KARACHI
President Asif Ali Zardari planting a “Neem” sapling at Bilawal House as part of the Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign
KARACHI
President Asif Ali Zardari urging the nation to plant more trees as part of the annual Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign at Bilawal House
KARACHI
Maryam, Nawaz discuss education, health, climate change issues with British HC
LAHORE, Aug 18 (APP):British High Commissioner (HC) Jane Marriott met Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif on Sunday and discussed education, health, climate change issues in Pakistan.
The meeting held in Murree also discussed increasing education opportunities for students from Punjab in the top universities of the UK.
The Punjab chief minister informed the British HC about sustainable measures being taken for elimination of environmental pollution. During the meeting, it was agreed to benefit from mutual skills to deal with the challenges of climate change.
Maryam informed the British high commissioner about the key performance indicator (KPI) system for monitoring the police and administration to improve the quality of governance, including the ongoing initiatives for Digital Punjab.
The Punjab CM invited British institutions to invest in Nawaz Sharif IT City. She was also informed about the solar panel project in Punjab. She said that Punjab had entered the digitization era and soon it would be leading. The British institutions would be welcomed to establish IT universities, Nawaz Sharif IT Tower projects in Lahore. The City and Twin Towers project are fast approaching completion.
The chief minister appreciated the participation of foreign, Commonwealth and development offices in education and other sectors
Zoe Ware, Political Consul of British High Commissioner Islamabad was also present.
Senator deplores atrocities in Kashmir and Palestine
QUETTA, Aug 18 (APP):Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, the chairperson of the Standing Committee of the Senate on Human Rights, said the world has remained a silent spectator on the violation of human rights in Kashmir and Palestine.
In her statement issued here on Sunday, she said that there is so much contradiction in saying and acting on these things in this world. “On the occasion of the International Day of Humanitarian today, no one has seen the ongoing Israeli atrocities in Palestine. The world has remained a silent spectator on the violation of human rights in Kashmir and Palestine”, she remarked.
She said that thousands of innocent Palestinian Muslims have been martyred, including many innocent children. On the ongoing persecution of Kashmiris in India, other major organizations, including the United Nations Security Council, have not raised a strong voice against the ongoing oppression in Palestine, she added.
She said that Israel is stubbornly not willing to stop the self-inflicted war against the innocent Palestinians and this process is going on.
Governor Kundi worries about worsening law and order situation in KP
PESHAWAR, Aug 18 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday emphasized the critical issue of maintaining peace in the province. He said that the situation was dire when judges themselves were not safe, highlighting the deteriorating conditions in the province.
The Governor said this during a meeting with a delegation from the Peoples Lawyers Forum led by Sardar Hashmat Nawaz Khan Saddozai.
The meeting included key figures such as Shah Fahad Ansari Advocate Supreme Court and Divisional President of Peoples Lawyers Forum, Sardar Adnan Saddozai District President, Sardar Hizbullah Khan Gundapur Divisional General Secretary, Sardar Qaiser Zaib District General Secretary, and Abid Awan Advocate District General Secretary of Pakistan Peoples Party. Also present were Gohar Rahman Khattak, Provincial President of the People’s Lawyers Forum, and Lajbar Khan Khaleel, Provincial General Secretary, Advocate.
Kundi assured that he would contact the Chairman of the State Life Insurance Corporation regarding benefits for lawyers.
He also proposed that land be identified for a lawyers’ colony in Dera Ismail Khan. In addition, he suggested that a judicial complex be established in the Tank area, discussing the matter with the Federal Minister for Law.
The Governor proposed allocating a quota for young lawyers in the Judicial Academy that would address the issue of starting LL.M. classes at Gomal University.
He also mentioned plans to discuss with relevant authorities regarding the establishment of a Narcotics Court in Dera Ismail Khan.
Shah Fahad Ansari, the Divisional President of the Peoples Lawyers Forum, expressed gratitude to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, acknowledging his role and performance as a significant contributor to the province and particularly to the Peoples Lawyers Forum, of which they are proud.
Meanwhile, the delegation of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Hazara Division, led by President Malik Farooq Khan, called on Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at the Governor House in Peshawar.
The discussion focused on the challenges faced by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the Hazara Division.
During the meeting, Governor Kundi assured the delegation of his commitment to fulfilling the trust placed in him by the party leadership.
He emphasized that resolving issues related to federal departments is a top priority, and he will not tolerate any negligence in this regard.
The Governor highlighted his focus on promoting sports, engaging youth, and empowering women as key priorities.
He mentioned a recent meeting with Federal Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, where he proposed the establishment of an international-level cricket academy and hotel in Abbottabad.
PTI severely damaged country’s economic, political landscape: Talal
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP): Senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Senator Talal Chaudhry said on Sunday that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, during its four-year tenure, severely damaged the country’s economic and political landscape.
Reacting to an alleged chat with an Indian journalist by Raoof Hassan, Talal Chaudhry claimed that Hassan had been in contact with anti-Pakistan foreign journalists, including those from India.
He further alleged that PTI’s team was advising the IMF against making deals with Pakistan at the time, and that Hassan was sharing sensitive material with anti-Pakistan journalists.
He said that the chaos and divisive politics in Pakistan were not the result of a single individual, but involved various politicians, political parties, and even individuals within institutions. Chaudhry alleged that efforts to weaken Pakistan were orchestrated by multiple actors.
He asserted that now, there will be zero tolerance for anti-state elements.
Stressing the need to improve the quality of life for ordinary citizens, Talal Chaudhry said, “Pakistan is here to stay, and we must strengthen its economy once again.”
He urged other political parties and institutions to engage in the process of accountability, insisting that it is vital for the country. “If one key institution has initiated accountability from within, other institutions must follow suit,” he added.
Recalling the period before the start of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said that deliberate efforts were made to disrupt the country’s progress through sit-ins.
Recalling the PML-N government led by Nawaz Sharif, he said, “at that time livelihood of the common man was stable, the stock exchange was thriving, the dollar was under control, and inflation was at its lowest.” However, he lamented that certain decisions led to a surge in protest politics, causing significant harm to the national economy.
He said that the current government is working for the welfare of the people and is determined to provide relief to them.
Karachi Test against Bangladesh shifted to Rawalpindi
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided to move the second ICC World Test Championship fixture to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
According to a PCB press release, the decision to move the fixture has been taken due to the deployment of heavy construction equipment and the need to adhere to tight redevelopment schedules for the National Bank Stadium, which is being prepared for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
This decision allows cricket spectators and fans to watch live action of both the Tests, which serve as a preview of a busy and hectic international season for Pakistan cricket. During this period, the national side will play a total of nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs from 21 August to 5 April.
“We have been guided by the construction experts on the time-lines for the readiness of the venue. They advised that while construction could continue during playing hours, the resulting noise pollution would disturb the cricketers. Additionally, the dust from the construction work could also affect the health and wellbeing of the players, officials, broadcasters, and media.
“Given that construction must continue uninterrupted to ensure the venue is operationally ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB, after consulting all stake-holders and reviewing operational and logistical matters, has decided to hold both Tests in Rawalpindi.
“At this stage, we will not like to speculate on the hosting of the second Test in Karachi from 15-19 October and will continue to work closely with the architects and construction experts on the safe and secure hosting of the match, while keeping the England and Wales Cricket Board updated.”
The first Test will begin in Rawalpindi on 21 August, with the second Test starting on 30 August. Meanwhile, in Islamabad, Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will continue with their series. After a drawn first four-day match, the second four-day match will commence on 20 August at the Islamabad Club, followed by three 50-over matches on 26, 28 and 30 August.
Update on sale of tickets:The following is important information on sale of ticket for both the Test matches at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium:
•Tickets are available online at PCB.tcs.com.pk
•Ticket booth at Aviation Ground, opposite Rescue 1122, Rawal Road, will be operational on 19 August at 11am
•Public car park will be available at Aviation Ground, opposite Rescue 1122, Rawal Road; and Govt. Graduate College Satellite Town, 6th Road
NAB launches probe into Mirpurkhas mega drainage project
MIRPURKHAS, Aug 18 (APP):The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is set to initiate an inquiry into the Mirpurkhas mega drainage project next week, following orders from the Sindh High Court Circuit Bench Mirpurkhas.
The constitutional petition was filed by Advocate Ghulam Nabi Mavo in High Court Sindh Circuit Bench Mirpurkhas. Advocate Ghulam Nabi Mavo, counsel and petitioner of this case, told APP here on Sunday.
Mavo claimed that the project, initially valued at less than five billion rupees, has been plagued by issues since its inception, with approximately 40-45% of the work completed so far. He accused authorities of turning the public welfare project into a “milking cow” and urged citizens to come forward with any information or concerns when the NAB investigation team arrives in Mirpurkhas next week.
The inquiry aims to address allegations of corruption, slow progress, and substandard work in the project, which was supposed to be completed by June 2023. Mavo emphasized that the goal is to ensure that public funds are spent for the people’s benefit, and the project’s intended benefits are realized.
Indian Gymkhana vs Khawaja Junaid Legends match ends in tie
LONDON, Aug 18 (APP):The exhibition hockey match between Indian Gymkhana London and Khawaja Junaid All Stars Hockey Legends ended in a thrilling tie, with both sides scoring five goals each. The match, organized in collaboration with Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy, Al Mera Foundation and the Noor Project was aimed at promoting hockey and raise funds for orphans and underprivileged children.
The match consisted of four 15-minute halves, showcased the skills of international hockey stars, including Dhanraj Pillay, Stephen Blocher, Juan Escarre, James Tyndall, Pakistan’s Olympian Khawaja Junaid and Rana Ghazanfar Ali, Faiz ur Rehman, Akram Raza, Adeel Ahmad, Throughout the match, the spectators were captivated by the legends’ skills and techniques.
Although the match ended in a draw, Rana Ghazanfar of Pakistan emerged as the top scorer with two goals, while Dhan Rajpala dominated the game with his exceptional performance.
In his post match comments, Indian hockey legend Dhan Rajpala expressed his willingness to visit Pakistan to promote the sport and back the Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy. “I would be happy to come to Pakistan on a call for the promotion of hockey and to support the children of Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy,” he said.
Spanish star Juan Escarre shared his fond memories of Pakistan stating, “Whenever there is a hockey event in Pakistan, I will be the first to reach there.”
German hockey legend Stephen Bluscher said he was honoured to participate in the match, held for a noble cause.
Several notables, including British MPs Seema Malhotra and Ruth Cadbury, Lord Rami Rangers and Hounslow Deputy Mayor Muhammad Shakeel witnessed the thrilling contest.
Seema expressed pleasure to see Indian Gymkhana organizing an event of a very high caliber for the first time.
Seema asked Khawaja Junaid and Indian Gymkhana’s top brass to devise a plan to make the event a part of their annual clander.
Rajpala commended Khawaja Junaid for organizing the event and expressed his willingness to participate in future events in Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of strategic planning and funding for hockey, encouraging Pakistan to follow India’s approach to the sport.
The event highlighted the strong bonds of sportsmanship between the players and underscored the importance of promoting hockey globally.
FESCO to replace 25 two-phase transformers with three-phase
FAISALABAD, Aug 18 (APP):The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) will replace 25 transformers of two-phase with three-phase for redressing the complaints of low voltage in different areas of the FESCO region.
A spokesman said here on Sunday that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) FESCO Engineer Muhammad Amir approved the replacement of 25 two-phase transformers in different subdivisions and this project would be completed within next fortnights.
These transformers would be replaced in Gol Fowara Model Town-B in City Subdivision, main Katchery Bazaar Street No.4 in Civil Line Subdivision, Lasani Town and Tariq Town in Islampura Subdivision, Suharwardi Town in Sargodha Road Subdivision, Bawa Chwk Street No.1 in Muslim Town Subdivision, C-Block Edan Garden and Madina Town in Madina Town Subdivision, Waheed Park in Mansoorabad Subdivision, Chak No.197-RB in Gattwala Subdivision, Astana in Jaranwala Road Subdivision, Usman Town in Niamat Colony Subdivision, Anwar Abad in City Jaranwala Subdivision, Chak No.23-GB in Faisalabad Road Subdivision, Chak No.109-GB in Haidar Ali Shah Subdivision, Chak No.136-RB in Chak Jhumra No.1 Subdivision, Chak No.143-RB in Chak Jhumra No.2 Subdivision, G-Block Gulistan Colony in Tariq Abad Subdivision, Chak No.201-RB Talanwan in Mannanwala Subdivision, A-Block Millat Town in Millat Town Subdivision, Naseer Abad in Hajji Abad Subdivision, Mehriyya Masjid near Qureshian in City Lalian Subdivision, Chak No.50 in Rural Lalian Subdivision, Jhang Road in Chiniot No.1 Subdivision and Siddique Abad in Chiniot No.2 Subdivision, he added.