ISLAMABAD
IESCO workers are busy installing electricity pole near IJP Road in the Federal. Capital
ISLAMABAD
A worker busy planting saplings at a local nursery near H-9 in the Federal Capital
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal speaking at the 10th UMT Budget Summit
LAHORE
LAHORE
A vendor is busy preparing traditional summer drink (Ghota) for the customers at his roadside setup
MULTAN
A shepherd leads herd of goats after grazing from field
MULTAN
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan taking to the media, at SMEDA office
LAHORE
Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroglu called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
ISLAMABAD
Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroglu called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
ISLAMABAD
Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroglu called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
ISLAMABAD
India hatching conspiracies to create unrest in AJK; Anwar ul Haq
MUZAFFARABAD, May 03 (APP): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq has said that India was hatching conspiracies to create unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
In his address to the All Parties Kashmir Conference held here yesterday, he warned “If India attacks Pakistan, we will respond with full force. India is actively plotting to destabilize Azad Kashmir. He emphasized that Pakistan’s political leadership must demonstrate complete solidarity and stand firmly behind the armed forces in the face of Indian aggression.
Reaffirming his stance on the Kashmir issue, the AJK prime minister said his narrative draws strength from the people of Pakistan, the armed forces and the country’s military leadership. He said that there was dire need to avoid discussing things that could create problem for Pakistan internationally. He, however, maintained that it was appropriate time for us as Kashmiris to talk as the stalemate on the issue has been broken for the first time since 2019.
He said that Indian government’s single action has brought us back to the pre August 5, 2019 situation. “It is because of the state of Pakistan that I have taken a clear cut and courageous stand on the issue”, the PM said, adding that he doesn’t not even hesitate to call spade a spade. “Whatever is in my heart, I speak it out”, the prime minister said, adding that none of the stakeholders have so far asked me to change or soften your stance on Kashmir.” In the last 3-4 days, I spoke on TV channels and digital media regarding the Kashmir issue, due to which all those channels have been closed in India”, he said. The present government, he said, has faced a number of challenges. “It is all but natural that when you challenge any “status quo”, there is a reaction”, the PM added. On holding a protest demonstration in front of the Indian embassy in the UK, the PM stated that a very powerful demonstration should be held in Britain to convey a strong message to India. “The Liberation Cell is ready to support if the political leadership from the All Parties Kashmir Conference forum wants to participate in the protest demonstration”, the premier said.
About the functioning of Kashmir Liberation Cell, the PM said that his predecessors sitting here also know it well the functioning and its mandate. The prime minister in his address appreciated the the Pakistan Army Chief for taking a bold stance on the issue of Kashmir. He said that the political leadership of Azad Kashmir and the Hurriyat Conference are on the same page.
“As for as the Kashmir policy is concerned, we are open for debate and ready to remove any shortcomings”, he remarked.”We have to think about how to take forward the issue of Kashmir, for which we have lost 3 generations”, the PM said.
Highlighting the significance of national unity, the PM said, “the enemy attacks you only when he thinks that the nation is divided”.
Minorities firmly stand united with valiant armed forces: Isphanyar
ISLAMABAD, May 3 (APP): Parliamentary Secretary for State and Frontier Region (SAFRON), MNA Isphanyar M. Bhandara on Saturday said that the minorities were firmly stand united with Pakistan valiant armed forces in the face of rising tensions with India.
In a statement, he reiterated, “As a proud Pakistani and a representative of minority communities, I firmly stand with our brave armed forces.”
He said that our greatness and commitment to the sovereignty of Pakistan was unwavering.
“Minorities have always played a vital role in the defense and development of this country, and today we, all Pakistanis, are united under the shadow of one flag,” the MNA concluded.
Notorious Langra Gang busted: two held, stolen valuables recovered
ISLAMABAD, May 03 (APP): The team of Tarnol Police Station of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police on Saturday apprehended two members of a notorious and previously convicted gang known as the “Langra Group” involved in multiple theft incidents.
A police spokesman told APP that the arrested individuals, identified as Alamgir and Ihsan were wanted in several theft cases registered at various police stations across Islamabad.
He said that the police recovered stolen gold ornaments, cash, mobile phones, and a motorcycle from the suspects’ possession.
DIG Muhammad Jawad Tariq, appreciated the performance of the police team and emphasized that all legal formalities would be fulfilled to ensure the culprits receive due punishment.
DIG said large-scale operations are underway against organized and active criminal gangs across the federal capital.
Deputy Commissioner Peace Football League concluded
KOHAT, May 03 (APP):”Deputy Commissioner Peace Football League (DCPFL)” held in Darra Adam Khel area of Kohat district.
The final match (DCPFL) held for the first time in Darra Adam Khel, concluded with great enthusiasm, which highlighted the interest of the youth in the promotion of sports in the area and positive activities, reported by APP correspondent.
The event organized on the special instructions of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Ali Amin Gandapur, Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Fakhar Jahan and DG Sports, KPK, Tashfeen Haider and DC Kohat, Abdul Karim.
The special guest of the final match was the Commandant Officer of the Frontier Task Force, Colonel Saadat Anwar, who appreciated the performance of the players and awarded them prizes for presenting the best game.
Saadat Anwar presented cash prizes of Rs. 70,000 to the winning team and Rs. 35,000 to the runner-up team, shields and trophies.
He said that such tournaments not only attract the youth towards positive activities but also play an important role in promoting peace, unity and brotherhood in the area.
He thanked the administration for the excellent arrangements and expressed hope for organizing more such events in the future.
Ahsan Iqbal calls for export-led economy to propel Pakistan’s growth
LAHORE, May 03 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the urgent need for Pakistan to transition to an export-based economy to achieve rapid economic growth.
Speaking at the 10th budget summit, organised by the University of Management and Technology (UMT) on Saturday, the minister highlighted the critical role of exports in ensuring sustainable development and reducing reliance on foreign aid.
Addressing a gathering of students, academics, and policymakers, Iqbal reflected on Pakistan’s developmental journey since its inception in 1947. He noted that the country, which began with scarce resources, has achieved significant milestones, including becoming the seventh nuclear power globally and producing advanced JF-17 Thunder jets. “From using thorns as pins in offices to building a modern telecommunications system with high mobile density, Pakistan has made remarkable strides,” he said.
However, the minister cautioned that these achievements pale when compared to other nations. In 1960, Pakistan’s manufacturing exports were comparable to those of South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand, but today, Pakistan lags significantly with exports at 32 billion dollars, while South Korea’s exceed 600 billion dollars. Similarly, Pakistan’s per capita income of 1,600 dollars is dwarfed by China’s 16,000 dollars, despite starting at similar levels in 1980.
Iqbal posed a pressing question: why has Pakistan fallen behind countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and India, which have surged ahead in exports and economic growth? He attributed this lag to a lack of a conducive environment for development, marked by conflict, instability, and short-term economic policies. “Successful nations prioritize peace, ensure stability, and maintain policy continuity for at least a decade,” he explained, citing examples like Singapore, Malaysia, and China, where long-term leadership and consistent policies drove progress.
Pakistan, in contrast, has faced decades of instability, including involvement in external conflicts and internal challenges like terrorism and political uncertainty. “We fought others’ wars, from the Soviet conflict to the war on terror, bringing instability to our doorstep,” Iqbal remarked. He stressed that economic policies need a minimum of 10 years to yield results, a continuity Pakistan has struggled to maintain.
Drawing from the government’s “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, the minister outlined a roadmap to address these challenges. Central to this vision is transforming Pakistan into an export-led economy, with a target of increasing exports from 32 billion dollars to 100 billion dollars within 8 to 10 years. “If we achieve this, we can build momentum to reach the next 100 billion dollars in just 5 to 10 more years,” he said, underscoring the need for sustainable growth aligned with foreign exchange reserves.
The minister highlighted the potential of e-commerce, which allows individuals to sell products globally from home, and called for incentives to revive Pakistan’s “rusty export engine.” He also emphasized the importance of aligning growth with global technological shifts, such as the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions, encompassing artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and biotechnology.
Ahsan Iqbal detailed recent initiatives to position Pakistan in the techno-economy, including the establishment of national centers for artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. These centers, connected to universities nationwide, are fostering startups and industry-oriented research. “We are mapping university faculties to industry needs, ensuring research drives economic growth,” he said.
The minister also addressed pressing social and environmental issues. He expressed concern over Pakistan’s 11 per cent higher education enrollment ratio, compared to 30 per cent in India and 60 per cent in China, and the 25 million children out of school. “No country has developed without 90 per cent literacy,” he warned, calling for universal primary education.
He highlighted the alarming 40 per cent child malnutrition rate, which impairs cognitive development and innovation potential. He also flagged Pakistan’s population growth rate, which has surged to nearly 5 per cent, neutralizing economic gains. “If our economy grows at 5 per cent but population at 2.5 per cent , our real growth is only 2.5%,” he explained.
On climate change, Iqbal stressed the need for smart agriculture and weather-resistant seeds to secure food supplies, alongside energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption to meet global carbon standards.
Reflecting on governance, the minister criticized the lack of devolution to local governments post the 18th Amendment, which transferred responsibilities to provinces. “Provinces have not empowered local governments, leading to weak decision-making in education and healthcare,” he said, citing the Ministry of Planning’s District Education Index, which revealed deteriorating educational indicators.
Concluding his speech, the minister urged the youth to seize opportunities in digital skills, cloud computing, and quantum technologies. “Pakistan is not an ordinary country; it was founded on Allama Iqbal’s vision of economic empowerment for Muslims,” he said, encouraging young Pakistanis to stay and work hard to realize their dreams.
He called for a national consensus to address education, healthcare, population growth, exports, technology, climate change, and extremism. “If the nation unites and pushes together, Pakistan will soar to new heights,” he affirmed.
Later he also participated in a group discussion.
PWPA chairperson pledges justice to domestic violence survivor
LAHORE, May 03 (APP): Punjab Women Protection Authority (PWPA) Chairperson Hina Parvez Butt visited the residence of Ayesha, a 19-year-old victim of severe domestic violence, in the Kahna area of Gajjumatta.
According to the FIR, the incident occurred on the morning of April 26 at around 7am. During an argument, Ayesha’s father, Saqib, threw a pot of boiling tea on her, causing serious burns to her neck and back. He then pushed her onto the stove. When Ayesha’s mother and sister, Jaweria, tried to intervene, they were also assaulted, and their clothes were torn during the scuffle. The family has expressed fear for their safety and has appealed to the authorities for protection and legal action.
During her visit, Hina Parvez expressed deep concern over the incident and extended full solidarity to Ayesha and her family. She assured them that the Punjab Women Protection Authority would actively pursue the case to ensure justice. She directed the police to take immediate and strict action against the accused and ensure the family’s safety.
The chairperson emphasised that under the leadership and vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, violence against women will not be tolerated under any circumstances. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting women’s rights and holding perpetrators of domestic abuse accountable. “The state stands with victims of violence and will ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” she added.
Sindh Governor, CM felicitate armed forces, engineers, and scientists on test launch of Abdali missile
KARACHI, May 03 (APP): Sindh Governor Mohammed Kamran Khan Tessori and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah have felicitated the armed forces, engineers and scientists on conducting test launch of Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometers as part of Ex INUDS, here on Saturday.
They said, in their separate messages, that the peaceful missile program for the protection of the country was vital.
They further said that it would give a clear message to the enemy that Pakistan is read and capable to deal with any situation.
CM condoles death of Prof Sajid Mir
LAHORE, May 03 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed a deep sense of sorrow and grief over the sad demise of Professor Sajid Mir, Ameer of Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith.
In her condolence message, the CM extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul and for patience and strength for the grieving family. “Professor Sajid Mir’s religious services and scholarly contributions will always be remembered with respect,” she added.
Hot, dry weather forecast for Sindh
KARACHI, May 03 (APP): Pakistan Meteorological Department on Saturday predicted hot and dry weather in most districts of the Sindh province during the next 24 hours.
However, partly cloudy weather is forecast in upper or central districts with rain-wind/thunderstorm in Sukkur, Ghotki, Shikarpur, Chor, Jacobabad, Larkana, Dadu, Mirpurekhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Khairpur and their surrounding areas during evening or night.
Mainly, hot and dry weather is likely to prevail in the province.
NAB Lahore holds open hearing, DG vows swift justice
LAHORE, May 03 (APP):The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore, under the leadership of Director General Muhammad Ahtram Dar, held its monthly open hearing at its Lahore office.
According to spokesperson, a large number of affectees from various illegal housing schemes and fraudulent investment operations attended the session and directly presented their complaints to the DG NAB.
Complainants belonging to high-profile housing scams, including Prime Zone, Al-Rehman Garden Phase 4, Khayaban-e-Amin Housing Society, Palm Vista, Grand Avenue, Professional Cooperative Housing, New Lahore City, Omega Housing, and Bin Alam Housing Scheme, brought forward their concerns regarding delayed allotments, unfulfilled promises, and fraudulent practices.
The NAB DG listened to each complainant attentively and assured them of NAB’s resolve to provide justice and restitution through lawful means. He directed all relevant investigation teams to expedite their efforts and submit progress reports within two weeks, in line with the clear instructions of Chairman NAB. Emphasizing the bureau’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of victims, the DG said that prompt and meaningful relief to the public remains a top priority.
Addressing the victims of the Prime Zone scandal, he informed that a reference has already been filed in the Accountability Court, and efforts are underway to bring the principal accused back to Pakistan through Interpol. Five other suspects have already been arrested and included in the case. In the matter of Al-Rehman Garden Phase 4, he instructed the investigation team to resolve the registration issues of all 77 complainants within two weeks and submit a detailed report.
Providing an update on the Khayaban-e-Amin Housing Society case, DG NAB stated that plots have already been allotted to 550 of the 700 complainants, and he directed the relevant team to resolve the remaining cases by May 10, 2025. Regarding Omega Housing Society, he noted that the management has been instructed to refund all victims as per NAB’s approved refund policy, and the investigation team has been directed to ensure strict implementation of the same.
The participants expressed their satisfaction with the hearing and lauded NAB Lahore’s proactive and transparent approach.
Development work on Green Enclave-I Barakahu stalled amid inflation concerns
ISLAMABAD, May 03 (APP): The Green Enclave I, Barakahu project, a collaborative venture between the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) and M/S Green Tree, aimed at providing affordable housing for federal government employees, has reportedly come to a standstill.
In an exclusive talk with APP, the official spokesperson of FGEHA shared that the contractor attributed the project’s stall to rising inflation and escalating construction costs.
Launched in 2009 under a ‘first-come, first-served’ membership drive, Phase-I of the project aimed to provide residential plots to federal employees.
Consent letters began issuing in April 2015, while computerized balloting held on February 26, 2021, allotted specific plot numbers to the successful applicants.
Out of a total of 3,282 plots, 3,268 have been allocated to government employees across five categories based on their service grades—from Category-I (Grades 20-21) to Category-V (Grades 1-10).
The project spans over 3,375 kanals of land and comprises five designated blocks: A, B, C, D, and E.
NESPAK served as the consultant while M/S Green Tree was contracted for the construction.
He told that the development work on this project began in December 2019 and progressed rapidly until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which significantly disrupted construction activities nationwide.
By 2022, work on Green Enclave-I had come to a complete halt.
The spokesperson confirmed that the rising inflation was the key reason for the project’s suspension.
Contractors had demanded a revision of existing rates due to the escalating costs of construction materials and other inputs.
“To address this issue, a Special Board Committee under the Ministry of Housing and Works has been constituted,” the spokesperson stated.
“A sub-committee of the Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD) Technical Committee will conduct on-site inspections to evaluate the completed and pending work. Their findings will be submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Works, which will then present the report to the Executive Board of FGEHA, chaired by the Federal Minister for Housing and Works,” he further shared.
The spokesman said that the Board Committee would decide whether to revise the installment rates or provide rebates in response to the cost escalation.