Helping humanity: Around 3,500 scouts deployed to assist pilgrims during Hajj

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Wed, 28 Jun 2023, 1:06 PM

MAKKAH, June 28, (APP)::The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association (SASA) has managed deployment of more than 3500 scouts hailing from different parts of the Kingdom to assist and support pilgrims to perform their Hajj with ease.

A large number of dedicated individuals, regardless of age or gender, gather in the Holy City and devote their time and energy to support pilgrims.

According to SASA here on Wednesday, the scouts are classified into two age groups: the advanced scout category and the ranger’s category.

The advanced scout category consists of scout members aged between 15 and 17. The ranger’s category comprises individuals aged 18 to 22, including scout leaders (150 of whom are women) and friends and pioneers of SASA.

The scouts help pilgrims by guiding them, assisting them, and ensuring that they reach the holy sites or their designated camps.

The scouts have been distributed among government-related entities, such as the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Commerce, Makkah municipality, Hajj Security Forces, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Project for the Utilization of Hady and Adahi.

The scouts affiliated with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah primarily focus on assisting lost pilgrims by providing guidance and directions, ensuring they reach their designated camps safely. This year, there are 150 women among the scout leaders.

Meanwhile, a scout and the general supervisor of the SASA media committee said one of top priorities is to promote essence of volunteerism and foster a sense of national identity among scouts, rangers, and scout leaders.

“We also strive to present a positive and vibrant portrayal of Saudi scouts serving pilgrims.”
The scouts underwent extensive practical training in civil defense, first aid, physical fitness, rescue operations, security awareness, and firefighting.

In collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the scouts are responsible for coordinating the
pilgrims’ access to the ministry’s offices in the holy sites and distributing Hajj-related books and publications in various languages.

Those working with the Ministry of Commerce are tasked with monitoring the prices and quality of food items available in the holy sites. They also oversee the validity of licenses granted to vendors and cooperate with ministry teams to investigate cases of potential commercial fraud.

The scouts working with the Makkah municipality ensure vendors on site are following all rules. They also work together with the Ministry of Health to help direct pilgrims to healthcare facilities.

The scouts help pilgrims by guiding them, assisting them, and ensuring that they reach the holy sites or their designated camps.

The Islamic Development Bank engages scouts in coordinating the arrival of pilgrims at the slaughterhouses, offering on-the-go guidance, and overseeing the movement of pilgrims from their accommodations to the Jamarat.

People throng to markets, but most of animals remained unsold

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Raiq Qureshi

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Wed, 28 Jun 2023, 12:47 PM

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People throng to markets, but most of animals remained unsold

LAHORE, Jun 28 (APP):With only one day left for Eid-ul-Adha, people thronged to cattle markets to buy sacrificial animals but many of the animals remained unsold because of their sky-high prices.

After receiving salaries, the government and private sector employees also visited the markets on the first official holiday on Wednesday, however, most of them seemed complaining about inflated animal rates, while on the other side, cattle sellers claimed that insufficient supply from Punjab and Sindh provinces had driven the prices high.

“Cattle markets have visitors in large numbers but serious buyers are a few. People mostly ask about the prices, take selfies with animals, and go away,” some sellers told APP.

Meanwhile, cattle traders insisted that affluent people preferred goats and sheep for health reasons as they feared that the other sacrificial animals were infected with cattle skin disease.

A visit to different sale points also revealed that the price of a normal-size goat, sheep, or lamb ranges from Rs 65,000 to Rs 75,000, whereas a medium-size cow and calf ranged from Rs 140,000 to Rs 300,000.

“Transporting animals from south Punjab to cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi or Faisalabad had become a pricey affair,” Imran Ali, a livestock trader from Narang Mandi, said. When asked about the high prices, he replied that last year a truck carrying animals to Lahore from Mithan Kot and Dera Ghazi Khan would charge Rs 48,000 to 50,000, but this year they were demanding around Rs 95,000 to 100,000 for the same task.

Security, cleanliness, animal health and other facilities provided by the local body and caretaker set up, were seemed better this year, however, effects of the heavy rain on Monday morning could not be washed out till Wednesday.

Meanwhile, keeping in view the security measures regarding the Congo virus and lumpy skin diseases, the Minister for Local Government & Community Development (LG&CD) Ibrahim Murad had already issued instruction that only healthy animals should be allowed to be brought to the cattle markets while the entry points of cities should be sprayed to prevent the Congo virus.

Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) also provided their cleanliness services in cattle markets and the city and also set up an control room for cleanliness operation during all three days of Eid.

Meanwhile, Department of Local Government had established 118 cattle markets and 182 cattle sale points across the province for the convenience of the people to purchase sacrificial animals for Eid-ul-Azha.

As many as 34 cattle markets and sale points were set up in Bahawalpur Division, 42 in Dera Ghazi Khan, 34 in Faisalabad, 23 in Gujranwala, 22 in Gujarat, 31 in Multan, 32 in Lahore Division, 26 in Rawalpindi Division, 21 in Sahiwal and 35 in Sargodha Division.

Huge rush at cattle markets amid attraction of children

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Raiq Qureshi

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Wed, 28 Jun 2023, 12:43 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 28 (APP):As the sale of sacrificial animals all over the country’s makeshift cattle markets is gearing up where enthusiastic buyers especially youngsters are taking a keen interest in buying some unique names and heavy-weight animals.

According to a private news channel, despite prices, most people have been visiting animal markets to get the animals of their choice well before Eid day, to provide their family members, especially children, to spend maximum time with these animals before they are slaughtered to fulfill the command of Allah Almighty.

Children are enjoying the best time while enjoying at the cattle market, said a citizen. For the attraction of buyers, sacrificial animals are being decorated with colorful garlands, sterling bands, embellished belts, and crowns.

All kinds of heavy-weight and various unusual name animals including cows, bulls, camels, goats, and lambs are becoming part of cattle markets across the country. A goat with a heavy weight of more than 300 kilograms has become an attraction for youngsters in the Faisalabad cattle market.

Int’l Day of Cooperatives to be marked on July 1

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Raiq Qureshi

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Wed, 28 Jun 2023, 12:34 PM

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Int'l Day of Cooperatives to be marked on July 1

ISLAMABAD, Jun 28 (APP):International Day of Cooperatives will be marked on July 1(Saturday) across the globe, the day’s goals are to increase awareness on cooperatives, as well as strengthen and extend partnerships between the international cooperative movement and other supporting organizations including governments.

International Day of Cooperatives remembers what cooperatives do to improve the world’s economic and social development.

Cooperatives around the world celebrate the International Day of Cooperatives in many ways. Activities include: messages from the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and the UN translated into local languages for worldwide distribution; news articles and radio programs publicizing the awareness of the day; fairs, exhibits, contests and campaigns focused on the topics related to the day; meetings with government officials, UN agencies and other partner organizations; economic, environmental, social and health challenges (such as tree planting); and sponsored cultural events such as theatres and concerts.

Cooperatives are important in the world’s economic and social development. Based as on the principle of cooperation, cooperatives help create new ethics and values in business and economics. In 1895 ICA was formed and since 1927 it observes the first Saturday of July as International Cooperative Day. In 1994 the United Nations recognized and reaffirmed that cooperatives were vital in the world’s economic, social and cultural development. However two years earlier – on December 16, 1992 – the UN General Assembly proclaimed the first Saturday of July 1995 as the International Day of Cooperatives, marking the centenary of ICA’s establishment.

Manufacturing sectors boost trade surpluses, foreign exchange: FTO Coordinator

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NNPS Desk

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Wed, 28 Jun 2023, 12:33 PM

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Manufacturing sectors boost trade surpluses, foreign exchange: FTO Coordinator

ISLAMABAD, Jun 28 (APP):Coordinator to Federal Tax Ombudsman Meher Kashif Younis Wednesday said that the countries with strong manufacturing sectors generate trade surpluses, increase foreign exchange reserves, and improve balance of payments besides providing impetus to economic growth.

Speaking at seminar, He said that the manufacturing sector equally plays a vital role in international trade by producing quality goods for export besides strengthening the economy by increasing GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and ample jobs creation opportunities, said a press release.

“Manufacturing industries tend to have higher productivity levels compared to other sectors, leading to higher economic output and improved living standards”, he added.

He said it is a labor-intensive sector that provides employment opportunities to a large number of people that creates both skilled and unskilled jobs, supporting a diverse range of occupations.

“Availability of manufacturing jobs helps reduce unemployment rates, alleviate poverty, and promote social stability”, he said.

Manufacturing sector is closely linked to innovation and technological advancements and drives research and development activities, leading to the creation of new products, processes, and technologies.

Meher Kashif Younis said technological advancements in manufacturing can enhance productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness, benefiting both the sector and the overall economy.

“Export-oriented manufacturing industries contribute to economic diversification and reduce dependence on a single sector”, he added.

Highlighting the significance, Meher Kashif Younis said manufacturing can drive regional development by attracting investments and creating industrial clusters in addition to concentration of manufacturing activities in specific areas stimulates local economies, encourages urbanization, and promotes the development of supporting infrastructure and services. It can help bridge regional economic disparities and promote balanced growth, he added.

He said this sector also adds value to raw materials by transforming them into finished products and this value addition increases the overall wealth of a nation.

By producing higher value-added goods, countries can command higher prices, capture larger market shares, and improve their competitiveness in the global economy,he added.

Manufacturing sector is crucial for sustained economic growth, job creation, technological progress, and export competitiveness.

He said government and policymakers often prioritize the development and promotion of manufacturing industries to achieve broader economic objectives and improve the standard of living for their citizens.

Chery listed in China’s Top 50 Global Brands in 2023

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NNPS Desk

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Wed, 28 Jun 2023, 11:21 AM

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BEIJING, June 28 (APP):Chery brand ranked first in the automotive category at the China’s Top 50 Global Brands in 2023.
This is the sixth time in a row that Chery has been on the list released by Google and Kantar this month, China Economic Net (CEN) reported on Wednesday.

In its seventh year,China’s Top 50 Global Brands report is an authoritative and valuable analysis report jointly released by Google and Kantar, a world-renowned data and consulting company.

The report conducted in-depth research on users in 11 overseas markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Japan and India, with participating brands covering 15 categories including home appliances, consumer electronics, automobiles, smart devices and content entertainment applications. Chery finished 14th in the overall standings, up 18 places from last year, and first in the auto category.

According to the report, to capture the perception of Chinese brands among international users, the Top 50 list combines MDS model analysis with Google’s ability to reach online audiences and collect data to accurately measure the perception of Chinese global brands among international users.

Among them, MDS model is based on users perception of the brand, which is composed of three main dimensions: meaningful, difference and salient. Higher brand power ranking indicates users increased willingness to consider the brand.

Like China’s mobile phones and home appliances, Chinese cars are fast becoming the new choice for users around the world. In the first quarter of this year, China became the world’s largest auto exporter. Chery has been exporting cars for 22 years, constantly pioneering the innovative practices for Chinese auto brands going global, and ranking first in the export of Chinese passenger cars for 20 consecutive years.

With a two-way attraction of the brand and consumers, Chery Group’s Tiggo8, and other star products have been trusted and loved by international consumers, among which Tiggo 8 has served as a state guest-level reception car in Brazil and other countries many times. To date, Chery Group has more than 11 million car users worldwide, and its operations cover more than 80 countries and regions around the world.

Chery’s success comes not only from the strength of its superior products, but also from its passionate concern for its consumers. From 2020, Chery International tried to build a consumer caring brand– “WCWL”, With Chery With Love. It is learned that Chery Pakistan plans to launch its first WCWL in Pakistan in the second half of this year.

IRSA releases 344,500 cusecs water

By

Raiq Qureshi

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Wed, 28 Jun 2023, 11:19 AM

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 28 (APP):Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Wednesday released 344,500 cusecs of water from various rim stations with an inflow of 552,200 cusecs.

According to the data released by IRSA, the water level in River Indus at Tarbela Dam was 1493.23 feet and was 95.23 feet higher than its dead level of 1,398 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam were recorded as 290,600 cusecs and 154,800 cusecs respectively.

The water level in River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1172.75 feet, which was 122.75 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded at 81,800 cusecs and 10,000 cusecs respectively.

The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa, Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 217,900, 169,300, 109,600 and 42,100 cusecs respectively. Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 77,500 cusecs of water were released at Nowshera and 77,700 cusecs were released from River Chenab at Marala

White House blasts harassment of Pakistani origin reporter who questioned Modi about human rights

By

Raiq Qureshi

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Wed, 28 Jun 2023, 11:13 AM

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White House blasts harassment of Pakistani origin reporter who questioned Modi about human rights

WASHINGTON, Jun 28 (APP):The White House has condemned the online harassment of Sabrina Siddiqui, an American journalist of Pakistani origin who asked India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his Hindu nationalist government’s human rights record when he visited the White House last week.

“We’re aware of the reports of that harassment. It’s unacceptable, and we absolutely condemn any harassment of journalists anywhere, under any circumstances,” White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said about the online harassment of Ms. Siddiqui, who works for The Wall Street Journal, a leading financial newspaper. Sabrina’s mother is a Pakistani and her father was born in India but raised in Pakistan.

Referring to Ms. Siddiqui’s online harassment by pro-Modi Indians, Kirby said, “That’s just completely unacceptable, and it’s antithetical to the principles of democracy that … were on display last week during the state visit.”

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the Biden administration is “committed to the freedom of the press, which is why we held a (joint) press conference last Thursday” with US President Joe Biden and Modi, during the Indian premier’s official two-day state visit.

During the press conference, Ms. Siddiqui asked the Hindu leader what steps he was taking “to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities” in India and “to uphold free speech.”

“Our Constitution and our government and we have proved democracy can deliver. When I say deliver, regardless of caste, creed, religion, gender – there is absolutely no space for any discrimination (in my government),” Modi said in response.

Before becoming prime minister, Modi was banned from the U.S. for the role he played in the 2002 Gujarat riots, in which some 2,000 people, most of them Muslims, were killed. Since taking office in 2014, he’s faced criticism for aspects of his human rights record, including censoring journalists and stripping autonomy from the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Following her exchange with Modi, Ms. Siddiqui has been the target of online abuse, mainly from the prime minister’s allies in India.

The Wall Street Journal responded to the attacks in a statement Monday calling Siddiqui “a respected journalist known for her integrity and unbiased reporting. This harassment of our reporter is unacceptable, and we strongly condemn it.”

The South Asian Journalists Association also defended Siddiqui. “We want to express our continued support of our colleague @SabrinaSiddiqui who, like many South Asian and female journalists, is experiencing harassment for simply doing her job,” the group said on Twitter.

PM felicitates Pakistani expatriates, Muslim world on Eid-ul-Azha

By

Ishtiaq Rao

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Wed, 28 Jun 2023, 10:02 AM

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 28 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday greeting the Pakistani expatriates as well as the Muslim world on Eid-ul-Azha said the festival symbolised the spirit of sacrifice, equality and compassion.

“On the blessed occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, I extend my heartiest greetings to Muslims in general and our overseas Pakistanis in particular who are celebrating this festival today,” he wrote on Twitter.

Eid-ul-Azha symbolises the spirit of sacrifice, equality & compassion. It fosters unity by reducing socio-economic inequalities and creates the feelings of empathy and complete surrender before Allah Almighty. A true observance of the ritual demands of us to adopt a life of piety…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 28, 2023

He said Eid-ul-Azha fostered unity by reducing socio-economic inequalities and created the feelings of empathy and complete surrender before Allah Almighty.

He said a true observance of the ritual demanded of the Muslims to adopt a life of piety and cleanliness.

The prime minister also prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the lives of the followers with peace and prosperity.

White House blasts harassment of Pakistani origin reporter who questioned Modi about human rights

By

NNPS Desk

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Tue, 27 Jun 2023, 10:49 PM

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WASHINGTON, Jun 27 (APP): The White House has condemned the online harassment of Sabrina Siddiqui, an American journalist of Pakistani origin who asked India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his Hindu nationalist government’s human rights record when he visited the White House last week.