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1750 kg prohibited, substandard food items recovered, two shops sealed

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PESHAWAR, Jan 17 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority on Wednesday seized 1750 kg of prohibited and substandard food items during raids in Haripur and Nowshera.
Spokesman Food Authority said here that a team of Haripur food safety conducted raids on food-related businesses in Najeebullah and sealed a bakery unit over unhygienic conditions while recovering 250 kg of substandard sweets.
Similarly, in Nowshera, a team carried out actions against wholesalers in Pabi Bazaar,  and recovered about 1500 kg of prohibited and substandard food items including pan masala, beverages, biscuits, Choran, spices, ketchup, coffees, chips, gelatin powder, tamarind, tea leaves, chocolates, bread and salt.
Shops were sealed and vendors were fined.

Injured constable of Regi firing succumbs to injuries

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PESHAWAR, Jan 17 (APP):A police constable who had sustained bullet injuries in an attack in the Regi area the other day succumbed to wounds at the hospital.
According to a police spokesman, two constables, namely Mursaleen and Adnan, sustained injuries when unidentified armed men opened fire at them in the Regi area.
Constable Adnan was discharged from the hospital, while Constable Mursaleen could not survive due to his fatal wounds.
The funeral prayer of the martyred constable, Mursaleen, was offered at Police Lines here on Wednesday.

PM optimistic about political, economic stability after Feb 8 general election

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PM

DAVOS, Jan 17 (APP):Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Wednesday expressed confidence that a stable government would be formed after forthcoming general elections, scheduled for February 8, eventually leading to sustainable economic stability in the country.

“I do see and project that there will be great growth in Pakistan. There will be a sense of stability. The growth will be slow but it will be sustainable,” the prime minister said in an interview with CNBC on the sidelines of the 54th annual meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF).

He said that the speculations regarding holding the elections, had been addressed and everyone was certain about the election date of 8th of February.

PM Kakar said it was the top priority of the caretaker setup to bring economic revival and to focus on growth and other economic indicators. He said the next government had to follow a clear principle of spending less and earning more to achieve economic stability.

“We need to bring back the non-documented economy into the documented economy and transform our state to a more viable economic entity,” he added.

He highlighted that the caretaker government would publish a white paper on its 4-5 months performance. “We did introduce and revamp the programme within taxation system, we brought structural changes that would be passed through the Cabinet formerly by the end of the month, after that it would be in place as policy.”

Further, he said the caretaker government opted for aggressive privatization, it cut its expenditures at the federal level and it was also carrying out talks with the provinces so they could rationalize their expenditures.

As regards delay in elections, the prime minister said the country faced legal and technical challenges related to the electoral procedures and processes. However, he said those challenges had been addressed now and the people of Pakistan would be given the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right of electing the leadership for the next five years.

To a question about former PTI Chairman, PM Kakar said he was not in prison on account of his political opinion but due to his purported role for inciting riots and encouraging his followers towards disruption.

He said the people who had been involved in the riots were behind bars. “It is not that the innocent people have been picked up for their political opinions and they have been denied a political role.”

The prime minister pointed out that the former PTI Chairman had the right to say that he was jailed because of his political opinion but let the court decide the issue. He said the matter would not be decided by any individual, media or any other group but the courts would address these points.

To a question about free and fair elections, PM Kakar said prior to holding elections, no one could question the fairness of the process. “Let the election happen as there will be international observers, the international media and other watchdogs to report whether the elections were held in the free and fair manner or not.”

As regards the media freedom in Pakistan, the prime minister said even the Western media was under more strict regulations than that of Pakistan.

With regard to the regional issues, he said Pakistan did foresee that there would be implications for the country after the withdrawal of the US and NATO forces from Afghanistan and that was why Pakistan had been advocating for a responsible withdrawal.

The focus of world powers was no more Afghanistan as now it was an abandoned project for them. “But for us it had a real-time tangible implications particularly when the gadgets which were given to the Afghan Republic Army were sold in the black market. He feared that it might also have implications in the Middle East.

The prime minister said Pakistan needed to enhance its capacity of counter-terrorism. “We also need to encourage that Pakistan can become a viable economic entity and a viable democracy at the same time.”

He said Pakistan’s role should also be acknowledged and appreciated.

To a question about Pakistan’s relations with China, the prime minister said the two countries had very close relations, both strategically and historically.

He said the bilateral relations with China would not be affected, no matter what happens in the region.

Women worst victim of Indian state terrorism in IIOJK; Report

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CASOs in IIOJK

ISLAMABAD, Jan 17 (APP): Women have been the worst victims of Indian state terrorism in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) for the last over seventy five years.

An analytical report released by the Research Section of Kashmir Media Service, on Wednesday, said at least 685 women have been martyred by the Indian forces’ personnel in the occupied territory since January 2001.

It maintained that the Kashmiri women have been the worst sufferers of the harrowing conflict, which has rendered 22,972 women widowed since 1989. It deplored that Indian troops, paramilitary and police personnel had been routinely involved in sexual harassment of women to suppress the Kashmiris’ righteous demand of right to self-determination. It said that the troops had molested and disgraced 11,263 Kashmiri women during the period.

The report pointed out that Kunanposhpora mass rape, Shopian double-rape-and murder, and Kathua rape-and-murder of an 8-year-old girl are glaring examples of the extreme brutality of the Indian forces’ personnel in the occupied territory since 1989. Indian troops had molested around one hundred women during a cordon and search operation in Kunanposhpora area of Kupwara on the night of 23 February 1991. Indian men in uniform abducted two women Aasiya and Neelofar on 29 May 2009 in Shopian, raped and subsequently killed them in custody. Their bodies were found in a shallow stream in the town, next morning. An eight-year girl, Aasifa Bano, of Kathua district was abducted, gang-raped and subsequently murdered in January 2018. Seven Hindus including four policemen and a temple priest perpetrated the heinous crime.

The report said thousands of women have lost their sons, husbands, fathers and brothers in the occupied territory who were subjected to custodial disappearance by Indian troops, paramilitary and police personnel. As per the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons, over 8,000 Kashmiris went missing in custody during the past 35 years, it added.

The report maintained that thousands of school boys and girls were also injured by the pellets fired by Indian troops while over a hundred including 19-month-old Heeba Jan, 2-year-old Nusrat Jan, Tammana (11), Shabroza Mir (16), Insha Mushtaq (16), Ulfat Hameed (17), Shakeela Begum (35) and Rafia Bano (31) lost their eyesight due to pellet injuries in the territory.

The report said that at least 33 women including Hurriyat leaders and activists, Aasiya Andrabi, Fehmeeda Sofi, Naheeda Nasreen, Tabasum Maqbool, Aasiya Bano, Raskeem Akhter, Seeba (an LLM student), Saima Akther, Shazia Akhter, Syeda Saiqa (MA post graduate), Aasiya Akhtar, Anjum Younis, Sheema Shafi Waza, Shams Begam, Zaytun Akhtar, Suraya Rashid Wani, Saima Bashir Mir, Mudifa Iqbal, Rashida Salam Din, Rubeena Nazir and Safeeqa Begum booked under black laws were facing illegal detention for their affiliation with the Kashmiris’ struggle for right to self-determination. It further pointed out that the majority of the Kashmiris suffering from multiple psychic problems are women.

The report said that the world community must take cognizance of the plight of the Kashmiri women facing the worst Indian brutalities in the occupied territory.

Senate delegation for strengthen bilateral ties with British Parliamentarians

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 17 (APP): A high-profile delegation from the Senate comprised of Senator Khalida Ateeb, Senator Abida Azeem, Senator Keshoo Bai and Additional Secretary Hafeez Sheikh held a very constructive and cordial meeting with Lord Qurban Hussain and British MP Yasmeen Qureshi in London.

In a spirit of collaboration, both sides delved into matters of mutual interest during the interactive session, said a press release received here on Wednesday.

The delegation provided a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s electoral system, shedding light on the composition of both the National Assembly and the Senate, with a particular focus on the representation of women through special seats.
In turn, British parliamentarians shared insights into the intricacies of their parliamentary and electoral systems, emphasizing the process of becoming a member of the British House of Lords.

The meeting, conducted in a friendly atmosphere, resulted in a mutual understanding of the respective parliamentary structures.

Both sides expressed their commitment to fostering closer ties between the two parliaments, emphasizing the importance of enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation.

The delegation expressed optimism on further building upon the positive momentum generated during this meeting, anticipating further collaborative initiatives that would strengthen the bond between the Parliaments and parliamentarians of Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

NCRC chairperson for discouraging practice of blaming rape victims

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 17 (APP): Chairperson of the National Commission on Rights of the Child (NCRC) Aisha Reza Farooq on Wednesday, called for widespread awareness campaigns by engaging political leaders, scholars, religious figures and social media to discourage the blaming practices of rape victims.

Talking to a private news channel, the NCRC chairperson passionately urged the public to rally behind rape survivors for the cause of justice.

Highlighting the key components of the recently established Anti-Rape Crisis Cell (ARCC) in Islamabad, she said it was continuity of Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, which brings survivor support services under one roof, including FIR registration, evidence collection, and a medical examination within six hours.

Aisha Farooq emphasized the importance of collective efforts from stakeholders for effective legislation and policy reforms in that record.

The Cell’s mission, she said, extends beyond support, aiming to collect evidence responsibly to ensure convictions in such cases.

She stressed the need to instil confidence in families and individuals to report such incidents, which is crucial for justice to prevail.

The NCRC chairperson outlined the government’s ambitious goal of enabling every citizen, especially women, to reclaim public spaces without fear of sexual violence.

Islamabad’s first anti-rape crisis cell (ARCC) was established at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) to provide timely response and expedite justice for victims of sexual violence.

The cell was set up by the ministries of health, law and justice with support from the UK government, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Legal Aid Society.

Rwp Ring Road project to be inaugurat on August 14; Commissioner

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RAWALPINDI, Jan 17 (APP): Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Liaquat Ali Chatta on Wednesday said that Rawalpindi Ring Road project would be inaugurated on August 14.
During a visit to Ring Road Project Camp Office the Commissioner was briefed on the progress of the construction work on the Ring Road Project.

The Commissioner was informed that the work had been started at the river Swan and Sil. Thalian Interchange was also being remodeled. Modeling of traffic network of Ring Road and Motorway was also in progress, he said. Parks and Horticulture Authority would give a plan for plantations on both sides of the Ring Road.

Eighteen percent physical work of the Ring Road project had been completed, Liaquat Ali Chatta informed. He said, the Ring Road project would be completed by July 31 and the project would be inaugurated on August 14. There would be no compromise on the quality of the construction work, he pledged.

Five interchanges, 11 overpasses, bridges on two rivers, six canals and a railway bridge would be constructed on the ring road besides 15 subways. The design of the rest area on the ring road should immediately be prepared, Commissioner Liaquat Ali instructed.
The completion of the ring road project would greatly help improve the traffic system of Rawalpindi city, the Commissioner said and informed that this project would provide employment opportunities to local residents.

Govt nears approval for National Space rules

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federal government

ISLAMABAD, Jan 17 (APP): The federal government is on the verge of finalizing the National Space Rules, marking a significant stride in the execution of the National Space Policy.
After thorough consultations with vital stakeholders, including the Pakistan

Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of IT and Telecom, PEMRA, SPARCO, and other key entities, these regulations are poised for official approval.
The National Space Rules are designed to lay the foundation for the establishment of the National Space Agency (NSA) under the National Space Policy.The rules are set to define the composition and powers of the NSA, providing a comprehensive framework for its functioning.

Sources reveal that upon the approval of the rules and the subsequent formation of the NSA, a streamlined registration process for satellites will be initiated. Satellites registered with the NSA will then be eligible to obtain licenses from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s space capabilities.
Under the visionary National Space Policy, the registration process for satellites has been notably simplified.
Instead of navigating through multiple government agencies, satellite operators will now only need to approach the National Space Agency for registration.
After obtaining necessary clearances from relevant authorities, the NSA will grant registration to satellites, allowing operators to access services from these registered satellites.
The move comes after the Caretaker federal cabinet approved Pakistan’s first-ever space policy on December 13, 2023. The policy, encapsulated in the National Space Program 2047, reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing space activities within the country.

Ambassador Hashmi visits Sichuan to enhance cultural, economic cooperation

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Ambassador Hashmi

BEIJING, , Jan 17 (APP): Pakistan Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi visited Sichuan, the economic and cultural hub of Southwest China, last week to further enhance cultural and economic cooperation.
He engaged the provincial leadership, business enterprises, academia, the Pakistani community, and Chinese media during this visit.
During his meeting with Chinese officials, both sides expressed satisfaction over the robust nature of Pakistan-China relations. They discussed proposals to enhance Pakistan-China (Sichuan) cooperation and collaboration, especially in the economic and cultural fields including through sister province and sister city relationships that are already in place.
Ambassador Hashmi met President of Sichuan University, highlighting the importance of academic research and scholarship in advancing bilateral relations, China Economic Net (CEN) reported.
With a key focus on enhancing Pakistan’s exports and attracting Chinese investment, the Ambassador interacted with diverse business enterprises in sectors like agriculture, dairy, electronics, and logistics.
He also participated in an investment round table organized by the provincial China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and encouraged enterprises and businesses to take advantage of a liberal taxation regime and invest in export-oriented industries in Pakistan.
Ambassador Hashmi also celebrated the arrival of the first batch of 182 tonnes of Pakistani dry chilies in China while attending the signing of a Letter of Intent for a sister city relationship between Multan, Pakistan, and Neijiang, China.

Pakistan researcher in China unveils revolutionary rechargeable sodium battery

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BEIJING, Jan 17 (APP): A Pakistan researcher at ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center (HIC) in China has unveiled a rechargeable battery which boasts incredibly fast charging capabilities and exceptionally long lifespan.
While highlighting their latest invention, a rechargeable sodium battery, in an interview, Dr. Mohammed Yousaf said, “Driven by the high costs associated with conventional dry batteries and the expensive nature of lithium, which is widely used in batteries globally, there is a need for an alternative solution.
Sodium, abundant and economical, holds great promise as a viable option. With sodium-based technology, our rechargeable battery can reduce costs by 30 to 40%,” introduced Yousaf.
The improved discharge rate and longevity make it suitable for a wide range of applications, including mobile devices, laptops, electric cars, and electric bikes, Yousaf further revealed his ambitious objective of revolutionizing long-distance travel by designing a battery capable of powering electric vehicles for distances between 400 to 500 km, a groundbreaking achievement in the field.
Dr. Yousaf and his team have made significant strides in commercializing their battery technology. “We have already introduced our battery to the Chinese market,” he added.
“The energy and electricity produced in Pakistan and around the world predominantly rely on oil, gas, and coal, leading to significant pollution and the rapid depletion of these finite resources. Solar cells, wind energy, and hydropower are the future,” Yousaf asserted.
Discussing the global energy landscape, he emphasized the urgent need for renewable energy resources. “To support these green initiatives, the focus should be on developing affordable batteries capable of storing renewable energy for extended periods. In the next step, I want to get involved in the energy sector of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and cooperate with Pakistani universities in the research and development of new energy batteries.”