ASHGABAT: December 12 –
Longhua International Cooperation Center, Shenzhen to support B2B initiatives between China & Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): The Longhua International Cooperation Center, Shenzhen will support B2B initiatives between China and Pakistan, it was decided in Shenzen on Friday.
The meeting was held between Muhammad Imran, Trade & Investment Concellor from Consulate General of Pakistan, Guangzhou, China and Guo Ziyu (Xavier Gui) , Director of Longhua International Cooperation Center & Head of International Cooperation Operations at Longhua International Cooperation Center (LICC) in Shenzen , China. The representatives of the relevant Shenzhen government departments in liaising on economic and trade were also present.
The meeting was arranged in connection with the grant of membership of LICC to Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( PCJCCI), Lahore , Pakistan. David Chu, CEO, Precise Development (HK) Limited arranged this collaboration, said a press release issued here.
Imran was briefed about the operations of LICC where he appreciated the collaboration of LICC with many countries of the world. He discussed the opportunities for trade and investment in Pakistan for the Chinese enterprises and sought support of the center for collaboration based on win-win cooperation.
It is worth mentioning that from Pakistan PCJCCI becomes the first organisation to become a member of such B2B Cooperation, initiated by the Government of People’s Republic of China.
President of Turkmenistan H.E Serdar Berdimuhamedow receiving Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival to attend International Forum dedicated to The International year of Peace and Trust 2025, The International Day of Neutrality and the 30th Anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality.
ASHGABAT: December 12 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif laying floral wreath at Neutrality Monument.
ASHGABAT: December 12 –
CM’s Advisor approves establishment of Rescue Academy Sindh
KARACHI, Dec 12 (APP):The fourth meeting of the Sindh Emergency Council was held at the PDMA headquarters under the chairmanship of Sindh Chief Minister’s Advisor on Rehabilitation, Gyanchand Essrani, where a detailed briefing was given on the performance of Rescue 1122, emergency response standards, expansion of services, ongoing operations, key challenges and resource requirements.
The council appreciated the overall performance of Rescue 1122 and termed the service a “lifeline” for the people of Sindh.
Secretary Rehabilitation Nisar Ahmed Memon, Director General PDMA Syed Salman Shah, Director General Rescue 1122 Sindh Brig. (R) Wajid Sabghatullah Mahar, Chief Operating Officer Rescue 1122 Dr Abid Jalaluddin Shaikh, and senior officials from relevant departments attended the meeting.
The council formally approved the establishment of the Rescue Academy Sindh, describing it as a major milestone in the province’s emergency management framework.
Officials briefed the meeting that the academy will offer international-standard training programmes in firefighting, search and rescue, medical emergencies, disaster management, and other technical courses.
The meeting also approved group insurance for Rescue 1122 personnel. Additionally, approval was granted for initiating an MoU between Rescue 1122 Sindh and Malir Industrial Park for the allocation of 2.5 acres of land to set up a modern emergency response centre that will cater to industrial zones, residential areas, and key transport corridors.
The council further approved the opening of a separate account for Rescue 1122 Sindh to enable the receipt of donations, including land and financial contributions, with the Finance Department tasked to facilitate the process. Another key decision approved the introduction of a mandatory Fire and Life Safety NOC prior to the construction of any building or facility, which the council termed essential for ensuring safe infrastructure across the province.
Speaking at the meeting, Advisor to the CM Gyanchand Essrani said Rescue 1122 serves as the “nerve centre” of emergency services in Sindh. Strengthening the organisation through modern training, upgraded equipment, advanced technology, improved command structures and enhanced welfare measures remains a top priority of the government, he noted. “Rescue personnel risk their lives to save others; ensuring their welfare, protection and insurance is the state’s responsibility,” he added.
Essrani said the decisions taken today would significantly improve the emergency response system and public safety across Sindh.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Rescue 1122 into a world-class emergency service through improved funding, institutional reforms, and the phased transfer of fire services under the Sindh Emergency Rescue Service Act.
Bike lifter among five held; stolen bike, narcotics recovered
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Dec 12 (APP):The district police have arrested five suspects in a series of targeted operations, recovering a stolen motorcycle, cash and various narcotics along with a weapon.
According to police spokesman, the operations were conducted under the supervision of SDPO City Circle Muhammad Adnan and City police station SHO Khanzada Khan. The police apprehended Muhammad Nadeem of Madina Colony and recovered a stolen motorcycle from his possession.
In a separate raid, Amirullah of Khisorri was arrested, and police recovered Rs 30,000, the amount he had obtained from selling a stolen rickshaw. Another suspect named Muhammad Ishaq of Umar Town, was found carrying 80 grams of Ice drug, 530 grams of hashish and a 32-bore pistol with ammunition.
The police team also arrested Atta Ullah, also from Umar Town, and seized 150 grams of Ice and 370 grams of heroin from him.
The cases have been registered against the arrested accused while further investigation is underway.
CM vows comprehensive reforms to boost agriculture
KARACHI, Dec 12 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday stressed the need to gradually shift the province’s cropping patterns to suit climate realities, water availability and market demand. He noted that traditional practices are increasingly unsustainable due to water scarcity, soil degradation, and changing weather conditions.
He was presiding over an agriculture department meeting at CM House. The meeting was attended by Minister of Agriculture Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh, Secretary Agriculture Zaman Narejo, the President/CEO of Sindh Bank, and Deputy CEO Asad Shah. They reviewed the ongoing initiatives and future strategies to strengthen Sindh’s agricultural sector.
The chief minister described agriculture as the backbone of Sindh’s economy, emphasizing the need for a modern, research-driven, and financially inclusive approach. “Our farmers are the foundation of our rural economy. We must support them with timely credit, advanced technology, and scientific guidance so they can increase productivity and shift toward high-value crops,” he said.
The CM called for enhanced collaboration between the government, research institutions, and universities to introduce new seed varieties, improve soil health, and promote precision agriculture. “Agriculture cannot progress without research. From seeds to soil to water management, every step must be informed by science. I want our research institutions to work closely with farmers and deliver solutions that reach the fields,” he said.
He stressed the importance of modern practices like drip irrigation, water efficiency, mechanization, and digital monitoring to maximize output.
The meeting discussed the necessity of shifting cropping patterns as traditional ones are no longer sustainable under current conditions. The Chief Minister said, “Sindh must adopt smarter cropping patterns – those that conserve water, increase yields, and ensure profitability. We must move from conventional practices to climate-resilient, market-oriented crops.”
The Sindh Bank team outlined measures to improve farmers’ access to affordable credit, especially small growers facing liquidity constraints. The CM directed the bank and the Agriculture Department to simplify loan procedures and expand support in underserved rural areas. “Financial inclusion is key to empowering small farmers. Every eligible grower must have access to fair and timely credit to invest in better seeds, fertilizers, and technology,” he stated.
The meeting also reviewed mechanisms for distributing subsidies and assistance. The Chief Minister stressed transparency, accuracy, and timely support for those most in need. “Every rupee we allocate for farmers must reach them directly,” he directed.
Shah reaffirmed the government’s determination to uplift farming communities and build a resilient agricultural economy. “Our goal is clear -a prosperous, modern agricultural sector that supports farmers, enhances food security, and drives rural development. Together, we can transform Sindh’s agriculture for the future,” he declared.