HYDERABAD
HYDERABAD
Lady Doctor administering polio drops to a child during anti-polio vaccination campaign at Government Bhitai Hospital
HYDERABAD
HYDERABAD
Pakistan, Vietnam initiate negotiations on PTA with pledge to deepen bilateral cooperation
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Pakistan and Vietnam on Tuesday officially signed and launched negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) aimed at strengthening trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The announcement and signing took place during a high-level bilateral meeting and the Pakistan–Vietnam Business Forum, held in Islamabad, co-chaired by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Diên, according to a news release.
The Business Forum was attended by Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Industries Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Nawabzada Mir Zarain Khan Magsi, Parliamentary Secretary for Culture and Tourism, along with senior officials, diplomats, and leading members of the business communities from both sides.
In his address, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal welcomed the Vietnamese Minister and delegation, terming their visit as a reflection of the shared resolve of both nations to transform their longstanding friendship into a robust and future-oriented economic partnership.
He noted that Pakistan and Vietnam enjoyed cordial relations built on mutual respect, political understanding, and people-to-people linkages, and that the Business Forum represented a major step forward in expanding commercial and investment cooperation.
Jam Kamal highlighted that although bilateral trade between Pakistan and Vietnam has shown steady progress, it has remained below its potential.
He identified promising areas for collaboration, including textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food processing, fisheries, construction materials, and information technology, urging the business communities to take full advantage of these opportunities.
The most significant outcome of the event was the formal signing of the Joint Statement on the Launch of Pakistan–Vietnam PTA Negotiations by both ministers.
The signing marked a historic milestone in bilateral trade relations and set in motion a structured process to agree by the end of 2025.
The PTA would provide a comprehensive framework to enhance market access, diversify trade baskets, and remove tariff and non-tariff barriers.
It is expected to foster a balanced and mutually beneficial trading partnership, boosting competitiveness and export potential for both economies.
Nguyen Hong Diên welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that the PTA would diversify export markets, strengthen resilience against global economic challenges, and create new opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth.
He underscored the importance of conducting negotiations transparently and ensuring balanced benefits for both countries.
Jam Kamal encouraged the private sectors of both nations to view each other as long-term collaborators rather than short-term trading partners, highlighting Pakistan’s strategic location, enabling business environment, and young, skilled workforce as key strengths.
He invited Vietnamese investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for joint ventures, manufacturing partnerships, and re-exports.
Both sides also agreed to enhance connectivity and people-to-people linkages, including the establishment of direct flight routes between Pakistan and Vietnam to promote trade, tourism, and business travel.
They also discussed improved visa facilitation for citizens of both countries to encourage greater mobility of entrepreneurs and tourists.
Highlighting the shared cultural and spiritual heritage, Minister Jam Kamal spoke about the potential for religious and cultural tourism, particularly in relation to Pakistan’s Gandhara and Taxila civilizations, which are home to some of the most sacred Buddhist heritage sites in the world.
The Vietnamese Minister acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in promoting Buddhist tourism and termed pilgrimages to these sites as journeys to the spiritual roots of the Buddhist faith.
Referring to Vietnam’s remarkable economic transformation, Jam Kamal stated that Pakistan sought to learn from Vietnam’s success in value-added manufacturing, industrial modernization, and trade facilitation, applying those lessons to expand its own export base.
He also invited Vietnamese enterprises to participate in the upcoming Food Ag Exhibition to be held in Karachi in November 2025, which would showcase Pakistan’s growing potential in agriculture, food processing, and allied industries.
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in science, technology, and innovation and expressed solidarity with the people affected by recent floods in Vietnam.
The event concluded with the signing ceremony of the Joint Statement, marking the official launch of PTA negotiations between Pakistan and Vietnam, and reaffirming the two nations’ shared determination to build a comprehensive, future-oriented, and sustainable economic partnership.
In his concluding remarks, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal said that the Pakistan–Vietnam Business Forum represented “the beginning of a new chapter in our bilateral relations, one defined by trust, mutual benefit, and shared prosperity.”
Extension in tax return filing date demanded
LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP): Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Senior Vice President Saqib Fayyaz Magoon, and Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol Tuesday urged the government to extend the deadline for filing tax returns by at least one month to provide relief to the business community and allow them to submit their returns without undue pressure.
The two business leaders said that in the current economic situation, it is essential to facilitate traders to ensure continuity of business activities.
During a meeting here at Lahore Chamber, President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol delivered a welcome address and elaborated on trade, economic matters and the vital role of the business community in national development.
The meeting was also addressed by FPCCI Senior Vice President Saqib Fayyaz Magoon, LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, LCCI Vice President Khurram Lodhi, Chairman Pakistan Artificial Leather Importers and Merchants Association Tariq Latif, FPCCI Vice Chairman Aman Pracha, President of the Hyderabad Chamber Adeel Siddiq and former Senior Vice President of LCCI Engineer Khalid Usman. Executive Committee Members Umer Sarfraz, Aamna Randhawa, Shaban Akhtar, former Executive Committee Member Mian Muhammad Nawaz and other members were also present.
In his address, Saqib Fayyaz Magoon said that the rising cost of doing business and increasing energy tariffs are the biggest obstacles to export growth. “Unless energy prices are rationalized, Pakistan cannot achieve sustainable export growth,” he added.
He said that the government must review Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to ensure they serve Pakistan’s industrial and trade interests, enabling local products to compete effectively in international markets. Without improving the ease of doing business, stabilizing the economy is not possible. Investor confidence, policy continuity and business-friendly reforms are crucial for long-term growth.
Saqib Fayyaz Magoon said that the FPCCI has always remained in contact with the government to resolve the business community’s issues. However, he said that traders representation in policymaking will yield sustainable results. Appreciating the Lahore Chamber’s efforts, he said that it has always played a frontline role in highlighting traders’ concerns and that strong coordination between FPCCI and LCCI will lead to better economic outcomes.
Faheem ur Rehman Saigol said that LCCI has always prioritized serving the business community and addressing their problems. He said that strong linkages within the business community strengthen the economy and the Lahore Chamber is committed to further promoting such connections.
He said that the government must immediately address the challenges faced by traders to revive business confidence and accelerate economic activity. “The private sector is the backbone of the national economy,” he said, adding that the government should include private-sector representatives in policy formulation to ensure decisions reflect ground realities.
Saigol mentioned that Lahore Chamber not only raises the issues of its members with the government but also maintains constant communication with various ministries and departments to facilitate the business community.
He said that the Lahore Chamber is actively submitting practical and actionable proposals to the government on matters related to taxation, energy, imports, exports and industrial policies. He added that the Chamber has become a unified voice of the business community and will continue to play its role more effectively in the future.
He also expressed gratitude to Chairman of the Pakistan Artificial Leather Importers and Merchants Association, Tariq Latif, for his continuous cooperation with the LCCI.
Both leaders agreed to further strengthen coordination and collaboration between the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to protect and promote the interests of the business community.
The LCCI President said that the private sector’s role is crucial for Pakistan’s economic stability. “Until a conducive business environment and adequate facilities are provided to entrepreneurs, the economy cannot stabilize. The Lahore Chamber firmly believes that through collective efforts, we can take Pakistan’s industrial and commercial progress to new heights,” he said.
Three injured in firing incident
Muzaffargarh , Oct 14 (APP): Police have registered a case following a firing incident in the crowded Khan Garh Bazaar, near Jamia Masjid Siddiqiya, which left a youth, a woman passerby, and a child seriously injured.
According to police sources, the incident triggered panic in the bustling marketplace, disrupting peace and creating fear among the public. Law enforcement teams arrived at the scene promptly and launched an immediate investigation.
Khan Garh Police have arrested two suspects identified as Sheikh Sabir Qasai and Sheikh Wajid Islam Qasai. Raids are underway to apprehend the main culprits, who reportedly fled after locking their homes.
The incident drew strong condemnation from local citizens, the Punjab Lawyers Front, civil society activists, and traders, who described it as an attempt to destabilize the city’s peace. They urged authorities to arrest all those involved and ensure strict legal action.
However, they also appreciated the police for their swift response and timely arrests, acknowledging the efforts made to restore order in the area.
Wildlife dept cracks down on poachers of rare birds
MUZAFFARGARH, Oct 14 (APP): Teams from the Wildlife Department have intensified anti-poaching operations across forest areas and waterways in recent days, resulting in the arrest of several individuals involved in the illegal hunting of rare birds, including falcons.
Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger (ACWR) Abdul Rehman Liaquat informed reporters on Tuesday that the department’s teams used modern boats to patrol areas from Sarqi Patti Dhaka to Juana Bangla, and from Jatoi to Ehsan Pur, specifically targeting poachers.
During the operation, several individuals were caught attempting to trap rare birds. Some managed to escape, but those apprehended faced serious consequences. One poacher, Munir Ahmad, was fined Rs 130,000, while formal complaints against several others were forwarded to various police stations for case registration.
Hunting equipment and traps recovered from the scene were destroyed on the spot.
ACWR Abdul Rehman Liaquat emphasized that hunting of rare species, including falcons, is strictly prohibited and violators will face strict legal action.
He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to protecting endangered wildlife and preserving biodiversity in the region.
On CM directions, 40,000 ‘Himmat Cards’ to be issued for special students
LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP): On the special directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Department of Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Mal Punjab will issue 40,000 Himmat Cards to students enrolled in institutions of the Special Education Department.
The decision was taken during a high-level joint meeting of both departments, co-chaired by Provincial Minister for Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Mal Sohail Shaukat Butt and Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Special Education Sania Aashiq, here on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Mal Javed Akhtar Mahmood, Secretary Special Education Muhammad Khan Ranjha, Director General Special Education Shoaib Jadoon, and senior officers from both departments.
Detailed discussions were held on enhancing inter-departmental cooperation, improving facilities for special students, and ensuring their full inclusion in educational and social activities.
Provincial Minister Sohail Shaukat Butt said that, for the first time in Punjab’s history, historic initiatives are being taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the rehabilitation and empowerment of special persons and vulnerable segments of society. “The issuance of Himmat Cards will not only provide financial assistance but also help special students lead a dignified and independent life,” he stated.
He informed that the Social Welfare Department will issue 40,000 Himmat Cards in consultation with the Special Education Department and that the procedural framework is being finalized.
The meeting was also informed that the Social Welfare Department has already provided over 1,100 electric wheelchairs and electric bikes to students of the Special Education Department, while instructions have been issued for the continued supply of assistive devices.
Special Assistant Sania Aashiq said that “special students are our pride,” adding that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, revolutionary reforms are being introduced in special education and welfare sectors.
Both departments reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen collaboration and sustain joint efforts for the welfare and empowerment of special persons across Punjab.
Balloting for subsidized agri-machinery on 15th
SIALKOT, Oct 14 (APP): The Agriculture Department (Field Wing), Punjab, will conduct balloting on October 15 under the Punjab Clean Air Programme 2025–26 to provide Pak Seeder and Super Seeder machines to farmers at a 60 percent subsidy.
According to details, the balloting event will be held at 12:00 noon in Jinnah Hall, Sialkot Fort, under the supervision of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Sialkot.
As part of the scheme, selected farmers will receive advanced agricultural machinery at subsidized rates to promote modern, eco-friendly farming practices.
Launched under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the initiative is aimed at reducing air pollution and encouraging sustainable agriculture through the adoption of high-tech equipment.
Normalcy returns to Rawalpindi as traffic flows smoothly
RAWALPINDI, Oct 14 (APP): Normalcy has returned to Rawalpindi following an improvement in the overall law and order situation, which had arisen due to the protest of a religious party.
On Tuesday, traffic flowed smoothly across the city, while markets, offices, educational institutions and other daily activities were back in full swing. Citizens expressed satisfaction over the restoration of peace and appreciated the district administration and law enforcement agencies for their effective handling of the situation.
The administration of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi also resumed regular classes after conditions in the twin cities stabilised.
According to a spokesman for the Rawalpindi Traffic Police, traffic on all major routes remained steady. With Faizabad still closed, vehicles were being diverted via Double Road as an alternative route, while flow along Murree Road, Mall Road, Peshawar Road and other major arteries of the city and district remained uninterrupted.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi Farhan Aslam said that over 1,100 traffic wardens had performed duties round the clock during the law and order situation to ensure a smooth flow of vehicles.
He expressed satisfaction that no untoward incident had occurred, crediting sound planning, teamwork and commitment, and lauded the efforts of all personnel.
The CTO added that effective traffic management had been possible through citizens’ cooperation and discipline, assuring that the Traffic Police would continue to perform their duties with the same dedication in future.
LHC acquits man sentenced to death in brother-in-law’s murder case
LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday set aside the death sentence of a man convicted of killing his brother-in-law over a property dispute, acquitting him of all charges.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry and Justice Sardar Akbar Ali Dogar announced the verdict while allowing the appeal filed by convict Shah Nawaz.
According to case details, a murder FIR was registered against Shah Nawaz and others at Rojhan Police Station, District Toba Tek Singh, in 2021. The prosecution alleged that the accused had murdered his brother-in-law following a dispute over inheritance.
During the hearing, the defence counsel contended that the presence of witnesses at the scene could not be established, the post-mortem report was delayed, and the trial court had delivered the death sentence without sufficient evidence.
Conversely, the prosecutor argued that the police investigation, witness statements, and medical report proved the accused’s guilt and urged the court to uphold the trial court’s decision.
After reviewing the record, the bench observed that the witnesses’ presence at the crime scene appeared doubtful and ruled that the prosecution failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the bench acquitted Shah Nawaz and annulled the sessions court’s verdict.