Monday, July 28, 2025
Home Blog Page 566

NPA Delegation briefed on Safe City Islamabad’s tech-driven operations

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 27 (APP): Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) on Friday briefed a delegation from the National Police Academy (NPA) Islamabad about the advanced surveillance infrastructure and operational capabilities of Safe City Islamabad during their visit under the Mid-Career Management Course.
An official told APP that the delegation was welcomed by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Safe City Muhammad Iqbal Khan and Assistant Director Safe City at the Command and Control Center.
The delegation was given a comprehensive briefing on the functions and advantages of key units including the Police Operations Center, Emergency Control Center, Data Hub Unit, Dispatch Control Center, the E-Challan system, and the “Pucar-15” helpline.
NPA Delegation briefed on Safe City Islamabad’s tech-driven operations
They were informed that modern surveillance cameras, equipped with advanced technology, are playing a vital role in safeguarding lives and property, deterring crime, and maintaining citywide monitoring.
NPA Delegation briefed on Safe City Islamabad’s tech-driven operations
It was further shared that face recognition cameras have been strategically installed at all entry and exit points of the capital to help identify suspicious individuals and prevent unlawful activities.
The delegation appreciated the technological advancements and expressed gratitude to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and his team for the comprehensive briefing and facilitation.

UK car production continues to fall in May to lowest since 1949

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISTANBUL, Jun 27 (AA/APP): The UK’s car production plunged for the fifth consecutive month to the lowest level since 1949 in May due to the impact of the US tariffs, according to data by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on Friday.

The new car and commercial vehicle production volumes fell by 32.8% year-on-year to 49,810 units in May.

“Excluding 2020, when Covid lockdowns saw factories shuttered or running at greatly reduced capacity, it was the lowest performance for the month since 1949,” a statement from the SMMT said.

The decline was due to ongoing model changeovers, restructuring, and the impact of US tariffs.

Last month, shipments to the US and the EU, the UK’s two biggest markets, decreased 55.4% and 22.5% year-on-year, respectively.

“Confirmed trade deals with crucial markets, especially the US and a more positive relationship with the EU, as well as government strategies on industry and trade that recognize the critical role the sector plays in driving economic growth, should help recovery,” said SMMT CEO Mike Hawes.

“With rapid implementation, particularly on the energy costs constraining our competitiveness, the UK can deliver the jobs, growth and decarbonization that is desperately needed,” he added.

In April, US President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all US imports of cars and car parts.

However, Trump signed an executive order in May lowering the duty that US-based companies pay on British autos to 10% for the first 100,000 cars imported annually.

NA Speaker lauds Iranian resilience, congratulates nation on standing firm against Israeli aggression

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 27 (APP): National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Friday congratulated the people and government of Iran for their resilience and success in the wake of Israeli aggression.
Talking to Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam, he said Pakistan and Iran enjoy cordial ties rooted in shared religion, history, and cultural heritage, reaffirming that the friendship between the two neighbouring countries continues to grow stronger with time. Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, and Federal Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Naqvi were also present on the occasion.
The speaker condemned Israel’s recent attack on Iran, calling it a flagrant violation of international law.
Welcoming the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, the speaker emphasized that what the world needs today is not more war, but a renewed commitment to peace.
He reiterated that Pakistan has always played a proactive role in promoting peace and stability in the region. Referring to recent regional tensions, he highlighted Pakistan’s firm and effective response to Indian aggression, stating that the events clearly exposed the strategic alliance between India and Israel.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has also  stated that a successful outcome for Iran and Pakistan in these turbulent times would further solidify their bilateral partnership.
He pointed out that India’s negative and unconstructive role in the Iran-Israel conflict provides Iran with an opportunity to reconsider its diplomatic and strategic ties with India.
The speaker also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of over 50,000 Palestinian lives due to Israeli aggression, calling it a tragedy that has deeply affected every Pakistani.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also said that Parliament and the people of Pakistan stand in complete solidarity with the Iranian nation. Pakistan’s National Assembly was the first legislature to pass a resolution condemning the Israeli attack on Iran.
Furthermore, more than 200 members of parliament reiterated their support for Iran during their speeches on the National budget for the fiscal year 2025–26.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stressed the recent conflicts between Pakistan and India, and Iran and Israel, serve as a reminder to the world of the urgent need for peace. He warned that Israel’s actions pose a severe threat to regional security and called upon the international community to take immediate and serious notice of the violations of international law.
He asserted that Israeli attacks are in clear breach of both international legal norms and the United Nations Charter.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to its neighbor, the speaker described Iran as a trusted and brotherly country.
He emphasized that Pakistan is determined to expand cooperation with Iran in both parliamentary and economic sectors.
He further added that increased parliamentary engagement can play a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations and bringing the people of both countries closer together.
Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam expressed deep gratitude to the speaker and the people of Pakistan for their consistent and heartfelt support. He acknowledged Pakistan as a true and reliable friend, especially in difficult times.
The Ambassador thanked Speaker Ayaz Sadiq for being the first to express solidarity with Iran following the Israeli attack and praised Pakistan’s principled stance in supporting Iran across all international platforms.
Ambassador Moghadam also conveyed appreciation on behalf of the Iranian Parliament and government to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Parliament of Pakistan, and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their unwavering support.
He stated that Israel’s attack was a deliberate attempt to damage Iran’s nuclear program, and that Israel’s weakening position has led to the United States becoming directly involved in the conflict.
The Iranian Ambassador lauded Pakistan’s positive and constructive role in supporting peace and stability across the region. He emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation as a means to further deepen ties between the two countries and acknowledged the speaker’s commendable efforts in fostering bilateral engagement.

Lee’s approval rating stands at 64 pct: poll

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

SEOUL, Jun 27 (Yonhap/APP): President Lee Jae Myung’s public approval rating rose above 60 percent, just about three weeks into his term in office, a poll showed Friday.

In the Gallup Korea survey of 1,004 adults conducted between Tuesday and Thursday, 64 percent of the respondents said Lee was doing a good job, while 21 percent said he was doing poorly and the remaining 15 percent were undecided.

This is the first Gallup poll on Lee’s approval rating.

Compared with the initial approval ratings of former presidents, Lee’s approval rating was higher than former President Yoon Suk Yeol with 52 percent and former President Park Geun-hye with 44 percent, but lower than former President Moon Jae-in with 84 percent.

The approval rating for the ruling Democratic Party fell to 43 percent, down 3 percentage points from the previous survey, while support for the main opposition People Power Party rose 2 percentage points to 23 percent.

The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.

ICCI, Uzbek delegation hold talks to boost bilateral trade

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Jun 27 (APP): In a significant step towards deepening economic cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, an 18-member high-level delegation of Uzbek businessmen led by Bakhrom Yusupov, Commercial Attaché, visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Friday.

The visit was organized in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP) and featured focused B2B meetings aimed at boosting trade and industrial linkages between the two countries, said a press release.

Welcoming the delegation, ICCI President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi emphasized the strong commitment of both nations to expand their trade, enhance connectivity and promote people-to-people linkages. He appreciated Uzbekistan’s rapidly growing economy and underscored the need to elevate bilateral trade to the $2 billion mark.

Bakhrom Yusupov highlighted the deep cultural, religious, and historical bonds between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, urging both sides to expand cooperation in agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals, leather, textiles, food processing, and the digital economy.

He invited Pakistani businesses to tap into Uzbekistan’s emerging markets and investment-friendly climate.

Representing the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Focal Persons Malik Rauf Awan and Dr Rana Khalid Mehmood pledged full support of the government to foster industrial and entrepreneurial collaboration, particularly among youth in both countries.

Rice imports to Japan surge in May, 3.5 times FY 2024 total

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

Tokyo, Jun 27 (Kyodo/APP): Private sector imports of tariffed rice to Japan in May were 3.5 times the total volume brought in during all of fiscal 2024, revised government trade data showed Friday, as soaring prices of domestic rice have spurred demand for cheaper alternatives.

According to the Finance Ministry’s trade statistics, revised from a preliminary report issued earlier this month, 10,605 tons of tariffed rice were imported in May, a sharp increase from 115 tons in the same period last year. The United States, which accounted for 7,894 tons, was the largest source, followed by Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Prices of domestic rice have continued to surge due in part to a supply shortage, with an auction system initially employed by the government to release its stockpiles blamed for further inflating prices.

Yasufumi Miwa, an expert on agriculture at the Japan Research Institute, noted that private imports may soon decline as the government has been selling stockpiled rice via direct contracts with retailers since late May, helping to ease prices.

But Miwa warned that they may rise again if the price of newly harvested rice stays in the range of 4,000 yen ($28) per 5 kilograms.

Japan currently imports 770,000 tons of rice annually tariff-free under its minimum access commitment based on World Trade Organization rules. Of that, up to 100,000 tons is used for human consumption.

As the recent surge in rice imports falls outside this quota, they are subject to a tariff of 341 yen per kg.

PSX turns bullish, gains 2,332.60 points

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
Pakistan Stock Exchange
ISLAMABAD, Jun 27 (APP): The 100-Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) turned around to a bullish trend on Friday, gaining 2,332.60, a positive change of 1.91 percent, closing at 124,379.07 points as compared to 122,046.46 points on the last trading day.
A total of 773,409,701 shares were traded during the day as compared to 758,542,306 shares the previous trading day, whereas the price of shares stood at Rs 37.567 billion against Rs 29.934 billion on the last trading day.
As many as 484 companies transacted their shares in the stock market, 334 of them recorded gains and 116 sustained losses, whereas the share price of 34 companies remained unchanged.
The three top trading companies were Bank Makramah with 79,746,776 shares at Rs 5.07 per share, Ghani Glo Hol with 27,671,502 shares at Rs 17.99 per share and Pervez Ahmed Co with 34,856,117 shares at Rs 3.27 per share.
PIA Holding Company LimitedB witnessed a maximum increase of Rs1,336.12 per share closing at Rs14,697.30 whereas runner-up was Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited with Rs103.17 rise in its share price to close at Rs23,500.00.
Pakistan Services Limited witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs 70.50 per share price, closing at Rs 778.53, whereas the runner-up was Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited with Rs 34.85 decline in its per share price to Rs 9,599.33.

Air Arabia launches its new route to Sochi in Russia

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

SHARJAH, Jun 27 (WAM/APP): Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) operator, inaugurated its new route to the Russian city of Sochi with a frequency six weekly flights.

The new service marks the sixth Russian city to be served directly from Sharjah, alongside Moscow, Kazan, Samara, Ufa, and Yekaterinburg, further expanding Air Arabia’s network in the country.

Commenting on the launch, Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said, “We are glad to inaugurate our non-stop flights to Sochi, further strengthening our connectivity with Russia. This expansion not only provides our customers with a convenient and affordable air travel option between the UAE and Russia but also further strengthening tourism and trade ties between both nations. Sochi complements our growing network in the country and reflects our ongoing commitment to offering more travel opportunities to our customers.”

“Today, Sochi is actively developing as an international hub, attracting more and more foreign tourists and offering extensive travel opportunities for Russian citizens. The United Arab Emirates ranks among the top destinations served by the airport. The Emirate of Sharjah will become the third city in the UAE connected to Sochi Airport’s route network, once again confirming the growth and strengthening of ties between our countries. Thanks to Air Arabia’s wide route network, travelers will benefit from convenient connections to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, significantly expanding their international travel options,” Alexey Starostin, CEO Aerod, managing company of Sochi airport.

With the addition of Sochi to its network, Air Arabia now serves Russia from three airports in the UAE, including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. This expansion highlights the airline’s ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and Russia, while promoting tourism, trade and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Chinese FM holds talks with Armenian counterpart

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

BEIJING, Jun 27 (BRNN/APP): Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan in Beijing on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and Armenia have always respected and trusted each other, and that China is willing to work with Armenia to carry forward their friendship, consolidate mutual trust, deepen cooperation, contribute to the development and rejuvenation of the two countries, and create more benefits for their peoples.

Wang said China is willing to work with all countries, including Armenia, to practice true multilateralism and safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, as well as the international order based on international law. China is also ready to promote the implementation of the three major global initiatives, and jointly build a community with a shared future for all.

China will, as always, support Armenia in safeguarding its national sovereignty and independence, and in forging a path that is supported by its people and in line with its national conditions, he said, adding that China appreciates Armenia’s adherence to the one-China principle and its firm support for China’s position on issues concerning its core interests.

Mirzoyan said that Armenia will continue to follow the one-China policy and support China in safeguarding its core interests, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in such fields as connectivity, economy and trade. Armenia is also ready to strengthen coordination with China on international and regional affairs, and to establish a more stable, friendly and strategic partnership between the two countries.

The two sides also exchanged views on deepening cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and on issues related to the Israel-Iran conflict.

Saba Sadiq expresses grief over loss of 18 tourists swept away in Swat Floods

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 27 (APP): Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Human Rights, MNA Saba Sadiq, on Friday expressed heartfelt grief over the death of 18 tourists including two children, who lost their lives in flash floods near Khwaza Khela in Swat.
In a statement, she prayed for peace for those who died and strength for their families. She asked the Swat district administration to complete the search for missing people without delay.
She also called on the NDMA, district administration, and rescue agencies to improve safety measures along rivers and streams. She appreciated the rescue teams for saving tourists stranded by the sudden floods.
It is to be mentioned that atleast 18 tourists, including women and children, were swept away by flash floods in the Swat River on Friday.
The rescue teams recovered nine bodies, including those of two children.
The incident took place at Fizagat Swat, where tourists from two families were having breakfast near the river when a sudden rise in water carried many of them away.
A video of the incident circulated on social media, showing women and children stuck in the river while people on the bank watched helplessly.
Deputy Commissioner Swat, Shahzad Mehboob, said seven bodies had been found and confirmed that around 73 people were trapped by flash floods at different spots in Swat. He said rescue efforts faced many hurdles.
Eyewitnesses blamed the Swat authorities for delays, saying the tourists remained stranded for about two hours before being swept away despite calls for help.
1...565566567...28,246Page 566 of 28,246

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan