CM Bugti meets with Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan

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QUETTA, Feb 12 (APP):Balochistan Minister for Industry and Commerce, Sardar Kohyar Domki, will inaugurate the historic Sibi Mela 2025 on February 13, (Thursday). The event to be held from February 13 to February 17, is all set to attract visitors, tourists, enthusiasts and livestock traders from across the country.

The five-day long annual ‘Sibi Mela’, a grand historical festival would be decorated with all colors of national unity, regional culture and peace to put the local culture on display, in addition to rear and exotic species of animals, said a news release.

The annual Sibi Mela is a major highlight of the region’s culture, traditions. It features a variety of stalls and cultural programs showcasing the livestock, agriculture, handicrafts, and the unique social lifestyles of the region, while also boosting economic activities in Balochistan.

Additionally, the mela will spotlight Balochistan’s rich cultural heritage, with performances and displays aimed at promoting local arts and traditions.

The event would be an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore the diverse economic and cultural landscape of the province.

The ‘Sibi Mela’ is celebrated in Balochistan as a festival in which a large number of people not only from the province, but also from other parts of the country participate.

Sibi Mela will not only provide a platform to local farmers and businessmen but also a source of income for them.

Public holiday announced in district Jamshoro on 773rd annual urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar

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HYDERABAD, Feb 12 (APP):The district administration Jamshoro has announced a local holiday in district Jamshoro on Monday, February 17th, 2025 (18 Shaban 1446 Hijri), to mark the 773rd annual Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (R.A).

Deputy Commissioner Jamshoro and Chairman Shehbaz Mela Committee Ghazanfar Ali Qadri has formally declared the holiday, and an official notification was also issued in this regard.

14th CJCSC Open Golf Championship 2025 begins in Islamabad

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP):The 14th Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Open Golf Championship commenced at Margalla Greens Golf Club, Islamabad on Wednesday, organized by the Services Sports Control Board, Joint Staff Headquarters.

The week-long tournament features an impressive lineup of 435 golfers competing across seven diverse categories including professional and women’s divisions.

Tournament officials confirmed that players will compete throughout the week with the prize distribution ceremony scheduled for February 18, 2025.

The championship represents a significant sporting event in the military’s annual sports calendar, showcasing athletic talent from various service branches and skill levels.

ATC disposes of MNA’s bail applications in four cases of May-9 riots

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LAHORE, Feb 12 (APP):An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Wednesday disposed of the pre-arrest bail applications of MNA Bilal Ejaz as withdrawn in four cases related to the May 9 violence.

ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill conducted the proceedings on the bail applications, where the MNA appeared following the expiry of his interim bail.

During the proceedings, DSP Legal Javed Asif informed the court that investigations had been completed concerning the MNA in four cases and that his arrest was not required.

At this stage, the MNA’s counsel requested the court to allow the withdrawal of his client’s bail applications, which the court accepted.

Subsequently, the court disposed of the bail applications as withdrawn.

Bilal Ejaz had approached the court for bail in May 9 cases, including attacks on Jinnah House and Askari Tower, as well as the torching of the Shadman police station.

Spring Plantation: A viable solution to combat climate change, brings rains

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PESHAWAR, Feb 12 (APP):As the sun begins to set over the nurseries here at Tarnab, Zahid Ali— a seasoned plant seller, was seen expediting unloading a truckload of ornamental and fruit plants in order to earn maximum capital during spring season.

With the sound of his favorite national song, Dil Dil Pakistan, playing on his mobile, Zahid asked his helpers to shift the precious stock to safety under plastic sheds.

He told APP that ornamental plants, including varieties like araucaria, ganga palms, and night-blooming jasmine, required careful attention to protect them from the unpredictable whims of climate change.

Zahid, known as ‘Khan Ghee’ among his peers, inherited his family’s horticulture business. He sources his plants from Pattoki in Kasur, known for its rich variety of native and exotic plants.

“Spring is the peak season for our business. We usually earn Rs 50000 to one lakh from each truckload,” Zahid told APP.

However, the volatile weather and plant diseases pose risks that could result in significant financial loss. Tarnab, home to nearly 50 nurseries and over 1,000 workers, depends heavily on these spring plantations.

Zahid’s business is not just about profits; it’s also about a wider ecological cause.

“Our first priority is to supply plants to the government and national organizations due to high profits margin,” he said.

“With growing interest in spring tree plantations, orders are coming in from the merged tribal districts, Malakand, and Hazara divisions.”

However, some buyers are finding prices steep, such as Fayaz Khan from Nowshera, who highlighted how ornamental plants have become increasingly unaffordable for the average person.

“I bought a six-foot araucaria for Rs 5,000 five years ago; now it costs Rs 10,000,” Fayaz laments. He believed that the Forest Department should play a more significant role in making plants available at affordable rates to support the nationwide plantation efforts against climate change and deforestation.

In response, Hayat Ali, Conservator at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Forest Department, reassured that millions of saplings are ready for distribution this spring. These will be planted with the help of government agencies, NGOs, farmers, and local communities.

The spring afforestation campaign, according to Hayat Ali, will cover a vast region, including southern, northern, and Malakand forest regions of KP. “We are focusing on both ornamental and native plant species, as well as fruit trees such as almonds, guavas, and peaches,” he said.

In Kohat Division, Commssioner Motasim Billashah while in Nowshera district Deputy Commissioner Irfanullah Mehsud inagurated the afforestration campaign. They planted trees at their offices respectively.

Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Deputy Project Director of the 10 Billion Trees Afforestation Project said that spring plantation events have been launched across the province with the involvement of community groups, students, and educational institutions.

“Spring plantation is one of the easiest and most effective ways to combat climate change and deforestation,” Khan maintained.

Pakistan, one of the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, faces severe environmental challenges, including reduced rainfall and snowfalls, largely attributed to deforestation. Ibrahim stressed that massive tree planting is vital to mitigating these effects. “We have to combat deforestation with urgency otherwise it will lead to starvation,” he said.

Moreover, the provincial climate change policy of 2016, along with the range land policy and REDD-plus strategy, have been operationalized in KP to promote sustainable forestry practices.

Experts believed that these initiatives, supported by the COP 29 UN fund, will further elevate Pakistan’s efforts in environment and forest conservation.

Ibrahim, while emphasizing the importance of media and religious leaders in spreading awareness, called for a united front to mobilize the masses in spring plantations, marking it as a crucial step toward a sustainable and prosperous future.

President, PM congratulate nation on Pakistan cricket team’s victory over South Africa

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday congratulated the nation on the victory of the Pakistan cricket team over South Africa in the tri-nation One Day International (ODI) series.

In their separate statements, the president and the prime minister appreciated the excellent performance of the Pakistan cricket team.

They said all the team players especially Muhammad Rizwan and Salman Agha delivered excellent performances in the game.

President Asif Zardari hoped that the cricket team would continue its winning streak in the series.

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz in his post on social media platform X, paid tribute to the Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, and the team management.

“An important boost ahead of the Champion Trophy. Well done Pakistan Kudos to team management and Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi. Let us hope this winning streak continues with more impressive performances,” the prime minister said.

PBA to launch Pakistan Banking Summit 2025 on Feb 24

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KARACHI, Feb 12 (APP):The Pakistan Banks Association (PBA), Wednesday, announced the launch of the Pakistan Banking Summit 2025 (PBS’25), the maiden industry-led initiative aimed at financial advancement and innovation, set to take place on February 24-25, 2025, in Karachi.

The official announcement was made at a press conference here, led by Chairman PBS Steering Committee Atif Bajwa, alongwith CEO and Secretary General PBA, Muneer Kamal, Basir Shamsie and other senior bankers while Chairman PBA Zafar Masud joined online.

Organised under the aegis of the Pakistan Banks Association, PBS’25 aims to advance finance and economic discourse in the country, they informed, adding that it will feature prominent international speakers, local subject matter experts and convene leaders from over 45 institutions, including conventional, Islamic, digital and microfinance banks as well as development finance institutions.

Banking sector acts as a shock absorber in economic stresses and it performed well in previous difficult periods and resiliently contributed in economic growth, they said now when key indicators are showing improvements in economic management the summit will provide a platform to see how banks could play more effectively their role in sustainable growth of national economy and benefit of people.

They termed it as a historic gathering with representation of the Government, regulators, banking, fin-tech, academia, media and corporate Pakistan that has potential to become a significant milestone for Pakistan’s financial sector.

Highlighting the significance of PBS’25, Atif Bajwa commented, “The Pakistan Banking Summit will offer an invaluable platform for the banking industry and its stakeholders to engage in critical conversations relating to emerging trends and opportunities for banking and finance.

The summit aims to cover critical themes relating to global and local economic developments, the role of the banking sector in economic uplift, priority sector financing, the future of Islamic banking, and digitization, to name a few, he added.

Zafar Masud elaborating on the role of the PBA, said, “PBS’25 is a testament to PBA’s continued commitment to fostering economic progress, contributing not only on fiscal accounts but also through broader financial inclusion, sustainability and inclusive growth.”

The Summit is bringing together key stakeholders and it will serve as a catalyst for meaningful discussions and transformative solutions that will shape the future of the financial sector of Pakistan, he said.

Jashan-e-Baharaan 2025 festival from February 25

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP):Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, has announced that a three-day Jashan-e-Baharaan 2025 Festival will be organized in Islamabad from February 25 to 27 at Sports Complex in collaboration with the CDA and ICT Administration.

In this regard, a meeting was held at the CDA Headquarters under the chairmanship of Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa, discussing the arrangements for the Jashan-e-Baharaan 2025 Festival in Islamabad.

The meeting was attended by CDA Board members, Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad, senior officers from the district administration, and officers from the relevant departments.

During the briefing, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa was informed that various vibrant programs have been arranged for the three-day Jashan-e-Baharaan 2025 Festival, including folk dances, Kathak dance, Khattak dance, fireworks and a food festival along with other cultural activities. Diplomats from various countries and the general public will also be invited to the festival.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa stated that the purpose of the Jashan-e-Baharaan Festival is to highlight the beauty of Islamabad, showcase the national culture, and provide entertainment facilities to the citizens. He assured that the festival will be organized in the best possible manner.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa also directed that promotion of the Jashan-e-Baharaan 2025 Festival be carried out throughout Islamabad and a comprehensive traffic plan should be devised for the events. He further emphasized that excellent parking arrangements will be made for the audience.

Additionally, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa instructed that separate entry and exit routes and designated areas be arranged for families and children during the festival, and directed Islamabad Police to ensure foolproof security. He also instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad and the relevant Assistant Commissioners to oversee the various aspects of the Jashan-e-Baharaan 2025 Spring Festival’s organization.

NEPRA concludes public hearing on XWDISCOS petition for quality adjustment

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP):The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Wednesday concluded a hearing on account of Quarterly Tariff Adjustment (QTA) for the period October 2024 to December, the second quarter of FY25.

The request was filed by XWDISCOS and includes various charges concerning system operations as per government guidelines, the final decision issued by the regulator and notified by the NEPRA/GOP, will apply to all customers of distribution companies including K-Electric (KE), said a press release.

The final notification will state the amount to be charged in customer bills, and the period over which these charges to apply. As the power sector operates in a regulated environment, costs of electricity and such charges are determined by

NEPRA and notified by Government of Pakistan/NEPRA. Individual Distribution Companies cannot influence the process or make unilateral changes.

About K-Electric, this is a public listed company incorporated in Pakistan in 1913 as KESC. Privatized in 2005, KE is the only vertically integrated power utility in Pakistan supplying electricity to Karachi and its adjoining areas. The majority shares (66.4 percent) of the Company are owned by KES Power, a consortium of investors including Al-Jomaih Power Limited of Saudi Arabia, National Industries Group (Holding), Kuwait, and the Infrastructure and Growth Capital Fund (IGCF).

The present government is also a shareholder (24.36 percent) in the company while the remaining are listed as free float shares.

50 public sector schools to be upgraded by March: Secretary

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP):Federal Education Secretary Muhiyuddin Ahmad Wani announced on Wednesday that 50 public sector schools in the federal capital will be upgraded and renovated by March 31 this year.

The announcement was made during the inauguration ceremony of the newly upgraded Islamabad Model School for Boys in Sector F-6/2, marking a new chapter in the government’s efforts to modernize public education.

The Islamabad Model School for Boys, which had been in a dilapidated condition for over two decades, has now been transformed into a state-of-the-art institution.

Equipped with modern facilities, including advanced electrical and plumbing labs, smart class room, computer lab, library, basketball court, newly renovated hall, the school stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to providing quality education to all.

Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary Wani emphasized that similar labs will be established in other schools undergoing upgrades, ensuring that students have access to cutting-edge resources.

Wani highlighted the importance of making modern education accessible to children from underprivileged backgrounds, particularly those from slum areas.

He also extended an invitation to students from religious seminaries, encouraging them to utilize the newly established facilities. “These labs are not just for one segment of society; they are for everyone. We want to ensure that no child is left behind,” he said.

The Education Secretary stressed the need for community ownership of these schools, urging local residents to take pride in and actively participate in maintaining the upgraded facilities.

He also revealed plans to extend the initiative to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, where schools will undergo similar transformations. Additionally, Danish Schools, known for their high standards, will soon begin operations in these regions.

Wani expressed his gratitude to the officers and staff who worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition. This is not just a government effort; it is a collective achievement. Everyone should own these projects.

He further emphasized the importance of creating a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment for students, stating that conventional methods of running schools are no longer sufficient.

“We cannot compete with private sector schools unless we provide a similar level of comfort and facilities to our students,” he added.

The ministry is also focusing on skill-based education and entrepreneurship, with plans to enhance teacher training and capacity building.

Wani believes that equipping students with practical skills will prepare them for the challenges of the modern world.

Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz commended Secretary Wani for his efforts in reforming public sector schools. “This is just the beginning. We are committed to ensuring that future generations are equipped with the latest and most modern education,” she said.

The event concluded on a heartwarming note as students greeted Wani with rose petals, expressing their excitement and gratitude for the upgraded facilities.

The ceremony not only marked the revival of a single school but also signaled a brighter future for public education in the federal capital and beyond.

ICC Champions Trophy Tour Reaches Hyderabad’s Niaz Stadium

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HYDERABAD, Feb 12 (APP):The ICC Champions Trophy, after traveling through various countries, continues its journey across different cities of Pakistan. On Wednesday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials brought the trophy to Hyderabad’s Niaz Stadium.

A large number of cricket enthusiasts and citizens gathered at the stadium to witness the trophy unveiling and capture photos with it.

Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad Zain-ul-Abideen Memon along with political and social figures, town chairmen and local players attended the event.

Speaking to the media, DC Zain-ul-Abideen Memon expressed his delight at the trophy’s arrival in Hyderabad, highlighting the overwhelming response from cricket fans.

He mentioned that PCB and ICC delegations also visited and inspected Niaz Stadium, expressing hope that the venue will once again host cricket matches as it did in the past.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, chairs the first meeting of the Committee on Improving Government Efficiency, constituted by the Prime Minister

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Khuram Maryam

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APP89-120225 ISLAMABAD: February 12 - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, chairs the first meeting of the Committee on Improving Government Efficiency, constituted by the Prime Minister. APP/IQJ/ABB

Pakistan, Hungary enjoy longstanding relations founded on shared democratic values: Ayaz

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Wednesday said that Pakistan and Hungary enjoy cordial and longstanding relations founded on shared democratic values.

He expressed these views during a meeting with Mr. Béla Fazekas, Ambassador of Hungary to Pakistan, who called on him at Parliament House according to a news release.

Ayaz Sadiq underscored the immense potential for enhancing trade linkages and fostering greater connectivity between the two nations.

He further emphasized that strengthened parliamentary interactions between Pakistan and Hungary would serve as a pivotal mechanism in bringing the people of both countries closer.

During the meeting, discussions encompassed a broad spectrum of areas aimed at bolstering bilateral ties, with a particular focus on trade, education, and parliamentary cooperation.

Highlighting the significance of inter-parliamentary engagements, Ayaz Sadiq asserted that increased collaboration between the legislative bodies of both nations would serve as a vital bridge for fostering stronger people-to-people ties.

He stressed the importance of making the Pakistan-Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Group more active and dynamic to ensure meaningful exchanges and cooperation.

Recognizing the role of education in fostering long-term bilateral collaboration, the Speaker commended Hungary’s initiative in providing educational scholarships to Pakistani students. He emphasized the need to expand academic exchange programs and further enhance educational cooperation between the two countries.

Ayaz Sadiq also highlighted the vast untapped opportunities for strengthening the economic partnership between Pakistan and Hungary, particularly in the domains of trade and investment.

He reiterated that a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship should serve as the foundation for bilateral cooperation, calling for the exploration of new avenues of collaboration to address global and regional challenges effectively.

Mr. Béla Fazekas echoed these sentiments and reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and educational cooperation with Pakistan.

He emphasized that enhancing connectivity remains a key driver for regional and global development.

The Ambassador also expressed his confidence that the upcoming visit of a Parliamentary delegation, led by Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to Hungary, would prove instrumental in further solidifying ties between the two nations.

He also stressed the need to increase parliamentary interactions and affirmed Hungary’s readiness to engage in mutual efforts to promote shared interests.

APP/zah-sra

Balochistan govt distributes 80pc textbooks to public schools

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QUETTA, Feb 12 (APP): The Balochistan government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has distributed 80 percent textbooks to the public schools so far, as part of the target set for the new academic year 2025, which will start from March in the winter zone of the province.

The Balochistan government has set a target to distribute over 9.3 million textbooks this year, marking the first time in the province’s history that such a large quantity will be provided to students in public schools.

The historic initiative is expected to play a key role in shaping the province’s future by making education accessible to all students, said a handout released on Wednesday.

The timely distribution of textbooks in schools was being carried out as part of the directives of Chief Minister Mir
Sarfraz Bugti, in line with the provincial government’s commitment to educational progress.

The Balochistan government is committed to continue its efforts to improve the education system in the province and ensure that students would receive their textbooks at the start of the new academic year.

The initiative is a significant step towards improving the education system. The timely supply of textbooks will help enhance the efficiency of school operations and ease the process of learning for students.

The mechanism established for timely delivery at the district and union council levels had been successful, ensuring books reached schools ahead of schedule, it added.

Jashan-e-Baharaan 2025 festival from February 25

By

Asif Jalal

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP):Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, has announced that a three-day Jashan-e-Baharaan 2025 Festival will be organized in Islamabad from February 25 to 27 at Sports Complex in collaboration with the CDA and ICT Administration.

In this regard, a meeting was held at the CDA Headquarters under the chairmanship of Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa, discussing the arrangements for the Jashan-e-Baharaan 2025 Festival in Islamabad.

The meeting was attended by CDA Board members, Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad, senior officers from the district administration, and officers from the relevant departments.

During the briefing, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa was informed that various vibrant programs have been arranged for the three-day Jashan-e-Baharaan 2025 Festival, including folk dances, Kathak dance, Khattak dance, fireworks and a food festival along with other cultural activities. Diplomats from various countries and the general public will also be invited to the festival.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa stated that the purpose of the Jashan-e-Baharaan Festival is to highlight the beauty of Islamabad, showcase the national culture, and provide entertainment facilities to the citizens. He assured that the festival will be organized in the best possible manner.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa also directed that promotion of the Jashan-e-Baharaan 2025 Festival be carried out throughout Islamabad and a comprehensive traffic plan should be devised for the events. He further emphasized that excellent parking arrangements will be made for the audience.

Additionally, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa instructed that separate entry and exit routes and designated areas be arranged for families and children during the festival, and directed Islamabad Police to ensure foolproof security. He also instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad and the relevant Assistant Commissioners to oversee the various aspects of the Jashan-e-Baharaan 2025 Spring Festival’s organization.

Rwandan delegation calls on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu

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RAWALPINDI, Feb 12 (APP): A high-level defence delegation of the Republic of Rwanda led by Lieutenant General Jean Jacques Mupenzi, Rawandan Air Force Chief of Staff, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, at Air Headquarters, Islamabad.

Upon his arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented Guard of Honour to Lieutenant General Jean Jacques Mupenzi, said an ISPR news release.

During the meeting, the Chief of the Air Staff shared insight into various ongoing modernization projects of Pakistan Air Force’s operational construct, force goals and plans for the force structure with a keen focus on future warfare.

The Air Chief reiterated PAF’s unwavering support to provide capacity-building assistance to the Rwandan Air Force in the upgradation of its human resources, maintenance parameters and operational training.

Lieutenant General Jean Jacques Mupenzi expressed his profound admiration for the Pakistan Air Force’s professional training standards, modernized infrastructure and multi-domain capabilities. He noted that the PAF’s commitment to excellence and innovation in military aviation serves as a model for air forces to emulate.

The Rwandan Air Chief emphasized the need for a major overhaul and collaboration to enhance the capabilities of Rwanda’s Air Force with assistance from PAF to meet contemporary security challenges.

The visiting dignitary also expressed a strong desire for a partnership with Pakistan Air Force aimed at establishing comprehensive training programs for basic-level training of aircrew and technical training of ground crew of Rwandan Air Force.

The delegation also visited the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and PAF Cyber Command, where they were given a detailed briefing on PAF’s operational capabilities.

This visit of Lieutenant General Jean Jacques Mupenzi to Air Headquarters, Islamabad is a testament to the strong desire of the Rwandan side to restructure their Air Force, utilising the professional expertise of the Pakistan Air Force.

BA approves amendment bill for relief & rehabilitation of citizens affected from terrorism

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QUETTA, Feb 12 (APP): Balochistan Assembly (BA) on Wednesday approved amendment bill for relief and rehabilitation of citizens affected from terrorism by majority vote.

The assembly session was chaired by the Chairman of panel member Rehmat Saleh Baloch.

Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Noshirwani presented the amendment bill regarding relief and rehabilitation of citizens affected by terrorism in the province which was approved by lawmakers.

Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti presented a motion in the house under the Rules and Regulations of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly Act 1974 for the formation of the House which was unanimously passed by the house.
After this, the assembly session was adjourned till 3 pm on February 14.

After the assembly session, Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar and Health Secretary Mujeeb Panizai gave a special briefing to the assembly members regarding health facilities in Balochistan.

The provincial health minister said that the assembly members should give suggestions regarding health and we would include these suggestions in the budget and policy making.

He said that the Health Department has taken several significant steps to provide better and high-quality healthcare services to the people of the province and to bring revolutionary changes in the healthcare sector.

He said that he issued directions to ensure the availability of medicines in all public hospitals and made it clear that no
patient would be forced to buy medicines from the market.

The Health Information Management System will soon be activated at Civil Hospital Quetta and BMC Hospital Quetta, through which daily monitoring of medicines and comprehensive records of diseases will be maintained via computer software, he said.

Additionally, state-of-the-art ICU units, equipped with modern medical equipment and machinery, would be constructed in the province he said in the briefing.

He said that a Cardiac Surgery ICU has been recently inaugurated at Civil Hospital Quetta and the establishment of this advanced unit will provide better treatment facilities for heart patients at the local level, eliminating the need for them to travel to other cities for treatment.

Furthermore, the Balochistan Institute of Cardiology is expected to be completed soon, based on the model of the National Institute of Cardiology, to provide state-of-the-art treatment to the patients suffering from heart diseases.

He said that in response to the overwhelming rush of patients at the current Trauma Center at Civil Hospital Quetta, a new Trauma Center building with 200 beds will also be inaugurated soon.

He said that additionally, the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Baacha Khan Hospital in Nawan Killi and Benazir Hospital in Ghousabad areas are expected soon.

For cancer patients, many of whom had been forced to travel to other provinces or to the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital for expensive treatment, a cancer treatment unit will also be inaugurated soon at Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Hospital in Quetta.

The Secretary Health Mujeebur Rehman while briefing said that the Health Department under leadership of Health Minister Bakhat Muhammad Kakar also introduced a new project to modernize Basic Health Units (BHUs) in all districts of the province, under which mobile health units are being provided to rural areas to offer medical services at the doorstep of the masses.

He said that moreover, special programs focusing on the health of women and children are being introduced, including the establishment of mother and child centers, vaccination centers, and measures to combat malnutrition.

He said that additionally, telemedicine services will be introduced, allowing people living in remote areas to consult with
expert doctors through video calls, ensuring healthcare access to even the most isolated communities.

Panizai said in briefing that 71 percent of the people in the province are forced to live below poverty line, people spend 40 percent of their income on treatment, most of the children in the province are malnourished.

He said that the maternal mortality rate is higher than other provinces, there are more than 1,400 health centers in the province, the health budget is Rs. 87 billion.

More than 7,000 doctors and nurses are performing their duties in the province, there will be a shortage of 8,000 nurses by 2030, providing health to the people without a workforce is no less than a challenge, he mentioned.

The Health Secretary said that 1,600 doctors have been recruited on contract recently, cameras are being installed in all hospitals to ensure attendance for improvement health facilities to patients.

A Healthcare Commission has been formed to legalize private hospitals, the department has been made independent from
unions and pressure groups, tertiary hospitals are being made financially stable, he said.

Panizai said that Health Department had given charges to division headquarters to transfer and other issues including recruitment of premedical staff with the aim to address related problems soon for maintaining service of health centers in the province.

He said that measures are being taken to eradicate anti-polio disease from the province and requested all stakeholders to play role for elimination of polio in their respective areas to save the children from diseases of polio.

He said that efforts are making to more improve health card system for interest of the people of Balochistan saying that reform would be made to improve standard of medicines in Balochistan.

Provincial ministers, advisers and Member of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) appreciated efforts of Health Minister and his entire team for taking measures for improvement of the Health Sectors.

They also gave suggestions regarding the development of Health Sector.

Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar assured the lawmakers to follow their important proposals for provision of the health facilities.

South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Babar Azam during the ODI cricket match of Tri-Nation series between Pakistan and South Africa at the National Stadium

By

Khuram Maryam

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APP83-120225 KARACHI: February 12 - South Africa's Wiaan Mulder celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan's Babar Azam during the ODI cricket match of Tri-Nation series between Pakistan and South Africa at the National Stadium. APP/AMH/IQJ/ABB

Pakistan’s Babar Azam plays a shot during the ODI cricket match of Tri-Nation series between Pakistan and South Africa at the National Stadium

By

Khuram Maryam

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