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Ambassadors of Iran, Pakistan meet in Brussels

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BRUSSELS, Feb 13 (APP):Ambassador of Iran to Belgium and European Union Ali Robatjazi Tuesday called on Pakistan Ambassador to Belgium, Luxemburg and the EU Amna Baloch at Pakistan’s embassy in Brussels.

During the meeting, they discussed matters of regional and global importance.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen Pakistan-Iran cooperation in Brussels.

JIP debunks alliance with PTI

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PESHAWAR, Feb 13 (APP):Provincial Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (JIP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Professor Mohammad Ibrahim Khan, has refuted claims of allying with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

In response to a statement by PTI spokesman Rauf Hassan, Professor Ibrahim Khan, in a released statement from Markaz-e-Islami, asserted that while PTI has the authority to form a government with any political party, it lacks moral justification to associate JIP with their efforts.

Professor Ibrahim Khan clarified that JIP has not reached a decision regarding alliance formation with PTI and criticized PTI for using their party’s name in the process without consent.

He deemed such actions as inappropriate and immoral, emphasizing that JIP will not extend its support to any party in this manner. He further urged PTI to adhere to moral standards and refrain from using JIP’s name without proper authorization.

SC directs Evacuee Trust to upload details of Temples, Gurdwaras

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday directed the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) to upload the details of all Temples and Gurdwaras in the country on the website along with pictures.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, hearing the case, remarked that this is the property of certain minorities and the public. The lands used to be grabbed due to which the facts were being hidden, he said.
On the query of the bench, Chairman ETPB said that there were a total of 19 functional Gurdwaras in the country.
Expressing displeasure, the CJP asked the officials why all the details were not uploaded by the board.
During the hearing, the chief justice expressed annoyance with Ikram Chaudhry Advocate, the lawyer of ETPB, and asked why they wanted to hide the facts. The lawyer said that all the details had already been submitted to the court previously.

Dry weather forecast for Sindh

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KARACHI, Feb 13 (APP):The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Tuesday predicted dry weather for most parts of the Sindh province during the next 24 hours.
Mainly, dry weather is likely to prevail in the province including Karachi.

Senate Committee on Communications recommends “Mini Interchange “Rehmani Khel

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Senators
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Communications unanimously recommended renaming the Mini Interchange “Rehmani Khel” at the CPEC road to “Shah ESA” interchange, responding to the demands of the general public and Tehsil Local Government Paharpur, District D.I. Khan.
Chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha at the Parliament House, the Senate Communications Committee discussed the resolution passed on 30-08-2023 during the Tehsil Paharpur Session. The committee approved the proposal, emphasizing the sentiments of the general public attached to renowned saint Shah Esa (R.A.) in the area, with no disputes among the community. They directed the Ministry to take appropriate measures.
In an earlier part of the meeting, the committee addressed the urgent appeal to transfer the project from the B & A Department to NHA Pakistan. The public petition, presented by Malak Abdul Qayum Mosa Khail, highlighted corruption in the mega project involving the construction and expansion of Digri Shabozai to Taunsa Sharif (N-70 to N 55 – length 175 km – Balochistan and 65 km – Punjab).
Ministry officials explained to the committee that NHA lacked the financial resources for the federalization of any new road, even for operation and maintenance of its existing road network.
The committee debated that if NHA desires to take up the project, it would only be possible on a Deposit Work basis, requiring consent from the Provincial Governments of Balochistan and Punjab, along with the transfer of requisite funds and conditional NOCs from concerned provincial departments. Consequently, the committee deferred the matter, instructing the summoning of concerned provincial departments to brief on the project works as per the NHA code.
The committee also received a briefing on the NHA Hyderabad-Sukkar Motorway Project, a crucial stretch for the completion of the Peshawar-Karachi Motorway (PKM). Officials stated that the project, spanning 306 KM with a 6-lane fenced motorway, 15 interchanges, and 5 service stations on each side, is a top priority for the Government and National Highway Authority (NHA). Anticipating acceleration with the formation of the new government, the committee was briefed on the revised project cost of PKR 308.194 billion. The matter was deferred for further deliberation and report.
The consideration of criteria for the construction of interchanges and right of way on motorways was also deferred. The committee chairman emphasized that the matter pertains to policy-making and should be deferred until the formation of the new government.
The meeting was attended by Senators Shamim Afridi, Danesh Kumar, and Senator Abida Muhammad Azeem, included representatives from attached departments.

Farukh Habib gets interim bail

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ATC
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) here on Tuesday granted interim bail to PTI’s leader Farukh Habib in judicial complex attack case.
The court stopped the police from arresting the petitioner till February 20, and also sought arguments from lawyers on next date.
ATC Judge, Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard the case wherein petitioner Farukh Habib appeared before the court.

CIA officers directed to accelerate operation against drug dealers, car & bike lifters

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RAWALPINDI, Feb 13 (APP):Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) Rawalpindi officers have been directed to accelerate their ongoing operation against drug dealers, and car and bike lifters.
According to a police spokesman, Superintendent of Police (SP) CIA Rawalpindi, Benish Fatima while chairing a meeting at the CIA office on Tuesday reviewed the performance of the officers and instructed them to make all-out efforts to net the drug traffickers, car and bike lifters.
Circle In-charges of Rawal and Potohar divisions and other officers concerned attended the meeting.
The SP said that strict action by the law should also be taken against street criminals.
A crackdown should also be launched against organized and active gangs under an effective strategy, she added.
The SP said that if the arrested suspects of any crime are investigated effectively, then their accomplices and facilitators could be sent behind bars.
The protection of life and property of the citizens and provision of justice is the first responsibility of Police, she added.

RPO directs zero tolerance policy against kite flying

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FAISALABAD, Feb 13 (APP):Regional Police Officer (RPO) Dr Muhammad Abid Khan on Tuesday taking notice of a boy’s death during kite flying, issued instructions to take strict departmental action against the concerned SHOs and SDPOs in case of any untoward incident took place from kite flying in the region.
According to a spokesperson, the RPO issued special directions to CPO Faisalabad, DPOs Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Chiniot regarding the prevention of kite flying and strict implementation of Kite Flying Ordinance.
He warned that if any untoward incident occurs due to kite flying, strict departmental action would be taken against the concerned SHO and SDPOs.
In the past, several mishaps were reported in which human lives have been lost. Therefore, all district heads should take effective measures to prevent kite flying in their respective districts, he said.
A comprehensive crackdown should be launched against kite flyers with the help of a special branch. He further directed for the constitution of special teams at district level to curb kite manufacturing in addition to setting up pickets to stop the delivery of kite flying material. A zero tolerance policy should be adopted against kite flying at all levels, he said.
He also directed for starting an awareness campaign on print/electronic media about the dangers of kite flying so that parents can cooperate with the administration and police to stop their children from this bloody sport

7 day Anti- polio campaign to begin in Feb 26 in Nawabshah

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polio
HYDERABAD, Feb 13 (APP):Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shaheed Benazirabad Zahid Hussain Rind presided over a meeting to review the arrangements for the national anti-polio campaign to be held in the district from February 26  to March 03.
Addresing the meeting Commissioner Zahid Hussain Rind said that the national anti-polio campaign started in the district from February 26 for making it successful the arrangements have been improved to administer polio vaccine to all children up to 5 years of age as per
the set target.
The Deputy Commissioner while giving instructions to the officers of the health department said that in view of the polio virus in the province, the micro plan of the national anti-polio campaign should be further improved and teams should be trained.
While informing the meeting, District Health Officer Dr. Asadullah Dahri and Focal Person for Polio Dr. Allah Bakhsh Rajpar said that a seven-day national anti-polio campaign is being organized in Shaheed Benazirabad district from February 26 to March 3. 420756 children of
up to five years of age of the district will be administered vitamin A along with vaccination against polio, 1192 teams have been appointed for this purpose.  53 transit, 54 fixed and 31 SMT teams are involved.
He further informed that all other arrangements are being completed except for the preparation of micro plan, training of the teams to make the national anti-polio campaign successful.
 Asif Arain, Additional Director Social Welfare Muhammad Sabir Qureshi, Deputy Director Information Ghulam Abbas Gorahu and officers of the Health Department attended the meeting.

Revolutionary reforms made in Punjab’s Sehat Sahulat Program: Minister

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LAHORE, Feb 13 (APP):Professor Dr. Javed Akram, the Caretaker Punjab Health Minister, has spearheaded transformative changes in the Sehat Sahulat Program, emphasizing the welfare of the people.
During a recent meeting of the Cabinet Standing Committee for Universal Health Insurance, Dr. Akram highlighted the significant improvements made under the guidance of Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi.
Addressing the challenges faced by the program, Dr. Akram emphasized the government’s commitment to allocating health facility cards exclusively to the deserving populace of Punjab. He revealed efforts to rectify deficiencies and streamline operations, including the establishment of a comprehensive database.
Notably, Dr. Akram highlighted the staggering daily expenditure of Rs 260 million on Sehat Sahulat cards prior to the reforms, underscoring the need for fiscal responsibility. Through innovative initiatives, costs have been slashed by up to 50 per cent, alleviating the financial burden on Punjab’s residents.
Moreover, Dr. Akram shed light on unethical medical practices, such as unnecessary surgeries and over-billing, prevalent in the healthcare system. The government’s intervention has ensured fair treatment and reduced exploitation of patients, with a focus on providing essential services free of charge through the Sehat Sahulat card.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts, Dr. Akram commended the participation of key stakeholders, including health officials and representatives from various departments, in driving the program’s success.
The caretaker Health Minister emphasized the importance of compassionate policies and international best practices in enhancing the Sehat Sahulat Program, reaffirming the government’s dedication to prioritizing public health.
In conclusion, Dr. Akram’s leadership and proactive measures have laid the foundation for a more equitable and efficient healthcare system in Punjab, ensuring access to essential services for all citizens