Home Blog Page 7777

Mega Tree Plantation Drive 2024 held in Sukkur

0
SUKKUR, Sep 12 (APP): A Mega Tree Plantation Drive 2024 event was organized by Town Municipal Corporation (TMC) Nisar Ahmed Siddique TMC-III Sukkur at SRSO Complex Sukkur on Thursday.
Divisional Commissioner Sukkur, Fayaz Hussain Abbasi was the chief guest of the event.
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Sukkur, Assistant Commissioner New Sukkur, Chairman Town Committee TMC-III Sukkur, DFO, and other dignitaries. The plantation drive aimed to promote tree plantation and awareness for a greener future and a Green Sukkur.
Speakers emphasized the importance of tree plantation in maintaining a clean environment and combating climate change impacts.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of SRSO, Muhammad Dittal Kalhoro, welcomed all stakeholders and honored gifts to the chief guests made by Sartyoon Sang Crafts Enterprise – Handicrafts, promoting rural women artisans’ crafts.
The event culminated with the chief guests and participants planting trees at the complex, marking a significant step towards a greener Sukkur.

SUPARCO gears up to mark World Space Week through series of activities

0
ISLAMABAD, Sep 12 (APP): Maintaining its previous traditions, Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO)- the national space agency has planned a series of activities to mark the upcoming World Space Week, to be held from October 04-10.
According to an official of SUPARCO, the Space Week will be marked under the theme of using space technology to fight climate change.
The SUPARCO has announced various contests for the general public in different categories revolving around the theme.
The first category is “Reuse, Reduce, Recycle for Climate Action: Show how small steps can make a BIG difference!” while the second category is, “Planting for a Greener Pakistan’: Let’s work together to plant a sustainable future!”.
The third category of the contest is “Space form limited:Video Challenge’: Share your creative ideas on how space technology can help save our planet!”.
The students, professionals or climate enthusiasts can participate in the contests to create a better world for future generations.
World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition.
The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year from October 4-10.
These dates commemorate two events including `October 4, 1957: Launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus opening the way for space exploration’ and the other is `October 10, 1967: the signing of the treaty on principles governing the activities of States in the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies’.
World Space Week consists of space education and outreach events held by space agencies, educational institutions, planetaria, museums and astronomy clubs around the world in a common time frame under the ambit of the United Nations to enhance awareness about space and related technologies and to highlight its role towards national development.
SUPARCO being the National Space Agency annually organizes World Space Week (WSW) in Pakistan as WSW national coordinator since 2005.
Pakistan has managed to make its mark each year with the greatest number of events conducted globally.
Pakistan stood third in the year 2023 for conducting 7,836 space events in the country during the festive week which is an honour for the country.
Every year, WSW theme is selected by the World Space Week Association Board of Directors to highlight an aspect of space with broad appeal to humanity.
This year, the globally celebrated event of space will be conducted on the theme of ‘Space and Climate Change’.

Country’s development depends on youth prosperity: Mashhood

0
Rana Mashhood
LAHORE, Sep 12 (APP):Prime Minister Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Thursday said that enemies wanted to create a division between the public and the state institutions.
“Seeds of hatred are being sown between the people and the institutions, and a
campaign is being run against them”, he added.
He was addressing a seminar on “Exemplary Ways in Education System in Light of Prophetic Teachings” held here at Arfa Karim Tower.
Recalling the past, he stated that Pakistan had attracted students from around the world due to its high-quality education system and today, there was a visible decline on proper
training and values.
Rana Mashhood said:  “We are left with only those who talk a lot but lack of action. There are many who deceive with their words but the real heroes of character are rare,” he remarked.
In a message to the youth, Rana Mashhood emphasized that future of the youth is the most important for progress and development of the country. “If our youth prosper, Pakistan will progress.”
Concluding his speech, Mashhood stressed the importance of reigniting the spirit of the Two-Nation Theory and holding the Pakistani flag high.
He called for following the greatest character of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), urging Pakistanis to serve as a role models for the world once again. “It is time to revive our values and stand united for Pakistan’s future,” he said.

Salik reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to fight religious extremism, promoting interfaith harmony

0

ISLAMABAD, Sep 12 (APP): Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fighting religious extremism and to promote interfaith harmony across the nation.

He made these remarks during a meeting with Indonesia’s Chargé d’Affaires, Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma who called on him here at the ministry.

During the meeting, they discussed various proposals for promoting religious harmony, respect for humanity, and tolerance.

Minister Salik said the Muslim world is in dire need of unity and solidarity. Given the challenges and circumstances faced by Muslim countries today, he said there is a pressing need to promote religious harmony, tolerance, and unity.

“Islam teaches us about the unity of the Ummah, peace, brotherhood, respect for humanity, and camaraderie,” he added.

Indonesia’s Chargé d’Affaires, Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma said there is an urgent need for dialogue between religions and cultures to establish peace in the world. He said the attitude of tolerance and respect is an essential component of Islamic teachings.

In the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation to eliminate extremism and promote interfaith harmony.

Secretary Religious Affairs Zulfiqar Haider also attended the meeting.

PHA plants palm trees to boost aesthetics, environmental health

0
LAHORE, Sep 12 (APP):The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has planted hundreds of canariensis palm trees across the city to beautify its landscape and absorb carbon dioxide,
a spokesperson announced on Thursday.
The canariensis, commonly known as the Canary Island Date Palm, is a slow-growing evergreen tree. It has a sturdy trunk and a rounded crown made up of around 100 elegant, arching green fronds, giving it a majestic appearance.
Botany experts note that this palm tree can also help lower air temperatures and reduce pollution caused by industrial activities. Its symmetrical shape further contributes to its environmental benefits.
The spokesperson added that the PHA had planted over 650 canariensis palm trees along Lahore’s major roads, including Chauburji Chowk, MAO College Road, GT Road, Faisal Town and Gulberg boulevards, Maulana Shaukat Ali Road, and Raiwind Road.
In addition to pollution control, these palm trees, which stand between four and six feet tall, are renowned for their tall trunks and long, feathery leaves, which give landscapes a tropical flair. The leaves are also commonly used in flower arrangements and bouquets.
The PHA is not only focused on enhancing Lahore’s aesthetic appeal but also aims to reduce the city’s carbon footprint through large-scale tree planting initiatives. Last year, the department planted over a million trees across the city, particularly in remote areas.
This year, the target has been increased to 25 million trees under the Punjab government’s directive.

JUI-F Chief urges political parties to work for supremacy of parliament

0
ISLAMABAD, Sep 12 (APP): Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman Thursday urged all political parties to work towards the supremacy of Parliament and the strengthening of democracy.
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, he said, “We must make Parliament supreme, and as the highest authority, it should be trusted.”
He suggested that a joint meeting between the Judicial Council and a parliamentary committee be held to discuss reforms in the judiciary.
 He said that his party is committed to this cause and will bring more suggestions in this regard.
He appreciated the Speaker for issuing production orders for the detained members and raised concerns about the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Balochistan provinces, noting that no action has been taken so far.
He highlighted that the situation in certain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains unsatisfactory.  He reiterated that JUI-F is part of the Opposition and will continue to stay in the Opposition.
He also called for steps to address the backlog of pending cases in the courts.

Urs celebrations of Hazrat Mian Mir Sahab begin

0
LAHORE, Sep 12 (APP):The 401st Urs celebrations of  Hazrat Mian Mir Sahab began at his Astana here on Thursday.
Secretary Auqaf Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari with other dignitaries and personalities inaugurated the celebrations while performing traditional Chadar on the grave of  great sufi saint of the Sub-continent.
Special dua was offered for the national unity, development, progress and prosperity of the country.
A large number of pilgrims were also present on the occasion. The urs celebrations will continue for three days.
Secretary Auqaf  said that the department had allocated Rs 765,000 for lungar and holding
urs in the best manner. He added that Mehfile Sama and spiritual meetings would also be held during the Urs.

TEPA seals 25 properties on parking violation

0
LAHORE, Sep 12 (APP): Traffic Engineering & Transport Planning Agency (TEPA) has intensified its efforts to tackle parking violations and the presence of illegal signboards across the city, and sealed over 25 properties.
In response to directives from DG Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Tahir Farooq, the enforcement team conducted significant operations in Gulberg B-1 and T-Block, targeting properties that flouted parking regulations. Over 25 properties have been sealed as part of these operations.
During the crackdown, numerous illegal signboards were removed from various premises, including well-known stores, hair salons, beauty parlors, offices, hotels, furniture shops, cement stores, restaurants, plazas, and more.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Chief Engineer Tepa Iqrar Hussain, with Director of Enforcement Tepa-1, Farqan Zaheer, leading the efforts.
DG LDA Tahir Farooq emphasized that strict actions against encroachments on parking spaces will continue without exception.

NIM officers visit LDA

0
LAHORE, Sep 12 (APP):Officers undergoing the 41st Mid-Career Management Course at the National Institute of Management on Thursday visited the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) headquarters for an in-depth briefing on the authority’s ongoing reforms.
DG LDA Tahir Farooq provided the delegation with detailed insights into various aspects of the
LDA’s operations, including property management, enforcement, town planning, land use regulations,
building and zoning regulations, residential schemes, and mega projects.
Highlighting key reforms, the DG LDA noted that under the guidance of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the LDA was transitioning towards a paperless organization. The LDA is now the first development authority in the region to approve online maps, enhancing efficiency and transparency.
To improve service delivery, the Citizen Facilitation Center at the LDA operates in two shifts, and all records are being meticulously sifted. Processed files are handled within 48 hours to streamline operations.
The DG also outlined the ongoing comprehensive measures for sustainable development in the provincial capital and emphasized the continuous reform efforts aimed at enhancing the organization’s image and performance. Special attention is being given to revenue generation with initiatives modeled after corporate practices and specific measures for facilitating business operations under the “Ease of Doing Business” framework.
The delegation was briefed on the working of LDA’s subsidiary agencies, the Wasa and Tepa, and included an overview of the services provided such as property transfers, NOCs, and completion certificates.
The visit concluded with a tour of the Citizen Facilitation Center, where the delegation reviewed the various measures implemented to improve service delivery.
The briefing was attended by Chief Engineer II, Additional DGs, Chief Town Planners, Chief Metropolitan Planners, Director Admin, Chief IT Officer, and other senior officials.

Tree plantation campaign launched in Multan Cantt

0
MULTAN, Sep 12 (APP): In line with the directives of the President of the Cantonment Board and the Cantonment Executive Officer, a tree plantation walk was organized to raise public awareness here on Thursday.
The walk was attended by Assistant Secretary Wasim Amir, Garden Superintendent Chaudhry Zaheer Ahmed, Principal of Cantt Board Public School Banish Saeed, students, Vice President of Cantt Board Yaqoob Nasir, Member of Cantt Board Yaqoob Shera, and prominent figures from civil society.
 At the end of the walk, participants planted saplings on Qasim Road.
Earlier,  President  Cantonment Board, Brig Mahmood ul Hassan inaugurated the monsoon tree plantation campaign by planting a sapling on Quaid-e-Azam Road as part of the Green and Prosperous Pakistan Campaign.