ISLAMABAD: September 20 –
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chairs a meeting to review the repair/reconstruction of the school buildings damaged by flood 2022.
ISLAMABAD: September 20 –
SBP injects over Rs 2.2 trillion into market
KARACHI, Sep 20 (APP): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), on Friday, injected Rs 2,236.15 billion in the market through reverse repo purchase and Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operation (OMO).
According to OMO results issued here, the SBP conducted Open Market Operation, Reverse Repo Purchase (Injection) on September 20, 2024 for 7-day and 28-day tenors and accepted 25 bids cumulatively amounting to Rs 2,075.15 billion.
The central bank received 20 bids for 7-day tenor cumulatively offering an amount of Rs1,858.15 billion at the rate of return ranging between 17.56 to 17.60 percent while 5 bids amounting to Rs 217 billion were received for the 28-day tenor at the rate of return ranging between 17.58 to 17.60 %.
The central bank accepted total amount offered through all the 20 quotes for the 7-day tenor and 5 bids for 28-day tenor at 17.56% and 17.58% rates of return, respectively.
Meanwhile, SBP also conducted Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operation and injected Rs125 billion in the market.
For the 7-day tenor, the SBP received one bid amounting to Rs161 billion at 17.58% rate of return while no bid was received for 28-day tenor. The central bank accepted the only bid offered for 7-day tenor at 17.58% rate of return.
CDWP okays six development projects, refers six to ECNEC worth Rs 187 bln
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (PDSI) & Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal on Friday chaired a meeting of the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) that approved uplift projects worth of Rs 187 billion.
“Out of these, six projects worth Rs 19 billion have been approved by the CDWP forum, while it recommended six projects of Rs 168 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for its consideration,” a news release said.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, Additional Secretary Planning, members of the Planning Commission, as well as respective federal secretaries, and representatives from federal ministries and provincial governments.
During the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of cost rationalization, instructing the officials that the role of the CDWP forum was to optimize project expenditures and save resources.
He highlighted that Pakistan was facing significant economic challenges, and therefore, every penny must be used judiciously.
The forum approved three projects namely “Establishment of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Medical College Mirpur AJ&K (Revised) worth Rs 5089.779 million; “Establishment of 200 beds Accident and Emergency Center at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad (Revised)” worth Rs 6,632.589 million and “Replacement & Up-gradation of HVAC Plant Room Equipment and Allied works at PIMS Islamabad (2nd Revision)” worth Rs 1,654.100 million.
It also okayed a project related to the Industries & Commerce sector namely “Invest Pakistan” worth Rs 1,388.84 million.
A project related to Physical Planning & Housing sector namely “Karachi Water & Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP) Phase-I” worth Rs 25,471.164 million was recommended to ECNEC for consideration. The project will be funded through World Bank and Government of Sindh.
The meeting approved another project of Physical Planning & Housing – “Greater Water Supply Scheme for Central Hunza from Attabad Lake (Revised)” worth Rs 2,075.667 million.
While approving the project, the Planning Minister emphasized the importance of introducing solar energy projects in the region.
The CDWP referred a project “Inter-Regional Connectivity Between Baltistan Division & Diamer Astore Division (Construction/Metaling of Road from Gorikote Astore to Shagarthang Skardu) (Revised)” worth Rs12,302.147 million to ECNEC for further consideration.
The revised project envisages the construction of a 105-km long road starting from Kachura (Skardu District) and, after passing through Bobin, terminates at Astore Valley road at Gorikot. The road passes through Kachura, Soq Kachura, and Shagharthang villages, climbs up to Bobin Valley, and descends down to Gorikot. The construction of the road will provide a safer and more comfortable travel facility between the districts of Gilgit-Baltistan and between GB and AJK through Shounter Tunnel.
While discussing inter-regional connectivity between Baltistan Division and Diamer-Astore Division, Ahsan Iqbal instructed officials concerned to formulate a comprehensive tourism development plan as well as land zoning plan. He urged the involvement of a reputable tourism consultant to design a strategy that balances infrastructure growth with the preservation of the area’s natural beauty.
The minister highlighted that road construction should go beyond improving connectivity and be part of a broader area development initiative.
Another project of T&C sector ‘Procurement of Aircraft Rescue and Fir Fighting (ARFF) vehicles’ for the new Gwadar International Airport (New)” worth Rs 2,079.758 million was approved by the forum. It is self-financed by the Pakistan Airports Authority.
The T& C sector also presented the project namely “Construction / Upgradation of Dirgi Shahbozai (N-70) to Tonusa Sharif (N-55) road length -155 Km (Revised)” worth Rs 11,549.758 million and which was recommended to ECNEC for further consideration.
The Revised Project PC-I envisages construction / upgradation of 175-Kilometre long road starting from Dirgi Shabozai on National Highway (N-70) and terminating at Taunsa Sharif on National Highway (N-55), in the Balochistan and Punjab provinces. The scope of work includes construction / improvement of bridges, culverts, retaining walls and protection works. The scope of work also includes improvement of shoulders, curves, gradient, slopes, road infrastructure along with allied structures and facilities.
During the meeting, the Transport Communication Division presented the project namely ” Construction of Ziarat More – Kachi – Harnai – Sanjavi – Road Project Package -I Ziarat Mor- Kachi – Harnai Road 109.882 Km, Package -I Harnai – Sanjavi – Road 55.83 Km (Revised)” worth Rs. 24,423.900 million which was referred to ECNEC for further consideration after 3rd party validation.
The project envisages construction / widening / rehabilitation of existing road from Ziarat Mor-Kach-Harnai (109.882-Kilometre) and from Harnai to Sanjavi (55.834-Kilometre) in the Harnai and Ziarat districts of Balochistan Province. The scope of work includes construction / rehabilitation of existing & new bridges, box & pipe culverts, causeways, retaining & breast walls and embankment. The scope of work also includes provision of ancillary works, drainage & erosion works, protection works, rehabilitation, improvement in geometry, road furniture and allied structures on either side of the road.
The minister stated that projects in Balochistan were a priority for the Federal Government, and maximum resources were being proposed for the initiatives in the province.
The meeting referred another project of T&C sector namely “Construction of Lahore Bypass from Kalashah Kaku Exit to KLM to Mulyam Road Near Radio Station 18.5 Km (Revised)” worth Rs 34,446.585 million to ECNEC for further consideration.
Besides, it forwarded two projects related to Water Resources sector namely “Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project SFERP Irrigation Component (Revised)” worth Rs 59,911.990 million to ECNEC.
The project is proposed to be funded through World Bank & Government of Sindh.
The project titled “Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project – SFERP (Irrigation Component)” was prepared for the rehabilitation of Irrigation & Drainage Networks damaged, during the flood of 2022.
Rehabilitation of existing infrastructure will be undertaken along with the construction of flood detention dams/weirs for the urban flooding.
The scope of project comprises Infrastructure Rehabilitation, Emergent Rehabilitation Works, Emergent Works, Long Term Rehabilitation Works, Institutional Strengthening for Resilience and Technical Assistance.
Journalists in Press Gallery play pivotal role in disseminating NA proceedings: Speaker
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed his appreciation for the Pakistan Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA) for their comprehensive coverage of parliamentary proceedings here on Friday.
He highlighted that the press gallery is an essential component of the parliament. “Journalists in the Press Gallery play a pivotal role in disseminating the proceedings of the House to the public, fulfilling an important responsibility. The National Assembly Secretariat is also committed to providing all necessary facilities to reporters so they can perform their professional duties efficiently,” said the Speaker.
He expressed these remarks during his meeting with the executive body members of the PRA, led by President PRA, Usman Khan, here at Parliament House, a news release said.
Addressing queries regarding constitutional amendments, the Speaker expressed his willingness to mediate between the government and the opposition. He mentioned that while he had a general understanding of the amendment drafts, they were still in the preliminary stages.
He emphasized that the initiative to establish a constitutional court had been agreed upon by all political leaders, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, under the Charter of Democracy.
In response to questions about the arrest of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), the Speaker termed the incident unfortunate. Production orders for the arrested MNAs were issued without any consultation, and Parliament Lodges were declared a sub-jail,” he stated.
The Speaker further explained that he immediately called the Inspector General (IG) of Islamabad to ensure that the arrested members were treated with dignity and respect. The members, who were brought to attend the session under production orders, personally expressed their gratitude.
The speaker also noted that in the previous government, production orders for detained members were not issued. He commended the role of Federal Ministers Azam Nazir Tarar and Mohsin Naqvi for their handling of the situation and informed the media that an initial report on the matter had already been prepared
While discussing the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Speaker clarified that the PAC belongs to all parties, not just one. He stated that the opposition had been repeatedly requested to submit a panel of names for the chairmanship, as per tradition.
Regarding the scheduling of National Assembly sessions, the Speaker reiterated that the authority to convene or adjourn a session lies with the government.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also acknowledged the positive developments in the country’s economy, expressing hope that further good news on economic improvements would emerge during the current government’s term.
IHC orders investigation into illegal arrest of 3 citizens
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday issued directives for investigation of illegal arrest of three citizens by the Capital Police and sought a report till September 24.
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, hearing the case, remarked that the court would not spare the police officers involved in the act as it was defaming the police and judiciary as well.
He remarked that the magistrate used to give remand of an accused without understanding the charges against him.
The chief justice observed that allegations sans evidence against the accused were not enough.
Addressing the Inspector General of Police Islamabad, he observed that he had to appear repeatedly before the court as head of the institution due to his officers’ acts.
The court said that as per the reports the three persons were lifted from the SSP Office on September 17, while the police stated that they were arrested on September 19, after registering a case and the same day their physical remand was taken.
Justice Aamer Farooq remarked that he would also write against the magistrate concerned that what material was presented before him to get the remand of three persons.
The case was about the missing of an oil tanker and the accused had also no connection with it, he added.
The chief justice remarked that the police had been involved in the real estate business and land grabbing.
The case was then adjourned.
Gul Asghar prioritizes implementation of axle load for safeguarding lives, highways
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP):Parliamentary Secretary for Communications Gul Asghar Khan Baghoor on Friday emphasized that the implementation of axle load will be his top priority to protect national highways and safeguard precious human lives.
He expressed these views while talking to NH&MP officials during his visit to the National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) headquarters.
Inspector General (IG) NH&MP Salman Chaudhry warmly welcomed the Secretary on arrival at NH&MP headquarters.
On this occasion, the Parliamentary Secretary was briefed in detail about the strategy, axle load control regime and other challenges of Motorway Police.
Inspector General Salman Chaudhry, Additional Inspector General of Police, DIGs and other senior officers were also present.
The Parliamentary Secretary assured that the implementation of Axle Load will be my first priority to save national highways and precious human lives.
Gul Asghar Khan Baghoor said the development of any country requires a lot of work in the field of communications, telecommunications and energy. Because these are the means by which nations develop, he added.
Gul Asghar Khan said there is an urgent need to solve the shortage of manpower in the Motorway Police on an urgent basis. Secretary said he will personally try his best to make efforts for the increase in the salaries of the Motorway Police.
Motorway Police has brought down the traffic accidents significantly through its best strategy, Secretary added.
Additionally, the Parliamentary Secretary attended the martyrs’ memorial to pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives while performing their duties and offered special prayers for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs.
UN Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahiya presenting a souvenir to Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan during a meeting to discuss sustainable trade growth and cooperation between Pakistan and the United Nations.
ISLAMABAD: September 20 –
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal planting a tree at the Ministry of Planning, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to a greener, sustainable future under the UGPP initiative.
ISLAMABAD: September 20 –
CJP displeased over misuse of media for personal attacks
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP): Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa on Friday expressed displeasure over misuse of media for personal attacks.
“It’s the easiest job to hurl abuses at the chief justice,” he observed while presiding over a three-member SC bench which heard a case pertaining to the appointments of vice chancellors in public sector universities.
The court criticized the misuse of media and remarked that journalists were tasked to attack the public figures and spread negativity.
The CJP commented on the trend of personal attacks through media especially targeting the judiciary. He observed that whether the court should start initiating contempt of court cases to stop the practice.
The bench expressed concern over the absence of Rector International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) Mrs Samina Malik in the court proceedings and university meetings, citing the health issues.
The court expressed doubts over the credibility of medical certificate presented by Malik’s lawyer, noting that the name on the certificate was Samian Rashid which was different from that mentioned in her official documents.
Malik’s lawyer Rehanuddin Golra argued that the medical report was genuine, adding that his client had been unable to attend meetings due to health problems.
The CJP questioned that why she had repeatedly failed to appear in person or attend meetings via video link. Important decisions in the university were getting delayed due to her absence. He questioned whether she should remain in office and asked the government to take a decision in that regard.
On the court’s directives, Samina Malik appeared before the court on a wheelchair. She requested the court to grant more time to answer the queries, citing her need for medication.
The case was then adjourned.
Federal Minister Communications, Privatization & Board of Investment Abdul Aleem Khan presides over high level meeting of NHA
ISLAMABAD: September 20 –