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FIA cracks down on Hundi-Hawala, recovers over Rs 1 billion

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 22 (APP):Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has recovered over Rs one billion local and foreign currency in multiple raids across the country against Hundi-Hawala during ongoing year.
It was disclosed in a meeting, chaired by FIA Director General Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir, on Thursday, to discuss the agency’s efforts to combat Hundi-Hawala and illegal currency exchange.
The meeting was told that, this year, the FIA conducted 459 raids, resulting in the registration of 468 cases and the arrest of 566 accused individuals. The agency also completed investigations into 80 inquiries.
Additionally, foreign currency worth more than Rs 19.37 crores, including $525,055, was seized.
The agency’s efforts were spread across various zones, with the Peshawar zone making the most arrests at 211, followed by Lahore 79, Kohat 27, Gujranwala 60, Faisalabad 45, and Multan 36. Similarly, the Karachi zone arrested 48, Islamabad 8, Hyderabad 25 and Balochistan 27.
The FIA also sealed several outlets and obtained assistance from law enforcement agencies to apprehend the accused.
Director General Jahangir emphasized the need for concrete evidence to ensure punishments for those involved in foreign currency smuggling.
Furthermore, he called for international cooperation to clamp down on agents involved in illegal currency trade and suggested issuing red notices through Interpol for accused individuals operating from abroad.
The DG also recommended blacklisting the passports of the accused.

PM Shehbaz directs better airport services, shorter wait times

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 22 (APP):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday instructed that facilities for passengers, tourists, and overseas Pakistanis at the country’s airports be improved and called for an increase in the number of counters during international flights to reduce long wait times for passengers.
Chairing a review meeting on aviation sector reforms, the prime minister directed that the safety audit for the current calendar year be completed as soon as possible. He reminded that during his previous tenure as head of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, an aviation act was enacted to facilitate reforms in the sector, according to a press release issued by Prime Minister Office.
He instructed that all policy measures and reforms outlined in the Aviation Act be implemented. He noted that the aviation sector in Pakistan was moving in the right direction due to these reforms.
To promote tourism, the prime minister emphasized the need to provide top-notch facilities for passengers at Skardu International Airport and called for a detailed action plan for the expansion of both Skardu International Airport and Gilgit Airport.
He expressed satisfaction that the country’s aviation sector was progressing positively due to the reforms and noted that the installation of automatic immigration gates under the automated border control system would offer greater convenience to passengers.
The meeting was briefed in detail about the reforms in the aviation sector. The Aviation Act 2023, passed under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership during the previous administration, had initiated large-scale reforms in the sector.
The meeting was informed that the separation of the Airport Management Authority and Civil Aviation under the Act was ensuring more efficient execution of the operator and regulator duties. Third-party validation for all new projects and initiatives was being ensured. At Lahore Airport, the number of counters had been increased and the waiting room expanded to enhance passenger convenience.
The meeting was told that work on the feasibility report for expanding Skardu Airport would commence shortly. A request for proposal (RFP) has been received for the installation of Automated Border Control systems at airports. Additionally, suggestions were discussed regarding enhancing passenger facilities at airports nationwide and expanding private company flights for tourists within Pakistan.
The prime minister instructed that these measures be completed within a designated timeframe and emphasized the importance of ensuring transparency throughout the process.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema and other high ranking officials.

Governor Punjab calls on Karbala Governor in Iraq

By
Ali Ali
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LAHORE, Aug 22 (APP):Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on Thursday called on his counterpart in Karbala Engr. Naseef Al-Khattabi during his visit to Iraq.
According to the information shared by the Punjab Governor’s media cell here, both the dignitaries discussed matters of mutual interest, provision of facilities to Pakistani pilgrims and promotion of bilateral relations in the fields of trade, culture and education during the meeting.
Governor Punjab Sardar Salim Haider Khan said that Pakistan and Iraq have deep brotherly relations due to common religion and culture. He said that Pakistan and Iraq are determined to increase relations in every field, especially trade. He said that there are many opportunities to increase bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Iraq in the fields of trade, tourism, culture and education.
Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan also invited Karbala Governor Engr. Naseef Al-Khattabi to visit Pakistan.
Karbala Governor Engr. Naseef Al-Khattabi said that both countries enjoy fraternal relations. He reiterated his determination to take the trade, tourism and cultural relations between Pakistan and Iraq to new heights.
The Governor Karbala presented a commemorative shield to the Governor Punjab Sardar Salim Haider.

BISP chairperson for carrying out need assessment to make skill development program more beneficial

By
Ali Ali
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0
Rubina Khalid
KARACHI, Aug 22 (APP):The chairperson Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) Rubina Khalid, on Thursday, emphasized carrying out a need assessment of the industrial sector while designing a skill development program so that students could be able to get employment instantly after completion of their training.
She expressed the views while chairing a review meeting and addressing a ceremony held at Lasbela Industrial Estates Development Authority (LIEDA) in Hub town of Balochistan on the occasion of handing over of 4 Mobile Registrations Vans (MRVs) to BISP Balochistan Zone to facilitate registration process in far-flung areas.
Advisor to Chief Minister Balochistan for Industries and Commerce Mir Ali Hassan Zehri, Directors Generals of BISP, Managing Director LIEDA Fareed Muhammad Hasni, local leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party, and others were also present at the occasion.
Senator Rubina Khalid terming BISP as a ray of hope for the deserving and destitute segments of society said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto envisioned the social security program aimed at economic empowerment of women folk and later President Asif Ali Zardari has transformed the dream into a reality.
The BISP has given identity to millions of women around the country who earlier were deprived of their fundamental right of recognition, she said adding that PPP has always taken the lead in initiatives for the development and economic empowerment of women as well as elevating dignity and status of women in the society.
Underscoring the significance of reaching remote areas to address the issues of backwardness and a sense of deprivation in Balochistan, the BISP chairperson said that her organization was working on different projects to extend its outreach to the uncovered population.
We are taking various measures for the registration of deserving women, the opening of bank accounts of the beneficiaries, the issuance of ATM cards, and ensuring timely disbursements while maintaining transparency and good governance in the BISP.
She said that it was made clear to all staffers that there was zero tolerance for corruption in the organization and uncivilized and ill-mannered behavior toward any beneficiary woman would not be tolerated at any cost.
She said that BISP is going to open more offices in Balochistan while 4 new Mobile Registration Vans were provided to extend registration services to those females of far-flung areas who were left unregistered due to lack of accessibility or other issues.
Mir Ali Hassan Zehri, addressing the ceremony, highlighted the measures taken by the government for the development of the area and facilitation of the people. He said that PPP believes in the service of people and it was various steps for their welfare.
He said that the provincial government was ready to work with BISP across the province for the betterment of the citizens and it will extend fullest cooperation to BISP for the achievement of the set objectives.
The BISP chairperson, while chairing the review meeting, stressed on imparting training of employment-oriented skills and said that LIEDA was a big industrial zone of Balochistan.
She directed that a need assessment of the zone should be carried out and the skill development program must be aligned with the requirements of industries locally as well as abroad so that students completing their training could get employment at the earliest.
She also emphasized the participation of local government representatives in the registration process employing local people to get better results and spreading awareness among the masses particularly beneficiary women about the disbursement procedure of BISP that does not require any fee or charges.
Director General BISP Islamabad Naveed Akber and Director South Zone Munir Sasoli, briefing at the occasion informed that BISP centers were operational in 43 tehsils and 158 sub-tehsils of Balochistan while 2 million beneficiaries in Balochistan were taking benefit of income support initiatives of BISP.
Later, Senator Rubina Khalid and the ACM Mir Ali Hasan Zahri cut the ribbon to make the handed-over MRVs operational. They planted a sapling at LIEDA and also visited a food manufacturing factory in the industrial zone.

IWMB successfully releases rehabilitated female leopard in AJK forests

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 22 (APP):The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), working under the Ministry of Climate Change, on Thursday announced the successful release of a female leopard in an undisclosed location in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
She was found injured with a wounded tail, was rehabilitated at IWMB’s rescue center for five weeks. Once cleared by veterinarians, she was released into the wild of AJK forests with the assistance of the AJK Wildlife Department, a news release said.
Wildlife ambassador and leopard expert Jamal Leghari accompanied the IWMB team to Muzaffarabad and onwards to photograph and monitor her release into the wild.
This successful release highlights IWMB’s commitment to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. We are grateful for the collaboration with AJK Wildlife Department and look forward to continuing our efforts to protect and preserve Pakistan’s precious wildlife.

Governor Kundi highlights importance of funds transparency for good  governance

By
Imran Munir
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0
Faisal Karim Kundi
PESHAWAR, Aug 22 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday highlighted the importance of ensuring transparent use of funds for good governance in the province.
The Governor said this in a meeting with Nasiruddin Sarwar, the Accountant General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa here at Governor House.
During the meeting, Sarwar briefed the Governor on the performance of his office.
The discussions focused on financial matters, emphasizing the correct and transparent use of public funds.
The audit systems for public sector universities and provincial institutions were also discussed.
Governor Kundi on this occasion said that transparent use of funds for good governance in the province is need of the hour for the uplift of all sectors.
He acknowledged the significant role of the Accountant General’s Office in maintaining transparency in the province’s economic affairs.
Meanwhile, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi in a meeting with a four-member delegation from the Naghman Ultralight Club and Sports Flying Club, led by pilot Qazi Tufail, included Qazi Sajjad, Azad Khan, and Babar Khan.
During the meeting, Governor Kundi praised the club for its positive activities and expressed that the club’s promotion could attract global attention to the province.
He acknowledged the club’s efforts to continue its activities despite challenging conditions, noting that such initiatives could present Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in a new and positive light to the international community.
The Governor assured that every effort would be made to address and resolve the club’s challenges. The delegation briefed the Governor on the club’s history, explaining that it was established in 2009 and operated from the Peshawar University Botanical Garden in Aza Khel until 2012.
They mentioned that the club currently has 35 members and 8 to 10 aircraft. Governor Kundi assured the delegation that he would ensure solutions to their problems are found.
Similarly, Prof. Engineer Javed Farooqi, CEO of Professional Education Foundation Karachi, and Prof. Mala Khan Haidri Educationist from Punjab called on Governor Faisal Karim Kundi here to discuss issues and potential solutions related to the promotion of education across the country.
During the meeting, Governor Kundi emphasized the need for attention not only to universities in Peshawar but also to those in southern and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He highlighted the importance of providing modern education to students from merged districts and suggested that scholarships should prioritize students who completed their matriculation and intermediate education in these areas.
Governor Kundi acknowledged the sacrifices made by the province in the fight against terrorism and said that poverty has left many children without access to education.
He praised Prof. Farooqi for his commitment to improving education in the province and assured him of full support from the provincial government in promoting education.
The Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Sufyan Mehsud and his father for their remarkable achievement.
Sufyan, who recently set a new Guinness World Record by breaking India’s five-year-old record in the Koala Challenge, was honored with a special invitation to the Governor’s House in Peshawar.
Governor Kundi described this achievement as a historic milestone, highlighting Sufyan’s remarkable feat in the world of records.
He expressed pride in Sufyan becoming Pakistan’s youngest Guinness World Records holder and acknowledged the joy this accomplishment brings to the entire country.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi checked the official email and replied to the complaints of the general public to resolve on a priority basis.
He said that those who are living in far-flung areas and can’t visit the Governor’s House should be in contact through email.

High-level meeting reviews security measures for Chehlum

By
Imran Munir
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0
APP84-170724 PESHAWAR: July 17 - Mourners attending Ashura procession at Kucha Risaldar on 10th of the Holy Month of Muharram ul Haram. Muharram is the mourning month in remembrance of the martyrdom (Shahadat) of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) the grandson of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). APP/SYR/TZD
KARACHI, Aug 22 (APP):A high-level meeting was convened at the Pakistan Rangers Sindh Headquarters under the chairmanship of Director General Pakistan Rangers Sindh Major General Azhar Waqas.
According to a news release on Thursday, the meeting focused on the law and order situation in Karachi, with a particular emphasis on security arrangements for the upcoming Chehlum Imam Hussain (A.S) processions.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Additional IGP-Karachi, Joint DG Intelligence Bureau, DIGPs from CTD, Special Branch, East, West, South, CIA, and Traffic Police, along with Rangers and intelligence agencies. DIGPs from Sukkur and Hyderabad also participated via video link.
During the session, detailed discussions were held to assess the security measures for ensuring the safe passage of Chehlum processions across the province. It was decided that joint flag marches and snap-checking by Rangers and police would be further intensified. Additionally, the security of entry and exit points for gatherings, processions, and religious events of various sects will be strictly ensured.
The meeting underscored the need for strict adherence to existing laws and the code of conduct issued by the provincial government. Any violations will be dealt with firmly.
The DG Rangers praised the cooperation extended by religious scholars in maintaining peace and order across the province during Chehlum.

UK disinformation case: Court extends physical remand of accused for another 4 days

By
Ali Ali
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0
LAHORE, Aug 22 (APP):A local court on Thursday extended the physical remand of accused Farhan Asif, allegedly involved in spreading disinformation believed to have fueled riots in the United Kingdom, for another four days.
Earlier, the FIA Cyber Crime Wing produced Farhan Asif before Judicial Magistrate Imran Abid in the district courts, upon the expiry of his one-day physical remand. The investigation officer submitted a report and requested the court to extend the physical remand of the accused for further investigation and recovery.
At this, the court allowed the plea and extended the physical remand of the accused for another four days and ordered his production upon the expiry of the remand term.
The FIA Cyber Crime Wing had registered a case against Farhan Asif for inciting riots through fake news in the UK. The case was registered under Sections 9 and 10A of the PECA Act, based on a complaint filed by a technical assistant of the Cyber Crime Wing.
Farhan Asif, who works as a freelancer for a news platform, is accused of disseminating false information on social media about the identity of the killers of three girls in the United Kingdom, which reportedly fueled the unrest.

Peace committee meeting discusses arrangements for Chehlum

By
Imran Munir
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0
MIRPURKHAS, Aug 22 (APP):SSP Mirpurkhas Captain (Rtd) Asad Ali Chaudhry on Thursday convened a meeting with members of the peace committee, religious scholars, and organizers of Majlis and processions in order to  maintain peace and order during the upcoming Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS).
The meeting, held at the SSP office, focused on addressing concerns and finding solutions to ensure a peaceful observance.
Participants appreciated the initiative and discussed security measures, law and order, and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.
During the meeting, SSP Chaudhry assured prompt resolution of issues and emphasized the crucial role of the peace committee in promoting religious tolerance.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to work together for peace and harmony in the district.

Registration for commission in Navy to continue till August 25

By
Ali Ali
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0
HYDERABAD, Aug 22 (APP):Deputy Commissioner Shaheed Benazirabad Shehryar Gul Memon has said in a statement issued for the awareness of the youth of the district that Pakistan Navy Recruitment Center Shaheed Benazirabad is currently registering youth for various branches of the Navy, which will continue until August 25, 2024.
He has advised interested candidates to visit the nearest recruitment center of the Pakistan Navy Office for registration or visit the Pak Navy website www.paknavy.gov.pk for online registration. Interested candidates can also contact us at Phone No. 02449370123 for further information.
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