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Health advisor inaugurates solarization project at Regi Model Town

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PESHAWAR, Jul 29 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health Advisor Ehtesham Ali here Tuesday inaugurated a solarization project of the health department to facilitate people.
 Ehtesham Ali inaugurated a 20 kVA solarization project at the Rural Health Center (RHC) at Regi Peshawar.
He said that under the Health Care Improvement Project (HCIP), 195 primary healthcare centers will be shifted to solar systems within the next six months.
These health centers include category C and D hospitals. Currently, nine health facilities across four districts are being solarized. In this phase, three health facilities in Peshawar are being converted to solar energy, including the Regi Lalma RHC.
He emphasized that through the solar system, uninterrupted electricity supply to these centers will be ensured.
This facility will enable the provision of better and timely healthcare services to patients around the clock.
The initiative a positive step toward promoting environmentally safe and sustainable energy. He also said that in the future, these facilities will be renovated and equipped with modern medical devices to ensure their 24/7 functionality.
He mentioned that a total of 3.3 billion rupees have been spent under this project to improve primary healthcare in Peshawar, Nowshera, Swabi, and Haripur.
As many as 800 million rupees were spent under this project to provide free treatment to the public at Nishtarabad Hospital in Peshawar.
Furthermore, 870 million rupees were spent to deploy security and sanitation staff at BHUs and RHCs under HCIP, which has improved cleanliness and resolved security issues.
He said 720 million rupees were spent to provide free medicines and family planning facilities.
As many as 254 million rupees were allocated for the training of healthcare providers to help them offer better services to patients.
Additionally, 25 million rupees were spent on the Health Promoting Schools initiative, which raised awareness among children about basic health and hygiene.
The solarization scheme is a key step toward modernizing and making healthcare facilities in rural areas self-sufficient. All these measures, he said, reflect the government’s commitment to providing high-quality, timely, and uninterrupted healthcare services in the province.

Mobile phone imports decreases 21.31% to $1.494 bn in FY 2025

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 29 (APP):The import of mobile phones into the country has witnessed a decrease of 21.31 percent during the fiscal year 2024-25 as compared to the last year 2023-24.
Pakistan imported mobile phones worth US $ 1.494 billion during July-June (2024-25) as compared to the imports of US $ 1.898 billion during July-June (2023-24), according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
Meanwhile, on a year-to-year basis, the import of mobile phones also dipped by 49.95 percent during the month of June 2025 when compared to the same month of last year.
The import of mobiles into the country during June 2025 was recorded at $ 139.425 million against the exports of $278.574 million in June 2024.
On a month-on-month basis, the imports of mobile phones went up by 39.60 percent during June 2025, as compared to the imports of US $99.875 million during May 2025, according to the data.
It is pertinent to mention here that the overall exports from the country increased by 4.67 percent during the fiscal year 2024-25 as compared to previous year, the data revealed.
Exports during July-June (2024-25) were recorded at $32.106 billion against $30.675 billion during July-June (2023-24).
On the other hand, imports into the country also went up by 6.57 percent by growing from $54.779 billion last year to $58.380 billion during the fiscal year 2024-25.

SECP unveils road-map for reducing settlement cycle to one day

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 29 (APP):The Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has announced February 9, 2026 as the implementation date for the transition from T+2 to T+1 settlement cycle for securities traded at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).
The announcement was made at a ceremony held in Karachi where several key market participants including PSX, NCCPL, CDC, PMEX, securities brokers, banks, and industry associations were present, said a press release issued here on Tuesday.
This transition marks a major milestone while abiding by SECP’s broader agenda to protect investor interests through greater speed, transparency, and increased market efficiency.
It also benefits market participants by significantly reducing the credit and market risk. Furthermore, this shift is expected to significantly improve market liquidity as trades will now be settled faster, lowering the likelihood of default due to market volatility or operational issues.
The Chairman SECP highlighted Pakistan’s early adoption of the T+1 settlement cycle by following in the footsteps of developed and emerging markets such as USA, China, Canada, Mexico, and Argentina.
He further emphasized that Pakistan’s alignment with global best practices reflects the increasing maturity, readiness, and resilience of its capital markets.
Under SECP’s guidance, NCCPL has actively led the transition through close coordination with key market stakeholders.
To support this process, an implementation committee was formed comprising of representatives from SECP, CMIIs, custodian banks and securities brokers to ensure a smooth, well-coordinated shift to the T+1 settlement cycle. Detailed consultations were also held with foreign investors in this regard.
In the lead-up to the implementation, the Chairman advised all market participants to begin reviewing their operational readiness for them to identify and address any potential challenges well in time.
Further, to facilitate this process, NCCPL has prepared a roadmap outlining the proposed T+1 settlement mechanism and detailed procedural guidance to enable a smooth transition while minimizing operational risk.
This market development initiative is a significant step toward modernization. It is expected to deliver substantial operational efficiency while reinforcing SECP’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s capital market ecosystem and aligning with evolving global standards.

Family members’ murderer arrested from Joklian Bela Jungle : SHO

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MANDI BAHAUDDIN, Jul 29 (APP):Station House Officer (SHO),Bhgat Police Station Muhammad Nawaz Gondal on Tuesday said that the police had arrested the accused, Ahsanullah, for murdering his family’s three members over land dispute by using last technologies form Joklina Bela Jungle.
The police spokesman said the police team recovered weapon from his custody which was used in the crime.
The accuses killed his father, mother and wife by opening indiscriminate firing on land dispute in village Asadullah Pur, Tehsil, Phalia.
The bodies had been identified as Muhammad Hussain 75, Rasoola Bibi, 70 and his wife Maria Bibi 35 years old.

Azerbaijan organizes familiarization tour for Kazakh, Uzbek tourism companies

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BAKU, July 29 (AZERTAC/APP) : The Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau has organized a familiarization tour for leading tourism companies from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The visit featured B2B meetings with more than 60 local tourism representatives and hotel operators.
Participants explored key tourist destinations in Baku, Shamakhi, and Baskal to evaluate local tourism potential, infrastructure, and services, including beach tourism along the Caspian coast.
In the first half of 2025, Azerbaijan welcomed over 68,000 visitors from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan – an increase of 15% compared to the same period in 2024. Direct flights currently connect Azerbaijan with four cities in Kazakhstan and two in Uzbekistan.

Junaid Chaudhry launches ambitious plan to expand national shipping fleet by 600% in three years

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 29 (APP):Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has launched a major initiative to expand and modernize national shipping fleet as part of efforts to strengthen maritime infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign vessels.
Chairing the agreements’ signing meeting, the federal minister said the initiative is designed not only to cut sea freight bill and conserve foreign exchange, but also to support climate-smart maritime practices by strengthening a cleaner, more efficient domestic fleet.
The minister said Pakistan plans to increase its shipping capacity by 600% over the next three years, with a focus on incorporating greener technologies and energy-efficient vessels into the state-owned fleet.
Under his leadership, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Port Qasim Authority (PQA) have signed separate agreements with the state-run Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), pledging financial support for the fleet expansion plan.
The agreements were signed by A. Abdullah Zaki, representing KPT’s Transition Management Committee, and Rear Admiral (R) Syed Moazzam Ilyas HI(M), Chairman of PQA, with PNSC CEO Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi.
The accords were finalized days after a high-level policy meeting chaired by Junaid Chaudhry, in which maritime stakeholders agreed to align fleet modernization with environmental sustainability and national climate goals outlined by the prime minister’s office.
KPT and PQA officials stressed that modernizing the fleet would not only conserve foreign exchange and enhance trade connectivity but also significantly lower the environmental cost of sea freight by minimizing fuel consumption and enabling compliance with international emission standards.
“This initiative reflects our broader vision to modernize the maritime sector, boost operational efficiency, and introduce advanced technologies across all institutions,” Junaid Chaudhry said, adding that the government remains committed to transparency and merit-based decision-making.
The initiative forms part of Pakistan’s efforts to position itself as a regional maritime hub while contributing to global efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry, one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.

11 arrested, bikes, car, jewllery recovered

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BOUREWALA, Jul 29 (APP):The police on Tuesday claimed to have arrested 11 accused of three gangs involved in burglary and theft during a recent crackdown.
According to an official from Karampur Police Station, 19 cases were traced and stolen
items worth Rs 8.3 million were recovered.
SP Chaudhry Shahid Sial, while speaking to journalists, said that five members of Azeem alias Jimmy gang were apprehended, and 52 solar panels, inverters, jewellery, and a motorcycle were recovered from their possession.
In a separate action, the accused of Javed alias Jaydi gang were arrested with
motorcycles worth around Rs 3.6 million and a car.
The police also recovered cattle worth about Rs 2 million from another group
identified as Imran alias Mani gang and its members were arrested.

Two-kanal land worth over Rs 40 mln retrieved in D.I. Khan

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DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Jul 29 (APP):In an ongoing anti-encroachment drive, the authorities retrieved Two kanals and 3.66 marlas of land worth around Rs 40.6 million during a major operation conducted in Thoya-Siyal and Band-Dhapanwala areas.
According to details, the operation was led by Assistant Commissioner Syed Muhammad Arsalan conducted to remove illegal structures from state-owned land along the Indus River.
The operation targeted both temporary and permanent encroachments on land owned by the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) and the Irrigation Department.
The encroachments were successfully cleared with the joint efforts of the Tehsildar, TMO, revenue officers, TMA staff, and Dera police, who ensured security and smooth execution.
The district administration reaffirmed its commitment to continue the anti-encroachment campaign without any discrimination to protect public land and mitigate flood risks for local communities.

Shipping Activity at Port Qasim

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KARACHI, Jul 29 (APP):Six ships, MSC Rochelle, MSC Mediterranean, Xin Lian Chang, Eleni-T, Torm Malaysia and Desert Dignity carrying Container, Mogas and Coal, berthed at Qasim International Container Terminal, FOTCO oil Terminal and Pakistan International Bulk Terminal respectively on Monday.
Meanwhile five more ships, GFS Prime, Maritime Kelly Anne, Banglar Agrajatra, Voula and Albion Bay carrying Container, Palm oil, Gas oil and Coal are also arrive at outer anchorage during last 24 hours.
Twelve ships were engaged at PQA berths during the last 24 hours, out of them four ships, MSC Rochelle, Xin Lian Chang, Dalma and Al-Jassasiya left the port on today early morning, while five more ships, Eleni-T, MSC Mediterranean, Lynux Synergy, Torm Malaysia and Iliana are expected to sail on today afternoon.
Cargo volume of 237,657 tonnes, comprising 170,720 tonnes imports cargo and 66,937 export cargo carried in 7,772 Containers (4,253 TEUs Imports & 3,519 TEUs Export) was handled at the port during last 24 hours.
Thirteen ships at Outer Anchorage of Port Qasim, out of them three ships, GFS Prime, Polyaigos and Maritime Kelly Anne scheduled to load/offload Container, Palm oil and Fuel oil are expected to take berths at QICT, FOTCO and LCT respectively on Tuesday, while two more container ships, Hansa Africa and Bremen Express are due to arrive at outer anchorage on Wednesday.

Armed men loot cash, mobile phone dacoity bid

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NOWSHERA VIRKAN, Jul 29 (APP):The unidentified armed men on Tuesday looted mobile phones and cash on gunpoint from two persons in Tatly Aali.
The police said that a man namely Akram Munj and his son, Adnan were going to fruit market when the robbers looted them.
The armed men riding motorcycle looted Rs 100,000 and three mobile phones in the bid.
The police registered a case against the unidentified accused and launched further investigation.