Russia envoy hands over humanitarian aid to Pakistan’s authorities

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PESHAWAR, Mar 27 (APP):The Higher Education Department (HED) has ordered the closure of all public and private higher education institutions in observance of spring and Eid holidays.

According to the official notification, the holidays will be in effect from March 29 to April 07. During this period, academic activities across colleges and universities under HED’s jurisdiction will remain suspended.

This decision is aimed to facilitate students and faculty members in celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr and enjoying the spring season.

Kerb currency market

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KARACHI, Mar 27 (APP):Following were the opening rates of foreign currencies in kerb market issued by the Exchange Companies Association

of Pakistan, here on Thursday.

F.C. BUYING SELLING

INTER BANK 280.20 280.25

USD 279.65 281.92

EURO 300.75 303.75

GBP 361.00 364.50

JPY 1.83 1.88

AED 76.15 76.55

SAR 74.40 74.90

CAD 194.25 197.25

AUD 174.00 177.00

Rescue-1122 cancels Eid holidays for staff

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FAISALABAD, Mar 27 (APP):Punjab Emergency Services (PES) Rescue-1122 Faisalabad has cancelled Eid holidays for its staff and bound them to report on duty during all the days of Eid-ul-Fitr.

District Emergency Officer Zafar Iqbal in a media briefing said here on Thursday that a comprehensive duty plan has been chalked out to provide timely first aid to the people in case of any emergency, including accidents on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and the leaves of the staff have been canceled.

He said that inspection teams have also been formed to inspect the rescue posts. The control room staff has also been instructed to remain on alert round the clock.

He said that during the Eid prayers, 42 rescue posts have been set up at Eidgah, mosques and recreational sites, in addition to which ambulances, motorbike ambulances and fire vehicles will be present at various locations all the time.

Plantation starts at police department

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FAISALABAD, Mar 27 (APP):City Police Officer (CPO) Sahibzada Bilal Omer inaugurated tree plantation drive at police lines here on Thursday.

He planted a sapling at Tariq Mujahid police lines ,while DSP Headquarters Malik Amin and other officers were present on the occasion.

According to a police spokesperson, tree plantation drive 2025 has been formally started in the police department as per the vision of CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Under the campaign, eco-friendly trees will be planted in all police stations and offices.

The CPO said that maximum tree plantation was imperative to control environmental pollution and every citizen should plant his share of trees to make the land lush green.

He added that plantation was a continuous charity and it was our national responsibility also.

Over Rs.2.6 mln subsidy provided to public in Ramadan bazaar

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LODHRAN, Mar 27 (APP):Deputy Commissioner Dr. Lubna Nazir said on Thursday that a subsidy of over Rs 2.6 million was provided to the public in Ramazan Baazar.

According to the statistics issued here,over 45,000 people got benefited from this initiative.A total of 105,666 kilograms commodities were sold at subsidized rates in the Ramadan bazaar.

The various items included– 13,955 kg chicken was sold with Rs 20 per kg subsidy. Similarly, 1,023 dozen eggs were sold with Rs 6/dozen subsidy, 52,115 kg sugar was sold at Rs 34/kg subsidy.As many as 3517 flour bags were sold with Rs 70 per bag subsidy and other items in the Ramadan bazaar.

CTO Zeeshan inspects traffic arrangements in F-10

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP): Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Capt. (R) Syed Zeeshan Haider conducted a surprise late-night visit to F-10 Markaz to review traffic arrangements firsthand.

An official told APP on Thursday that the CTO assessed the flow of traffic and directed the on-duty officers to ensure smooth movement.

CTO Zeeshan emphasized that all possible measures must be taken to maintain uninterrupted traffic flow in the area.

He instructed that strict legal action be taken without discrimination against elements causing disruptions.

Zeeshan ordered intensified operations against illegal parking to prevent congestion.

CTO Zeeshan urged officers to treat shoppers with courtesy and assist them in every possible way.

He advised citizens to report any complaints to the Islamabad Traffic Police helpline at 1915.

AIOU extends admissions’ deadline till April 10

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP): Many students were unable to take admission at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) within the initial deadline due to Ramadan, Eid shopping and other commitments.

Considering this situation, students requested the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood to extend the deadline,said a press release on Thursday.

Acknowledging the commitment to education, the Vice Chancellor approved an extension of the admission deadline until April 10, 2025.

Now, new applicants can enroll themselves in Matric, FA, Associate Degree, B.Ed, BS, BBA, Postgraduate Diploma programs, and various certificate courses with a late fee until April 10. It is important to note that continuing students of these programs can also complete their enrollment within the extended period.

According to Director Admissions, Syed Zia-ul-Hasnain, enrollment for face-to-face programs offered in Spring 2025 semester has been completed for both new and continuing students, and no further admissions are possible in these programs. However, admissions are still open for the mentioned programs under the distance learning system.

Students have been advised to complete their registration on time to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.

Motorway Police launches campaign against overloading, overcharging

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP): In an effort to ensure safer travel for the public, the National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) has launched a campaign to control overcharging and overloading in public service vehicles, on the eve of Eidul Fitr.
The initiative, directed by Inspector General NH&MP Riffat Mukhtar Raja, aims to raise awareness among drivers about the dangers of violating traffic rules, especially during the Eid period.
According to Motorway Police spokesperson, IG Riffat Mukhtar directed patrolling officers to take strict action against public service vehicles which were overcharging and overloading. The passengers will be asked to report any instances of overcharging. If complaints are verified, passengers will be reimbursed immediately.
Under the National Highway Safety Ordinance of 2000, any vehicle caught violating these rules could face a fine of Rs 5000. IG Raja has made it clear that there will be zero tolerance for such violations during the festive period.
As part of the campaign, Motorway Police officers were holding briefings at different sections of motorways for passenger vehicle drivers. The officers outlined the consequences of overloading and speeding, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulations for a safer journey. The drivers were educated on the potential consequences of breaking traffic regulations, with pamphlets distributed to provide further details on the penalties for non-compliance.
In addition to these efforts, in a recent meeting, IG Riffat Mukhtar visited the North Region Office to discuss operational strategies with regional officers. The session, led by the Additional IG and DIG Motorway North, focused on several key initiatives to improve traffic management and commuter safety in the region.
The meeting also discussed the introduction of the Passenger and Vehicle Management Information System (PSVMIS) on motorways. This system is designed to monitor traffic flow more effectively and enhance the overall travel experience. Security measures were also strengthened ahead of Eid, with the NH&MP deploying rapid-response patrol teams to assist commuters in case of emergencies. These teams will ensure quick reaction times to incidents on major routes, improving safety during peak travel periods.
The meeting also focused on addressing issues of overloading and overcharging in public transport. With the conclusion of Ramadan and the onset of Eid, the NH&MP is set to take firm action against any transport operators who violate regulations related to passenger capacity and fares.

IRSA releases 59,300 cusecs water

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APP32-230225Hyderabad — APP32-230225 HYDERABAD: February 23 – A view of dry beds of River Indus at Huseinabad.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP): Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Thursday released 59,300 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 59,600 cusecs.
According to the data released by IRSA, River Indus stood at dead level of 1402 feet at Tarbela Dam. Water inflow and outflow in the dam was recorded as 16,400 cusecs and 16,000 cusecs respectively.
The water level in River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1070.00 feet, which was 20.00 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded as 18,200 cusecs and 18,300 cusecs respectively.
The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa , Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 27,000, 18,700, 18,000 and 6,200 cusecs respectively.
Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 14,400 cusecs of water was released at Nowshera and 3,000 cusecs from River Chenab at Marala.

Huawei’s ICT training program to help boost IT exports, create jobs: PM

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Ishtiaq Rao

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that Huawei’s Information and Communication Technology training program for Pakistani youth would help boost the country’s IT exports and create employment opportunities.

The prime minister, in a meeting with a five-member delegation led by Huawei’s Chief Executive Officer Ethen Sun, said that skill training of the country’s youth in the IT sector was among the government’s priorities.

He said that the government desired a solid and long-term partnership with Huawei.

During the briefing on Huawei’s ICT training to Pakistani youth, it was told that out of the 300,000 youth, 240,000 will receive basic training, while the remaining 60,000 will receive high-tech training.

It was told that training for all 300,000 youth will be completed by the year end. Besides, the third-party validation of the training programs will be conducted.

The participants of the meeting were told that Huawei, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, has introduced courses in Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Big Data, and Cybersecurity at 15 Pakistani universities.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, and other relevant senior government officials.

SAPM Tariq Fatemi holds meetings with key US officials in Washington on wide range of issues

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WASHINGTON, Mar 27 (APP): The visiting Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, Wednesday held meetings with key US officials during which he discussed ways to promote Pakistan-US bilateral relations, especially cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, according to a press release of the Pakistani embassy.

Regional situation and international issues were also discussed, the press release said. .

The Special Assistant met with Senior Bureau Official/Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Lisa Kenna and Senior Director for South and Central Asia National Security Council Ricky Gill. He also met with Ranking Member Congressman Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the Sub-Committee on South and Central Asia, Congressman Bill Huizeng of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senator Jim Banks.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, was also present during these meetings.

During his meetings with the American leaders, the Special Assistant highlighted the economic priorities of the Government of Pakistan. He said that the efforts of the government have resulted into a clear improvement of economic indicators. The recognition of the improvement of economic indicators by the IMF and the World Bank was a proof that the economy was moving in the right direction, he added.

Fatemi said that trade and investment were among the top priorities in Pak-US relations. He said that there exists immense potential for promoting trade and economic relations between the two countries, which will not only benefit the businesses of both countries but will also have a positive impact on the economy of the region.

Drug dealer among three held; drugs, weapons recovered

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DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Mar 27 (APP):The district police have tightened a noose around anti-social elements and arrested three accused including a drug dealer recovering drugs, arms and fireworks products from them here in the limits of City Police station.

According to police spokesman, the police have intensified operations against anti-social elements following the directions of District Police Officer (DPO) Dera Sajjad Ahmad Sahibzada.

As part of such actions, a team of City Police station led by SDPO City Circle Muhammad Adnan along with SHO Taimoor Khan, during routine patrol, arrested a drug dealer named Muhammad Shumal son of Hasan Khan, a resident of Tank and recovered 260 grams of Ice drug from his possession.

In another action, the same police arrested accused Haseeb Ullah son of Qamar Zaman, resident of Meer-Ali and recovered a 30-bore pistol along with ammunition from him.

Furthermore, while taking action against fireworks products business, the police arrested accused Muhammad Suhail son of Haji Allah Mehr, a resident of Mohallah Dewan Sahb and recovered a quantity of fireworks products.

The police registered separate cases against the arrested accused and started further investigation.

There is an ancient tradition of eating roasted green chickpeas, known as “Tarara”

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Maryam Zahra

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PM commits to ensure all possible resources to empowering youth with modern technology

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Najam ul Hassan

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed his commitment to equip the country’s youth with advanced technological skills, emphasizing the importance of their role in driving the nation’s development and prosperity.

He assured that all necessary resources will be allocated to provide the best training opportunities, enabling young people to become productive contributors to the society.

Addressing a launching ceremony of PM Digital Youth Hub, the prime minister said that as a Chief Minister Punjab, he disbursed 400,000 laptops among the students who were high achievers in their schools and colleges. “This was the vision for which he worked hard,” he remarked.

PM commits to ensure all possible resources to empowering youth with modern technology — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif launches Prime Minister’s Digital Youth Hub in Islamabad on 27 March 2025.

The prime minister emphasized that youth of Pakistan was a challenge as well as a great opportunity. “If we provide training of Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) led modern technology, they can contribute a lot for the development and prosperity of Pakistan.”

He said if the youth were provided with right opportunity, they could play positive role in making the country one of the leading economy of the world.

Expressing his resolve to provide the best training to the youth, he said the government will ensure all possible resources for their training by cutting down other expenditures.

“Youth are the biggest assets of Pakistan, and we can serve this great asset by equipping them with the best state-of-the-art technologies.”

Referring to the recent staff level agreement with International Monetary Fund (IMF), the prime minister said through IMF programme, the country had achieved stability, but this should be kept in mind that this was the loan ‘which we have to get rid of’. He hoped that this might be the last programme.The prime minister asked the youth to work hard as they could play role in this regard.

He highlighted that during last three weeks, the national exchequer received Rs 34 billion due to the government’s efforts to speed up the tax cases pending in the tribunals for several years.

Chairman Prime Minister Youth Programme Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan on the occasion said that the government was opening up new opportunities to empower youth of the country.

He said through PM Digital Hub, the youth would take benefit in various sectors including sports, tourism, sports, IT, green economy and others.

United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Officer In-charge Sharmeela Rasool said this was a platform of opportunity and hope. She said this programme was aimed at making the youth stronger and a productive people of the country.

Chairman Semiconductor Group Naveed Sherwani said private sector and public sector should put full energy in provision of training to the youth to enable them playing role for the development of the country.

UN Resident Coordinator Muhammad Yahya said the Digital Youth Hub was prepared to make youth capable of exploring their capabilities. This is the start of journey of development and prosperity for Pakistan, he added.

Sweets take center stage as Eid festivities unfold

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP):As Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, sweets have taken their traditional place at the heart of the festivities, bringing joy and delight to people of all ages.

From traditional desserts like gulab jamun and barfi to modern creations, sweets are an integral part of Eid celebrations.

Sweets have become the star attraction of Eid celebrations, captivating the hearts and tantalizing the taste buds of people from all walks of life, regardless of age or background.

From young children to elderly grandparents, everyone is indulging in the sweet treats, savoring the flavors and textures that bring immense joy and satisfaction.

A house wife Naila Seemab enthusiastically shared,”Eid is incomplete without sweets and I love the traditional desserts like gulab jamun and barfi, but my kids are more fond of the modern sweets like chocolate cake and cupcakes.”

She said for many, sweets are a way to share the joy of Eid with loved ones adding that she buy sweets for family and friends on Eid.

With their colorful decorations, delicious flavors, and joyful atmosphere, sweets are an integral part of Eid celebrations, making the festival even more special and memorable,she stated.

A vendors Zaheer reported a surge in demand for sweets in the lead-up to Eid saying”we sell sweets throughout the year, but demand increases significantly during Eid.”.

He told people come from all over the city to buy traditional sweets like gulab jamun and barfi.”.He said they have been selling sweets for years, but the demand during Eid is unmatched adding that Eid sales are what they look forward to the most. He said Eid is a time for celebration and sharing with loved ones and they make sure to stock up on these favorites, as well as some modern treats, to cater to all tastes.

He said As Eid celebrations continue across the country, sweets remain a beloved tradition, bringing people together and adding to the festive atmosphere.

Shipping Activity at Port Qasim

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KARACHI, Mar 27 (APP):Six ships, Marathopolis, MSC Positano, Lotus-A, Onaiza, Nave Estella and Amir Gas carrying Container, LNG, Gas oil and LPG, berthed at Qasim International Container Terminal, Engro Elengy Terminal, FOTCO oil Terminal and Sui Southern Gas Terminal, respectively on Wednesday.

Meanwhile three more ships, Corona, Al-Soor-II and Komodo Park with Soya Bean Seed, Gas oil and Chemicals are also arrived at outer anchorage on during last 24 hours.

Ten ships were engaged at PQA berths during the last 24 hours, out of them two ships, Marathopolis and Al-Marrouna left the port on today morning, while three more ships, Lotus-A, DS Rosa and MSC Positano are expected to sail on today.

Cargo volume of 201,416 tonnes, comprising 140,325 tonnes imports cargo and 61,091 tonnes export cargo carried in 5,623 Containers (3,404 TEUs Imports & 2,219 TEUs Export) was handled at the port during last 24 hours.

Eight ships at Outer Anchorage of Port Qasim, out of them two ships, Dee4 Kastania and Komodo Park carrying Palm oil and Chemical are expected to take berths at LCT and EVTL are respectively on Thursday, while two more container ships, X-Press Anglesey and Mundra Express are due to Expected arrive at outer anchorage on Friday.

Commissioner presides over meeting regarding dengue

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KOHAT, Mar 27 (APP):Commissioner Motasim Billah Shah here on Thursday chaired important meeting to adopting effective strategies against dengue, ensuring safety measures, prevention, awareness and conducting a coordinated campaign in the division.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners of all districts, health department officers, and public health representatives. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner of each district presented a detailed report on the dengue statistics of the previous year and the arrangements made to deal the disease during the current year.

On this occasion, the health department officials highlighted the technical measures, treatment and care facilities, and the strategy formulated for public awareness to prevent dengue.

The meeting emphasized on taking practical steps to prevent the spread of dengue, intensifying the cleanliness campaign, cleaning of water reservoirs, and fumigation campaign.

All the concerned institutions were directed to make the campaign against dengue a success through close cooperation and discharge their responsibilities in an efficient manner to keep the public safe.

Rawalpindi turns into a festive shopping hub

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RAWALPINDI, Mar 27 (APP):As the Eid is approaching closer, Rawalpindi’s bazaars have turned into a vibrant shopping hub. Just a few days away from the Eid ul Fitr, a massive population rush to the markets for Eid shopping regularly to shop fabrics, embroidered clothes, and jewelry. Raja Bazaar, Saddar, Murree Road and Tench Bhatta bazaar have been decorated with attractive lighting to provide an appealing shopping environment.

Zara, a young student shares her rejoicing shopping experience in the city’s mega shopping malls located on main Murree Road saying “I have gathered a lot of dresses, shoes and jewelry”. She urged the youth to have a ‘must stopover’ at famous Rehmanabad and Commercial Market to witness the variety of their choices.

Ayesha Tahir also collected Eid gifts for her cousins and friends.

“I visited Moti Bazaar and I was amazed to experience a peaceful environment and attractive presents available in the market at appropriate prices”, she said.

Ayesha said that iconic Raja Bazaar has been transformed into a superb pedestrians market, which she thinks has increased the clientage.

The last 10 days of the month of Ramadan are always connected with magnificent sales in the markets which are filled with the customers.

Abdullah Malik has bought some perfumes from Saddar, to be gifted to his friends.

“You must visit Saddar’s Bank Road which has turned into a pedestrian paradise”, he said while highlighting the attractive environment after its conversion into a vehicle free zone. He said he has bought some T-shirts and trousers from Saddar at amazing affordable prices.

Since a considerable population visit their hometowns to spend Eid days with their loved ones, the tendency to purchase gifts increases during the last ten days of Ramadan.

One of the oldest and longest old bazaars of the city, Tench Bhatta is equally witnessing flood of customers at evening.

” Soon after the Iftar, people rush to the market for shopping”, said Asad who works on a garments mall. Asad said this year, the market was witnessed huge increase in the sales. However he demanded the city traffic and administration to play their role in providing the people with smooth movement in the market.

Arshad who sells artificial jewelry every Ramadan, said that he has hired an extra salesman to manage his stall due to heavy rush of customers.

” Young girls and ladies are eager to visit my stall as I bring the variety from Lahore on every Eid”, he said while sharing his joy for being one of the best sellers.

Besides locals, people from nearby areas like Rawat, Mandra, Taxila and Murree also visit Pindi’s famous markets.

City’s shopping malls are well coupled with food stalls where people enjoy the tasty foods.

” I would say that those who have not tasted the burgers from Ciros Cenima market, have missed the flavours”, said Rayan, a college student. He said that he regularly visits the Saddar market with his friends to eat famous Lobia Chaat and Karim Samosa plates.

Some are even fond of having ice cream of Saddar.

Usman Jamil, an overseas Pakistani student said that he had arrived in Pakistan on Eid holidays.

“I specially visit Bani Food street to enjoy Nihari and Channay (grains) in my Sehri with friends, and then a strong tea at Saddar”, he said.

The festive shopping season in Rawalpindi injects billions of rupees into the national economy, increasing a much-needed GDP share.

The city’s security and traffic flow management are also being supervised according to a specially devised plan, yet the citizens share the difficulties they are facing like parking issues and congestion.

The commencement of a thousand-tree plantation drive in Rawalpindi :

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Maryam Zahra

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