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Narrative of disintegrated PTI, nothing but pack of lies: Tarar

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 1 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Friday dismissed the narrative of the disintegrated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as a pack of lies.

In reaction to the opposition’s Press Conference, the minister said their narrative had nothing to do with reality, absolutely based on lies, deceit and fraud.

He said those people who were betting on the country’s default are now stunned by the economic milestones achieved by Pakistan under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The current account surplus, the increase in foreign exchange reserves, and a decrease in inflation and petrol prices are the major cause of their frustration, he said, adding the opposition is wary of the Foreign Direct Investment in the country.

He also noted the daily rise in the stock market, which reflects investors’ confidence in the economy.

“They are doing criticism just for the sake of criticism,” he said highlighting a pattern of the PTI’s actions aimed at undermining the success of country.

Citing the upcoming visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan-a major milestone in Pakistan’s foreign policy, he said their press conference is aimed at sabotaging the high-level visit.

The PTI had the history of always siding with those who are hostile to Pakistan, he stressed.

Tarar said the trials of May 9 riots were conducted on merits and supported by the concrete evidence.

The videos showing ransacking and vandalizing of state installations and memorials of martyrs by the PTI goons are on the record.

The opposition’s outcry on this matter is baseless, as they have no real answer for their actions on the May 9, he said.
“They have no policy, just a worn-out narrative,” he said, adding the opposition is trying all-out to deceive the nation.

He also directly addressed Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, urging him to disclose his assets to the nation.

Tarar compared the current government’s foreign policy successes with the PTI’s tenure, which he said had left Pakistan isolated with poor relations with every other country.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding floods in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding floods in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
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ISLAMABAD: August 01 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding floods in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

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ISLAMABAD: August 01 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding floods in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. APP/MAF/ABB/FHA

Pakistan’s salt exports to China up by 33% in H1 2025

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BEIJING, Aug. 1 (APP): Pakistan’s salt exports to China surged by 33% during the first half of 2025, reflecting deepening trade ties between the two countries.

According to official data from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC), Pakistan exported $3.74 million worth of industrial salt to China from January to June 2025, up from $2.84 million in the same period last year. The export volume reached 23.94 million kilograms, with an average unit price of $0.15 per kg.

When including all categories—edible, industrial, and other types—Pakistan’s total salt exports to China stood at $3.93 million in the first half of 2025, compared to $2.95 million in the same period of 2024, marking an overall increase of 33%.

This growth in salt trade is part of a broader trend in Pakistan-China bilateral commerce. From January to June 2025, Pakistan’s total exports to China reached $1.248 billion. Major export items included copper, cotton yarn, seafood, sesame seed, zinc ores, iron ores and concentrates (including roasted iron pyrites), as well as rice, according to CEN on Friday.

Muhammad Zeeshan, a Pakistani salt trader, attributed the steady rise in exports to improved logistics, favorable market access under the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA), and increasing Chinese demand for Pakistani pink salt, particularly for industrial applications and as raw material.

He added that the growth in salt exports highlights the diversification of Pakistan’s export portfolio and indicates a positive trajectory for future bilateral trade cooperation, particularly in the field of salt.

 

International motorbike rally ‘Central Asia Tour 2025’ sets off

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 1 (APP): International motorbike rally, ‘Central Asia Tour 2025’ set off here on Friday which aims to promote tourism, culture, heritage and friendship across the region.
Talking to APP, Mukaram Kareem, a key participant and organizer said that rally comprises a delegation of 11 Pakistani bikers who will travel over 5,000 kilometers through four countries — Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan — over a period of 23 days.
“This journey is not just about adventure; it’s about showcasing Pakistan’s soft image to the world, promoting people-to-people connections, and opening new avenues for regional tourism,” Kareem added.
He said that the rally carries a message of goodwill for bikers and tourists in Central Asia, encouraging them to visit Pakistan and explore its natural beauty and warm hospitality.
He shared that notably, Punjab Tourism, Federal Tourism, PTDC, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism are providing significant support, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan’s embassy.
“We will celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14 at the Embassy of Pakistan in Tashkent — it will be a unique ceremony,” Kareem said.
“Pakistanis are a lively nation, lovers of adventure and nature. They also own some of the best and most valuable motorbikes in the world, and they have positive mindsets and healthy spirits,” he underlined.
In his concluding remarks, Mukaram expressed hope that the tour would become a historic milestone — for the first time, a Pakistani motorbike group is traveling into Central Asia, and in the future, people will see Pakistani number plates on vehicles on international highways.
Participants from various cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, and Sialkot, are part of this rally. A special media team has also been deployed to cover the entire journey.

FGP, TLS host online workshop for young female students

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 1 (APP): In a transformative move toward inclusive, future-ready education, Freedom Gate Prosperity (FGP), in collaboration with The Learning School (TLS), has successfully hosted a virtual workshop titled “Your Voice, Your Future: Skills, Dreams, and the World Beyond School” for young female students.
The session was moderated by Afia Salam, a pioneering journalist, environmentalist, and advocate for climate justice in Pakistan, said a press release here on Friday.
In her thought-provoking presentation, she emphasized that climate change is no longer a future threat but a current reality.
She urged the students to recognize their potential as local change-makers and shared practical strategies for engaging in climate resilience efforts within their schools and communities. Through an engaging dialogue, she inspired the girls to become informed leaders and reminded them that “the climate crisis will define your generation, but your response to it can define your legacy.”
Saaremeen Fatima, Program Manager for Youth Development at FGP, who led the session, said that this session was about more than just gathering data — it was about listening to voices that are often overlooked. The energy, curiosity, and leadership potential these girls displayed were extraordinary.
The Principal of TLS praised the initiative, stating: “We are deeply grateful to Freedom Gate Prosperity for bringing this vision to our students. The session opened up a new world of possibilities, allowing our girls to voice their hopes and learn about real skills that can transform their lives. We look forward to a long-term partnership that enriches education with relevance and impact.”
Adding a strategic and values-based perspective, Muhammad Anwar, CEO of FGP, emphasized: “This initiative reflects the urgent need to reframe education in Pakistan, where learning must prepare young girls not just for exams, but for life, livelihoods, and leadership. Climate resilience and economic empowerment are no longer optional — they are essential. Our girls must be equipped to navigate environmental challenges and shape sustainable futures for their communities.”
FGP extended its heartfelt gratitude to Afia Salam for her impactful contribution to this session and to the TLS principal and team for their vision, hospitality, and enthusiastic partnership.
The session marked the beginning of a dynamic partnership focused on skill development, climate awareness, and youth-led innovation among adolescent girls in rural Punjab.

H.E. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, inaugurates the art exhibition titled “From Surreal to the Real – A Spiritual Travelogue”, organized in collaboration with Nomad Gallery at PNCA.

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H.E. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, inaugurates the art exhibition titled "From Surreal to the Real – A Spiritual Travelogue", organized in collaboration with Nomad Gallery at PNCA.
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ISLAMABAD: August 01 – H.E. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, inaugurates the art exhibition titled "From Surreal to the Real – A Spiritual Travelogue", organized in collaboration with Nomad Gallery at PNCA.

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ISLAMABAD: August 01 – H.E. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, interacts with art enthusiasts observing the artworks on display at the inaugural exhibition of “From Surreal to the Real – A Spiritual Travelogue”, held in collaboration with Nomad Gallery at PNCA. APP/SMR/MAF/ABB/FHA

H.E. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, inaugurates the art exhibition titled "From Surreal to the Real – A Spiritual Travelogue", organized in collaboration with Nomad Gallery at PNCA.
APP37-010825
ISLAMABAD: August 01 – H.E. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, interacts with art enthusiasts observing the artworks on display at the inaugural exhibition of “From Surreal to the Real – A Spiritual Travelogue”, held in collaboration with Nomad Gallery at PNCA. APP/SMR/MAF/ABB/FHA
H.E. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, inaugurates the art exhibition titled "From Surreal to the Real – A Spiritual Travelogue", organized in collaboration with Nomad Gallery at PNCA.
APP38-010825
ISLAMABAD: August 01 – Visitors observe artworks on display at the inaugural exhibition “From Surreal to the Real – A Spiritual Travelogue”, organized in collaboration with Nomad Gallery at PNCA. APP/SMR/MAF/ABB/FHA
H.E. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, inaugurates the art exhibition titled "From Surreal to the Real – A Spiritual Travelogue", organized in collaboration with Nomad Gallery at PNCA.
APP39-010825
ISLAMABAD: August 01 – Visitor observe artworks on display at the inaugural exhibition “From Surreal to the Real – A Spiritual Travelogue”, organized in collaboration with Nomad Gallery at PNCA. APP/SMR/MAF/ABB/FHA

Pakistan secure 5th place at World Junior Squash Team C’ships

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 01 (APP): Pakistan finished fifth at the World Junior Squash Team Championships 2025 after edging out Korea 2-1 in a thrilling final placement match in Egyptian capital Cairo on Friday.
According to information made available here by Pakistan Squash Federation, in the opening clash, Abdullah Nawaz went down to Korea’s Joo Young Na in four games, 12-10, 4-11, 3-11, 3-11, putting Pakistan on the back foot. However, Anas Ali Shah leveled the tie with a gritty five-game win over Jeong Uk Ryu, 11-6, 7-11, 11-3, 5-11, 11-3.
The deciding match saw Muhammad Umair Arif hold his nerve in a nail-biting contest against Jonghyeok Lee, eventually prevailing 13-11, 5-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-8 to clinch victory for Pakistan.
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan reached the quarterfinals before bowing out to England in a 2-0 defeat. Despite missing out on a semifinal berth, the team’s overall performance was commendable, underlining the promise and potential of the country’s rising squash talent.

Senate Body visits EPZA Headquarters, calls for tax reforms, infrastructure upgrades

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KARACHI, Aug 01 (APP): The Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production headed by Senator Aon Abbas, visited the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) headquarters on Friday to assess existing challenges and discuss measures to boost industrial productivity and investor facilitation.
The committee — comprising Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, Senator Danesh Kumar, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Senator Khalida Ateeb, and Senator Husna Bano — held in-depth consultations with EPZA officials on operational, legal, and fiscal hurdles, with a particular focus on recent taxation issues that have dampened investor confidence and hindered industrial expansion.
During a detailed briefing, EPZA Chairman A.D. Khawaja highlighted the impact of inconsistent taxation policies on businesses operating within export processing zones. He said the uncertainty surrounding fiscal treatment has undermined the incentives originally designed to attract investment.
Committee members expressed concern over the unresolved tax matters, noting that taxation instability remains one of the major deterrents to both foreign and domestic investment in the zones. They called for immediate coordination between EPZA, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and the Ministry of Finance to streamline tax structures and ensure policy continuity.
The committee was also briefed on a range of operational challenges, including lack of land for expansion, inadequate infrastructure, absence of scanning facilities, and delays in the administrative transfer of Sialkot and Gujranwala zones.
Additional concerns included frequent fire incidents, slow digitization of business processes, shortage of professional staff, and a growing number of legal disputes. Officials revealed that 99 legal cases are currently pending, including 18 lawsuits filed by investors, many related to non-operational or closed units.
The committee was informed that due to the Sindh Civil Courts Amendment Act 2025, many of these cases are now being shifted from the High Court to district courts, which could further delay their resolution.
In response, the Senate panel directed EPZA to submit a comprehensive report on all pending land allotment-related litigation and emphasized the importance of maintaining transparent land ownership records to prevent future legal complications.
Senator Aon Abbas lauded EPZA’s ongoing efforts and assured the full support of the committee in addressing the legislative and administrative reforms required to revitalize export processing zones and attract sustainable industrial investment.