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SC eccepts Govts’ appeal against Mubarak Sani case verdicts

By
Ali Ali
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Supreme Court
ISLAMABAD, Aug 22 (APP):The Supreme Court on Thursday accepted the review appeal of Federal Government and expunged certain portions from its verdicts of February 6 and July 24 in the Mubarak Sani case.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Amin ud Din Khan and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan heard the Federation’s plea along with that of the Punjab Government’s review petition.
The court in its two-page short order authored by the CJP, observed that after hearing detailed arguments “it is accepting the appeal of the Federation and expunged certain portions while correcting its judgments dated July 24, 2024 and February 6, 2024.
It further said that the excluded certain portions could not be used as precedent in any verdict and instructed the trial court to decide the said case as per law without getting influenced by these certain portions.
The court said that the Federation had moved a miscellaneous application for correction in the judgment dated July 24, 2024.
The Parliament also passed a resolution unanimously for the purpose, it added. The order further said the Federation mentioned the names of worthy religious scholars and requested to review the decisions while keeping in view their opinion. The scholars were issued notices after the application was accepted for hearing, it added.
The order said that Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani and Syed Jawad Ali Naqvi appeared before the court through video links
from Turkiye and Lahore, respectively.
JUI-F’s head Maulana Fazl ur Rehman, Raees Darul Ifta Mufti, Darul Uloom Ghosia Bhera Mufti Sher Muhammad Khan, Chief Khateeb of KP, Maulana Muhmmad Tayyab Qureshi, President Mili Yakjehti Council Sahabzada Abulkhair Muhammad Zubair and Maulana Dr. Ataurehman from Jamia Islamia Tafhimul Quran Mardan appeared in person and gave arguments.

Islamabad police denies arrest of MNA Sher Afzal Marwat

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 22 (APP):The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have officially denied reports claiming the arrest of Member of National Assembly (MNA) Sher Afzal Marwat.
In a statement released on Thursday, a spokesperson for the ICT Police refuted the circulating rumors and clarified that Marwat has not been detained. The denial comes in response to erroneous reports broadcasted by several private TV channels alleging the MNA’s arrest.
The spokesperson urged media and the public to disregard these inaccurate reports, confirming that Marwat remains free and has not been involved in any police action.

Efforts stepped up as dengue favouring weather approaches

By
Ali Ali
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Dengue
RAWALPINDI, Aug 22 (APP):As the dengue favouring weather approaches, the administration has stepped up its campaign to combat dengue. While there are only four dengue patients presently under treatment in the allied hospitals, the chances of dengue fever are increasing due to temperature fall and recent rains.
In view of the prevailing situation, the dengue control administration including the hospitals’ have been mobilized.
According to the latest report, the dengue situation is under control. The report issued by the District Prevention and Control department on Thursday, shows minor declined trajectory in dengue cases as one more patient has been discharged from the hospital after full recovery, leaving 4 still under treatment. The report shows the percentage ratio of female to male patients as 49 to 51.
On the other hand, the door-to-door anti-dengue campaign has been intensified. Water samples are being checked to assess the presence of dengue larvae.
The district administration has also tightened its grip on the issue by taking indiscriminate actions on the violation of dengue SOPs.  According to the details, on violation of Dengue SOPs, a number of restaurants and other big brands were imposed heavy fines. Additional Deputy Commissioner Zunira Aftab said that law is equal for all, providing a healthy environment to the people is the first priority. She stressed the citizens to obey self responsibility in combating dengue issues.
“How long the government will keep on cleaning people’s houses, so citizens must understand their responsibilities”, she said.
Zunaira further said that this disease can be avoided by taking preventive measures.
“Implementation of dengue SOPs can avoid heavy fines and sealing of buildings and other problems”, she added.

Senate body on IT briefed on PSEB, ECAC operations

By
Ali Ali
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Senate
ISLAMABAD, Aug 22 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication convened on Thursday to review the operations and performance of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and the Electronic Certification Accreditation Council (ECAC).
The meeting was chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan.
The committee was informed that the PSEB, initially established as a Private Software Export Board in 1995, operates under a seven-member Board of Directors. Presently, 26,000 IT companies are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
Despite the global IT market’s staggering value of $5 trillion, Pakistan’s share remains less than 0.04%. This year, IT products accounted for 24% of the sector’s growth, matching last year’s growth rate.
Pakistan’s IT exports are distributed across several regions: 54% to US, 21% to Europe, 10% to Gulf countries, and 14% to the Asia Pacific region.
The country is home to 2,124 web design services companies, 452 network security firms, and 616 data storage and management companies.
There are 3,463 IT consulting firms, 870 social media consulting companies, 465 email marketing firms, 664 IT help desk companies, 940 cloud service providers, and 81 repair service companies operating in Pakistan.
Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan expressed concern over the opaque nature of the training programs, particularly questioning the HR-ICT Internship Program, which has trained 3,500 interns over six months with a monthly stipend of Rs. 20,000.
The committee demanded detailed information about the interns who completed the program, including their names, provinces, and the selection criteria. Questions were raised about the revenue generated by these programs and its utilization.
The committee directed the preparation of a comprehensive report on the training programs, including quality control measures and funding sources.
Senator Anusha Rehman criticized the Pakistan Software Export Board’s data, pointing out discrepancies in the reporting years and demanding complete data for previous years.
The committee also reviewed the Karachi IT Park project, which is estimated to cost $187 million and is being financed by Exim Bank. While the design is complete, there have been delays in the Islamabad IT Park project, which was expected to be completed by February 2025.
The delay has been attributed to issues with Korean funding and late land allocation by the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
The committee raised concerns about the hiring of the Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication on a contractual basis, rather than from the Federal Service Pool.
Frequent changes in secretaries and the suitability of candidates from grades 21 and 22 were also discussed.
Senator Afnanullah criticized the lack of qualified officers and questioned the rationale behind hiring a contractual secretary.
The committee requested that the Secretary of the Establishment Division attend the next meeting with full details on this matter.
The committee was also briefed by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) officials on the nationwide internet service disruptions caused by faults in submarine cables and the increasing payload through VPN traffic.
The committee questioned the ban on Twitter, which was reportedly implemented under the directive of the Ministry of Interior.

A worker is busy in making wooden baskets at his workplace in the city

By
Khuram Maryam
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0
A worker is busy in making wooden baskets at his workplace in the city
APP51-220824 LAHORE: August 22-A worker is busy in making wooden baskets at his workplace in the city .APP/ MHA/TZD/SSH
A worker is busy in making wooden baskets at his workplace in the city
APP51-220824
LAHORE

Iron rods loaded onto a motorcycle loader for a construction project are being transported through the city without safety precautions, raising concerns about potential accidents

By
Khuram Maryam
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0
Iron rods loaded onto a motorcycle loader for a construction project are being transported through the city without safety precautions, raising concerns about potential accidents
APP50-220824 BAHAWALPUR: August 22- Iron rods loaded onto a motorcycle loader for a construction project are being transported through the city without safety precautions, raising concerns about potential accidents . APP/HBR/TZD/SSH
Iron rods loaded onto a motorcycle loader for a construction project are being transported through the city without safety precautions, raising concerns about potential accidents
APP50-220824
BAHAWALPUR

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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0
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.
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