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PM Shehbaz reaffirms resolve to deepen Pakistan–China ‘Ironclad’ partnership

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” with China, describing the bond between the two countries as a cornerstone of regional peace, stability, and development.
He was speaking during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who called on him at the Prime Minister House here, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
Welcoming Wang Yi, the Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for China’s steadfast support in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national development. He lauded President Xi Jinping’s “visionary leadership” and recalled his productive meeting with the Chinese President during his visit to Beijing last year.
The Prime Minister said he looked forward to his upcoming visit to Tianjin and Beijing, where he would attend the SCO Heads of State meeting and the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. He added that he was keenly anticipating meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other senior Chinese leaders.
Highlighting the importance of economic cooperation, Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed Pakistan’s desire to expand collaboration with China in trade, investment, ICT, agriculture, industrialization, mines, and minerals. He particularly underscored the significance of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for Pakistan’s socio-economic development and regional connectivity, expressing satisfaction with the steady progress of CPEC Phase-II.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in his remarks, reaffirmed China’s commitment to Pakistan, describing the two nations as “ironclad friends” and “all-weather strategic partners.” He commended Pakistan’s resolve in safeguarding sovereignty and pledged Beijing’s continued support to promote regional peace, development, and stability.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and senior cabinet members.

Uzbekistan’s business climate strengthens as entrepreneurs report rising demand, employment, growth

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
By Rehan Khan
TASHKENT, August 21 (APP):The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) released its latest nationwide survey, showing that Uzbekistan’s business climate continues its upward trajectory with stronger current activity and stable optimism for the months ahead on the eve of Entrepreneur’s Day.
According to CERR’s July analysis, the Uzbekistan Business Climate Index rose by 5 points year-on-year to 52, reflecting improved sales, employment, and demand across key sectors. The current situation index jumped to 44 points, up 14 points from last year, while the expectations index adjusted slightly from 66 to 59 but remained at a relatively high level—signaling confidence among entrepreneurs about future growth.
The survey revealed that 37% of entrepreneurs reported improved business conditions over the past three months, with 42% noting higher demand and 24% expanding their workforce. Looking ahead, 66% of respondents expect demand to grow further, 53% forecast rising employment, and 25% anticipate price increases amid inflationary pressures.
Sectoral trends reflected broad-based improvement as in agriculture, business climate index rose to 50 points (+4), with 41% of farmers reporting better conditions and 79% expecting further improvement. In industry, the index reached 50 points (+6), driven by a surge in the current situation index from 20 to 44, with 74% of industrialists forecasting growth. In services, index climbed to 54 points (+3), with 47% rating their business as “good” and 39% noting recent improvement. In construction, index stood at 50 points (+5), with 42% reporting improved conditions and 24% expecting further progress.
CERR emphasized that the findings highlight the resilience of Uzbekistan’s private sector, supported by strong domestic demand and the adaptability of businesses to changing conditions.
The Uzbekistan Business Climate Index is compiled monthly by CERR, based on surveys of more than 1,000 enterprises across industries, using methodology from Germany’s IFO Institute.

President visits residence of Shaheed Major Chaudhry Rizwan Tahir, pays tribute to brave officer

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday visited the residence of Shaheed Major Chaudhry Rizwan Tahir in Rawalpindi and paid tribute to the brave officer who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty during an operation in Noshki, Balochistan.
The president offered fateha and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, a Presidency’s news release said.
Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Mohsin Naqvi, also accompanied the president.

Ashra Rahmatul-lil-Alameen’ to be observed from 1st to 12th Rabi-ul-Awal

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, August 21 (APP):The government has announced that Ashra Rahmatul-lil-Alameen will be observed across the country from 1st to 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal with devotion and reverence, featuring national and provincial-level programs in connection with the 1,500 birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf chaired an inter-provincial meeting on Thursday where key decisions were taken to mark the occasion. The meeting was attended by Federal Secretary Religious Affairs Dr. Syed Atta-ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, provincial Auqaf secretaries, Minister of Auqaf AJK Hafiz Muhammad Ahmad Raza Qadri, Parliamentary Secretary Balochistan Shahnaz Umrani, and other senior officials.
Highlighting the importance of the commemorations, Sardar Yousaf said the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony will organize the 50th International Seerat-un-Nabi Conference in Islamabad, with the theme: “The State’s Responsibility in Educating and Training Youth for the Constructive Use of Social Media in the Light of Seerat-un-Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him).”
He emphasized that the observance of Ashra will help spread awareness among the younger generation about the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Special gatherings will be held by provincial and local governments, while schools, colleges, universities, and religious seminaries will arrange joint programs, encouraging students to share their reflections on the Seerat.
Sardar Yousaf said resolutions passed by the National Assembly and Senate provide the framework for nationwide Seerat gatherings. He stressed the need to address contemporary challenges including education, economy, social values, and family systems in the light of the Prophet’s Sunnah.
“Only by following the Seerat of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) in action can we achieve success in this world and the hereafter,” he said, adding that in today’s digital age, social media has made it easier to spread the Prophet’s universal message of guidance and humanity.

Pakistan pays tribute to victims of terrorism, reaffirms resolve to defeat menace: FO Spox

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP):Pakistan joined the international community Thursday in solemnly marking the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, reiterating its unwavering commitment to eliminating the scourge in all its forms and manifestations.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, in a statement, said the day serves as a reminder of collective responsibility to stand in solidarity with victims of terrorism, honour their memory, and reaffirm global resolve against this threat.
He noted that Pakistan has been one of the worst affected countries by terrorism, suffering over 90,000 casualties and economic losses exceeding US $150 billion. “Our security forces and people have shown unmatched resilience and made immense sacrifices to protect not only our homeland but also regional and global peace,” he added.
Ambassador Khan recalled recent terrorist incidents, including the Jaffar Express attack and the bombing of a school bus in Khuzdar, which claimed innocent civilian lives, including children. He stressed that terrorism in Pakistan is not an isolated phenomenon but “orchestrated, planned, and executed from across the borders.”
Highlighting emerging threats, he pointed out new forms of terrorism such as fake news and misinformation campaigns, state-sponsored extra-territorial assassinations, and hydro-terrorism.
The Spokesperson also reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with oppressed peoples facing state terrorism, particularly in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine. “Kashmiris continue to face systematic killings, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances under Indian occupation, yet their resolve for self-determination remains unbroken,” he said. He added that Palestinians are enduring relentless aggression and human rights violations by Israeli forces, actions which amount to genocide.
Ambassador Khan emphasized that prolonged conflicts, foreign occupation, and denial of self-determination fuel extremism and terrorism, urging the international community to address these root causes comprehensively.
“As we honour the victims of terrorism, Pakistan calls for strengthened international partnership, dialogue, and cooperation to eradicate terrorism without discrimination and to extend meaningful support to victims and their families,” he concluded.

Pakistan, China urged to expand youth exchanges for stronger partnership

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP):Experts from Pakistan and China on Thursday underscored the need to expand educational and cultural exchanges to deepen mutual understanding between the youth of both countries and strengthen the foundation of the all-weather partnership.
They were speaking at a webinar on “China-Pakistan Relationship: Youth Perspective” organized by the Asian Institute of Eco-Civilization Research and Development (AIERD), said a press release.
Pakistan, China urged to expand youth exchanges for stronger partnership
Dr. Zhang Ren Feng of Siachen University, China, noted that young Chinese students were eager to learn more about Pakistan’s governance, economy, and culture. He urged Pakistan to create more avenues for student engagement, stressing that such opportunities would help build long-term bridges of understanding.
Ms. Nabila Jaffer from the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) highlighted that Pakistani youth view China as a land of opportunity, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
She said student exchange programs and scholarships should remain a priority. Welcoming China’s initiative to introduce a new K-type visa for STEM students and researchers, she said it reflected Beijing’s commitment to facilitating academic and professional collaboration.
Dr. Zhao Lei of Fudan University lauded Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of foreign policy and stressed the need for both countries to strengthen cooperation in economic development. He said stronger economic ties would generate jobs and livelihoods for Pakistan’s youth, which was vital to channel their energy toward positive contributions to society.
Ms. Sadaf, speaking in the backdrop of the upcoming Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit to Islamabad, highlighted that Pakistan–China relations must now move beyond projects and infrastructure toward innovation corridors, youth collaboration, and regional integration.
She suggested that inclusion of Afghanistan in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and outreach beyond SAARC could promote both connectivity and reconciliation.
She noted that while bridges of infrastructure will remain important, the future will be defined by bridges of trust, innovation, and shared responsibility.
Concluding the discussion, Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, CEO of AIERD, said Pakistan and China had a history of achieving “miracles” whenever they worked together.
He cited examples such as the Karakoram Highway, Gwadar Port development, and civil nuclear cooperation, expressing hope that the younger generations of both countries would carry forward the same spirit to create new milestones in bilateral relations.

Pakistan, China urged to expand youth exchanges for stronger partnership

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): Experts from Pakistan and China on Thursday underscored the need to expand educational and cultural exchanges to deepen mutual understanding between the youth of both countries and strengthen the foundation of the all-weather partnership.

They were speaking at a webinar on “China-Pakistan Relationship: Youth Perspective” organized by the Asian Institute of Eco-Civilization Research and Development (AIERD), said a press release.

Dr. Zhang Ren Feng of Siachen University, China, noted that young Chinese students were eager to learn more about Pakistan’s governance, economy, and culture. He urged Pakistan to create more avenues for student engagement, stressing that such opportunities would help build long-term bridges of understanding.

Ms. Nabila Jaffer from the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) highlighted that Pakistani youth view China as a land of opportunity, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

She said student exchange programs and scholarships should remain a priority. Welcoming China’s initiative to introduce a new K-type visa for STEM students and researchers, she said it reflected Beijing’s commitment to facilitating academic and professional collaboration.

Dr. Zhao Lei of Fudan University lauded Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of foreign policy and stressed the need for both countries to strengthen cooperation in economic development. He said stronger economic ties would generate jobs and livelihoods for Pakistan’s youth, which was vital to channel their energy toward positive contributions to society.

Ms. Sadaf, speaking in the backdrop of the upcoming Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit to Islamabad, highlighted that Pakistan–China relations must now move beyond projects and infrastructure toward innovation corridors, youth collaboration, and regional integration.

She suggested that inclusion of Afghanistan in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and outreach beyond SAARC could promote both connectivity and reconciliation.

She noted that while bridges of infrastructure will remain important, the future will be defined by bridges of trust, innovation, and shared responsibility.

Concluding the discussion, Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, CEO of AIERD, said Pakistan and China had a history of achieving “miracles” whenever they worked together.

He cited examples such as the Karakoram Highway, Gwadar Port development, and civil nuclear cooperation, expressing hope that the younger generations of both countries would carry forward the same spirit to create new milestones in bilateral relations.

Finance Minister, stakeholders discuss textile export growth prospects

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP):Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, here Thursday held a meeting with a delegation of the country’s leading textile and garments producers and exporters.
According to press release issued by finance ministry, the delegation was led by Shahzad Saleem of Nishat Chunian Ltd and comprised Aamir Fayyaz of Kohinoor Mills, Amer Abdullah of Sapphire Group, Shahzad Ahmad of Arshad Corporation, Rehman Naseem of Fazal Cloth, Khurram Mukhtar of Sadaqat Textiles, and Anees Khawaja of Mahmood Group.
Senior officers from the Finance Division and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) were also present.
The delegation members shared their perspectives on the current state of the textile sector and its future outlook, emphasizing both the opportunities for further enhancing Pakistan’s export competitiveness and the challenges that need to be addressed to sustain growth momentum.
The minister acknowledged the vital role of the textile industry as the backbone of Pakistan’s export base and a key contributor to employment and industrial development.
He underlined the government’s commitment to strengthening this sector by providing an enabling environment that supports growth, competitiveness, and resilience in the face of global market dynamics.
The Minister reaffirmed that the government was pursuing comprehensive reforms aimed at reducing structural bottlenecks, rationalizing the tax framework, and ensuring greater policy continuity.
He highlighted that broadening the tax base, rationalizing expenditures, and aligning fiscal measures with industrial priorities were central to the government’s economic reform agenda.
He further noted that the forthcoming industrial policy would reflect market realities and industry expectations, ensuring that the concerns of key sectors are addressed in a timely and effective manner.
He added that the relocation of the Tax Policy Office to the Finance Division will help strengthen policy design and continuity, with a sharper focus on supporting industrial growth and export expansion.
Senator Aurangzeb assured the delegation of continued engagement and regular interaction, stressing the importance of a structured feedback mechanism between the government and industry stakeholders.
He emphasized that the government was committed to consultative decision-making and a whole-of-government approach in advancing the country’s economic and export objectives.
He also reaffirmed that the textile sector would remain a central pillar of Pakistan’s future economic strategy, with its growth and competitiveness being treated as a top priority in the broader agenda of reforms and sustainable development based on investment and export-led growth.

Governor Sindh visits rain-affected areas across Karachi, assures full support to citizens

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
KARACHI, Aug 21 (APP):Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori Thursday visited various rain-affected areas of Karachi. The Governor toured M.A. Jinnah Road, Saddar, Guru Mandir, Gulbahar, Board Office, Nazimabad, North Nazimabad, Hyderi, KDA, Five Star, New Karachi, Nagan Chowrangi, Power House Chowrangi, and Surjani Town, where he met with the affected residents, listened to their grievances, and assured them of all possible assistance.
During the visit, Governor Sindh, accompanied by senior MQM Pakistan leader Dr. Farooq Sattar, also distributed cooked food and bottled water among rain-affected citizens.
Later, talking to the media at Governor House alongside Dr. Farooq Sattar, he said that the power system in Karachi and Hyderabad had collapsed due to the rains, leaving citizens in severe distress. He added that in Surjani Phase-II, floodwater had entered people’s homes, and food and water were being provided to families on rooftops.
Governor Tessori informed that he had coordinated with the Mayor of Karachi and electricity authorities, following which water had been drained from several areas, though low-lying localities were still inundated.
He emphasized that the causes of these recurring issues must be identified in order to devise permanent solutions through consultation. In this regard, he assured full cooperation with the Sindh government and the Mayor of Karachi.
He revealed that 1,095 complaints were received at the Governor House Complaint Cell in a single day, while more than 11,000 complaints had been registered since the cell’s establishment. He stated that 11,000 bottles of water and 7,000 food packets had been distributed so far, and the relief activities were ongoing.
Responding to a question, Governor Sindh said that citizens would not be left alone under any circumstances. He cited a recent emergency response to a call from Dubai regarding a stranded family in Karachi, which was acted upon immediately. He urged citizens to register electricity and water complaints on Helpline 1366 and assured them that the doors of the Governor House remain open to the public.
Governor Sindh said that despite the difficult situation, the people remained hopeful, and it was expected that the issues would soon be resolved. Appealing to the federal government, he requested adequate compensation for the losses suffered by rain victims.
He expressed grief over the lives lost and those injured during the torrential rains, stressing the urgent need to accelerate relief operations.
He also appealed to political parties to establish relief camps, console the victims, and serve the public with a sense of responsibility. He reiterated that serving the people in their time of need is the foremost duty of those holding public office.

CDA reclaims 210 kanals in anti-encroachment drive at Saidpur Model Village

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP):The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has intensified its anti-encroachment drive in Saidpur Model Village, reclaiming 210 out of 370 kanals of illegally occupied estate land, officials said on Thursday.
The ongoing operation, carried out on the directions of CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, aims to clear the historic village of unauthorized constructions and restore its planned development.
CDA reclaims 210 kanals in anti-encroachment drive at Saidpur Model Village
Deputy Director General Enforcement, Dr. Anam, is supervising the campaign. CDA teams demolished 11 illegal houses and 12 shops using heavy machinery.
“The Enforcement Wing has been instructed to compile detailed data on all remaining unlawful structures to ensure the complete eradication of encroachments,” the authority said in a statement.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the site earlier this week to review the progress of both the anti-encroachment drive and beautification works.
He directed officials to continue “indiscriminate action against illegal constructions” and announced plans to establish outlets of well-known national food chains in the area.
According to him, the move will not only create employment opportunities but also provide citizens with a new recreational spot, enhancing the beauty of Islamabad.
The CDA has urged residents to cooperate with its enforcement teams and to report any cases of illegal occupation.
Authorities have also assured that the drive will continue until Saidpur Village is fully cleared, enabling its transformation into a “world-class recreational center.”
The centuries-old Saidpur Village, nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills, has long been a popular tourist attraction.
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