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Panel Continues Judging at King Abdulaziz Quran Competition

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):The final judging panel for the King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran continued its work on Thursday in its 44th session, organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance.
According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on the fifth day of the competition, the judging panel listened to recitations from 15 contestants, with 8 participating in the morning session and 7 in the evening session.
These contestants, hailing from various countries, are participating in the five different branches of the competition. The recitations took place at the Grand Mosque, bringing the total number of contestants whose recitations have been heard so far to 99.
On Wednesday, the judging panel listened to contestants representing a diverse group of countries, including Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Algeria, the Maldives, the Central African Republic, Madagascar, Gambia, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, New Zealand, Ethiopia, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan. The competition is set to resume on Thursday, its sixth day, with the panel listening to the recitations of more contestants from various countries in different branches of the competition.

PDMA issues flood alert in Chenab River in 24 hours

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MUZAFFARGARH, Aug 15 (APP):The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued flood alert in Chenab River within the next 24 hours to the administration of South Punjab in the next 24 hours asking for preventive measures to avoid losses.
According to a warning letter issued by the Director General PDMA, Irfan Ali Kathiya, has urged administration of South Punjab including district administrations of Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu and Dera Ghazi Khan to make advance arrangements.
It was mentioned in the letter that above 250,000 cusec water would pass through Head Marrala, Khanki and Qadirabad in Chenab River.
The district administrations have been asked to make announcements in adjacent areas of Chenab River to evacuate the area.
The administration was asked to keep transport alert for evacuation, Rescue 1122 and other departments for dealing any emergency like situation.
However, PDMA instructed administrations to ensure strict monitoring conditions of embankments and contact Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) for updates.

PTI founder, Bushra Bibi not cooperating NAB investigation: IHC told

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday instructed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB)’s investigation officer to visit PTI founder and his wife in jail and get answers of questionnaire in toshakhana case.
The court adjourned further hearing of the case against the arrest of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in new toshahana case till August 21.
A division bench comprising Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Babar Sattar heard the case. During the hearing, the NAB informed the court that PTI founder and Bushra Bibi didn’t cooperate in investigation.
Justice Babar Sattar remarked that how a person in prison could refuse to join investigation in the case. Justice Miangul Hassan asked why an arrest warrant was issued on a magic date of July 13. He said that the first call up notice was not correct and asked the NAB officials to present the second one.
The NAB prosecutor said that arrest warrants and its reasons were part of the record. Justice Miangul Hassan asked that whether the NAB has also initiated inquiries on other gifts of toshakhana.
He remarked that the NAB has to prove its good intention and working independently. He said that how the NAB pick only this case and turned blind eyes on other gifts.
The court questioned whether the NAB assess the role of secretary cabinet. Whether the NAB has completed investigation from other all accused in this case, it asked.
Barrister Salman Safdar argued that PTI founder and Bushra Bibi have joined the investigation. After this, the further hearing of the case was adjourned.

Seven terrorists killed, five injured in Kurram IBO

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RAWALPINDI, Aug 15 (APP): Seven terrorists were eliminated while five got injured during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by the security forces in Kurram district on Thursday on the reported presence of Khawarij (TTP terrorists).

During conduct of the operation, the Army troops effectively engaged the Khwarij’s location, as result of which, seven Khawarij of Fitna Al Khwarij were sent to hell, while five of them got injured, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said.

The Khwarij’s hideout was also busted and a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was recovered.

The killed Khwarij remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as the innocent civilians.

“The sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism from the country,” the ISPR said.

IHC orders recovery of missing brothers of PTI activist

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IHC
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday ordered the immediate recovery and production of two missing brothers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) social media activist Azhar Mashwani.
Hearing the case, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb directed the department concerned to produce Professor Mazhar ul Hassan and Professor Zahoor ul Hassan, missing since June 6, before the court by Tuesday.
Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal appeared before the court and replied that reports would be submitted.
Justice Aurangzeb remarked that the authorities concerned not to delay the matter. He pointed out that the phone number used to contact Azhar Mashwani belonged to one of the missing brothers, indicating a clear lead for investigation.
The court warned of severe consequences if the case remains unresolved, granting time till August 20 for the recovery and presentation of the missing brothers.

President Zardari commends security forces for successful Kurram operation against Khawarij

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari paid tributes to security forces for their successful operation against Khawarij terrorists in district Kurrum, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday.
In a statement released by the President House, President Zardari praised the professional expertise of the security forces for their successful operation against the terrorists.
He also reaffirmed the national commitment to continue such operations until the complete eradication of the Khawarij threat.
The president stated that the entire nation stands united behind the security forces in the effort to completely eliminate terrorism from the country.

Telenor launches 4G internet services in Hunza, upgrades network in Gilgit, Skardu

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):Telenor Pakistan launched its state-of-the-art 4G internet services in Hunza along with upgradation and expansion of its network in Gilgit and Skardu, marking a significant milestone in the region’s digital transformation.
According to news release received here on Thursday this move is set to enhance connectivity, stimulate local tourism, and drive the growth of e-commerce in Hunza and the broader Gilgit-Baltistan region, including Skardu.
By upgrading its cellular infrastructure, Telenor Pakistan is bringing high-speed mobile broadband to the heart of one of Pakistan’s most picturesque and remote areas.
This advancement not only addresses the connectivity needs of the local population but also paves the way for Gilgit Baltistan’s expanding tourism industry and digital economy.
Enhanced internet speeds will also support the expansion of e-commerce platforms, enabling local businesses to reach broader markets and fostering economic opportunities within and outside the region.
To celebrate this significant milestone, Telenor Pakistan hosted a panel discussion titled “Unleashing the Power of Connectivity: Transforming the Northern Areas of Pakistan into a Digital Hub.”
The event delved into various crucial topics, including education, e-commerce, tourism, and skill development.
The distinguished speaker line-up featured Rohma Labeeb, Country Director at Accelerate Prosperity; Ahsan Maykan, VP Consumer Marketing & Digital Products at Telenor Pakistan; and Abdul Wahab, Chief Business Officer at Bookme.pk. Additionally, Naeem, Co-founder of uConnect, shared a success story from Gilgit Baltistan, highlighting how the tech startup has created over 100 jobs in the region while developing skills for the youth through their skill development program.
Khurrum Ashfaque, Chief Executive Officer, Telenor Pakistan, emphasized the importance of this initiative and said, “In this increasingly digital world, where connectivity is a critical driver of growth and development, Telenor Pakistan is thrilled to bring the benefits of 4G internet to the people of Gilgit Baltistan. Given the geographic nature of region, it is very difficult to maintain high quality services, but we have taken on this technological challenge as a testament to our commitment to connect and empower communities where connectivity matters the most. We look forward to supporting the region’s digital journey and socioeconomic development.
Following the successful launch of 4G services in Gilgit and Skardu in 2019, Telenor Pakistan has now extended its reach to Hunza, a region where hi-speed internet connectivity matters the most for communities to introduce themselves in the digital world.
This move underscores Telenor Pakistan’s dedication to fostering inclusive growth and development, bridging the connectivity gap, and empowering local communities with new opportunities for economic and social advancement.

Tarar announces financial assistance for deceased journalist

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LAHORE, Aug 15 (APP):Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has announced financial assistance of 2.5 million rupees for the deceased senior journalist Akhlaq Bajwa.
Talking to the media during a visit to condole the demise of senior journalist Akhlaq Bajwa at his residence here on Thursday, he said an amount of 2.5 million rupees in a fixed deposit account was being provided to the family in this hour of need.
Akhlaq Bajwa had dedicated most part of his life as parliamentary reporter and was the sitting president of the Punjab Assembly Press Gallery Committee.
Earlier, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar condoled with the family of the deceased journalist and offered Fateha for the departed soul.
To a query, he said the amount was in addition to the already announced relief by Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Khan, adding that the Speaker had announced a job for one of Akhlaq Bajwa’s sons.
He said Akhlaq Bajwa was a dedicated and committed journalist.
The minister paid tribute to the journalistic contributions of the journalist, adding that he stood like a rock in the face of unparliamentary practices at the Punjab Assembly in the recent past.
The minister also asked the journalists to come up with the proposals so that some government building, a block at the Lahore Press Club or some government project may be dedicated to the deceased Akhlaq Bajwa.
He urged the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) and other bodies to protect the media workers, adding that the government saved the media industry from two taxes in the recently announced fiscal budget. He said the minimum wages should not be less than 37,000 rupees, urging the media houses to implement the policy.
He said the government had already established health insurance for the journalists, adding that the media houses should come forward with proposals to start life insurance for the media workers. He said all journalist would be covered under the Health Insurance. He said that the media houses should become partners in starting life insurance for the media workers.
To a query, the minister said he would talk to Provincial Minister Azma Bukhari regarding grant of the Lahore Press Club.
The information minister said that there was need to some regulations for the social media, adding that the newspapers and news channels had some regulations and it needed to be applicable to the social media presenters as well.

Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem toured “Bell of Hope” at Sindh Governor’s House

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KARACHI, Aug 15 (APP): Accompanied by Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem toured the “Umeed Ki Ghanti” (Bell of Hope) initiative, at the Sindh Governor’s House here Thursday.

Arshad Nadeem expressed pleasant surprise after ringing the “Umeed Ki Ghanti,” appreciating the symbolic gesture. Governor Kamran Tessori briefed him on the objectives and mission of the initiative.

During the visit, the national hero also inspected the ration bags prepared under the Governor’s Initiative, commending the effort to support the needy.

Arshad Nadeem further visited the IT classes, where he was provided with detailed information about the facilities offered to the students. He praised the quality of the resources and facilities provided to the students under this program.

Arshad Nadeem concluded his visit by expressing his admiration for the remarkable work being carried out under the Governor’s Initiative, acknowledging its positive impact on the community.

Over $1bn textile products exported in July 2024

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PBS

ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): Textile exports reached $1,271.136 million during the first month of the current financial year (2024-25), the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Thursday.

Textile exports showed a decline of 3.09 percent from $1,311.650 million during the same month of last year (July 2023-24).

The textile commodities that contributed in trade growth included tents, canvas and tarpaulin the exports of which increased by 14.22 percent to $10.877 million during the July 2024 as compared to the exports of $9.523 million last year July.

The other commodities that witnessed growth in trade included readymade garments the exports of which grew by 7.57 percent to $295.522 million from $274.730 million whereas the export of art, silk and synthetic textile rose by 4.12 percent to $27.245 million.

The textile commodities that witnessed negative growth in trade included cotton yarn, the exports of which declined by 42.54 percent, from $97.031 million to $55.750 million whereas the export of cotton cloth decreased by 0.56 percent from 140.936 million to 140.148 million.

Likewise, the export of yarn other than cotton yarn also dipped by 22.35 percent from 3.292 million to 2.556 million, knitwear also went down by 1.88, from $364.541 million to $357.686 million, bed wear by 1.20 percent, from $216.910 million to $214.305 million and towels by 3.67 percent, from $72.766 million to $70.093 million.

The exports of made up article (excluding towels and bedwear) decreased by 5.84 percent from $51.039 million from $48.057.

The exports of all other textile materials decreased by 9.38 percent from $53.956 million to $48.897 million.

Meanwhile, on month-on-month basis the textile exports from the country declined by 10.13 percent during the month of July 2024 as compared to the exports of $1,414.417 million recorded in June 2024, the PBS data revealed.