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Dr Jan resolves to regulate iTFAs in foods

By
NNPS Desk
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Dr Nadeem Jan

ISLAMABAD, Jan 31 (APP): Federal Minister of Health Dr Nadeem Jan on Wednesday said that the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination was committed to take all possible measures to regulate industrially produced trans-fatty acids in all foods and reduce consumption of unhealthy diets to save precious lives.

He said this during a meeting with a coalition of organizations, including the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYCA), Pakistan National Heart Association and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).

During the meeting, the minister’s attention was drawn to the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to the prevalence of industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFAs) in Pakistani dietary sources.

The minister said “We are ready to call upon an inter-ministerial meeting with the Ministry of Science and Technology to help regulate industrially produced trans-fatty acids in all foods and to adopt the best practice policy.”

The organizations collectively recommended a series of actions to the Ministry of National Health Services, Coordination and Regulation (MoNHSC&R).

They also urged the government to combat the consumption of unhealthy foods through a complete ban on the procurement and serving of ultra-processed food items, especially sweet drinks in official meetings and functions.

Industrially produced trans fatty acids are recognized contributors to NCDs, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.

It may be mentioned that 29% of deaths in Pakistan are attributed to cardiovascular diseases, and 43 million Pakistanis suffer from hypertension. With 44 million people in the country either living with diabetes or being pre-diabetic, Pakistan currently holds the top position among countries in terms of diabetes prevalence.

IGP Sindh chairs meeting to review election arrangements

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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HYDERABAD, Jan 31 (APP):Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Riffat Mukhtar Raja on Wednesday presided over a high-level meeting in Shahbaz Hall to review security arrangements, preparation, law and order situation in Hyderabad Range.
On this occasion, DIG Hyderabad and SSPs of relevant districts gave separate briefings about the prevailing situation and election security plan in range and districts respectively.
He informed that to improve the police communication system modern techniques and equipment were being used and in this connection, various exercises and rehearsals were being carried out and every possible step was being taken to face any untoward situation.
IGP directed to ensure implementation of the code of conduct issued by the election commission and ensure a ban on the display of weapons. He said that in the wake of security arrangements for general elections a comprehensive strategy to be formed besides ensuring effective policing measures.
IGP directed to compilation of crime registers of all police stations daily by revisiting available crime data and efforts to be taken for their inspections and eliminating crime.
Earlier, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh, Riffat Mukhtar Raja, visited the Hyderabad Police Range central office.
DIG traffic Hyderabad SSP Special Branch, SSPs and ASPs welcomed him on arrival. A contingent of Police presented a guard of honour to the IGP.

Asifa Bhutto seeks public support on Election Day

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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HYDERABAD, Jan 31 (APP):Pakistan Peoples Party leader Asifa Bhutto Zardari has expressed the belief that the future government will belong to the PPP, with Bilawal Bhutto as its Prime Minister.
She said people should place a stamp on the arrow on election day to make us successful so that people’s rule can be established across the country.
We believe in serving the people and we stand with our people in every difficult time. Asifa Bhutto reached Hyderabad on Wednesday regarding the election campaign and addressed the workers at different places in the city while starting a rally from the residence of the candidate of PPP Jam Khan Shoro.
On this occasion, she stated that political parties in the country fight elections for power, but we fight elections for the people and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto also raised her voice for the wellbeing and prosperity of the common man, the poor, labourers and farmers.
Asifa Bhutto said that we have presented a ten-point manifesto in the elections, which reflects the public aspirations, and we will fulfil our manifesto. She added that in five years, we will double the salaries of government employees and labourers, provide 300 units of electricity free of cost to the people, and provide health facilities to the poor, farmers and women.
She appealed to the people of Hyderabad to vote for PPP candidates on February 8 and make them successful by placing a stamp on the arrow. She said, “I am present among you today so that I can shed light on the services of the PPP”. She added the health sector is included in our priorities. We have built hospitals in cities like Gambbat apart from NICVD across Sindh, we always stand with people in difficult times.
She said that when there was a flood in Sindh, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was standing with the affected people, we intended to build 2 million houses for the victims and if Bilawal gets the government, he will build at least 3 million houses in the country.
She asked, “Where are the other parties in difficult times?” Others only do politics for the sake of the chair, while we do politics for serving the people.

Chambers call for deferring PoS system’s implemenation

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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MCCI
MULTAN, Jan 31 (APP):Chambers of Commerce and Industries (CCIs) from across South Punjab and small traders representatives on Wednesday urged the government to defer linking of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector with Point of Sale (PoS) system from February 1.
Addressing a press conference, President Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Mian Rashid Iqbal claimed that  the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had decided in a haste to enforce its Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs) 1525, 1525-D(I), and 1842(I)/2023 from February 1.
The SROs implementation should be deferred for the time being to first create awareness about them among the business community followed by their gradual enforcement in phases, he added.
He said that the FBR wanted to link the chain of FMCG sector comprising manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and others with its Point of Sale (PoS) system. It required retailers, distributors and wholesalers to upload up-to-date and real time sales tax receipts.
He claimed that the FMCG companies were already providing requisite information through monthly sales tax returns and that new SROs would only affect the businesses of retail stores.
The FMCG companies, he said, operated under the third schedule of sales tax and “pay tax on the very first stage of supply”.
He said the retailers, whose withholding tax amount would reach Rs 100,000 in 12 e months under section 236-H of Income Tax Ordinance 2001, would be linked to the FBR’s PoS system.
“Many businesses would suffer in case of enforcement of the SROs including edible oil, Ghee, auto parts, tyres, IT accessories, electronics and others,” he said.
He said the PoS system would increase their monthly cost.
Mian Rashid Iqbal said,”The business community do believe the documented economy performs better.”
He said the SROs implementation needed some prerequisites including uninterrupted power supply, high speed Internet, trained staff. The FBR should have first come up with some software that they could use on their PoS systems, he added.

LHC directs PEMRA to ensure free media access for PTI founder, candidates

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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LAHORE, Jan 31 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to ensure that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and candidates of all political parties are given free and unrestricted access to media platforms/channels, in view of the general elections.
In a 10-page written verdict released here on Wednesday, Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza passed the directions on a petition filed by PTI founder last year against PEMRA’s ban on broadcast of his live and recorded speeches.
On January 4, 2023, the court disposed of the petition in the light of a statement by PEMRA’s counsel and observed that it would issue appropriate directions to the authority and TV channels in written order. The PEMRA’s counsel had stated that there was no ban on airing speeches of the PTI founder and the authority would fully comply with the directions passed by the court in the matter.
On March 5, 2022, the PEMRA had imposed a ban on airing the speeches of the PTI founder due to his provocative statements against the state institutions.
The PTI founder had challenged the ban imposed by the regulatory body in the LHC. On March 9, 2022, Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza had suspended the ban.

CM lays foundation stone of GOR project for police

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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CM Punjab
LAHORE, Jan 31 (APP):Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of the Government Officers Residences (GOR) project for police at Elite Police Training School Bedian Road and initiated construction work by operating a crane.
Addressing the ceremony, the CM noted that 313 houses would be constructed for the police officials. While terming the police as the vanguard to fight crimes, he asserted that solution of problems relating to the police department was the priority of the government. The police GOR project would resolve the residential problems of the police officials, he said and maintained that every possible work was done for the welfare of the police department during the last one year.
The police families who had been allocated houses in this scheme should take ownership of the project to ensure the construction standards along with the completion of the project within six to eight months, he added. The government was trying to early complete and handover the residential apartments being constructed at Qurban Lines, he said. Meanwhile, lands had been allotted to the police stations across the province as many police stations were found working in rented buildings and tents, he mentioned and noted that lands allotment issues had been resolved and 40 new police stations were being constructed in different areas. The government had taken numerous welfare steps for the police department, he said.
Alongside this, he noted that the IGP Usman Anwar had burnt the midnight oil for the betterment of the police department. No police officer was transferred without any valid reason during the tenure of the incumbent caretaker government. He said that he was lucky to have a best team which delivered to the masses while working day and night. The police had also diligently performed its duties, he said and congratulated the families who had been allotted the houses.
IGP Usman Anwar stated that CM Naqvi had done a lot of work for the welfare of the police department and he had also resolved the issue of residences.
Secretary (Home), CCPO, secretary C&W, AIG (dev) and others were also present.

City’s district East police discusses security arrangements for election-2024

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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KARACHI, Jan 31 (APP):Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) district East Karachi Syed Irfan Ali Bahadur on Wednesday chaired a meeting regarding security arrangements for the general elections -2024 in a meeting at Rangoon Wala Hall here.
Investigation SSP, Special Branch SSP and Divisional SPs attended the meeting, said a spokesperson of the district East police.
Other police officers including SDPOs, Investigation DSPs, SHOs, SIOs, Intelligence staff, QRF East and HMs of district police also participated in the meeting.
The meeting was informed about the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the higher officers with regard to security arrangements for elections.
SSP East Syed Irfan Ali Bahadur during the meeting took a complete review of the current situation of law and order in the district and the arrangements made by the police on the occasion of the general elections.
SDPOs and SHOs were issued orders for the comprehensive strategy and effective policing on the day of the general elections.
On the occasion, a fool-proof plan was also devised for the security of all polling stations, polling staff and polling including ballot boxes, ballot papers, etc.
It was also decided that anti-riot/reserve and QRF platoons should be kept ready and alert all the time to deal with any emergency situation.
It was also decided that it is mandatory to provide breakfast and food for the people on time.
The police officers should provide full security at the entry and exit gates of the polling stations in their areas to ensure that every person is searched.
The concerned DSPs and SHOs should keep in touch with DROs, AROs and ROs.
All the personnel should be constantly aware of this fact, unless there is an order, they should not leave their duty point under any circumstances. The officers on checking duty should keep checking from time to time
Further, the SSP East said that flag march and search and combing operations should be conducted in the district to maintain law and order in the general elections.

Govt Girls Degree College, Kotri to participate in 6th Sindh College Games 2024

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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HYDERABAD, Jan 31 (APP):Government Girls Degree College Kotri will participate in the 6th Sindh College Games 2024.
The announcement was made by Principal Government Girls Degree College Kotri Professor Khadija Al-Kabari while addressing the ceremony of distribution of tracksuits and kits to the players selected to participate in various sports.
On this occasion, he advised the players to show the best discipline and participate in the competitions with enthusiasm.
He praised the Director of Physical Education Ayesha Erum for preparing fully for participating in the Games and reiterated her commitment to provide all possible support. Prof. Hamida Mirbahr and others were also present.

IBA annual career fair: fostering connections, nurturing careers

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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0
KARACHI, Jan 31 (APP):The Annual Career Fair 2024, hosted by the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, took place at the IBA Main Campus.
Collaboratively organized by the IBA Career Development Center (CDC) and a Student Committee, the event aimed to foster connections between corporate entities, emerging ventures, and the dynamic student body of the Institute.
This year’s Career Fair attracted a remarkable turnout, boasting participation from over 170 companies and 40 career counsellors. Representatives from diverse sectors such as banking, finance, social services, industrial manufacturing, and information technology engaged with the talented student pool at IBA, said a news release on Wednesday.
The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, the Executive Director of IBA Karachi, who highlighted the significance of the event as a vital platform for students to interact with industry leaders, explore career prospects, and gain valuable insights into their respective fields.
Further insights were shared by Syed Atif Murtaza Qaiser, Head of IBA-CDC, Dr. Asad Ilyas, Registrar IBA, Rehan Naeem from Bank Alfalah, and Arif Hussain Nomani from Ismail Industries Limited.
A notable feature of the event was ‘Career Vista’, powered by Bank Alfalah, which facilitated interactive panel discussions and one-on-one sessions with 40 industry experts. Professionals from renowned brands such as P&G, Z2C Limited, Oxford University Press, National Foods, Hilal Foods and Meezan Bank, among others, provided personalized guidance to students, aiding them in navigating their career paths.
The success of the IBA Career Fair 2024 was made possible through the generous support of sponsors.
Bank Alfalah served as the Lead Sponsor, Ismail Industries Limited as the Platinum Sponsor, and Meezan Bank and National Bank of Pakistan as Silver Sponsors. Bronze Sponsors included Z2C Limited, Tafsol, and DP World, with PepsiCo contributing as the Beverage Partner.

CTP issued traffic advisory for tourists visiting Murree

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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0
RAWALPINDI, Jan 31 (APP):The City Traffic Police (CTP) Rawalpindi has issued a traffic advisory for the tourists coming to Murree advising the masses to stay in touch with the Police officials for any query or emergency situation at the hill station.
According to the CTP news release, Chief Traffic Officer, Taimur Khan appealed to all road users to exercise extreme caution and follow the following instructions for their own safety. “Drivers are advised to keep their speed as low as possible and maintain a safe distance. Do not overtake other vehicles unless necessary.
Avoid Low visibility makes it difficult to predict oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of accidents,” he said.
He also exhorted the masses to check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting off on their journey.
“Plan your journey accordingly, and if conditions worsen, consider unnecessary travel delays. Follow traffic signals, road signs and lines strictly. These become even more important in the short term, helping to maintain order on the roads,” it said.
The City Traffic Police Rawalpindi emphasizes the importance of responsible driving during severe weather conditions. By following these guidelines, drivers can contribute to creating a safer road environment for themselves and others. For any emergency assistance or to report traffic-related issues, please contact City Traffic Police Rawalpindi Helpline (051-9269200). Be safe and drive responsibly, he concluded.
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