ISLAMABAD
CDA workers busy in sapling plants along Expressway roadside greenbelt in the Federal Capital
ISLAMABAD
Labourers busy in construction work of flyover at under construction 10th Avenue during development work in Federal Capital
ISLAMABAD
IESCO workers install new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), driving innovation in the energy sector
RAWALPINDI
Chairman PMYP held meeting with South Korean Envoy to enhance bilateral ties
ISLAMABAD, Sep 28 (APP):To enhance bilateral ties and promote youth collaboration, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, met with the Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea, His Excellency Park ki Jun here on Saturday.
According to the PMYP office, the discussions focused on strengthening relations between Pakistan and South Korea, emphasising empowering the youth of both nations.
Both dignitaries expressed their mutual commitment to enhancing youth development initiatives during the meeting.
They discussed various strategies for youth engagement, skills development, and digital empowerment, particularly through educational and cultural exchange programs.
Chairman PMYP Rana Mashhood highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing initiatives, including the Smart Pakistan Scheme and the National Innovation Award, which aim to equip the younger generation with essential tools for the future.
His Excellency Park ki Jun expressed keen interest in fostering greater cooperation in the areas of technology, culture, and education. He also underscored the significance of building stronger ties through collaborative youth programs that can benefit both nations in areas such as innovation and entrepreneurship.
Both leaders expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Korean Cultural Week, set to take place in October 2024 which aims to promote cultural exchange and deepen understanding between the two countries. The cultural week will include performances, exhibitions, and workshops that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of both Pakistan and South Korea.
Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding opportunities for youth collaboration, stating that the event will be a testament to the strong and growing relationship between the two countries.
“This is an exciting opportunity to not only celebrate our cultural ties but to also open new doors for the youth of both nations,” he remarked.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism about the future of Pakistan-Korea relations, particularly in the field of youth empowerment.
Governor KP writes letters to political parties to form UTFC to address the province’s problems
PESHAWAR, Sep 28 (APP): The Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi wrote letters on Saturday to all political parties for strengthening Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), calling for collaborative action for socio-political, economic, and security challenges in the province and calls to form a United Task Force Committee (UTFC) to address the problems.
The letter has been written owing to the province’s current socio-political, economic, law and order situation as it witnesses unrest and law and order situation, especially in southern and tribal districts.
The Letter has been sent to representatives of all political parties in KP, including Mian Iftikhar Hussain of Awami National Party, Sikandar Hayat Sherpao Qaumi Watan Party, Senator Maulana Atta Rehman Provincial Ameer of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Maulana Jahanzeb Ali Jafari Provincial President of Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen, Allama Dr. Muhammad Shafiq Amini Provincial President Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan.
The letter has also been issued to Engineer Amir Muqam provincial president of Pakistan Muslim League-N, Mehmood Khan Provincial President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarian, Salar Fayyaz Ali Provincial President Mazdoor Kisan Party, Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani Provincial President Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Samiul Haq, Prof Muhammad Ibrahim provincial president of Jamaat-e-Islami.
Moreover, the letter has also been sent to Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha provincial president of Pakistan Peoples Party, Fayaz Khan provincial president of Jamiat Ulema Pakistan Noorani.
Furthermore, a separate letter has been written to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, in which he requested join in the meeting.
In the letter the governor states, “I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As we confront the challenges of governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, I feel compelled to bring to your attention several critical issues that urgently demand our collaborative efforts.”
The letter further reads, “These challenges not only affect our communities but also shape the future of our province, making it essential for us to unite in our response. As you are aware, our province faces significant challenges, including socio-political, economic, and security threats that have paralyzed progress and stability, resulting in irreparable repercussions.”
It adds, “Key issues include the fair distribution of resources and their optimal utilization, National Finance Commission (NFC), NHP (Net Hydel Profit), Wheeling of Electricity, Federal Excise Duty on Oil, Water Share besides security concerns, and socio-economic and political landscape of the province that ultimately affect our citizens.”
The governor says in the letter, “The current economic conditions further exacerbate these issues, necessitating immediate and collaborative action.” Proposing to address the issues he writes, “To address these challenges effectively, I propose the formation of a United Task Force Committee comprising representatives from all political parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
This committee would work together to advocate for equitable resource distribution, develop strategies for the NFC negotiations, propose measures to enhance security, promote political cohesion, and identify key economic development initiatives, the letter added.
“As the Governor, I am committed to serving all citizens of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and I believe that our collective efforts can yield positive outcomes for the province. By uniting our voices, we can effectively present our concerns to the federal government,” it adds.
I welcome your thoughts on this proposal and would like to convene an initial meeting to discuss the formation of the United Task Force Committee. Together, we can pave the way for a more prosperous and secure future for our province, said the letter.
KIIR Chief thanks PM Shahbaz for raising Kashmir and Palestine issues in a befitting manner at UN
MIRPUR, Sep 28 (APP): Senior APHC leader, Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) Chairman Altaf Hussain Wani, has expressed his profound gratitude to Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for raising the Kashmir issue in a befitting manner during his speech to the UN general assembly.
In his statement released to the media here on Saturday, Wani said that the prime minister Sharif won hearts and minds of Muslims all around the world by highlighting the plight of Kashmiri and Palestinian people profusely at the highest forum.
Wani, also Vice Chairman of Kashmiri rights outfit, Jammu Kashmir National Front, said that the speech not only reflected the true sentiments of the Kashmiri people but of the entire Muslim Ummah.
While praising Pakistan for its consistent support of Kashmir and the Palestinian cause, the APHC leader said that Pakistan has been a staunch supporter of the proposal for the creation of an independent Palestinian state and a strong proponent of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination guaranteed to them by the international community.
Prime Minister Sharif’s courageous stance on the issue of Kashmir, he said, amply demonstrated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment towards the cause of Kashmir and its earnest desire to seek a just and peaceful settlement of the lingering dispute.
He expressed the optimism that Pakistan would continue to extend its moral, political, and diplomatic support to Kashmiris till they achieve their cherished goal of freedom from India’s illegal occupation.
Bill aiming welfare of journalists under discussion in KP assembly committee: Advisor
PESHAWAR, Sep 28 (APP): Information Advisor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Barrister Saif Saturday said that government believes in freedom of press and a bill aiming welfare of journalists is under discussion in committee of provincial assembly.
He was addressing the concluding session of leadership training program that was organized by Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) for media persons. The training among others was attended by secretary information PFUJ, Ehtisham-ul-Haq, Coordinator, Ghulam Mustafa, Shahzad Alam and senior journalists.
Speaking on the occasion, health advisor said that journalist fraternity has to transform itself according to contemporary trends that have changed the scenario of journalism.
He said that modern communication techniques have converted whole world into a global village adding that these trainings would help media persons to understand the needs of current day journalism and to improve working according to ever changing dynamic standards of their profession.
Barrister Saif said that government would always accept positive criticism keeping in view significance of media. He said that government has taken steps for welfare of journalists and to give them congenial and favorable working environment.
FBR directs taxpayers to visit IRIS for tax related information
ISLAMABAD, Sep 28 (APP):Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Saturday directed taxpayers to visit the IRIS tax returns portal for verification of tax deductions instead of the Maloomat portal.
The same is already made available in the IRIS tax returns portal, said a statement issued here.
26-member steering committee formed for tourism promotion
LAHORE, Sep 28 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the formation of a 26-member steering committee dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism in Punjab.
Senator Pervaiz Rashid has been specially appointed to lead this committee, which is set to play a crucial role in elevating the province’s tourism potential. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb will serve as the convener of the Chief Minister’s Steering Committee on Punjab Tourism Promotion and Development.
The committee will also include key members such as Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari, Minister for Communication and Works (C&W) Malik Sohaib Bherth, Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar, and MNA Afzal Khokhar.
The steering committee is tasked with providing recommendations for the upgrade of historical, religious, cultural, and commercial sites to make them more appealing to tourists. Additionally, it will develop a comprehensive communication strategy to promote tourism through various digital, electronic, and social media platforms, facilitating a one-stop solution for potential visitors.
The committee is expected to identify and eliminate obstacles hindering tourism growth and will engage with stakeholders to present recommendations within the next 15 days. An official notification for the steering committee has already been issued.
This initiative aims to plan the construction, restoration, and maintenance of key tourist attractions, ensuring that Punjab emerges as a premier destination for both local and international tourists. The committee will also focus on enhancing the overall visitor experience, making Punjab a significant player in the global tourism market.
With the appointment of dedicated members, the steering committee is poised to make impactful contributions toward achieving sustainable tourism development in the province.