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Chinese Consulate organises reception on 75th National Day

By
Kamran Muraad
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KARACHI, Sep 24 (APP):The Consulate General of People’s Republic of China has organized a reception on 75th National Day here in Karachi on Tuesday.
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah, Consuls General of different countries and other dignitaries were attended as guest of honour.
Addressing the ceremony, Chinese Consul General Yang Yundong said Pakistan and China are good neighbors connected by mountains and rivers and good friends with shared trust and integrity. Over the 73 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Pakistan and China have maintained mutual respect and support, forging the “ironclad brother” friendship, Yang said, adding that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an important pilot project of the Built Road Initiative (BRI).
He said CPEC was launched in 2013 and now both sides were working together to build  an “upgraded version” of CPEC. We should fully implement the important consensus of the leaders of our two countries, Yang Yundong  said.
He said China will work with Pakistan to upgrade and renovate the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway, continue enhancing other infrastructure, fully release the potential if these infrastructures, and consolidate the foundation for Pakistan’s sustainable development.
He said China will encourage investment in Pakistan’s automobile manufacturing and new energy sectors, promote technical cooperation in textiles, minerals, fisheries and agricultural and sideline products and further deepen cooperation between the two countries on all fronts.
He said China is eager to further strengthen cultural and people to people exchanges and cooperstion, particularly in areas like education, sports, media and think tank.
He also refered post floods disaster reconstruction projects for schools in Sindh province. He said China firmly supports Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism.
He said he had served in Karachi for nearly a year and half and deeply felt the profound heritage of China Pakistan friendship. He also expressed suncere thanks to the friends from all walks of life in Sindh and Balochistan for their long standing support and assistance.
Yang Yundong also shed light on China’s unprecedented growth and development  and said China’s development is to provide a better life for its people not about competing with other countries, let alone seeking hegemony. He said the IMF recently raised its forecast for China’s growth this year to 5% in its latest World Economic Outlook report. He said China’s GDP in first half of this year reached 61.7 trillion Yuan.
Speaking in the occasion, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said Pakistan and China would continue to work together to develop projects that promote sustainable growth, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, digital connectivity, and industrialization.
He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Chinese government and its people on this momentous milestone.
Shah said that China’s remarkable journey over the past 75 years, under the visionary leadership of its government, was a source of inspiration for many across the globe. “The rapid economic growth, the technological advancements, and the societal progress that China has achieved in such a short period are nothing short of extraordinary,” he said.
The historical and diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, have been strong since the era of founder chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, CM recalled and said that Shaheed Bhutto’s relationship with Chairman Mao Zedong was crucial in laying the foundation for the Pakistan-China partnership. He said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto also developed close ties with the leadership of the Communist Party of China.
Murad Shah said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China had injected fresh energy into this bond, with the signing of several agreements set to further strengthen our bilateral ties, especially as we look ahead to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, which Pakistan is honoured to host in Islamabad this October.
He also disclosed that President Asif Ali Zardari will visit China in November which will further enhance cooperation of both the countries.
Shah said that from our collaborative efforts in infrastructure development to the energy sector, our relationship with China has continued to flourish. “The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has played a pivotal role in strengthening these ties, and Sindh has been at the forefront of this partnership,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that Pakistan-China’s collaboration in various sectors, such as infrastructure, agriculture, technology and education, was a testament to our shared vision for progress,” he said and added that China’s expertise, combined with Sindh’s resources, could create new development opportunities, fostering a brighter future for our people.
The CM said that Pakistan attaches great importance to the SCO and eagerly looks forward to welcoming the Chinese Premier Mr Li Qiang during this momentous event, the CM said.
“Chinese Premier participation in the SCO will also provide an opportunity for high-level bilateral talks, aimed at further deepening the engagement between our two nations. At the end, a cake cutting ceremony was held on the occasion of 75th National Day of China.

PM calls upon developed nations to help developing countries steer out of debt traps

By
NNPS Desk
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PM Shehbaz

NEW YORK, Sep 24 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called upon the developed nations to help the developing countries come out of debt traps mainly caused by the climate change related natural disasters.

“In 2022, we had the worst flooding in our history due to climate change and that was not our fault. We do not contribute even a fraction of a percent in terms of carbon emissions”, the prime minister said while addressing the SDG Moment 2024 Meeting on the sidelines of 79th United Nations General Assembly Session.

He said the developed and rich countries were responsible for the emissions and they should take the responsibility and come to the help of the developing societies. “This is very important, otherwise this unbalanced, and unjust unfair system will lead to nowhere,” he stressed.

During floods in 2022, he said Pakistan had to face loss of US$30 billion and “yet we are asked to borrow money, to pay borrowed money and loans”. This vicious circle of debt trap, what he called it a “death trap” will not help at all the developing societies.

The prime minister pointed out that the financing gaps of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) run into trillions of dollars as the developing countries like Pakistan had to struggle to raise funds in that regard.

As regards, terrorism in the country, he said Pakistan faced terrorism in worst form after 9/11 that was pushed from across the border in which some 80,000 Pakistanis were martyred.

“Finally we have been able to beat them (terrorists), but we lost US$150 billion in the process,” he added.

PM Shehbaz Sharif, while highlighting his efforts to promote education first in Punjab as Chief Minister and then in the entire country as the prime minister, said he had transformed the education system.

“I have introduced multiple initiatives to promote education and empower those segments of society which could not afford education for their children, for example Punjab Endowment Education Fund (PEEF) provides voucher scheme for girls and boys to get admission in schools in remote areas.”

PEEF, probably the largest fund in South Asia, he added benefited hundreds of thousands of children who were high achievers but came from very poor background. It provided stipends to the students to get education wherever they wanted in the country or abroad.

He said he also set up Danish Schools which were only for talented poor and orphan children. The schools with beautiful buildings were equipped with smart boards, besides quality teachers, books, and bags etc and many of their students were now serving the country as doctors, engineers and scientists, he added.

He said his government also started vocational training in the education institutions besides initiating a skilled development programme.

However, he regretted that still there were some 25 million out of school children in the country and steps were underway to get them enrolled.

Role of private sector critical in benefiting from country’s renewable energy potential: Romina

By
NNPS Desk
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0

RAWALPINDI, Sep 24 (APP): Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Romina Khurshid Alam on Tuesday said the role of the private sector in promoting renewable energy was very important as it would reduce environmental pollution and help to cope with the effects of climate change.

He expressed these views while inaugurating a 120 KW solar power project at a private beverage manufacturing factory in Rawalpindi.

The Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change said that Pakistan is paying a heavy price due to the adverse effects of climate change on various socio-economic sectors, especially agriculture, energy and water, and addressing these adverse effects is the potential of the industrial and private sector which is impossible without assistance.

She said that as the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, the private sector in Pakistan can play an important role in reducing carbon emissions due to climate change and promoting sustainable business practices.

Romina Khurshid Alam said that businesses in various industries in the country have started realizing their responsibility to reduce carbon emissions, but efforts need to be accelerated to contribute to the green future of the country.

The Prime Minister’s Aide said that private sector involvement is essential not only to achieve carbon reduction targets but also to achieve wider economic and social benefits in the fight against climate change in line with the government’s green and clean energy policies and programmes.

Briefing Prime Minister’s Coordinator Romina Khurshid Alam, a senior representative of the beverage firm said that the solar energy project will generate 166,440 units per year to electrify beverages, which will help plant 7,000 trees annually.

Trapping 150 metric tons of heat per year will help reduce carbon emissions. Appreciating the private beverage firm for the installation of 120 KV solar power project, he said that the performance of the beverage firm as well as the responsible role towards the environment is an example for other private sector businesses and industries across the country. Must be an impressive move.

He urged the private sector to take the lead in investment by participating in the production of renewable energy projects that reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

He also highlighted the importance of private public partnership to promote green energy projects in the country, saying that cooperation between the private sector and public institutions in the country is very important to deal with climate change, which joint actions of resources. can enhance distribution, technology transfer and capacity building.

Romina Khurshid Alam also informed that by promoting sustainable products and practices, businesses can influence consumer behavior and make low carbon choices among the public to encourage change.

She said that by embracing innovation, implementing sustainable practices and collaborating with stakeholders, businesses can lead towards a greener and better future.

NA body examines national health challenges

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Sep 24 (APP): The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination on Tuesday examined the national health challenges and response measures.

The meeting chaired by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA convened to assess the country’s preparedness and response to emerging health threats including the Monkeypox virus and the resurgence of polio in the country.

The Ministry of Health briefed the committee on the ongoing monitoring and prevention measures for the recent outbreak of Mpox, following its classification as a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The ministry briefed that surveillance at airports had been enhanced with additional health personnel on duty to monitor and manage any potential cases of Monkeypox in the country.

The ministry reassured the commitment of the government’s comprehensive screening mechanisms at airports and border checkpoints to mitigate the virus’s spread in the country.

The committee also discussed the resurgence of polio cases in Pakistan with an alarming data presented on new polio clusters, particularly in regions bordering Afghanistan.

The ministry highlighted that the rise in environmental samples testing positive for the virus, from 1% in 2023 to 25% in 2024, signaled an intensified transmission risk.

The committee expressed concerns over gaps in routine immunization coverage in various provinces which had contributed to the uptick in polio cases.

The number of infected districts rose dramatically from 14 in 2023 to 67 in 2024 necessitating urgent action to strengthen vaccination efforts.

The ministry highlighted the ongoing challenges in controlling polio in the South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Quetta and Karachi blocks.

Despite comprehensive nationwide efforts these areas faced significant hurdles in complete polio eradication from the country.

The committee was informed that Pakistan faces approximately 600,000 new tuberculosis (TB) cases every year, yet there was no significant domestic funding to address the issue.

Despite the challenges posed by shifting political landscapes and changing governments, the Parliamentary Caucus on TB played a crucial role in maintaining focus on TB prevention and treatment efforts.

It was emphasized that provincial governments should be actively engaged through the committee members to prioritize the issue of tuberculosis.

The committee urged its members to advocate for greater attention and resources at the provincial level, ensuring that the fight against TB becomes a top priority in regional health agendas.

The meeting was attended by MNAs, Dr. Shaista Khan, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms. Sabheen Ghoury, Ms. Farukh Khan, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Ms. Aliya Kamran, Dr. Amjad Ali Khan, Dr. Darshan, Mir Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, Shahram Khan, Nisar Ahmed, Dr. Azim ud Din Zahid and Muhammad Shabbir Ali Qureshi.

The meeting included participation of Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, along with senior officials from the Ministry.

Three matches conclude in PCB Senior Inter-District cricket tournament

By
NNPS Desk
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0

KARACHI, Sep 24 (APP): Three matches were decided in the PCB Senior Inter-District Cricket Tournament in the Karachi region. Zone VI, Zone II, and a thrilling tie between Zone IV and Zone VII were the key outcomes of the day.

In the first match, Regional Cricket Association (RCA) Zone VI secured a commanding 371-run victory over RCA Zone I at the RLCA Ground Gulberg. Zone VI was bowled out for 219 runs in the first innings, with Akbar ur Rahman contributing 66 runs, and Abdul Rahman adding 49. Bahadur Ali’s 4-22 and Umar Zahid’s 3-57 were the standout bowling performances.

In response, Zone I was dismissed for 98 runs, struggling against the bowling of Tariq Khan (4-32) and Saifullah (3-20). In the second innings, Arbaz Khan’s brilliant century (115) helped Zone VI declare at 386 runs. Chasing 507, Zone I managed only 136 runs, with Saifullah (4-32) leading the attack once again.

The second match at Landhi Gymkhana saw Zone II edge out Zone V by just 5 runs in a nail-biting finish. Zone II was bowled out for 154 in the first innings, with Wahaj Riaz scoring 66. In reply, Zone V was dismissed for 153, with Jawad Mehmood top-scoring with 40.

In the second innings, Zone II declared at 279-9, with notable contributions from Wahaj Riaz (54) and Hamza Sarwar (47). Zone V fell just short in their chase, bowled out for 275 despite Arsalan Bashir’s 66 and Moazam Malik’s 47.

The third match at KCCA Stadium between Zone IV and Zone VII ended in a tie. Zone VII posted 186 runs in their first innings, with Waqar Ahmed top-scoring with 66. Zone IV replied with 135, as Aftab Khan (4-35) and Fawad Khan (3-30) restricted their efforts.

In Zone VII’s second innings, Naimat Khan took 5-45, helping to dismiss them for 112. Zone IV, chasing 164, was bowled out for 163, with Fawad Khan taking a remarkable 7-38, finishing with ten wickets in the match. Yasir Mushtaq’s unbeaten 77 was the highlight of the chase, but it was not enough to secure a win.

These exciting matches continue to shape the competitive landscape of the PCB Senior Inter-District Tournament.

In Gaza, not only are children dying, the truth is dying, and the hopes of humanity to live in a more just world are dying—one by one: Erdogan

By
Amjad Shafique
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Newspaper reading key to combating fake news: PM

By
Shumaila Andleeb
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has urged every individual to adopt the habit of newspaper reading citing it as a key to combating fake news and fostering a culture of responsible citizenship.
The prime minister, in his message on the National Newspaper Day being observed on Wednesday (September 25), also called for strengthening the role of newspapers in the daily life and support the invaluable institution so it could continue to serve the nation with integrity and dedication.
He said the power of a well-informed society could not be underestimated. “It is through informed citizens that we can build a stronger, more resilient Pakistan.”
The prime minister highlighted that in the contemporary world, the relevance of print media had become even more significant. “While social media has revolutionized the way we access information, it has also raised challenges in the form of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.”
He said newspapers, with their established editorial standards and rigorous fact-checking process, continued to serve as a reliable source of information in a time of digital noise and confusion.
“They provide a level of accountability that is often missing in online spaces, ensuring that truth is not compromised,” he added.
PM Shehbaz said, “On this National Newspaper Day, we recognize and celebrate the indispensable contribution of newspapers as a cornerstone of our democracy.”
He emphasized that throughout history, the narratives crafted by the press had played a transformative role in shaping public discourse. In times of intellectual and ideological awakening, newspapers had served as catalysts, igniting passion and awareness by providing reliable information to the masses.
He said,”Reflecting on our own journey, during the pivotal moments of Pakistan’s independence movement, newspapers became the powerful voice of our nation’s founders, uniting the Muslim community across South Asia.
“In the years that followed, these vital publications have continually demonstrated their commitment to fostering democracy, safeguarding our constitutional values, and supporting transparency.”
The prime minister said in an age where disinformation was rampant, newspapers continued to offer well-researched and fact-based news, ensuring people’s access to authentic information. The importance of print media had not diminished with the rise of social media and online platforms.

Zardari underlines importance of newspapers in supporting democracy, human rights

By
Shumaila Andleeb
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0
President Asif Ali Zardari
ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday called on newspapers to champion democratic values, raise awareness of socio-economic issues, and promote tolerance, interfaith harmony, patriotism, and respect for human rights.
The president, in his message on the National Newspaper Readership Day being observed on Wednesday (September 25), urged newspapers to play their role in promoting moral, ethical, and democratic values in the society.
He further asked the newspapers to educate the people about socio-economic issues as well as promote tolerance, inter-faith harmony, patriotism, civic responsibility, and respect for human rights.
Extending heartfelt congratulations to the All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) on the National Newspaper Readership Day, Zardari emphasized that newspapers were vital for raising political awareness, informing citizens about their rights and responsibilities, and aiding them in making informed decisions.
“In today’s fast-paced digital age, where misinformation and fake news can go viral rapidly, the role of newspapers has become even more critical. Newspapers need to provide accurate and well-researched news to discourage fake news by using modern information technology. Their role in promoting facts over sensationalism is essential to counter the spread of false information,” he stressed.
A responsible press, President Zardari said,”upholds the highest standards of accuracy, fairness and balance in reporting news. A responsible press not only provides a platform for marginalized voices to be heard but also generates healthy discussion among the stakeholders on important issues. It is, therefore, imperative that the press must play a constructive role in guiding and educating the people on important issues.”
The president said on the day, it was vital to reaffirm support for a free and responsible press, which was essential for the proper functioning of democracy and for influencing public opinion on both national and international matters.

Gaza has become the worlds largest cemetery for children and women: Turkish President

By
Amjad Shafique
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0

Pakistan proactive player in global Climate Dialogue, Action: Romina

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Sep 24 (APP): Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Romina Khurshid Alam on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to implementing the National Climate Action Plan, aiming to mitigate climate disaster risks through collective efforts as a proactive player in the global climate dialogue and action.

She was addressing as chief guest at the Pre-COP 29 Stakeholders Conference on Climate Diplomacy and Cooperation to Enhance Ambition and Enable Action held here, a news release said.

She recognized the crucial role of the media and civil society, particularly the Centre for Climate Diplomacy, in advocating for climate justice.

Ambassador of Azerbaijan Khazar Farhadov talked about his country’s preparation for successful and inclusive COP29. He emphasized about initiatives that have been launched by COP29 Presidency to focus global attention and accelerate climate action, including COP29 Truce Appeal.

Dr. Zafar Jaspal highlighted the significant threat climate change poses to human security and the critical role of science diplomacy. Senator Sitara Ayaz and Director General of Environment, Farzana Altaf, identified challenges in policy implementation and offered guidelines for environmental protection.

Bilal Anwar, CEO of NDMRF, underscored the importance of advocating for climate justice and financing, while also highlighting the need for public-private partnerships to drive innovative climate adaptation solutions. Umair Mufakir NYCCC shared key elements of Pakistan’s national climate action plan.

Amna Awan, President of the Centre for Climate Diplomacy, extended gratitude to the attendees for their valuable contributions.

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