Israel’s attack on Iran causes spike of military conflicts: Guo Jiakun

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Mon, 16 Jun 2025, 5:48 PM

BEIJING, Jun 16 (APP): China is deeply concerned about Israel’s attacks on Iran, which caused the spike of military conflicts, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun said on Monday.

“We call on parties to immediately take measures to ease tensions as soon as possible, prevent the region from spiraling into greater turmoil, and create conditions for returning to the right track of resolving issues through dialogue and negotiation,” he said during his regular briefing.

If the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate or even spill over, the other countries in the Middle East will inevitably bear the brunt, he added.

The spokesperson said that foreign Minister Wang Yi has spoken to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on the phone, calling on both sides to resolve differences through dialogue, adding, relevant parties need to take measures immediately to put a brake on the escalation of the conflict and bring down the temperature of the situation.

“Let me stress that force cannot bring lasting peace, all international disputes should be settled through dialogue and consultation, and only by upholding the vision of common security can the legitimate concerns of all parties be thoroughly addressed,” he said.

China will continue to maintain communication with relevant parties and promote talks for peace, so as to prevent more turmoil in the region, he added.

To a question, he said that as he just said, Foreign Minister Wang Yi had phone conversations with foreign ministers of Israel and Iran over the weekend respectively, urging the two sides to address differences through dialogue.

China will continue to play a constructive role in solving the ongoing Israeli-Iranian conflict, he added.

On the prospect of the Iranian nuclear negotiations, he stressed that China called for a peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue through political and diplomatic means.

“We stand ready to maintain communication and coordination with relevant parties, play a constructive role for the de-escalation of the situation, and create a favorable environment for the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue,” he added.

FDA completes arrangements for auction of residential, commercial plots

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Kamran Muraad

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Mon, 16 Jun 2025, 5:30 PM

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FAISALABAD, Jun 16 (APP): The Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) has finalized arrangements for a public auction of various residential and commercial plots.

Director General FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhary said that the auction would be held at 11 am in Project Management Unit Office FDA City Sargodha Road here on Wednesday (June 18).

He reviewed the auction arrangements during a meeting and issued necessary directives to ensure a well-organized and transparent process.

He examined the terms and conditions of the auction and constituted a Public Auction Committee headed by Director Estate Management-II.

Among other committee members included Director Finance, Director Town Planning-I, Deputy Director Estate Management-II and Assistant Director Estate Management-II.

Director General FDA directed the auction committee that details of all plots should be displayed in a clear manner.

He emphasized strict adherence to all legal requirements and departmental conditions throughout the auction process.

He also highlighted the importance of providing all possible ease and convenience to interested bidders while maintaining discipline.

Director Estate Management-II Sohail Maqsood Panu provided an overview of the residential and commercial plots up for auction in FDA City including their value and location.

He said that the public auction will include multiple plots of 10 marla and 1-Kanal in various blocks as well as the sale of shops on the boulevard.

The plots of various sizes for hospitals, wedding halls/marquees, and petrol pumps will be offered on lease, he added.

Additional Director General FDA Kaisar Abbas Rind, Director IT Yasir Ejaz Chattha, Deputy Director Finance Faisal Tariq Butt and others were also present in the meeting.

Agricultural experts discuss building resilience in global agri-food systems

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NNPS Desk

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Mon, 16 Jun 2025, 5:28 PM

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BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua/APP): Agricultural experts convened at China Agricultural University (CAU) on Sunday to discuss strategies for enhancing global food security and promoting sustainable agri-food systems.

More than 100 participants engaged in discussions under the theme “Building Resilience in Global Agri-Food Systems,” as part of the lead-up to the 2025 World Agrifood Innovation Conference (WAFI), scheduled to be held in Beijing from Oct. 12 to 15.

Fan Shenggen, dean of the Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy at the university, said that the global food system is facing mounting pressure from climate change, geopolitical conflicts and trade tensions. These challenges, he noted, are reshaping the global food security landscape.

Sun Qixin, president of CAU, underscored the urgency of transitioning to more sustainable agri-food systems amid growing climate uncertainties. He also shared updates on preparations for the upcoming WAFI conference, emphasizing that it will continue to serve as a platform for international collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.

Johan Swinnen, director general of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), highlighted key milestones from IFPRI’s 50 years of work in global food policy research. He said the global food system is undergoing structural changes that require a re-evaluation of the investment framework and policy design.

Swinnen praised WAFI for its role in fostering international dialogue on agriculture and reaffirmed IFPRI’s commitment to working with institutions like CAU on areas such as agricultural policy, nutrition and climate resilience.

Despite complex global dynamics, Swinnen noted that shared interests in food security and agricultural development remain strong, particularly in South-South cooperation, technology sharing and regional policy coordination. He called for strengthened multilateral collaboration.

Speaking on China-Africa agricultural cooperation, Sun said that the partnership remains a priority, with a strong focus on agricultural education and technology transfer. He urged encouraging more African students to pursue studies in China, where they can gain both academic knowledge and hands-on experience through work on demonstration farms and exposure to policy frameworks. China, he added, will continue to support technology transfer and capacity-building initiatives to boost agricultural productivity and governance across the continent.

The 2025 WAFI will include an opening ceremony, plenary sessions, thematic forums, side events, innovation demonstrations and an expo. Organizers say the event aims to foster cross-sector collaboration among governments, industries, academia and research institutions to support a more resilient, healthy and sustainable global food future.

PFA discards 1,200 litres of oil derived from animal waste

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Kamran Muraad

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Mon, 16 Jun 2025, 5:26 PM

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LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) enforcement team foiled an attempt to supply contaminated oil extracted from animal fat during an operation conducted in the Mahmood Booti area, here on Monday.

Acting on the directives of PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid, the food safety team seized 1,200 litres of loose, substandard oil being transported in an unregistered vehicle. The oil was immediately discarded on the spot.

The operation was carried out due to the absence of mandatory documentation and licenses required for transporting such hazardous material. The PFA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health by continuing its crackdown on food adulteration and unsafe food practices.

PFA DG Asim Javed said that the oil was being transported without proof of delivery to a licensed bio-diesel or soap manufacturing unit. He said that all such consignments must be properly labelled “Not fit for human consumption” and must include complete documentation of the destination facility. He added that the seized oil lacked methylene dye, which is mandatory to prevent its misuse in the production of edible oil. Mixing oil extracted from animal fat or offal into used cooking oil is a serious offense under food laws, he added.

Türkiye’s Oruc Reis vessel begins return journey after first intercontinental mission off Somalia

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NNPS Desk

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Mon, 16 Jun 2025, 5:23 PM

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Türkiye, Jun 16 (AA/APP): The Oruc Reis seismic exploration vessel is currently en route to Türkiye and is expected to arrive in early July after successfully completing its first intercontinental mission in Somali waters, the Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Ministry said on Monday.

The seismic vessel, developed with domestic resources, began its return journey, departing form the Port of Mogadishu, the ministry said in a statement.

The Oruc Reis, which was dispatched to Somalia by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from Istanbul on Oct. 5, 2024, completed its 234-day mission on June 6 after collecting three-dimensional seismic data across 4,464 square kilometers in three offshore blocks, it added.

The Oruc Reis and its accompanying fleet are expected to reach Türkiye in early July following an 18- to 20-day journey through the Suez Canal.

The vessel will pass through the Bosphorus Strait and dock at Filyos Port in Türkiye’s Black Sea province of Zonguldak, where it will undergo maintenance and repairs ahead of its next mission.

All data collected by the vessel will be analyzed in the Turkish capital, Ankara, and based on the results, drilling operations are expected to begin at designated locations in Somalia’s offshore blocks.

Rs 5,335b tax-free budget 2025-26 presented in Punjab Assembly

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Kamran Muraad

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Mon, 16 Jun 2025, 5:14 PM

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LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP): Provincial Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman presented the Punjab budget for financial year (FY) 2025-26 with a total outlay of Rs 5,335 billion including Rs 1,240 billion for development programmes, in the Punjab Assembly session here on Monday.

The minister said that the present government has allocated a total of Rs 1,240 billion for development programme that is 23 per cent of the budget 2025-26 and is 47 percent higher than the current FY 2024-25 containing Rs 842 billion on this count. In next FY budget, he said, estimated expenditures under Account-II (Food) have been reduced up to 88 per cent (Rs 53.3 billion) while compared with that of current fiscal year, which is clear proof of the best economic planning of the government, and that is why we have managed to overcome internal debts servicing by 94 percent.

He said that health, education and other sectors under the Social Sector have always been top priority of the PML-N government, that is why a hefty grant of Rs 494 billion (40 per cent of the ADP) have been earmarked for social sector.

Giving break-up of the budget in his speech during the assembly session, the finance minister said that the total revenues collection is estimated at Rs 4890.4 billion, adding that under National Finance Commission (NFC), Punjab will receive Rs 4062.2 billion from the federal divisible pool, while provincial receipts (Own Resource Revenue) are estimated at Rs 828.2 billion for financial year 2025-26. Regarding provincial receipts, he mentioned, Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has been given revenue collection target of Rs 340 billion for the next FY, Board of Revenue Rs 135.5 billion, and Excise Department Rs 70 billion.

Terming the provincial budget as tax-free, progressive and pro-business, Mian Mujtaba added that during the financial year 2025-26, a total of Rs 2706.5 billion would be spent on under heads of provincial government employees’ salaries, pension, PFC transfers and service delivery, asserting that these expenditures are reduced by six percent. Similarly, Rs 590.2 billion under the head of Current Capital Expenditures is made part of the budget.

Mian Mujtaba said that Rs 764.2 billion fund of provisional PFC Award (Provincial Finance Commission) have been allocated to empower the local governments, while Rs 150 billion and Rs 20 billion have been allocated as special grants for waste management and municipal corporations respectively. As per welfare state vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he said, the Punjab government has set aside Rs 70 billion package to provide social protection to the people.

While maintaining the fiscal management, he mentioned, Rs 470 billion EPS under the agreement between federal government and IMF, has been incorporated in the budget, adding that the completion of this provincial surplus is subject to achievement of FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) revenue target.

China Focus: China sees surge in culture-driven tourism

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NNPS Desk

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Mon, 16 Jun 2025, 5:14 PM

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BEIJING, Jun 16 (Xinhua/APP): A large-scale VR immersive experience, “The Recluse Dongpo,” premiered at the Hainan Museum in May, attracting eager fans of the iconic Song Dynasty poet Su Shi to embark on a virtual journey through millennia of Chinese history.

Wearing VR headsets, participants came face-to-face with a digital rendition of Su Shi (also known as Su Dongpo), who vividly recounted his dramatic life — from political exile to literary legend — in an interactive narrative.

This fusion of technology and tradition exemplifies China’s ongoing reinvention of cultural tourism. Alongside its iconic landscapes, the country is witnessing a surge in heritage-driven travel, where films, live performances, and immersive experiences spawn compelling new destinations.

According to a recent China Tourism Academy survey, travelers show growing interest in cultural activities: Nearly 29.2 percent of respondents prioritize cultural experiences in their itineraries, while 78.3 percent express general enthusiasm for such engagements during trips.

Cultural spaces can serve as new settings for tourism experiences and consumption, while tourism spaces can also function as new platforms for cultural display and dissemination, said Li Xinjian, executive dean of the Capital Institute of Culture and Tourism Development at Beijing International Studies University.

In a major government reshuffle in 2018, China merged two government agencies to form a new ministry — the Ministry of Culture and Tourism — “to promote the integrated development of cultural undertakings, cultural industries, and tourism,” according to an official document. The development of culture-driven tourism has since picked up speed.

A 2023 high-level meeting on cultural development underscored the need to promote the “creative transformation and innovative development of China’s fine traditional culture.”

Government at all levels have been tapping into local cultural resources to enhance tourist appeal and boost the economy. During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday from May 31 to June 2, the city of Beijing held more than 1,700 cultural tourism events, including dragon boat carnivals, intangible cultural heritage markets, and Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) workshops.

The Chinese capital recorded 8.21 million tourist visits during the period, up 5.4 percent year on year. It generated 10.77 billion yuan (about 1.49 billion U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue.

Traditional festivals proved to be high seasons for travelers. This year, during the first Spring Festival after it was inscribed on the UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, travelers flocked to temple fairs, dragon dance performances, and intangible cultural heritage experiences to celebrate an authentic Chinese New Year.

The 2025 Aranya Theater Festival, which will open in the coastal city of Qinhuangdao in north China’s Hebei Province, will stage 29 theatrical productions from 12 countries. During the festival, cultural activities such as art exhibitions and workshops will also be held in the coastal resort of Aranya.

The 2024 edition of the festival received about 164,000 visitors, including foreign travelers.

With the improvement of people’s living standards and increased opportunities for travel, there is a growing demand for cultural experiences during tourism activities, and participation takes diverse forms, said Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy.

Museums, historical cities, ancient towns, cultural districts, live-action shows, concerts, and music festivals have become major attractions in numerous tourist destinations, Dai added.

A government initiative on boosting cultural and tourism consumption launched earlier this year proposed specific measures, such as encouraging public cultural institutions to actively develop cultural experiences, arts education services, and other offerings, enriching the supply of cultural and entertainment products, and allowing local governments to allocate special bond funds to support cultural and tourism projects.

According to Dai, the integrated development of culture and tourism will be a focus for boosting the tourism sector during China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

Efforts will be made to promote the integration of cultural industries and tourism supply to create more new cultural experience venues and novel tourism consumption settings for visitors, he added.