ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
A man fishing at Rawal Lake near Bani Gala
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
SCCI presents proposals to remove hurdles in Pak-Afghan trade
PESHAWAR, Aug 22 (APP):Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) president, Fuad Ishaq presented comprehensive proposals for improving bilateral Pak-Afghan trade and removal of hurdles in cross-border business.
In his recommendations, Fuad Ishaq urged the government and institutions to enforce policies and orders after making consultation with chambers and the business community to avoid any collision between traders and relevant authorities and lead the country’s economy on a path of sustainable growth and stability by enhancing mutual trade and export.
Fuad Isahq had given these proposals during a meeting upon visit of Chief Collector Customs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Jamil Nasir here at the chamber house.
Collector Appraisement Customs Peshawar Mateen Alam, Collector Enforcement Customs Peshawar Ziaul Shams, and Additional Director (Transit Trade) Customs Peshawar Dr Tahir Iqbal Khattak accompanied the chief Collector Customs KP on the occasion.
Chief Collector Customs KP Jamil Nasir in his address said that steps were being taken for ease of doing business.
He assured that the dignity of the business community should be kept intact during the enforcement of rules and policies.
He stressed the need to establish an atmosphere of trust between the customs department and the business community.
Senior customs officials emphasized close coordination and liaison between the Customs, chambers, and traders to make collective steps to resolve issues and enhance bilateral trade and export to stabilize the national economy.
Fuad Ishaq in the meeting highlighted hurdles in Pak-Afghan bilateral trade and transit trade and briefed about reservations of the business community on policies and other issues.
The SCCI chief urged the government to revisit policies and make them business/trade friendly to improve the economy.
He called for bringing ease in TAD, the Transit Registration System, and suggested duties/tariffs of 212 items should be made equal to Afghanistan and asked to allow Pakistani exporters to export these items so that the menace of smuggling will be eradicated.
In his recommendations, Fuad Ishaq demanded making Azakhel Dryport port fully functional, re-launch of cargo trains from Peshawar, and functionalization of the railway system. He apprised traders of community reservations about loose cargo and bonded carriers.
Fuad said SCCI is taking practical measures for the uplift of the Honey sector, which is a major source of foreign exchange and export, and asked the Customs department to address issues attached to the Honey sector on a priority basis.
Businessman Forum leader Ilyas Ahmad Bilour also addressed the meeting calling for making policies trade and business-friendly to enhance bilateral trade, transit trade, and export.
Chief Collector Customs KP Jamil Nasir agreed with the proposals of the SCCI president and directed relevant officials on the spot to resolve issues.
Jamil Nasir said practical steps were being taken to facilitate cross-border trade. He emphasized the reactivation of committees between the Customs Department and the chamber so that issues would be resolved collectively.
He assured actions would be taken in consultation with chamber/trade bodies and would keep the dignity of the traders/taxpayers intact during the implementation of rules and policies.
‘Russian Flag Day’ celebrated at Saint Joseph College
KARACHI, Aug 22 (APP):A memorable event was held at Saint Joseph College to celebrate the “Russian Flag Day” here on Thursday.
This program was organised by a Russian house with the corporation of St Joseph College for Women.
The celebration began with an open speech about Russia and Pakistan’s relationship by Dr Asgar Dasti then Dr Natalia, who shared insights into the Russian flag, its history, and the significance of Russian-Pakistani friendship.
Michael then showcased the beauty of Russia, highlighting its notable places and the strong relationship between the two countries’ prime ministers.
Fariha Aqib did the quiz competition, where students were asked questions about Russia and its flag, and Pakistani Flag Winners were awarded gifts.
Dr Elizabeth expressed her gratitude to the guests for celebrating this special day with the college and its students.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and distribution of lunch boxes to all students, marking a wonderful exchange of cultures and traditions.
The celebration was a testament to the strong bond between Russia and Pakistan, and the importance of cultural exchange programs.”
Rs. 124.7m educational scholarships given to cops children
LAHORE, Aug 22 (APP):Under the education-friendly vision of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, record scholarships are being issued for higher education of police employees’ children.
On IG Punjab’s instructions, priority efforts have been accelerated for educational welfare of police force children, with Rs. 1 billion being allocated this year for this initiative. He said that 1,445 students pursuing BS Honors have been awarded scholarships totaling over Rs. 82.2 million to cover their fees. This amount has been distributed to students enrolled in BS Honors degree programs across various districts, including Lahore. Similarly, Rs. 41.8 million in scholarships have been awarded to 489 students enrolled in Information Technology degree programs. In total, over Rs. 124.7 million has been distributed to students in both categories.
Chairperson Arab Monetary Fund Dr. Fahad M Alturki calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
ISLAMABAD
CM Bugti issued directives for treatment of Ashraf Khan from abroad
QUETTA, Aug 22 (APP):Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has issued an order for the treatment of Ashraf Khan (24 years old), a resident of district Killa Saifullah from abroad at government expense.
Spokesperson of Balochistan government Shahid Rind said that the patient Muhammad Ashraf who is suffering from Cervical Spinal Cord be treated at the recommended hospital.
In that regard, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has issued directives for the treatment of Muhammad Ashraf from abroad and the Health Department of Balochistan has been instructed to immediately complete the necessary procedures.
The spokesperson of the Balochistan government said that the provincial government would bear all the expenses being spent on the treatment of Muhammad Ashraf.
It may be mentioned that Ashraf Khan, a resident of Killa Saifullah, held a press conference last day that his neck bone was broken in an accident, due to which he is disabled. During a press conference, he appealed for financial assistance for the treatment.
IDSP holds Youth Skills event in Quetta
QUETTA, Aug 22 (APP):IDSP University for Community Development on Thursday organized an event, International Youth Skills Day, in Quetta.
The purpose of the event was to empower young people with skills for a better tomorrow.
In this regard, IDSP University for Community Development involves various educational institutions and skilled workers. This event is part of the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) project “Restoring Social Services and Climate Resilience”
.
The Chief Guests included Commissioner Quetta Humza Shafqat, Principal of Poly Technical College guests Prof. Jamil, Al-Hamd University Quetta’s Urwa Javed, DG BTEVTA Quetta Tariq Mengal, DG NAVTTC Hassan Bukhsh Magsi, and Dr. Quratul Ain Bakhtyari, Founding Director of IDSP. In addition, students and skills workers highly appreciate the role of IDSP for organizing such events. The guests and participants visited different stalls and also appreciated entrepreneurs and skills workers for their efforts to introduce creative approaches in their small start-ups.
A panel session followed in which Hafeez Jamali, DG of Balochistan Civil Service Academy Quetta mentioned, “Youth is considered as a backbone of society. Empowering youth means empowering society for a better future.”
At the end of the session, Dr Quratul Ain Bakhtyari encouraged the efforts of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) for their support and participation.
COAS emphasises significance of education, critical thinking & innovation in addressing contemporary security challenges
RAWALPINDI, Aug 22 (APP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir on Thursday emphasized the significance of education, critical thinking, and innovation in addressing contemporary security challenges.
He said this during a meeting with a delegation of 44 students from Harvard Business School (HBS) Trek-2024, representing nine different countries, who called on the COAS here at the General Headquarters, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said.
The interactive session provided a platform to share perspectives on Pakistan’s pivotal role in promoting regional peace and stability, its unwavering efforts against terrorism, and its commitment to upholding democratic values.
The Army Chief highlighted Pakistan’s vast potential and encouraged the attendees to form their own opinions based on personal experiences.
He also cautioned against the perils of misinformation and fake news in the digital age, urging the students to navigate this landscape with discernment.
The COAS highlighted Pakistan’s vast potential and encouraged the attendees to form their own opinions based on personal experiences.
He also cautioned against the perils of misinformation and fake news in the digital age, urging the students to navigate this landscape with discernment.
The Harvard students expressed their gratitude to the COAS for facilitating a constructive and enlightening interaction.
This engagement follows the COAS’s earlier interaction with students from various universities at the General Headquarters on 20 August, underscoring his commitment to nurturing and inspiring the nation’s youth.
SCCI delegation meets minister for industries
SIALKOT, Aug 22 (APP):A detailed meeting between a delegation of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SCCI) and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Investment and Skills Development Punjab Chaudhry Shafay Hussain was held on Thursday, which discussed issues of restoration of cancelled plots of SEPZ, waiver of late construction and maintenance charges, execution of Sialkot Industrial Zone and allocation of funds for sustainable operations of Business Facilitation Center.
SCCI President Abdul Ghafoor Malik headed the delegation, along with the Sialkot business community representatives.
According to the SCCI, the meeting was held in a congenial environment for more than 90 minutes. The minister assured the SCCI delegation to resolve the issues in consultation with the Sialkot chamber.
SACM directs to expedite work on Jehangira-Swabi highway
PESHAWAR, Aug 22 (APP):Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Industries, Commerce, and Technical Education, Abdul Karim Tordher has directed the acceleration of the pace of construction work on the expansion project of Swabi-Jehangira highway and emphasized that the extension of bridges should be prioritized to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize the risk of accidents.
He issued these directives while chairing a meeting to review the progress of construction work on the expansion project of the Jehangira-Swabi highway here on Thursday. The project is being executed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highway Authority (PKHA).
The meeting was attended by Managing Director of PKHA Engineer Asad Ali, Director Engineer Sohail Idris, Deputy Director Engineer Kamran Khan, other officials, contractors, and consultants’ representatives.
The project to construct a dual carriageway on the Swabi-Jehangira Road is a significant provincial government initiative. It involves converting the remaining 11 kilometers of the road into a dual carriageway. The total cost of this project is 3,367.708 million rupees.
During the meeting, the Special Assistant was informed that the slabs on both bridges have been completed, and over 1 kilometer of asphalt layer has already been laid. Moreover, drains are being constructed on both sides of the road to address drainage issues. The completion of this project will benefit residents of Swabi and Nowshera as it serves as a crucial link between the two districts.
The Special Assistant stated that this project is of great importance for the transportation needs of the people of both districts and emphasized the need to accelerate the ongoing work on it. He assured that he would provide full support to resolve any obstacles to ensure the project’s swift completion.