DUBAI
A high-level Government of Pakistan delegation, led by Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance and Railways and Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit in a meeting with Saeed Al Eter, Chair of the UAE Government Media Office
DUBAI
A high-level Government of Pakistan delegation, led by Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance and Railways and Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit in a meeting with Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General, Federal Tax Authority, UAE
DUBAI
A high-level Government of Pakistan delegation, led by Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance and Railways and Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit in a meeting with Government Services Team
DUBAI
Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh chairs the meeting of Cabinet Committee on Regulatory Reforms (CCORR)
ISLAMABAD
Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan in a group photo with Mr. Pham Tan Cong, President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce & Industry (VCCI), and senior officials during the 5th Pakistan-Vietnam Joint Trade Committee session
HANOI
Senate Committee stresses need to revitalize science institutions, ensure consumer safety
ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology in a meeting held on Thursday emphasized the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s scientific institutions and addressing public health concerns linked to certain consumer products.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha at the Parliament House, brought together committee members, officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology, and representatives from the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST) and Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR).
One of the key points of discussion was the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), established in 1984, which has met only three times since its formation, with the last meeting held in 2001. The Committee noted the need to activate the Commission and ensure that its statutory responsibilities are met effectively.
It was highlighted that while the PCST acts as the Secretariat to NCST, challenges such as delayed appointments and resource constraints have limited progress.
Chairman Senator Kamil Ali Agha underlined the importance of revitalizing the NCST, proposing the formation of a committee within 15 days to streamline its operations. He urged that existing institutions and infrastructure be utilized to their full potential.
The committee members also reviewed budget allocations for the science and technology sector. The Ministry reported that only 0.16% of GDP is currently allocated to this field, with Rs 4.5 billion released in the current fiscal year. Members observed that increased investment is crucial for modernization and innovation.
Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan drew attention to global advancements, such as China’s upcoming solar power project in space, and suggested that Pakistan adopt a forward-looking approach to science, particularly in renewable energy and public awareness.
The Committee also deliberated on the Pakistan National Quality Policy (PNQP) 2021, with a focus on ensuring the safety of food and dairy substitutes. Concerns were raised over the health risks posed by some “tea-whitening” products marketed as milk alternatives. Officials acknowledged these concerns and agreed on the need for stricter enforcement of quality standards, along with awareness campaigns and regulatory action where necessary.
In closing, Chairman Agha reiterated the significance of institutional capacity-building and inter-agency coordination for national progress in science and technology.
Deputy Commissioner visits service delivery center in Tank
Tank, Jul 10 (APP):Deputy Commissioner Tank Tanveer Khan paid a visit to the Service Delivery Center (SDC) in Tank to inspect the quality of services being provided to citizens.
He was accompanied by Additional Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Saifullah Jan. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed various revenue service counters and inspected the official records being maintained at the center.
DC Tanveer Khan also interacted with the public present at the SDC and inquired about the challenges they faced as well as their satisfaction with the facilities provided. He directed the SDC staff to ensure the timely resolution of public grievances and to treat citizens with courtesy and professionalism.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of improving public service delivery and maintaining transparency in all revenue-related matters.
Meeting held to review preparations of upcoming Independence Day celebrations
ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP):Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, chaired the second coordination meeting to review preparations for the upcoming “Maraka-e-Haq” and Independence Day celebrations.
The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, and senior officials from ISPR, Cabinet Division, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, Ministry of Education and Professional Training, Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, and other relevant departments.
During the meeting, various proposals for celebrating Independence Day were discussed in detail. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that all segments of society must be actively engaged in the celebrations to truly reflect national unity and inclusion said a press release.
He directed that the participation of all four provinces, along with Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), must be ensured. “This Independence Day is a grand opportunity for us to celebrate with the spirit of national unity, solidarity, and resilience,” he stated.
He added that streets and highways should be illuminated in a manner that signals to the world that this year’s Independence Day carries a renewed message of hope, unity, and national vigor.
The minister directed all ministries and departments to immediately begin implementation of their assigned responsibilities. He underscored that the messaging of the celebrations must be clearly defined, particularly what message we want to convey to the nation, especially the youth and the general public, through this national occasion.
Public representatives, government, civil society must work together to tackle rapid population growth: NA Speaker
ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP):Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, has expressed deep concern over the rapid population growth in Pakistan, terming it a serious challenge that exerts immense pressure on national resources and leads to severe issues in education, healthcare, employment, and the provision of basic services.
In his message on the occasion of World Population Day, observed globally on July 11 under the auspices of the United Nations, the Speaker emphasized that sustainable development, poverty eradication, and social stability cannot be achieved without maintaining a balanced population growth.
Citing data from the World Health Organization and the United Nations, the Speaker noted that Pakistan ranks among the countries with the fastest-growing populations — a situation that demands urgent attention. He reiterated the Parliament’s resolve to address social challenges, particularly through legislation aimed at achieving population balance.
The Speaker urged greater public awareness about the implications of unchecked population growth and called on provincial governments, political parties, public representatives, religious scholars, civil society, and the media to play their vital role in this regard.
Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, stated in his message that a balanced population is key not only to economic progress but also to ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, and dignified employment for all citizens. He stressed the need for policy-making institutions to devise long-term plans keeping in view future needs, in order to effectively overcome the challenge of population growth.
Police auction over 350 unclaimed vehicles, motorcycles for Rs. 6.9m
MULTAN, Jul 10 (APP):Multan police have auctioned a number of long-abandoned and unclaimed vehicles, parked at police stations across the district, for a price of over Rs 6.9 million, police spokesman said on Thursday.
City Police Officer (CPO) of Multan, Sadiq Ali Dogar ordered the auctioning of unidentified cars, motorcycles, rickshaws, and miscellaneous items lying idle for years across police precincts.
The centralized auction was held at the premises of police station Sadar, Jalalpur Pirwala, under the supervision of Senior Civil Judge and Deputy Superintendent of Police (Legal) Mr. Shahid.
To facilitate the process, all such vehicles were transferred to the designated location at Sadar Jalalpur Pirwala. The assets included four cars, 344 motorcycles, five rickshaws, and other miscellaneous items that had remained unclaimed for extended periods.
Following the completion of legal formalities, the public auction attracted competitive bidding resulted in a total offer of Rs. 6.919 million.