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2nd Pakistan-China Business Conference to take place in Beijing on Sept 4

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NNPS Desk
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BEIJING, Aug 12 (APP): The 2nd Pakistan-China Business Conference will be held in Beijing on September 4 to further boost trade and investment ties between enterprises from both countries, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi announced.

The event will coincide with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin later this month.

The Pakistan Embassy in Beijing, in collaboration with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Board of Investment (BOI), various ministries, and provincial departments, has made enormous efforts ahead of the conference to respond to Chinese investors’ basic questions and offer investment opportunities in Pakistan.

“We are completing the list of Pakistani and Chinese companies participating in the conference. Matchmaking sessions are being scheduled in advance to allow participants to engage beforehand, ensuring more productive outcomes than meeting for the first time on the event day,” he said in an interview.

The Chinese companies will be briefed on government incentives, including land acquisition, tax breaks, customs duty exemptions, wage structures, and energy provision. Pakistani participants will receive sector-specific guides on opportunities in China and strategies to maximize them.

Ambassador Hashmi said that spectacular economic, technological progress has now turned China into the New Land of Opportunities for any one. It is up to Pakistan to take advantage of this.

He emphasized the need for a targeted approach to increase Pakistan’s production capacity and exports to China.

He revealed that 21 priority sectors—ranging from manufacturing, petrochemicals, minerals, and pharmaceuticals to textiles, leather, and medical equipment—have been identified for enhanced cooperation.

The first Pakistan-China Business Conference held in Shenzhen last year during the Prime Minister’s visit, attracted 105 Pakistani and 250 Chinese companies. In a single day, over 1,000 B2B meetings took place, leading to the signing of 30 MOUs, of which 17 have already materialized into contracts worth more than US$ 100 million.

Between October last year and January this year, matchmaking meetings focused on textiles, footwear, leather, plastics, and food products resulted in 45 MOUs worth over US$ 600 million from 850 B2B engagements.

Additionally, a food and agriculture expo in Karachi and a health and minerals expo in Lahore saw record Chinese participation. In Karachi, contracts worth US$ 55 million and MOUs worth US$ 100 million were signed, while in Lahore, deals totaled US$ 135 million in contracts and US$ 300 million in MOUs.

“In total, agreements and contracts signed over the past year have exceeded US$ 1.2 billion,” Ambassador Hashmi noted.

APP/asg

President Zardari calls for stronger measures to protect minority rights, restore worship places

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday urged intensified efforts to safeguard minority rights, promote religious tolerance, and ensure the restoration of worship places unlawfully occupied, reaffirming that minorities are an integral part of Pakistan’s social and national fabric.

He made these remarks during a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr with Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, who briefed him on the ministry’s initiatives, including policy measures, welfare programs, and interfaith engagement, a Presidency’s news release said.

President Zardari commended the ministry’s work in protecting minority rights and organizing National Minorities Day celebrations, while calling for more concrete and targeted actions to ensure justice and inclusivity.

The minister shared that in FY 2024–25, the Minorities Welfare Fund provided Rs. 60 million in scholarships to 2,236 students, financial aid to 1,231 individuals, and Rs. 45 million for the repair and furnishing of 32 minority worship places. He also highlighted a new national policy on interfaith harmony, official celebrations of major minority festivals, and interfaith conferences nationwide.

Sardar Yousaf further noted that the Evacuee Trust Property Board is maintaining Sikh and Hindu sacred sites and providing free facilities to pilgrims for major religious events, alongside efforts to curb hate speech and coordinate with provincial and federal authorities.

Thanking the president for his support, the minister said his leadership had played a key role in advancing the rights and welfare of Pakistan’s minority communities.

NA assured protection of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat laws in minority rights legislation

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP): Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar assured the National Assembly that all laws pertaining to Khatm-e-Nabuwwat would remain fully safeguarded in any future legislation concerning minority rights, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving constitutional and religious principles while ensuring the protection of minority communities.
Responding to a concern raised by MNA Ali Muhammad Khan, the minister assured the legislators that the recently passed Minorities Rights Commission Bill would not impact the sanctity or enforcement of existing laws on Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, including the Anti-Qadianiat Ordinance of 1984.
Minister said that the bill had been examined clause by clause by a special Senate committee chaired by Senator Ali Zafar and comprising both legal experts and minority members. He stressed that the commission, once established, would have no criminal or prosecutorial powers and would only perform fact-finding and grievance redress functions relating to minority rights.
Tarar clarified that the overriding effect of the bill applied only within its limited mandate and did not override or dilute any existing provisions of laws related to the finality of Prophethood. He said the bill was fully in line with Article 20 of the Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, which upheld restrictions on Qadiani community members from propagating their beliefs.
Referring to landmark judgments, including the 1992 larger bench ruling and subsequent Supreme Court decisions, the minister said the judicial interpretations had firmly preserved the scope of relevant laws, leaving no room for any legal instrument to undermine them.
He reiterated that the government’s belief in and commitment to the finality of Prophethood was unwavering, and no legislation could be construed in a manner that would compromise it. “If there are still concerns, I am available to sit with all stakeholders, including religious scholars and parliamentary colleagues, to review the matter further,” he said.

Pakistan welcomes US designation of BLA, Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organisations

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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MOFA

ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP): Pakistan on Tuesday welcomed the United States’ decision of designating Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organisations, also adding Majeed Brigade as an alias to BLA.

Pakistan had proscribed Majeed Brigade as a terrorist entity since 18 July 2024. The BLA/Majeed Brigade is involved in multiple terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including the heinous Jaffer Express terrorist incident and Khuzdar bus attack that resulted in the loss of precious lives, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement.

He said that Pakistan remained a steadfast bulwark against terrorism.

“Our sacrifices have secured critical counter-terrorism successes, not only for the country, but for regional stability and global security,” he added.

The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan remained unwavering in its resolve to protect its citizens and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, besides being committed to cooperating with the international community to overcome this common challenge.

Asim Munir’s visit to the U.S. strengthens Pakistan’s position, exposes India’s terror links

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP): Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s recent visit to the United States has significantly contributed to the global recognition of Pakistan’s stance on regional security and has once again exposed India’s involvement in state-sponsored terrorism, security sources said on Tuesday.

According to the sources, India’s covert support for terrorism has been brought to light through Field Marshal Munir’s successful military diplomacy. “The U.S. designation of Fitna-ul-Hindustan (BLA) and the Majeed Brigade as terrorist organizations is a direct outcome of the Field Marshal’s efforts,” they stated.

The sources emphasized that the U.S. move to blacklist the Indian-backed group Fitna-ul-Hindustan as a global terrorist organization represents international validation of Pakistan’s position.

The sources further revealed that India’s premier intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has maintained direct contact with Fitna-ul-Hindustan and has provided financial and logistical support for its terrorist activities targeting Pakistan.

They added that India has also offered medical treatment to injured members of the group on its soil. Meanwhile, Indian mainstream media, referred to as “Godi Media,” has consistently attempted to justify and downplay the group’s terrorist actions.

The sources also pointed out that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval have openly acknowledged links with Fitna-ul-Hindustan in Balochistan. The arrest of Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, they said, remains undeniable proof of India’s involvement in state-sponsored terrorism.

Security sources concluded by warning that India’s terrorist designs pose a serious threat not only to regional stability but also to global peace.

Railways Minister vows timely salaries, clearance of all pending dues

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP): Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday assured the National Assembly that the government was committed to resolving the pending payment of gratuity, benevolent fund, marriage grant and farewell grant to Pakistan Railways employees and their families at the earliest.
Responding to a calling attention notice moved by MNA Agha Rafiullah, he said routine pension payments were being made on time and salaries were now being disbursed before the 5th of every month, compared to past delays of up to two months. He added that overtime dues had also been cleared.
The minister said that benefits amounting to around Rs 12.5 billion were pending and the Ministry of Railways had already written to the Finance Division for the release of funds. “We have made strong efforts during the current budget process and will continue to push for the allocation so that these dues can be paid,” he said.
He informed the House that Pakistan Railways was the only federal department that managed its pension and employee benefits from its own accounts, whereas in other departments these payments came directly from the Finance Division. To address urgent needs, Rs 150 million had been earmarked from Railways’ own revenue for marriage and welfare grants, with plans to increase the amount as revenues improved.
Abbasi acknowledged that employees’ welfare was directly linked to the performance of the institution and reaffirmed that the government valued the contributions of the workforce, which kept Pakistan Railways operational.
Responding to a supplementary question from MNA Shazia Marri, the minister reiterated his resolve to use all available resources, including Railways’ own revenue streams, to address the pending benefits if federal funding was delayed. “It is my commitment that as our revenues grow, these payments will be prioritised,” he said.

Azam Tarar vows review of Supreme Court fee hike

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP): Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday assured the National Assembly that the substantial hike in court fees for Supreme Court cases would be raised with the concerned authorities for due consideration.
Responding to a point of order raised by Sardar Latif Khosa in the National Assembly regarding the recent increase in Supreme Court fees, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that the determination or revision of court fees falls under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
He explained that such matters are either decided by the full court or delegated to the Chief Justice. The recent revision, he noted, was undertaken after several decades and involved significant increases in certain categories.
The minister informed that in Punjab, representatives of bar associations had held meetings with the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court and the provincial law minister, following which the fees had been rationalised to a reasonable level. He assured that similar steps would be considered in other jurisdictions where applicable.
Tarar stated that issues falling directly within the purview of his ministry would be addressed on a priority basis, while matters requiring legal procedures would be handled in accordance with the prescribed process. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the legal community and ensuring fairness in judicial proceedings./APP-rzr-szm

Five criminals held

By
Samina Ch
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GUJRAT, Aug 12 (APP):Police on Tuesday arrested five suspects and recovered narcotics from their possession.
According to a spokesperson,police conducted raids within the jurisdiction and nabbed five criminals namely as Ali Haider,Zain Ali,Faisal Abbas,Abu Bakar and Arslan Basharat.
Police recovered 1640grams of hashish and 60-bore pistol from their possession.
Further investigation was underway.

Noor Zaman finishes as plate event runner-up at World Games

By
Samina Ch
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CHENGDU, Islamabad, Aug 12 (APP):Pakistan’s squash sensation Noor Zaman concluded his World Games 2025 campaign as the plate event runner-up, forced to retire in the final against South Africa’s Dewald van Niekerkdue due to illness in Chengdu, China on Tuesday.
Noor showed tremendous grit in the opening games, narrowly losing 10-12, 8-12, while visibly struggling with fever. After going down 0-2, he made the difficult decision to retire, prioritizing his health.
“Noor gave everything he had despite being unwell,” Pakistan’s coach Fahim Gul told APP. “His fighting spirit in those first two games, while running a fever, shows his champion mentality. Health comes first, and we’re proud of his silver-medal.”
According to Fahim, they arrived late in Chengdu, hence could not acclimatise with the conditions, which impacted their preparation.

Pakistani youth nation’s greatest strength: Gillani

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):Senate Chairman Muhammad Yousaf Raza Gillani on Tuesday praised young people worldwide, especially in Pakistan, calling them the “bright future of the nation.”
In his message on International Youth Day, he said around 60 per cent of Pakistan’s population is made up of youth, describing them as the country’s biggest strength and the guarantee of its progress. With education, modern knowledge, and technology, he added, young people can play a central role in national development.
Gillani said that Pakistani youth have made their mark in sports, education, science, technology, and other fields, earning recognition for the country internationally.
Urging them to follow the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal, he said serving the nation should be their highest goal.
He stressed that empowering youth, ensuring equal opportunities, and involving them in solving national challenges are shared responsibilities. The creativity and energy of young people, he said, hold the key to Pakistan’s bright future.
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