ISLAMABAD, Jul 21 (APP): Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) while conducting six operations across the country managed to recover over 88 kg drugs worth more than Rs 12.9 million and arrested 10 accused.
According to an ANF Headquarters spokesperson, ANF in a crackdown against drug traffickers near a school on Adiala Road, Rawalpindi, recovered 1.2 kg hashish from two motorcyclists.
The arrested suspects confessed selling drugs to the students of educational institutions.
In another operation near Mandi Mor, Islamabad, 14.4 kgs hashish was confiscated from a vehicle and motorcyclists while four accused were rounded up.
In third operation near Sabzi Mandi, Islamabad, 22.8 kgs hashish was recovered from a vehicle and two individuals were apprehended.
Near the Kech area of Mand, three kgs heroin, six kgs ice, & nine kgs hashish hidden for smuggling were recovered.
In 5th operation near Sheikhupura Toll Plaza, 22.8 kg hashish & 7.2 kg opium were recovered from secret cavities of a vehicle and a drug trafficker was apprehended.
In 6th operation near Islamabad Motorway Toll Plaza, 2 kgs ice was recovered from secret cavities of a vehicle and a drug smuggler was rounded up during the raid.
Separate cases have been registered against the accused under the CNS Act, the spokesperson informed.
ANF seizes over 88 kg drugs in six operations
Tarar terms officers of Information Ministry as first defenders of ideological frontiers of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Jul 21 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said on Monday that it was the job of the Information Ministry to promote and project a positive perception of the country.
Speaking as the chief guest at the passing out ceremony of the 41st Specialized Training Programme (STP) of the Information Group, he congratulated all the officers who have successfully completed this rigorous and highly important training.
He said he was not only delighted but highly encouraged, and he has a great sense of hope after meeting the young probationers here today. The minister said that the future of this country and the Information Service was very bright. He said the Information group played a vital role not only in the functioning of the government but also in highlighting its policies and projecting its narrative, improving the country’s image abroad, and building a narrative in regard to the country’s progress, prosperity, development, and who we are as people.
The job of the officers of the Information Service was not only to defend the ideology of the country but the basis of the creation of Pakistan, but also to promote a soft image of the country.
More often than not, this is a very thankless job as in this service you require utmost dedication and hard work, he said, adding that the contribution made by this group to the progress of the country had been immense.
The minister said more recently, it gives me immense pride to acknowledge that in recent Indo-Pak standoff was a testimony to the overall success of Pakistan, but the contribution that the Information Ministry had made in Pakistan’s success was immense, as the first war was the information war.
“The first was the challenge of narrative, and I am very proud to say that we passed in flying colours. Our services, our contribution to that war, were acknowledged at the highest level. Despite certain limitations, we made innovations, because if you don’t change with time, time will change you.”
The transformation of Digital Media Wing into the Digital Communication Department has enabled the ministry to
perform its duties more effectively. He said that the officers of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting have to perform in different ministries and departments, at the provincial level, and even outside Pakistan.
“You have reached here after a great struggle, and you carry great aspirations, and you have become part of this after passing a competitive examination and passing courses in the service as well.”
After completion of training, the probationers of this group will start practical life. This service demands its officers to perform in all spheres and all sectors. The officers of Information Service are posted in various ministries, departments provincial governments, and all over the world.
“We must acknowledge that no work can be accomplished without collective efforts and teamwork. Good work done by the officers creates a good name for themselves, their families, but also for the Information Group”, he added.
He said in recent times, there has been a great shift from mainstream media to digital media. This is a transformation that the senior officers of the Ministry had learnt with time, but you have grown up in the age of digital media.” Senior officers of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are digital migrants and you are digital natives”, he added.
The minister said there must be a great connection between the newcomers and the seniors, as there will be great learning that they will attain in the job after going through this rigorous training process.
The minister opined that the digital wave carries with it new challenges because the mainstream media evolved from print to electronic media through the process of organized evolution. When electronic news channels were launched in Pakistan, and they were seen as a means of news communication and mass communication, it was an evolution which carried with it whole processes like content control, editorial boards, editorial policy and certain codes of conduct.
But the new media, which is digital media, has not evolved from any old institution of any old institution or any old method, so the new media has its own peculiarities as it was developed on its own, so was carrying great challenges with it.
He said there will be great expectations from the new officers to tackle these challenges as the greatest challenge of present times was fake news, propaganda and disinformation.
The burden that the officers of the Information Ministry carried on their shoulders was much heavier than it was perceived.
Information Service group had a long list of unsung heroes who had done wonders for the country.
“Recently we have started a series in which we are going to acknowledge those unsung heroes who dedicated their lives to service of Pakistan”, he announced.
He assured the information officers that as long as he was the minister the services of the group will be acknowledged in Pakistan and abroad.
He wished all the best the probationers for future career who had been assigned ministries and departments. He said that the reputation that they will earn in start of service will carry throughout their career.
He expressed the hope that the new officers will earn laurels for not only information group but the country as well.
The role of Information Ministry in projection of the image of the country and the performance of the government had grown in due course of time and it will continue to grow.
In the he expressed the hope that new officers of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will carry the mantle that was passed on by their seniors to them.
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Lachin hosts roundtable on “AZERTAC at 105: The Past, Present, and Future of Cooperation”
Lachin, July 21 (AZERTAC/APP) : The Roundtable on “AZERTAC at 105: The Past, Present, and Future of Cooperation was held as part of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum in the city of Lachin.
In his opening remarks, Vugar Aliyev, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), noted that for over a century, the agency has operated without interruption. “Founded in 1920 by the first democratic state in the East, AZERTAC initially served as the independent news source of a sovereign country for just two months. However, even during the Soviet era, its news feed continued, creating a valuable archive of hundreds of thousands of photos and reports about our country. Looking back on the agency’s century-long history, we recognize the immense significance of this legacy,” the Chairman of Board mentioned.
“The value and relevance of our agency continue to grow with each passing year. In today’s modern and fast-paced information age – where content spreads with a single click – the role of news agencies has never been more vital. In such a flood of information, we are faced with one of the most serious problems of our time: fake news and disinformation. Agencies do not just react – they actively fight fake news. Fact-checking activities are now an integral part of the agency. Artificial intelligence and verification technologies are widely used to detect fake images, deepfake videos, and manipulated content,” Vugar Aliyev emphasized.
Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the Azerbaijani President in Lachin district, mentioned that note Lachin has become a host city for high-profile international events. “The city recently welcomed the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Türkiye, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan for a Summit.”
The Special Representative of the President highlighted Lachin’s restoration and remarkable development. “In just the past two years, the city has expanded significantly, boasting new infrastructure like an airport and tunnels of international importance,” he mentioned.
“This event, marking AZERTAC’s 105th anniversary, is truly special. It’s remarkable to see so many international news agencies gathered here. AZERTAC’s celebration of its 105th anniversary is a great achievement,” said Alexandru Ion Giboi, Secretary General of the European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA).
EANA Secretary General highlighted the importance of focusing on the future. “We live in an era where today’s realities are more challenging than it has ever been,” he mentioned. “It is vital for us to properly plan for the future, because swift technological development brings forth new challenges. The modern era is full of uncertainties, and it is crucial that we keep up with these developments,” Alexandru Giboi underlined.
“The relationship between AZERTAC and the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) spans 21 years, rooted in the Memorandum of cooperation signed between the news agencies in 2004. We are maintaining exchange of news, expanding our collaboration,” said Kiril Valchev, BTA Director General.
Noting that news agencies embody responsibility, the BTA Director General emphasized their crucial role not only in practical journalism but also in fostering peace. “I enjoy a long-standing relationship with AZERTAC, spanning half of its history. We must know the history, draw conclusions and benefit from it. It is crucial to delve into the past of a news agency with a legacy as rich as AZERTAC’s, said Mikhail Gusman, TASS First Deputy Director General.
He noted that National Leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev always placed a great importance to AZERTAC, constantly keeping its activities in spotlight. “During his leadership, AZERTAC was the primary channel for delivering crucial national news regarding the country to the public. Heydar Aliyev always paid special attention to this news agency,” he mentioned.
“This tradition is still being continued by President Ilham Aliyev, who attaches great importance to AZERTAC’s activities. The 105th anniversary marks not merely a date, but a testament to the extensive professional expertise, unwavering commitment, and evolution of the national press. Azerbaijan’s most distinguished journalists and photo correspondents honed their craft at AZERTAC.
Muhammad Asim Khichi, Managing Director of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), underlined that AZERTAC has transformed into one of the world’s leading news agencies, describing it as a significant achievement.
Elmir Huremović, General Manager of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Federal News Agency FENA, described the joint celebration of AZERTAC’s 105th anniversary in Lachin as a milestone event, noting that this event is not merely an anniversary for a news agency, it’s also an example of international news cooperation and friendship.
Cristina Mihaela Tatu, Deputy Director General of Romania’s AGERPRES news agency, said that AZERTAC has established successful cooperation with news agencies of various countries, including AGERPRES.
“For 105 years, AZERTAC has remained committed to delivering accurate news. I’d like to note that this year, Anadolu Agency is also celebrating its 105th anniversary,” said Bilgehan Öztürk, Anadolu Agency’s Strategic Communications and International Relations Manager.
Highlighting the importance of news agencies in responding to modern challenges, Öztürk described collaboration as key in achieving this goal. He mentioned that amidst the global transformation, cooperation becomes indispensable.
Jamil Qadalrah, Director of the News Department at Jordan’s Petra News Agency, emphasized that maintaining public trust is among the most crucial issues, which is incredibly valuable for media organizations, and remarkably easy to lose. “We must ensure that ethical and professional values are at the heart the media activities,” he added.
Emphasizing the importance of responsible journalists delivering accurate, swift, and with quality news to the public, Agha Iqrar Haroon, Director of Pakistan’s DND news agency noted that collaboration in this area is crucial and plays a significant role in disseminating unbiased news.
Congratulating AZERTAC on its 105th anniversary, Agha Iqrar Haroon stressed that DND news agency and AZERTAC has been maintaining cooperation since 2018. He also hailed the active news exchange between the two countries. Over 40 media representatives from various countries joined the roundtable discussion.
Cement exports increase 23.74% to $329.795 mln in FY 2025
ISLAMABAD, Jul 21 (APP): The exports of cement witnessed an increase of 23.74 percent during the fiscal year 2024-25, as against the exports of the last year 2023-24.
The cement exports from the country were recorded at US $329.795 million during July-June (2024-25) against the exports of US $266.516 million during July-June (2023-24), according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
In terms of quantity, the cement export also rose by 28.71 percent from 9,124,119 metric tons to 7,088,982 metric tons, the data revealed.
Meanwhile, year-on-year basis, the cement exports witnessed an increase of 40.81 percent during the month of June 2025 as compared to the same month of last year.
The exports of cement from the country during June 2025 were recorded at US $41.848 million against the exports of US $29.719 million in June 2024.
On a month-on-month basis, cement exports also surged by 22.23 percent during June 2025 when compared to the exports of US $34.236 million in May 2025, the PBS data revealed.
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.
Pakistan’s rice exports to China surge by 84% in first half of 2025
BEIJING, Jul 21 (APP): Pakistan’s rice exports to China have experienced significant growth during the first six months of 2025, marking an encouraging development under the framework of China’s economic policies aimed at enhancing trade relationships and diversifying supply chains.
According to recent data from the China General Administration of Customs (GACC), Pakistan’s shipments of semi-wholly milled rice (Commodity code 10063020) to China have soared to over $29.53 million, with the volume reaching approximately 66,960,601 kilograms in the January-June period. This marks a remarkable increase compared to the same period last year, when exports were valued at around $5.23 million.
Ghulam Qadir, Trade and Investment Counselor at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing, told China Economic Net that total rice exports from Pakistan to China for the first half of 2025, including both premium and broken rice, reached approximately $35.93 million. In comparison, exports during the same period in 2024 were valued at $19.53 million, signifying a growth of more than $16.40 million, or an impressive 84% increase.
Broken rice, notably IRRI-6 (Commodity code 10064020), crossed $4.52 million in export value with a quantity of around 13,377,000 kilograms. Additionally, a specific category of broken rice, with rice length less than 6mm and L-W ratio less than 2 (Commodity code 10064080), exceeded $1.87 million in exports during the period.
Ghulam Qadir said that the boost in rice exports aligns with China’s broader policies to diversify import sources and stabilize its food security strategy. Pakistan’s consistent increase in rice exports not only reflects its expanding role as a key rice supplier but also underscores the potential for deeper economic integration between the two nations.
As bilateral trade continues to flourish, Pakistani rice producers are optimistic about further market expansion, supported by ongoing improvements in trade policies, quality standards, and diplomatic ties. This trend promises beneficial economic implications for Pakistan’s agriculture sector and enhances its stature as a reliable rice exporter to China.
Intl Supply Chain Expo concluded, sending a clearer signal to globe
BEIJING, Jul 21 (APP): Running from Wednesday to Sunday in Beijing, the third edition of the China International Supply Chain Expo has drawn a total of 651 exhibitors. According to statistics, more than 6,000 cooperation agreements were signed and cooperation intentions were reached at this year’s supply chain-themed expo.
2025 CISCE attracted 1,200 exhibitors and institutions home and abroad, as well as the number of online and offline visitors exceeded 210,000, a 5% increase over the previous session. Exhibitors launched, exhibited, and debuted 152 new products, new technologies, and new services, a 67% increase over the previous session. In five days, exhibitors established cooperative relationships with 42,000 upstream and downstream companies.
As tariff tensions and geopolitical uncertainties continue to rattle the global economy, the 2025 China International Supply Chain Expo is emerging as a promising platform to foster resilient, diversified and cooperative global supply chains, China Economic Net reported.
“Investing in China is investing in the future,” this year’s Chain Expo sent a clearer signal to the world. At present, the global supply chain has been deeply integrated, which is also a general consensus among the business communities of various countries. As economic globalization enters a new stage, corporate cooperation has shifted from product and technology levels to supply chain levels. Behind any good product, there is an efficient and reliable supply chain to support it.
China will continue to be a fertile ground for foreign companies to invest and start businesses. ExxonMobil’s ethylene project in Huizhou, Guangdong, was put into production at the same time as the opening of the CISCE. Starbucks reached a strategic cooperation with China Vision Technology Group at the expo. And McDonald’s joined hands with nine major Chinese suppliers to launch the China Regenerative Agriculture Plan.
More than that, 102 Chinese and foreign companies and institutions including Honeywell, GE Healthcare, and Siemens signed their intention to exhibit at the 4th expo on site, with the number of contracts signed increased by nearly 50% over last year.
For Chinese firms, the expo offers a window to expand their international footprint and connect directly with global supply chain nodes. For multinational firms, it provides an opportunity to gain access to China’s vast market, comprehensive industrial ecosystem and strong policy support.
Against the backdrop of mounting trade protectionism and rising global fragmentation, the event showcases China’s bid to champion openness, innovation and international cooperation in the face of growing headwinds.