EU delegation held meeting with Sindh Home Minister to discuss election arrangements
AC arrests 15 accused over pricehike
ISLAMABAD, Jan 30 (APP): Following the directives of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Assistant Commissioner (AC) Potohar Sub Division on Tuesday raided various areas of the Division to ensure price lists of edible commodities.
During the raid at a vegetable market, police arrested 15 accused over the violations of price hikes. The accused were involved in overpricing and for not showing price lists of edibles.
He also served notices and warnings to rule violators.
On the occasion, AC warned that strict compliance with the government price of edibles would be ensured and no one would be allowed to violate the rules.
It is pertinent to mention here that the crackdown against encroachers and price hikes is being continued daily
Benazir Kafaalat stipends amount increased up to Rs 10,500
ISLAMABAD, Jan 30 (APP): The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has increased the amount of the quarterly stipends of Benazir Kafaalat programme up to Rs 10,500 for this year, in order to provide financial relief to the beneficiaries.
“The first quarterly payment of this years will be Rs 10,500 which will be issued during the current month (February). For any information and query, the beneficiaries can contact the BISP offices and toll free number 080026477”, Secretary BISP, Amir Ali Ahmad said.
The quarterly Benazir Education Stipends will be issued from the month of March including Rs 2500 (Primary), Rs. 3500 (Secondary) and Rs 4500 (higher secondary) for the girl students.
While for the boy students, Rs. 2000 (Primary), Rs. 3000 (Secondary) and Rs. 4000 (Higher Secondary) will be issued during the period.
The special bonus of Rs 3000 will be given to the girls at the completion of primary education.
Under the Benazir Nashonuma scheme, the quarterly stipend of Rs 2500 will be issued to per Pregnant and Lactating Mother (PLW) and boy child while Rs 3,000 will be given to the girl child.
However, in the flood affected areas, Rs 3500 will be issued to PLW and boy child each while Rs 4,000 will be given to the girl child.
The Nashonuma programme aims to address stunting among PLW and their children of less than two years of age through the provision of these stipends.
In return, mothers must commit to attend regular antenatal health checkups and awareness sessions during pregnancy, consume specialized nutritious food (SNF), and take their children for immunization and regular health checkups.
Pakistan earns $382.925m by exporting transport services in 5 months
ISLAMABAD, Jan 30 (APP): Pakistan earned US $382.925 million by providing different transport services in various countries during the first five months of the current fiscal year (2023-24) as compared to the corresponding period of last year.
This shows an increase of 7.28 percent as compared to $356.949 million earned through the provision of services during the corresponding months of the fiscal year (2022-23), the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported.
During the months under review, the exports of sea transport services witnessed an increase of 38.19 percent, going up from $74.970 million last year to $103.600 million during the months under review.
Among the sea transport services, the exports of freight services dipped by 62.22 percent from $60.960 million last year to $23.030 million whereas the exports of other sea transport services however increased by 475.09 percent from $14.010 million to $80.570 million current year, the PBS data revealed.
The exports of air transport witnessed a nominal decline of 2.15 percent going down from $273.019 million last year to $267.145 million during July-November 2023.
Among the air transport services, the exports of passenger services decreased by 5.19 percent, from $180.080 million to $170.730 million, whereas the exports of freight services surged by 7.05 percent, from $ 13.760 million to $ 14.730 million, in addition, the export of other air transport services also rose by 3.16 percent from $79.179 million to $81.685 million.
Meanwhile, the exports of road transport services during the months under review witnessed a growth of 75 percent going up from $5.520 million to $9.660 million during this year, it added.
Among the road transport services, the exports of freight services witnessed a decrease of 13.47 percent from $1.930 million to $1.670 million, while the export of postal and courier services also dipped by 26.74 percent, from $3.440 million to $2.520 million, the data revealed.
KPCTA arranges “Grand Peace Fair” to promote positive image of province
PESHAWAR, Jan 30 (APP):PESHAWAR, Jan 30 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) in collaboration with Department of International Relations Peshawar University and International Relations Students Association (IRSA) organized a two-day “Grand Peace Fair” on Tuesday to orient youth of the province about peace, harmony and project positive image of the province and merged areas.
Caretaker Minister for Newly Merged Districts (NMDs), Amir Abdullah and Brigadier Tashfeen attended the event as Chief Guests. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Saleem, President (IRSA) Ahmad Ali Khan and Incharge (IRSA) Dr. Khurshaid were also present on the occasion.
On the first day, a panel discussion on peace was arranged that was moderated by Dr. Saima Raza. The panel comprised Caretaker Minister for Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) Amir Abdullah, Professor Dr. Hussain Shaheed, Senior Journalist Saleem Safi, Senior Journalist Mushtaq Yousufzai, Dr. Amir Raza, and Senior Journalist Shams Mohammad. The participants discussed the situation in the merged districts and elsewhere in the country.
The panel discussion emphasized that the establishment of peace is vital for the growth of a healthy society and every member of society must endeavor to achieve the objective without considering petty interests and differences.
Participants emphasized the need for a true analysis of any situation and the making of the right decisions ignoring speculations and rumors.
They said that holding such events would help counter negative narratives, change the mindset of people and project a soft image of the province and newly merged districts.
On the occasion, stalls were being set up by KPCTA for students of merged districts including Hujra depicting the culture of tribal areas.
Mangla Dam’s water level rises as outflows increase to 15000 cusecs
PPP public welfare manifesto attracts opponent voters: Zardari
ISLAMABAD, Jan 30 (APP): Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari said that his party’s election campaign was attracting voters of political opponents due to public welfare manifesto.
PPP chairman Bilawal has started a vigorous election campaign in Punjab and the results in the province would be surprising, Zardari told a private news channel.
The former president emphasized the need on constructive criticism during election campaigns instead of blaming their rivals.
He expressed his views on various political matters, including the performance of key political figures and the challenges facing the nation.
Zardari expressed his concern for Balochistan’s future within Pakistan, emphasizing the need to care for the Baloch people and address their issues with affection.
The PPP co-Chairman noted that political turmoil is expected to decrease after the elections, suggesting that negotiations and discussions can pave the way for a more stable political environment.
Asif Zardari hinted at talks with various political parties, highlighting his commitment to dialogue and collaboration for the greater good.
He advised all the political parties to reach out people across the country, from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Balochistan to win their confidence in upcoming elections.
Describing Bilawal Bhutto as a reflection of PPP’s ideology, he stressed his party’s commitment to pushing forward its agenda.
Zardari expressed confidence that the PPP will achieve favorable results in the general elections without relying on independent candidates.
OIC chief, Pakistan envoy discuss prospects of cooperation
JEDDAH, Jan 30 (APP): Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Syed Mohammad Fawad Sher met with OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha.
In the meeting held at the OIC headquarters of the General Secretariat in Jeddah, they discussed the prospects of cooperation between the OIC and Pakistan, efforts to enhance Joint Islamic Action, and a number of issues on the OIC agenda, said an OIC’s press release received Tuesday.
“Pleased to meet Secretary General OIC H.E Hissein Brahim Taha. Discussed issues of mutual concern, Palestine, Kashmir, Islamophobia, women rights and Muslim minorities etc,” the envoy wrote on his X account.
He said the OIC secretary general appreciated Pakistan’s robust engagement with the OIC and expressed the hope to further deepen cooperation.
ANP candidate dies; Election activities suspended in PK-91
Cold & dry weather predicted across northern Sindh
SUKKUR, Jan 30 (APP): The local Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday predicted cold and dry weather across the northern Sindh during the next 24 hours.
However, fog and smog were predicted in Sukkur, Khairpur, Jaccobabad,Larkana,Ghotki and other areas.