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Senate session starts under Gilani’s chairmanship

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 24 (APP):The Senate session commenced on Thursday at the Parliament House with Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in the chair, as part of the ongoing 352nd session of the Upper House.
 The session commenced at 5:15 PM and included the presentation of legislative business, calling attention notices, and matters of public importance.

PAJCCI welcomes PTA signing by Pakistan-Afghanistan, calls for FTA agreement to boost regional trade

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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PESHAWAR, Jul 24 (APP):Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) has welcomed signing of Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Pakistan and Afghanistan aimed at increasing bilateral trade through reduction in tariffs on different items.
“PTA signing is a very welcoming development in regard with enhancing trade between the two brotherly neighbouring countries, but for increasing commerce and trade at regional level, both the countries should have to take a further step of signing Free Trade Agreement (FTA),” observed Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, Senior Vice President PAJCCI.
In a press statement issued here on Thursday, Zia Sarhadi who is also Executive Member Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) said agreements for enhancing bilateral and region trade is the need of the hour for overcoming economic crisis faced by the country.
It merits a mention here that Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday have signed the much-awaited Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
According to this agreement, Pakistan will reduce tariffs on four items including grapes, pomegranates, apples, and tomatoes.
While Afghanistan will reduce tariffs on four items including mangoes, oranges, bananas, and potatoes. Previously, the tariffs on these items were over 60 percent, but will now be reduced to 27 percent.
This one-year agreement will come into effect on August 1, 2025. It can be extended in the future and additional items may also be included.
SVP PAJCCI expressed the hope that PTA signing will increase import and export in both the countries, benefiting thousands of people on both sides of the border.
He appreciated the decision and said such prudent approach should help in overcoming economic problems being faced by people in both the countries.
Zia Sarhadi expressed the hope that both Pakistan and Afghanistan will soon agree on signing of FTA for tapping the trade potential between the two countries and for boosting trade at regional level.

DC stresses importance of hepatitis screening

By
Ahmed Waheed
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SARGODHA, Jul 24 (APP):International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations Sargodha Medical College (IFMSA-SMC) President and representatives of Human Roots and Peace on Thursday met Deputy Commissioner Sargodha Capt (retd) Muhammad Wasim to discuss collaborative efforts in promoting public health and hepatitis screening.
According to the DC office’s spokesperson here, the meeting focused on joint initiatives to enhance public awareness about hepatitis and promote community health. The DC appreciated the medical students’ vision, enthusiasm, and efforts in promoting community health and assured full support from the district administration.
He stressed the importance of health awareness programmes in preventing diseases and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The initiative will engage the community in health promotion and disease prevention efforts.

Rescue personnel honoured for saving lives during flood

By
Ahmed Waheed
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GUJRAT, Jul 24 (APP):Rescue 1122 personnel, who displayed outstanding performance during a recent flood emergency in the Surakhpur sector, were awarded commendation certificates in recognition of their timely and courageous efforts.
Under the supervision of District Emergency Officer (DEO) Umar Akbar Ghuman, the rescue team successfully relocated more than 65 individuals to safer locations during high water levels in River Tawi.
Those honoured for their dedication and bravery included DEO Umar Akbar Ghuman, Transport Maintenance In-charge Khurram Iqbal, Fire Rescuers Muhammad Adnan Khan, Aurangzeb Anjum, and Nouman Ali, Rescue Driver Syed Naveed Kazmi, Leading Fire Rescuer Waseem Yousaf, and Junior Clerical Officer Hameed Junaid Ali. Emergency Medical Technicians Muhammad Nouman, Salman Akhtar, Yasir Ali, Khaleel Ahmad, Shehzad Akram, and Sarfraz Ali were also recognized, along with Underwater Divers Saqib Riaz, Muhammad Rizwan, Zeeshan Haider, and Qamar Iqbal for their vital contributions.
Gujrat Deputy Commissioner Noor-ul-Ain Qureshi lauded the commitment and professionalism of the personnel and assured continued cooperation from the district administration with Rescue 1122 to ensure public safety during emergencies.

Bakht Kakar inaugurates renovated Benazir Hospital, pledges sweeping health reforms in Balochistan

By
Ali Ali
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QUETTA, Jul 24 (APP):Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar inaugurated the newly renovated Benazir Shaheed Hospital on Thursday to enhance health care services in the provincial capital, marking a major milestone in Balochistan’s ongoing Health Reform Agenda.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kakar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming public healthcare under the leadership of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, with a focus on infrastructure upgrades, digital monitoring, and equitable access to medical services
The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to healthcare reforms, announcing key legislative changes and improved patient services and announced that both Benazir Shaheed Hospital and Mufti Mehmood Hospital will be upgraded to Teaching Hospitals, offering postgraduate training for medical professionals.
Acting on the directives of CM Bugti, the Balochistan government has launched a comprehensive Health Reform Agenda to enhance healthcare services and ensure access to quality medical facilities across the province.
Minister Kakar acknowledged years of neglect in the health sector, citing poor infrastructure, medicine shortages, and outdated equipment. To combat absenteeism among healthcare providers, the government has installed AI-based surveillance cameras linked to a central server. Doctors’ salaries will now be performance-based, ensuring accountability.
Doctors from Quetta will be reassigned to their home districts, based on their original medical college admissions. To support staff in remote areas, the government will construct residential quarters and flats, improving service delivery and living conditions.
Pharmacies have been established in every block of Sandeman Provincial Hospital and Bolan Medical College Hospital to ensure round the clock availability of medicine for patients. A digital system has been implemented to monitor medicine distribution and stock levels, with supplies already dispatched to 12 districts.
The government has expedited efforts to ensure the availability of free medicines in public hospitals of the province as many people could not afford expensive medicines,” he added.
Kakar emphasized that no patient will be forced to buy medicines from the market, and warned that negligence in healthcare delivery will not be tolerated.
To reduce maternal mortality in rural areas, the government will launch the Benazir Ambulance Reference System, providing emergency healthcare access to pregnant women in remote regions. Modern medical equipment has been supplied to public hospitals to meet current demands.
A health helpline will be launched soon for complaint registration, with designated focal persons assigned to address issues promptly.
Under the supervision of CM Bugti and Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, regular reviews of hospital operations and staffing are underway. Minister Kakar reaffirmed that access to quality healthcare is a basic right, urging District Health Officers to conduct inspections and take strict action against absentee staff.
He announced plans to establish Gambat and NICVD-style hospitals in Naseerabad and Quetta, reducing the need for patients to travel to other cities for specialized treatment. A centralized database has been created to track the deployment of doctors and paramedical staff, addressing previous gaps in record-keeping.
The provincial government has completed Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) for doctors, pending since 2012 and promoted 1,200 medical professionals. Additionally, anti-rabies, anti-snake venom, and tetanus vaccines have been supplied to District Headquarters Hospitals.
The Child Life Foundation project will be expanded to every divisional headquarters, ensuring pediatric emergency services are accessible province-wide.
He said the government has provided latest equipment to the hospitals aimed to provide best healthcare facilities to the masses.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Senator Sardar Umar Gorgage, President of the Pakistan Peoples Party Balochistan, former Chief Secretary Balochistan Nadir Changezi, Health Secretary Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, and Additional Secretary Saqib Kakar.
Following the inauguration, Provincial Health Minister Bakht Mohammad Kakar conducted a detailed visit of the hospital, where he also inaugurated the Gynecology Ward and the Female Medicine Ward. During his visit, the minister also met with patients in various wards and listening to their concerns. He promptly directed the Medical Superintendent (MS) and other relevant officials to address these issues on the spot.

Devastating flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan: Over 100 houses destroyed, 6 dead, 300+ tourists rescued

By
Ali Ali
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Sultan Shoaib
GIlGIT, Jul 24 (APP):Torrential rains and sudden flash floods have wreaked havoc across Gilgit-Baltistan, destroying more than 100 houses, according to the official spokesperson Faizullah Faraq. In Ghanche district, a cloudburst has further worsened the situation, making life miserable for residents.
The spokesperson reported that several areas including Thor, Tangir, Danyor, Babusar, and Skarkoi have been severely affected by flash floods. Search, rescue, and relief operations have been intensified, with active support from the Pakistan Army, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, and other agencies.
While the Babusar-Naran Road remains closed due to landslides and flooding, the Karakoram Highway (KKH) is open for traffic. Another abandoned vehicle has been recovered from debris in the Babusar area.
The government has confirmed that six people have lost their lives in the floods, and their bodies have been retrieved. Six injured individuals have also been rescued and given medical treatment. More than 300 stranded tourists have been safely relocated to Gilgit, Skardu, and Chilas.
Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan has directed all 14 district administrations and relevant departments to accelerate relief operations. Aid distribution in the affected areas has also gained momentum with the involvement of government and humanitarian organizations.
According to the spokesperson, some tourists are being evacuated via the Karakoram Highway, while a C-130 aircraft will also be deployed in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for emergency evacuation.
Efforts are underway to ensure all stranded tourists and passengers are transported safely back to their home regions through a coordinated plan.

Dr Sirohey unveils “The Currency of Influence” at prestigious COMSTECH launch

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 24 (APP):A landmark contribution to the field of diplomacy, “The Currency of Influence: Economic Diplomacy and Public Perception through Public Diplomacy” authored by Ambassador Dr. Ahmed Ali Sirohey, was officially launched at the Secretariat of OIC-COMSTECH here on Thursday.
Published by AISI Publications in 2024, the book offers a profound exploration of the evolving dynamics of public and economic diplomacy, blending theoretical insight with real-world experience—particularly drawn from Dr. Sirohey’s tenure as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Niger, said a press release.
The launch ceremony was attended by an esteemed audience of diplomats, civil society leaders, academics, and COMSTECH officials, underscoring the relevance of diplomacy in shaping Pakistan’s global image.
Spanning 23 chapters, The Currency of Influence highlights the role of soft power, cultural understanding, patience, and public engagement as critical instruments in modern international relations. From diplomatic strategies to field case studies, the book is a rich resource for scholars, policymakers, and students of international affairs.
The book included a foreword by former Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, enhancing its academic value. Already, it has been described as a “masterpiece of modern diplomatic thought” in both academic and diplomatic circles.
Prof. Dr M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, lauded Dr. Sirohey’s contribution to diplomacy, praising his service in Africa and his efforts to elevate Pakistan’s international presence. He emphasized the importance of intellectual contributions like this in projecting a positive national narrative.
Currently serving as Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ahmed Ali Sirohey shared personal insights during the event and reflected on the importance of science diplomacy and knowledge-sharing among OIC member states, especially the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Africa.
He also expressed gratitude to COMSTECH for advancing policy-oriented platforms that encourage innovation and strategic dialogue in diplomacy.
With The Currency of Influence, Dr. Ahmed Ali Sirohey provides a compelling blueprint for understanding how influence, narrative, and strategic engagement shape today’s global diplomatic landscape. This work is a timely and essential read for practitioners and students alike.

Pakistani scholar calls for unity, connectivity and inclusive growth at SCO Media and Think Tank Summit

By
NNPS Desk
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BEIJING, Jul 24 (APP): Dr. Hassan Daud, Senior Associate Professor at Bahria University and Senior Advisor at CEEC Pakistan Branch, urged the regional stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and adopt innovative strategies to tackle South Asia’s development challenges.

Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou on Thursday, Dr. Daud emphasized that despite Asia’s remarkable progress under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), South Asia remains one of the least integrated regions globally, with intraregional trade under 5 percent – sharply contrasting with the European Union’s 60 percent. “Political fragmentation continues to hinder trade, investment, and mobility in the region,” he noted.

Highlighting the critical role of strategic infrastructure in transport and maritime sectors, Dr. Daud called for mobilization of new financing mechanisms and innovative cooperation models. “Arguing against globalization is like arguing against gravity,” he said, quoting Kofi Annan. “In this age of vulnerability, we need platforms like BRI and SCO not just for connectivity, but also for collective resilience,” CEN reported on Thursday.

He stressed the urgency to transform SCO from a framework of cooperation into an engine of transformation, promoting equitable access to education, finance, healthcare, and digital opportunity. “True development is inclusive, future-ready, and shared,” he added.

Dr. Daud praised China’s leadership during its SCO presidency, which saw over 100 events and the launch of the “Year of Sustainable Development,” promoting regional peace and mutual prosperity.

As the world faces economic and environmental uncertainty, Dr. Daud called for unity, vision, and pragmatic cooperation to safeguard peace and development across Eurasia.

It is noted that the SCO Media and Think Tank Summit is being held in Zhengzhou, Henan from July 23 to 27.

Qasim Fort undergoing massive rehabilitation, 30pc work completed

By
Ali Ali
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0
By Iftikhar Ahmad
MULTAN, Jul 24 (APP):A massive Rs 2 billion project to upgrade the topmost mound, hosting the historical Qasim Fort in the heart of the City of Saints, is under execution, targeting restoration of its fortification wall and reviving and preserving what encased within its beautiful step gardens, walkways, and above all the monuments signifying heritage.
Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) is executing the project since April 2025 and the mega exercise is scheduled to conclude sometime next year with hopes the charm of city’s most loved tourism spot would be more vivid, equipped with modern day facilities, and administered under a governance model with regulations that would guarantee its longevity of strength and protection of monuments.
Qasim Fort, according to some assessments, was 2600 years old, built by Katoch dynasty Rajput between 800-1000 BC. However, later it was destroyed and rebuilt by Ranghar chiefs near the city of Multan, on a hillock separated from the city by Ravi river. In recent past, the historic fort, also known as Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh, was destroyed by British colonial forces in 1848–1849 as part of a military campaign launched in retaliation for the killing of British officers, Lieutenant Alexander van Agnew and Mr. Anderson during a rebellion led by Diwan Mulraj, the then-governor of Multan. A memorial of the two officers is installed as part of a park at Qasim fort. The monuments the fort supports included the iconic 700 years old mausoleum of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam, 760 years old mausoleum of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya Multani, and ruins of Parhaladpuri temple, believed to date back to pre-Islamic times, possibly 2500 years old. This monument, according to Hinduism, is associated with the legend of Lord Narasimha, the fourth avatar of Vishnu and the origin of the Hindu’s Holi festival. There is a stadium that was earlier used to host international cricket matches and WCLA is planned to develop a food street at the strip around it beneath the seating arrangement of spectators. “It has been decided to invite only the well reputed food brands to open their outlets at the food street,” said WCLA spokesman Umair Ghazanfar.
Contemporary reports indicate the fortification wall was two kilometer (6800 feet) in circumference and 40-70 feet high, according to www.vizit.pk blog.
WCLA is going to acquire 25 feet wide strip running between the circular road and the fort wall and it separates the walled city from the fort. The acquisition would enable WCLA to remove structures hiding the fortification wall for its visibility to tourists and conserve/rebuilt where it was missing.
Required funds have been made available for the land acquisition, says the spokesman.
Giving details of work done so far, he said that rehabilitation of a municipal library that was dysfunctional for last many years inside Qasim fort was near completion adding that water-proofing work on its ceiling was in progress. He said that the modern bricks used to build a retaining wall to support a mound slope near stadium inside the fort has been removed to replace it with a strong retaining wall to be built with original size bricks. Work on food street was also in progress. Walkways were being modified for ease of walk and plantation was being rearranged where necessary to give an orderly look instead of a jungle.
He said, a road running along the stadium would be closed and space would be developed as a green belt. Once completed, no private vehicle would be allowed to enter the stadium and only the electric carts, Rani tricycles, would operate to facilitate tourists to enjoy a trip inside the fort.
He said that Damdama, a high structure inside Qasim Fort would also be modified to improve its strength. Numerous solar panels that were installed by the energy department few years back occupy a vast grassy plot and these would be shifted on the roof of three parking spaces of the fort to supply power. A walkway would be developed to link mausoleums of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Hazrat bahauddin Zakariya.
There was also a proposal under discussion to build a glass tunnel that would rise from ground up to the Qasim fort to beautify the hub of monuments and give tourists a view of the city as they move upward. However, it was still a proposal and may be taken up after the project is completed.
Qasim fort would emerge as unique hub of monuments and environment-friendly tourism once the project is completed, Umair said.

PTF President elected as ATU council member

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Jul 24 (APP): The Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) President, Lt Col (R) Raja Wasim Ahmed, has been elected as a Council Member of the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU).
The election took place during the ATU General Assembly held on Thursday (July 24), in Kuching, Malaysia, said a press release.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s growing presence in the international Taekwondo community. Wasim Ahmed’s election reflects his years of dedicated service to the sport and his contributions to promoting Taekwondo both nationally and internationally.
In the same assembly, Sang Jin Kim of South Korea was elected as the new President of the Asian Taekwondo Union, ushering in a new era of leadership for the sport across the continent.
The Pakistan Taekwondo Federation has congratulated both leaders and look forward to working collaboratively to further the development of Taekwondo in Asia.

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