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7 drug suppliers netted, over 11 kg charas recovered

By
Ali Ali
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RAWALPINDI, Jul 11 (APP):The Rawalpindi Police on Friday continued the crackdown against drug suppliers and arrested seven accused with more than 11 kilograms charas from different areas.
According to a Rawalpindi Police spokesperson, the Sadiqabad Police detained three accused recovering 4.65 kg charas from their possession.
The Taxila Police nabbed with accused recovering some 2.47 kg of the contraband item from him.
Similarly, the Rawat, Kahuta and Wah Saddar Police also detained one accused each with 1.68 kg, 1.65 kg and 760 grams charas, respectively.

BAJK, i-Consult Consortium sign agreement for CBS implementation

By
Muhammad Ashraf Wani
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In a major step toward digital transformation and financial modernization, the Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (BAJK) signed a landmark agreement on Friday with i-Consult Consortium for the implementation of a state-of-the-art Core Banking System (CBS).

This strategic initiative marks a new era of innovation, transparency, and customer-focused services in the region’s banking sector.

The consortium includes leading technology partners—MegaPlus, i-Consult, Silverlake, and i-TANS—who will collaborate on the Core Banking System with an objective to elevate BAJK’s infrastructure to global standards, significantly enhancing service accessibility, operational efficiency, and transparency across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The high-profile signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq; Speaker of the AJK Legislative Assembly, Chaudhry Latif Akbar; Finance Minister and Chairman of BAJK’s Board of Directors, Abdul Majid Khan; and BAJK President Shahid Shehzad Mir, along with senior government officials and representatives from the participating organizations.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq hailed the agreement as a milestone in the region’s financial evolution.

“We are fully committed to transforming the Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir into a modern, secure, and efficient institution. Our people deserve a banking system that inspires trust and facilitates safe investment,” he said.

He further announced the government’s intention to expand the bank’s operations throughout Pakistan and AJK, with the goal of upgrading it to a scheduled bank. The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of an efficient banking system in managing the 25% of national remittances received by AJK.

BAJK, i-Consult Consortium sign agreement for CBS implementation

Finance Minister Abdul Majid Khan echoed the significance of the initiative, calling the Core Banking System the “backbone of modern banking.”

“This transformation will not only enhance transparency and performance but also enable better service delivery to remote and underserved communities,” he said adding the agreement reflected broader vision of a robust, digitized financial infrastructure for Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaker of the AJK Legislative Assembly, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, congratulated all stakeholders involved in the agreement and expressed optimism about the bank’s future growth and modernization.

President BAJK, Shahid Shehzad Mir, described the agreement as a “revolutionary step” toward world-class banking.

“The implementation of CBS and digital channels will significantly upgrade our service standards, ensuring our customers enjoy a seamless, modern banking experience,” he noted.

BAJK, i-Consult Consortium sign agreement for CBS implementation

With a network of 88 branches across the region, BAJK is positioning itself as a leader in digital banking transformation, aiming to drive financial inclusion, empower local communities, and contribute meaningfully to the region’s economic growth.

“This partnership signifies a major digital transformation. Silverlake is committed to delivering a robust, scalable, and secure banking solution tailored to BAJK’s needs, ensuring compliance with global standards while empowering customers with real-time, 24/7 banking services, “ said Co-CEO, Silverlake, David Lim.

Over 1,600 trucks queuing up at Belarusian border to enter EU

By
NNPS Desk
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MINSK, 11 July (BelTA/APP): More than 1,600 trucks are waiting to enter the EU ahead of the weekend, BelTA learned from the State Border Committee of Belarus.

The busiest border crossing is the Latvian border checkpoint Paternieki (Grigorovshchina on the Belarusian side): a total of 645 trucks are queuing up here. Over the week, its personnel have accepted 40% of the normal number of trucks.

Since Monday, the personnel of the Lithuanian border checkpoint Medininkai (Kamenny Log) have been clearing an average of 14% of the normal number of trucks per day. The Lithuanian border checkpoint Salcininkai (Benyakoni) has been handling no more than 32% of the normal number of trucks since the beginning of the week.

There are 130 passenger cars waiting to enter Lithuania and Poland. The busiest border crossing for passenger cars is the Lithuanian border checkpoint Medininkai (Kamenny Log), where 90 passenger cars are queuing up to enter the EU. Ten buses are also waiting to enter the EU in front of the Medininkai checkpoint and another nine buses – near the Polish border checkpoint Terespol (Brest).

Secretary education lauds AIOU’s efforts in educating out of school children

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):Federal Secretary for Education and Professional Training, Nadeem Mahbub has said that Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has emerged as a strong, active and effective partner in efforts being made under the “Accelerated Learning Program (ALP)” to bring approximately 26 million out-of-school children in the country into the educational fold.
This he said while speaking at the launch ceremony of the “Pakistan Non-Formal Education Statistical Report 2023-24” held at the university yesterday.
The Secretary of Education emphasized that Pakistan faces several challenges in the field of education, and addressing them requires a significant role from non-formal education.
He stressed that Allama Iqbal Open University, through its wide outreach, modern teaching resources, and comprehensive planning, is providing quality education to those children who, for various reasons, have been left out of the formal education system.
Appreciating the services of the university, he expressed hope that other educational institutions would also learn from this model and contribute effectively to increasing the literacy rate in the country.
Addressing the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood said that there is a need for serious efforts at the national level to integrate out-of-school children into the educational system. He added that, fortunately, their partner organizations are committed to achieving this goal. He explained that the university, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Pakistan Institute of Education, is providing education up to the matriculation level to children from underprivileged areas, especially girls.
Dr. Nasir Mahmood further stated that over 1.3 million children are currently receiving education under the ALP project. The university aims to include all out-of-school children in the education system and achieve 100% literacy in the country.

Shipping Activity at Port Qasim

By
Ali Ali
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0
KARACHI, Jul 11 (APP):Shipping activity was report at the port where three ships, Southern Wolf, Yashar and African Kite carrying Palm oil, LPG and Coal, berthed at Liquid Cargo Terminal, Engro Vopak Terminal and Pakistan International Bulk Terminal respectively on Thursday.
Meanwhile two more ships, Southern Robin and ASL Ixora with Chemicals and Coal also arrive at outer anchorage on today morning.
A total of seven ships were engaged at PQA berths during the last 24 hours, out of them a grain cargo carrier ‘Atlantic Sakura’ left the port on today morning, while two more ships, Yashar and IVS Phoenix are expected to sail on today.
Cargo volume of 98,683 tonnes, comprising 79,735 tonnes imports cargo and 18,948 export cargo carried in 459 Containers (459 TEUs Imports & 0 TEUs Export) was handled at the port during last 24 hours.
There are 12 ships at Outer Anchorage of Port Qasim, out of them three ships, Kedros, Southern Robin and ND Aristeia & another ship ‘Zervos’ carrying Soya Bean Seed, Chemicals, Coal and Mogas are expected to take berths at FAP, EVTL, PIBT and FOTCO respectively on today 11th July, while two more ships, Kumasi and X-Press Kohima are due to arrive at outer anchorage.

Kerb currency market

By
Ali Ali
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0
KARACHI, Jul 11 (APP):The following were the Opening Rates of foreign currencies in the kerb market issued by the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan, here on Friday.
F.C.                           BUYING      SELLING
INTER BANK               284.45        284.50
USD                          286.30        287.50
EURO                        337.00        340.00
GBP                          390.00        394.00
JPY                            1.94            1.99
AED                          78.50          78.90
SAR                          76.60          77.00

Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board holds 99th meeting to discuss preservation and development

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):The Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board (QMMB) convened its 99th meeting yesterday at the Resident Engineer’s Office in Karachi, which focused on crucial matters concerning the preservation, development, and management of Mazar-e-Quaid and its surrounding areas.
Chairing the meeting,  Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Minister for National Heritage & Culture Division, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the national importance of Quaid’s Mausoleum.
Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board holds 99th meeting to discuss preservation and development
Esteemed members present included Senator Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs; Mr. Asad Rehman Gilani, Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division; and other Board Members such as Mr. Sabino Sikander Jalal, Senior Joint Secretary; Mr. Mehmood Amir, Accountant General Sindh; Mr. Abid Saleem Qureshi; Mr. Fahim Iqbal Siddiqui; Ali Akbar Gujjar; and Mr. Inamullah Shaikh. Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary, National Heritage & Culture Division, also attended by special invitation.
Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board holds 99th meeting to discuss preservation and developmentQuaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board holds 99th meeting to discuss preservation and development
Key agenda items deliberated during the meeting included the proposed relocation of the historic old chandelier from the Mausoleum to the National Museum of Pakistan, approval of the QMMB’s annual budget estimates for the upkeep of the Mausoleum Complex, and requests for provincial funding.
Discussions also covered the development of the Mazar-e-Quaid’s peripheral area and the project for revamping and renovating the Aiwan-e-Nawadrat-e-Quaid-i-Azam (Quaid’s Museum).
Further topics addressed were the repainting and restoration of the mausoleum dome and ceiling, staffing vacancies, and employee welfare. Progress on ongoing renovation and maintenance efforts was thoroughly reviewed to ensure the sustained conservation of the National Monument.
The Minister attentively listened to the concerns raised by board members and issued clear directives for the swift and effective implementation of proposed initiatives.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to safeguard the historical and cultural significance of Mazar-e-Quaid, reinforcing its role as a profound symbol of national pride, unity, and reverence.

CM Bugti condemns killing of 9 passengers, terming it opens terrorism

By
Ali Ali
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0
QUETTA, Jul 11 (APP):Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Friday strongly condemned the killing of 9 unarmed passengers to Punjab in Sir-Dakha area situated Zhob border area of Balochistan and termed it open terrorism of Fitna-ul-Hindustan.
He said that the killing of innocents on the basis of Pakistani identity is an unforgivable crime, and the provincial government would take strict action against those suspects involved in the incident to bring them to justice.
The CM said that the terrorists have proven that they are not human beings, saying that the blood of innocents would not go in vain in the soil of Balochistan.
He said that the state would not let these murderers hide even underground, adding that every nefarious plan of terrorism would be foiled with strength, determination and unity.
Balochistan will become a graveyard for enemies, he said, adding that all networks of terrorists who are the sponsors of Fitna-ul-Hindustan to be thwarted by the contribution of security forces and the public for maintaining durable peace in the province.
However, nine people have been killed after being abducted from a passenger coach travelling from Quetta to Punjab, official sources said.
An unknown armed person opened fire on the abducted passengers after taking them away from the vehicles.
According to the report, the bodies of the deceased have been shifted to the Rekhni hospital in the Barkhan district of Balochistan.
Balochistan government’s spokesman Shahid also strongly condemned the attack and called it an act of terrorism.
He said that the terrorists pulled passengers off the bus, identified them, and then mercilessly killed nine innocent Pakistanis, saying that the murder of defenceless civilians is a glaring example of the barbarity of the Fitna al-Hindustan.

PFA reports 77% performance boost in D.G. Khan, Bahawalpur divisions

By
Ali Ali
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0
PFA
MUZAFFARGARH, Jul 11 (APP):Punjab Food Authority(PFA) on Friday released its annual performance report, revealing a 77% increase in operations compared to the previous fiscal year in Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur divisions.
According to Director General(DG) Muhammad Asim Javed,about 177,469 food points were inspected during the year.
A total of 135 FIRs were registered for food fraud and adulteration,leading to the arrest of 57 individuals.
Production at 217 food outlets was halted until compliance was ensured.
The PFA also discarded 378,952 litres of adulterated milk,19,614 litres of substandard oil,13,300 kg of fake spices, 10,921 kg of harmful meat and 159 litres of inferior beverages.
Additionally,five acres of vegetables were believed to get irrigated through contaminated water were also destroyed.
The resource and licensing wing issued 3,219 new business licenses across both divisions.
Delivering adulteration-free food to citizens remains the PFA’s top priority,the DG stated,adding that stricter actions will continue this year as well to further improve food quality.

Pakistani embassy hosts largely attended Mango Festival in Washington

By
NNPS Desk
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0

WASHINGTON, Jul 11 (APP): The Embassy of Pakistan Thursday hosted its annual Mango Festival, welcoming a large crowd to experience the “king of fruits” at the event that was part of the embassy’s public outreach efforts.

The gathering included diplomats, U.S. government officials, congressional staff, think-tank members, media representatives, and the Pakistani-American diaspora, according to a press release of the embassy.

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh highlighted the significance of mangoes in Pakistani culture and society referring to them as “the best mangoes in the world,”. Pakistan, he said, is the sixth-largest producer globally, with an annual cultivation of approximately 1.8 million metric tons.

“Today, we bring to you the savory, succulent sweetness of the Pakistan-U.S. partnership, a taste that has defined our friendship for the past 78 years,” said Ambassador Sheikh. He noted the renewed strength in bilateral relations, adding, “we foresee with this new administration since January, the revival of that sweetness.”

“Pakistan is home to one of the most ancient civilizations on Earth, and we are conscious of our strategic significance and responsibility,” he remarked, underscoring the nation’s potential to be a positive influence at the regional and global stage.

Speaking at the occasion, Mary Bischoping, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, thanked Ambassador Sheikh for his continued leadership in strengthening the U.S.-Pakistan bilateral relationship.

“For decades, the United States and Pakistan have worked together to address some of the world’s most critical issues. Looking forward, we are poised to continue to grow our cooperation across a range of shared interests,” said the Deputy Assistant Secretary.

Ms. Bischoping also welcomed Pakistan’s initiatives to enhance trade and investment and affirmed the U.S. commitment to economic cooperation. “We hope to expand mutually beneficial trade and commercial opportunities, especially in Pakistan’s growing critical mineral sector,” she said.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary also underscored the significant contributions of the Pakistani-American community. “In the United States today, over 700,000 hardworking Pakistani-Americans are invaluable members of American society. Our work at the State Department directly benefits from the patriotism, talent, and passion of this community”, she said.

Guests at the festival enjoyed a variety of fresh, premium-quality Pakistani mangoes and an array of mango-based culinary creations, with live performances and melodious Pakistani tunes on the sitar, the press release said.

The event also attracted numerous digital media influencers, many of whom were experiencing the country’s famed fruit for the first time.

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