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Punjab taking action against illegal organ transplants: health minister

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LAHORE, Jul 24 (APP):Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that strict action is being taken against illegal transplantation of human organs in the province.
He made these remarks while chairing the 35th meeting of the Monitoring Authority of the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority (PHOTA), held at the Department of Specialized Health Care and Medical Education on Thursday.
During the meeting, Director General PHOTA Professor Muhammad Aamir Zaman Khan presented various agendas for approval. An implementation report on the decisions taken during the previous 34th meeting was also presented, and the minutes of that meeting were formally approved.
The authority gave approval for the registration and renewal of various government and private hospitals for kidney, liver, and cornea transplantation. Among them, Begum Akhtar Rukhsana Memorial Trust Orchard Hospital was granted renewal for liver transplantation. Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Independent University Hospital Faisalabad, and Madina Teaching Hospital Faisalabad were approved for cornea transplantation for the next three years. The registration of City Hospital Multan, PKLI and Research Center Lahore, National Hospital and Medical Center Lahore, and Adil Hospital Lahore was renewed for renal transplantation for another three years.
The meeting also approved the budget estimate of PHOTA for the financial year 2025–26 along with the revised budget estimate for 2024–25. It was also decided to organize a five-day training workshop on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Essentials for PHOTA. Further approvals were granted to initiate pancreas and bone banking transplantation in Punjab, along with the formation of a committee for kidney transplantation for children.
On this occasion, the health minister said that according to the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the capacity of PHOTA is being enhanced to ensure the provision of the best healthcare facilities to the public. He stressed that the government is fully committed to curbing illegal human organ transplants in the province.
The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Operations Tariq Mehmood Rahmani, Additional Secretary Technical Dr. Muhammad Waseem, Professor Izhar Chaudhry from the Pakistan Medical Association, CEO Punjab Health Initiative Management Company Dr. Ali Razzaq, and representatives from the Revenue and Home Departments. CEO Punjab Healthcare Commission Dr. Muhammad Saqib Aziz, PKLI Dean Professor Faisal Saud Dar, and Yasir Khan from the Transplantation Society also joined the session via video link.

Commissioner holds meeting with traders, asks to sell sugar at official price

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RAWALPINDI, Jul 24 (APP):Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Amir Khattak Thursday held a meeting with the wholesale traders of sugar to ensure its supply at the officially notified price across the division.
The commissioner said that the reduction in the price of sugar by the Punjab Government was aimed at providing relief to the people, and the administration would strictly implement that decision as per the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
He directed that the traders should ensure the sale of sugar at the official price, display the price lists at prominent places and not create its artificial shortage or resort to hoarding.
Commissioner Khattak also directed the officers concerned to monitor the availability, price and quality of sugar in the markets on a daily basis, and take indiscriminate action against the violators.
The meeting was informed that during the operations conducted in the last 24 hours across the division, 90 people were found guilty of violations checking at various places, 37 of them arrested.
A fine of Rs 315,000 was imposed on them, besides registration a first information report (FIR) and sealing of seven points of sale.
It was further told that 17 violations were found during checking in the Rawalpindi district, with 25 people held, Rs 120,000 fine imposed and six points sealed.
Similarly, in the Attock district, a fine of Rs 38,000 was imposed on 12 violations, while five persons were arrested and total Rs 45,000 fine imposed on 24 violations in the Jhelum district.
Likewise, in the Chakwal district, total Rs 90,500 fine was imposed on 16 persons and five other arrested, while and one building was sealed.
In the Murree district, 21 people were found involved in violations and two were nabbed, with one FIR registered and a total fine of Rs 21,500 imposed.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Khattak chairing another meeting directed the deputy commissioners to hold dengue meetings regularly to ensure that field activities are not affected by the recent rains.
He observed that stagnant rainwater created a favourable environment for dengue and instructed the relevant departments to arrange for early drainage. He also asked the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to ensure the clearing of weeds and bushes so that stagnant water does not cause dengue breeding anywhere.
Rawalpindi Development Authority Director General Kanza Murtaza, Deputy Commissioner Chakwal Sara Hayat, PHA DG Ahmed Hassan Ranjha, Director Health and other administrative officers attended the meeting in person, while Attock, Jhelum and Murree deputy commissioners through video link.

IGP pays tribute to martyrs of 2017 Arfa Kareem Tower suicide attack

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LAHORE, Jul 24 (APP):Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar on Thursday paid tribute to the police officers who laid down their lives during the 2017 suicide attack on Lahore’s Arfa Kareem Tower.
On today, eight Punjab Police personnel including one sub-inspector, one assistant sub-inspector (ASI) and six constables sacrificed their lives while fighting with terrorists in the line of duty, said Punjab Police spokesperson.
The martyrs include Sub-Inspector Riaz Ahmed, ASI Fayyaz Ahmed and Constables Sajjad Ali, Abid Ali, Ali Raza, Ghulam Murtaza, Umair Ghani and Moazzam Ali.
IGP Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar expressed his deep respect for the martyrs and extended his condolences to their families, hailing their bravery and dedication.
“The great sons who sacrificed their lives in the path of duty deserve our highest respect and honours,” he said.

Under Pakistan presidency, UNSC adopt statement renewing commitment to pacific settlement of disputes

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UNITED NATIONS, Jul 24 (APP): The United Nations Security Council Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to the pacific settlement of disputes, and urges the UN Secretary-General to continue to use mediation to help resolve conflicts peacefully, working in close coordination with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

“The Security Council recognizes the value of close cooperation, as appropriate, with regional and subregional organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in order to enhance the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions in a coherent, efficient and effective manner,” a Council’s presidential statement said at the end of a debate on promoting cooperation between the UN and OIC, convened by Pakistan.

The presidential statement, which was adopted by consensus, was read out by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who presided over the Security Council meeting on Pakistan’s signature event.

The Statement said:

“The Security Council recalls the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirms its primary responsibility under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security and in this regard, the Security Council reiterates that cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations and arrangements in matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security, and consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, can improve collective security.

“The Security Council recalls its previous relevant resolutions and statements of its President which underscore the importance of developing effective partnerships between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant statutes of the regional and subregional organizations.

“The Security Council expresses its appreciation for the briefings of the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Khalid Khiari, and the Assistant Secretary- General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Mr. Yousef M. Al Dobeay.

“The Security Council takes note of the 16th biennial general meeting of the organizations and agencies of the United Nations system and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its subsidiary organs and specialized and affiliated institutions, held in Astana from 22 to 24 July 2024 to review and appraise the level of cooperation between the two organizations and acknowledges the value of further strengthening cooperation in areas of common interest.

“The Security Council notes that the United Nations and the regional and subregional organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation work in promoting and facilitating the resolution of conflicts, and stressed the need for this work to be consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.

“The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the pacific settlement of disputes, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, in particular Chapter VI. The Security Council notes the interest of utilizing the existing and potential capabilities of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in this regard, including through encouraging its member countries to resolve differences peacefully through dialogue, reconciliation, consultation, negotiation, good offices, mediation, and judicial settlement of disputes.

“The Security Council recognizes the important role of the good offices of the Secretary-General and encourages the Secretary-General to continue to use mediation as often as possible to help resolve conflicts peacefully, working in close coordination with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in that regard, as appropriate.

“The Security Council welcomes the efforts of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which have been undertaken in coordination with the United Nations, in strengthening its role in conflict prevention, confidence-building, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation, mediation and preventive diplomacy, and stresses the need for this work to be consistent with the UN Charter and relevant resolutions of the Council.

“The Security Council recognizes the importance of interaction and cooperation, where appropriate, between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in support of nationally owned and inclusive peacebuilding efforts.

“The Council commends the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for their ongoing commitment to international peacekeeping and peacebuilding, including through the contribution of troops to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.

“The Security Council recognizes the value of close cooperation, as appropriate, with regional and subregional organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in order to enhance the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions in a coherent, efficient and effective manner.

“The Security Council notes that sharing of information and analysis between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is relevant for advancing their shared concerns on conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, and encourages exploring further cooperation in this area.

“The Security Council commends the commitment of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to building its capacity in the field of conflict prevention and resolution, mediation and preventive diplomacy.

“The Security Council recognizes the relevance of enhancing cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security and expresses its intention to hold regular Briefings of the Security Council, as appropriate, in this regard.

“The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to include in his next biannual report to the Security Council and the General Assembly on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations, recommendations on ways to further enhance cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.”

COMSATS University hosts project expo and open house showcasing student innovation

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ABBOTTABAD, Jul 24 (APP):COMSATS University Abbottabad Campus Thursday organized a vibrant Project Expo and Open House, highlighting students’ innovative contributions in various scientific and technological fields.
The event drew special attention with the presence of Commissioner Hazara Division Fayaz Ali Shah and Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sanaullah Khan, who attended as chief guests.
The expo featured hands-on demonstrations by students covering a range of cutting-edge topics including artificial intelligence, smart technologies, renewable energy, environment-friendly solutions, and projects addressing key social challenges.
Commissioner Hazara expressed admiration for the students’ creativity and the quality of the projects displayed, commending both the participants and the faculty for their dedication and hard work. He encouraged students to continue striving for excellence and to engage actively in positive, knowledge-driven pursuits.
Director Dr. Shahid Khattak also addressed the attendees, shedding light on the university’s academic achievements and the ongoing commitment of students and staff to research and innovation.
At the end of the event, outstanding students were awarded honorary certificates for their exceptional performances. The expo was well-attended by students, teachers, industrial experts, and representatives from research organizations, reflecting strong academia-industry collaboration and the university’s growing impact in technological education.

Govt taking steps for economic development of merged districts in KPK: PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 24 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Thursday assured that the federal government was taking all possible steps for the economic development of the merged districts and welfare of its people.
He was speaking to a delegation of tribal elders of the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman who visited the Prime Minister’s House.
Govt taking steps for economic development of merged districts in KPK: PM
The jirga discussed in detail the improvement of public order in the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the construction and development of these areas.
While welcoming the delegation, the prime minister announced the restoration of the quota of the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in medical colleges and engineering universities.
The tribal elders welcomed the decision, expressing happiness over restoration of the quota.
The prime minister said, “I am very happy to host the tribal elders at the Prime Minister House today.”
During conversation with the delegation, he said, “You belong to those areas of Pakistan that are the guardians of the glorious historical heritage and traditions.”
“Tribes have always made immense sacrifices for the security and peace of Pakistan,” he said adding, “Establishment of law and order in the merged districts is the top priority of the government.”
He said Pakistan’s security forces, police and law enforcement agencies were embracing martyrdom while fighting bravely against terrorists.
He urged that leaders of all schools of thought will have to play their role together to make Pakistan a cradle of peace.
“Providing equal and best opportunities for education, health, skills and employment to the people of the merged tribal districts, especially the youth, is our priority,” he stressed.
He said “The federal government has allocated a huge amount in this year’s development budget for the improvement of FATA University and police infrastructure in the merged districts.”
He directed to expand the scope of the committee established under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Frontier Regions Engineer Amir Muqam on the issues of the merged districts.
“Tribal elders of merged districts are also being represented in this committee,” he noted.
The delegation expressed gratitude for expanding the scope of the committee, giving representation to tribal elders and for restoration of quota of merged districts in medical colleges and engineering universities.
The delegation paid tribute to the courageous strategy of the Pakistan Army during the recent Pakistan-India conflict and for giving a befitting reply to the Indian aggression.
The delegation thanked the prime minister for the consultative session regarding peace and order, development and prosperity in the merged districts.
The prime minister said more such consultative sessions will be held with the tribal elders regarding the improvement of the merged tribal districts.
Federal Ministers including Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Power Division Sardar Owais Ahmed Leghari, Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Frontier Regions Engineer Amir Muqam, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Advisors to the Prime Minister Pervez Khattak, Dr. Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and relevant senior government officials attended the meeting.

Digital Skills Boot Camp inaugurated at Mir Ali

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PESHAWAR, Jul 24 (APP):The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has inaugurated digital skills boot camp in Mir Ali, North Waziristan to train tribal youth in contemporary skills of digital technology.
The two-day digital skills boot camp was started with the cooperation of Directorate of Youth Affairs KP. The camp was organized to train youth in modern era digital skills including Cyber Security, Digital Marketing, Data Analysis, Operating Systems, Graphic Designing, Canva Tools and Video Editing.
The camp was arranged under the vision of KP government to train youth and enable them to become self-reliant by exploring new avenues in emerging fields of digital technologies.

“Talal Ch Highlights FC’s Inter-Agency Coordination”

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 24 (APP):Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry Thursday clarified that the Frontier Constabulary has been restructured and revamped to strengthen its operational effectiveness bringing it on par with other law enforcement agencies in terms of functionality and institutional standing.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Senators Syed Ali Zafar, Aimal Wali Khan, Jan Muhammad, Abdul Shakoor Khan, and Dost Muhammad Khan, the Minister stated that the Frontier Constabulary’s services and utility have been formally recognized through a newly issued ordinance bringing it on par with other law enforcement agencies in terms of status and functionality.
Responding to the Calling Attention Notice, the minister said the Frontier Constabulary (FC) has made immense sacrifices in the war against terrorism, with 450 personnel martyred in the line of duty.He noted that the force had been unfairly downgraded compared to other agencies, with meager salaries and limited institutional recognition. He highlighted the FC’s diverse composition, stating it includes representation from 36 tribes, 96 sub-tribes, and comprises 512 platoons.
He said personnel for the Frontier Constabulary would be recruited from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with a new Reserve Division of 3,900 recruits being established. He added that 24 percent of the division’s representation would be allocated to the province./

PFA discards 80,000kg expired meat

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LAHORE, Jul 24 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) enforcement teams discarded 80,000kg expired frozen meat during a raid on a cold storage facility in Omega Town, Ferozwala on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister.
Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister Salma Butt led the operation, during which teams seized foul smelling, discoloured and decomposed meat including liver, wings, leg pieces and offals stored under extremely unhygienic conditions, said a handout issued here on Thursday.
Food safety teams found that cold storage was operating in violation of food safety regulations with poor hygiene, lack of temperature control and absence of procurement and sale records. Expired meat was intended to be supplied to well known food chains, marts and restaurants. A case was registered against the food business operator and the accused was taken into custody.
Entire stock was declared unfit for human consumption and was discarded on site.
Special Assistant Salma Butt said that no one would be allowed to play with public health under any circumstances and action would be taken without discrimination as per the directions of Punjab CM.
She said PFA’s prompt intervention had prevented a major threat to public health.
She further said that the Punjab Food Authority was actively ensuring compliance with food safety laws across the province and emphasized PFA’s policy of zero tolerance against such violations.

Ministers, business leaders in seminar on ‘ASEAN, Pakistan’ stress for progress in trade supply chain

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 24 (APP):The Ministers and business leaders in a seminar on “Economic Integration between Pakistan and ASEAN” stressed the need for improving trade supply and enhancing the concept of shared prosperity between both sides.
The speaker urged the Private Sector and Chamber of Commerce to play its vital role in enhancing the economic and trade integration between ASEAN and Pakistan.
The seminar on theme of “Economic Integration between Pakistan and ASEAN” was attended by Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and Federal Minister for Food Security and Research Rana Muhammad Tanveer Hussain and Ambassadors of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and diplomats, organized by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).
Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for BOI, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said that Pakistan’s economy will exceed $1 trillion in the coming years and investors from China, the Middle East, and ASEAN countries have a golden opportunity to invest in Pakistan.
The minister said the Pakistani government is providing ample facilities to investors, and Pakistan’s economic rating is improving with each passing day.
On the occasion, Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain said that Pakistan has established trade and diplomatic relations with ASEAN countries after its independence.
The minister said that Pakistan can prove to be an excellent trade partner for the ASEAN region due to its strategic location.
Tanveer said that Pakistan is keen to expand cooperation with ASEAN countries in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT, energy and other sectors.
He said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, is committed to establishing regional trade and diplomatic relations.
An event regarding economic relations with the ASEAN region at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers is remarkable to connect this potential economic block with Pakistan, he added.
President FPCCI Atif Ikram Sheikh said while addressing the session that Pakistan and ASEAN are important trading partners and Pakistan’s exports to ASEAN countries are $2.2 billion.
The President of FPCCI said that Pakistan’s imports from ASEAN countries are more than $8 billion.
He said that there are investment opportunities in Pakistan in various sectors for the ASEAN countries region and because of Pakistan’s strategic trade between ASEAN countries and Pakistan increases more in future.
Atif said that Pakistan is an important source of inter-regional coordination globally and investment in the agricultural sector in Pakistan is a prime opportunities for ASEAN.
He said Pakistan is among the first countries to establish diplomatic and trade relations with the countries of the ASEAN region.
President FPCCI said the volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan and ASEAN countries has remained at $11 billion, and strategically, Pakistan is a way to connect ASEAN countries and the Middle East through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Millions of skilled people from Pakistan are serving in ASEAN countries, and investors from ASEAN countries should take advantage of investment opportunities in various sectors in Pakistan, he said.
He said that Pakistan and ASEAN countries have a lot of potential in the areas of seafood, agriculture, leather industry and others.
There are vast opportunities to increase trade in the sectors, he said.
Vice President FPCCI, Aoun Ali Syed said that Pakistan and ASEAN have huge potential to increase the current trade volume of $11 billion to exceeding its to $30 billion in the coming 10 years.