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Former Sindh CM says PPP to hold historic public meeting in Hyderabad

By
Amjad Shafique
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CM Murad Ali Shah
HYDERABAD, Jan 28 (APP):The former Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who is also a candidate of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has said the PPP’s Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will hold a historic public meeting in Hyderabad on February 4.
Talking to the media at the residence of PPP’s Hyderabad Division President Syed Ali Nawaz Shah Rizvi here on Sunday Shah said Bilawal was the only national leader who was visiting all 4 provinces to lead the election campaign.
He added that the chairman was informing the people about the 10-point charter of economy whose implementation would revive the country’s economic growth if the PPP formed the government.
The ex-CM said the public-private partnership model would be implemented in all parts of the country if the PPP formed the government to boost the development and economic activity to create employment opportunities.
He assured that the PPP’s government would withdraw subsidies from the elite class and the same funds would be directly spent on the welfare of the youth, peasants, farmers, labours and women.
“We face no competition in Sindh from any political entity but still the PPP’s candidates have been daily visiting their constituencies to learn about their mistakes from the people so that the same aren’t repeated again,” he said.
Commenting on the party’s public meetings in Punjab, he said the people who used to say the PPP was no longer popular in that province had been surprised by the party’s rallies in Punjab.”
God willing the PPP will emerge as the largest party from Punjab, KPK and Balochistan as well besides Sindh,” he added.
Shah underlined that at present a one-on-one electoral contest was underway between the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the country.
He expressed hope that the PPP would secure 37 seats in the National Assembly from Sindh.
Responding to a question about the accusations of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) against the officials of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Shah said the party had also levelled similar allegations against the ECP’s officials in the previous elections.
“The parties which fear their defeat often find an escape through such allegations,” he commented.
He said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI’s) Chairman Imran Khan was himself responsible for the state of affairs of his party.
The local leaders of the PPP including Waqar Mehdi, Sagheer Quershi, Aftab Khanzada and others were present on the occasion.

UN chief urges countries to reverse UNRWA’s Palestinian funding suspension

By
NNPS Desk
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Israeli
UNITED NATIONS, Jan 28 (APP):United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed to the countries that suspended funding to the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees (UNRWA) to reconsider their decisions, to ensure continuity of its vital humanitarian operations, especially in Gaza.
In a statement on Sunday, the UN chief said that the Organization is promptly responding to the extremely serious allegations that several UNRWA personnel were involved in the 7 October attacks in southern Israel.
An investigation by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the highest investigative body in the UN system, was immediately activated.
“Any UN employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” Guterres said.
“The Secretariat is ready to cooperate with a competent authority able to prosecute the individuals in line with the Secretariat’s normal procedures for such cooperation,” he added.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini had previously announced on 17 January a full, independent review of the agency.
Out of the 12 individuals implicated, nine were immediately identified and terminated by the UNRWA head. One is confirmed dead, and the identities of the remaining two are being clarified.
Over two million civilians in the Gaza Strip depend on lifesaving aid provided by UNRWA. The Agency operates shelters for over one million people and has been providing food and healthcare since the start of the conflict.
However, its current funding is insufficient to meet all requirements to support them in February.
Acknowledging the concerns of the countries that halted funds and expressing his own horror at the accusations, Mr. Guterres strongly appealed to the governments that suspended contributions to, at least, guarantee the continuity of UNRWA’s operations.
“The abhorrent alleged acts of these staff members must have consequences. But the tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized,” he said.

FBR, FMU to enhance coordination to combat illicit finance

By
Amjad Shafique
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FBR
ISLAMABAD, Jan 28 (APP):Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Malik Amjed Zubair Tiwana emphasised the need for sustained collaboration between FBR and Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) for the development of quality financial intelligence on tax evasion and its optimal utilization in investigations.
The Chairman said this while addressing the concluding ceremony of the FBR-FMU Joint Workshop on Financial Intelligence for Tax Evasion organized with the assistance of FCDO’s UPSCALE Programme in FBR headquarters on 27-28 January, 2024, said a news release here on Sunday.
The Chairman FBR congratulated the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation-Inland Revenue and the FMU for organising the event and desired for further enhancement of this partnership to achieve the unanimous goal of combating illicit finance.
He also thanked Lewis Evans of British High Commission, present at the occasion, for assisting in organising the event.
Ms. Lubna Farooq, Director General of FMU, thanked FBR and FCDO and underscored the need for sustained coordination between FBR and FMU to enhance the knowledge base and promoting mutual understanding for combating tax fraud and tax evasion.
This collaborative approach, she said, will enhance the effectiveness of investigations and contribute to a more robust and interconnected framework for combating financial crimes.
The workshop was also attended by the analysts of FMU and investigating officers of the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation-Inland Revenue.
The workshop focused on identifying and understanding risk areas for financial intelligence on tax crimes.

Pakistan wins the “Best In-Show” award at New York’s Travel & Adventure Show

By
NNPS Desk
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0

NEW YORK, Jan 28 (APP): Pakistan’s Pavilion at New York’s fame ‘Travel and Adventure Show’ has won the “Best In-Show – International Tourism Development” award — at an event in which nearly 190 countries are taking part.

“It is a matter of pride for us that Pakistan Pavilion has been awarded the Best in-Show — International Travel and Adventure Show,” said Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, who inaugurated the pavilion depicting Pakistan’s tourism potential.

The event is being held from January 27-28 with the participation from over 550 of the top destinations, tour companies, cruise lines, and travel providers from around the world.

Pakistan Pavilion has been set up in collaboration with Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pakistan’s Consulate General in New York and private sector companies.

Gilgit Baltistan Minister of Tourism Ghulam Muhammad, former Minister for Tourism Gilgit Baltistan Raja Nasir Ali Khan, and Consul General of Pakistan in New York Aamer Ahmed Atozai were present on the occasion.

A 60 members delegation having representatives of PTDC, TDAP, and 24 private sector companies are representing Pakistan at the Travel and Adventure Show. The Travel and Adventure Show features live performances by Pakistani artisans specializing in lacquer woodwork and traditional doll making. It is showcasing nation’s diverse tourism potential.

“Travel and Adventure Show is a fantastic show and many countries and tour operators are present here,” Ambassador Masood Khan told reporters.

“The world is taking a keen interest in the tourism market of Pakistan, especially in adventure and eco-tourism,” he said.

“Pakistan has the most beautiful and undiscovered touristic sites with huge untapped tourism potential.” h

For over 19 years and over 118 completed events, the Travel & Adventure Show has connected over 2.5 million travel enthusiasts, over 15,000 unique Travel Advisors, and thousands of travel media with over 4,500 different exhibiting companies from around the world influencing over $6 billion in travel bookings, it was pointed out.

In his remarks, Ambassador Masood Khan invited participants to visit Pakistan and experience the timeless beauty of Pakistan’s ancient civilizations and natural wonders, from snow-capped peaks to pristine coastal areas.

In his message on this occasion, Wasi Shah, State Minister for Tourism and Chairman PTDC, congratulated the organizers for the arrangements and ensuring presence of all regions of Pakistan at the Pavilion.

He hoped that efforts will greatly contribute to attracting more foreign visitors to Pakistan which will not only help tapping tourism potential of the country but will also contribute towards image building of Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion to the reporters, Consul General Aamar Ahmed Atozai said that Pakistan’s participation in the event will be helpful in attracting potential tourists to Pakistan.

In a recent development, Pakistan was recognized as a top tourist destination by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with a 115% surge in foreign tourist arrivals and projections of international receipts reaching USD 1.3 billion by the end of the year 2023.

While announcing the Best In-show award for Pakistan in international tourism development, the CEO and founder of the Travel and Adventure Show, John Golicz appreciated the incredible delegation of tour operators and professionals from Pakistan.

The Travel & Adventure Show held in New York annually, is an ideal platform for interaction with visitors to top international and domestic travel destinations, tour operators, cruise lines, and travel providers.

Later, Pakistan’s Consul General New York, Aamer Ahmad Atozai, hosted dinner in honor of the visiting Pakistani delegation which was attended among others by Ambassador Masood Khan, Minister of State for Tourism & Youth Affairs, GB Ghulam Muhammad, Minister for Planning, GB Raja Nasir and other members of the delegation.

“Pakistan’s cultural richness beckons our Pakistani community worldwide,” ambassador Masood Khan said. “Be a patron of your motherland’s beauty and invest in the thriving tourism sector. Together, let’s showcase Pakistan to the world.”

He also underscored the need for highlighting the country’s tourism potential, saying efforts were underway to provide all needed facilities and infrastructure to the incoming tourists.

APP/ift

ECP imposes Rs 10000 fine over election code violation

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
ECP
QUETTA, Jan 28 (APP):Election Commission of Pakistan Balochistan Chapter on Sunday imposed a fine on a candidate contesting polls for the provincial assembly.
Spokesman Provincial Election Commissioner Balochistan said that District Monitoring Officer Chaman Zohaibullah has imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the candidate of PB-51 Chaman Asghar Khan for violating the election code of conduct.
The candidate has been ordered to deposit the fine within three days.
It merits mentioning here that candidate Asghar Khan had affixed a billboard in violation of the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan for political parties and candidates.
As per the Election code of conduct, it is prohibited to place any kind of election materials on all government properties (buildings, walls, poles, bridges etc.).  Similarly, billboards, hoardings and panaflex are also completely banned.

ZARA Alert App would protect the children from any harm

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 28 (APP):The Ministry of Human Rights has started to create awareness of Zara Alert App in every Mobile tune as a public service message said an official here on Sunday.
Talking to APP, he said that the purpose of awareness was to standard operating procedures for the helpline 1099 while taking calls of missing and abducted children and reporting them on the Zara Alert App.
The Zara Alert App is a mobile application that can be used to report missing and abducted children, he added.
The app allows users to upload a photo of the child, provide information about the child’s disappearance, and share the alert with others. The app also allows users to track the progress of the investigation and receive updates on the child’s status.
The App, which is connected to all the police stations in the country, will also allow users to track the progress of the investigation process and update.
He added that Ministry Human Rights is confident that the initiative will serve to safeguard the children from any kind of harm.
The app users to upload a photo of the child with complete information about child’s disappearance and alerting relevant departments for prompt action.
The ZARA ALERT App is available on androide/ios/web Zarra.mohr.gov.pk.

6 stolen motorcycle recovered

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
Stolen bikes
RAWALPINDI, Jan 28 (APP):Police have arrested two member gang involved in motorcycle theft and recovered 06 stolen motorcycles from their possession during a crackdown here on Sunday.
According to police spokesman, Taxila police held two member gang identified as Shahid and Zakir.
Police have registered separate cases against both of them and started an investigation.
SP Potohar Nasir Nawaz said that the accused will be challaned with concrete evidence and will be punished, the crackdown will be continued against organized and active gangs operating in the city.

SL cricket suspension lifted

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
ICC
ISLAMABAD, Jan 28 (APP):The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board on Sunday lifted the suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) with immediate effect.
SLC was suspended in November for being in serious breach of its obligations as an ICC Member, in particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka, said a press release.
The Board have been monitoring the situation since the suspension and is now satisfied that SLC are no longer in breach of membership obligations.

‘Malicious campaign’ against top judiciary being probed as per law: Solangi

By
NNPS Desk
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 28 (APP):Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Sunday said the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was investigating the “malicious campaign” against the top judiciary on social media in accordance with the law.
Addressing a news conference along with officials of the FIA, PTA and other relevant institutions, the minister said the JIT was formed on January 16 to probe into the anti-judiciary campaign on the social media networking sites.
He said the JIT’s first meeting held was on January 17 while the second one convened on January 23. The process to probe into the drive was still underway, he added.
So far, 600 social media accounts were investigated, he said, adding as many as 100 inquiries were registered.
The minister said notices were served on 110 individuals that included 32 journalists and 22 politicians and political workers.
The notices to the identified individuals were served in accordance with the law, Solangi said while brushing aside the reports regarding the harassment of journalists in the matter related to a “malicious campaign” against top judges.
The minister said it was imperative to bring forth the facts in this regard. So far no First Investigation Report was lodged against anybody, nor anyone was arrested for this matter.
Solangi said the law would take its courts and actions against those who were involved in running the campaign against the judiciary would be taken in accordance with the law.
To a query, he said there were reasonable restrictions on the freedom of expression and the law of the land prohibited from running campaigns against the judiciary and armed forces.
“This is not about criticism rather it is related to character assassination and ridiculing [of the judiciary],” he said in response to another query.
“What has been done against the judges of the apex court during the last couple of days on social media, it does not come under the pretext of criticism,” he said while clarifying that there should be a fine line between the criticism and ridiculing someone.
To another query, he said the caretaker government could only take measures in accordance with its mandate. However, the legislation on any issue was the job of the Parliament whose lower house did not exist as of now.
“Nobody has been picked up since the JIT is formed,” he said while dispelling the impression of a witch-hunt under the garb of the JIT.
He said the intensity of the malicious campaign had decreased significantly since the formation of the JIT.
FIA Director General Ahmad Ishaque Jahangir said notices were served to give an opportunity to the identified individuals to give their side of version on the issue. “Not every notice end up in the FIR,” he added.

Drug smuggler arrested in supplying drugs to educational institutions

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
RAWALPINDI, Jan 28 (APP):Police have arrested a  smuggler who supplied drugs to educational institutions and recovered 10.5 kg of drugs from his possession during a crackdown here on Sunday.
According to a police spokesman, Pirwadhai police conducted a raid and held the smuggler who was involved in supplying drugs to educational institutions. The drug smuggler was identified as Nauman.
According to the initial investigation, the drug was supplying drugs to educational institutions in twin cities. The other accomplices and facilitators of the accused were also arrested, SP Rawal Faisal Salim said that the accused will be brought to court with solid evidence and will be punished, those who poison the veins of the youth cannot escape from the grip of the law, he added.
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