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Dr. Ibadullah calls on KP Governor to discuss political situation

By
NNPS Desk
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PESHAWAR, Jul 07 (APP): Leader of the Opposition in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Dr. Ibadullah, visited Governor House and met with Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday.

The meeting was also attended by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha.

During the meeting, the overall political situation in the province was discussed in detail. Dr. Ibad briefed the governor on ongoing coordination and mutual engagement among members of opposition parties.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the recent outreach by independent members of the provincial assembly and deliberated on the upcoming Senate elections.

The meeting highlighted the evolving political dynamics in the province and emphasized the importance of dialogue and coordination among stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the delegation of the All Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association (APCEA), led by Chairman Iftikhar Ahmad, called on Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at the Governor House.

The delegation included former Chairman Mushtaq Ahmad, Rashid Qadeer Mir, Zulfiqar Ahmad Siddiqui, Senior Vice Chairman Hanan Khan, Executive Member Farooq Zaman Shah, and Haji Nazirullah.

During the meeting, the delegation briefed the Governor on several key issues faced by exporters in the province.

They urged the removal of the one percent excess on exports from the province and called for the development and operationalization of the Peshawar Dry Port. They also requested permission to hold APCEA’s Gold Medal Award ceremony at the Governor House.

Other issues highlighted included the need to establish a clear mechanism for the import of gemstones through the Torkham border from Afghanistan, the removal of obstacles in the free movement of gemstones, and the unfriendly behavior of local authorities towards foreign and Gilgit-Baltistan-based gemstone traders.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi listened to the delegation’s concerns attentively and assured them of his full support.

He said that every effort would be made to address the problems faced by gemstone exporters. He also issued directives to the relevant departments for immediate action on the matters discussed.

FCCI President leaves for Umrah

By
Muhammad Zubair
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FAISALABAD, Jul 07 (APP):President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), Rehan Naseem Bharara, has proceeded to the holy lands to perform Umrah.
An FCCI spokesman said here on Monday that Qaisar Shams Gucha, Senior Vice President, has assumed the charge as Acting President FCCI and he would continue his assignment till the return of FCCI President Mr. Bharara.

Exporters can generate growth, employment and economic stability with right policy support: PTEA chairman

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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FAISALABAD, Jul 07 (APP):Pakistan stands at a crossroads and with right policy support exporters can generate growth, employment and economic stability, said Chairman Pakistan Textile Exporters Association Sohail Pasha.
During a meeting, he expressed some apprehensions on budget proposals and appealed the government to immediately address budget anomalies as continued inaction could disrupt exports and weaken exporters’ confidence.
He said that Pakistan’s value-added textile sector contributes over $9 billion to national exports annually, supports millions of livelihoods, and remains a key pillar of the country’s economic stability. Yet, this sector is currently facing severe setbacks due to taxation measures introduced in the Finance Act 2024, which replaced the simplified Final Tax Regime (FTR) with the more burdensome Normal Tax Regime (NTR).
He said that export proceeds are subjected to deduction of 1% Advance tax under section 154 as minimum tax. Simultaneously an advance tax @1% has been levied through insertion of sub-section (6C) in section 147; however contrary to these local supplies are liable to payment of 1% advance tax. The treatment meted out to the exporters is discriminatory and against the principles of equity and natural justice, he lamented.
He said that the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) was introduced to simplify export procedures, reduce liquidity pressure, and promote digital traceability.
He demanded restoration of the original EFS framework which allowed zero-rated invoicing on local purchases and exempted key raw materials such as cotton yarn from sales tax at the import stage.
He said that Pakistan’s regional competitors like Bangladesh and Vietnam continue to provide tax-free access to raw materials for their export industries, giving them a clear advantage in global markets.
He said that around Rs.36 billion are pending for payment under textile policy incentives and if these amounts are released, the exporters can deploy the capital towards expanding their businesses, which in turn will help Pakistan’s export earnings grow.
The government should reconsider the budgetary measures and restore the confidence of exporters by addressing the anomalies to achieve the desired targets, he demanded.

Rescue 1122 provided medical coverage to processions

By
Muhammad Zubair
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SIALKOT, Jul 07 (APP):Rescue 1122 provided medical coverage to processions taken out across the district.
According to a rescue spokesperson, on the special instructions of Secretary Punjab Emergency Service Department Dr. Rizwan Naseer, Rescue 1122 provided medical coverage to majalis and processions taking place in all four tehsils of the district from the 1st Muharram to the 10th Muharram, especially on the day of Ashura, as 25 important processions and rescue scouts performed their duty in Imambargahs under the leadership of Regional Emergency Officer Syed Kamal Abid and under the supervision of District Emergency Officer (DEO) Engineer Naveed Iqbal.
Administrator Syed Kamal Abid reviewed arrangements at various Imambargahs and processions. He also reviewed reporting in the control room. On Ashura Day, Rescue 1122 kept all its resources on high alert, 14 ambulances, 4 fire vehicles, rescue vehicles and 24 motorcycle ambulances, 85 rescuers, in addition to 102 rescue scouts including 12 women rescue scouts performed their duties under the leadership of Rescue District Warden Jamil Janjua. Rescue 1122 provided first aid to 499 mourners , while 21 were shifted to hospital after first aid. Medical mobile teams comprising rescuers and rescue scouts provided medical coverage to Imambargah Adda Pasrurian, Mistry Abdullah, Cantt, Shah Syedan, Kotli Said Mir, Muzaffarpur, Rattian Syedan, Kharota Syedan, Kotli Loharan, Kotli AmeerMir Ali, Manowal Gondal and A-category processions taken out in Tehsils Pasrur, Daska and Sambrial. Rescue Safety Officer Pasrur Muhammad Asim, Tehsil Incharge Sambrial Zia Al-Mustafa, Tehsil Incharge Sialkot Muhammad Raza performed duties.

PDWP approves four development schemes worth Rs9.53b

By
Muhammad Zubair
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LAHORE, Jul 07 (APP):Planning and Development (P&D) Board Chairman Dr Naeem Rauf here Monday presided over the 3rd Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) FY 2025-26, which approved four major development schemes in the Roads & Bridges and Higher Education sectors, with a cumulative estimated cost of Rs. 9,532.25 million.
Approved development schemes are:
1. Rehabilitation of Road from Khanqah Dogran to Sukheki (District boundary, length 8.17 km, District Sheikhupura) — Estimated cost: Rs. 1,018.940 million
2. Baba Guru Nanak University, Nankana Sahib (Phase-I, Revised) — Estimated cost: Rs. 3,077.198 million
3. Construction of Buildings of Ghazi University, D.G. Khan (Revised) — Estimated cost: Rs. 2,011.271 million
4. Construction of Building of Women University, Sialkot on acquired land (Revised) — Estimated cost: Rs. 3,424.841 million
The meeting was attended by P&D Board Secretary Rafaqat Ali, Urban Unit CEO Omar Masud, P&D Board members, and other senior officers.

PM invites Etisalat Group to further invest in various sectors of Pakistan

By
Irfan Khan
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ISLAMABAD, July 07 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday invited the Etisalat Group to further invest in various sectors of Pakistan’s economy and assured that the government would provide all necessary facilities in this regard.

The prime minister met with a five-member delegation of the Emirati telecommunications company Etisalat Group, led by its CEO Hatem Dowidar that called on him, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja and senior officials from the relevant institutions also attended the meeting.

PM invites Etisalat Group to further invest in various sectors of Pakistan

The prime minister observed that the longstanding relations between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan were based on shared culture, brotherhood, and religious values.

The UAE companies had been investing in the economy of Pakistan for a quite long time, he added.

The prime minister further reiterated that provision of a business-friendly environment and creating investment opportunities for all the foreign investor companies, including the Emirati ones, were among the government’s top priorities.

CEO Etisalat Hatem Dowidar praised the prime minister for the current investment-friendly policies of the government which had created better business opportunities for the international companies.

PM invites Etisalat Group to further invest in various sectors of Pakistan
A delegation of Etisalat group led by CEO Hatem Dowidar called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

He said that the Etisalat Group had been successfully investing in Pakistan for the past 19 years and was eager to expand its business and investment, adding that over 10,000 Pakistanis were rendering valuable services in the company.

Hatem Dowinder further said that they were keen to long-term and successful investment in Pakistan, in the future.

 

 

LCCI President demands dual nationality declarations from all govt employees

By
Muhammad Zubair
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LAHORE, Jul 07 (APP):Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) President Mian Abuzar Shad has lauded Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar, for initiating the process of obtaining dual nationality certificates from police personnel.
He termed the step a significant move in the national interest and urged the government to extend this practice across all government departments and require formal affidavits regarding dual citizenship from public servants.
Mian Abuzar Shad, in a media statement issued here Monday, said that holding dual nationality while serving in key and sensitive positions in government not only undermines public trust but also poses serious threats to national security and transparent governance. He said that all officials serving in the bureaucracy, semi-government organizations, public sector companies and other state institutions be required to submit verified certificates of their citizenship status and that a clear and comprehensive policy be developed in this regard.
The LCCI President pointed out that officers with dual nationality often have the privilege of leaving the country in times of crisis, which reflects a weak institutional commitment and raises concerns about divided loyalties. Assigning such individuals to sensitive positions could be a dangerous move and must be addressed proactively.
He added that the decision by the IG Punjab will not only promote transparency but also help restore institutional confidence across the country. He urged the government to expand this initiative beyond the police department and implement it across all public institutions without exception.
Mian Abuzar Shad said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry stands for institutional integrity, transparency and national interest and will support all positive initiatives aimed at strengthening governance and accountability in Pakistan.

AIOU launches Turkish Summer Camp for children

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 07 (APP):Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has launched a two-week “Turkish Summer Camp” to promote children’s education, creativity and physical development in a culturally enriching environment.
The initiative was formally inaugurated in a ceremony attended by children, their parents and distinguished guests including Dr. Zahid Majeed (Director, International Office), Prof. Dr. Khalil Tokar (Director, Yunus Emre Institute), the Education Attaché of the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad, Dr. Mehmet Toyran and Prof. Dr. Samina Tokar, an expert in Turkish language.
The speakers praised the camp as a unique educational and cultural experience for young learners and described it as a practical demonstration of the strong and enduring friendship between Pakistan and Türkiye.
The summer camp, which will continue until July 18, comprises three interactive sessions held each day. The first session focuses on teaching the Turkish language, helping children learn basic vocabulary, sentences, and conversational phrases. The second session involves calligraphy training based on Islamic and Turkish cultural themes, aimed at developing the children’s aesthetic and artistic abilities. The third session introduces traditional Turkish games such as archery and Mangala, encouraging physical activity and offering children a deeper, hands-on appreciation of Turkish traditions.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Dr. Zahid Majeed stated that this is the University’s third Turkish Summer Camp, and it continues to serve as an effective platform to nurture children’s hidden talents, broaden their exposure to global cultures, and shape their personalities with confidence and awareness. He further announced that the camp’s closing ceremony will feature AIOU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, and the Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan as chief guests.
Prof. Dr. Khalil Tokar, in his remarks, expressed hope that the summer camp would further strengthen the cultural and emotional bonds between the people of Pakistan and Türkiye. Education Attaché Mehmet Tugrul Türker added that the camp provides children with more than just language skills—it also offers a comprehensive understanding of Türkiye’s rich history, cultural values, and modern advancements.
The event reflects AIOU’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange, especially among younger generations.

CM suspends DG SBCA, announces Rs1m each for victims of lyari building collapse: Ministers

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
KARACHI, Jul 07 (APP):Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon on Monday while expressing his deep sorrow and grief over the tragic building collapse in Lyari, said that  the Chief Minister has immediately suspended the Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and constituted an enquiry committee, which will submit its report within two days.
While addressing a press conference here alongside Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar and Sindh Local Government and Labor Minister Saeed Ghani, Sindh Minister for Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control Mukesh Kumar Chawla, he said that the entire nation, the Sindh government, and all of us are deeply saddened by this tragedy.
He said that an emergency meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister of Sindh, was convened to address the incident. During the meeting, it was decided that strict action would be taken against the responsible officials.
He said that 588 unsafe buildings will also be inspected under the Commissioner’s supervision to ensure that hazardous structures are vacated and demolished on time.
Ghani said that the affected families in Lyari will be given Rs 1 million each as compensation. He further said that all officers, who have been posted in the affected area since 2022 will be included in the inquiry, and a case will be registered against any officer, whose negligence is proven.
Answering another question, Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the government is reviewing the situation in slum areas, noting that 740 buildings across Sindh require repairs.
He said that relocating residents would not pose a problem, as similar arrangements were successfully implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and for flood victims.
Replying to a question, Saeed Ghani said that illegal constructions are a serious issue in Karachi and it is the responsibility of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to prevent them. He said that amendments to the SBCA rules are underway, and suggestions have been sought within two weeks to enable effective action against illegal constructions and derelict buildings.

Canal breach levee inundates villages, cultivated land

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
HYDERABAD, Jul 07 (APP):An embankment of New Phuleli Canal developed a dozens of feet long breach, inundating at least half a dozen villages and hundreds of acres of agricultural land here on Monday.
An official of Rescue 1122 informed that the levee ruptured in the village Noorai Sharif in Seri town of Hyderabad.
Water gushing put from the opening engulfed Kumon Kambrani, Kamdar Mallah, Laung Mallah and other villages.
The local residents and farmers claimed to have sustained huge losses of assets and of standing crops.
The Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority’s staff moved to the spot along with heavy machinery.
However, the breach could not be plugged by the time of filing of this report.
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