DC reviews progress on development schemes

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Mon, 28 Jul 2025, 11:59 PM

QUETTA, Jul 28 (APP):Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Monday expressed resent over the continuous delay in the Zamri Road project and ordered the Communications Department to start regular construction activities on this project in the next 20 days.

He said this while chairing a high-level meeting of the Communications and Works (C&W) Department here.

In the meeting, the progress, financial affairs and quality of construction of various important highway projects including Hanna Highway, Sibi-Thadi-Kohlu Road were reviewed in detail.

During the meeting, officials of the Communications and Works Department briefed the Chief Minister on various ongoing projects including Hanna Road and Sibi-Thadi-Kohlu Road.

It was informed that both the important highways will be completed during the current financial year which will not only improve regional communication access but will also facilitate connectivity with the central highways.

The meeting was briefed that Rs. 27 billion has been allocated for the construction and improvement of 27 important roads in the current financial year so that better travel facilities could be provided to the public and the economic activities of the province to be promoted.

The Chief Minister of Balochistan issued clear instructions that all development projects should be completed as per the stipulated time and quality.

He said that substandard work and no undue delay would be allowed.

Secretary Communications Lal Jan Jafar told the meeting that 56 contractors and companies involved in poor performance, substandard work and delay tactics have been blacklisted including two insurance companies.

Mir Sarfraz Bugti said in two words that the unnecessary trend of advance payments and financial revisions would be eradicated.

He warned that “if any officer makes advance payments before the work on any project starts, immediate action would be taken against him, such officers should be mentally prepared for suspension or dismissal.”

The Chief Minister said that timely provision of resources is the responsibility of the government, but timely and quality completion of these development projects is the professional responsibility of the concerned departments in which no negligence is acceptable.

He warned that if the work is not started within the stipulated timeline, strict disciplinary action would be taken against the concerned officers and contractors.

The Chief Minister clarified that the current government considers transparency, speed and quality as the basic principles in the development process.

He said that the proper and effective use of funds obtained from public taxes could be ensured and a zero tolerance policy to be implemented for any negligence or corruption.

Lawyers stage sit in, demand parity in court fee enforcement

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Mon, 28 Jul 2025, 11:56 PM

MULTAN, Jul 28 (APP):A group of senior lawyers staged a peaceful sit-in in Multan demanding that the court fee of Rs 500 being charged in Multan and Bahawalpur for registered copies of documents be brought down to Rs 50, the level being charged in Lahore.

The sit-in was led by prominent legal figures including former presidents of High Court Bar Multan, Syed Riaz-ul-Hassan Gilani, Mehmood Ashraf Khan, Khalid Ashraf Khan, Chaudhry Muhammad Akram, Athar Shah Bukhari, Mehboob Ali Sandeela, Nasheed Arif Gondal, Khalid Farooq, Sheikh Tanveer Ahmad, Muhammad Hussain Babar, Rao Shiraz Ahmad, Akram Bhatti, Bushra Naqvi, Naveed Hashmi, Ishtiaq Shah, and Waseem Mumtaz.

Addressing the gathering, the speakers highlighted that while the court fee for a certified copy in Lahore stands at Rs. 50, the same service in Multan costs Rs. 500. They demanded end to the inequality and urged authorities concerned to bring this fee down to Rs 50 in Multan and Bahawalpur.

The lawyers announced to hold weekly sit-ins at tehsil level across south Punjab and added they would begin their long march to Lahore if their demand was not accepted.

The protest concluded peacefully, with a renewed pledge to continue efforts for equality across all regions of Punjab.

ECP rejects Barrister Gohar’s claim: lawmakers’ convictions still stand

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Mon, 28 Jul 2025, 11:55 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 28 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday categorically refuted PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan’s assertion regarding the status of three disqualified legislators, stressing that their convictions have not been set aside.

In its official statement, the ECP made clear that the disqualifications of Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, MNA Ahmed Chattha, and Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar remain in full effect. “Their convictions handed down by an anti-terrorism court still stand.”

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has clarified that Abdul Latif Chitrali’s case stands apart from other convicted legislators.

While Chitrali himself did not approach the Islamabad High Court, several of his co-accused in the May 9 case filed appeals.

The Islamabad High Court subsequently overturned their convictions and ordered their release. Although Chitrali was not among the petitioners, the ECP noted that the ruling carries implications for individuals linked to the same proceedings.

Accordingly, Abdul Latif Chitrali has been issued a notice to appear before the Election Commission of Pakistan to assist in determining whether the Islamabad High Court’s decision regarding his co-accused in the May 9 case may extend to him as well.

Smart classrooms teaching system imperative to compete world: Dr Zulfiqar

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Mon, 28 Jul 2025, 11:53 PM

FAISALABAD, Jul 28 (APP):University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali has said that smart classrooms teaching system is imperative to hone students’ potential and capabilities on modern lines to compete with rest of the world.

He was addressing the inauguration ceremony of 45 smart screens and 16 projectors given by TT Global Dubai to UAF.

This project is the courtesy and result of TT Dubai knowledge friendly policy, facilitation of Care Foundation Chairman Rashid Minhas, and Global Member Saleem Akhtar and efforts of Prof Dr Wasim Akram, the Chairman, Department of Entomology UAF.

Dr Zulfiqar Ali stressed the need to inline the teaching methods as per international standards as a step towards national development through innovation in the education system.

He lauded the efforts of TT Global and TT Care Foundation for this initiative. He said, “Hybrid teaching methods are becoming popular nowadays, from which we can benefit not only from national but also from international scholars.”

He said that the university is taking all possible steps to promote innovation in education so that the God-given talents of the students can be enhanced.

He also discussed future plans for further digitalization and smart agriculture with the delegation and it was agreed that TT Global and TT Care Foundation would fully support the university in further projects.

Rashid Minhas said that this project will not only support to improve the quality of education but will also revolutionize the agriculture. He said that they are utilizing all resources for the development of the country.

Saleem Akhtar appreciated the ongoing projects at the university.

Prof Dr Wasim Akram said that digitalization in agriculture sector and teaching would help cope with the challenges of the modern era. He said that the university is committed to provide best manpower and tangible research work for a bright future.

He admired TT Global and TT Care Foundation for their support.

SSWBM finalizes Independence Day arrangements

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Mon, 28 Jul 2025, 11:53 PM

KARACHI, Jul 28 (APP):Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), will celebrate Independence Day under the theme “Freedom with Leaders” and various activities have been planned in the metropolis in this regard.

To pay tribute to martyrs and heroes a photo gallery will be set up at all the independence day events and decorated vehicles will march in all districts while national flags and lighting will be installed on Shahrah-e-Qaideen while family festival, fireworks, musical program and other events will be held at the Fair Hall.

The arrangements were reviewed and finalized in a meeting with Managing Director SSWMB Tariq Ali Nizamani in chair and Executive Director Finance Rehmatullah Sheikh, senior officers of the board and officials of private waste management companies and others in attendance, said a statement issued here.

The SSWMB will pay tribute to all the heroes and martyrs who protected Pakistan, those who fought for the safety and security of Pakistan and played pivotal role in Pakistan’s victory, Tariq Nizamani said adding this year we are celebrating the independence day with a reinvigorated pride when Pakistan’s forces have achieved laurels and recognition at the international level.

The ED Finance briefed the meeting that arrangements have been started in collaboration with a private event management company and a complete schedule of all the programs will be released next week.

SCCI office bearers meet DG TDAP to discuss Expo Center Project

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Mon, 28 Jul 2025, 11:49 PM

SIALKOT, Jul 28 (APP):The office bearers of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) held a meeting with Khalid Rasool, Director General of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), to discuss the progress of the Sialkot Expo Center project.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the ongoing work on the project’s feasibility report, which is currently under preparation. The feasibility is expected to be finalized and submitted for consideration at the upcoming meeting of the EDF (Export Development Fund) Board.

The proposed Sialkot Expo Center aims to boost trade and export activities in the region, providing a dedicated platform for showcasing local industry and fostering international business connections.

Senior Vice President (SVP) SCCI Waseem Shahbaz Lodhi and Vice President (VP) SCCI Omer Khalid was also present on this occasion.

Two mega treatment projects to begin soon to make 63m gallons water usable daily

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Mon, 28 Jul 2025, 11:47 PM

FAISALABAD, Jul 28 (APP):Water & Sanitation Agency (WASA) would commence two mega projects including Surface Water Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant in Faisalabad soon to make 63 million gallons water usable on daily basis.

A spokesman of WASA said here on Monday that a comprehensive plan has been evolved to start these mega projects which are designed to address both safe drinking water needs and efficient wastewater management in Faisalabad.

He said that Surface Water Treatment Plant would be developed with an estimated cost of Rs.14.6 billion and it is scheduled to be completed by June 2027.

Similarly, the Wastewater Treatment Plant would be completed at a cost of Rs.56 billion by July 2028. Both projects would be funded through international donor agencies, he added.

He said that the Surface Water Treatment Plant would benefit more than 700,000 residents in eastern parts of the city by providing them access to clean drinking water.

Similarly, Wastewater Treatment Plant would treat sewage water and make it suitable for agricultural use, thus creating a dual impact on health and resource sustainability, he added.

He said that three more wastewater treatment plants were also planned for the city in the future to enhance Faisalabad’s environmental and infrastructure resilience.

These initiatives are being undertaken in line with the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab to ensure optimal utilization of public resources, he added.

PCJCCI urges SBP to cut interest rate to 6pc

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Mon, 28 Jul 2025, 11:46 PM

LAHORE, Jul 28 (APP):As Pakistan navigates a delicate economic recovery, the Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) Monday urged the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to reduce the benchmark interest rate from the current 11 percent to 6 percent in its upcoming Monetary Policy announcement.

PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain, while talking to media here, stated that with core economic indicators showing clear signs of stabilization including a significant drop in inflation and a subdued Consumer Price Index (CPI), PCJCCI believes the time is ripe for a more accommodative monetary stance to unlock the country’s full economic potential. He added that Pakistan’s macroeconomic conditions now justify a bold policy shift; Headline inflation has fallen to 4 percent, indicating improved price stability, CPI growth stands at just 0.3 percent, one of the lowest in recent years, meanwhile, the real interest rate is excessively positive, stifling borrowing, spending, and investment.

On this occasion, Senior Vice President Brig. (Retd) Mansoor Saeed Sheikh said that a policy rate of 11 percent in a 4 percent inflation environment reflects an overly conservative posture that is dampening industrial sentiment. This mismatch between inflation and interest rates is hurting Pakistan’s ability to stimulate investment, create jobs, and foster industrial growth. He emphasized that a cut to 6 percent would trigger wide-ranging economic benefits, particularly for industries, SMEs, and foreign investors. Key sectors, textiles, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing are struggling under the burden of high borrowing costs. Lower rates would revive industrial capacity utilization, currently at historical lows, enable SMEs to access credit and expand operations, restore investor confidence in the domestic business.

Zafar Iqbal, Vice President PCJCCI, stressed that they are witnessing strong interest from Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs). However, high financing costs are discouraging large-scale capital inflows. A reduced policy rate will make Pakistan significantly more competitive in the region. He added that neighboring economies have adopted far more supportive monetary policies to stimulate post-pandemic recovery, and Pakistan cannot afford to fall behind in the global race for capital and exports.

Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General, highlighted that a reduction in interest rates would directly reduce government debt servicing costs by approximately Rs 3.5 trillion, freeing up fiscal space for social spending, infrastructure, and development priorities. This would ease pressure on the national budget, and improve credit worthiness and investor perception. It could also allow greater allocation to education, health, and digital infrastructure.

PCJCCI calls for a coherent and growth-centric policy mix, aligning monetary policy with fiscal, trade, and industrial strategies.

Anti-polio drive inaugurated in Balochistan by Health Secretary

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Mon, 28 Jul 2025, 11:45 PM