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Hajj pilgrims to receive up to Rs 185,000 refund: NA body told

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 02 (APP): The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony was informed on Wednesday that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony would refund up to Rs 185,000 each to pilgrims who had performed Hajj under the government scheme.

The committee, which met in the Parliament House with Syed Imran Ahmad Shah in the chair, lauded the Hajj arrangements.

The committee was told that a total of Rs 1,175,000 was received from the each pilgrim performing Hajj under the regular scheme, and Rs 55,000 was paid back to them before their departure for Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims, who performed the Hajj under the hardship quota, were requested to deposit Rs 1,120,000, it was further informed.

The ministry had now decided to give refunds to specific groups of pilgrims. Those who did not reside in the Markazia in Madina Al Munawwara would receive Rs 12,000 per head, and those who did not travel by train in Mina would be given Rs 21,000 per head. Furthermore, all the pilgrims would receive a refund of Rs 97,000 each.

The committee members hailed the efforts of the Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood, for ensuring the smooth conduct of the Hajj.

The Moavineen, appointed on merit, were noted for their excellent service, with strict measures in place to ensure proper duty performance.

The committee directed the relevant law changes regarding the Hajj Group Operators (HGOs), advocating for a competitive atmosphere among them.

It also encouraged small HGOs to form consortiums to handle larger groups of pilgrims, aiming for improved service delivery.

The meeting was attended by Members of the National Assembly Chaudhry Faqir Ahmed, Shahnaz Saleem Malik, Pir Syed Fazal Ali Shah Jillani, Shagufta Jumani, Muhammad Anwar and Shahida Akhtar Ali, and Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Special Invitee (through video link). Senior officers from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony were also present, including the Secretary and Joint Secretary (Hajj).

The committee expressed hope that the positive practices and efforts would continue to benefit pilgrims in the future.

JUI-S chief visits blast victims in Bajaur, condemns incident

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NNPS Desk
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PESHAWAR, Aug 02 (APP): Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq Haqqani, to show solidarity and support on Wednesday, visited the injured victims of the tragic Bajaur blast.

Accompanied by a delegation, he expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims. During his visit, Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq Haqqani condemned the Bajaur incident in the strongest terms.

He reiterated his commitment to Pakistan’s progress, prosperity, and stability, vowing to continue playing a constructive role in achieving these goals.

JUI-S chief visits blast victims in Bajaur, condemns incident

On this occasion, JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed gratitude for the visit, stating that the presence of such esteemed scholars uplifted their spirits during this challenging time.

Maulana Haqqani also individually visited each injured person, providing them with moral support and encouragement.

JUI-S chief visits blast victims in Bajaur, condemns incident

The delegation included Maulana Rashid-ul-Haq Sami, Maulana Syed Muhammad Yousuf Shah, Maulana Abdul Wahid Khateeb, Maulana Abdul Rafi, Maulana Abdul Sami, Maulana Saahib Hussain, and other distinguished scholars.

The visit served as a ray of hope for the victims and showcased the collective commitment of religious scholars towards peace and unity in Pakistan.

Representative Of Unhcr In Pakistan Ms. Noriko Yoshida and her team calls on the Special Assistant To The Prime Minister on Accountability, Mr. Irfan Qadir at his office

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Zia Ur Rehman
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Representative Of Unhcr In Pakistan Ms. Noriko Yoshida and her team calls on the Special Assistant To The Prime Minister on Accountability, Mr. Irfan Qadir at his office
APP68-020823 ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Ms. Shazia Marri chairs the 60th BISP Board of Directors Meeting

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Zia Ur Rehman
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Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Ms. Shazia Marri chairs the 60th BISP Board of Directors Meeting
APP67-020823 ISLAMABAD:

Senators seek in-camera briefing on terrorism

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 02 (APP): Senators on Wednesday demanded an in-camera meeting to address sensitive matters concerning national security and to devise a collective strategy for combating terrorism and extremism within the country.

During the debate on the Bajaur suicide attack, the Upper House members have expressed strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Bajaur urging the development of an effective strategy to eradicate terrorism from the country.

The debate participants reached a consensus to assert parliament’s powers. They emphasized the importance of regularly summoning key officers to question their performance and the measures taken to ensure peace in their respective areas.

They stressed the need to seek regular feedback and take concrete steps to combat terrorism.

During the discussion, JUI-F leader Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri strongly denounced the terrorist attack, emphasizing that its purpose was to destabilize the country. He reaffirmed his party’s unwavering commitment to stand for the cause of Islam and Pakistan and expressed their readiness to make any necessary sacrifices.

Haji Hidayat Ullah emphasized the need to hold the perpetrators of the Bajaur terrorist attack accountable as a way to set an example for others.

Dost Muhammad Khan urged the Federal Government to promptly announce a compensation package for the victims of the Bajaur incident. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar pledged to address the issue of announcing compensation for the victims of the Bajaur incident with the Prime Minister and at the cabinet level.

Mushtaq Ahmed Khan emphasized that safeguarding the lives and liberties of Pakistani citizens is the joint responsibility of federal, and provincial authorities and security agencies.

He urged the government to announce compensation for the victims of the Bajaur incident.

Additionally, he proposed holding an in-camera session of Parliament to discuss the issue and develop a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism.

Bahramand Tangi stressed the importance of avoiding political point-scoring regarding the Bajaur incident. Instead, he called for all stakeholders, including political forces, to unite in the fight against terrorism.

Furthermore, he emphasized the significance of honouring and recognizing the martyrs of the armed forces.
Tahir Bizinjo said Pakistan must reevaluate its Afghan policy and develop a new strategy in collaboration with all political forces in the country. He believes that establishing good relations with neighbouring countries and resolving conflicts through dialogue is crucial for restoring peace in Pakistan.

Palwsha alleged that enemies were planning to push Pakistan towards default.

Saifullah Abro, Fida Muhammad, Kamran Murtaza and Danesh Kumar also spoke.

At the outset of the proceedings, Maulana Attaur Rehman led the House in offering Fateha for the martyrs of Bajaur.

Govt takes steps for prevention of trafficking in persons: Dr. Ehsan Sadiq

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 02 (APP): Director General National Police Bureau Dr Ehsan Sadiq, Wednesday said that in recent years, the government undertook a range of measures for the prevention of trafficking in persons.

Dr Ehsan Sadiq expressed these views while speaking on the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The event was participated by senior officials of FIA, the Police, relevant Government ministries, UN agencies, the diplomatic community, academia, and civil society.

Highlighting the steps, he said the government has promulgated the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2018, issued TIP rules 2020, ratified TIP protocols to UNTOC and collaborated with TIP communities at the provincial level.

He induced the need for all stakeholders to work together to reduce trafficking in person cases.

He was of the view that the recent Rizwana case highlighted the need of recognizing the importance of child protection and assessing the true magnitude of the issue.

He informed that National Police Bureau is compiling a database and working closely with FIA and police to enhance coordination and collaboration.

Dr Ehsan Sadiq appreciated Sardar Zaheer Ahmed, a Pakistani law enforcement officer, who was presented with the prestigious Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Hero award by U.S. State Department.

He said that the purpose of the event is also to recognize the services of all who are working on the issue of trafficking in persons in Pakistan.

Sardar Zaheer Ahmed in his closing remarks said thanked DG NPB Dr Ehsan Sadiq for organizing the session.

Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director SSDO speaking on the occasion appreciated all the stakeholders who participated at the event and suggested that this forum should be given a permanent structure and should meet at least once in every quarter to share the progress on TIP, to enhance coordination and way forward.

Marriyum breaks ground of cinema at SRBC

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 02 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday broke ground of a cinema house on the premises of Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company (SRBC).

Upon arrival at the SRBC, she was accorded a warm welcome by the officers and employees. Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Sohail Ali Khan, Principal Information Officer Mobashir Hassan and SRBC Managing Director Tahira Sayeda were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, she said efforts were being made to resolve the financial issues of the Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company.

She said salaries and pensions of the SRBC employees were now being paid on time and regular basis, and an amount of Rs 310 million had been disbursed among them on that count in a brief period of 15 months.

She said when the present government came to power, the building of SRBC was a ruin, and employees were on the streets as they were not paid salaries and pensions for many months.

“During 15 months, we have constructed a new building for the SRBC that consists of 108 rooms,” she added, congratulating the employees on the completion of the new building.

Marriyum said 3 state-of-the-art studios had also been established at the Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company.

The minister also visited various sections of the SRBC.

Iranian FM arrives Pakistan on bilateral visit

By
Irfan Khan
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 02 (APP): Foreign Minister of Iran Hossein Amir Abdollahian on Wednesday arrived here on a two-day bilateral visit to Pakistan to discuss entire gamut of bilateral ties and the emerging regional situation with the leadership of Pakistan.

During his visit, Foreign Minister Abdollahian will hold talks with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday.

“The wide-ranging agenda includes discussion on all aspects of bilateral relations and the emerging regional situation, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

Foreign Minister Abdollahian will call on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for an exchange of views on the consensus between the leadership of the two countries for taking this relationship forward.

The Iranian foreign minister will also call on the speaker National Assembly and chairman Senate where the two sides would discuss parliamentary linkages between the two brotherly countries.

Earlier, a high-ranking delegation comprising the deputy foreign minister for economic affairs and senior officials from the ministries of trade, roads and urban development, investment, agriculture, energy etc, preceded the foreign minister for preparatory meetings, the spokesperson said.  

“Foreign Minister Abdollahian’s visit will be an opportunity for the two sides to discuss the entire range of bilateral ties with particular focus on regional connectivity, energy and economic and investment ties between Pakistan and Iran,” it was added.

WHO striving to eliminate hepatitis from Pakistan

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 02 (APP): World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Pakistan, Dr Palitha Mahipala has said that the organization was striving to eliminate the hepatitis from Pakistan.

In a message, Dr Palitha said that Pakistan is facing a considerably high disease burden due to viral Hepatitis B & C.

He said that Pakistan has the highest prevalence of Hepatitis C (7%) globally and has the highest number of people suffering from HCV.

“Viral hepatitis affects 360 million people worldwide and claims 3,000 lives every day.” He said that in 2015, the World Health Assembly adopted a strategy to eliminate hepatitis by 2030 through prevention, testing and treatment.

Around 15 million people are estimated infected with Viral Hepatitis C in the country. Another 5 million are estimated infected with Viral Hepatitis B in the country, he added.

Dr Palitha said, “Unfortunately, our response to viral hepatitis has stagnated in recent years.” He added testing for viral hepatitis has not been scaled up as tests and treatment are considered expensive.

He said that the theme of world hepatitis day this year was ‘Hepatitis Medicines are Cheaper – Treat to Save Lives’ aims to raise awareness to scale treatment for people living with viral hepatitis.

He said that now the manufacturers have announced to lower the price of WHO prequalified hepatitis B and C drugs in low-and middle-income countries. This has been a concerted effort by partners to ensure affordability and accessibility to hepatitis treatment, he added.

He said that these new drug prices will significantly reduce the cost of treatment to low and middle-income countries, and scale up hepatitis programs to meet growing demand, all towards eliminating hepatitis.

He said that the WHO and all stakeholders will ensure the affordability and accessibility of medicines, testing and treatment to millions in low and middle-income countries. “This is indeed a major step towards the elimination of hepatitis by 2030,” he added.

Roundtable of Engineer Parliamentarians Caucus held

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 02 (APP): The second event of the Engineer Parliamentarians Caucus (EPC), titled “Roundtable of Engineer Parliamentarians Caucus,” was successfully held at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) on Wednesday.

The event was organized by the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and hosted by Engr. Muhammad Najeeb Haroon, MNA, and Chairman PEC, along with Engr. Senator Rukhsana Zuberi, Convener-EPC, and former Chairperson PEC.

The event witnessed the presence of esteemed members of EPC, along with honourable Parliamentarians, including Engr. Senator Farhatullah Baber, Engr. Sabir Hussain Kaim Khani, MNA; Engr. Senator Muhammad Asad Ali Khan Junejo; Ms Shahida Rehmani, MNA/Secretary of Women’s Parliamentary Caucus; Sardar Shafiq Tareen, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee of Science and Technology; Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro , MNA/ Parliamentary Secretary, alongside experts and professionals from diversified engineering fields.

During the event, Engr. Sabir Hussain Kaim Khani, MNA, shared that the National Assembly of Pakistan has unanimously passed a resolution on August 01 and recognized the establishment of the Engineer Parliamentarians Caucus.

The resolution will also be presented in the ongoing Senate. The main objective of the caucus is to strengthen engineering policy and advocacy in all technical matters for the government, aiming to enhance quality control and boost both export and import substitutions.

The Engineer Parliamentarians Caucus aims to play a pivotal role in reshaping policies for the betterment of Pakistan and promoting engineering practices that align with the best international standards.

Additionally, the Caucus will serve as a vital link between the Parliament/Federal Government, and the Pakistan Engineering Council.

Engr. Senator Asad Junejo, while extending appreciation for this commendable initiative, emphasized that the solutions to the challenges being faced by the country lie with engineers.

As a member of various standing committees in the Parliament, he strongly believed that engineers’ involvement in policy decisions is crucial, and the caucus will play a pivotal role in this regard.

He also proposed the creation of an engineering cadre, known as Pakistan Engineering Services, in addition to the existing 12 cadres of the Central Superior Services (CSS).

Other members of Parliament also lauded the initiative of the Pakistan Engineering Council, acknowledging that the Engineer Parliamentarians Caucus is a significant milestone and represents a strategic collaboration between the engineering profession and the Parliament for the socio-economic development of the country.

The plenary session featured speeches by Engr. Senator Rukhsana Zuberi, Engr. Dr. Mohsin Hafeez, Engr. Naseer Ahmed Gillani, and Engr. Mian Sultan Mahmood, presented insights into the economic challenges and their engineering solutions.

These specialized sessions were chaired by Engr. Sabir Hussain KaimKhani, MNA; Engr. Muhammad Najeeb Haroon, MNA and Chairman PEC, Engr. Senator Muhammad Asad Ali Khan Junejo and Miss Shahida Rehmani, MNA.

The Engineer Parliamentarians Caucus is poised to make a significant impact on shaping the future of engineering practices in Pakistan and addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges with the expertise and collaboration of engineers in the parliamentary process.

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