ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting on matters related to Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority
ISLAMABAD
SBP injects Rs966.5 billion into market
KARACHI, Aug 23 (APP):State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) injected Rs966.5 billion in the market on Friday through reverse repo purchase and Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operation (OMO).
According to OMO results issued here, the SBP conducted Open Market Operation, Reverse Repo Purchase (Injection) on August 23, 2024 for 7-day and 28-day tenors and accepted 20 bids cumulatively amounting to Rs816.5 billion.
The central bank received 19 bids for 7-day tenor cumulatively offering an amount of Rs1,119.4 billion at the rate of return ranging between 19.58 to 19.65 percent while 2 bids were received for the 28-day tenor offering an amount of Rs16.5 billion at the rate of return ranging between 19.61 to 19.62%.
The SBP accepted 18 quotes for 7-day tenor amounting to Rs800 billion at 19.59 % rate of return while 2 quotes for 28-day tenor amounting to Rs16.5 billion were accepted at 19.61% rate of return.
Meanwhile, the central bank also conducted Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operation for 7-day and 28-day tenors and injected Rs150 billion in the market.
For the 7-day tenor, the SBP received two bids amounting to Rs197 billion at the rate of return ranging between 19.58 to 19.60 % while no bid was received for 28-day tenor. The central bank accepted an amount of Rs150 billion offered through both bids for 7-day tenor at 19.58% cut-off rate.
Constant protests, traffic chaos undermine capital’s ideal vision of life
By Hasnain Raza Gardezi
ISLAMABAD, Aug 23 (APP):Once revered as a sanctuary of serenity and peace, Islamabad is now entangled in a web of daily strife. For its residents, the idealized vision of life in the federal capital has become an increasingly elusive dream.
The city, previously a symbol of tranquility, is now marred by ceaseless political protests, religious demonstrations, and the ever-present specter of commuting chaos. What was once seen as a haven has transformed into a battleground where daily existence is overshadowed by unrest, making life for its citizens an ongoing struggle.
Doctor Alina Nasir, a 42-year-old medical practitioner, who moved to Islamabad from Azad Kashmir ten years ago for its reputed calm and better employment opportunities, now finds herself grappling with a relentless cycle of stress. “I imagined a peaceful life here, but it’s been anything but that,” she shares, her frustration palpable. “Every day, I worry about my children’s safety, especially when they travel to and from school. The political rallies and roadblocks are constant, making the daily commute a nerve-wracking ordeal.”
The city’s infrastructure, once designed to accommodate its growing population, now buckles under the strain of frequent demonstrations and political unrest. The roads are often clogged with traffic as protesters stage rallies, leaving residents stuck for hours. This has led to a deteriorating quality of life, where every journey feels like a gamble.
Ali Raza, a 45-year-old businessman, echoes Alina’s sentiments. “I used to think of Islamabad as a place where I could grow old peacefully. Now, I’m not sure if I can even get to work on time. The protests that break out with little notice create havoc on our streets. It’s not just inconvenient; it’s dangerous.”
For families like Jaffrys, a school teacher who also relocated to Islamabad from Rawalpindi’s far-flung village Kallar Sayedan to provide their children with better educational opportunities, the reality is far from ideal. “We moved here hoping for a safer environment for our kids,” says Mrs. Riffat, her eyes reflecting concern. “But now, every day, we face the anxiety of whether they’ll be able to get to school safely or if they’ll be caught in a protest.”
Adding insult to injury are the frequent VIP movements, ongoing road construction projects, and high-profile cricket matches. These events often lead to road closures, making daily struggles of Islamabad’s residents more stressful.
“It feels like we’re constantly living in a pressure cooker,” complains Anis ur Rehman, a 47-year-old IT professional. “VIP convoys speed through our neighborhoods, roadwork is a never-ending saga, and cricket matches turn the city into a traffic nightmare. It’s as if every aspect of daily life has become a series of obstacles. And unfortunately, I am residing near Faizabad, the epicentre of all the political and religious demonstrations.”
The impact of this unrest extends beyond daily commutes and safety concerns. The constant disruptions are eroding the sense of community and well-being that once characterized Islamabad. Social gatherings are now rare, and the vibrancy of public life has been overshadowed by the grim reality of political and religious discord.
Doctor Maryam, a local psychiatrist, provides insight into this growing malaise. “The persistent stress and uncertainty are taking a toll on people’s mental health. The idealized image of Islamabad as a peaceful capital is crumbling, and with it, the psychological well-being of its residents is suffering.” And it must be a matter of concern for the relevant authorities, she forcefully stressed.
Islamabad’s transformation from a symbol of calm to a center of turmoil reflects broader socio-political changes in Pakistan. The city, envisioned in the 1960s as a serene administrative capital, now grapples with the pressures of rapid urbanization and political instability.
Efforts to address these issues have been inconsistent. While city officials occasionally announce plans to improve traffic management and enhance security, the effectiveness of these measures often falls short, leaving residents to steer the chaos largely on their own.
The daily trials of its residents— from navigating the maze of traffic caused by protests to ensuring their children’s safety—paint a picture of a city struggling under the weight of its own idealization.
As Islamabad faces this ongoing challenge, it begs the question: can a city truly reclaim its peace, or is it destined to be perpetually trapped in its own contradictions?
PCB welcome fans with open arms: Free entry to 1st Test remaining days
ISLAMABAD, Aug 23 (APP):The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced free entry for spectators for the remaining days (fourth and fifth) of the first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The decision was made keeping in view of the weekend, which will allow families and students to turn up in maximum numbers to support their cricketing stars and witness action between the two sides, said a press release.
The ongoing two-match Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25.
Spectators are required to bring their original CNIC or B-form to enter the stadium and they will be able to watch the action free of cost from any of the VIP enclosures (Imran Khan and Javed Miandad) (for families only) and premium enclosures (Miran Baksh, Shoaib Akhtar, Sohail Tanvir and Yasir Arafat).
The free entry policy does not apply for the tickets purchased for the PCB Gallery or Platinum Box.
Fans who have already brought tickets for the fourth and fifth days, will get a refund. Tickets bought online will be automatically refunded to the credit/debit card used for purchase. For tickets purchased at Express Centres, the fans are requested to bring their original ticket to the centre to get a refund.
Additionally, to further facilitate the fans, a free shuttle bus service will continue to operate on two routes on matchdays for ease of access into the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for spectators.
Route 1 will run from Aviation Ground, Rawal Road, Murree Road to Allama Iqbal Park Entrance Gate while Route 2 will go from Government Satellite Town College for Boys, 6th Road, Murree Road to Allama Iqbal Park Entrance Gate.
RWMC conducts anti-dengue awareness campaign in Dhoke Kashmiria Masajids
RAWALPINDI, Aug 23 (APP): The communication teams of Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) on Friday carried out its cleanliness and anti-dengue awareness campaign in the Masajids of Dhoke Kashmiria area Union Council-23 to raise awareness about the lifecycle, prevalence, treatment, and prevention of dengue.
According to the RWMC spokesman, the teams asked the Masjid Imams/Khateebs of the area to play their part in educating the people about the importance of cleanliness in the light of Islamic teachings in the sermons of Friday prayer.
The objective of the activity was to reach out to a maximum number of people to educate the general public about the precautionary measures for dengue to get rid of it, the spokesman said.
The teams also distributed waste bags and leaflets among the faithful and educated them about the importance of cleanliness and the prevention of dengue. In a message, RWMC has requested the people to keep an eye on junkyards, schools, and under-construction buildings which lead to the spread of dengue larvae, and also make sure to leave no place wet or with stagnant water.
Meanwhile, RWMC continuously carried out the cleanliness of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the Pakistan-Bangladesh cricket test series match. The RWMC had deployed staff members, including sanitary workers and supervisors, in two shifts at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium while the areas inside and outside the stadium, including the double road, were being cleaned daily and workers were also present during the match till the end of the game.
The waste bins placed from Faizabad to Double Road were also cleaned daily to ensure cleanliness.
PM orders immediate constitution of SMEDA, other vital institutions’ Boards
ISLAMABAD, Aug 23 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday chaired a meeting on matters related to the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), emphasizing the crucial role of SMEs in Pakistan’s economy.
He said the small and medium enterprises act as the back bone of the country’s economy.
Expressing dismay over the non-functioning of the SMEDA Board, the prime minister directed its immediate constitution, stressing that boards of all institutions vital for the country’s economy, should be established without delay.
Additionally, he called for promoting sub-contracting in industries and taking all possible measures to integrate Pakistani industries into the global supply chain.
The prime minister also ordered to take necessary steps to ensure appointment of the SMEDA’s Chief Executive Officer.
Additionally, he also directed to include the people from the private sector in the steering committee.
During the briefing, the prime minister was informed that for the first time, SMEDA Development Fund had been launched for which an amount of Rs 30 billion had been allocated for 6 years. Out of the total, Rs 5 billion have already been provided for the year 2024-25, the meeting was told.
It was informed in the meeting that, there were currently 5.2 million small and medium enterprises in Pakistan, which account for 40 percent of the country’s GDP whereas 31% of country’s exports depend on the SMEs.
Apart from non-agricultural employment, SME sector provides 72% of employment while some Rs 491 billion have been provided in the form of bank credit for the SME sector so far, but the bank credit for the SME sector needs to be taken up to Rs 800 billion, the meeting was told.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, PM’s Coordinator Rana Ihsaan Afzal, and other relevant high officials.
Rani completes MPhil in Physics
PESHAWAR, Aug 23 (APP):Rani Khattak, a dedicated research scholar from the Physics department at the University of Peshawar, has completed her M.Phil in Physics.
She defended her thesis titled “Structural, optical, and electronic properties of double perovskite A2ScBiO6 (A= Sr, Ba): A first-principles study” under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Shah Hyder Khan and Assistant Professor Dr. Ghulam Murtaza.
Dr. Abdul Wahid from Islamic College served as the external examiner.
Rani Khattak credited her achievement to the guidance of her teachers and the prayers of her parents, expressing her gratitude towards them.
This achievement marks a significant milestone in Rani’s academic journey, showcasing her dedication and hard work in the field of Physics.
Her research contributes to the growing body of knowledge in the field, and her success serves as an inspiration to aspiring scholars.
Lab sealed for discrepancies in Gulf worker medical tests
PESHAWAR, Aug 23 (APP):A surprise inspection of laboratories approved by the Gulf Coordination Council was conducted by the district administration of Peshawar and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Healthcare Commission.
Acting on provincial government directives, the Peshawar district administration, in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Healthcare Commission, conducted surprise inspections of several Gulf Coordination Council-approved laboratories, including Inam Medical Center, Al-Ameer Medical Diagnostic Center, and Medical Diagnostic Center.
These labs are responsible for conducting medical tests for workers traveling to Gulf countries.
During the inspection, the team reviewed laboratory facilities, verified records, and checked staff credentials.
Discrepancies were discovered in the lab results at the Medical Diagnostic Center, leading to its immediate closure.
A corruption case was subsequently referred to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Healthcare Commission for further investigation and legal action.
Pakistan reports second case of Monkeypox
ISLAMABAD, Aug 23 (APP): The Ministry of Health on Friday confirmed that second case of Monkeypox has been reported in Pakistan.
According to spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, the patient came from the Gulf countries with symptoms. He added that the Health Desk at Peshawar Airport transferred the patient to hospital timely whose Mpox test was reported positive. The spokesperson said that the Ministry of Health is ensuring continuous monitoring of the situation.
National Coordinator for Health Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said that an effective system of screening and surveillance system was functional at all airports. He added border health staff were working diligently at airports and entry points. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said that the government was ensuring serious measures to keep people safe from epidemics.
Illegal structures on Ring Road demolished
PESHAWAR, Aug 23 (APP):Dozens of illegal structures and encroached shops/shelters were bulldozed on Ring Road, paving the way for smooth flow of traffic.
Police, district administration and provincial development authority’s official conducted a joint operation against illegal constructed structures and encroachment on Ring road was razed to ground with the help of heavy machinery.
The operation was monitored by Deputy Commissioner Peshawar Sarmad Salim Akram after receiving public complaints. He said that indiscriminate operation against encroachment would continue at Peshawar and warned shopkeepers for strict action if found guilty of occupying footpaths.