LAHORE: August 26 – A view of friendly cricket match at Women University. APP photo by Ashraf Ch
Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Fawad Hashmi in a group photo with teams during friendly cricket match at Women University
LAHORE: August 26 – A view of friendly cricket match at Women University. APP photo by Ashraf Ch
PTI govt opens corridor of peace, Kartarpur during its tenure
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):The incumbent government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had opened Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur Corridor, Narowal, the corridor of peace, connecting Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Punjab with Darbar Sahib, with the cost of Rs 16,280 million.
The three years performance of incumbent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government launched by Prime Minister Imran Khan said the flagship Kartarpur Corridor project inaugurated by Prime Minister Imran Khan in November 2019, paved the way for Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit one of their religion’s holiest sites located in Pakistan without needing a visa. The opening of corridor has generated goodwill among the Sikh community spread all over the world.
In the project, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has a lead role. The project was inaugurated on the occasion of 550th birthday anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak DevJi, founder of Sikh religion.
According to the performance report, the government has initiated Geo-Tagging of Evacuee Trust Property Board’s urban and agricultural properties.
The document said the e-governance has been introduced in the ministry in conformity of the vision of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.
In last three years the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony ensured access to right to information act. Over 25,000 pilgrims benefitted from Road to Makkah initiative.
Hajj quota reserved for 10,000 each senior citizens, 10,000 unsuccessful candidates in last three years and 1,000 overseas Pakistanis. Temporary haji camp was established in Gilgit. E-Visa for hujjaj had started during the tenure of incumbent government.
Central Ruet-e-Halal Committee and Mashaikh Council was reconstituted to make it more effective. Anti Blasphemy Cell was operationalised in the ministry to check blasphemy.
District Interfaith Harmony Committees and other fora were constituted at federal and provincial levels to ensure safety of churches, shrines, temples, gurdawaras and other places of minorities’ worship.
National Commission for Minorities was set up to give recommendations in respect of policy matters of minorities as well as sale /purchase/transfer of communal properties of minority communities.
Govt takes effective steps to root out menace of terrorism, sectarianism from country
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):The present government has successfully faced and handled various challenges in security, both internally and externally and rooted out the menace of terrorism and sectarianism from the country.
As per available document on Thursday, during its three year tenure, the present government had made effective policies to tackle pandemic situation due to Covid-19 besides taking steps to meet the requirements of Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
It claimed that the government had taken over control of schools, colleges, hospitals, dispensaries, ambulances etcetera of proscribed organizations with conviction of over 200 main individuals and supporters besides recovery of funds amounting to Rs 2,400 million for management of taking over facilities.
It said the Ministry of Interior had freezed 976 movable and immovable properties of the proscribed organizations besides proscription of two main and 11 affiliated organizations.
It said the Ministry of Interior had introduced new policies for enhancing the efficiency of Ministry through the practice of identifying and completing within stipulated deadline. The new policies will further ensure transparency and merit.
The government had also introduced technology to convert the manual system into e-system for ensuring efficiency and quick disposal.
It added the government has established facilitation desks, information counter at Ministry, attached departments and regional offices for redressal of public complaints.
The government had amended the existing procedures to achieve the goal of service delivery in efficient and simple way. The amendment in procedures aimed at putting an end to pendency and increasing the capacity.
The government had completed work on up-gradation of the existing system by escalating e-office usage, improved coordination by usage of video conferencing, updating of Ministry of Interior website having up to date information of data, connectivity to the Board of Investment network system and improved security surveillance by repairing and maintenance of CCTV cameras.
3-year Performance: Multiple initiatives on OPHRD’s credit for boosting manpower export
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OPHRD) have multiple initiatives on its credit for promoting overseas employment and improving labour conditions in the country during last three years.
The ministry’s steps for boosting manpower export included exploration of new job markets through agreements with different countries, digital interventions and participation in various international job fairs and events, revealed the three-year performance report launched here.
Apart from signing Memoranda of Understanding and Cooperation with 13 countries for manpower export, the ministry constituted an Economic Outreach Apex Committee (EOAC) and Economic Outreach Coordination Group (EOCG).
In 2019, the OPHRD ministry inked an agreement with Japanese government for sending its workforce there, while in 2020 its attached department—Overseas Employment Corporation signed a recruitment accord with the ministry concerned in Kuwait for the purpose.
Resultantly, the long-halted process of manpower export to Kuwait was restored. Since July 2020, 1,133 medical professionals (doctors, nurses, medical technicians) have been sent to Kuwait.
5 New posts of Community Welfare Attaches (CWAs) were created in year 2020 increasing the number of CWAs from 19 to 24, so as to have more outreach to overseas Pakistanis in more destination countries.
The core function of CWAs at foreign missions is to promote overseas employment for countrymen and safeguarding the Interests of emigrants under the Emigration Ordinance, 1979.
The ministry did not only introduce amendments in Emigration Ordinance/Rules, 1979 to upgrade the current manpower export mechanism, but also formulated the first-ever policy on National Emigration and welfare of overseas Pakistanis for the purpose.
An online job portal was established in March 2020. 54,071 job-seekers have registered themselves on the portal. Similarly, 94,313 overseas returnees have registered themselves with the portal.
Soft skill training programs, commencement of foreign language teaching programs and awareness and outreach campaigns and MoUs with vocational training institutes like TEVTA have been initiated.
The report said mandatory National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis condition for Pakistani expats has been removed with efforts of Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment. One window fee collection desk has been established and registration of intending emigrants via biometric verification system is linked with NADRA in all protectorate offices.
In line with the incumbent government’s manifesto of creation of job opportunities, 1,136,258 emigrants have been registered for overseas employment.
Export of skilled and unskilled labor underwent an increase of 58 per cent and 41 per cent respectively, in fiscal year 2018- 2019 as compared to FY 2017- 2018. 568,464 emigrants were registered in 2018 – 2019 for emigration abroad as compared to 424,867 in period 2017 – 2018.
Resultantly, the foreign remittances saw a remarkable increase from US $ 19.913 billion (FY 2017-2018) and $19.765 billion (FY 2018 – 2019) to US $23.132 billion (FY 2019 -2020). It has reached $26.74 billion in the fiscal year 2020-21.
Among other initiatives included housing, health and education schemes for overseas Pakistanis and local labourers, increase in EOBI pension from Rs 5,250 to Rs 8,500 and opening of new portals to reach out expats for resolution of their problems.
As regards to improving labour class conditions in Pakistan, the ministry developed the National Labor Protection Framework (NLPF) in collaboration with International Labour Organization to guide the provincial governments for developing new labor laws aligned with International labor standards on child labor, forced labor, freedom of association and collective bargaining, non-discrimination, labor inspection, social dialogue and occupational safety and Health (OSH).
Federal Tripartite Consultation Committee (FTCC) was also established in compliance with the ILO convention 144 with an aim to find out way forward for several labor welfare matters.
Security forces successfully overcome terrorism menace, border fencing along Western Border: Report
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):The security forces have successfully overcome the menace of terrorism through execution of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad and arduous task of fencing the porous western border with Afghanistan in the most difficult terrain.
The positive completion of intensive countrywide operation against terrorism; Radd-ul-Fasaad marked the restoration of peace and stability in the country, said Three Years Performance Report of the Ministry of Defence launched here by the Prime Minister on Thursday.
Radd-ul-Fasaad also helped Pakistan establish complete control over tribal areas by eliminating foreign militant havens and led to the mainstreaming of the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) by merging it with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and paving the way for FATA reforms, it said.
Pakistan Army in order to consolidate the gains made in Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, border security management fencing along western borders was undertaken to prevent unwanted incursions and militant threats from outside Pakistan.
The Army undertook the task of sealing the porous 2,073 kilometers (kms) of 2,354 kms Afghanistan border with fences.
Moreover, for further fortification of the international border, 843 security forts were to be constructed along the border out of which 567 have been completed and 112 were under construction.
On the other front of the western Pak-Iran Border, fencing along 624 kms out of the 909 kms border was completed.
In response to Indian aggression during Pulwama incident, Pakistan Air Force launched ‘Operation Swift Retort’ and shot down two fighter aircrafts of Indian Airforce and hit four targets in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir (IIOK).
Pakistan response led to re-establishment of Pakistan’s conventional deterrence and reinforcement of strategic stability in the region.
The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) was established to formulate a coherent response against the novel coronavirus, which was a fine blend of civil government (lead role) duly enabled through military staff to form nucleus for implementation and coordination of strategy of the government.
“Timely activation of this collaboration on one platform paid rich dividends in effective management of pandemic. Through a unified national response, NCOC has synergized the anti-COVID efforts between federating units,” the Report said.
National Quality Policy, STI Policy at final stages; to be submitted to cabinet
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) took various initiatives to facilitate bringing sustainable socio-economic progress in the country including preparation of a comprehensive National Quality Policy, national research agenda, National Science, Technology and Innovation policy (STI) in addition to various new Public Sector Development Programme projects being executed by the departments.
According to the three-years performance report of Ministry of Science and Technology unveiled on Thursday, the National Quality Policy (implementation to cost Rs. 250 million annually) and Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2021-2030 were at final stages and would be submitted to the federal cabinet shortly. These policies were the fruit of prolonged deliberations with stakeholders in all sectors of the economy.
The performance report highlighted that the development of Electronic Voting Machines was in the final phases which would help realize vision of the Prime Minister for free and fair elections.
Electronic Voting machines were being introduced to ensure transparency and accountability in the elections process.
Another project for cultivation of Cannabis with an estimated cost of Rs. 1896.72 million has been approved by the Planning Commission which would be initiated soon.
The cultivation of Cannabis was a new project introduced for the first time in the history of the country and it could invigorate various industries such as Paper, Textiles, Clothing, Biodegradable plastics, Paint/ insulation, Biofuel, Food and Animal feed.
The Pak-Korea PV module testing lab was being established with funding from KOICA and would cost around Rs. 1319.550 million.
A Science and Technology Park was established at National University of Science and Technology (NUST) with a state-of-the-art incubation center to establish market-industry linkages. The Technology Park has attracted various industrialists and investors for funding start-ups and is the first-of-its-kind technology park in Pakistan.
An agreement was also signed between NUST and International Consulting Associates (ICA) for development of National Sciences and Technology Park in Islamabad, the report highlighted.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) and Capital Development Authority for recharging ground water in Islamabad as a pilot project.
An initiative has been taken to standardize electrical appliances such as motor, fan and geysers. This would enhance energy efficiency and lead to conservation of energy up to 3000 MW per day.
Various stakeholders have been engaged from the electrical and gas industry through consultative meetings to introduce standardization in electrical and gas appliances including motors, geysers and fans.
The project for STEM education has been approved and the criteria for selection of schools that would be part of the initiative have also been finalized.
Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) amendments bills were being introduced in the Parliament to make them more responsive and efficient organizations.
The Research and Development budget has been increased from Rs. 300 million to Rs. 2.5 billion whereas development budget has been increased from Rs. 4.458 billion to Rs. 8.314 billion.
ADB lauds Pakistan’s role in evacuation of its personnel from Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday received a telephone call from President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masatsugu Asakawa.
President Asian Development Bank appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating evacuation of the ADB personnel stranded at the Kabul Airport.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the cooperation of ADB with Pakistan in mitigating the negative impacts of COVID-19 pandemic, including supporting procurement of COVID Vaccines.
Railways renews its vision to make institution self-reliant, efficient, customer-oriented
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):Ministry of Railways, under the directives of prime minister, has renewed its vision to make the institution self-reliant, efficient and customer-oriented.
Ministry of Railways has got approved the Restructuring and Revival Plan of Pakistan Railways from the Federal Cabinet, said the three years performance report on Thursday.
Comprehensive initiatives in various fields against timelines/targets will be completed, the report said.
The Ministry has taken numerous steps including introducing of E-Ticketing, manning of 40 unmanned level crossing under safety of train operation regime and closure of 1561 unauthorized locations.
The land 643.17 acres has been retrieved from illegal encroachers. However, an earning of Rs4554 million from leasing of Railway land for agriculture shops, commercial and residential purpose, was also made.
The upgradation/renewal 253 Km track was completed, while 198 bridges were also reconstructed/strengthened.
Ministry of Railways formulates its PSDP keeping in view Vision 2020-25, National Transport Policy and its Development Framework.
As per vision 2020-25, it has to increase its transport share from 4 percent to 25 percent by 2025. Its development strategy is focusing on infrastructure development, rolling stock availability, business development by improved governance, the report said.
The total PSDP allocation for Railways Division for the Financial Year 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-2021 was Rs28 billion, 16 billion and 24 billion respectively.
Pakistan Railways identified PPP portfolio with an estimated cumulative cost of Rs1500 billion in April 2020 comprising of more than 25 projects across various priority areas which include operations and business development, rolling stock, infrastructure development, urban railways and non-core business.
Pakistan Railways earned Rs54,513.926 million against the target of Rs53,000.000 million during the years 2018-19. Pakistan Railways earned Rs47,587.964 million against the target of Rs50,000.000 million during the years 2019-20 while earned Rs43,850.747 million against the target of Rs48,000.000 million up to March 2021.
The actual expenditure during the year 2018-19 is Rs86,486.777 million, while expenditure during the year 2020-21 is Rs95.000.000 million.
The expenditure were up to March 2021 for the year 2020-21 is Rs87,342.016 million.
Govt takes innovative steps to improve health delivery system
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):The present government had tried its level best to improve the health of all citizens, particularly women and children by providing universal access to affordable, quality, essential health services.
According to available official document, during its three year tenure the government had made several efforts to improve healthcare delivery system with focus on having a resilient and responsive health system, capable of attaining the Sustainable Development Goals and fulfilling its other global health responsibilities.
The vision was described in the National Action Plan (2019-23) and the same was aligned with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) manifesto to ensure universal health coverage and enhancing the focus on primary health care while upgrading secondary and tertiary facilities.
The government had also taken sincere steps to reduce the population growth rate for the health of mothers, children and families and the prosperity of Pakistan by reducing the impending burden on its resources.
As per National Action Plan- 2019-23 several innovative steps were taken to improve governance in health sector and institutions, to implement adequate health financing strategies to reduce catastrophic health expenditures especially on the poor, to addressing access to essential health services to all, to tackling crises in human resources for health, to ensuring quality of care in health services, to prioritize and focus on determinants of health, to build capacities for international health regulations and to harness research and innovations.
A National Health Task Force was formed for reviewing key strategic priorities and functions besides Pakistan Health and Population Strategic Forum for effective coordination on strategic issues.
Federal Task Force on Population, Country Engagement Working Group on FP/RH, Advocacy and Media Group on FP/RH, Contraceptive Commodity Serenity Working Group and Data and Progress Review Working Groups had been constituted.
Health Strategy for Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) was developed for the first time and approved. Health department of ICT were transferred to the Ministry of National health Services and the district population welfare department had merged with Health Department while the ministry concerned had approved 11 projects of vital importance.
An online application with the name PIRIMS was launched in December 2020 for licensing, registration and inspection activities. ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality Management System of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) had been completed besides launch of Med-Safety Mobile Application for reporting of adverse reactions or events of medicines.
Similarly, several health related legislations were made as Pakistan Medical Commission Act was passed in 2020 and implemented, Federal Medical Teaching Institute Act 2020 was passed by National Assembly and is in Senate, Islamabad Health Regulatory Authority (IHRA) amendment Act 2021, currently in Ministry of Law for vetting, Pakistan Health Research Council Act: PHRC merged with NIH according to NIH Ordinance, Pakistan Nursing & Midwifery Council Act is in National Assembly, Allied Health Council Act is in the National Assembly, Islamabad Healthcare Facilities Management Authority Act is in National Assembly and DRAP Amendment Act and National Health Emergency Response Act, 2020.
Similarly, several bills were drafted at federal level included Early Child Marriage Restraint Bill, Right to Promotive & Primary Healthcare for Mother & Child Bill, Reproductive Healthcare & Rights Bill (ICT) 2021, Amendment of Rule 15, 16 & 26 of Drugs Rules 1976 (Implemented), Pharmacovigilance Rules and Ethical Marketing Rules (Proposed), policy on promotion of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing in Pakistan (Proposed), Financial & Services Rules of PNC and development of regulations (SOPs) for establishment of nursing institutions.
Education Ministry developing SNC under PMs vision
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):The National Curriculum Council (NCC), Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training in consultation with Education Departments of all federating units of the country, is developing Single National Curriculum (SNC) from grade one to 10 in line with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
According to a three years performance report of ministry of federal education and professional training on Thursday, the SNC would be taught in public and private schools in addition to Deeni Madaris.
It was further shared that the government has launched the Rehmatul-lil-Alameen scholarship program for the students hailing form low-income groups of Pakistan.
During the fiscal year 2020-21, 69,000 students were being financed with the total cost of Rs. 8.46 billion.
Under the National Endowment (NEST) Scholarship for Talent was a need-based scholarship program that was to be targeted towards deserving students of the arts and humanities to promote a diverse range of learning in secondary and higher education in Pakistan.
NEST was aimed to support the study of fine arts, visual arts, film & TV, interior & textile design, and a variety of other disciplines to ensure culture of education in Pakistan as vibrant and multi-disciplinary.
In wake of COVID-19, the government was ensuring 100 percent vaccination in all educational institutions, departments, and offices.
During COVID-19, the federal government was handling all decisions regarding resumption of academic activities such as physical examination, and the admissions of students.
The pilot project was launched in Islamabad where 11,000 children identified as out of school in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
Under the initiative, around 7183 out of school children were enrolled in mainstream educational institutions of federal directorate of education.
Moreover, in FY 2020-21, the Ministry has started a new project to introduce new steam of education at Matriculation level i.e., technical education.
The Ministry has aired TeleSchool, and Radio school with already developed contents
provided by different organizations to facilitate students hailing from remote regions.
Around eight intervention areas were also identified in a comprehensive “Skills for All” strategy, notified by the Ministry. While 14 components of “Hunarmand Pakistan” Program under PM’s “Kamyab-Jawan” was an initiative identified for implementation.
Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) had established mechanisms to address grievances of students through emails, an active Facebook page, a live chat Messenger on the website, an updated website and contact information, as well as a call center.
Highlighting the three years performance of Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) it was told that 859 complaints were received through Complaint Cell developed by Federal Government “Pakistan Citizen Portal”. Out of which 857 complaints have been resolved.
The Federal Board had also upgraded the online services to submit online applications for verification of documents and duplicate documents.
Sharing the details of new initiative being taken by the incumbent government, the report said for next FY 2021-22 the federal government announced Rs. 66.25 billion in budget speech and an additional amount of Rs. 15.00 billion was pledged. Thus, increasing the recurring grant by 26.76% for last year.
To provide high standard sport facilities, this government was collaborating with universities to develop high end sports arenas for students and other youths as well.
For this purpose, initially three universities were selected and Rs.1.0 million would be released to each university in FY 2021-22, it added.
Permits issued to1,934 foreign tourists for climbing/trekking in Gilgit-Baltistan
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):The government has issued permits to 1,934 foreign tourists who applied for climbing/trekking in Gilgit-Baltistan during the tenure of present government.
An amount of Rs 67.885 million has been collected as Royalty Fee in the said period, said a documents highlighting the three years performance of Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan.
Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has announced an integrated development plan for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), worth of Rs 370 billion.
The Government of GB has prepared PC-I of various projects in health, roads, hydro power sectors and etc. The central development working party and ECNEC have approved these projects.
In view of the willingness of the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and GB, all properties would be retained by Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and would be leased out in a transparent and competitive manner to well reputed hospitality service providers to bring quality accommodation and service facilities to the visiting tourists.
The PTDC would utilized the rest of 50 percent income on tourism growth, facilitation, awareness, skill development and other promotional activities for projecting tourism industry in Pakistan including that of GB and AJK.
The ministry has prepared Gilgit-Baltistan Governance Reforms, 2019 in consultation with all stakeholders and submitted the same in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The Election Act, 2017, all rules, regulations and by laws, framed thereunder, were adopted in the territory of Gilgit-Baltistan for holding of General Elections to the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly.
The ministry has facilitated Government of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chief Election Commissioner Gilgit-Baltistan for conducting the general elections of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly.
The Jammu and Kashmir (Administration of Property) Ordinance 1961 is being amended and tabled in the Parliament in compliance with the directions of the Federal Cabinet pursuant to Supreme Court judgment.
The government has given approval of 13th Amendment in the AJ&K Interim Constitution ACT, 1974 incorporated which transferred Legislative/Executive Functions from AJK Council Secretariat to AJK Legislative Assembly.
The ministry has also prepared Gilgit-Baltistan Governance Reforms, 2019 in consultation with all stakeholders and submitted the same in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan vide its judgment dated 17-01-2019 issued Orders in favor of Federation of Pakistan. All provincial subjects of Gilgit-Baltistan have been devolved/transferred to Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly as per 18th Constitutional Amendment.
Pre-season Cricket Association camps begin
LAHORE, Aug 26 (APP):Pre-season training and preparation camp involving performers from the recently-concluded CCA two-day tournaments 2021-22 commenced on Thursday at six venues of the country.
Also attending the camps are some of the leading performers from the 2020-21 season.
The camps will run until 30 August, following which the selectors will finalise their squads for the 15-match Cricket Associations T20, which will be held from 15-22 September, and the National T20, which will be staged from 25 September-13 October.
While the camps will provide the cricketers with another opportunity to impress their coaches and get in the reckoning for the season ahead, it will be a chance for the coaches to look at the larger pool of players that will assist them in their strategies, including team selections.
Along with these players, those cricketers, who have been in contention and have remained part of the Cricket Association squads in the previous seasons, have also been invited for the camps.
The Cricket Association camps have commenced at the following centres:
Balochistan – Bugti Cricket Stadium, Quetta
Central Punjab – LCCA Ground, Lahore
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium
Northern – Northern’s Home of Cricket, Islamabad
Sindh – Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre, Karachi
Southern Punjab – Multan Cricket Stadium
The following players will attend the CA pre-season training and preparation camps:
Balochistan Cricket Association Players invited from the previous season – Abdul Nasir, Adnan Akmal, Akhtar Shah, Ali Rafiq, Atif Jabbar, Azeem Dar, Azizullah, Dawood Khan, Hayat Ullah, Israr Ahmed, Mohammad, Mohammad Ibrahim, Mohammad Shahid, Mohammad Talha, Nazar Hussain, Rameez Raja jnr, Salahuddin, Shehzad Tareen, Taimur Khan, Usama Mir, Zainullah
Players invited from the CCA Tournament – Abdul Hanan, Abdul Mutalib, Abdul Nasir, Abid Ali Mengal, Adnan Iqbal, Aftab Ahmad, Aqib Junaid, Bakhtiar Ahmed Shah, Dawood Khan, Ehsan Ullah, Elahi Bux, Fahad Hussain, Faheem Younis, Hidayatullah, Kaleemullah, Mohammad Javed, Muhammad Ibrahim Snr, Muhammad Idrees, Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad Shahid, Najeeb Ullah, Nasir Ali, Nasir Khan, Nizam Uddin, Obaid Ullah Jri, Qutub Ud Din, Rasool Bakhsh, Salim Mal, Sana Ullah, Shoaib Ahmed, Syed Ahmed Shah, Syed Zain Ullah, Syed Zainullah, Usama Khalil, Zubair Khan
Central Punjab Cricket Association
Players invited from the previous season – Abubakar Khan, Ali Manzoor, Atiq-ur-Rehman, Fahad Usman, Farhan Khan, Haseeb-ur- Rehman, Mohammad Faiq, Nisar Ahmed, Noman Anwar, Salman Fayyaz, Shahid Nawaz, Zohaib Amanat, Zubair Khan
Players invited from the CCA tournament – Abdul Ghaffar, Ali Hamza Snr, Anas Mehmood, Asad Ali Jnr, Asad Raza, Gohar Hafeez Butt, Haider Ali, Hamza Akbar, Hassan Mehmood, Ihrsan Ali, Jahanazaib Naveed, Kashif Jawed, M Abuzar Ghaffari, M Ahsan, M Tabraz, Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Huraira, Mudassar Riaz, Muhammad Abdul Samad, Muhammad Abubakar, Muhammad Afzal, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Jnr, Muhammad Nauman Butt, Muhammad Saleem, Muhammad Umair Riaz, Muhammad Waheed, Sadaqat Ali, Shahzaib Bhatti, Sharukh Ali, Sohaib Ullah, Usman Khalid, Yawar Bashir, Zeeshan Mushtaq
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cricket Association
Players invited from the previous season – Abdul Rauf, Asad Afridi, Gohar Ali, Haris Khan, Khalilullah, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Amir Khan, Mohammad Arif Shah, Mohammad Asad, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Khayyam, Mohammad Mohsin, Mohammad Naeem Snr, Mohammad Sarwar Afridi, Mohammad Umar Burki, Nabi Gul, Nasir Faraz, Salman Khan Jnr, Samiullah Jnr, Waqar Ahmad
Players invited from the CCA tournament – Aitizaz Habib Khan, Arslan Sajjad, Asif Ali, Farhan Khan, Fawad Malook, Fazlur Rehman, Haroon Khan, Hasnain Ali Shah, Imtiaz Khan, Junaid Khan Afridi, Jahanzaib Khan, Khayyam Khan, M Amir Azmat, Mahmood, Mamoon Khan, Mashal Khan, Muhammad Arif, Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Ibrahim (Kohat), Muhammad Ibrahim (Swabi), Muhammad Sarwar, Muhammad Tahir, Muhammad Wasim Khan, Nizar Ali, Noor Sahib, Sajjad Ali, Saqib Jameel, Sarmad Khattak, Syad Fahad Shah, Waseem Akhtar, Yasir Khan, Zeshan Tahir
Northern Cricket Association
Players invited from the previous season – Amad Butt, Babar Khaliq, Hasan Raza, Mohammad Aamir Shah, Muhammad Ismail Khan, Naveed Malik, Nihal Mansoor, Raja Farhan, Raja Farzan Khan, Raza Hassan , Sadaf Hussain, Shiraz Khan , Syed Tauseeq Shah, Taimur Khan, Umar Waheed, Zaid Alam, Zaman Khan
Players invited from the CCA Tournament – Abdul Rashid Minhas, Abdul Shakoor, Adil Shabbir Mirza, Ajab Khan, Aqib Liaqat, Badr Ud Din, Hamza Arshad, Hamza Majeed, Javed Khan, Kashif Ali, M Hussain, M Rehan Arif, M. Hammad Khan, M.Jibran, Malik Aswad, Muhammad Aamir, Muhammad Ajmal, Muhammad Faisal, Nadeem Sikander, Naqash Basharat, Naqi Raza, Noman Khalid, Qazi Arbqan, Raheel Wakeel, Rohaan Qadri, Saad Khan, Sarmad Hameed, Shahab Ur Rehman, Shahid Ahmed, Shoiab Amir, Syed Aqib Shah, Talha Qureshi, Tanvir Abbass Shah
Sindh Cricket Association
Players invited from the previous season – Abdullah Mukaddam, Adeel Malik, Amir Ali, Ashar Qureshi, Azizullah, Ghulam Mudassar, Ibtisam Sheikh, Jahid Ali, Mohammad Waqas, Muhammad Makki, Muhammad Tariq Khan, Ruman Raees, Shahzar Muhammad, SM Tahami, Waleed Ahmed
Players from the CCA tournament – Aamir Brohi, Aashir Ahmed Siddiqui, Ahsan Sultan, Ali Shah, Asif Mehmood, Bilal Irshad, Daniyal Hussain Rajput, Hamza Ghanchi, Hassan Mohsin, Imtiaz Leghari, Israr ul Haq, Jahanzaib Sultan, Junaid Ilyas, Kashif Khan, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Mohsin Raza, Muhammad Afzal, Muhammad Asad malik, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Shahid Mihrani, Muhammad Suleman, Muhammad Tariq Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed Kalhoro, Nadir Shah, Rao Sajjid Ali, Raza Mahar, Rehman Ghani, Saddam Hussain, Shahzar Hasan Khan, Syed haider Abbas Zaidi, Usman Khan, Zafar Ali
Southern Punjab Cricket Association
Players invited from the previous season – Ahmar Ashfaq, Asif Fawad, Bilawal Bhatti, Hamza Akbar, Haris Bashir, Haris Javed, Mehboob Ahmed, Mohammad Ali Khan, Mohammad Irfan (Lahore), Mohammad Irfan Jnr (Nankana Sahib), Mohammad Irfan Snr, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Sadaif Mehdi, Yousaf Babar, Zohaib Afridi
Players from the CCA tournament – Abdul Rehman, Abdul Rehman, Abdullah Hamdani, Afraseem Hussain, Ali Husnain, Ali Majid, Ali Umer, Ammar Ali, Faizan Zafar, Farhan Sarfaraz, Humayun Altaf, Jahanzaib Khan, Jawad Hussain, Kaleem Ullah, Khubaib Ahmad, M. Sharoon Siraj, Mansoor Ali, Moin Ud Din, Mughira Shoaib, Muhammad Jahangir, Muhammad Junaid, Muhammad Rameez, Muhammad Shahriyar, Muhammad Sudais, Muhammad Umair, Muhammad Umar Fraz, Muhammad Zahir Siddiq, Rizwan Haider, Shahbaz Khan, Usman Liaqat, Waleed Iqbal, Waqar Hussain, Waqar Ul Hasan, Waseem Mahmood, Yousuf Babar, Zain Ul Abdeen and Zia ul Haq.
PTI govt takes practical measures for improving aviation services in country
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government took practical measures during the last three years to ensure the provision of improved aviation services in the country in line with the best international practices by removing flaws from the existing system.
The Aviation Division is in pursuit of the vision “to maintain the highest standards of safety, security and service by promoting air connectivity in the aviation sector, ensure precision and accuracy in meteorological services of Pakistan,” according to a Three-Year Performance Report (August 2018-2021) of the PTI government launched by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday.
During the period under review, the government has taken undertaken several initiatives like promulgation of National Aviation Policy (NAP 2019), digitalization of the processes to increase the efficiency of aviation sector, meeting international standards at airports, provision of world-class facilities to air passengers, encouragement of tourism through increased facilities at airports, enhancement of supervision and coordination to realize its vision of “Safe, efficient and profitable air transport industry of Pakistan and highest standards of weather forecasting.”
Besides, it regulated and implemented instructions/standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) to stem the spread of coronavirus in the country.
It also segregated Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)’s Regulatory and Service Provider functions, issued Regular Public Transport Licenses to Sial Air International and Fly Jinnah and disintegrated Aircraft Investigation Board from CAA to Aviation Division to improve efficiency of the country’s aviation sector.
To revive the past glory of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the government
de-recognized unfeasible contracts with suppliers and working agreements with associations ensured effective utilization of PIA’s overseas properties, outsourced the services of catering, speedex, ground handling and precision engineering, carried out financial restructuring of PIA’s balance sheet, operated special flights to various countries during Covid-19 pandemic, completed detailed security and safety assessment by US Transport Security Administration (TSA), operated PIA’s first-ever direct flight to mainland USA and ferry flights to bring back the stranded Pakistanis from different countries.
For security purposes, the Airport Security Force (ASF) has established joint search counters at all international airports, set up closed-circuit television (CCTV) control rooms for anti-money laundering, provided improved accommodation and training facilities to the troops.
For updated and accurate weather reports, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has developed a mobile application through its resources, started weather forecast service for farmers at the tehsil level in local languages, upgraded its website and established Information Technology besides providing weather information on social media.
Despite challenges, economy put on right track in last three years: PM
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday said that with all major economic indicators showing upward trends, the present government despite various challenges including the COVID-10 pandemic had put the country’s economy on right track.
“During the last three years, the current account deficit has been significantly reduced from US $ 20 billion in 2018 to US $ 1.8 billion, foreign exchange reserves increased from US $ 16.4 billion to US $ 27 billion, revenue collection from Rs 3800 billion to Rs. 4700 billion, workers’ remittances from US $ 19.9 billion to US $ 29.4 billion,” he mentioned.
The Prime Minister was addressing a ceremony held here at the Convention Center to launch the three-year performance report of the present government led by Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI).
He said that when the present government took reign of affairs in 2018, the country with the highest ever US $ 20 billion of current account deficit was close to default and rupee was depreciating.
“If the friendly countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE and China did not help Pakistan, rupee in the country would have further depreciated,” he added.
The Prime Minister also mentioned 18% growth in the Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) sector as well as 42% increase in cement sale during the previous fiscal and said it showed enhanced industrial activity.
He said that the receipt of an additional income of Rs 1100 billion by the farmers in agriculture sector and the historic sales of motorbikes, cars and tractors during the previous fiscal also depicted prosperity in rural areas.
The Prime Minister said that the government’s successful strategy to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic also led to saving the economy and poor masses, adding, the international institutions including the World Economic Forum and the World Health Organization appreciated Pakistan’s strategy on COVID-19.
He said that despite the criticism by opposition parties, the government did not go for complete lockdown of the economy, which, if opted, would have caused increase in poverty and hunger like in India.
The Prime Minister appreciated the National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) for its timely and effective decisions to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prime Minister said his message to the youth was to follow the sublime path, set by Allah Almighty and Last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). “We have to learn from the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).”
He said sports did inspire him to never give up and keep on striving and cited the example of Quaid-e-Azam who strove for a great cause and succeeded in creating Pakistan.
He said due to economic mismanagement of the past, the people had to endure price hike and inflation and the government had to take loans from International Monetary Fund (IMF) on stringent conditionalities.
He thanked Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force for countering aggression of India after the Pulwama incident and said there was no reason to have critical views about national institutions.
He said the PTI government was fully committed to its three guiding principles of humanity, rule of law and self-respect.
He said no country could progress if there was no of rule of law. He recalled that
Asif Ali Zardari landed in jail because of his corrupt practices whenever the PPP government was ousted in the past.
He said the countries got weakened when the ministers indulged in corruption
and cited the Holy Prophet’s system of justice of the Riyasat-e-Madinah.
He referred to a UN report which pointed out that $1000 billion was being transferred from developing countries to the developed ones every year which resulted in a widening gap between the rich and the poor.
According to another report, $10 billion was sent from Pakistan every year to bank accounts abroad to purchase properties there, he added.
He said the anti-corruption department of Punjab had recovered only Rs 2.5 billion during the regime of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz while in the tenure of present government, its recoveries stood at Rs 450 billion. Similarly, the recoveries of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) rose to Rs 519 billion in the last three years from Rs 290 billion in 18 years, he added.
Imran Khan said for the first time, the PTI government launched Ehsaas programme and enhanced the social sector allocation from Rs 110 billion to Rs 260 billion.
The World Bank declared Pakistan’s Ehsaas programme as the third best in the world, he said and added the programme played a vital role in taking care of the poor during the coronavirus pandemic.
Additional funds were allocated for scholarships of girls as compared to the funds for boys, the PM said and added the government empowered women with renewed focus on their education.
He said the government took steps to fully facilitate women in getting succession certificates and share of inheritance.
Under the Kamyab Naujwan Programme, he said, youth of four million poor families would be given interest-free loans, health insurance cards, and skills training.
Easy interest-free loans were given so that low income groups could build affordable houses, he said, adding 30 percent of the country’s population consisted of the youth.
Imran Khan said farmers would be given subsidy through Kisaan Card so that they could buy fertilizers, pesticides and other agriculture inputs.
Ten reservoirs including Mohmand and Dassu dams would be built to meet water requirements, he added.
He said uniform curriculum would be introduced and Seerat-e-Nabi courses would be taught in classes from eight to ten.
Expressing concern over the rising crimes against women and children, he underlined the need for character building of the youth with imbibing moral values.
He told the audience about Rs1300 billion special packages for merged tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and districts of Balochistan, Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan to eliminate backwardness and deprivation of local people.
The Prime Minister said the past leaderships did compromise dignity of the country by begging and getting loans from other states. Pakistan could make rapid progress by developing its agriculture, industry, mining, tourism and banking sectors, he opined.
He said today business confidence had markedly improved in the country while foreign remittances were on the rise.
He recalled Pakistan sided with the United States in the war on terror but latter carried out 480 drone attacks on its soil.
Over 70,000 Pakistanis lost their lives in the war fought on behalf of another country, he added.
The Prime Minister said the Afghan defence forces declined to fight for their corrupt leaders.
He called upon the world to support the Taliban as they wanted an inclusive government in Afghanistan, and declared general amnesty for all, besides assurance that no one would be allowed to carry out terrorist attacks from their soil against other countries.
He said the world community should help the Taliban to maintain peace in Afghanistan.
Imran Khan recalled that Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, folk singer Attaullah Khan Esakhailvi, Ibrarul Haq and many others played an important role in taking forward Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).
He thanked the allies including Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid), Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Grand Democratic Alliance for extending support to the PTI government during the last three years.
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NCOC’s civil-military blend amid three-pronged strategy helps fight Covid-19
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) spearheaded the country’s unified fight against the unprecedented risk of deadly contagious disease of Covid-19 with its three-pronged strategy to overcome disease spread.
Pakistan’s national anti-COVID-19 strategy began as interplay between buildup of critical health care capacity and calibrated Non Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs), said the ‘Three Years Performance Report of the NCOC’ launched by the prime minister here on Thursday.
“It has now evolved into a three-pronged approach encompassing synergistic trinity of NPIs, Social Behavior Change and Vaccination. Pakistan Army’s all out support in the national cause remains a rider clause in the national efforts against the pandemic which has so far witnessed three distinct waves,” it said.
Pakistan after concerted efforts has been among best five countries with respect to cases per million (country’s over 100 million population) including China (1439 Million / 63 cases per Million), Nigeria (210 / 790), Ethiopia (117 /2312), Egypt (104 / 2532), Pakistan (224 / 4105), it added.
“Pakistan is among top 30 countries in the world as per number of vaccine doses administered,” it said.
The NCOC has supported the provinces in augmenting daily testing capacity increased from merely 472 tests in February to 80,000 plus tests; number of labs increased from only 4 labs in February to 172.
The dedicated team of NCOC through strong efforts made Pakistan’s current contact tracing average of 7.1 surpassing that of US, India, UK and Germany.
The NCOC through its informed decision making and data based strategies ensured efficient healthcare ramp up including 7,043 oxygenated beds added in healthcare system along with 18,200 oxygen cylinders.
The Oxygen production capacity was also increased to 803 metric tonnes from 487 metric tonnes per day and four additional oxygen plants added (increased from 10 to 14) in system since June 2020.
The Forum assisted in protection of livelihoods of masses, management of food security and supply chain issues during lockdowns; ensuring essential provisions through utility stores.
The Forum also ensured continuous management of external trade under COVID environment, safe opening of economy- post lockdown, relief package to worst hit sectors including industries and education sector being pushed.
Around 451,373 stranded Pakistanis were repatriated from 86 counties in a phased manner through the efforts triggered through the Forum.
Since 5th May 2021, over 1,000 inbound flights carrying over 300,000 passengers tested at 9 international airports. “Pakistan is also first country in the world to employ COVID detection dogs at two major airports of the country,” it added.
The Forum also ensured implementation of calibrated NPIs including Smart and Micro-smart Lockdowns; and application of broader country wide restrictions.
The NCOC also made elaborate efforts for management of various religious events such as Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, Muharram, Arbaeen, Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Tableeghi gatherings (Raiwind ijtimah), Birth Anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak etcetera.
The Forum also led an elaborate effective media and awareness campaign involving over 20,000 hours in electronic media, more than 30,000 posts on social media networking sites, 400 plus Op-eds in national print media, PSMs by leadership and celebrities.
The NCOC collaborated with Rural Support Programme active in 66 districts and 1,500 union councils across country for community mobilization. Multi-tiered engagement with religious leaders and Ulema was held at the Forum.
The Forum introduced best practices for a unified national response despite challenges owing to 18th constitutional amendment amid health being devolved subject. “Countries like USA and India faltered in this area and consequently witnessed massive disease spikes,” it added.
The Forum also introduced institutionalized and evidence-based decision making to keep number of cases and deaths per million in a check. Moreover, disease projections for informed policy decisions – centralized planning and decentralized execution was the hallmark of NCOC’s efforts.
The Forum ensured continuous disease surveillance, technology based track, trace and quarantine (TTQ), contact tracing (over 9 million), seroprevalence and genome testing for detection of new virus variants.
The resource optimization and apt management demonstrating synergy of efforts by all state organs had been a key feature of Pakistan’s efforts which also included intelligent use of IT support, digital data flow and management.
The current focus of the NCOC was on mass vaccination drive to vaccinate 75 million population by end of 2021. So far 31,929,581 vaccines have been administered with a maximum of 1.07 million doses in a day on 2nd August 21. Whole of the Nation – proactive, dynamic and consistent approach led by federal and provincial governments and coordinated by NCOC adopted for the monumental task.
The NCOC worked as an apolitical organization steering national response against COVID-19 in a participative, non-intrusive and all-encompassing manner hitherto fore unknown in our over 70 years history.
CM Punjab hockey tournament to help spot new women talent : DG SBP
LAHORE, Aug 26 (APP):Director General (DG) Sports Board Punjab (SBP) Adnan Arshad Aulakh has said the upcoming First Chief Minister Punjab 5-a-Side National Women Hockey Championship will serve as an ideal platform for promising female hockey players of the country to demonstrate their talent.
He said this while presiding over an important meeting at National Hockey Stadium, here on Thursday.
The meeting was convened to review the preparations of the upcoming event which will be staged at the National Hockey Stadium on Sept 7-12.
Director Admin Javed Chohan, Director Sports Hafeez Bhatti, Deputy Director Rauf Bajwa and Deputy Director Chand Perveen attended the important meeting.
Adnan Arshad Aulakh also visited National Hockey Stadium to review assess the arrangements of the competition.
He directed the concerned officials to upgrade and renovate the existing facilities at the stadium.
While addressing the meeting, Aulakh said that the trials for the selection of Punjab teams would be held on August 29 and 30 while the trials of other participating teams would be held on Aug 27 whereas the camp training of selected players would start from August 31, 2021.
He said that the SBP would hold memorable opening and closing ceremonies for the mega women hockey tournament.
As many as 12 under-25 teams will participate in the tournament being organized as part of preparations for 2023 Oman Women Hockey World Cup.
Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will field two teams each in the tournament while Balochistan, Islamabad, Army, HEC, Wapda and Railways will send one team each.
MORA&IH distributes scholarships worth Rs 109.03 mln among 8,688 minority students in last three years
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (MORA&IH) had distributed scholarships worth Rs 109.03 million among some 8,688 deserving minority students in last three years enabling them to continue their studies.
According to a three years performance report of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, launched by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday, the scholarships amounting to Rs 37.59 million had been paid to 2,934 deserving students during financial year 2018-19.
Similarly, scholarships worth Rs 34.44 million had been given to 2,888 deserving minority students during financial year 2019-20. Whereas Rs 37 million had been disbursed among 2,866 students during financial year 2020-21.
According to the document, the ministry had approved 47 minority welfare development schemes with the cost of Rs 61.802 million in last three years. Rs 35.8 million were spent on various minority development schemes during financial year 2019-20.
However, Rs 26.002 million were spent during financial year 2020-21. While Rs 35.8 million were spent during 2019-20 on minority welfare schemes.
The reports said the ministry had organized four Interfaith Harmony conferences in provincial capitals in 2019. While two such conferences at Lahore and Peshawar were cancelled due to Covid-19. However, the conferences at Karachi and Quetta were held on the topic of ‘Religious Respect is the Need of Modern Times’ this year.
The ministry also organized religious functions of minorities in last three years for promoting interfaith harmony. The ministry has also established Anti-Blasphemy Cell.
Started Ziareen Management Policy which is being provided legislative cover through proposed Hajj, Umrah and Ziarat Act.
PTI workers watching live address of Prime Minister Imran Khan on three years performance of PTI government at Raza Hall
Construction of 7,000 units completed under PM low cost housing scheme
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP):The Ministry of Housing and Works has launched Prime Minister Low Cost Housing Scheme under which the deserving families were getting financial assistance up to Rs 500, 000 through Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance (AIM).
An official documents pertaining to the three year government performance stated that the funds amounting to Rs 7 billion have been released to Akhuwat till June 4, 2021 by the government.
The construction of 7000 houses units was completed and remaining was under construction. It said that poor and deserving families would get financial assistance as per Shariah compliant product.
The federal cabinet had also approved the summary of ministry regarding Urban Regeneration of Pakistan Quarters and Jamshaid quarters Karachi on June 15, 2021. Under this project, this Ministry, in collaboration with Naya Pakistan Housing Authority, will transform katchi abadis into developed areas through high rise vertical developments consisting of approximately 6000 apartments and commercial areas.
The documents further said that Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) had planned/allotted 32,304 units (20,852 plots & 11,352 apartments, 100 houses) to its members in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Lahore, AJK, Peshawar and Karachi.
In the initiatives, the FGEHA restarted stalled schemes of 11,352 plots at Green Enclave-I Bara Kahu, Sky Garden (Green Enclave-II) and F-14/F-15 Islamabad.
The authority initiated new apartment’s schemes consisting of 10,102 units at Kashmir Avenue, G-13, Skyline, Apartments, Islamabad, Chaklala Heights, Rawalpindi and Lifestyle Residency, Lahore. Similarly, it initiated housing schemes of 850 units with governments of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The documents further stated that presently FGEHA was developing 9,500 plots at sectors F-12 and G-12 Islamabad and 500 units at Airport Residencia, Karachi
Similarly, Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation (PHAF) had planned/initiated/allotted 17,506 units / flats/shops project. Out of 1350 housing units/flats at Kuchlak Road Project, Quetta, completed booking of 714 housing units while booking of 636 apartments is in progress.
Around 1250 housing units booked in Peshawar Sarozai Project consisting of total 10,000 housing units. The authority allotted 588 grey structures at PHA Residencia Project Kurri Road and conducted auction for sale of 88 shops in Block A & B.
It also completed booking of 2780 apartments in I-12/1 and 1484 apartments in I-16/3. The PHAF further launched membership drive for GB housing project comprising 1216 apartments at Minawar.
The documents said that possession of Wafaqi Colony project and construction work at G-10/2 project completed and almost 98% allottees have taken possession.
Likewise, the Pak. PWD had completed and carrying out projects under PSDP and SAP worth Rs 47963.552 million during last three year. It had completed 88 projects and 127 were in progress under PSDP. Similarly, 1754 projects were completed and 1488 were in progress under Sustainable Achievement Program (SAP).
The National Construction Ltd (NCL) had completed 12 projects of Rs 2,999.961 million and had awarded new projects worth Rs 627.176 million.
The documents said that the Estate Office Management had got vacated 2500 government accommodations from illegal occupants during three years. The office recovered Rs 513 million on account of 5% rent from the allottees.
The system of cell alerts, e-mail as well as WhatsApp is being developed to promote transparency in allotment procedure.
It further said that Housing Ministry has launched a separate GWL for provision of government accommodation on priority basis to the employees living with disabilities.
The Ministry signed a tripartite collaboration agreement / MoU with UNOPS and SHS on July 22, 2019. Under this scheme government of Balochistan transferred and mutated land measuring 200 acres at Gwadar for construction of affordable housing scheme with special focus of fisherman community.
This international collaboration effort was halted due to pandemic of COVID-19. Lately, the Pakistan through its High Commission in Denmark has taken measures to revive this scheme.
The documents stated that the Federal Cabinet also approved signing of MoU between this Ministry and China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd, (CSCEC) on June 19, 2019 regarding construction of five million housing units for low-income groups in Pakistan.
The CSCEC had informed vide their email dated June 15, 2021 that they are ready to sign MoU with this Ministry. Efforts are underway to sign the MoU as soon as possible, it concluded.
Denmark lauds Pakistan’s ‘rapid, efficient & broad assistance’ on airlifts from Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP): Denmark on Thursday said that without Pakistan’s “rapid, efficient and broad assistance”, the success of joint operations for evacuations and airlifts from Afghanistan would not have been possible.
“In the situation evolving in Afghanistan, we are deeply grateful for the professional assistance and outstanding support to enable airlifts of vulnerable persons to Islamabad International Airport for their continued journey,” State Secretary of Denmark Steen Hommel said as he met Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood in Islamabad.
The Danish diplomat expressed “sincere and heartfelt appreciation” on behalf of his government for the assistance extended by Pakistan.
Both exchanged views on the developing situation in Afghanistan and affirmed the importance of continued focus on security, stability and inclusive political settlement.
Renewing the bilateral relationship between Denmark and Pakistan, the two sides agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation, including high-level exchanges and collaboration in the area of renewable energy for a green transition.
Pakistan and Denmark have long-standing ties, and the ongoing coordinated efforts have brought the two countries even closer.