisal Ali and Dr Sobia Rose.
Published as policy viewpoint, the document calls for the full and structured deregulation of Pakistan’s wheat sector, arguing that the long-standing Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy has failed to stabilize markets, protect farmers, or ensure consumer welfare.
Instead, it has led to unintended consequences—benefiting large landholders, flour millers, and middlemen—while accumulating a circular debt of PKR 680 billion in Punjab by 2023, said a press release issued here Sunday.
The authors note that the MSP regime distorts incentives, discourages crop diversification, and consumes substantial taxpayer funds annually for procurement and storage. They argue that the government’s abrupt withdrawal from the wheat market in the previous year disrupted market dynamics, allowing millers to form cartels and depress farm-level wheat prices to levels that barely covered production costs.
A gradual, transparent transition to a market-driven system was recommended, but it was not followed. However, deregulation has happened, but how could it sustain in these challenging circumstances? It needs a clear policy framework, which is outlined here.
Key proposals include long-term policy consistency (a clear 5–10 year commitment) to build investor and farmer confidence, removing inter-provincial and cross-border restrictions on wheat movement, limiting the government’s role to maintaining 10–15 percent of total demand as strategic reserves, and ensuring that procurement for these reserves is exclusively from small farmers, who make up 64 percent of the farming community.
The policy viewpoint also calls for eliminating flour (atta) and bread (roti) price controls, which can distort supply chains in a deregulated environment.
Crucially, PIDE recommends promoting oilseed cultivation—such as rapeseed, mustard, and sunflower—highlighting that these crops are approximately PKR 5,036 more profitable per acre than wheat. Shifting just 10 percent of wheat cultivation (2.14 million acres) to oilseeds could generate an additional PKR 10.8 billion in farmer income.
Furthermore, reducing dependency on imported edible oils (which cost USD 2.2 billion in FY 2024) would conserve foreign exchange and strengthen food security.
The policy also stresses the importance of accurate demand estimation, noting conflicting estimates ranging from 24.6 million to 32.5 million tonnes, which have led to poor planning and unnecessary imports. To address this, the authors propose a Centralized Comprehensive Data Portal (CCDP) under the Ministry of National Food Security & Research, featuring real-time data on stocks, production, demand, pricing, and market trends.
They also advocate for yield-based subsidies, input vouchers, and digital platforms to connect farmers directly with buyers.
According to the report, aligning national wheat yields with those of progressive farmers could add PKR 609 billion to the economy. This shift—from support-price dependency to profitability-driven farming—could unlock vast economic potential, encourage innovation, and build long-term resilience in Pakistan’s agri-economy.
PIDE urges federal and provincial governments to commit to a clear, consistent deregulation roadmap, while ensuring market fairness, farmer protection and food security through robust oversight and data-driven policy.

SCCI president emphasizes dialogue to address tax concerns of hotels, marriage halls

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
SARGODHA, Aug 03 (APP): Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Khawaja Yasir Qayyum has stressed the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation for resolving issues faced by the business community.
 He made these remarks while addressing a special event held in honour of Commissioner Punjab Revenue Authority, Rai Naveed Ahmad, attended by a large number of restaurant and banquet hall owners  on Sunday.
In his address, Khawaja Yasir Qayyum highlighted that the hospitality sector, particularly marriage halls and restaurants, is facing several challenges related to taxation. He urged the Punjab Revenue Authority to play a key role in resolving these issues to ensure that individuals involved in this sector can earn their livelihood with dignity.
During the event, owners of hotels and marriage halls  shared their concerns and challenges, calling for simplified procedures and fair policies to support their sector, which significantly contributes to the local economy.
Commissioner PRA Rai Naveed Ahmad assured the participants that the goal of his department is not to harass businesses unnecessarily.
 He emphasized that anyone operating within the legal framework would be fully protected.
He added that matters related to taxes can be resolved through mutual dialogue and understanding, and expressed his desire to see the restaurant and banquet hall sector flourish, particularly in cities like Sargodha, where many people depend on this sector for employment.
Chairman of the Standing Committee on Restaurants and Banquet Halls, Rao Jawad Tariq, also addressed the gathering and shed detailed light on the specific issues faced by the sector.
The event concluded with Senior Vice President Mian Muhammad Imran thanking the honorable guests and reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to resolving the issues of its members, traders, and citizens through the platform of the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Kashmiris to observe Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir on 5th

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Aug 03 (APP): Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and the world will observe August 5 as Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir to register their protest and defiance against Narendra Modi-led Indian government’s illegal and fraudulent action taken on this day in 2019.
Youm-e-Istehsal, (Day of Exploitation) is observed annually on August 5th by Pakistan to protest India’s revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. This day is marked by various events to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people and condemn the actions of the Indian government.
Meanwhile, Hurriyat leaders in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir have reiterated their call for observing August 5 as Youm-e-Istehsal to mark the anniversary of India’s revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
According to Kashmir Media Service (KMS), the APHC has urged global powers to rein in India’s jingoistic ambitions before the situation spirals into a broader regional crisis.
They warned that the aggressive and expansionist policies of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are pushing South Asia to the brink of a catastrophic conflict.
1...133134135...28,499Page 134 of 28,499

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan