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World Heart Day celebrated

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LAHORE, Sep 29 (APP):The World Heart Day was observed here and across the globe on Sunday to create awareness about prevention and control of cardiovascular disease.
This year theme of the day is ‘Use Heart for Action’. The day featured events aiming to raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), CVDs are the number one cause of death globally.
Noted cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Parvaiz told APP that a healthy diet with a low quantity of fat, and weight reduction, can play an important role in the decrease in heart problems. People should avoid junk food, smoking and alcohol to live a healthy life,” he said.
To a query Dr. Pervaiz told APP that people should have a balanced diet. To understand the importance of the heart in the human body and to keep it energised,  people should increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, pulses, whole grains, nuts, limit the intake of sugar, limit salt consumption from all sources, he stressed.
Various events were held held at different forums here, including Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) that was attended by doctors, medical students, patients and children, to raise awareness of healthy living to avoid heart disease.
Meanwhile, according to WHO data cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is world’s leading cause of death, claiming over 17.5 million lives each year across the globe.

Minority minister issues instructions for Sikh pilgrims

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LAHORE, Sep 29 (APP):In the light of reports regarding exploitation of pilgrims visiting Pakistan to celebrate the birthday of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev, the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora have advised all pilgrims to carry cash in the US dollars and avoid paying any fees to group organisers who demand ‘charges’ for their pilgrimage.
He stated that PSGPC has received multiple complaints regarding unfavorable exchange rates for Indian currency during the visits of pilgrims to Pakistan.
The provincial minister further stated that due to the lack of formal diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan, private money exchangers set their own exchange rates, resulting in significant losses for the visiting pilgrims.
It is noteworthy that groups from India are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on November 14 and will return on November 23, following the celebration of Baba Nanak’s 555th birthday at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib, on November 15. During this period, they will also visit various other gurdwaras.
Ramesh Singh Arora advised the pilgrims to carry internationally recognized currency during their visit to Pakistan. “I advise Indian pilgrims to bring internationally recognized currency, especially US dollars, as they provide a more favorable exchange rate globally. This will help them avoid losses while shopping, traveling, or giving offerings,” he said.
He also addressed the issue of some group organizers demanding money in exchange for Pakistan pilgrimage visas, clarifying that they have received such complaints. However, he emphasised that the invitation sent clearly states that it is free of charge. He urged everyone to reject such demands.
On the other hand, Saifullah Khokhar, Additional Secretary (Shrines) of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, expressed concern over the money demands by group organizers, stating that their sincere objective is to eliminate such corruption. He assured that announcements will be made during the religious gathering in Nankana Sahib to ensure that innocent pilgrims are not exploited.

Mohsin Naqvi meets Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren

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LAHORE, Sep 29 (APP):Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi Sunday met Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren and congratulated him on China’s National Day.
Chinese Consul General thanked Mohsin Naqvi for amendments made by the Ministry of Interior benefiting Chinese businessmen.
The interior minister said that under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, China has made significant progress. He called China Pakistan’s most trustworthy and loyal friend, acknowledging China’s historical role in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy. China’s speedy development is a role model for every nation around the world, he remarked.
Mohsin Naqvi emphasized Pakistan’s pride in its time-tested friendship with China, citing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a milestone. He reaffirmed that Pakistan-China friendship will remain strong and enduring.
Zhao Shiren called Pakistan China’s best friend and assured continued cooperation. During the meeting matters of mutual interest and bilateral relations were discussed. Senior consular officials were also present in the meeting.

PCMEA elects new leadership

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LAHORE, Sep 29 (APP):The Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) has announced its new leadership following recent elections.
Mian Atiqur Rehman takes the reins as Chairman, joined by Zahid Nazir as Senior Vice Chairman (Southern Zone) and Riyaz Ahmed as Vice Chairman (Northern Zone), senior leader Abdul Latif  Malik has been appointed as Patron-in-Chief in recognition of his immense contributions to the industry.
The election of the members of the Executive Committee, Northern Zone and Southern Zone also took place. All the officials were elected unopposed and their term will be for two years, according to PCMEA spokesman here Sunday.
Among the members of the Northern Zone Executive Committee are Mehmood Ahmed, Bilal Ahmad Butt, Ahmed Irfan, Muhammad Jafar Khalid, Qamar Zia, Sheikh Amir Khalid, Usman Rasheed, Ali Ahmed, Saadul Rehman and Farooq Ahmed Butt, while the members of the Southern Zone Executive Committee are Parvez Sajjad, Muhammad Arif Latif, Muhammad Amin, Sohail Haq, Nadeem Khokhar, Amber Naeem, Alauddin Sheikh, Muhammad Makki Godil, SM Shahzad Hanif, Muhammad Junaid and Shahid Rashid.
Newly elected PCMEA leaders have pledged to tackle challenges facing the handloom carpet industry.
Chairman Mian Atiqur Rehman, Senior Vice Chairman Zahid Nazir, Vice Chairman Riaz Ahmed, and Executive Committee members expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them and reaffirmed their dedication to driving industry growth.
Newly elected Chairman Mian Atiqur Rehman and Vice Chairman Riaz Ahmed have paid heartfelt tribute to the outgoing officials, particularly Senior Vice Chairman Usman Ashraf, for his tireless efforts in shedding light on the challenges faced by the handwoven carpet industry.
Usman Ashraf’s dedication to presenting these issues to government officials and institutions has been instrumental in bringing about awareness and potential solutions.
Chairman Rehman and Vice Chairman Ahmed have reassured that they will carry forward Usman Ashraf’s legacy, continuing to address the industry’s problems and working towards its development.
They said that under the guidance of the leadership, they will work around the clock to make the upcoming international exhibition successful and they are committed that all the people involved in the handwoven carpet industry will play their full role individually and collectively.
Usman Ashraf thanked all the members and said that they worked as a team and achieved success, some problems are still unsolved but we are not disappointed and continue to work together with the new body to solve them. He said that the preparations for the 40th World Exhibition of Handwoven Carpets are going on vigorously and we are hopeful that the success of the global event will give a boost to the handwoven carpet industry and the country’s economy will also benefit in the form of foreign exchange.

Panjgur killing leaves every eye filled with tears: CM

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QUETTA, Sep 29 (APP):Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Sunday condemned the brutal killing of innocent laborers in the Khuda-i-Abadaan Abdul Rehman area of Panjgur, calling it the ghastly of terrorism.
In a statement issued here, the Chief Minister of Balochistan said that once again, the blood of innocent, hardworking Pakistanis has been spilled on the soil of Balochistan, leaving every eye filled with tears.
He said terrorists are cowardly and devoid of humanity, belonging to no religion, tribe, or nation. In clear terms, they are simply terrorists, and they will be held accountable for the murder of these innocents in both this world and the hereafter.
The Chief Minister added that this heinous act of terrorism is unforgivable and deserving of strong condemnation. Once again, terrorists in Balochistan have attacked poor Pakistani laborers, violating both Balochi and Islamic traditions.
CM bugti reiterating government resolve against terrorism said these terrorists cannot hide forever; they will be hunted down and made to account for the killings of innocent Pakistanis, and they will find no place to hide.
Expressing his condolences and sorrow to the families of the martyred laborers, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that in this time of grief, every individual in Balochistan is sad and shares in the pain of the bereaved families.
“The killing of these guests, who had come to the remote areas of Balochistan for work, is a moment of deep concern for every Balochistani, he further added.

Sindh governor visits Olympian Arshad Nadeem’s residence

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KHANEWAL, Sep 29 (APP):Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori visited the residence of Olympian Arshad Nadeem in Mian Channu on Sunday and appreciated him for bringing laurels to the country.
Speaking to the media, he expressed his confidence in the capabilities of people of Pakistan. He said that Pakistanis were on a par with the people of any other country in terms of potential and skills. “Our country is full of talented individuals who are second to none in the world,” he remarked, highlighting that the nation has the capacity to achieve more successes. Tessori stressed that Pakistan belongs to everyone, and through collective efforts, the country would progress. “This is our nation, and together we will take it forward towards development and prosperity,” he added.
Governor Tessori expressed gratitude to the people of Mian Channu for their warm welcome and hospitality, acknowledging the affection he received during his visit. “I am deeply thankful to the people of Mian Channu for the heartfelt reception,” he said.
During his address, Tessori reiterated his commitment to the people of Sindh, stating that the doors of the Governor’s House were always open for the public. “The Governor’s House in Sindh is accessible to everyone. We are here to serve people,” he added.
In a statement regarding the development of Punjab, Governor Tessori praised provincial leadership, particularly Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her efforts. “Maryam Nawaz is doing an excellent job in advancing the development of Punjab,” Tessori added.
About the security situation in Balochistan, the governor pointed to the involvement of external elements in creating instability in the province. “Foreign forces are behind the incidents in Balochistan,” he said, and underscored the need to remain vigilant.
Tessori also took a firm stand against the country’s adversaries, warning that the country’s enemies would be dealt with sternly. “The enemies of the nation do not want to see Pakistan progress, but they will be given a befitting reply,” he asserted.

Knowledge, strategy vital to face existing challenges: Ahsan Iqbal

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LAHORE, Sep 29 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said on Sunday that combination of knowledge and strategy was imperative to face challenges of the modern times.
Addressing the annual alumni convention at Jamia-tur-Rasheed here, he said that Islam had started an era of knowledge and Holy Quran was revealed on Last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), which proved the importance of knowledge. He said that Holy Quran provided a complete code of life. He said it was very unfortunate that Muslim Ummah rank very low in world index of knowledge.
He said, “A country with a population of 10 million has made 2 billion population of Muslims helpless. We see daily on television that how Israel is inflicting violence on Muslim population.” Ahsan said that it was high time to think over it what had made a country with 10 million population so powerful. The minister said, “We are lacking in knowledge and implementation.” There was a time when Muslims were ruling in almost all fields of life, but after decline of Baghdad and Muslim Spain, things changed, he recalled. Biggest challenge was to bring back Muslims towards knowledge and research, he added.
The minister said that incompetent persons always cause failure, and to be dependent on western countries was not the right approach at all. He said that successful nations always emerge from peace and stability, adding that chaos and weak financial resources lead to further problems. He said there was dire need to promote peace and firmly hold the vision under which Pakistan was created. Ahsan Iqbal said it was very important for Muslims to strategise things. He said that today’s biggest threat was misinformation and social media was being used for spreading it and added that if respect of state institutions would be compromised, it would only weaken the country.
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan was the only Islamic country with an atomic power, adding that enemy of Pakistan could not digest this thing. He said that with the grace of Allah Almighty, Pakistan’s armed forces were fully capable to foil nefarious designs of anti-state elements. The minister said that preachers must play their role to control the spread of hatred and prejudice. Paigham-e-Pakistan would be promoted across all educational institutions of the country. He hoped that Jamia-tur-Rasheed, Al-Ghazali University would play their role in strengthening the country.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori emphasised following the glorious teachings of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) in the real sense to achieve success in this world and hereafter. It was vital to maintain balance between religion and world, he added. The governor said that hard work and collective efforts were required to obtain desired results. Unfortunately negative narrative was being spread against the country, he said. He said that nations always face hard times with patience. He said that sacrifices of martyrs would not go waste. He said, “Pakistan has full potential in terms of youngsters, resources, leaders and ulema.”

International labour & trade unions delegation meets Ch Shafay Hussain

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LAHORE, Sep 29 (APP):A 12-member delegation of International Labour and Trade Unions called on Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain at a local hotel on Sunday.
The delegation was headed by Shoya Yoshida, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, Asia-Pacific, Singapore.
During the meeting, mutual cooperation was agreed upon for the preparation of skilled manpower and the promotion of technical education. The possibilities of trade with various countries were also reviewed.
The minister briefed the delegation about the investment opportunities and the measures taken to promote technical education.
He stated that special incentives are available for investors in Punjab’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) including a 10-year income tax exemption and a one-time duty-free machinery import facility. He shared that 19 Centers of Excellence are being established in different cities by TEVTA with the support of the Asian Development Bank. A Garment City is being developed on 630 acres in Sheikhupura, where the government would build industrial unit structures and offer them to investors on rent.
The minister highlighted the ongoing improvements in industrial infrastructure and the upgradation of TEVTA institutions. He also shared that Punjab’s Skill Development Policy 2024 has been submitted for cabinet approval. He added that solar study programs have been introduced in TEVTA institutions for the first time. Additionally, several Chinese companies have expressed interest in investing in Punjab.
Ch. Shafay Hussain emphasized that promoting solar energy and electric vehicles is the Punjab government’s top priority.
The delegation expressed its commitment to working with Punjab to promote mutual trade and technical education.
The delegation included Mr Laxman Basnet, General Secretary of the South Asian Trade Union Confederation from Nepal; Mr Geir Tonstol, Country Director of the International Labour Organization in Pakistan; Mr Eugenio Mozarelli, Country Manager of the Italian Trade Union Cooperation Agency from Rome, Italy; and Mr Imad Ashraf, Country Head of the American Solidarity Center in Pakistan. Other members included Malik Tahir Javed, President of the Employees Federation of Pakistan and Ch. Naseem Iqbal, President of the Pakistan Workers Federation.

Rana Mashhood urges youth to play role in making Pakistan prosperous

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LAHORE, Sep 29 (APP):Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Sunday urged the talented youth of the country to persist in their efforts to build a prosperous and stable Pakistan.
Talking to the media here, he emphasised the importance of hard work and dedication, encouraging young people to actively contribute to society and create opportunities for themselves and others. He added that by focusing their skills and pursuing their goals, the youth can significantly contribute to creating a better future for Pakistan.
Rana Mashhood while delivering encouraging news for the youth, announced that a successful deal has been reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has led various countries to express their readiness to invest in Pakistan.
Rana Mashhood elaborated that had this deal not materialized, Pakistan could have faced a dire situation similar to that of Syria, Libya, or Iraq. He praised the Prime Minister for his relentless efforts to promote a positive image of Pakistan on the global stage, viewing this as a crucial step toward the country’s development.
The PMYP Chairman commended the hard work of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, highlighting her dedication to public service. He noted that she is tirelessly working for the peoples’ welfare while upholding her father’s legacy, showcasing her commitment and determination to be always present for the public.
Rana Mashhood said these developments present a beacon of hope for Pakistan’s future, offering a remarkable opportunity for the youth to play a vital role in the nation’s progress. He emphasized the necessity of engaging the younger generation and harnessing their potential to effectively address the challenges facing Pakistan.
He encouraged young people to channel their energies into national development and to work diligently toward realizing their dreams. He called on the youth to take the lead in shaping the country’s future and to pave new paths through their resolve and ambition.

Bilawal felicitates newly elected body of LCCI

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KARACHI, Sep 29 (APP): The Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has congratulated the newly elected body of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
He felicitated Abuzar Shad on being elected as President of LCCI, Engineer Khalid Usman as Senior Vice President and Shahid Nazir as Vice President.
Bilawal said that the business community had an important role in the economy of the country.
He said that the joint cooperation between PPP and business community could pave the way for development.
He asked the new leadership of LCCI to give their recommendations for economic reforms.