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WASA Rawalpindi finalizing decoration of offices to mark Independence Day

By
Ali Ali
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0
RAWALPINDI, Aug 12 (APP):The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi is finalizing the decoration of its offices and installations across the garrison city to celebrate the Independence Day in a dignified and festive manner.
WASA Head Office and all field offices had already been beautifully decorated with national flags, buntings and colourful electric lights, a WASA spokesman said on Tuesday.
WASA Rawalpindi finalizing decoration of offices to mark Independence Day
Similarly, he said, the 5th Road from Murree Road Clock Tower Rehmanabad to Saidpur Road was also giving festive look all due to the profuse decoration by the WASA.
Meanwhile, WASA Rawalpindi Director General Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, in a statement, said the Independence Day reminded “us of the sacrifices of our forefathers for freedom and encourages us to perform our duties honestly”.
The Independence Day had special significance “this year due to the Pakistan Armed Forces’s brilliant success of the Operation Bunyan un Marsoos against the enemy.
That was why the WASA Rawalpindi was participating in the Independence Day celebrations with full zeal and its preparations in that regard were in full swing, he added.

NA Speaker assures cooperation to opposition for talks with Govt

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Tuesday assured the Opposition of his full cooperation in holding negotiations with the Government, reaffirming his role as the “Custodian of the House.”
The Speaker stressed that dialogue is the only way to resolve political differences and to act as a bridge between the government and the Opposition to achieve this objective. Despite his offer, the opposition staged a walkout and left the House.
This invitation was extended during a National Assembly session when opposition member Asad Qaiser raised a matter regarding the opposition’s privileges.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stated that the Constitution, the law, parliamentary traditions, and rules are equal for all, and their adherence is essential for strengthening democracy.
Referring to the arrest of Indian Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, the Speaker noted that even in that case, no “production orders” were issued. He emphasized that no forum is greater than the National Assembly and the Senate as a “grand jirga,” and urged all political forces to come forward to strengthen Parliament.
The Speaker reiterated that differences of opinion are the beauty of democracy, but transforming them into constructive dialogue is in the larger national interest.

PMA condemns murder of Dr. Shambho Lal

By
Ali Ali
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KARACHI, Aug 12 (APP):The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) vehemently condemned the brutal murder of Dr. Shambho Lal, a 60-year-old physician who was shot dead in a suspected targeted attack in Lyari, Karachi on Monday evening.
According to police reports, Dr. Lal was inside a park on Mirza Adam Khan Road when he was intercepted by two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle. They opened fire on him before fleeing the scene. The PMA is deeply saddened by this tragic incident and extends its heartfelt condolences to Dr. Lal’s family and loved ones.
The PMA is demanding that law enforcement agencies take immediate and decisive action to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
According to a press release issued by the PMA Central Secretary Dr.Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, the PMA urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice without delay.

ICCI for lower business costs, regulatory reforms

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Tuesday urged for  maintaining fiscal discipline, strengthening beneficial foreign partnerships, and pursuing inclusive economic policies, which  are essential for sustainable development.
Speaking during a meeting with a visiting delegation of renowned businessmen from the region, he said the challenges facing the country can only be overcome through prudent governance and consistent policy execution aimed at achieving lasting progress.
Highlighting the barriers to investment, Qureshi noted that bureaucratic red tape has long hindered both foreign and domestic investors.
He emphasized that regulatory reforms are urgently needed to eliminate these challenges, stimulate export growth through targeted incentives, and provide greater support to value-added industries.
He further said that foreign direct investment must be encouraged through stable policies and reliable dispute resolution mechanisms.
The ICCI President underscored the importance of investing in human capital via modern education and market-oriented vocational training to boost productivity and competitiveness.
He added that strengthening key institutions, ensuring policy continuity, and reducing political interference in economic decision-making should be top national priorities.
He also called for broadening the tax net by integrating untaxed sectors into the formal economy, making the system more equitable, and ensuring fiscal sustainability.
ICCI Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Siddiqui and Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry echoed the need for comprehensive reforms to reduce the cost of doing business and enhance Pakistan’s appeal as an investment destination.

NUML hosts seminar to commemorate Youm-e-Azaadi and Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):The Department of Arts and Humanities, National University of Modern Languages (NUML), organised a one-day seminar to mark Youm-e-Azaadi (Independence Day) and Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq.
The event featured national songs, recitations of Allama Iqbal’s poetry and inspiring speeches by Prof. Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities; Dr. Khursheed Ahmed Nadeem, renowned columnist, scholar and Chairman of the National Rehmatul-lil-Alameen wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority (NRKNA); and Shahid Mahmood Kayani, Rector of NUML, said a press release on Tuesday.
Dean Faculty of Arts and Humanities, in his welcome address, emphasized the responsibility of safeguarding the country’s independence and striving for national progress.
He highlighted that Marka-e-Haq proved that wars are not won by weapons alone but through faith and passion.
Chief Guest, Dr. Khursheed Ahmed Nadeem reflected on the significance of the day, noting Pakistan’s immense regional value and its foundational spirit built on the dedication of its youth.
Pakistan is not an outcome of mere circumstances but the result of determination and sacrifice, he focused.
Linking the day’s celebration with the perspective of Marka-e-Haq, he urged the nation to stand firm, embrace self-accountability and avoid the culture of blame and unrest.
He reminded that Pakistan is a blessing to be respected and valued, adding that progress requires patience and resilience in the face of challenges.
Meanwhile rector NUML, delivered a thoughtful and inspiring speech, describing Pakistan as a divine blessing, achieved during Ramadan, on the night of Shab-e-Qadr; an event of great spiritual significance.
He recalled the sacrifices of the forefathers and the courage of the armed forces in achieving the victory of Marka-e-Haq despite the adversary’s far greater military resources.
Emphasizing that Pakistan has abundant resources and potential, he called upon citizens to work with dedication to elevate the country to new heights of glory, reminding that “we are nothing without Pakistan.”
The seminar concluded with a renewed pledge by participants to uphold the spirit of independence, honor the sacrifices of the past, and strive collectively for the nation’s prosperity and dignity.

PFA launches phase 2 of School Nutrition Program in collaboration with UNICEF

By
Ali Ali
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0
Food Authority
LAHORE, Aug 12 (APP):Punjab Food Authority (PFA), in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched Phase 2 of its School Nutrition Program following the successful completion of Phase 1.
In this regard, a consultative meeting between PFA and UNICEF was held in which PFA Director Planning & Coordination Muneer Hussain Chopra briefed participants on the program’s progress and objectives.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with PFA on the School Nutrition Program and other initiatives, with both sides agreeing to intensify training and awareness campaigns on balanced diets, food groups, and essential micronutrients.
PFA Director General Asim Javaid said a large-scale implementation strategy has been finalised to ensure the provision of quality food in schools and communities. He highlighted that 25 percent of children suffer from zinc deficiency and 30 percent from iron deficiency, leading to various health problems. Addressing these nutritional challenges, he stressed a comprehensive and organised plan, starting with educating students about healthy eating.
PFA nutrition experts are training children to consume nutrient-rich foods, while Phase 2 is designed to be more effective and sustainable. The DG emphasised that preventing malnutrition demands coordinated efforts from the outset.
UNICEF representatives praised the DG’s work on nutrition and assured full cooperation in addressing nutrition-related issues across Punjab.

KP Govt makes cabinet proceeding paperless

By
Ali Ali
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0
PESHAWAR, Aug 12 (APP):In a significant development towards digital governance in the province, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has made provincial cabinet meetings completely paperless. The 36th meeting of the provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, was held at the Civil Secretariat, Peshawar, on Tuesday marking the first paperless session in which no files or physical documents were used.
 Under the new system, the entire cabinet agenda was made available to members through a digital dashboard, while all summaries for the meeting were also processed digitally.
The chief minister congratulated cabinet members on the launch of paperless meetings and commended the concerned officials for ensuring the successful implementation of this innovative initiative. He said that the adoption of a paperless format would eliminate the burden of files, strengthen digital governance, and ultimately help manage government affairs with greater transparency, efficiency and in more accelerated manner.
The chief minister said the provincial government, in line with the vision of Imran Khan, is taking measures under a comprehensive strategy to build a “Digital Khyber Pakhtunkhwa”. He termed the launch of paperless cabinet meetings as part of these ongoing efforts and expressed confidence that the initiative would yield positive results.

KP CM formally inaugurates newly established PIFTAC

By
Ali Ali
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PESHAWAR, Aug 12 (APP):Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur Tuesday visited the provincial Home Department and formally inaugurated the newly established Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (PIFTAC).
Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and other relevant high ups were also present. Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Mohammad Abid Majeed, on this occasion, briefed the chief minister in detail on the functions and scope of the newly established facility.
The Chief Minister was informed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has become the first province in the country to set up such a centre, which has been completed in a period of just two months at a cost of Rs 210 million.
The PIFTAC is linked with the National Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (NIFTAC) at the federal level and serves as a digital, integrated system for countering terrorism and facilitating nationwide intelligence sharing and assessment.
The system connects the federal and all provincial governments, enabling a uniform mechanism for intelligence and data sharing on potential threats.
According to the briefing, PIFTAC integrates 14 relevant agencies — including the FIA, NADRA, PTA and intelligence organizations — under a single platform. It is also directly linked with District Coordination Committees across the province.
Through this system, real-time intelligence sharing across the country will be possible, ensuring coordinated, timely and effective actions against terrorist activities. Officials said the centre will significantly enhance the operational capacity of intelligence agencies.
Speaking on the occasion, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur said the establishment of PIFTAC at the provincial level marks an important step towards effectively countering terrorism.
He stressed that the fight against terrorism is a national agenda that requires the government, the public and all institutions to remain on the same page.
The chief minister underscored the need for a comprehensive system to tackle the menace, expressing hope that PIFTAC will play a vital role in providing timely intelligence and facilitating its effective use for neutralizing threats.

IHC maintains objection on Asad Toor’s petition

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday up held the objections of registrar office against the petition of journalist Asad Ali Toor and instructed him to approach the relevant forum.
Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfaraz Dogar heard Asad Toor’s petition along with the objections of registrar office. Petitioner lawyers Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha appeared in court.
The chief justice, addressing the petitioner, said that the Registrar Office has an objection to your petition. Iman Mazari Advocate said that it is an urgent case, if permission is not given by tomorrow, then there will be no benefit. The lawyer also gave reference of Ayyan Ali and Inam Akbar case.
The chief justice asked the petitioner that you should have gone to the relevant forum first. You should first contact the Immigration Department, he said.
The court adjourned the hearing while upholding the objection of the Registrar Office. The Registrar Office had objected to filing the petition without approaching the Immigration Department.

Parliamentary Secretary meets Hanif Abbasi, discuss restoration of Shakargarh Railway Service

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs & Member National Assembly (MNA), Anwarul Haq Chaudhry, on Tuesday held an important meeting with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, focusing the restoration of Shakargarh Railway Service.
During the discussion, Anwarul Haq Chaudhry stressed on restoration of Shakargarh Railway service as soon as possible in the context of the special instructions of Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif and public demand.
Parliamentary Secretary meets Hanif Abbasi, discuss restoration of Shakargarh Railway Service
In response, Minister Hanif Abbasi assured that the project work would commence shortly and be completed in full.
On this occasion, detailed briefing regarding the Shakargarh Railway project by Pakistan Railway (PR) officer, in which all the technical and practical aspects of the project were outlined.
Highlighting his commitment to public service, Anwarul Haq Chaudhry affirmed that the long-standing demand of the people of Shakargarh for the restoration of railway service would finally be fulfilled, while other development projects in the area continue to progress rapidly.
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