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PML-N ready for opposition if independents show minority: Shehbaz

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PML-N President Mian Shehbaz Sharif addressing a press conference at Model Town.
LAHORE, Feb 13 (APP):Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that independent candidates backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) can form a government in the Centre if they have the required number of seats.
Addressing a press conference at the party secretariat in Model Town, he said that if PTI-backed candidates could show majority in the National Assembly then they were welcome to form a government. “The PML-N is ready to sit in the opposition if PTI-backed candidates prove their majority in the lower house of parliament. The PML-N will accept the government of the PTI-backed independent candidates but if they fail to do so, then the PML-N will use its legal and constitutional right as the PML-N has a majority in Punjab and is the largest in the Centre in terms of party,” he added.
The PML-N president said that after independent candidates’ induction into the party the number of elected members was now 80, adding that more independent lawmakers would join the PML-N in the coming days.
He said that despite PML-N failing to secure a majority in the elections, PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif was still the party’s candidate for the slot of prime minister. “Nawaz Sharif will become the prime minister for the fourth time,” he added.
Shehbaz Sharif said that the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz would invite everyone to form a coalition government in the Centre, adding that all stakeholders would have to move forward together in the country’s larger interest. He said that the PML-N was in contact with the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) MQM-P, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) while deliberations were underway to make an alliance under the leadership of PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif.
In terms of policy and governance, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed a dedication to national prosperity, stressing a commitment beyond individual terms or titles. He reflected on the pledges made by Nawaz Sharif in 2013, specifically regarding tackling the energy crisis, and asserted success in diminishing corruption levels during their tenure, as indicated by Transparency International rankings.
He also rejected the allegations that the polls were manipulated in favour of his party and recalled that his party members had faced intimidation and false cases during the tenure of PTI, adding that the country was facing the biggest challenges in its history today and called for making sacrifices in the country’s interest.
To a question about the power-sharing formula between the PPP and the PML-N, Shehbaz said a consultation process was underway for the formation of a government. Despite having the majority, Shehbaz said the PML-N Quaid decided to hold consultations with key political players. He said that it was not about forming a government, but to save Pakistan and then put the country on the path to development and progress. The PML-N accepted the public mandate, he maintained.
PML-N senior leaders Khawaja Saad Rafique, Ishaq Dar, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, Attaullah Tarar, Marriyum Aurangzeb and Azma Bukhari were present.

PFA shuts down four bakeries, fines two food outlets

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FDA
LAHORE, Feb 13 (APP):Punjab Food Authority’s enforcement teams on Tuesday shut down four bakeries and levied fines of Rs200,000 on two food business operators (FBOs) during the inspection of bakeries and their production units in different areas of Lahore.
PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid said that food safety teams thoroughly inspected several bakeries in Sundar Industrial Estate, Bhobatian, Jalo Park and on Defence Road. He said that the purpose of the inspection was to ensure the provision of food in the market as per the food safety standards and quality parameters defined in the Punjab Pure Food Regulations.
The PFA also served warning notices for improvement on four bakeries besides discarding inferior quality of khoya, poor quality of food flavours, 40kg of substandard flour and more than 20kg of prohibited food ingredients. Moreover, PFA confiscated 5,000 gum base, 720kg of fruit pulp and 150 litres of essence (Arq), he said.
Muhammad Asim further said that the provincial food regulatory body had stopped the production of four bakeries and cake shops by imposing emergency prohibition orders (EPOs). He said that EPOs were imposed due to using expired raw material, non-compliance with the authority’s previous instructions, preserved food in dirty freezers, an abundance of insects, the presence of rodents and the worst condition of hygiene.
Apart from that, he said that cakes were being prepared with germs-infested white flour, expired pulp and gum base. While fungus-infested so-called desi ghee and khoya were preserved in non-food grade drums without taking any preventative measures, the PFA DG said.
The director general further said that the use of expired or prohibited raw materials in the preparation of food products is extremely harmful to human health. The provincial food regulatory body has been working against substandard food points and violators under the zero-tolerance policy, he said, adding that PFA is utilizing all available resources to eliminate the counterfeiters and adulteration mafia from Punjab.

Shopkeepers fined

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SARGODHA, Feb 13 (APP):The district administration on Tuesday imposed a fine of Rs 65,000 on shopkeepers over violation against the price list in the city.
According to official sources, Regulation Officer MC/Price Control Magistrate Zoya Masood checked shops and found shopkeepers involved in profiteering and overcharging.

SP CIA held crime review meeting

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RAWALPINDI, Feb 13 (APP):Superintendent Police SP CIA Beenish Fatima organized a crime review meeting at CIA office here on Tuesday. All the circle in-charges of Rawal and Potohar divisions participated in the meeting.
SP CIA Beenish Fatima on the occassion reviewed the performance of the officers and gave necessary instructions to eliminate crime.
SP CIA directed that operations against drug dealers must be accelerated, she further said that suspects involved in vehicle and motorcycle theft and mobile theft should be apprehended, action should be taken against organized and active gangs with an effective strategy, she added.
She said that pro-claimed offenders and criminals involved in heinous crime should also be held.
She said that strict action will be taken against those who were negligent in performing their duties.

Wildlife department Haripur rescues two cubs of common leopard

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HARIPUR, Feb 13 (APP):The Wildlife Department Haripur on Tuesday intervened to rescue two leopard cubs found in the region’s hilly terrain of Jabri and have been shifted to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Abbottabad.
SDFO Wildlife in Haripur Owais Khan while talking to APP regarding the rescue operation disclosed that the department received information regarding the presence of two common leopard cubs in the mountainous areas of Jabbri. Responding to the report, the Wildlife Department dispatched a specialized team to the specified location.
After an operation, both cubs were safely apprehended by the team and subsequently transferred to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center located in Abbottabad. Officials estimate the age of the cubs between two to three months. Following a period of rehabilitation, they are slated for release back into their natural habitat.
Wildlife teams are engaged in efforts to locate the mother of the cubs, employing all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the leopard family.
It was underscored by officials that the common leopard is an integral part of the local ecosystem. In light of this, a comprehensive campaign has been launched, involving residents and communities, to foster awareness and active participation in wildlife conservation efforts.
Residents are being urged to recognize the importance of preserving the common leopard and its habitat for the overall health and sustainability of the ecosystem. The ongoing initiatives aim to instill a sense of responsibility and stewardship among the community towards wildlife preservation.

AIOU’s Academic Council approves new diploma, certificate programs

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AIOU
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):Academic Council of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) on Tuesday approved the launch of new diploma and certificate programmes.
A joint meeting of the 50th Academic Planning and Development/Research and Educational Technology Committee (APD/RET) and the 66th Academic Council of AIOU was held on Monday.
Vice Chancellor, AIOU, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood chaired the meeting, and Registrar, Raja Umar Younis organized the meeting.
The department heads, principal officers, and external members attended the meeting.
The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved during the council meeting.
The council also approved new courses, as well as changes in the title and content of several BS, MS/MPhil, and PhD courses.
The meeting also approved to launch of various courses, including PhD in Agricultural Technology, M.Phil in Gender and Women Studies, PGD in Counter Violent Extremism and Terrorism, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFTSs), Medical Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics, Climate Change and Sustainability, Public Health & Nutrition, Sustainable Environmental Design, Certificate courses in Arabic, Tajweed Ul Quran, and Criminology. Additionally, the council also approved skill-based courses in Chemistry and 3-month short courses.
Vice Chancellor AIOU, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood directed the faculty members and deans to keep in mind the policy of the University and Higher Education Commission in designing the courses and preparing the teaching materials.
While introducing the new members, he assured to make all possible efforts for better and quality education.
The Supreme Body of the University (Executive Council) will approve these decisions in the next meeting.

Two murder convicts sentenced to life

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WAH CANTT, Feb 13 (APP):A local court in Taxila Tuesday sentenced two murder convicts to life imprisonment for shooting to death a shopkeeper during a robbery.
According to the FIR registered under section 302 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), the accused shot dead the man, identified as Mumriaz Akhter and later fled away.
During the trial, the prosecution produced substantial evidence against the accused, which established their involvement in the cold-blooded murder of a man. The court sentenced the convicts to life imprisonment.
The session judge also imposed a fine of Rs 0.5 million the accused, identified as Taj Khan and Qalandar Khan

Food authority recovers 3200 kg China salt

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PESHAWAR, Feb 13 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Authority recovered 3200 kilograms of China salt during a raid conducted on Pajagi Road here on Tuesday.
According to spokesperson for Food Authority, China salt was recovered during an inspection of a godown situated on Pajagi Road.
Case has been registered against the owner of the godown under Food Safety Act. It is worth mentioning that the use of China salt has been banned by the Supreme Court due to its hazardous effects on human health

Vice Chancellor SMBBMUL Professor Dr. Nusrat Shah addressing to First International Conference (Emerging Trends in Basic Medical Science) at Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University.

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Vice Chancellor SMBBMUL Professor Dr. Nusrat Shah addressing to First International Conference (Emerging Trends in Basic Medical Science) at Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University.
APP33-130224 LARKANA: February 13 - Vice Chancellor SMBBMUL Professor Dr. Nusrat Shah addressing to First International Conference (Emerging Trends in Basic Medical Science) at Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University.
Vice Chancellor SMBBMUL Professor Dr. Nusrat Shah addressing to First International Conference (Emerging Trends in Basic Medical Science) at Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University.
APP33-130224
LARKANA: February 13 – 

NCHR and WCCIM Collaborate to Support Women Entrepreneurs

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP): The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) commemorated National Women’s Day by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry Multan Division (WCCIM), an organization established for the economic development of Women Entrepreneurs in South Punjab.

The MOU was finalized by Chairperson NCHR, Rabiya Javeri Agha, while attending the two-day Blue Fair in Multan hosted by the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Multan Division (WCCIM). The Blue Fair provides a platform for the women entrepreneurs of South Punjab to showcase their products, alongside exposing them to networking and financial support opportunities with industry professionals and international organizations.

This year, the fair hosted over 200 stalls carrying handmade garments, unique jewelry, the iconic blue pottery of the region and other items. The Blue Fair assisted in income generation and increased business exposure for home-based women entrepreneurs who often hail from vulnerable communities.

The President of WCCIM, Mahnaz Amir Sheikh, said that the Blue Fair is a great opportunity for female entrepreneurs to showcase their products on a national level”.

According to the Labour & Human Resource Department Punjab, home-based workers are amongst the most exploited group of workers in Pakistan. They constitute a major segment of labour deployment in the informal sector of the economy, and they have remained largely invisible in the workforce. As per experts, only 2% Pakistani women owned land and only 13% women availed financial and bank services in 2021. Additionally, despite women constituting 50% of microfinance clients, only about 5% of the microfinance loan portfolio went to female borrowers.Often, loans taken in women’s names are used by male relatives, trapping women in cycles of debt. These statistics emphasize the need for the financial education and inclusion of women in business.

The collaboration with WCCIM is part of NCHR’s ongoing efforts to promote Human Rights in Business and spread education on Human rights, particularly women’s right to inheritance and equal opportunity.