ISLAMABAD
Workers busy painting a pedestrian bridge at Expressway in the Federal Capital
ISLAMABAD
A gardener busy trimming grass along the Expressway greenbelt in the Federal Capital
ISLAMABAD
Young vendors displaying and selling national flags at Ganpat Road in the provincial capital ahead of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations
LAHORE
LAHORE
RAWALPINDI
Zakat, Ushr Committee chairman holds open court
SARGODHA, Aug 10 (APP): Provincial Chairman Zakat and Ushr Council, Rana Munawar Ghous Khan, held an open court (khuli kacheri) on Sunday at his office Chak no 120 SB, a suburban area of Tehsil Sillanwali, to directly hear public grievances.
Citizens from the area presented their complaints and problems. He personally listened to issues and directed relevant officers to resolve them on a priority basis. Several complaints were addressed on the spot, while others were marked for further action.
Speaking on the occasion, he said the event was held under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to ensure public service at people’s doorstep. He highlighted that a comprehensive sanitation system is being developed across the province, and swift progress is underway to transform villages into model settlements.
He also mentioned the introduction of modern reforms in the revenue system to facilitate citizens and reiterated the government’s commitment to serve people and improve their quality of life by utilizing all available resources.
Parliament is strong foundation of democracy: Nasir Shah
KARACHI, Aug 10 (APP): Minister for Energy, Development, and Planning, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, has said that Parliament is the strong foundation of democracy and the true voice of millions of people in Pakistan.
He expressed these views while congratulating the nation and all Members of Parliament on the completion of 78 years of the institution.
The Minister said that the institution, established 78 years ago, is the guarantor of the people’s rights and the Constitution, and it has played a vital role in the country’s political, social, and constitutional history. He said that from Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the PPP has always struggled for the supremacy of Parliament and the survival of democracy.
The Provincial Minister reaffirmed that all possible measures will continue to be taken to strengthen democracy and protect the rights of the people. He added that Pakistan’s journey of development and prosperity continues under the guidance of Parliament and the leadership of the PPP.
Meanwhile, Minister for Energy Syed Nasir Hussain Shah paid tribute to Dr. Ruth Pfau on her 8th death anniversary, stating that she was a symbol of selfless love for humanity and sacrifice. She devoted more than half a century to the eradication of leprosy in Pakistan and, through her tireless efforts, made Pakistan one of the few countries in the world where leprosy has been completely controlled.
Nasir Hussain Shah said that the institution founded by Dr. Ruth Pfau, “Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre” and other projects have turned the dream of a leprosy-free Pakistan into a reality. Thanks to her unwavering dedication, determination, and service, thousands of people are now living healthy lives.
The Provincial Minister said that the Sindh Government is determined to continue Dr. Ruth Pfau’s mission and will take further measures to provide better and modern facilities to the public in the health sector. He added that Pakistan will always be proud of Dr. Ruth Pfau’s unforgettable services, and her life will remain a beacon of light for future generations.
Sindh Govt agrees to address Transporter’s legitimate concerns
KARACHI, Aug 10 (APP): Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon met with a delegation of transporters, led by Haji Yousuf and Jam Alam, at the Commissioner House on Sunday and both sides agreed to address Transporter’s legitimate concerns.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the recent accident, Sharjeel Memon condemned the violent incidents that followed. He assured that the provincial government would address the legitimate concerns of transporters on a priority basis.
“The loss of human life is irreparable and deeply saddening for all of us,” Memon said, emphasizing that violence and vandalism were not solutions to problems. “We will work with all stakeholders to resolve issues in the transport sector and ensure such incidents do not occur again.”
He warned that those who took the law into their own hands and incited unrest would face charges under anti-terrorism laws.
The minister directed dumper owners to ensure their vehicles are equipped with cameras, trackers, valid driver licenses, and insurance coverage. He also announced the formation of a committee to assess the damages suffered by transporters.
As a result of successful talks, transporters called off the strike.
Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi, Secretary Transport Asad Zaman, Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho, and other officials were also present on the occasion.
US-Pakistan Business Council turns 23 years
LAHORE, Aug 10 (APP): The US-Pakistan Business Council (USPBC) turns 23 years and it has since its inception been playing an active role in promotion of bilateral economic partnership.
The council’s founding chairman Iftikhar Ali Malik, who was then President of FPCCI (Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry), had singed the memorandum of understanding in 2002 at Washington in the presence of the then Federal Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz while Ahmet C.Bozar signed as US council Chairman.
The Council marked its 23rd anniversary, celebrating over two decades of commitment to strengthening economic and commercial ties between the United States and Pakistan, the council’s spokesman told media here Sunday.
The Council has emerged as a vital platform fostering mutual understanding, trade facilitation, and private sector cooperation between both nations.
As the founding chairman, Iftikhar Ali Malik brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and business chambers to promote dialogue and develop a robust framework for bilateral trade. His forward-thinking leadership laid the foundation for long-term partnerships and opened doors for American investment in Pakistan’s core sectors such as energy, IT, agriculture, textiles, and services
Over the past 23 years, he added, the USPBC has played a crucial role in advancing policy advocacy, enhancing market access, and promoting regulatory reforms. It has worked closely with both governments to resolve trade issues, boost transparency, and encourage sustainable economic practices. He said today , as global economic dynamics evolve, the council remains committed to innovation, inclusivity, and long-term collaboration. It continues to serve as a bridge for strategic alliances, helping both nations navigate new economic challenges and unlock trade potential.
As the council also celebrates this historic milestone in Washington, it pays rich tributes to Iftikhar Ali Malik’s enduring legacy and unwavering dedication to economic diplomacy, he mentioned. Malik’s efforts have not only benefited bilateral relations but have also contributed to regional stability and prosperity.
The 23rd anniversary is not just a celebration of the past, but a renewed pledge to shaping a future of stronger economic integration, shared growth, and a deepened US-Pakistan partnership. The journey continues—with vision, trust, and cooperation at its core.
It’s necessary to mention here that idea of formation of council was floated by Dr Herbert J Davis Managing Director South Asia Division, USA Chamber of Commerce during his visit to FPCCI on March 27, 2002 and Malik has materialized the idea in close collaboration with the then Ms Esperanza Gomes Executive Director US-Pakistan Business Council.
Independence Day preparations peak
LAHORE, Aug 10 (APP): Extraordinary enthusiasm in the Independence Day celebration this year is being witnessed across the country with millions of people taking part in thousands of rallies, musical programmes and other such activities on the streets of all cities, towns and villages.
Preparations for Independence Day on August 14 are underway with full swings across the country. Lahore is in a unique mood, the streets and bazaars are decorated with national flags and flags.
This year celebrations would be marked with the theme “Marqa-e-Haq,” to honor the nation’s resilience and unity.
Stalls selling national flags, badges, flags and other national items have been set up in major cities of the country, while citizens are busy shopping in large numbers around towns and villages in connection with Independence Day.
Government and private buildings are being decorated with green and white lights, while colorful flags and national flags are flying in the streets. Citizens have given a new color to the preparations for Independence Day by decorating their homes, shops and offices with electric lights, beautiful lights and flags.
Preparations for Independence Day celebrations have also started at the official level in Lahore. Be it the Hazuri Bagh and Minar-e-Pakistan or other public entertainment places, the arrangements for August 14 are in full swings that can be seen everywhere.
Poets and writers have also become active in connection with Independence Day, arrangements for poetry recitals have been started, students have also become active in universities, there will be competitions in sketches, plays, and sports.
Citizens say that Independence Day is not just a day, but it is an expression of national unity, remembrance of sacrifices, and love for the country, which we are proud to celebrate with full enthusiasm every year.
Furthermore, cultural and literary organizations have announced special programs to celebrate on Independence Day. Children are busy collecting badges and also beautifying their bicycles with special stickers inscribed with messages of Independence Day.
Booksellers and shopkeepers say that this year, due to the special theme “Marqa-e-Haq,” stickers are selling like hot cakes.
CM Balochistan attends 282nd Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
BHIT SHAH, Aug 10 (APP): Chief Minister of Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti made a special appearance at the 282nd annual Urs celebrations of the great Sufi saint and poet, Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (RA). He was warmly welcomed by Sindh’s Minister for Culture and Tourism, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, along with other dignitaries.
On the occasion, Syed Zulfiqar Shah said that Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai portrayed women as role models in his poetry, and he always preached peace, love, and brotherhood. “Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto initiated numerous development projects in Bhit Shah, and Sindh has always welcomed its guests with open arms”, he added.
Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that Sindh is the land of peace and love. All the saints of the country, including Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, have always spread the message of global peace and brotherhood. By following Bhittai’s unmatched poetry, we can eliminate extremism at both the national and global levels. Today, it is the need of the hour for all of us to unite and play our role in promoting peace. The path of dialogue remains open to end extremism.
He said that the situation in Balochistan is not as bad as it is portrayed. Those who lay down arms and join the national mainstream are being welcomed, and job opportunities are being provided to the youth. “The killing of innocent passengers and disabled persons cannot be allowed, and the perpetrators will never be spared”, he added.
The Chief Minister further said that air and sea travel facilities are being provided to visitors. Sindh is the only province where the Journalists Protection Bill has been passed, and in Balochistan too, positive journalism will be fully encouraged, he added.