Govt, nation determined for success in economic field: PM

Fri, 23 May 2025, 8:11 PM

ISLAMABAD, May 23 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Friday said after the success of Marka-e-Haq, the government of Pakistan and the whole Pakistani nation was determined for success and historic victory in the economic field.

He was speaking during a meeting with a delegation of Presidents of Chambers of Commerce from all across the country.

He said the government in collaboration with the private sector and with the grace of Allah Almighty will emerge as a world economic power.

He underscored the need for reinvigorating the private sector for achieving self-sufficiency.

He said it was foremost priority of the government of Pakistan to protect rights of the business community and provide them a conducive environment for profitable business.

He said the government was taking different measures for promotion of small and medium enterprises.

He said the government was implementing a policy of easy business to bring down the cost of doing business.

Steps were being taken to ensure access to easy business loans and to bring cost of electricity down, he added.

The prime minister said tax evasion was absolutely unacceptable and all steps would be taken to stop it.

He underlined the need for introduction of modern technology in the country’s industries.

Women have an important role to play in the economic progress of the country, he remarked.

He said the government will extend complete cooperation to the businesswomen in their economic activities so that they could play an active role in the country’s progress.

The members of the delegation pay tribute to the prime minister and Pakistan army for their historic win in Marka-e-Haq.

They thanked the prime minister for the correct economic policies of the government and gradual improvement in the business conditions.

The performance of the stock exchange had gradually improved in the last two years which was reflective of the fact that the government economic policies were moving in the right direction, they added.

They reiterated to extend complete cooperation to the government of Pakistan for its steps for the country’s development and for public welfare and well being.

The members of the delegation appreciated the reforms undertaken in the Federal Board of Revenue and gave suggestions for making the reforms business friendly.

The delegation presented suggestions for budget for the next financial year. The prime minister instructed the finance minister to consider these suggestions.

Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Industries Rana Tanvir Hussain, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar and high ranking officials of relevant departments attended the meeting.

APP/mnr

Portuguese guitarist Pedro Joia to perform in Lahore

NNPS Desk

Fri, 23 May 2025, 8:07 PM

ISLAMABAD, May 23 (APP): Portuguese guitarist Pedro Joia will perform at the “International Jazz Festival” in Lahore on May 25 at Alhamra Arts Center.

Following his performance in Islamabad at the Silk Road Culture Center, Joia will engage in a series of activities in Lahore, including two masterclass sessions for musicians and artists’, said a press release issued by Portuguese embassy here.

The masterclasses will be held at Aga Khan Cultural Services, Lahore, and Olomopolo Media at 11 am, and at Alhamra Arts Center at 5 pm.

The cultural program is organized by the Embassy of Portugal in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Camões Institute for Cooperation and Language, Emirates Airlines, and the Honorary Consul of Portugal in Lahore.

Joia’s visit aims to strengthen artistic and cultural ties between Portugal and Pakistan, celebrating the universal language of music through the rich musical heritage of both cultures.

14 killed, 1,549 injured in 1,347 road accidents in Punjab

Kamran Muraad

Fri, 23 May 2025, 8:04 PM

LAHORE, May 23 (APP): The Emergency Services Department (ESD) responded to 1,347 road traffic crashes (RTCs) in all 37 districts of Punjab during the last 24 hours.

A spokesperson for the Rescue 1122 said, 14 people died in these RTCs, whereas 1,549 were injured. Out of these, 659 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 890 victims with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by rescue medical teams thus reducing the burden of hospitals.

The majority involved motorbikes, therefore effective enforcement of traffic laws and lane discipline are essential to reduce the increasing number of road traffic crashes.

Furthermore, the analysis showed that 885 drivers, 67 underage drivers, 163 pedestrians, and 515 passengers were among the victims of road traffic crashes. The statistics showed that 256 RTCs were reported in Lahore which affected 301 persons placing the provincial capital at top of the list followed by Faisalabad 94 with 103 victims and at third Gujranwala with 77 RTCs and 81 victims.

The details further revealed that 1,563 victims were affected by road traffic crashes including 1,278 males & 285 females, while the age group of the victims shows that 264 were under 18 years of age, 852 were between 18 and 40 years and rest of the 447 victims were reported above 40 years of age.

According to the data 1279 motorbikes, 104 auto-rickshaws, 137 motorcars, 25 vans, 11 passenger buses, 44 truck and 107 other types of auto vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in aforesaid road traffic accidents.

Sindh Assembly session held

Kamran Muraad

Fri, 23 May 2025, 8:00 PM

KARACHI, May 23 (APP): The Sindh Assembly session on Friday held at the Provincial Assembly Building.

The session started with the recitation from the Holy Quran and Naat Sharif. Questions and answers session regarding Sindh Human Settlement Department was also held.

The session was chaired by the Speaker Sindh Assembly Awais Qadir Shah.

KMC Council to meet on May 27

Kamran Muraad

Fri, 23 May 2025, 7:57 PM

KARACHI, May 23 (APP): The meeting of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Council, chaired by Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, will be held on May 27 at 11:00 AM in the Council Hall of the KMC Building on M.A. Jinnah Road.

FGP, ICCI sign MoU for sustainable economic empowerment, clean environment

Asif Jalal

Fri, 23 May 2025, 7:52 PM

ISLAMABAD, May 23 (APP):In a landmark development for sustainable economic empowerment and environmental responsibility, Freedom Gate Prosperity (FGP) and the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ICCI headquarters on Friday.

The MoU was formally signed by Muhammad Anwar, CEO of FGP, and Nasir M. Qureshi, President of ICCI.

Also present on the occasion were former ICCI President Aamir Waheed; Executive Members Faisal Muzzamal and Atiq-ur-Rehman, Advisor to the President Naeem Siddiqui; FGP Board Director Urooj Raza Sayyami and representatives from FGP, including Farhan Javaid, Shafqat Aziz, and Amna Kayani.

The MoU establishes a strategic partnership between the two organizations to promote youth and women entrepreneurship in collaboration with academic institutions, conduct skills-based training programs, and work jointly on climate resilience efforts.

A flagship initiative under this partnership is the “Clean Islamabad” campaign, through which both parties aim to eliminate the use of plastic bags and promote sustainable, plastic-free alternatives.

The collaboration will also include policy dialogues, the development of green business models, research support, and capacity-building activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Nasir M. Qureshi, President of ICCI, stated:

“This partnership is a timely step toward inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. ICCI strongly believes in supporting initiatives that empower youth and women entrepreneurs while promoting responsible business practices. Our collaboration with FGP reflects our shared commitment to a cleaner, greener, and economically stronger Islamabad.”

Muhammad Anwar, CEO of FGP, expressed his gratitude for ICCI’s proactive vision and stated:

“This MoU marks a meaningful beginning for collaborative, people-centered development. FGP believes that true empowerment comes when economic opportunity is linked with sustainability. We look forward to working with ICCI to shape models that not only create livelihoods but also protect our environment and build climate resilience.”

Both organizations jointly resolved to move forward with their shared mission of inclusive economic development, climate adaptation, and community engagement.

They agreed to translate this partnership into tangible action, ensuring their joint efforts reach grassroots communities, young entrepreneurs, and small business leaders across the Capital and beyond.

Musa Azad’s century, Arman and Niqab’s lethal spells shine in PCB inter-district U-19 tournament

Kamran Muraad

Fri, 23 May 2025, 7:47 PM

KARACHI, May 23 (APP): Three exciting matches concluded in the PCB Inter-District Under-19 One Day Cricket Tournament (Karachi Region) on Thursday, with outstanding performances including a century by Zone-IV captain Musa Azad and brilliant bowling by slow left-arm spinners Arman Hussain and Niqab Shafiq.

At Agha Khan Gymkhana Ground, Zone-IV overpowered Zone-I by 105 runs. Batting first, Zone-IV piled up 307 for 6 in their allotted 50 overs, led by a commanding 116 off 121 balls by skipper Musa Azad, who smashed 18 fours and 2 sixes. He was supported by Ahmer Riaz (81) and Daniyal Ahmed (50*). In reply, Zone-I was bundled out for 202 in 48.2 overs despite a fighting 58 from Hamza Malik. Aun Abbas, Amanullah, and Arshad Khan claimed two wickets each for Zone-IV.

In a nail-biting finish at Gulberg Gymkhana Ground, Zone-III edged out Zone-II by just one run. Zone-III posted 222 for 7, anchored by unbeaten knocks from Muhammad Hasan (58*) and Hassan Khan (20*). Zone-II came close in the chase but fell short, getting all out for 221 in the final over. Arman Hussain starred with the ball for Zone-III, grabbing 5 wickets for 33 runs.

Meanwhile, at KCCA Stadium, Zone-VI defeated Zone-VII by 75 runs. Zone-VI scored 178 for 6 in their 50 overs with Muhammad Azan contributing 53. Zone-VII struggled in their reply and were dismissed for 103 in just 30 overs. Niqab Shafiq tore through the batting lineup with figures of 4 for 11, well supported by Zaryab Shah (2/23) and Saad Sakhawat (2/35).

Match officials included umpires Imran Jawed, Murtaza Mehmood, Shahid Aslam, Danish Hussain, Alay Haider, and Faheem Bukhari. Scoring duties were handled by Mustujab Alam, Junaid Afzal, and Salman Hussain Kazmi.