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CM emphasizes CPEC’s importance for Pak-China ties

By
Ali Ali
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0
LAHORE, Sep 23 (APP):Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif said on Monday the significance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a vital indicator of the robust and enduring relationship between Pakistan and China.
The CM views CPEC as a crucial development initiative that not only enhances economic
ties but also reflects the deep-rooted partnership and mutual cooperation between the two
nations.
She expressed her views while participating in the 75th National Day ceremony of the People’s Republic of China, where she met Chinese Consul General Zhao Shirin to convey her congratulations on this significant occasion.
The CM expressed greetings on behalf of the Pakistani people, stating, “On the occasion of China’s 75th National Day, I extend my warm wishes to the Chinese people.” She conveyed that the people of Punjab also send heartfelt congratulations to their Chinese brothers and sisters, expressing pride in attending the event.
She lauded the Chinese nation for achieving remarkable heights in development and innovation while extending a hand of friendship to the global community. Maryam Nawaz emphasized that China’s greatness lies in its unwavering commitment to peace, cooperation, and humanitarian well-being.
Highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, she remarked that their relationship was built on trust, respect, and a shared vision for a bright future. “Our bond is not merely based on strategic interests; it is a connection of hearts and souls,” she asserted.
The CM acknowledged China’s significant achievements in lifting millions out of poverty and praised its role as a model for the world in technology, infrastructure, and industry. She noted China’s indispensable contribution during global crises, affirming its commitment to providing resources to countries in need.
As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has consistently
promoted peace and development, exemplified by its Belt and Road Initiative, she said
and added that the fruits of China’s economic development are benefiting people around
the world and that China is emerging as a leader with a vision that transcends borders.
CM Maryam Nawaz expressed pride in the strong and resilient friendship between Pakistan
and China, affirming that both nations were progressing together towards prosperity and
a peaceful future. She prayed for the continued strengthening of the Pakistan-China friendship.
Zhao Shirin, the Chinese Consul General in Lahore, acknowledged the Chief Minister’s
people-friendly initiatives, highlighting projects like the IT City, cancer hospital, air ambulance services, and solar panel programs that provide real relief to the public. He commended the Punjab government for delivering excellent services to the people and called out “Long Live Pakistan-China Friendship.”
The ceremony featured the national anthems of both countries, traditional Chinese cultural
performances, and the cutting of a cake to celebrate China’s 75th anniversary. Various cultural presentations included Chinese music, songs of love for the homeland, and a dragon dance.
Prominent attendees included Governor of Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan, Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Provincial Minister for Industry Chaudhry Shafique Hussain, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, and IG Usman Anwar.

BISP-IFAD to explore livelihood opportunities for BISP beneficiaries

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
BISP
ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP): The internationally acclaimed Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have joined hands to explore avenues of cooperation for providing better livelihood opportunities to the beneficiaries of the programme.
In this regard, a meeting was held between the Chairperson of BISP, Senator Rubina Khalid and National Coordinator IFAD, Ghulam Nabi Marri on Monday.
The meeting explored avenues for providing livelihood opportunities through human resource training and asset transfer initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized the need to boost the agricultural sector across all provinces, with a special focus on Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), particularly in the merged districts.
She highlighted the importance of a strong partnership between BISP and IFAD to maximize the benefits for BISP beneficiaries.
“BISP is committed to the poverty graduation of its beneficiaries. Skill training will not only improve their financial status but also enable them to contribute to the country’s economy, allowing more deserving individuals to benefit from the program,” stated Senator Rubina Khalid.
The IFAD representatives commended BISP’s extensive database and assured financial and technical support for sustainable skill training and loan programs for BISP beneficiaries.
Both parties agreed on joint collaboration and will discuss the future modalities and concept paper in the upcoming meeting.

27,437 registered tube well connections being switched to solar in Balochistan

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP):The Federal and Provincial governments of Balochistan have taken special Initiatives for solarization of 27,437 registered tube well connections in the province.
Official sources told APP here that they have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 08, 2024 for solarization of the agricultural tube wells.
In first stage, a detailed survey along with coordinates of 581 Agri dominated feeders, was started jointly by Energy Department Government of Balochistan, QESCO teams and representatives of Zamindar Action Committee (district wise) with the help of Law Enforcing Agencies (LEAs).
As per priority, survey of 50 Purely Agri-dominated feeders has been completed along with other Agri-dominated feeders and up till now survey of 64% feeders has been completed.
It is worth mentioning here that the compensation of up to  Rs. 2.01 for solarization of each tube well will be provided. The total estimate is approximately Rs. 55 billion which will be borne by the Government of Pakistan & Government of Balochistan at a ratio of 70% & 30% respectively.
They said that five RFO/Gas/lmported Coal based IPPs of 3,742 MW had been commissioned in the different areas of Balochistan so far through Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB’s) facilitation, while a 300 MW imported coal based Power Project located at Gwadar was under process of Financial Closing./395

RCB to start anti-dengue spraying on emergency basis

By
Ali Ali
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0
RAWALPINDI, Sep 23 (APP):Rawalpindi Cantonment Board has decided to start spraying and fogging in its areas, on an emergency basis as the dengue outbreak has shown a sudden increase in Rawalpindi.
The Chief Cantonment Executive Officer RCB, Syed Ali Irfan Rizvi on Monday issued an order to take all measures to eliminate dengue virus, and to take strict actions against SOPs violations.
According to the details, banners and posters of dengue campaigns have been displayed in all the wards of the Cantt in order to create awareness among the citizens. Filed surveillance is also underway during which tyre shops, factories, shops, hotels, plots, filtration plants and graveyards in different areas of Cantt were vandalized.  The anti-dengue teams are conducting fogging operations in various areas.
The CEO RCB appealed to the general public to keep their surroundings clean and not allow water to stay anywhere. The CEO is supervising the dengue teams.
Moreover, a dengue ward has been established in the Cantt General Hospital.
Ali Raza, the media coordinator RCB informed that a coordinated plan has been formulated by the RCB to take measures in countering the prevailing challenge of dengue morbidity. He informed that field teams have been instructed to show zero tolerance in taking actions against the violations of dengue SOPs.
It is worth mentioning that 12 dengue cases were reported from RCB areas recently from different Cantt wards.

Excise deptt continues crackdown against illegal vehicles, recovers over Rs 17 mln

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP):The Excise and Taxation (E&T) Department has intensified its efforts to enforce traffic laws, with a focus on recovering taxes and regulating vehicles that violate excise regulations.
Talking to APP, Director E&T department, Bilal Azam, said the department, in a significant move has launched a daily operation targeting vehicles that fail to meet legal requirements, resulting in a monthly revenue collection of over Rs 17.2 million.
In its recent monthly report, the E&T department announced that the road checking staff collected Rs 17,204,676 in fines and taxes from various operations across the city. This effort is part of an ongoing campaign to address issues such as unregistered vehicles, improper number plates, tinted glasses, and vehicles not paying token tax.
Excise officers have been conducting these operations daily on highways, busy markets, and key locations in Islamabad. The department’s campaign aimed to ensure compliance with traffic laws and to recover unpaid taxes from defaulters, Bilal Azam said.
During the past month, actions were taken against 385 vehicles using black-tinted windows, resulting in the collection of Rs 4,335,000 in fines. In addition, 461 vehicles without proper registration plates were penalized, leading to a recovery of Rs 10,540,416.
The crackdown also focused on vehicles that failed to pay their token tax, with Rs 2,199,260 recovered from defaulters. Furthermore, nine vehicles were found using unauthorized police revolving lights. These lights were confiscated, and fines amounting to Rs. 130,000 were imposed.
Director of Excise and Taxation, Bilal Azam, urged citizens to comply with excise laws to avoid penalties. He emphasized the need for vehicle owners to remove non-standard number plates, black-tinted windows, and unauthorized lights from their vehicles. He also reminded the public to pay any outstanding token taxes and register unregistered vehicles promptly.
The department continued its operations across Islamabad, taking strict action against vehicles that fail to adhere to excise regulations. The department has made it clear that these efforts would continue to ensure compliance and improve road safety in the city.

ISSI, HSF Pakistan to host Int’l Conference on Pakistan’s Climate Action Path

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP):The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), is set to host an International Conference titled “Navigating Pakistan’s Climate Action Path: Adaptation, Finance, and Technology”.
The Conference will be held on 26 September 2024 at1100hrs at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, a news release said.
The Conference aims to provide a platform for expert discourse on Pakistan’s climate strategy in the lead-up to the COP-29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where key global discussions will centre on climate finance.
During the Conference deliberations, academics, scholars, climate experts, and decision-makers will delve deeper into Pakistan’s evolving climate strategy, focusing on three key areas: climate mitigation and adaptation strategies; global climate finance; and the challenges of green transition.
The event will be attended by a cross-section of people — including representatives from the diplomatic community; academia; members of think tanks, civil society, and the media; and students. It is expected to foster a deeper understanding of the critical issues of climate change and Pakistan’s response at the national level as well as its interface with the international community to safeguard and further promote key shared interests.

KSA symbol of strength, progress: Ayaz Sadiq

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP): Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, said on Monday that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a symbol of strength and progress around the world
In a statement on the 94th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he said, ‘On behalf of the National Assembly and the people of Pakistan, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on this joyous occasion.'”
“Saudi Arabia’s contributions to global peace, economic development, and the preservation of Islamic heritage are recognized and appreciated worldwide” he added.
He expressed special greetings to King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Speaker of Shura Council Dr. Abdullah Al-Sheikh and the nation of Saudi Arabia commending their exemplary leadership and vision.
Ayaz Sadiq emphasized Saudi Arabia’s vital role as the custodian of the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina, expressing profound gratitude for the Kingdom’s hospitality towards millions of Muslim pilgrims each year. He acknowledged the importance of this sacred responsibility, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring a safe and enriching pilgrimage experience for all.
Reflecting on Saudi Arabia’s achievements over the past 94 years, the Speaker said the Kingdom contributions to socio-economic development within the region and the Muslim world are commendable.
Saudi Arabia has significantly fostered growth in the region and has played a key role in unifying the Muslim Ummah, through its monumental contributions as member of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), he added.
The speaker also highlighted the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, built on mutual respect, shared values, and Islamic brotherhood.
He said that both nations have consistently supported one another in times of need, reinforcing their enduring friendship. The Speaker expressed confidence that the relationship will continue to flourish, paving the way for greater collaboration and mutual benefit in the years to come.
The Speaker prayed to Allah to bless Saudi Arabia with lasting peace, unity, and progress, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties for a prosperous future.

BRICS Moscow Seminar: Mushahid welcomes ‘winds of Change in South Asia’

By
NNPS Desk
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0

MOSCOW, Sep 23 (APP): Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said ‘Pakistan looks forward to joining BRICS’ & welcomed ‘winds of change blowing all across South Asia which reject hegemony, status quo and seek change’, referring to recent radical changes in the Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

He expressed these views during a keynote address at BRICS seminar.

As a consequence, he said the so-called ‘Indo-Pacific Strategy is now drowning in the waters of the Indian Ocean’, a news release said. BRICS (Brazil, India, China and South Africa) is an intergovernmental organisation comprising various nations including the BRICS and Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Senator Mushahid criticised the recent US sanctions against Pakistan and China, terming these ‘immoral, unjust, unacceptable and illegal’ as sanctions under International Law can only be imposed by the UN Security Council. He also condemned ‘Western hypocrisy and double standards on Palestine’. Senator Mushahid Hussain said the Global Order was marked by turbulence and transformation, with two contrasting narratives. China and Global South are focused on connectivity and trade and economic cooperation.

Senator Mushahid Hussain urged the BRICS Seminar to define a new narrative based on emerging ground realities to counter propaganda, fake news and disinformation. For the future, Mushahid put forward a 3-D Strategy for BRICS: Democratisation of the world order based on multipolarity, multilateralism, UN Charter and International Law, Demilitarisation of international relations, rejecting any new military alliances like ‘Asian NATO’, QUAD or AUKUS, Dedollarisation of the world economy and greater trade in non-dollar currencies as dollar was being weaponised. Senator Mushahid Hussain was warmly welcomed by the host, Mikhail Shvydkoy, Special Envoy of President Putin, as well China’s Minister for International Communication, Wang Gang. Apart from Russia and China, other countries represented at BRICS Seminar included India, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Iran and UAE. Senator Mushahid Hussain was the only representative from a non-BRICS member state.

PSX witnesses bearish trend, loses 223 points

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP): The 100-Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed bearish trend on Monday, losing 223.95 points, a negative change of 0.27 percent, closing at 81,850.50 points against 82,074.45 points on the last working day.

A total of 400,309,071 shares were traded during the day as compared to 482,373,803 shares the previous trading day, whereas the price of shares stood at Rs 18.690 billion against Rs.30.188 billion on the last trading day.

As many as 439 companies transacted their shares in the stock market, 143 of them recorded gains and 237 sustained losses, whereas the share price of 59 companies remained unchanged.

The three top trading companies were Pace (Pak) Limited with 30,381,268 shares at Rs5.39 per share, WorldCall Telecom with 29,117,310 shares at Rs 1.28 per share and Oil and Gas Development with 23,080,653 shares at Rs 138.61per share.

Sapphire Fibres Limited witnessed a maximum increase of Rs 129.80 per share price, closing at Rs 1,429.90, whereas the runner-up was Ismail Industries Limited with Rs 124.19 rise in its per share price to Rs 1,750.13.

Unilever Pakistan foods Limited witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs 228.70 per share closing at Rs 17,387.55 followed by Sazgar Engineering Works Limited with Rs 45.88 decline to close at Rs 973.75.

PM thanks President Xi for “gracious gesture” of birthday greetings

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for extending the warm wishes on his 73rd birthday.

“I am grateful for this gracious gesture that reflects the iron brotherhood and All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China,” the prime minister wrote on his X timeline in response to a congratulatory letter he received from President Xi.

In his letter, Xi had extended his warm birthday wishes and reaffirmed the promotion of China-Pakistan strategic cooperation and the construction of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“Together, we will continue to work assiduously to build a prosperous Pakistan-China community with a Shared Future,” the prime minister remarked.

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