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Modi regime warns IIOJK people over their association with Hurriyat organizations

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 20 (APP): After failing to subdue the Kashmiris’ resolve for freedom by applying different brutal tactics, the Narendra Modi-led Indian government has now started harassing the people in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to force them to give up their affiliation with pro-freedom organizations.

According to Kashmir Media Service report on Saturday, the Indian police are making announcements through loudspeakers in occupied Kashmir asking the people to stay away from Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League (JKML) and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir (TeH).

The Modi government had recently banned the JKML headed by illegally detained Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Masarrat Aalam Butt and TeH founded by Syed Ali Gilani Shaheed for five years.

The Indian police made announcements in markets and public spaces, stressing that any association with these organizations would result in severe consequences. In addition, a drum beater accompanied the police during these announcements in the areas of North Kashmir where the warnings were being conveyed.

Locals told the media that posters were also prominently displayed across the IIOJK reading the message that any attempt to establish contact with these Hurriyat organizations would be dealt with firmly.

Political experts and Kashmir watchers are of the view that the Indian police are preparing grounds to arrest people on a massive scale to punish them for their attachment with the ongoing struggle for right to self-determination. However, they added that such tactics have failed to intimidate the Kashmiris into submission in the past and will meet the same fate now as well.

Chinese delegation to share expertise during Engineering and Healthcare Show

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 20 (APP): A high-level Chinese delegation, consisting of renowned engineers and healthcare professionals are participating in the third edition of Engineering and Healthcare Show in Lahore. The Chinese delegation is expected to share their expertise and knowledge during the event, Muhammad Irfan Commercial Counselor, Consultant General of Guangzhou, told China Economic Net (CEN).

The show features various exhibitions, seminars and workshops that will highlight the latest technologies and innovations in engineering and healthcare. From state-of-the-art medical equipment to groundbreaking engineering projects, attendees will have the opportunity to witness the future of these industries”, he stated.

“Engineering and Healthcare Show is the flagship event of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. This year, more than 180 leading manufacturers of Engineering and Healthcare sectors are exhibiting their products. Besides, more than 500 foreign delegates from 50+ countries including 150 plus Chinese companies are participating in the exhibition. It will open endless opportunities for the Engineering and healthcare sector of the country”, he added.

Dr. Jian Peng, the leader of the Chinese delegation from Guangzhou and Honorary Investment Counselor, expressed his excitement about the show and the potential for collaboration between Pakistan and China. “Pakistan has shown remarkable progress in the fields of engineering and healthcare, and we are eager to explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.”
It is to be noted that the three-day Engineering and Healthcare Show has attracted thousands of professionals, students, and enthusiasts from across Pakistan.

ECP monitoring teams impose over Rs 120,000 fines for election code violations

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ECP
ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP):The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) monitoring teams have imposed fines totaling over Rs 120,000 on individuals for violating election code in various areas of the country.
Najeebullah Kakar, the District Monitoring Officer in Ziarat, Balochistan, has fined Noor Muhammad Damar, a PML(N) Provincial Assembly (PB-07) candidate, Rs 40,000 for breaching the election code of conduct.
Furthermore, the District Monitoring Officer Mardan has imposed fines, including Rs 25,000 for Provincial Assembly candidate Zulfiqar Khan (PK-58), Rs 10,000 for Gohar Ali Shah, an ANP candidate in (PK-54) Mardan, and another
Rs 10,000 for a candidate in (PK-61) Mardan. Additionally, Jamshed Khan (PML-N) received a fine of Rs 10,000.
District Monitoring Officer, Haripur Sardar Farhd Ali, has levied fines of 5,000 each on Qasim Shah, Tehsil Chairman of Ghazi, Khan Nawaz Khan, Vice Chairman of Khirbara, and Chaudhry Azhar Ali, Vice Chairman of Kala Katha for breaching the election code of conduct.
Monitoring teams are swiftly removing prohibited advertising materials from main highways across the four provinces and Islamabad. In violation of the code of conduct, the District Monitoring Officer in Swat has fined the respective candidate Rs 20,000.
District Monitoring Officers across different cities have issued notices to candidates found in violation of the code of conduct. Additionally, these officers conducted meetings with election candidates in various districts, emphasizing the swift action that will be taken in case of any violations. The Election Commission’s clear instructions dictate the strict implementation of the code of conduct.

NDMA rings alarm bells over degraded air quality due to hazardous ratio of pollutants

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP):The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday cautioned the twin cities’ residents to gear up their guards against increasing air pollution that had spiked up to dangerous levels jeopardizing public health particularly elderly, women, children and people with respiratory diseases.
The NDMA in an advisory said that air pollution in Islamabad and its adjoining areas has increased to a dangerous level which is harmful to health.
The Authority advised to take precautionary measures, limit movement, wear a mask while going out and use plenty of water.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) of the federal capital since January remained beyond 200 AQI and was 240 today.
The NDMA advisory underlined that sensitive individuals (children, elderly, individuals with respiratory or heart conditions) should limit prolonged outdoor exertion and limit outdoor activities, especially if an individual falls under sensitive groups.
However, the public was advised to wear masks in crowded or polluted areas, also wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from pollutants and reduce irritation, use public transportation or carpool to reduce emissions, keep windows and doors closed to reduce indoor exposure, drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins from the body.
Moreover, the public should be vigilant for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
“Follow proper waste disposal practices to prevent outdoor burning. Stay informed about air quality forecasts and plan activities accordingly. Support and participate in local initiatives aimed at improving air quality,” it added.
As per the advisory, residents of Islamabad are cautioned to remain vigilant due to a spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI), reaching a level of 240. The current PM2.5 concentration in Islamabad is recorded at 37.9 times the annual air quality guideline established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Rawalpindi reports an AQI value of 270, while Lahore closely follows with a reading of 185.
The surge in pollution, coupled with a lack of rainfall, has led to an increase in influenza cases. Individuals with chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, cardiac and lung conditions, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and children under five years, are at a higher risk of developing severe or complicated diseases.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department forecasts cold and dry conditions in Islamabad and adjacent areas. Cold and dry weather is expected across most plains in the country, with West Balochistan potentially experiencing rain and anticipated snowfall in mountainous regions. Additionally, heavy fog envelops various regions in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Upper Sindh.

IHC disposes of plea regarding security of Baloch protesters

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IHC
ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday disposed of a petition regarding provision of facilities and security to the Baloch protesters in capital.
IHC’s Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, who heard the case, instructed the authorities to ensure the security of the protesters.
Advocate General Islamabad Ayaz Shaukat, State Counsel Abdur Rehman and petitioners’ lawyers appeared before the court.
The court asked the authorities to provide the details to the petitioners’ lawyers pertaining to the FIRs registered against the protesters anywhere in the country.
The court disposed of the plea with the above instructions.

Diplomats engage to normalise Pakistan, Iran relations

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP):Pakistani and Iranian diplomats engaged Friday in a flurry of diplomatic activity to normalise relations of the two countries and de-escalate tension.

The signs of rapprochement became public when Iranian diplomat Seyed Rasoul Mousavi in a post on X told that “an hour ago, foreign ministers of Iran and Pakistan had a very good phone conversation to return relations to a high level. I hope that with the help of my colleague Rahim Hayat we can set a new record in de-escalation for two brotherly and friendly countries in the Guinness World Records by returning the ambassadors to the capitals and mutual visits of the foreign ministers.”
In another post on X, he said, “I believe that the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of our country is the end point on the waves of tension created between Iran and Pakistan. Leaders and high officials of both countries know that only terrorists and enemies of both countries benefit from the existing tension between the two neighboring countries.
Today, the main problem of the Islamic world is to stop the crimes of the Zionists in Gaza.”

This was followed by a post of Additional Foreign Secretary of Pakistan for Afghanistan and West Asia Rahim Hayat Qureshi who thanked Iranian diplomat Seyed Rasoul Mousavi and Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam and members of their team for the constructive efforts made for the early de-escalation between the two brotherly countries. “We look forward to many high level engagements in the future,” he hoped.
The Iranian ambassador reiterated in a statement that “Iran is fully committed to the territorial integrity of brotherly country of Pakistan. Threats like terrorism are common, also interests, and complementary economy provides a fertile ground to promote geo-economy, security and welfare in region.”

Iran fully committed to territorial integrity of Pakistan: Ambassador Moghadam

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP): Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam on Friday said that Iran was fully committed to the territorial integrity of the brotherly country of Pakistan.

The ambassador, in a post on social media platform X, said, “Threats like terrorism are common, also interests. Uniquely non-competitive interests and complementary economy provide a fertile ground to promote geo-economy, security, and welfare in the region.”

Ambassador Moghadam, in an earlier post on X, said that the two brotherly, friendly, and neighborly countries of Iran and Pakistan had always supported each other in hard times during history.

“With common threats and interests, all-out potentialities, and opportunities, the bilateral ties don’t tolerate any lag and delay,” he added.

Cabinet discusses situation arising from Iranian attack on Pakistan

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Friday briefed the Caretaker Federal Cabinet about the situation arising from the Iranian attack on Pakistan on January 16.

The details of the attack, as well as Pakistan’s response, were shared in the meeting of the Federal Cabinet held under the chairmanship of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.

The cabinet lauded the high professionalism with which the Pakistan Armed Forces responded to the breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty and how the entire government machinery worked in unison in that regard.

Addressing the cabinet, the prime minister affirmed that Pakistan was a law abiding and peace loving country, and it sought friendly and cooperative relations with all countries, particularly its neighbours.

PM Kakar said that Pakistan and Iran were two brotherly countries that had historically enjoyed fraternal and cooperative relations marked by respect and affection. It was in the interest of both countries to take steps to restore the relationship to what it was prior to 16th January, 2024, he added.

The prime minister said that, in that regard, Pakistan would welcome and reciprocate all positive measures from the Iranian side.

All faiths preach co-existence, humanity and peace: Mushaal

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP):Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Human Rights and Women Empowerment Mushaal Hussein Mullick has highlighted the core principles of equality saying that all citizens of Pakistan are equal before the law regardless of their faith, caste and race.
She was addressing a consultative session on the promotion of interfaith harmony in Pakistan.
The consultative session was attended with equal representation by members from all faiths and organizations working for interfaith harmony.
The SAPM actively listened to the participants to gain insight into challenges faced by minorities across Pakistan. In response, she assured that meaningful and effective measures would be taken to address these issues.
In her address, Mushaal Hussein Mullick, said that Pakistan derives its policies regarding minorities from the golden principles laid out by the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his address to the 1st Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.
She highlighted that Pakistan’s first cabinet comprised of members of all faiths which was a powerful illustration of Pakistan’s commitment to unity in diversity. She also drew attention to the representation of unity in the national flag’s colors.
Mushaal Mullick underscored the universal teachings of co-existence, humanity, and peace inherent in all faiths. She expressed concern over the misrepresentation of religions by certain factions which was leading to the promotion of hatred on a global scale. In particular, she highlighted the menace of Zionist and Hindutva ideologies and emphasized that both posed a significant and grave threat to global peace.
Mushaal threw light on the invaluable contributions of Pakistan’s minorities in the nation’s progress. She also highlighted the efforts of people of all faiths in the creation of the country.
She expressed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that minorities had the opportunity to visit their sacred sites within the country. She said that the Kartarpur Corridor was an example of such commitment through which thousands of Sikh Yatries visited their holy places across the border on annual basis. This initiative served as a testament to Pakistan’s dedication to the promotion of religious harmony in its diverse population, she added.
She reiterated her firm commitment to the establishment of interfaith societies within educational institutions throughout Pakistan. She advocated for adjustments in the educational curriculum to promote values of peace and respect for all faiths.
She expressed her intention to collaborate with the Higher Education Commission to introduce scholarships specifically tailored for minorities across all levels in educational institutions. She further said that steps were being taken to effectively implement education and employment quotas reserved for minorities.
Mushaal emphasized the empowerment of district-level interfaith committees. She said that instructions to district administrations would be issued to convene regular meetings of these committees. She further said that the empowerment of these committees would ensure that the challenges faced by minorities were promptly and effectively addressed at the grassroots level.
The SAPM announced the establishment of two churches in AJK, one in Mirpur and the other in Muzaffarabad.
She expressed her commitment to restoring and refurbishing temples all across the country. She stressed collaborative efforts and action-oriented measures to promote interfaith harmony for the lasting peace in the country.

FIA Rawalpindi Zone arrests human smugglers

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FIA

ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP): Federal Investigation Agnecy (FIA), Rawalpindi Zone on Friday arrested human smugglers in two different raids.

FIA team, under supervision of SI Shams Khan Gondal SHO, Inspector Sarwat Durrani, ASI Niaz Mir, and FC Kashf ur Rahman, arrested Muhammad Zahid s/o Khan Bahadur, r/o Qasimabad Rawalpindi, in a raid.

Zahid was wanted to FIA in the FIR No. 18/2024, dated 17-01-2024, under sections 18, 22 EO Golra Mor, for being allegedly involved in human smuggling.

Zahid allegedly deceived Farrukh Ammar while extorting a hefty sum of Rs. 400,000 on the pretext of sending his son abroad for employment but decieved him.

The operation was headed by Deputy Director AHTC Rawalpindi, Kamran Amir Khan (PSP, QPM) upon the directions of Director FIA Rana Abdul Jabbar in a drive against human smugglers.

Meanwhile in another raid, the FIA team arrested accused Amjad Hussain s/o Manzoor Hussain r/o Chakwal in case FIR No. 12/2024 dated 17-01-2024 U/s 34, 109, 406, 420 PPC.

The accused was arrested on the allegation that he allegedly extorted Rs 8,550,000/- from the complainant namely Shahid Iqbal s/o Muhammad Rafique r/o Chakwal and his 36 friends/ relatives on the pretext to send them to Saudi Arabia for Umrah but defrauded later.

He neither provided the visa nor returned the extored money.

The accused was arrested from Golra Mor and further investigation was underway.