A young vendor displaying and arranging children footwear to attract the customers at his roadside setup
A view of fallen leafs spreading on a centre greenbelt to mark the autumn season in the city
A group photo of successful students after attending the 22nd convocation-2021 at PMAS-Arid Agriculture University
People selecting and purchasing old jackets displayed by a roadside vendor to attract the customers
A couple selecting and purchasing old warm jackets displayed by a roadside vendor to attract the customers
Gypsy females on their way back after collecting grass and tree branches
A vendor roasting and displaying sweet potatoes to attract the customers at his roadside setup
PM felicitates new German chancellor Olaf Scholz
ISLAMABAD, Dec 8 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday extended felicitations to the new Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, and said he looked forward to the strengthening of multifaceted partnership.
“Warm felicitations to Olaf Scholz on assuming the Office of the Chancellor,” he wrote in a tweet.
Imran Khan said, “I look forward to working with Chancellor Scholz on further deepening and strengthening the long-standing multifaceted partnership between Pakistan & Germany”.
Committee reviews stock, production of urea
ISLAMABAD, Dec 8 (APP):The ‘Fertiliser Review Committee’ on Wednesday reviewed the supply, stock position and production targets of urea in current month for sowing season.
In order to supervise the urea supplies amidst Rabi season, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar along with Federal Minister for Food Security Syed Fakhar Imam held a meeting of fertiliser review committee, said a press release issued here.
Representatives of fertiliser manufacturers, Provincial departments and senior officials of Petroleum Division participated in the meeting.
The meeting was told that the urea prices had been restored to controlled rates Rs1768/bag by taking punitive measures in Punjab.
The pricing structure is being maintained in other provinces.
The Minister reiterated that the demand of urea would be met through domestic production as 34 lac metric tons local production this year as compared to previous years.
He said that the government ensured the uninterrupted gas supplies to the plants for boosting domestic production for Rabi season.
While being briefed on Urea supplies, the Minister directed that relevant authorities to carry vigilant border monitoring to avoid inter-provincial movement of urea supplies and rationalization of district wise provision of urea for market correction.
He shared that the urea supplies to Punjab had increased from 64 percent to 72 percent rectifying the anomalies of distribution amongst the Provinces.
The meeting concluded with guidelines for Provincial departments and fertiliser manufacturers to identify the factors involved in black marketing and over-supply of urea to avoid any market stress amidst Rabi season.
Measures taken to ensure smooth supply of essential commodities: Tarin
ISLAMABAD, Dec 8 (APP):Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue, Shaukat Tarin said Wednesday that the government was taking all possible measures to ensure smooth supply of essential commodities throughout the country.
The adviser was presiding over the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) meeting, according to press statement issued by the finance ministry here.
The Adviser expressed satisfaction on prices of commodities in Sastaa Bazars in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baluchistan and Islamabad Capital Territory and further directed to establish such bazaars in more cities to provide maximum relief to the people.
He commended the efforts of the government of the Punjab, KPK and Islamabad administration in providing key items at discounted prices through arranging Sastaa Bazaars.
The Advisor expressed satisfaction over the stability in the sugar prices in the market.
He also advised Ministry of Industries and Production to take measures to control the prices of edible oil in the local market by exploring alternative options for import of Palm and Soya bean oil on lower prices in the international markets to reduce the pressure on prices in domestic market.
On the consistent high price of wheat flour in Sindh, the Adviser suggested for formation of effective mechanism to check the prices of wheat in Sindh province and ensure availability on government rate.
Meanwhile, the committee reviewed the prices of daily commodities and essential food items in the country.
Secretary Finance briefed the NPMC about the weekly SPI situation which has been decreased by 0.48 percent during the week under review.
While reviewing the price trend of essential commodities, the Secretary Finance apprised that prices of 11 essential commodities registered decline whereas prices of 19 items remained stable during the last week, while prices of 21 essential commodities have shown slight upward trend, he added.
The Secretary Finance also apprised the meeting that prices of essential commodities tomatoes, onion, potatoes, chicken farm, sugar, eggs, wheat flour bags, gur, garlic have registered significant decline during the week.
The secretary further updated NPMC that the prices of the 20kg wheat flour bag remained consistent at Rs. 1100 due to the proactive measures of the Punjab, KP governments and ICT administration.
The daily release of wheat by all the provincial governments will further ease out wheat prices at national level.
Meanwhile, Secretary NFS & R apprised the meeting that sufficient stocks of wheat were available and market has witnessed stability due to regular and effective monitoring of wheat movement, and release of stocks accordingly.
The Provincial Chief Secretaries also apprised that effective monitoring system had been employed to ensure that all released wheat was being converted into flour and available in market.
On the occasion, Chief Secretary, Sindh apprised that the price of fine wheat flour was low in Sindh as compared to other provinces.
While reviewing the price of sugar in the country, the Secretary Finance informed that prices were decreasing in the country due to proactive measures of the government.
The NPMC was informed that new stocks of sugar are arriving in the market which would further reduce the prices. The Advisor expressed satisfaction over the stability in the sugar prices in the market.
While reviewing the prices of edible oil, the NMPC observed that the increase in prices of edible oil in the global market especially imports from Malaysia and Indonesia has affected the local prices.
While reviewing the production of Pulses in the country, it was informed prices of pulses have shown slight increase in the week under review, on which Tarin advised to increase the production of pulses in the country and thereby reduce the burden on imports and control the prices of pulses.
On the stock position of fertilizers, NPMC was informed that prices have begun to decrease due to taking effective administrative measures.
On the expansion of Utility Stores outlets in Baluchistan province, Secretary I & P apprised the meeting that Utility Stores Corporation has expanded its operation with opening of 21 outlets in different cities and started mobile stores in areas where these Utility Stores are not available in the province.
The NPMC observed that Sastaa & Sahulat Bazaars in Punjab, KP were offering essential goods at subsidized prices.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research (NFS&R), Syed Fakhar Imam; Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Farruk Habib; Secretaries Finance, Industries, NFS& R, Additional Secretary Commerce, Provincial Chief Secretaries, Chief Statistician PBS, Chairman TCP, MD Utility Stores Corporation, Deputy Commissioner ICT and other senior officers participated in the meeting.
Champion boxer Waseem is a role model for young boxers of country: Punjab Sports Minister
By Sohail Ali
LAHORE, Dec 08 (APP):Pakistan’s celebrated boxer Mohammad Waseem called on Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti here at National Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.
Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti congratulated Waseem on his world title victory against Columbia’s top boxer Robert Barrera in a 12-round World Title Eliminator Flyweight fight at Dubai recently,
He praised Waseem’s glorious feats saying that the entire nation is proud of Waseem’s remarkable accomplishments.
Punjab Minister for Sports said Waseem is a highly talented boxer and his consecutive title victories at international level reflected that he has done extraordinary hard work in his professional boxing career. “Boxing is quite a popular sport among the younger generation and there is no doubt that Waseem is a role model for young boxers of the country”.
Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti said the Punjab govt will take all possible measures for the promotion of boxing in the province. “The construction of Sports Board Punjab’s modern boxing arena in Nishtar Park Sports Complex will also begin in the near future. We will try our best to organize Waseem’s next world title fight in Lahore,” he said.
Speaking on this occasion, ace boxer Waseem thanked Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs for his appreciation. He also expressed his determination to represent Pakistan in the next Olympic Games. “It is my mission to win the maximum number of laurels for the beloved motherland at international level.”
Fawad grieved over demise of brother of former president NPC
ISLAMABAD, Dec 8 (APP):Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Wednesday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of Humayun Iqbal Khan, elder brother of former president of National Press Club (NPC) Farooq Faisal Khan.
In a message, he said at this hour of sorrow he shared the grief of Farooq Faisal and his family. He prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss with fortitude.
18 mln families availing free medical treatment through health card: Dr Faisal
ISLAMABAD, Dec 8 (APP):Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Dr. Faisal Sultan Wednesday said that about 18 million families across the country are being provided free medical treatment through the Health Card facility.
Talking to media persons while inaugurating the OPD Pilot project for Beneficiaries of Health Facility Program here, the SAPM said the present government is committed for ensuring universal health coverage.
Dr Faisal said that beneficiaries are receiving National Health Cards which is providing financial protection for indoor healthcare services under universal health coverage.
He said all preparations are underway to expand the group of selected beneficiaries from primary health care to outpatient departments in Islamabad.
The SAPM said the scope of the health facility program has spread across the country and no poor person would have to face difficulties in availing of treatment facilities.
Dr Faisal said that more than 500 public and private hospitals in the country are on the panel of Sehat Sahulat Card, adding that the government is introducing revolutionary reforms in the health sector.
He said that free-of-cost medical facilities would be provided throughout Punjab under the Universal Health coverage soon.
PM’s visit to Peshawar is purely of administrative nature: Gill
ISLAMABAD, Dec 08 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan is the Chief Executive of the whole country and his visit to Peshawar is purely of administrative nature.
In a tweet on Wednesday, he sad Imran Khan could visit any part of the country for administrative purpose. It was absolutely wrong to link the visit of the Prime Minister with any upcoming election, he said.
Gill said the visit has nothing to do with elections. He came to know through TV about the ECP’s local representative’s concern over his visit to Peshawar, he added.
He said the PM will attend a function at the Governor House.
Govt to launch e-passports by early 2022: Sheikh Rashid
ISLAMABAD, Dec 08 (APP):Minister for Interior, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Wednesday said the government would introduce an e-passport system by early 2022 which would facilitate people avoiding hassle of the manual system.
The director general of immigration and passports had been directed to ensure
the launch of e-passport in next 100 days, he told media.
Addressing a press conference here he said the directorate was providing online passport facility to over 190 countries. The facility for citizenship cancellation andother services like emergency traveling document was also available online.
Sheikh Rashid urged the over staying government officials in foreign missions to return to the country at the earliest, otherwise they would be sacked from the service.
He said the government was fully focused to ensure implementation on National Action Plan, adding, those who had brought disgrace to the country would be dealt with iron hands, he added.
The minister said the government could give emergency travel documents to Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo, Nawaz Sharif on short notice within 24 hours if he was ready to return to Pakistan to face trials.
He said he had asked the director general Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to tight noose around the persons involved in money laundering, especially to break the chain of dollar hoarders.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said the former chief justice of
Gilgit-Baltistan, Rana Mohammad Shamim’s name had been placed on the Provincial National Identification List (PNIL)…so “he doesn’t run away.”
There would be a meeting to deliberate his placement on the Exit Control List as well, he added.
He suggested the multi-party opposition alliance (Pakistan Democratic Movement) to change its date of march towards Islamabad from March 23 to 30.
As there were major headquarters of corps were present at the grand trunk road and war weapons were moved from the same route for Pakistan Day parade, so it was better for the PDM to review date of long march, he added.
Rashid said the government would handle the march peacefully if PDM did not disturb law and order in the federal capital during its demonstration.
To a question, he said there was no consensus among the opposition’ alliance on date of long march, adding, they were making announcement [anti-inflation march] just to gain cheap publicity.
“Those who do not agree on date, how they can oust PM Imran Khan,” he critically remarked.
FM, NATO Secy Gen discuss latest developments in Afghanistan
BRUSSELS (Belgium), Dec 8 (APP): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and exchanged views on regional situation, including the latest developments in Afghanistan.
In a meeting held at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels, the two sides agreed to work together for promoting Pakistan-NATO relations and to remain engaged on issues of mutual interest.
Recalling his last meeting with the Secretary General in Brussels in June 2019, Foreign Minister Qureshi underscored that the regular high-level political and military engagements between the two sides have contributed towards strengthening bilateral cooperation and partnership.
He highlighted the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for Pakistan and stressed upon continued international engagement and support to stabilize the situation in the country.
Referring to the two decades of Pakistan-NATO cooperation in Afghanistan, the foreign minister underscored the importance of continued collaboration to tackle the threat of terrorism.
Secretary General Stoltenberg appreciated Pakistan’s invaluable support during the NATO’s two-decade long engagement in Afghanistan, including through the Air and Ground Lines of Communications as well as the pivotal role during the evacuation of NATO staff, nationals of NATO member states from Afghanistan.
The foreign minister expressed the hope that the international community would expeditiously extend financial and humanitarian assistance to enable the country to meet its compelling needs, help avert a humanitarian catastrophe, stop fresh outflows of migrants, and prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a safe haven for terrorists.
Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts towards peace and stability in South Asia, Foreign Minister Qureshi stated that Pakistan pursues a policy of peace with all its neighbours and seeks to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through dialogue and engagement.
China’s 7,000 trees gift reflection of strong friendly ties: Amin
ISLAMABAD, Dec 8 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam on Wednesday welcomed China’s participation in the flagship Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Plantation (TBTTP) project and hailed the gift of 7,000 trees plantation to commemorate 70 years of Pak-China friendly ties.
The SAPM and Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong kicked off the plantation by plantation a pine tree sapling at the Embassy of China and exchanged views on the green vision of both sides aimed at sustainable growth and environmental conservation. Speaking on the occasion, the SAPM thanked the Chinese envoy and said the COP-26 was an interesting global moot on climate change that could not live up to all expectations.
Amin said the announcement of Chinese President Xi Jinping at COP-26 was great as China pledged to not invest in any coal power project abroad.
“China should have had an aggressive presence at the COP to project its inspiring story of transition from Coal to renewable eco-friendly solutions.
CPEC Green Corridor is also part of Pakistan’s vision along with China,” he underlined.
The SAPM highlighted that the US-China pledge on mitigating methane at the end of COP-26 was also well received globally. “The Coal power projects in Pakistan have been demanded by the previous Pakistani government and not the Chinese government rather our present government is interested in hydropower projects,” he added.
Amin informed that he had specifically mentioned the aforesaid fact in his country statement at the COP-26 held last month in Glasgow, Scotland to clarify that China did not export its Coal Power Plants to Pakistan rather it requested to get that technology.
“The world even at the COP-26 has been making mere statements where China is the only country that is taking practical steps which should be projected at the international level,” Amin mentioned.
On the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong congratulated the SAPM for his successful participation at COP-26 and informed that China has positive intentions to enhance green partnership for ecological conservation.
He said the Chinese Embassy formally joined Prime Minister Imran Khan’s flagship TBTTP on this occasion.
Ambassador Rong mentioned that recently the Chinese leadership visited Pakistan and planted trees in Shakarparian national park to express their endorsement for TBTTP.
“China also has nuclear, solar, hydro, and wind power plants apart from coal power plants and can contribute to the renewable energy transition,” he added.
While highlighting the importance of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project informed that China has diverted 1/3rd of its electricity to CPEC related projects at cheaper rates.
“China has experience of turning deserts into forests and green areas like Kubuqi in Gobi Desert and Pakistan should benefit from it,” he suggested.
EU closely monitoring Jammu & Kashmir’s human rights situation: Josep Borrell
BRUSSELS (Belgium), Dec 8 (APP): Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell has said that European Union (EU) is closely following the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed resolution of the dispute through dialogue.
Borrell underscored the need for restraint, de-escalation of tensions and called for constructive political and diplomatic engagement.
This was stated as Josep Borrell co-chaired the sixth round of EU-Pak Strategic Dialogue along with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Brussels on Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s deep concerns about human rights violations by India in Jammu and Kashmir, and efforts to change the demography of the disputed territory in violation of UNSC resolutions.
Josep Borrell welcomed as an important step, in the interest of regional peace and stability, the agreement of February 2021 between India and Pakistan for observance of ceasefire understanding at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and to engage through the established mechanisms.
Engagement with Afghanistan urged to counter threats of narcotics, terrorism
BRUSSELS (Belgium), Dec 8 (APP): Pakistan and the European Union have agreed on the importance of maintaining sustained engagement with Afghanistan to promote stability and countering narcotics as well as the threat of terrorism.
The resolve was expressed by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi sand the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), Josep Borrell at the sixth round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, held in Brussels on Tuesday.
The High Representative and Foreign Minister held an extensive exchange of views on the situation in Afghanistan.
They expressed grave concern at the potential for an economic collapse and significantly worsening humanitarian crisis and a fresh flow of refugees.
Both sides acknowledged Afghanistan’s serious liquidity challenges which strain the legitimate banking services. They also agreed on the need for continuing urgent and unhindered humanitarian assistance and basic social services support to the Afghan people.
They highlighted the importance of improving the socio-economic situation and preserving human rights, notably those of women and girls, and persons belonging to minorities.
Both sides supported dialogue among the Afghan parties for achieving national reconciliation and underlined the importance of an inclusive and representative government, to enhance the prospects of security and stability.
The High Representative thanked Pakistan for its support in evacuation of EU nationals and the safe passage of people from Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed Pakistan’s support for the EU’s inclusion in regional political consultation mechanism on Afghanistan.
Indian military helicopter carrying CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board crashes – DEVELOPING STORY
ISLAMABAD, Dec 8 (APP): An Indian Air Force Mi-17V5 helicopter, with the Indian Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, the IAF said, killing 13 out of 14 passengers.
ANI said thirteen people have been confirmed dead in the incident, however there was no official word about the condition of General Rawat.
Some media reports suggested the helicopter that was carrying 14 persons on board was targetted by the Tamil insurgents, however, there has been no official confirmation. Locals said the helicopter was on fire before it crashed. The area where it crashed has been known to be infested with Tamil insurgents & freedom fighters.
As Indian President Ram Nath Kovind cancelled his events in Mumbai, the media reported that Defence minister Rajnath Singh will brief parliament on the crash of the army chopper in Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu.
While there was no word about the Indian CDS, reports said he was rescued from the burning wreckage and reportedly has burn injuries. His wife Madhulika Rawat and members of staff were also on board.
The crash took place in the Nilgiris, shortly after the chopper took off from the army base in Sulur. The Chief of Defence Staff was on his way to the Defence Staff College in Wellington.
Indian Air Force in a tweet said: “An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
According to the ANI the footage from the site of the crash showed flames and locals helping with the immediate rescue operations. Several teams were at the site carrying out search and rescue operations. Local military officers have reached the location, ANI said.
The ANI quoted official sources as saying that all the injured people on board the Mi-17V5 helicopter have been evacuated from the spot of the accident. The District officials said initially four bodies have been recovered from the military helicopter crash site in the Nilgiris and shifted to the Military hospital in Wellington; while three injured persons, who have serious burn injuries, have also been rescued and moved to the hospital.
The World Conflicts Monitoring Center quoted locals and confirmed that some missile-like object hit the helicopter.
The Mi-17V5 is a modern transport helicopter used by the Indian Air Force and is equipped with modern avionics, It is capable of operating in any geographical and climatic conditions, day and night, in adverse weather situations and capable of landing on unprepared sites at night.
The Russia-made helicopter Mi-17 V5 is a trusted aircraft used for movement of the dignitaries including the prime minister and is one of the top of the line series. The last batch of the chopper was delivered to India in 2018. According to Indian media, there have been no major crashes of the helicopter apart from the friendly fire casualty in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in February 2019, a day after India conducted a botched aerial strike in Pakistan’s Balakot in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.