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Punjab govt’s collects Rs 351b revenue through e-Stamping

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LAHORE, Jan 18 (APP):The Government of the Punjab has collected over Rs 351 billion revenue through the e-Stamping system since its launch in May 2016 while more than 18.3 million e-Stamp papers have been issued till date.
This was revealed in a progress review meeting presided over by PITB Chairman Faisal Yousuf here on Thursday.
PITB Director General (DG) e-Governance Sajid Latif was also present in the meeting.
On this occasion, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousuf stated, “e-Stamping digitizes issuance of stamp papers while eliminating paper and process related fraudulent practices, leakage of government revenue while storing information in digital form to ensure transparency.”
The e-Stamping System is one of the flagship projects of the Punjab government executed by PITB in collaboration with the Board of Revenue. The system calculates the value of the stamp paper needed by the buyer automatically.
The names of the buyer, seller, and the person from whom the stamp papers are purchased are entered along with their CNIC numbers. After the completion of the process, the buyer acquires the e-Stamp paper in just 15 minutes.
The system has also been rolled out in Sindh and KPK by PITB in collaboration with their respective governments and the National Bank of Pakistan.

Saudi ambassador calls on governor Punjab

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Governor Punjab
LAHORE, Jan 18 (APP):Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Nawaf Bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy called on Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman and discussed matters of mutual interest, promotion of bilateral relations, and mutual cooperation during a meeting at the Governor’s House here on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor Punjab said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long historical brotherly relations. He said that the ties between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are deep rooted due to common religion and culture. He said that the Saudi government is taking very good steps regarding tourism. He said that the simplification of the visa policy by the Saudi government for foreign tourists is a good initiative. The Governor Punjab said that the Saudi government’s new investment initiatives in Pakistan are encouraging. He said that it is good to see that more Saudi business delegations are visiting Pakistan. He said that there are favourable opportunities in Pakistan for Saudi investors. The Governor further said that there should be maximum exchange of student delegations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He said that Saudi companies are also investing in semiconductors, which are the basis of all technologies. He said that Pakistani universities are providing quality education in medical and various other disciplines. He said that Pakistani doctors are known for professional competence all over the world. He said that Saudi students should come to study in Pakistani universities.
On this occasion, Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman and the Saudi Ambassador also discussed the situation in Palestine. The Governor said that the destruction caused by the bombing of residential areas, refugee camps, hospitals, schools in the Palestinian Gaza Strip is painful, adding that plight of Palestinians especially women and children is heart wrenching.
Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malki said Pakistan is like his second home, adding that he was greatly touched by the love and respect given by the Pakistanis.
He said Saudi Arabia is giving scholarships to Pakistani students, adding that the student exchange program will be further expanded.
The Ambassador said quality of Pakistani products like the textiles is very good and need to be marketed better.

WEF 2024 in Davos providing window to PV industry, not only for Pakistan

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BEIJING, Jan 18 (APP): The five-day World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 officially kicked off in Davos, Switzerland, with the theme “Rebuilding Trust”.

“It is necessary for us to make our voice heard on this global platform, WEF – to let the world know that the innovation of Chinese companies can promote the global energy transformation process and help the decarbonization transformation,” Zhong Baoshen, President of global leading renewable energy company LONGi, emphasized in an interview during the forum.

“Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7) is key to achieve all United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for a more sustainable future. The decrease of solar power costs is the very foundation for energy equity at the global scale, especially to the underdeveloped regions,” Dennis She, Vice President of LONGi, pointed out during the Davos Summit.

Not long ago, LONGi promised to provide photovoltaic systems and solutions to Pakistan starting from 2024, providing safe, reliable and clean energy for public facilities of refugees and host communities, so that these places can study, work and operate businesses and other activities, China Economic Net (CEN) reported.

It is reported that over 780 million people, about 10% of world’s population, live in off-grid regions, most in the Sub-Saharan Desert areas. At the same time, since China surpassed Germany for the first time in 2013 to become the world’s largest photovoltaic application market, China’s photovoltaic industry has maintained a momentum of continuous growth.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the world’s installed renewable energy capacity will grow rapidly in 2023, soaring to more than 440GW, a year-on-year increase of 107GW, becoming the largest increase in history.

In December 2023, LONGi’s Jiaxing Production Base in China’s East Zhejiang Province was recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a Global Lighthouse Factory. This recognition was the world’s first solar module manufacturing base joining WEF’s Global Lighthouse Network (GLN). LONGi’s Jiaxing Factory was one of the 21 new Global Lighthouse Factories recognized in 2023.

“Many of LONGi’s technological innovations are industry-first, and independent patented technologies, and could reduce unit manufacturing costs by 28% within one year, unit energy consumption by 20%,” noted the WEF.

Although the photovoltaic industry faces many challenges in 2024 such as overcapacity caused by over-investment, Zhong still shows a positive attitude towards the development prospects.

“The global decarbonization trend has reached a consensus, and the trend of sustainable development of renewable energy is irreversible, absolutely. The climate change is a major issue faced by every corner of the world. In the face of such a premise, I firmly believe that all countries could put aside all contradictions and prejudices to unite, jointly facing challenges. The photovoltaic industry plays an indispensable role in the context of low-carbon and zero-carbon; thus, the times require us to make a difference.”

PTA hosts workshop on IPv6 Transition & Routing Security

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PTA
ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP):Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) organized a two-day workshop on ‘IPv6 Transition’ and ‘Routing Security’ in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), the Internet Society (ISOC), and the Pakistan Network Operators Group (PKNOG).
The workshop featured esteemed foreign speakers and witnessed active participation from professionals in the telecom industry, underscoring the collective commitment to staying abreast of technological advancements, said a news release issued here on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman PTA, Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman said that PTA is well aware of the importance of capacity building therefore it is working closely with international stakeholders for the capacity building of the telecom industry.
The successful execution of this capacity-building workshop signifies a significant step towards achieving PTA’s broader goals of fostering innovation, ensuring cybersecurity, and positioning Pakistan’s telecom industry as a leader on the global stage.

Dense fog to continue over plains of Punjab, KP, upper Sindh: PMD

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Dense foggy conditions to continue in country’s plain areas in coming days

ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP): Dense fog is likely to continue over the plain areas of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh during the next few days, according to the forecast of Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

The PMD has advised the citizens to be cautious during the dense foggy conditions.
Day temperatures are likely to remain below normal in most parts of Punjab due to dense fog.

Mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most plain areas of the country, while very cold/partly cloudy in northern parts.
However, light to moderate rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over mountains is likely in southwestern Balochistan.
Frost is likely to occur at few places in Pothohar region and Kashmir during morning hours.

During the last 24 hours, cold and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country, while very cold in northern parts.
However, partly cloudy weather prevailed in Gilgit Baltistan. Dense fog/smog prevailed over plain areas of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh.

The lowest day minimum temperatures recorded were Leh -12C, Skardu -07, Kalam -06, Gilgit, Gupis, Astore -05, Rawalakot -04, Kalat and Dir -03C.

Effective reforms essential for promotion of business, investment: Dr Amer

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Dr.-Amir-Abdullah
PESHAWAR, Jan 18 (APP):KP Caretaker Minister for Industries, Commerce & Technical Education and Newly Merged Districts Affairs, Dr Amer Abdullah has said that bringing effective reforms in the governance system with time is essential for the promotion of business activities and investment.
Speaking as a chief guest at a consultation workshop in a local hotel regarding possible reforms in the rules and regulations for the business and investment sector here on Thursday, the Caretaker Minister said that he wants to improve the rules and regulations while keeping the public interest and rights in mind.
The workshop was jointly organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment and Trade (KP-BoIT) and the Federal Board of Investment (BoI) (Prime Minister’s Office). Besides, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Secretary Industries Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Oil and Gas Company Limited, Nasir Khan, officials of the Board of Investment (BoI), Muhammad Ali, Ali Waheed and Mahmood Tufail, focal persons from various provincial government departments participated in the workshop.
He said that in bringing reforms, it is important to pay special attention to the principle of balance between the needs of the economy and the public interest, because the imbalance in this regard may lead to the neglect of the rights of the people.
The caretaker minister added that for the promotion of business activities and investment, the world has gone a long way in providing a friendly environment for work and bringing rules and regulations. Therefore, he said that we should also have to take effective steps in this regard and try to reach global standards.
In the workshop, various ideas were presented to make the service delivery system friendly for business and investment, while suggestions were given to include these ideas in the rules and regulations.
The provincial minister said public sector reforms and bringing positive changes in the service delivery system are necessary measures, which should have been taken earlier. He said that in such reforms, the views of the stakeholders and their points of view should be taken into account while maintaining a balance between the interests of the people and the needs of the economy is also indispensable for the effectiveness and efficiency of these rules and regulations.
He said that holding such consultative workshops in collaboration with KP-BOIT and Bol regarding regulatory reforms and capacity building is an exemplary effort.  He said that the caretaker provincial government will provide all possible support in this regard and expressed the hope that the next elected government will also maintain this continuity.
In the workshop, the officials of the KP Board of Investment and Trade informed the participants about the ease and facilities provided for doing business and investment in the province. Later, the organizers of the consultative workshop presented shields to the Caretaker Minister and Secretary of Industries.

CEO Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Muhammad Zubair Motiwala inaugurates the 3rd Engineering and Health Care Show at Expo Center.

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CEO Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Muhammad Zubair Motiwala inaugurates the 3rd Engineering and Health Care Show at Expo Center.
APP46-180124 LAHORE: January 18 - CEO Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Muhammad Zubair Motiwala inaugurates the 3rd Engineering and Health Care Show at Expo Center. APP/MHA/TZD/ABB
CEO Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Muhammad Zubair Motiwala inaugurates the 3rd Engineering and Health Care Show at Expo Center.
APP46-180124
LAHORE: January 18 – 
CEO Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Muhammad Zubair Motiwala inaugurates the 3rd Engineering and Health Care Show at Expo Center.
APP47-180124
LAHORE: January 18 – CEO Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Muhammad Zubair Motiwala addressing the participants of 3rd Engineering and Health Care Show at Expo Center. APP/MHA/TZD/ABB
CEO Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Muhammad Zubair Motiwala inaugurates the 3rd Engineering and Health Care Show at Expo Center.
APP48-180124
LAHORE: January 18 – People visit different stalls during Health Care Show at Expo Centre. APP/MHA/TZD/ABB
CEO Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Muhammad Zubair Motiwala inaugurates the 3rd Engineering and Health Care Show at Expo Center.
APP49-180124
LAHORE: January 18 – People visit different stalls during Health Care Show at Expo Centre. APP/MHA/TZD/ABB
CEO Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Muhammad Zubair Motiwala inaugurates the 3rd Engineering and Health Care Show at Expo Center.
APP50-180124
LAHORE: January 18 – People visit different stalls during Health Care Show at Expo Centre. APP/MHA/TZD/ABB

Caretaker Federal Minister for Culture Syed Jamal Shah Addressing the opening ceremony of the two-day Orange Mela organized by Lock versa At Sargodha Arts Council

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Caretaker Federal Minister for Culture Syed Jamal Shah Addressing the opening ceremony of the two-day Orange Mela organized by Lock versa At Sargodha Arts Council
Caretaker Federal Minister for Culture Syed Jamal Shah Addressing the opening ceremony of the two-day Orange Mela organized by Lock versa At Sargodha Arts Council
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SARGODHA: January18 –
Caretaker Federal Minister for Culture Syed Jamal Shah Addressing the opening ceremony of the two-day Orange Mela organized by Lock versa At Sargodha Arts Council
APP41-180124
SARGODHA: January18 – Caretaker Federal Minister for Culture Syed Jamal Shah visits deferent stalls during opening ceremony of the two-day Orange Mela organized by Lock versa At Sargodha Arts Council. APP/HSD/TZD/ABB
Caretaker Federal Minister for Culture Syed Jamal Shah Addressing the opening ceremony of the two-day Orange Mela organized by Lock versa At Sargodha Arts Council
APP42-180124
SARGODHA: January18 – Caretaker Federal Minister for Culture Syed Jamal Shah visits deferent stalls during opening ceremony of the two-day Orange Mela organized by Lock versa At Sargodha Arts Council. APP/HSD/TZD/ABB
Caretaker Federal Minister for Culture Syed Jamal Shah Addressing the opening ceremony of the two-day Orange Mela organized by Lock versa At Sargodha Arts Council
APP43-180124
SARGODHA: January18 – Caretaker Federal Minister for Culture Syed Jamal Shah distributing shields during opening ceremony of the two-day Orange Mela organized by Lock versa At Sargodha Arts Council. APP/HSD/TZD/ABB
Caretaker Federal Minister for Culture Syed Jamal Shah Addressing the opening ceremony of the two-day Orange Mela organized by Lock versa At Sargodha Arts Council
APP44-180124
SARGODHA: January18 – A group photo of Caretaker Federal Minister for Culture Syed Jamal Shah with District govt officials during opening ceremony of the two-day Orange Mela organized by Lock Versa at Sargodha Arts Council. APP/HSD/TZD/ABB
Caretaker Federal Minister for Culture Syed Jamal Shah Addressing the opening ceremony of the two-day Orange Mela organized by Lock versa At Sargodha Arts Council
APP45-180124
SARGODHA: January18 – Caretaker Federal Minister for Culture Syed Jamal Shah talking to media persons during opening ceremony of the two-day Orange Mela organized by Lock Versa at Sargodha Arts Council. APP/HSD/TZD/ABB

Pakistan, Estonia envoys in UK discuss trade, public diplomacy

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LONDON, Jan 18 (APP): Pakistan’s High Commission in London Dr Mohammad Faisal on Thursday held a meeting with his Estonian counterpart Viljar Lubi.

Their “fruitful” discussion encompassed a host of issues including trade, public diplomacy, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), according to the high commission’s post on X.

The high commissioner shared details of Pakistan’s candidature for the IMO.

Dr Faisal also expressed best wishes to Viljar Lubi for his upcoming visit to Pakistan.

A gypsy child enjoying food item shuttling in the street at G-7 area

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A gypsy child enjoying food item shuttling in the street at G-7 area
APP38-180124 ISLAMABAD: January 18 – A gypsy child enjoying food item shuttling in the street at G-7 area
A gypsy child enjoying food item shuttling in the street at G-7 area
APP38-180124
ISLAMABAD: January 18 –