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DC review arrangements for celebrating Marka-e-Haq, Independence day

By
Asif Jalal
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0
NAWABSHAH, Aug 09 (APP): Deputy Commissioner Shaheed Benazirabad, Abdul Samad Nizamani, chaired a meeting at Darbar Hall to finalize the programs for Independence Day and Marka e Haq celebrations.
Addressing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner said that under the special directives of the Sindh Government, events related to Independence Day and the Battle of Truth are ongoing across the district. He said that on August 14, both occasions would be celebrated with national enthusiasm. The central flag-hoisting ceremony would take place in the morning at DC Office.
Meeting decided that during the main ceremony, students from primary, high, and higher secondary schools, special education institutions, and colleges will present speeches, tableaus, and national songs. Awards will be distributed among students securing top positions in speech competitions.
Deputy Commissioner directed relevant departments to submit the list of programs scheduled for the main ceremony to DC Office. He also announced that in a bid to make the district greener and more eco-friendly, plantation of environment-friendly saplings will take place on August 14.
School and college administrations were instructed to complete preparations for students’ speech competitions and tableaus by August 12 and submit final reports. Municipal Corporation and Town Committees were directed to ensure special cleanliness arrangements across all cities for the celebrations. Police and Traffic Police were instructed to make special arrangements to maintain law and order and ensure smooth traffic flow on Independence Day.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner-I Shaheed Benazirabad Syed Abrar Ali Shah, District Education Officer Secondary Muhammad Saleem Bhatti, District Education Officer Primary Masood Ahmed Sahito, Humeera Mir, Shehnaz Lakho, Javed Ahmed Mallah, Zubair Ahmed Mallah, as well as officers from Police, Traffic Police, Education, Municipal Administration, Scouts, and other concerned departments.

Around 131,817 foreign jobs available with BEOE

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 9 (APP): So far, around 131,817 foreign jobs were available out of 275,669 (143,854 consumed) with the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE), an attached department of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (MOP&HRD).
An official source told APP, around 337,000 Pakistanis proceeded abroad for employment during the last six months this year, from January 1 to June 30, as per data of concerned departments.
The number of foreign job seekers are also increasing day by day due to the productive policies of the country as new ways of jobs opening for skilled and unskilled Pakistani workers.
He said that since the inception of the Bureau in the year 1971, more than 10 million emigrants have been provided overseas employment, duly registered with the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment.
To a question, he said that during the year 2015, the highest number of Pakistanis(946,571) proceeded abroad for the purpose of employment.
Overseas employment is thus serving as the mainstay for the national economy, by providing much-needed financial outlay for debt servicing, import bills, alleviation of poverty, development projects and economic activities.
Bureau, being a regulatory body, controls, regulates, facilitates and monitors the emigration process followed by the Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs), in the private sector, besides ‘direct employment’, the mode adopted by the individuals, to seek foreign employment either through their own efforts or relatives and friends living abroad.
The foremost task of Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment encompass collection, compilation and tabulation of emigration data of all those Pakistanis who proceed abroad for employment purposes. In fact, the Bureau has been engaged in maintaining a comprehensive statistical record of all the migrant workers since 1971, which provides basis for planning and policy formulation by the Economic Division and other interested government departments.
He said that the main function of this body was to control and regulate emigration under the Emigration Ordinance, 1979 and promote Emigration of Pakistani Citizens.
It was the function of the bureau to look after the interest and welfare of the emigrants and advise the Federal Government on emigration policies and procedures, Monitoring and supervision of Overseas Employment Promoters through 7 Protectorates of Emigrants Offices, Processing of Overseas Employment Promoters (OEP) Licences
Pre-departure briefing to Emigrants.
Mandatory Insurance coverage for Pakistani workers abroad and Memorandum of Understanding with Foreign Countries for Export of Manpower and Management of State Life Emigrants Insurance Fund (SLEIF).

MDCAT exam 2025 to be held on October 5: PMDC

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council on Saturday has announced that the year 2025 Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) will be conducted on October 5, 2025.
According to PMDC spokesperson, the MDCAT exam is going to be conducted by universities nominated by the federal and provincial authorities, not by PMDC.
However, PMDC as a regulator has developed a uniform syllabus for the MDCAT in consultation with all stakeholders, including federal and provincial authorities, he added.
He clarified that there is no 80 perfect increase in MDCAT examination fee
as only Rs 1000 has been added to the previous year’s fee which was Rs 8000. This year fee is Rs 9000, which is an increment of 12.5 percent, not 80 percent as circulated in the social media.
He said that PM&DC has also invested heavily in developing a question bank based on a common syllabus agreed upon by the provinces.
He said that the council decided to revise the fee on request of the examination-conducting universities due to rising costs of paper printing, enhanced security protocols and logistical arrangements, Payments for examiners, invigilators, and administrative staff and ensuring adequate seating and facilities for candidates nationwide and international venues.
Despite significant inflation and increasing operational costs, PM&DC remains steadfast to affordability and fairness, he added.
He said that the council has taken a balanced approach to ensure that the exam remains accessible to all candidates while maintaining quality and integrity in the testing process.
“PMDC reaffirms transparent, responsible, and merit-based admissions, ensuring equal opportunities for all aspiring medical and dental students.”
 The MDCAT will be conducted through the admitting or test conducting universities including University of Health Sciences, Lahore (for Punjab Province), Sukkur IBA University, Sukkur (for Sindh Province), Khyber Medical University, Peshawar (for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province), Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences Quetta (for Balochistan Province), Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad (for Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and for international Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).
The schedule for MDCAT-2025 online registration for both local and international candidates began on August 8, 2025 and will close on August 25, 2025. After this date, registration will only be accepted with late fee, which will remain open until September 1st, 2025.
He said that the candidates must carefully select one city and centre for the MDCAT and fill out the application with all necessary requirements otherwise, the online system will reject the application.
 The test will be a paper-based, multiple-choice exam to be conducted in English, comprising 180 MCQs with no negative marking, besides Biology (81), Chemistry (45), Physics (36), English (9), and Logical Reasoning (9).
He said that the curriculum/syllabus is available at www.pmdc.pk, and candidates must complete their registration through mdcat.pmdc.pk. as incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Islamabad to celebrate ‘Marka-e-Haq’  Independence Day with grand festivities, security tightened

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): The Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Administration and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) are gearing up for large-scale celebrations of the ‘Marka-e-Haq’ and Pakistan’s Independence Day, with extensive decoration, cultural programs, and heightened security measures across the federal capital.
The authorities have decided to illuminate major avenues including Constitution Avenue, Club Road, Srinagar Highway, and Jinnah Avenue, with decorative lighting, LED displays, and digital streamers, CDA spokesperson told APP on Saturday.
He said government and private buildings will be adorned with national flags and festive lighting to mark the twin occasions.
Chairman Randhawa, he said has announced that the festivities will include flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, fireworks, patriotic song competitions, school debates, painting contests, and tableau shows. Parks, public spaces, and even public transport buses will feature themed branding to reflect national pride.
“To celebrate ‘Marka-e-Haq’ and Independence Day with full patriotic spirit, we are combining cultural activities with enhanced beautification and public engagement,” the spokesperson quoted Randhawa as saying. “The events will also pay tribute to our armed forces, symbolizing the nation’s unity and resilience against all challenges.”
He noted that special attention will be given to public safety. Islamabad Police have been directed to implement “foolproof” security, including checkpoints at entry and exit points, CCTV monitoring at key locations, and deployment of special security teams to ensure peaceful celebrations.
He said CDA chief emphasized that ‘Marka-e-Haq’ not only honors Pakistan’s brave armed forces but also stands as a “reminder that the Pakistani nation remains united, steadfast, and ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its defenders against any threat.”

Engr Khalid appointed IESCO’s new CEO

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Engineer Khalid Mahmood has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO).
According to the IESCO’s spokesperson, recognized as a seasoned professional in the energy sector, Khalid Mahmood brings extensive experience in operations, construction, commercial affairs and other key formations.
The Company’s officers and staff have expressed full confidence in his professional abilities and leadership qualities.
He added that under his leadership, IESCO is expected to continue its journey of growth and success.

Two departmental stores penalised

By
Asif Jalal
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0
MULTAN, Aug 09 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) conducted inspections at multiple locations across Multan, targeting meat sections of departmental stores and a fats and oils production unit and imposed heavy fines.
The operations were led by Additional Director Operations Aamir Iftikhar and Deputy Director Operations Umair Hanif.
The production of fats and oils unit in Sultan Nagar was halted immediately after its ghee sample failed to meet quality standards.
A departmental store at Chungi No. 9 was slapped with a hefty fine of Rs 175,000 due to poor sanitation and hygiene conditions in its meat section.
Another departmental store in Bach Villas issued warning notice aimed at improving food safety and handling practices in its meat section.

PHA prepares for grand Independence Day celebrations

By
Asif Jalal
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0
SARGODHA, Aug 09 (APP): The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) of Sargodha is making extensive preparations to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day with a series of festive events and beautification projects.
Under the guidance of Commissioner Sargodha division Jahanzaib Awan and PHA Director General Chaudhry Muhammad Arshad, the city is set to be transformed for the national holiday.
The celebrations would officially begin on the evening of August 13th with a special ceremony scheduled for 8:00 PM.
This event would honor the sacrifices made for Pakistan’s creation and will feature a musical show with patriotic songs.
The night would culminate at midnight with a grand fireworks display, marking the start of August 14th.
In addition to the main event, the PHA is focusing on city-wide beautification while Parks, green belts, and public spaces are being renovated and adorned with a horticulture drive.
A tree plantation campaign is also underway as part of the celebrations.
To further enhance the festive atmosphere, major intersections across the city are being illuminated with lights reflecting the colors of the national flag.
The PHA’s own office was also decorated to mark the occasion.
The PHA team, led by DG PHA Chaudhry Muhammad Arshad, is working tirelessly to ensure the success of all these initiatives.

Two profiteers arrested

By
Asif Jalal
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0
SARGODHA, Aug 09 (APP): The district administration arrested two shopkeepers over profiteering in various parts of city, here on Saturday.
According to official sources,the price control magistrates inspected various points in the city and found that shopkeepers namely – Waris and Ashraf — were involved in profiteering.
The magistrates got registered cases and also imposed fines on them.

Saudi Crown Prince invites PM to attend FII

By
Irfan Khan
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0
Amb. Nawaf bin Said Al-Malky, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia presented an invitation letter letter from His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to participate in the ninth Future Investment Initiatives (FII) Forum to be held in Riyadh from 27-30 October, 2025.

ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP):  Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Nawaf bin Said Al-Malky Saturday called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and handed over a signed invitation letter from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud to participate in the ninth Future Investment Initiatives (FII) Forum to be held in Riyadh from 27-30 October.

Saudi Crown Prince invites PM to attend FII

While accepting the gracious invitation extended to him, the prime minister conveyed his warm greetings and respectful regards for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud as well as to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

Recent developments in the region were also discussed during the warm and cordial meeting.

Sherry Rehman condemns Indian ban on Kashmiri books as ‘worst example of fascism’

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Pakistan Peoples Party Vice President and Senator Sherry Rehman has strongly condemned the Modi government’s ban on Kashmiri historical and resistance literature, calling it “the worst example of fascism.”
In a statement on Saturday, Sherry Rehman said the move was a direct attack on the intellectual freedom of Kashmiris and reflected India’s undemocratic ambitions. She said a country that fears books is openly admitting its own failures.
“Suppressing history does not erase the facts — it only makes them more visible,” Rehman remarked, adding that silencing free expression exposes India’s fascist tendencies. She said New Delhi’s policies are pushing Kashmiri youth into intellectual slavery, while such bans are further damaging India’s global reputation.
The PPP leader stressed that every attempt to suppress the truth has failed throughout history, and India will fail too. “By confiscating books, India wants to erase Kashmiri identity, but ideas cannot be stopped through bans,” she asserted.
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