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Economic progress hinges on business community’s success: MNA Malik Abrar

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP):The government is fully cognizant of the challenges faced by the business community and is making concerted efforts to address their concerns, ensuring their well being and contributing to the country’s prosperity.
This was said by Member National Assembly ( MNA) Malik Abrar Ahmed while addressing the hugely attended Founder Group’s reception hosted by Group leader TWA Tarnol Wajid Ayub in honour of President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, said a news release here on Monday.
The event was attended by Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, MNAs Anjum Aqeel Khan, Raja Khurram Nawaz, Malik Sohail Khan Kamrial, Ehsan Bajwa, MPAs Raja Hanif, Ziaullah Shah, Malik Maqsood, former MPA Sardar Iftikhar Khan Mittu and former Deputy Mayor Islamabad Chaudhry Riffat Javaid.
Malik Abrar highlighted the vital role of the business community in powering the economy, underscoring the need for prompt resolution of their issues to ensure the country’s continued progress and success.
He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting the ICCI in its endeavors to facilitate ease of doing business for the entrepreneurial community.
Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to serving the community, stating that its doors are always open to address problems and facilitate ease of doing business. During his tenure, he has made concerted efforts to strengthen linkages for business promotion, with a special focus on tourism development.
The main initiatives included conducting foreign trips to explore new business opportunities and hosting Tourism Summits in Skardu to showcase the breathtaking treasures of the northern areas. These efforts have helped highlight the region’s vast tourism potential, attracting investors and tourists alike, he added.
He urged policymakers to consult with business leaders and involve them in the decision-making process while formulating economic policies. This collaborative approach, he argued, is crucial for creating sustainable and effective policies that drive economic growth and development.
Chairman Founder Group Khalid Iqbal Malik said that ICCI, under the visionary leadership of President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, is dedicated to serving the business community with unwavering commitment and selflessness.
With a focus on promoting economic growth and development, the Chamber has been instrumental in addressing the concerns of entrepreneurs and traders, providing them with a platform to voice their issues and find solutions.
Zafar Bakhtawari, Secretary General United Business Group, emphasized the need to accord respect to the business community if Pakistan is to achieve progress and prosperity. He stressed that recognizing the contributions of business leaders is essential for inspiring the younger generation to pursue entrepreneurship and excel in their lives.
Furthermore, Bakhtawari urged the government to incorporate the success stories of businessmen into educational textbooks. This, he believes, will not only encourage the business community but also motivate young people to emulate these role models and strive for excellence.
Nasir Qureshi, Council Member ICCI acknowledged the challenges being  faced by the business community, but praised the ICCI for its unwavering support.
He commended Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari and Zafar Bakhtawari, citing their selfless dedication to serving the community and society at large.
He described them as a source of inspiration and motivation for the business fraternity, exemplifying the ICCI’s commitment to promoting the interests of its members.
Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi, former President ICCI stressed the imperative of unity among the business community to effectively address their challenges and compel the government to take decisive action.
Sheikh Aamir Waheed, former President of the ICCI urged the government to prioritize the resolution of the IPPs (Independent Power Producers) issue, citing its significance for the business community.

CCP issues show cause notices to ten steel suppliers for collusive bidding

By
Kamran Muraad
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CCP
ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP):The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has  issued show cause notices to ten steel suppliers for collusive bidding.
The CCP has issued show cause notices to ten steel structure suppliers involved in procurement tenders floated by various Distribution Companies (DISCOs) for the alleged collusive bidding a, prima facie, violation of Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010, said a press release issued here on Monday.
The ten undertakings include M/s. AM Associates (Pvt) Ltd, M/s. Ajmer Engineering Electric Works (Pvt) Ltd, M/s. Khalifa Sons (Pvt) Ltd, M/s. Siddique Sons Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, M/s. Vision Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, M/s. AW Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, M/s. FN Power (Pvt) Ltd, M/s. Gujranwala Cable (Pvt) Ltd, M/s. AH Associates (Pvt) Ltd, and M/s. Process Dynamics (Pvt) Ltd.
The CCP took suo motu notice and initiated an enquiry under Section 37(1) of the Competition Act, 2010. During the enquiry, search and inspections were also conducted at the premises of three Lahore-based companies, where critical documents and records were impounded for further examination. During the enquiry, bidding data from 2015 to 2022, obtained from all DISCOs, particularly regarding the procurement of transmission towers, was analysed.
Economic evidence revealed a consistent pattern of bidding where these companies appeared to have submitted identical or near-identical rates, with differences as small as 0.001% to 1%. Out of 357 tenders evaluated, 135 showed signs of collusion, including identical rates, division of quantities, sole participation, and bid rotation.
Notably, M/s. AM Associates, M/s. Ajmer Engineering, and M/s. Khalifa Sons were found to have engaged in collective decision-making regarding the rates and quantities quoted, with the apparent aim of manipulating tender outcomes for mutual benefit.
The enquiry report found that this collusive behavior included mutual agreements on the number of firms participating in tenders, predetermined price-fixing, and strategic non-participation to ensure that the preselected firm would win. Such practices constitute a, prima facie, violation of Section 4(2)(a)(b)(c)(e) of the Competition Act, 2010.
The CCP’s enquiry further concluded that the anti-competitive behavior of these ten companies extends beyond provincial boundaries, affecting market dynamics across Pakistan.

Climate change not merely environmental issue but existential threat undermining human rights: Shamim Shwal

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP):Representative of the Indian Muslim Women’s Union (IMWU), Shamim Shwal has called upon world leaders particularly the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Gutters to prioritize climate action as a fundamental human rights issue.
Taking part in an interactive dialogue along with Special Repporteurs on climate change in Geneva, Switzerland Ms Shwal while referring to the alarming effects of climate change in Indian Occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir, said that despite the overwhelming evidence of climate change’s impact there was currently no dedicated mechanism at the Human Rights Council that addresses this crisis holistically, a news release said.
Citing the Amnesty International report, she said that the humanity was under threat from climate change.
“Kashmiris are witnessing the alarming effects of climate change firsthand”, the IMWU representative said, adding that daily temperatures were rising, with fluctuations ranging from 0.3 to 1.9 degrees Celsius.
The rising temperature, she said, has dire consequences for Kashmiri communities, particularly for those who rely on agriculture and horticulture for their livelihoods.
“The maximum snowmelt has led to shrinking snow-covered areas, disrupting our agricultural practices and threatening our water resources”, Mrs Shwal added.
Stressing the urgent need to confront the climate crisis, particularly in the context of Indian occupied Kashmir, she said that the Special Rapporteur on climate change has emphasized that a safe climate was a vital element of the right to a healthy environment and  essential for human life and well-being.
The climate change, she said, was not merely an environmental issue but an existential threat that undermines the full enjoyment and realization of all human rights.
She said that the people of Kashmir were deeply concerned about the transformation of their green fields, forests, and agricultural lands into industrial zones.
“This shift not only jeopardizes our environment but also creates an atmosphere of fear among the local population living in the foothills of the Himalayas”, she maintained.
She also sought the international audiences’ urgent attention towards the growing health related issues, including skin problems and other ailments, which were on the rise in Kashmir as a result of these changes.
Referring to the reports about Kashmir’s water scarcity, she said that rising temperature and fast melting glaciers were issues of serious concern that merits immediate action.
The IMWU representative urged the council to take decisive steps to address these challenges.
Seeking an end to the heavy military deployment in the Himalayas, she said, “The movement of the army and the deployment of heavy weapons not only contribute to the melting of glaciers but also exacerbate the already precarious situation faced by the local population”.

36 new dengue cases reported in last 24 hours

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
LAHORE, Sep 16 (APP):As many as 36 new dengue cases have been reported in the province during the past 24 hours.
According to a spokesman of the Primary and Secondary Healthcare department, over the past week, 237 dengue cases have been reported, bringing the total number of cases this year to 703.
In the past 24 hours, 30 dengue cases were reported from Rawalpindi, and 2 each from Lahore and Bahawalpur.
Gujranwala and Faisalabad each reported one dengue case.

Drug peddler held, over 10kg narcotics recovered

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
LODHRAN, Sep 16 (APP):Police claimed to have arrested a notorious drug peddler and recovered over ten kilograms hashish from his possession, here on Monday.
According to a spokesperson for police, Dhanot police on a tip-off raided and arrested a notorious drug peddler named Sajjad alias Kala and recovered 10 kg and 500 gramme hashish and a mauser from his possession.
DPO Kamran Mumtaz said that the district police would continue crackdown against drugs and added that there was no place for drug peddlers across the district.

CM launches Children’s Heart Surgery Programme

By
Kamran Muraad
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Maryam Nawaz
LAHORE, Sep 16 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif officially launched ‘Chief Minister’s Children’s Heart Surgery Programme’ for the free treatment and surgery of children with heart disease, during her visit to Lahore’s Children’s Hospital Cardiac Surgery Ward, here on Monday.
The CM distributed ‘Child Surgery Cards’ among the deserving patients under the Programme. She said the operation of a sick child will be done in a private hospital if there is no place in the government hospitals. She inspected HDU and other departments of the hospital, and reviewed various facilities available in the cardiac surgery ward.
The CM inquired about the well-being of young patients, gave them gifts and also played Ludo with them. She interacted with the children, and prayed, “May Allah Almighty grant you health, we all pray for you.” She also talked to the parents of the sick children, and inquired them about the availability of various facilities. She said, “It is my mission to free every citizen of Punjab, including children, from the system of queues and waiting.” She added the number of specialist surgeons and allied staff will be increased to multiply the capacity of pediatric heart surgery in government hospitals.
Maryam Nawaz said in the first phase, pediatric heart surgery facility is being provided in government and designated private hospitals including PIC and Children’s Hospital Lahore, Multan’s Children’s and PIC, and Faisalabad and Rawalpindi Cardiology Institutes. In the second phase, facilities for pediatric heart surgery will also be provided in the hospitals of Wazirabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur and Sargodha. She also observed the dashboard developed to monitor the Programme.
The CM also visited the ‘play area’ for children with heart diseases in the Children’s Hospital Lahore, and reviewed various facilities available for them there. She said the provision of modern facilities of children’s heart surgery is a sincere effort to wipe the tears of mothers and remove the diseases of young children.
The CM was briefed by the authorities concerned that more than 5,000 young children die every year due to lack of timely heart surgery. She said in Pakistan’s first treatment center for children, sick children from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces will also be treated. She added children suffering from heart diseases will not have to wait for long.

Wellalage, Samarawickrama crowned ICC Players of the Month for August

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced Sri Lanka players Dunith Wellalage and Harshitha Samarawickrama as the ICC Players of the Month for August 2024.

The rare double for Sri Lanka comes after Wellalage excelled in a home ODI series against India and Samarawickrama hit a purple patch on a tour of Ireland, said a press release.

The only previous instance of players from the same country winning the awards the same month was when Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana were named the Players of the Month in June this year.

Wellalage won the coveted monthly award ahead of South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj and West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales, who were the others shortlisted.

Wellalage won the award after a Player of the Series performance that helped his side to a 2-0 series win over India. The 31-year-old left-hander had scores of 67 not out, 39 and two, while also picking up seven wickets in the series including a haul of five for 27 in the third match.

This is the fifth time that a Sri Lanka player has won the men’s award, the previous winners being Angelo Mathews (May 2022), Prabath Jayasuriya (July 2022), Wanindu Hasaranga (June 2023) and Kamindu Mendis (March 2024).

Wellalage was elated at winning the award and said that the award comes as a great encouragement.

“This is great news for me and brings immense satisfaction, as this recognition gives me further strength to continue doing the good work I do as a player and contribute to my team to reach excellence in the field.

“Recognition such as this, coming from the International Cricket Council, is great news for young players like us and will certainly encourage young players in the game.”

Samarawickerama, who edged out the Ireland duo of Orla Prendergast and Gaby Lewis, had a fine run on a tour of Ireland that saw her become only the third woman cricketer from Sri Lanka to notch a century in ODIs.

The 26-year-old left-hander aggregated 151 runs in the two T20Is played in Dublin at a strike rate of 169.66, which included a match-winning 86 not out off 45 balls in the first match. She scored 172 in three ODIs in Belfast at a strike rate of 82.69 including a knock of 105 in the second match.

Samarawickrama is only the second Sri Lanka player to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award. Captain Chamari Athapaththu has won the award three times – in September 2024, May 2024 and July 2024.

Samarawickrama said this recognition was very important since it came less than three weeks before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

“I am extremely happy with this recognition, which I consider a new high in my career. It certainly gives me a lot of confidence ahead of the big competition, the Women’s T20 World Cup.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible support network around me—my teammates, coaches, parents, my sister, brother, friends, and mentors. I take this opportunity to thank them all.

Pakistani delegation visits Dargah Hazrat Khawaja Allauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir at Kaliyar Sharif, India

By
Najam ul Hassan
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0

ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP): Pakistani Zaireen accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission, Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi, Asif Khan on Monday placed the traditional Chaddar at the Shrine of Hazrat Khawaja Allauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir (RA) at Kaliyar Sharif.

To participate in the 756th annual Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Khawaja Allauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir (RA), a group of 81 Pakistani Zaireen is in Kaliyar Sharif from 14-20 September 2024, said a press release received here.

After placing the traditional Chaddar on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, Deputy Head of Mission and the visiting Zaireen offered prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

On arrival at the Dargah, Deputy Head of Mission and Pakistani Zaireen were welcomed by Sajjada Nasheen Hazrat Shah Ali Manzar Aijaz Quddusi Sabri. Asif Khan thanked the Sajjada Nasheen and the organizers for facilitating the visit on the auspicious occasion.

Pakistani Zaireen attend the annual Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Khawaja Allauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir (RA) under the framework of 1974 India-Pakistan protocol on visits to religious shrines.

China triumphs over Pakistan, advances in Asian Champions Trophy final

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP): Hosts China outplayed Pakistan by 2-0 in shootouts, after a tense 1-1 draw in regular time, in the semifinal of Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024.

China beat Pakistan by 2-0 and secured their spot in the Champions Trophy final for the first time. Held at the Moqi Hockey Training Base, the semifinal saw Chinese goalkeeper Caiyu Wang’s exceptional display, keeping Pakistan from scoring during the shootouts.

China’s Yuanlin Lu gave his team an early lead with a powerful drag-flick in the 18th minute, but Pakistan responded through Ahmed Nadeem’s equalizer in the 37th minute.

Pakistan displayed top notch game and tried several attacking moves, but China’s defense held strong. Benhai Chen and Chanliang Lin paved the way by scoring to send China to their first-ever final.

“We came into this match prepared and full of enthusiasm. It’s a great moment for us,” said Hero of the Match Yuanlin Lu, who led China’s charge with confidence and tactical awareness. China will face India in the final on Tuesday (September 17).

New football central studio launched

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalization Committee has launched its new Football Central Studio, a cutting-edge facility designed to connect the football community in a creative, engaging and professional environment.

Located at the Football House, the studio will serve as a hub for fans, national team players, media and influencers, said a press release.

The studio will provide a space for media and influencers to produce high-quality videos, interviews and other digital media content.

Speaking at the launch, Haroon Malik, Chairman of the Pakistan Football Federation Normalization Committee (NC), said,

“The Football Content Studio represents our vision to make football more accessible and engaging for everyone. We are providing a space where anyone passionate about the game whether they’re a fan, player, or reporter can showcase their love for football in a professional environment. This is a new chapter in the way football is experienced and discussed in Pakistan.”

Malik emphasized the unique opportunities, the studio presents for national team players, who can now utilize this platform to connect with their fanbase in meaningful ways. Players will be able to share their personal journeys, training routines, and behind-the-scenes content, all while developing valuable media skills that will serve them in their careers both on and off the field. We are empowering our players to tell their own stories.

He said, “We want to ensure that this studio becomes a home for anyone who wants to contribute to the football narrative in Pakistan. Whether it’s through serious analysis or fun conversations, this space will help create a more vibrant and inclusive football culture.”

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