ISLAMABAD: October 30 –
Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
ISLAMABAD: October 30 –
A vendor arranging and displaying key chains to attract the customers.
FAISALABAD: October 30 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding reforms in FBR.
ISLAMABAD: October 30 –
ISLAMABAD: October 30 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding reforms in FBR. APP/MAF/TZD
CJP and Judges bid farewell to Salim Khan on retirement as Registrar SCP
ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (APP):Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, along with the Judges of the Supreme Court, bid farewell to Muhammad Salim Khan, Registrar, Supreme Court of Pakistan.
In a dignified ceremony held at the Supreme Court on Thursday, the Chief Justice acknowledged Mr. Khan’s professionalism, integrity, and dedicated service. He noted his significant role in supporting judicial administration, strengthening institutional processes, and ensuring efficient coordination across the Court’s administrative functions. The Chief Justice appreciated his services and commitment to public service.
As a gesture of recognition, the Chief Justice and the Judges presented Mr. Khan with a commemorative shield in appreciation of his valuable services rendered to the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Expressing his gratitude, Muhammad Salim Khan thanked the Chief Justice and the Judges for their guidance and support. He stated that serving the Supreme Court had been an honor and affirmed his commitment to continue contributing to public service with dedication, integrity, and professionalism.
The farewell concluded with best wishes for Khan’s future endeavors.
CM Bugti unveils unified strategy against terrorism
QUETTA, Oct 30 (APP): Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Thursday unveiled that the government will lead law fare while the forces will lead warfare, this integrated approach is the guarantee to root out the menace of terrorism.
The chief minister chaired a high-level meeting here at the Central Police Office to accelerate the integration of the Levies Force into the Police and strengthen the force’s counter-terrorism capabilities. The meeting underscored a strategic shift in the province’s security framework.
Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Muhammad Tahir Khan, Principal Secretary Babar Khan, Secretary Finance Imran Zarkoon, Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister Muhammad Faridun, and other senior police officials. The IGP presented a detailed briefing on departmental challenges and proposed reforms attended the meeting.
Major decisions were taken during the meeting to enhance operational efficiency and coordination.
The systematic integration of the Levies Force into the Police will be expedited to enhance operational uniformity and integrated capacity of the forces.
Operational coordination between the Police and the CTD (Counter Terrorism Department) will be made more effective to increase the capacity for timely, intelligence-based operations.
It was decided to activate the Police’s Crime Branch and Legal Branch to improve crime eradication, investigation, and judicial proceedings.
In the context of converting ‘B’ Areas to ‘A’ Zones, preparations for the Police’s future responsibilities will be accelerated, and arrangements for logistics, information, and manpower will be completed promptly.
A proposal was also tabled for merit-based departmental recruitment of Assistant Sub-Inspectors to address the manpower shortage in the Police Department.
It was decided to provide the Police with modern technology, forensic facilities, communication systems, and information systems to significantly increase investigative and operational capacity.
The Special Operational Wing and Special Security Wing will be further activated and strengthened to enable an immediate, accurate, and effective response in counter-terrorism.
It was agreed that a series of modern training courses, seminars, and joint drills will be continued for the training of police officers and personnel.
Approval was granted to apply the forty percent prevailing allowance for the Police’s special wings to the 2022 running package.
It was decided to improve and make the Martyrs’ Package more comprehensive to honor the martyrs and protect their families.
It was also made clear that the Police and concerned institutions will be provided with all necessary resources, financial and administrative support, and modern equipment as needed, so they can effectively carry out their responsibilities.
CM Bugti paid heartfelt tribute to the police personnel martyred in the recent terrorist attack in Bagh, especially Police Inspector Latif Khosa. He confirmed that injured officers have been transferred to Karachi for advanced medical care and assured that their families will receive full state support.
He reiterated the government’s unwavering solidarity with the forces, adding, “Every officer and soldier must feel the state stands with them.” He emphasized that empowering the police is essential for restoring peace and pledged that no political interference would hinder their mission.
The chief minister assured the IGP Police and the forces of complete political, administrative, and moral support, ensuring they will not face any political pressure or hindrance. He stated that he wants to see the Police empowered for the restoration of peace.
Upon arrival, CM Bugti was presented with a Guard of Honor by a smart contingent of the Police. He visited the Martyrs’ Memorial, laid a floral wreath, and offered prayers for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks.
China–Pakistan Joint Business Consortium to develop regional logistics hub
ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (APP):Leading logistics and business companies of Pakistan and China here on Thursday agreed to establish a China–Pakistan Joint Business Consortium to develop a regional logistics hub, aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and enhancing trade logistics frameworks.
The agreement was reached during an important meeting of logistic and business companies of Pakistan with Chinese business delegation from the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and Precise Development (HK) Limited, China.
The delegation is currently visiting Pakistan to explore strategic trade and investment opportunities, said a press release.
It was mutually decided that Pakistan would take the lead in developing and managing this logistics framework, reflecting the country’s emerging strategic role in regional trade and transportation.
The Chinese delegation included Yi Jiang, Director of ACFIC; David Chu, Chief Executive Officer of Precise Development (HK) Limited, China; and Ms. He He Amanda, Director of Precise Development (HK) Limited, China.
Representatives from prominent Chinese logistics and industrial organizations, including Yunchuan Cross-Border Company, Aviation Industry Association, Sanlian International Corporation, Super Era International Company, and Xinfeng Iron Transport Company, also participated in the meeting. John Long, General Manager of Shenzhen A&E Container Transportation Co., Ltd, was also in attendance.
From the Pakistani side, key participants included representatives of Pakistan Intermodal Limited (PIL), Pakistan’s leading multimodal logistics and container transportation company, specializing in rail, road, and port connectivity solutions and Habib Rafiq (Pvt.) Limited (HRL), one of the largest conglomerates in Pakistan, renowned for its extensive portfolio across diverse sectors including construction, engineering, and real estate development.
These companies will jointly collaborate with ACFIC and Precise Development (HK) Limited to bring Chinese logistics players into Pakistan’s logistics ecosystem. This coordinated effort aligns with the strategic vision of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, under the leadership of the Honorable Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, who is spearheading this initiative to elevate Pakistan as a regional logistics hub.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a mutual framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Zahid Nadeem, CEO of Habib Rafiq (Pvt.) Limited (HRL), David Chu, CEO of Precise Development (HK) Limited, China, and Aasim A. Siddiqui, CEO of Pakistan Intermodal Limited (PIL).
Under this MoU, it was decided that Pakistan will play a pioneering role in implementing the framework. Following the signing ceremony, both agreed to establish a B2B Working Group comprising key stakeholders from Pakistan and China to execute joint logistics projects and facilitate business partnerships under this initiative.
The meeting and MoU were coordinated and facilitated by Khalid Taimur Akram, Director (Eurasian Region) of Precise Development (HK) Limited, China. Akram is currently leading efforts to promote Chinese investments in Pakistan on a B2B basis and ensuring strategic business coordination between both nations.
This landmark initiative is expected to significantly boost trade connectivity, streamline logistics operations, and create new economic opportunities for both Pakistan and China, further strengthening bilateral economic ties and supporting regional commercial integration.
Sindh CM directs for acceleration of works on National Medical Complex project
KARACHI, Oct 30 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reviewed the progress of projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) in a meeting held here at CM House on Thursday, with a particular focus on the National Medical Complex being constructed along the National Highway near Bin Qasim.
The meeting was attended by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Minister for Health Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Minister for Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, Chairman P&D Board Najam Shah, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, Secretary Works Nawaz Sohoo and Secretary Health Rehan Baloch.
During the briefing, the chief minister was informed that the National Medical Complex is a major provincial healthcare initiative being developed at a total cost of Rs. 4,645.27 million, of which Rs. 1,017.144 million has already been utilised.
For the current fiscal year, Rs. 545.772 million have been allocated.
Murad Shah directed the immediate release of the allocated funds to accelerate the pace of work. He instructed the Works & Services Department to speed up construction on the 290-bed complex, particularly the hospital building, to ensure timely completion.
Shah further directed the concerned departments to begin procurement of medical equipment by the end of next month, emphasising that as construction progresses, additional funds will be released accordingly.
“I want to see this project completed without delay and intend to inaugurate the National Medical Complex by June 2026,” the chief minister said.
The chief minister underscored the importance of the project in enhancing healthcare access for residents of Karachi and nearby districts, adding that the provincial government is fully committed to ensuring the timely and quality completion of all ADP health projects across Sindh.
Governor lauds UoT for setting example in higher education
QUETTA, Oct 30 (APP):Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhel on Thursday said that the University of Turabt (UoT) has set a very unique example in the higher education landscape of the province by demonstrating its commitment to gender equality and increasing the number of female students to 45 percent in a remote area of the province.
He expressed these views while talking to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Turbat, Prof. Dr. Gul Hassan, at the Governor House, Quetta.
The Governor said that the male and female students of the University of Turbat contribute to a vibrant educational environment, equally hardworking and passionate about learning.
He said that despite facing difficult circumstances and limited resources, the rise of the university is directly a result of the visionary leadership of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Gul Hassan and his committed team who worked tirelessly to establish the University of Turbat as a beacon of academic excellence in the province.
The Governor of Balochistan directed the early holding of the third convocation of the University of Turbat and said that quality education is paramount in achieving new priorities and new goals of the future.
It is gratifying to make higher education possible for the youth of Turbat and other adjoining areas with the establishment of Turbat University, he said.
He said that we could provide help and guidance to those with knowledge and vision in creating harmony with modern requirements and formulating wise policies.
Jaffar Khan Mandokhel said that the large number of women in the University of Turbat proves that the women of Balochistan are no less capable than anyone else, therefore it is necessary that they could be provided with equal opportunities and facilities so that they would also actively participate in the construction and development of the country and the province.
During the meeting, the performance of the university, educational and financial affairs and future action plan were also discussed.
He directed that special attention should be paid to skill development programs, artificial intelligence, modern technology and market-oriented educational programs in the university so that graduates could play an active role in their practical lives.
He said that it is necessary to align research activities with the economic and social needs of the country.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Gul Hassan presented the University of Turbat Annual Performance Report 2024 to the Governor of Balochistan.
IHC summons chairman CDA
ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday summoned chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) in a contempt of court case regarding allotment of plots in private housing society.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard Muhammad Yameen’s contempt of court petition.
The court summoned Chairman CDA on November 25, adding that the matter will be resolved in court.
The court remarked that CDA board held a board meeting, I will give an order, board members should come to court and hold a board meeting here.
Justice Kayani said that if CDA does not form a committee, the court will use its authority to form it.
The court adjourned further hearing of the case till November 25.