ISLAMABAD
A vendor busy frying traditional food item Samosa near F-6 area in the Federal Capital
ISLAMABAD
Vendors busy bathing a sacrificial goat before presenting it for sale at the animal market
KARACHI
KARACHI
Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi’s Important Media Talk: Discussing Pakistan Railways’ Outstanding Performance and Development Projects
ISLAMABAD
Fahd Haroon attends Italian republic day
ISLAMABAD, Jun 2 (APP): Minister of State and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Digital Media, Fahd Haroon, attended the celebration marking the National Day of the Italian Republic this evening at the Embassy of Italy in Islamabad.
The event, hosted by Italy’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Marilina Armellin, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the cultural and media communities.
Haroon extended warm greetings to the people and government of Italy on the occasion of Festa della Repubblica, which commemorates the founding of the Italian Republic on June 2, 1946.
“It was a pleasure to be part of this celebration,” said Haroon. “Pakistan and Italy enjoy a longstanding friendship rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and meaningful cooperation. Events like these are a reminder of our growing partnership and the promise it holds for the future.”
Pakistan and Italy have enjoyed over seven decades of diplomatic relations, with expanding collaboration across trade, education, climate action, innovation, and cultural exchange.
Haroon also thanked Ambassador Armellin for her warm hospitality and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Italy.
Pakistan committed to Peace, firm on defense: Christian community reaffirms support for nation and armed forces: Senator
ISLAMABAD, Jun 02 (APP):Senator Khalil Tahir Sandhu, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and a representative of the Christian community, on Monday reaffirmed that Pakistan is a peace-loving country but it will not compromise on security and defense.
He emphasized that the Christian community always stood firm in support of their country and army.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad, alongside Bishop Samuel Robert and Father Azam Sadiq, Sandhu praised the patriotism and sacrifices of Christian youth during recent conflicts with India.
He stated that their contributions sent a strong message beyond the boarder, reflecting the Christian community’s unwavering commitment to the defense of Pakistan.
He also paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the soldiers for the resolute response to India, also expressed confidence that Kashmir issue would be resolved under his leadership.
On this occasion, Bishop Samuel Robert noted that when the entire nation stands with its military, victories become inevitable.
“This war was not won by the army alone, but by the entire nation as one,” he said.
Father Azam Sadiq highlighted that the Pakistani army has proven to be unbreakable wall in front of the enemy commending the Christian community members for their unwavering support for their army.
PCB makes it mandatory for centrally contracted, int’l cricketers to play domestic cricket
LAHORE, Jun 02 (APP): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had made it compulsory for all centrally contracted and international cricketers to participate in at least one domestic tournament during the season.
The key decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi at the PCB headquarters here on Monday. The meeting was attended by White-ball head-coach Mike Hesson, Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, Team Manager Naveed Akram Cheema, Director International Cricket Usman Wahla, Director High Performance Centers Aqib Javed, and captain Salman Agha.
The decision on mandatory domestic cricket is aimed grooming domestic players when they play alongside international cricketers. It is further envisaged that a strong domestic cricket structure is essential for producing top-level cricketers, besides ensuring quality backup for the national team.
Director International Cricket Usman Wahla gave a detailed briefing on the upcoming home and away series including the home series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, as well as the away tours to the West Indies and Bangladesh.
The meeting reviewed preparations for the upcoming international cricket series and also discussed the schedule and preparations for the Pakistan Shaheens team.
The Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi instructed the concerned officials to initiate work on the new central contracts.
KP CM distributes cheques among artists, skilled individuals
PESHAWAR, Jun 02 (APP): Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, distributed cheques worth Rs. 100,000 each among artists and skilled individuals from different cultural fields during a ceremony held at the CM House on Monday.
The event was attended by Advisor to the CM on Tourism and Culture Zahid Chanzeb, high ups of Culture and Tourism department, and a large number of artists belonging to different cultural fields.
It is worth mentioning that total of 574 artists are being awarded these honorarium cheques amounting to Rs. 57.4 million in total.
Addressing the ceremony, the chief minister emphasized the pivotal role of artists in society, calling them “the mirror and positive face” of the society “Through their art, they bring to light the hidden human values within us,” he said.
He added that artists identify and highlight the social evils through their art and pave way for their correction.
Paying tribute to artists, he acknowledged their sacrifices alongside those of police and security forces in the fight against terrorism. Adding that “Until and unless we provide artists with opportunities, they cannot progress. Our government is committed to creating and providing such opportunities.”
The CM in his speech said that the provincial government has approved the establishment of a Rs. 500 million endowment fund for artists. Furthermore, he announced to double the number of artists benefiting from government’s financial support and increase the individual grant from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 150,000.
To promote cultural activities, the chief minister also announced a 50% reduction in the booking fee of Nishtar Hall.
He directed that the committee constituted for the welfare initiatives of artists must include representation from all artistic fields and ensure transparency and merit in its initiatives.
He said that cultural events have declined due to terrorism but affirmed the government’s resolve to revive them. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has produced renowned names in literature, painting, acting, and music.
Our artists have not only gained national fame but have also earned international recognition,” the chief minister said, urging the culture department to organize more events across all artistic domains.
Traders seek relief in upcoming budget
RAWALPINDI, Jun 02 (APP): The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has voiced expectations for balanced relief measures in the upcoming federal budget, emphasizing the need for a growth-centric and inclusive economic strategy.
In a joint statement, RCCI President Usman Shaukat and Group Leader Sohail Altaf expressed hope that the recommendations outlined in the All Pakistan Chambers Presidents’ Conference joint declaration would be incorporated into the federal budget, promoting a balanced and sustainable economic environment.
RCCI urged protection for the local automobile industry. Tax relief should also be granted for locally manufactured vehicles to support domestic production, generate employment, and promote allied industries.
RCCI proposed reduced taxes and customs duties on auto parts and raw materials to cut production costs. Also, RCCI recommends raise in the loan ceiling for car financing via commercial banks.
The RCCI leadership further emphasized the policy priorities including encouraging investor confidence, curb the unnecessary issuance of SROs by the FBR, avoid placing any additional tax burden on existing taxpayers, offer of incentives for tax net expansion, promotion of digitization and announce a comprehensive construction package to address housing shortages.
The RCCI urged the government to extend relief and growth measures in key economic sectors, including, textile, IT, agriculture, engineering, automobile sector and pharmaceutical domain.
These sectors should benefit from tax exemptions, export rebates, technological upgradation incentives, and improved access to global markets.
CM Maryam meets OPF MD, discusses reforms
LAHORE, Jun 02 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif held a meeting with Managing Director of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Afzaal Bhatti to discuss key initiatives aimed at addressing the concerns of overseas Pakistanis.
During the meeting, it was decided to appoint dedicated focal persons for overseas Pakistanis in the Chief Minister’s Office, the Chief Secretary’s Office, and the Inspector General of Police’s Office. These focal persons will play a proactive and effective role in resolving issues faced by overseas Pakistanis.
The CM emphasized the need to revitalize the Overseas Pakistanis Commission Punjab and directed that immediate steps be taken to make the commission more active and responsive. She further instructed all government departments and district administrations to address the concerns of overseas Pakistanis on a priority basis.
Afzaal Bhatti gave a comprehensive briefing on the challenges being faced by overseas Pakistanis from Punjab, including matters related to OPF housing societies and educational institutions. He also highlighted long-standing administrative issues that require urgent attention.
CM Maryam Nawaz issued clear directives for the prompt resolution of these problems and reaffirmed her government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of overseas Pakistanis. “Our overseas brothers and sisters are a valuable asset to the nation, and the government is taking every possible step to ensure their issues are addressed promptly,” she stated.
Afzaal Bhatti also congratulated the Chief Minister on the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, and expressed strong support from overseas Pakistanis for the government and Pakistan Army. He noted that overseas communities around the world celebrated Pakistan’s victory in the war against India with great enthusiasm.
CM, Corp Commander attend Turkish traditional Breakfast at CG House
KARACHI, Jun 02 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Corp Commander Karachi Lt General Muhammad Avais Dastgir, Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas and others attended annual Turkish traditional Breakfast at the Consul General’s residence.
CM Sindh was the chief guest of the annual event which was attended among others by Gulsen Sangu, Zekiye Duru Sangu, Timurhan Abay Sangu, Busra Akpolat, Sertan Yuccer, Adem Abdullah Gunes, Muhammet Karatas, Murat Ozmen, Ahmet Murat Sekeralmaz, Nazan Bulun, Gulseven Goktas, Cem Malyemez, Sohail Tabba, actor Javed Shaikh, ADIG Javed Alam Adho, DIG Maqsood Memon, Muhammad Atif Hanif, Chief Executive Officer Al Barka Bank, Abdullah Adem GUNES, Regional Director, Pak-Turk Maarif school and elite of town.
Syed Murad Ali Shah thanked Turkiye for support to Pakistan during it’s recent military standoff with India.
Chief Minister, rejoiced the tradition, saying the annual event has introduced millions across the globe, including himself, to the palatable Turkish feasts.
Consul General of the Republic of Turkiye Cemal Sang said that we gather here to share not just a breakfast, but a tapestry of flavors, a testament to the warmth and generosity that binds and defines our culture of two Countries.
He said aroma of fresh herbs and spices, the vibrant hues of the olives and cheeses, the gentile hum of conversation, all weave together to create a symphony of welcome, a symphony of flavors a testament to the enduring bond between Turkiye and Pakistan where even the sunrises are steeped in traditions.
Sangu said that this colorful breakfast be a symbol of our united journey together, full of warmth, joy, and the prom of many more mornings to come.