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Sindh govt to implement conditions for issuing agricultural licenses

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HYDERABAD, Aug 22 (APP):The Minister of Agriculture, Anti-Corruption, Sports, and Youth Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mehr has said that  Sindh Government has decided to implement conditions for issuing licenses for agricultural medicines, fertilizers, and seeds through agricultural graduation.
Agricultural graduates will also be provided financial assistance for personal business and startups.
He expressed these views while participating in a three-day workshop organized by the Sindh Agriculture Department at the Research Center, where 43 women were trained on the use and maintenance of tractors and other modern agricultural machinery.
Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar further said that they want to empower female students in the agricultural sector by providing them with agricultural training.
The purpose of this training workshop is to teach women how to operate tractors, repair them, and learn farming techniques.
Women will also be able to purchase tractors at subsidized rates under this program. Muhammad Bakhsh Mehr stated that women will also be able to rent out tractors as a source of income.
There is a dire need to provide agricultural education along with other agricultural training to the farmers of Sindh. Strict action is being taken against fake companies selling agricultural products.
Minister in response to a journalist’s question, said that the amount of work done in Sindh has not been done anywhere else. People should look at their own shortcomings before criticizing other provinces. I am not naming anyone here, but we are doing our work. We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy, and action will be taken against officers who do not perform their duties.
In response to a question about the change of Chief Minister of Sindh, he said that everyone desires to move forward, but our Chief Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, is doing an excellent job. There is no possibility of a change in the Chief Minister at the moment. Our Chief Minister of Sindh is a capable person, and we are moving forward under his leadership.
Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar said that national hero Arshad Nadeem is a great success. We have a lot of talent in our country and provinces. We are going to start the Sindh Olympics program. We want to introduce young people from Sindh to the Olympics by providing them with proper training and coaching for Olympic sports.
Secretary of Agriculture Rafiq Ahmed Buriro said that women who received training in tractor driving were also provided with a learning driving license. Women have a very important role in the agricultural sector. Daily actions are being taken against those selling fake agricultural medicines. There is a need to modernize agriculture, and it is essential to increase per-acre production through the use of technology.
On this occasion, Secretary of Agriculture Sindh Rafiq Ahmed Buriro, DG Agriculture Shahab Abro, DG Water Management Nadeem Shah, DG Agriculture Extension Munir Ahmed Jamani, Vice Chancellor of Agriculture University Dr. Fatah Muhammad Mari, Sindh Abadgar Board’s Syed Nadeem Shah, and other relevant officers were also present.

New museums to be set up in Multan, Harappa

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LAHORE, Aug 22 (APP):The Department of Archeology Punjab has decided to establish two new museums in Multan and Harappa.
 In this regard, a meeting was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Director General Archeology Zaheer Abbas Malik, in which progress on the project of new museums was reviewed. The consultant firm gave a detailed presentation in the meeting. Director Conservation and Development Anjum Qureshi and Deputy Director South Salman Tanveer shed light on the process of construction and exhibition of museums and provided details regarding various aspects of the project.
Addressing the meeting, DG Archeology Zaheer Abbas Malik said that existence of museums is very important to protect the archeology of Punjab and create awareness among the people about their historical heritage. “Under this strategy, effective measures are being taken to protect and restore the historical places in Punjab,” he said. The DG expressed his satisfaction over the progress on the ongoing projects and emphasised the importance of their timely completion. He directed to the concerned officers to complete the pending works as soon as possible and ensure that the proposed museums meet international standards.
During the meeting, a clear roadmap was drawn up for the next steps, including timelines for completion of construction work, holding of exhibitions and official opening of the museums. Zaheer Abbas Malik said that these projects will not only help in preserving the great historical heritage of the region but will also play an important role in making these museums centers of cultural education and tourism. He expressed the hope that these initiatives will help in the survival of the country’s cultural heritage and the promotion of Pakistan’s positive identity at the international level.

VWPS registers 6,536 cases of various violations in Punjab

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LAHORE, Aug 22 (APP):Virtual Women Police station (VWPS) registered 6,536 cases in Punjab including provincial capital and submitted 1,212 challans to courts for further action during the last three months.
According to Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) sources, the Virtual Women
Police station received a total of 82,639 complaints and resolved or closed
72,322 cases due to reconciliation or other reasons. While, investigation process
was going on for 3,781 cases, and instructions had been given to expedite
355 cases.
Giving break-up, the sources said that 1,795 FIRs for domestic disputes, 811 cases
for harassment, 543 FIRs for rape, 121 for attempt to murder, 12 cases for acid
attacks, and 3,262 for other reasons were registered during the same period.
Women can contact the Virtual Women Police Station at any time through
15-emergency call, the Women Safety App’s live chat feature, or video call feature.

AIOU extends admission date for BS program

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AIOU
FAISALABAD, Aug 22 (APP):Allama Iqbal Open University has extended the date for admission to BS programme till September 5.
Regional Director Dr Bashir Ahmad Samim said here on Thursday that the university had taken a decision to facilitate students seeking admission to BS programme (face to face) in autumn semester. Earlier, the last date for admissions was set at August 20.
The admissions to BS program (face to face) are being granted in the following subjects: Botany, Chemistry (evening), Environmental Sciences, Bio-Chemistry, Physics,
Mathematics, Health and Physical Education, Instructional Design and Technology, Human Nutrition and Diets, Physics (Data Science Mines), Computer Science, Information Technology, Microbiology and Statistics.

ADB Country Director calls on President Zardari

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 22 (APP): Country Director of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Yong Ye Thursday called on President Asif Ali Zardari.

In the meeting, the ADB country director briefed the president about the role of the Bank in the socio-economic development of Pakistan.

The president appreciated the assistance provided by the Asian Development Bank to Pakistan during the floods.

He also highlighted Pakistan’s measures to deal with climate change, saying that Pakistan had planted mangrove forests on millions of acres of land.

President Zardari also appreciated the bank’s services to Pakistan in the fields of agriculture, irrigation and education.

ADB Country Director calls on President Zardari

 

Meanwhile, the outgoing Ambassador of Greece to Pakistan Konstantinos Moatsos paid a farewell call on President Asif Ali Zardari.

He emphasized the need to further strengthen bilateral relations with Greece.

The president also expressed his best wishes for the outgoing Ambassador of Greece.

356th ETPB meeting focuses on development, protection initiatives

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LAHORE, Aug 22 (APP):The 356th meeting of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) was held on Thursday, under the leadership of Chairman Syed Attaur Rahman.
The session, held at the board’s headquarters, was marked by a comprehensive briefing delivered by Secretary Farid Iqbal, and attended by a diverse group of members, including Brigadier (retd) Akhtar Nawaz Janjua, Dr. Jawaria Ghazanfar Shahwardi, and other notable figures from the Hindu and Sikh communities across Pakistan.
In his address, Chairman Attaur Rahman emphasised the board’s commitment to maximising the potential of Trust lands and properties through development and leasing, in line with established regulations. He highlighted the role of the Land Property Business Development Committee in facilitating these efforts. He also underscored the board’s stance against encroachment, describing it as a serious offence that would be met with stringent legal measures.
A significant focus of the meeting was protection and enhancement of religious sites for minorities. Attaur Rahman announced completion of a new accommodation complex in Katas Raj, designed to improve facilities for pilgrims. The board also discussed and approved several key projects, including security upgrades for Gudwara Dera Sahib Lahore, electrical system installations at Gurudwara Sacha Sauda Farooqabad, room constructions at Gurudwara Bhai Joga Singh Peshawar, and renovations at Gurudwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib.
Financial matters were also addressed, with the board approving the budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025. This budget, pending final approval from the ministry, includes allocations for acquiring heavy machinery to support operations against encroachers. Additionally, various agenda items were reviewed, including investments, amendments to service rules, and the hiring of IT officials for the Mufti Abdul Shakoor Data Centre.
The meeting concluded with members praising the board’s performance and its ongoing efforts to safeguard and develop Trust properties.

CM grieved at RY Khan accident deaths

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LAHORE, Aug 22 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed her grief and sorrow over the death of three persons in a traffic accident near Rahim Yar Khan.
She offered condolences and expressed her heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved families. The chief minister directed the authorities concerned to provide the best medical treatment facilities to the injured in the accident.

2 dacoits among 3 criminals arrested

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MUZAFFARGARH, Aug 22 (APP):Police claimed on Thursday to have arrested three alleged criminals including two dacoits during a special crackdown in last 24 hours.
In line with special directives of District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Husnain Haider, the police launched a crackdown on criminals and arrested two dacoits — Ajmal Patafi and Adnan — wanted to Qureshi police station in different cases of dacoity. The police recovered looted Rs 250,000 in cash and illegal weapons from them, while further investigation was under way.
Meanwhile, Shehr Sultan police arrested a drug-peddler Abdul Jabbar and recovered 1.900-kg hashish from his possession. Separate cases were registered against the criminals with the police stations concerned, sources added

EU’s GSP-Plus status to Pakistan significant for increasing trade in both sides: Ambassador Kionka

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 22 (APP): Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Pakistan, Dr. Riina Kionka on Thursday said the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus status (GSP+) to Pakistan is an exemplary step for increasing economic and trade cooperation between the two sides.
“Pakistan and the European Union are major trading partners and Pakistan’s annual exports with the EU are 30 percent of its total exports, which is far below its potential and needs to be increased”, the Ambassador said.
Talking to APP, the Ambassador to Pakistan said that after getting GSP-Plus status trade between Pakistan and the European Union has increased manifold and the role of the private sector is significant for increasing the trade volume on both sides.

EU's GSP-Plus status to Pakistan significant for increasing trade in both sides: Ambassador Kionka
She said that the private sector, including the Chambers of Commerce, should play its due role in this regard, and there is a need to increase both economic and commercial activities on both sides.
She said that as a major trading partner, the European Union is playing its due role in growth in Pakistan’s economic, trade, and tourism sectors added that work is ongoing on the promotion of tourism, micro Hydel energy projects, and many other projects in Gilgit-Baltistan region.
The envoy said that some new development projects are also coming for sustainable development in the region.
She said that in Gilgit-Baltistan, ”We are running several projects, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

EU's GSP-Plus status to Pakistan significant for increasing trade in both sides: Ambassador Kionka
She informed that for technical and skilled education, the EU has established a Center for Excellence to develop human capital resources in GB.
The ambassador said that climate resilience is necessary for green and sustainable growth in GB to work jointly with the local community.
Dr. Riina Kionka said that an environment-friendly economic echo system is necessary throughout Pakistan especially in the northern region and for this, the European Union will cooperate fully.
She said that there is a need to prevent deforestation in Gilgit-Baltistan and it is necessary for a sustainable environment in the region.

EU's GSP-Plus status to Pakistan significant for increasing trade in both sides: Ambassador Kionka
The European Union envoy said that the European Union intends to start many projects to develop energy and tourism in Gilgit Baltistan.
She said that Gilgit-Baltistan is one of Pakistan’s most beautiful regions, and its indigenous culture portrays the soft image of Pakistan in front of the world.
The ambassador said that by increasing tourism facilities in Gilgit-Baltistan, this region can be made the center of international tourism.
She said that the northern region of Pakistan is one of the most significant regions in the world for adventure tourism, where there are six major mountain peaks in the world, which provide the best opportunities for adventurists all over the world.
Dr Riina Kionka said that the European Union is working with the federal and provincial governments on tourism infrastructure in GB.
She said that to portray a better image of Pakistan at the international level, there is a need to promote the local Indigenous culture of Gilgit-Baltistan, which will highlight the concept of socio-cultural and economic diversity.
The Envoy said that the concept of diversity and unity of the European Union is significant for promoting socio-economic inclusion and sustainable economic development in GB.

Digitization of E-commerce sector, government’s top priority: PM

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 22 (APP): Chairperson Arab Monetary Fund Dr. Fahad M Alturki Thursday called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and discussed matters relating to mutual concerns.

The prime minister highlighted that Pakistan and Arab countries enjoy long standing brotherly relations that were further strengthening with the passage of time.

He said the government of Pakistan was taking steps to legally bring the foreign remittances to the country.

“The digitization of E-Commerce sector and the economy is top priority of the government,” he said adding that a large number of Pakistanis were residing in the Gulf countries who send a big portion of foreign remittances to Pakistan.

The prime minister said that setting up a digital connection between Pakistan and the Middle East with the cooperation of Raast and Buna was a welcoming sign.

Buna-Raast connectivity project will make the digital transactions in the country more effective, PM Shehbaz said adding that “this important step would help regularizing the flow of foreign exchange reserves in the country and improve the digital governance system”.

Transfer of the foreign remittances from abroad to Pakistan would become easier with the help of Buna-Raast project, he said adding that “Buna-Raast project reflects our joint vision”.

Chairperson Arab Monetary Fund Dr Fahad informed that Pakistan was the first country outside Arab Word that had connected with the Arab Monetary Fund project Buna.

He said with the help of Buna-Raast, the economy of both sides would further develop.